International Schools in Johannesburg

Perhaps surprisingly for a city of its size, Johannesburg has a relatively small selection of international schools. Many expat parents choose to send their children to local private schools, which are highly regarded.

If you’re hoping to find a school that follows the same curriculum as back home, as well as the same teaching language, the choice may be limited. That said, the international schools that are available in Johannesburg are generally of a high standard.

The top international schools in Johannesburg typically offer a wide slate of extracurricular activities and are usually located in state-of-the-art facilities. Many expat children benefit from attending international schools as they can often meet other children who share similar experiences, and the whole family can build connections with other expats.

It’s essential to carefully pick where you live based on the distance between home, your children’s school, and your workplace, as Johannesburg is notorious for its traffic congestion. Fortunately, some international schools provide transport for an additional fee to ease the morning commute for parents.

Below is a selection of the best international schools in Johannesburg.

International schools in Johannesburg

American International School of Johannesburg

This highly regarded school offers the American High School Diploma and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. There is also a Pretoria campus that offers classes for Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 8 students. Read more

Gender: Co-educational 
Curriculum: American and International Baccalaureate 
Ages: 3 to 18

Pinnacle College Ridge View

Previously known as Charterhouse School, Pinnacle College Ridge View is a pre-preparatory and preparatory school in Honeydew that opened in 1976 and draws on the best elements of the South African and British curricula. Read more

Gender: Co-educational 
Curriculum: British (English National Curriculum and Cambridge International Primary Programme) and South African (IEB) 
Ages: 3 to 15

Deutsche Internationale Schule Johannesburg

Founded in 1890, the venerable Deutsche Internationale Schule Johannesburg (DSJ) is Johannesburg’s oldest co-educational school. It is also one of the most multicultural schools in the city, with more than 30 different nationalities represented among the student body. Read more

Gender: Co-educational 
Curriculum: German and South African (IEB) 
Ages: 1 to 18

Lycée Français Jules Verne

Based in Morningside, Sandton and Pretoria, the Lycée Français Jules Verne is a fully English/French bilingual school offering the French curriculum. Students graduate with the esteemed French Baccalauréat. Read more

Gender: Co-educational 
Curriculum: French 
Ages: 2 to 18

St John’s College

Founded in 1898, St John’s College is a prestigious boys’ school that has excellent sporting and academic traditions. A co-educational Sixth Form follows the Cambridge curriculum. Read more

Gender: Boys or co-educational for Bridge Nursery and Sixth Form 
Curriculum: South African (IEB) and British (A-Levels) 
Ages: 3 to 18