Top 10 Best Private Schools In Zambia 2025

There is currently an outbreak of private schools in Zambia and yet you do not know which one is the best.  Zambia has a variety of private schools that provide high-quality education, often following international curricula and offering well-rounded academic, extracurricular, and leadership programs.  Many of these schools offer both secondary and primary education levels. 

Private schools
Image by St. Francis and Clare schools

In this post, I will provide information about the top private schools that you may consider enrolling your child.


Here are some of the top private schools in Zambia:

1. American International School of Lusaka (AISL)

  • Location: Lusaka
  • Curriculum: Follows an American-based curriculum and offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma.
  • Highlights:
    • Provides education from early years through high school.
    • Emphasizes a global perspective with modern facilities, sports, arts, and technology integration.
    • Known for its rigorous academic program and emphasis on community service.

2. Baobab College

  • Location: Lusaka
  • Curriculum: British National Curriculum (Cambridge IGCSE and A-Level).
  • Highlights:
    • Focus on academic excellence, character development, and leadership.
    • Offers a rich extracurricular program, including arts, sports, and outdoor education.
    • Well-known for excellent facilities, such as swimming pools, sports fields, and science labs.

3. Lechwe School

  • Location: Kitwe
  • Curriculum: British National Curriculum (Cambridge IGCSE and A-Level).
  • Highlights:
    • Offers education from preschool to high school.
    • Strong reputation in academics and extracurriculars, particularly in music and sports.
    • Has a multicultural environment and offers boarding facilities.

4. Lusaka International Community School (LICS)

  • Location: Lusaka
  • Curriculum: Cambridge Curriculum (IGCSE and A-Level).
  • Highlights:
    • Internationally recognized schools offering high standards of education.
    • Strong focus on fostering independent learning and critical thinking skills.
    • Provides a range of extracurricular activities, including drama, sports, and community outreach programs.

5. Pestalozzi Education Centre

  • Location: Lusaka
  • Curriculum: Follows a Zambian curriculum with a focus on holistic education.
  • Highlights:
    • Known for its academic excellence and strong discipline.
    • Emphasizes community service and leadership skills among its students.
    • Provides access to modern educational facilities and extracurriculars, including sports and cultural activities.

6. Rhodes Park School

  • Location: Lusaka
  • Curriculum: Zambian and Cambridge IGCSE.
  • Highlights:
    • One of the leading private schools in Zambia, offering education from primary to secondary levels.
    • Focuses on academic success and personal development.
    • Extensive extracurricular program including music, drama, and sports.

7. Chengelo School

  • Location: Mkushi
  • Curriculum: British National Curriculum (Cambridge IGCSE and A-Level).
  • Highlights:
    • Christian-based boarding school with a reputation for strong academics and leadership training.
    • Emphasizes outdoor education through activities like expeditions and sports.
    • Encourages holistic development in character, academic, spiritual, and physical aspects.

8. Lake Road PTA School

  • Location: Lusaka
  • Curriculum: Zambian curriculum and Cambridge IGCSE.
  • Highlights:
    • Known for academic rigor and well-structured learning environments.
    • Offers a range of extracurricular programs including music, drama, and various sports.
    • Focuses on academic excellence and holistic development.

9. The International School of Lusaka (ISL)

  • Location: Lusaka
  • Curriculum: International Baccalaureate (IB) and Cambridge IGCSE.
  • Highlights:
    • Offers education from early childhood to the diploma level.
    • Strong reputation for offering a global perspective and diverse student body.
    • Rich in extracurricular activities such as sports, Model UN, and leadership programs.

10. Banani International Secondary School

  • Location: Chisamba
  • Curriculum: Cambridge IGCSE and A-Level.
  • Highlights:
    • Girls-only boarding school with a focus on character building and leadership.
    • Known for its nurturing environment, high academic standards, and emphasis on moral education.
    • Provides various extracurricular activities, particularly in arts, music, and community service.
private primary and secondary schhols
Image by Pearson International Schools

Key Factors When Choosing a Private School in Zambia:

  • Curriculum: Decide whether you prefer a British, American, or Zambian-based curriculum, as many top schools offer international programs like the IB or Cambridge IGCSE.
  • Location: Most of the best private schools are in Lusaka, but notable institutions also exist in Kitwe, Mkushi, and other regions.
  • Facilities: Check for availability of modern educational, sports, and arts facilities.
  • Extracurriculars: Schools that emphasize arts, sports, leadership, and outdoor education provide a more rounded experience.
  • Boarding Options: Many top schools offer boarding facilities, especially useful for families outside of Lusaka.

International schools in Zambia 

Here are the major known international schools operating in Zambia: 
  • American International School of Lusaka
  • International School of Lusaka
  • Trident College Solwezi
  • Baobab College
  • The International School of Lusaka
  • Lusaka International Community School
  • Crested Crane
  • American International School Lusaka
  • Simba International School

Each of these schools is known for offering high-quality education, with excellent academic outcomes and robust extracurricular programs.