5 Best International Schools in Lagos, Nigeria

These are the best international schools in Lagos known for preparing students to thrive anywhere in the world while still holding on to their Nigerian roots. 

It’s a fact that international schools in Lagos are more like gateways to opportunities 

It’s not  just about schools using Cambridge or IB curriculums anymore.. 

It’s more about developing students who can think critically, express themselves confidently, and adapt in any environment, whether in the UK, Canada, or here in Nigeria.

Well, in this post, you’ll not only discover the names of the best international schools in Lagos, Nigeria, you’ll also get perfect answers to questions like.. 

• What makes a school one of the best international schools in Lagos?
• Are international schools in Lagos only for expatriates?
• How to choose the best international school in Lagos for my child?
• What curriculum do the best international schools in Lagos follow?

What Makes a School Truly “International” in Lagos?

An international school in Lagos has nothing to do with international flags in the school.

It means a learning environment where the curriculum, teaching methods, and facilities meet global benchmarks.

A true international school in Lagos offers a curriculum for example: British, American, or International Baccalaureate, etc. 

All these are recognised globally and give students mobility.

It means classrooms fitted with modern technologies, well-equipped science and ICT labs, libraries, arts and sports facilities that match what you’d expect in international schools elsewhere.

It also means a school culture that welcomes students from diverse backgrounds which is often mixed-gender, multicultural, inclusive.

However, many schools in Lagos claim to be international without fully delivering.

The pain point is when you schedule visits, see facilities that are outdated, teachers who aren’t trained in international curricula, or a curriculum that purports to be British but is simply the Nigerian curriculum in disguise.

The implication is your child may be disadvantaged when applying abroad, or lacking exposure to global standards.

Parents in Lagos must ask key questions like.. 

• Does the school deliver a British and Nigerian curriculum blend? 
• Do they have certified teachers? 
• Are the classrooms and hostels up to standard?

Schools that genuinely deliver make this list of best international schools in Lagos.

If you pick one of these, you’re likely investing in a school where global learning meets Nigerian roots and also where your child will thrive in a rapidly evolving world.

Benefits of Enrolling Your Child in an International School in Lagos

There are many advantages to placing your child in one of the best international schools in Lagos.

First, your child gets exposure to a curriculum that sets them up for options beyond Nigeria 

This includes universities abroad, global careers, international networks.

International schools in Lagos often follow the British curriculum, or blend British and Nigerian curricula, which means your child gets both local relevance and global mobility.

Another benefit is modern infrastructure.

International schools in Lagos are expected to have modern classrooms and learning facilities, science labs, ICT suites, sports grounds, hostel facilities if boarding is offered.

This kind of environment enhances learning, creativity, and performance.

You’ll find that students in international schools often perform better academically because the teaching approach is more interactive, less rote-based and more oriented to problem solving.

Socially, your child will grow in a multicultural, mixed gender school environment.

They’ll interact with students from different backgrounds, building character, empathy, confidence.

In Lagos, especially on the Mainland, this is a major plus as children learn in diverse settings rather than being sheltered.

Because these schools often set higher standards, you’ll find better teacher training, more extracurricular opportunities, sports, arts and clubs.

All of this adds up to a quality education in Lagos that is genuinely international.

Yet there’s a caveat. 

School fees vary widely and some international schools in Lagos are very expensive, while others compromise on quality.

As a parent, you must check the value and not just the price.

The best international schools in Lagos deliver on infrastructure, curriculum, teaching, outcomes and student well-being, making them worthy of the investment.

5 Best International Schools in Lagos

Here are five strong picks for best international schools in Lagos, each offering something special and reliable.

1. Supreme Education Foundation School (SEFS)

Located in Magodo GRA Phase 2 on the Lagos Mainland, SEFS or SEF as popularly known is a wonderful example of an international school in Lagos that balances value, quality and comfort.

It is a co-educational, mixed gender school offering both British and Nigerian curricula from Crèche up to Secondary levels (ages 3 months to 18 years).

Known for its modern classrooms and learning facilities, safe and secure campus, boarding options, strong academic and moral values, SEFS stands out among the best international schools in Lagos.

The campus is in a serene, secure estate, which is a major plus for Lagos parents who worry about safety and distractions.

In a busy city like Lagos, where traffic and stress can hamper learning, SEFS offers a calm setting on the Mainland part of Lagos.

It is one of the more affordable international schools in Lagos that still delivers excellent standards, making it a practical choice for many families.

If you want your child to be in a top international environment without moving too far from home, SEFS is an excellent choice.

2. British International School, Lagos (BIS)

BIS offers a vibrant British curriculum, located on Victoria Island, Lagos. 

It is a recognised international school in Lagos, known for academic rigour, diverse student body, and modern opportunities.

Families choose BIS because of its global reputation and strong performance.

3. American International School of Lagos (AISL)

AISL, located in Lagos, offers an American curriculum and is listed among top international schools and bilingual schools. 

It caters to families seeking international standards and global pathways for their children.

4. Lycée Français Louis Pasteur de Lagos (LFLP)

Though a French international school, LFLP is still one of the best international schools in Lagos in terms of infrastructure and curriculum recognition.

For parents looking for a slightly different flavour of international curriculum with multilingual exposure, this school is worth considering.

5. Avi-Cenna International School

Avi-Cenna offers British and international curricula and is listed among recommended international schools in Lagos.

For families in Ikeja or Lagos Mainland, it provides good access with strong standards.

These five schools represent some of the best international schools in Lagos 

Each with modern facilities, global curricula, mixed gender enrolment, private school status and a reputation for academic excellence.

While some may be more expensive than others, each offers value for families seeking global readiness for their children in Lagos.

Enrolling Your Child In The Best International School in Lagos

When we talk about enrolling your children into the best international schools in Lagos,. 

We’re thinking of top options like Supreme Education Foundation School that offers only premium, balanced education in a practical setting.

At SEFS, we believe your child deserves access to global education standards, without the distance, without cutting corners.

Our campus in Magodo GRA Phase 2 is located in a secure and serene estate on the Lagos Mainland, 

..away from the chaos of traffic but still within reach for families across Ikeja, Ogba, Maryland and the Mainland.

We are a mixed gender school, open to children of all backgrounds, offering both the British and Nigerian curriculum so your child can smoothly transition to local or international university pathways.

Our facilities are modern.. 

Smart classrooms, labs, boarding school facility, sports field, library, arts etc. 

We’re known for modern classrooms and learning facilities so that our students experience quality education in Lagos.

Our fee structure is affordable and designed to make one of the best international schools in Lagos accessible if you value quality over hype.

We invite you to take the next step today:   CHAT WITH ADMISSION ON WHATSAPP 

We’ll walk you through our admission process, provide a tour of our campus, and help you see why SEFS is among the best international schools in Lagos.

Best International Schools in Lagos, Nigeria – FAQs

Below are some popular questions and their respective answers in regards to the best international schools in Lagos, Nigeria.. 

What makes a school one of the best international schools in Lagos?

A school earns its spot among the best international schools in Lagos when it offers a globally recognized curriculum like the British taught by qualified teachers with international experience. 

It should also provide modern classrooms, advanced learning facilities, multicultural diversity, and a supportive environment that nurtures academic excellence and personal growth. 

In short, it’s about delivering quality education that prepares students for a global future.

Are international schools in Lagos only for expatriates?

Not at all. 

Many Nigerian families now enroll their children in international schools because they want world-class education right here in Lagos. 

These schools blend international standards with local context, making them ideal for both expatriate and Nigerian students. 

Schools like Supreme Education Foundation School in Magodo GRA welcome students from all nationalities and backgrounds.

How do I choose the best international school in Lagos for my child?

Start by looking at the curriculum, location, facilities, teacher quality, and values. 

Visit the school in person if you can, walk through the classrooms, talk to the teachers, and ask about extracurriculars.

Also, consider the balance between academics, creativity, and character development. 

A top choice like Supreme Education Foundation School checks all these boxes, offering both British and Nigerian curricula, safe boarding options, and a nurturing environment.

Are international schools in Lagos affordable?

Affordability depends on what you define as value. 

Some international schools in Lagos are pricey, especially those on Victoria Island or Lekki, but there are also affordable international schools on the Mainland that provide exceptional quality without overwhelming tuition fees. 

Schools like SEFS in Magodo GRA Phase 2 are known for offering premium education and modern facilities at reasonable rates.

What curriculum do the best international schools in Lagos follow?

Most of the best international schools in Lagos use the British curriculum (IGCSE, Cambridge, or Edexcel). 

Others follow the American curriculum, and a few combine it with the Nigerian curriculum for a balanced approach. 

This dual-curriculum system is best because it helps students adapt easily whether they continue their education locally or abroad.

Do international schools in Lagos offer boarding facilities?

Yes, many international schools in Lagos offer both day and boarding options. 

For busy parents or those who live far from the school, boarding provides a structured environment where students can focus on learning, social development, and independence. 

Supreme Education Foundation School, for example, offers safe, well-managed hostels with modern amenities and round-the-clock supervision.

Are international schools in Lagos inclusive and multicultural?

Yes, that’s one of their strongest features. International schools in Lagos, like SEFS, welcome students from all backgrounds, nationalities, and faiths. 

This diversity enriches classroom experiences, promotes cultural understanding, and helps students develop empathy and respect which are essential traits for thriving in today’s global world.

How can I enroll my child in an international school in Lagos?

The process is quite straightforward. 

Most international schools in Lagos have admissions teams that guide parents through registration, assessment, and interviews. 

At Supreme Education Foundation School, you can easily    CHAT WITH ADMISSION ON WHATSAPP  to begin your child’s enrollment journey. 

They’ll provide all the details, schedule a school tour, and make sure your child starts off in one of the best learning environments in Lagos.