Dakar Academy logo

Dakar Academy

Christian, Founded 1961

Updated July 2026

Co-edGender
Day & BoardingType
Non-profitOwnership

Languages

English flagEnglish

Dakar Academy Schools provides Christ-centered, high-quality American-style education that shapes future leaders across West Africa and beyond. The schools serve a diverse international community, offering a safe, nurturing, and academically rigorous environment from early childhood through graduation.

Programme tracks

Employer Pays Full Tuition
Employer Pays Partial Tuition
No Employer Tuition Assistance

Teaching approach

Dakar Academy provides a Christ-centered, high-quality education that integrates rigorous academics with a biblical worldview. The school is committed to transforming students through core values of Christ-centeredness, character, excellence, wisdom, service, and community.

Programmes

The school offers a fully accredited, U.S.-based, college-preparatory curriculum from Pre-K3 through Grade 12. Programs include early childhood play-based learning, subject-specialized instruction in secondary grades, and Advanced Placement (AP) courses in English, Math, and Science.

Outcomes

The school aims to equip students with an excellent academic foundation and a strong biblical worldview, preparing them for university and life as servant leaders who impact the world. Graduates are challenged to think critically, lead courageously, and live purposefully.

Student support

EAL support
Paid add-on
Learning support
Dedicated department

Learning support

The school provides specialized support including an English Language Learner (ELL) program, Special Education services for mild to moderate learning challenges, and Speech-Language pathology services. Students may be required to provide past evaluations or undergo screening by an educational psychologist.

Frequently asked questions(6)
What curriculum does Dakar Academy offer?
Dakar Academy offers Advanced Placement.
How much is tuition at Dakar Academy?
Annual tuition at Dakar Academy is $11.8K–$27K. Fees vary by year group — confirm the current schedule with the school.
Is Dakar Academy a day or boarding school?
Dakar Academy is a day and boarding school.
What accreditations does Dakar Academy hold?
Dakar Academy holds accreditations including Middle States Association and ACSI.
Is Dakar Academy co-educational?
Dakar Academy is a co-ed school.
Where is Dakar Academy located?
Dakar Academy is an international school in Dakar, Senegal.

Tuition & fees

Annual tuition by grade

2026-2027
Annual tuition by grade
GradeAgesAnnual
Grades K-5Employer Pays Full Tuition5–11$20K
Grades 6-12Employer Pays Full Tuition11–18$27K
Grades K-5Employer Pays Partial Tuition5–11$16.7K
Grades 6-12Employer Pays Partial Tuition11–18$22K
Grades K-5No Employer Tuition Assistance5–11$11.8K
Grades 6-12No Employer Tuition Assistance11–18$14K
Other fees(5)
Other fees
Application fee· per child, Annually, Upon the time of application$100
Enrolment fee· per child, Annually, Upon acceptance, or March 1 for returning students$300
Registration fee· per family, One time, First day child(ren) begin school. Pre-school students are exempt from this fee unless they have older siblings also starting school.$3K
Materialssemester· This fee only applies to students in Grades 6-12.$50
EAL· $650 USD (Grades K-5) / $750 (Grades 6-12) Annually, Beginning of the Semester

Admissions

Families must complete an online application, submit a $100 nonrefundable fee, and provide required documentation including transcripts, test results, and a character reference. The process includes English language or achievement testing, a family interview with an administrator, and an acceptance notification starting in March. Students must meet specific age requirements by September 1 and reside with a parent, guardian, or approved adult.

Calendar

The 2025-26 academic year begins August 14, 2025, and concludes with graduation on June 4, 2026. Key breaks include Fall Break (October 11-15), Thanksgiving (November 27-30), Christmas (December 20-January 11), and Spring Break (March 14-29).

About the campus

Dakar Academy operates multiple campuses across West Africa, including the flagship DA Central in Dakar (Pre-K3–Grade 12 with boarding for Grades 9-12), DA West (Pre-K3–Grade 8), DA South (Pre-K3–Grade 9), and ISWA-Liberia (Pre-K3–Grade 8). The DA South campus features state-of-the-art facilities and a 7:1 student-to-teacher ratio.

Co-curriculars

The school offers a range of extracurricular activities including sports, arts, and service projects designed to foster student growth and community engagement.

  • Robbie Crane
    Robbie CraneDistrict Chaplain | Recruitment

    Robbie Crane has 25 years of experience as a Senior, Associate, and Youth Pastor, as well as a Mission Director and Strategist. He has led short-term mission teams in over 20 countries, planted missionaries in three countries, and is a certified church re-planter with a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Theology.

  • Robb Warfield
    Robb WarfieldSuperintendent

    Robb Warfield serves as the Superintendent of the International Schools of West Africa (ISWA), bringing over two decades of leadership experience in educational environments across the US and Africa. He holds degrees from Wake Forest University, including a Master’s in School Administration, and is currently pursuing an Ed.D. in Learning and Organizational Change from Baylor University.

  • Tiffany Hamburger
    Tiffany HamburgerHead of Human Resources

    Tiffany Hamburger has 15 years of experience in church leadership and holds a Master of Science in International Development. She has worked on the mission field in Niger among youth and supported both missionary and U.S. embassy schools.

  • Charles Ibsen
    Charles IbsenHead of Business & Development

    Charles Ibsen has 19 years of experience in operations and management in NGOs in West Africa and holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration in Global Economic Development. He grew up in Guinea and Cote d’Ivoire and has spent 8 years in multiple positions for Dakar Academy Schools.

  • Dickens Likhanga
    Dickens LikhangaHead of Technology & Marketing

    Dickens Likhanga has over 19 years of experience in the IT field and holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. He also has over 5 years of experience in secondary and collegiate education in the US and Africa.

  • Bradley Wise
    Bradley WiseHead of Security and Operations

    Bradley Wise has a background in business development lending in the US and previously served as the Business Specialist for DA Schools, with prior work experience in Niger.

  • Dr. Nathan KendallBoard Chair (World Venture)
  • Gayle BoydOfficer at Large (United World Mission)