The education system in Mauritius
The Mauritian school system is based on the Anglo-Saxon model and is divided, as is often the case elsewhere, into 3 main stages: primary education, secondary education and higher education. Moreover, the wearing of uniforms is compulsory in government schools, each bearing its own colors.
Regarding kindergarten, the Ministry of Education, Tertiary Education, and Science and Technology that all children between the ages of 3 and 5 must attend a preschool and then go on to primary school.
The end of secondary school is marked by the High School Certificate (HSC), awarded by the University of Cambridge.
Most expat children in Mauritius attend international schools. There are a plethora of schools to choose from in each category.
International schools in Mauritius
For serial expats or those who want a multicultural education, international schools apply American, English, etc., and mostly similar educational standards worldwide, making for an easy transition if there is a change in destination.
In the North
Greencoast International High School
Greencoast is a private English-speaking school for children from the age of 3 to 18 based on the Anglo-Saxon system. The school explains that it provides a stimulating, engaging, and internationally oriented education in a quality structure. Its goal is to help students become active citizens in a constantly changing world.
Address: Bois Rouge, Beau Plan, Pamplemousses, Mauritius
Phone: 230 260 0630/1
International Preparatory School (IPS)
IPS is a private English-speaking school for pre-primary and primary levels, from 18 months to 11 years. It is a candidate for the primary program and is fully accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS). Upon completion of IPS, the majority of its students go on to either Northfields International High School or Le Bocage International High School.
Address: Royal Road, Mapou, Mauritius
Phone: (230) 266 1973
Lighthouse Primary & Secondary School
Lighthouse Primary and Secondary School, located in the Northern region of Mauritius, offers a curriculum based on Christian principles. The school welcomes children from the age of 13 to 18.
Address: Albert Lane, Calebasses, Mauritius
Phone: 230 243 7100
Northfields International School (NIS)
Located in the village of Labourdonnais, Northfields was founded in 2001. The school is based on a family atmosphere and traditional values, with an emphasis on the holistic development of each student. It is one of the leading independent international private schools in Mauritius and caters to children aged 18 months to 18 years.
Address: Main Road, Labourdonnais Village, Mapou 31803, Mauritius
Phone: (230) 266 9448/9
Saint Exupéry International School Mauritius
SEIS is a private bilingual French/English international school for pre-primary and primary school children aged 3 to 11. The school has a learner-centered approach and offers high standards.
Address: Château La Mare Ronde, Avenue Du Château, Chemin Vingt Pieds
30513 Grand Bay, Mauritius
Phone: 230 268 0108
In the center
Morning Star International School
Morning Star School was established in 2003 with the aim of providing primary and secondary education with an international level of English to Mauritian and expatriate students. According to its description, it aims to provide a stimulating and nurturing environment in which students can not only excel academically but also in their personal lives.
Address: 40 Palladium Lane, Trianon, Mauritius
Phone: 230 4600702/4600703
Clavis International Primary School (CIPS)
CIPS offers the International Baccalaureate Primary Program (IBPP). Schooling is offered to students from 3 to 11 years old. Bilingualism is encouraged in English and French.
Address: Mount Ory, Moka, Mauritius
Phone: (230) 433 4439
Alexandra House School
This is a private English primary day school in Mauritius for boys and girls aged 4 to 11 . The school caters for approximately 100 children and offers a British curriculum with a strong international flavor.
Address: King George V Avenue, Floreal 74108, Mauritius
Phone: 230 6964108
Le Bocage International School (LBIS)
LBIS is a private, co-educational, English-speaking international school for students aged 11 to 19. Students are prepared for the IGCSE and International Baccalaureate exams. Students are enrolled in classes 1 to 7, and the school is accredited by the Mauritian Ministry of Education and the CIS. Uniforms are mandatory.
Address: Mount Ory, Moka, Mauritius
Phone: (230) 433 9900
In the West
Telfair International Primary School (TIPS)
Founded in 2007, Telfair International Primary School (TIPS) is a co-educational English private school located in Tamarin, on the West coast of Mauritius. It welcomes children from 5 to 12 years old, who then go directly to Le Bocage International School in Moka.
Address: Avenue Dauphins, Tamarin, Mauritius
Phone: 230 483 5108
Westcoast International Secondary School (WISS)
This is an English-speaking secondary school located on the West coast of the island. Students begin by studying the International Middle Year Curriculum (IMYC) and then follow a set of programs for the IGCSE. Students study at least 6 subjects required for the International Baccalaureate (IB) in grades 6 and 7.
Address: Coastal Road, Cascavelle, Mauritius
Phone: 230 452 9193
Moving to Mauritius with young children
If you are relocating to Mauritius with a young child, what are your childcare options during working days or weekends? What activities are available for families with young children?
Childcare
Nowadays, there are many childcare options in Mauritius. Indeed, many private nurseries and kindergartens are spread out in the center of the island and extend North.
Daycare centers and nurseries
Daycare centers are intended for the parents of children who are too young to attend school. Their staff is generally bilingual in English and French and trained in early childhood.
Google Maps, which lists several dozen addresses, should be useful in helping you with your research.
Here are some addresses of day-care centers that might be helpful upon your arrival:
- Babysitter & Nanny Agency Mauritius- Babyplus Official: It is a daycare that has been in operation for over 10 years.
- Primerose Babysitters (Vaccinated) & Nanny Mauritius: Offers home-based childcare and is found in Grand Bay. It is open 24 hours.
- Barbie Day Care-Center: A day-care center in operation for over 5 years in Beau Bassin-Rose Hill
- La Cigogne Day Care Centre: A day-care center in operation for over 5 years in Beau Bassin-Rose Hill
- Little Angels Infant Nursery Day Care: It is a daycare center in Port Louis.
- Ding Dong Bell Child Day Care Center: A day-care center in operation for over 10 years in Terre Rouge
- The Popples Garderie: A day-care center in operation for over 5 years in Quatre Bornes
- Wise World Kids: A day-care center in operation for over 5 years in Quatre Bornes
- Little Cherubs: A day-care in operation for over 5 years in Quatre Bornes
- Kids Club: A day-care in operation for over 3 years in Balaclava
- PHWA Mauritius: A day-care in operation in Beau Bassin-Rose Hill
- Wonderland Nursery: A day-care in operation in Poste de Flacq
- La Palette is a day-care center in Cap Malheureux
- TejAngel's Pre Primary School And Daycare in Quatre Bornes
Preschools
Will your child be 3 years old when you arrive in Mauritius? It is compulsory for children to go to school from this age on. Here are some of the preschools that will be able to accommodate your child:
- Little Heroes Day Care Centre and Preschool is found in Flacq.
- Kiddyland Kids Pre-Primary School & Day Care Centre is found in Pamplemousses
- Sparkle Tots Nursery and Pre-Primary School - Kindergarten is found in Quatre-Bornes
- Stepping Stones Pre-Primary & Nursery is found in Moka
- L'île aux Enfants - (LAE Montessori) - Preschool is found in Cascavelle
Google Maps, which lists several dozen addresses, should be useful in helping you in your research; click here to find the best rated.