Djibouti - Post Report Question and Answers
What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
There are a number of international schools, but only one that is accredited: QSI. Almost all the US embassy children attend that school, with the exception of older children, who sometimes go to ISA because it has a larger student body for middle-school and high-school. QSI is quite small, about 40 children total including the preschool, and teaches combined grades. For elementary school, we've been very happy. The teachers have been great and the small classes mean the kids are getting really individualized lessons. For children in middle school or high school I think it would be difficult: there are very few children here in that age group, so it would be difficult socially and academically. - May 2022
The embassy just opened one and the kids like it. - Apr 2018
In August 2016, QSI will open its first American-style school in Djibouti - QSI International School of Djibouti. It's going to be K-8, all English, and located near the Embassy. There are a few other English schools that will open this year, too, offering many options for those who want an alternative to the French schools, Dolto and Kessel. - Jun 2016
There is only a French school right now and I've heard everyone with school age kids who don't speak French do home schooling. - Aug 2015
American children attend the French school. The French military children attend them too, so they are up to French government standards. - Feb 2013
There is a French elementary and high school. Lessons are offered only in French. There is a small Indian school that does teach in English, but it is a one-room school and it only goes up to second grade, I believe. - Apr 2010
There are no international schools in Djibouti. There are two French schools (pre-HS) that seemed to be of good quality. One officer sent his pre-schooler to the local Indian school so he could have a mainly English-education (school was in English with Hindi as a 2nd language). - Aug 2008
One French school and it is the worst overseas school I have seen in the foriegn service. - Apr 2008
