Education is the best legacy you can give your child, and sometimes, this legacy might require you to send your kid away to a boarding school. This type of school is great because it helps instill discipline and self-reliance in your child. Also, children get to learn and grow with their peers.
Still, as great as boarding schools are, the ultimate decision belongs to the parents. If you’re buying into the idea of putting your kid in a boarding school, this article is for you. We’ve compiled a list of some of the best boarding schools in Lagos for your consideration.
Best Boarding Schools in Lagos
1. Chrisland College
Chrisland College is a full boarding institution that has maintained its reputation as one of the best boarding schools in Lagos for years. It ensures you get your money’s worth by providing your kids with the latest boarding facilities and quality education.
The school’s curriculum is modern and flexible and promotes a well-rounded education for students. Chrisland also incorporated Value-Added Programs into its curriculum, all in a bid to make its students stand out in their various endeavors.
- Year Founded: 1987
- Grades Offered: Primary, Secondary, and Pre-degree
- School Fee: N2 million per annum
- Location: No. 72, Old Ejigbo Road, Idimu, Lagos
2. British International School
British International School (BIS) is a great place for students who’d love to learn in a vibrant and serene environment. With the British National Curriculum at its core, the school has successfully provided an international standard of education since its inception.
As a boarding school, BIS provides different boarding options: full, flexible, and personalized. With top-notch recreational, medical, and toilet facilities, it ensures that your kid has it all while incorporating various weekend activities to encourage overall development.
- Year Founded: 2001
- Grades Offered: Secondary
- School Fee: N4.5 million per annum
- Location: 1 Landbridge Avenue, Oniru Private Estate, Victoria Island, Lagos
3. The White Dove Schools
The White Dove School provides learning in a calm atmosphere that makes you forget the hustle and bustle of Lagos – one reason you should consider this private secondary boarding school for your kid.
The school uses the British and Nigerian curricula, providing a balanced education for its students with up-to-standard facilities to encourage smooth learning.
- Year Founded: 2004
- Grades Offered: Nursery, Primary, and Secondary
- School Fee: N2 million per annum
- Location: The White Dove School, Behind Shoprite Novare Mall, Lekki, Lagos
4. Rainbow College
Rainbow College has maintained a high standard of academic success since its establishment, and you can see that in the several accolades its students have received over the years. At this point, we can say that the school’s safe learning environment has played a major role in this success. And because Rainbow College has prioritized its students’ welfare, it has put everything in place to make the boarding school a second home for its pupils.
- Year Founded: 1996
- Grades Offered: Secondary
- School Fee: N1 million per annum
- Location: Rainbow Boarding College, KM 39 Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Maba, Ogun State
5. Atlantic Hall Schools
With boarding facilities that obey international standards of safety, hygiene, and comfort, there’s no doubt that Atlantic Hall deserves a spot on this list. Some of the school’s high-standard facilities are sports facilities, fully-equipped laboratories, a medical center, and many more. Atlantic Hall also offers a dual curriculum approach that has produced many top-notch students with outstanding performances.
- Year Founded: 1989
- Grades Offered: Secondary
- School Fee: N2.27 million per annum
- Location: Epe, Lagos State
6. Dowen College
At Dowen College, you can be certain that your child will get all the attention they need, as the school pays close attention to its students.
From game and sporting facilities to air-conditioned rooms and resident nurses, your kid is definitely in good hands. Also, rest assured that your kid will get quality education there.
- Year Founded: 1997
- Grades Offered: Secondary
- School Fee: N1.25 million – N2 million per annum
- Location: No. 18, Adebayo Doherty Road, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos
7. Greensprings School
There are several reasons Greensprings school remains one of the best boarding schools in Lagos, and on top of that list is the quality education it provides.
Next to that is its boarding facilities that stand out among other boarding schools. Not only are the rooms well-furnished and clean, but they’re also well-illuminated and spacious.
- Year Founded: 1985
- Grades Offered: Preschool, Primary, and Secondary
- School Fee: N3.2 million per annum
- Location: KM 40, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Awoyaya, Ibeju Lekki, Lagos
8. Emerald Schools
With leadership training, spiritual development, and Community Development Program incorporated into the learning scheme, there’s no doubt that Emerald Secondary School has a lot to offer to its students. Its well-blended curriculum also helps the students stand out in the global market. More so, the boarding facility is great, with several extra-curricular activities guaranteeing a holistic education.
- Year Founded: 1995
- Grades Offered: Primary and Secondary
- School Fee: N2 million per annum
- Location: 8/10, Olawole Daodu Street, Ifako-Gbagada, Lagos
9. King’s College
It might be a government-owned school, but King’s College remains one of the highly sought-after schools. The boys-only school has passionate staff to guide the students through the learning phase and round-the-clock security to guarantee a safe environment for learning. With adequate guidance and teaching, King’s College aims to produce men of character and academic excellence, a feat it has achieved for decades.
- Year Founded: 1909
- Grades Offered: Primary and Secondary
- School Fee: N900,000 per annum
- Location: No. 3, Catholic Mission Street, Lagos Island 102273, Lagos
10. Queen’s College
Queen’s College is the all-girls version of King’s College, and it’s on par with its counterpart in terms of academic excellence. The school’s vision is to produce ladies with passion and zeal to change the world.
The school provides safe, adequate accommodation for its students. And your girls would have access to the best boarding facilities and engage in extra-curricular activities that’d aid their growth and development.
- Year Founded: 1927
- Grades Offered: Secondary
- School Fee: N900,000 per annum
- Location: Lancaster Road, Opposite Old people’s Home, Sabo, Yaba, Lagos State
11. Apata Memorial School
Apata Memorial School might be old, but that’s not to say that the school lacks anything modern. In fact, the co-ed private school boasts of some of the most modern boarding facilities in Lagos, which is why it has remained one of the best schools.
Much more than that, Apata School is known for its long history of academic excellence and community achievements. Enrolling your child in this school is one of the best decisions you can make as a parent.
- Year Founded: 1980
- Grades Offered: Nursery, Primary, and Secondary
- School Fee: N2 million per annum
- Location: Plot 36/42 Godwin Omonua Street Ire-Akari Estate, Isolo, Lagos
12. Holy Child College
Holy Child College is another all-girls college that ranks high on the list of best boarding schools in Lagos. The school’s vision is to raise ladies who are not only academically sound but also charismatic and vibrant. The boarding facility has been well-equipped to facilitate learning and give every girl the “home away from home” experience.
- Year Founded: 1945
- Grades Offered: Secondary
- School Fee: N2.5 million per annum
- Location: No. 12, Ojo Street, Off Toyan Street, South-West Ikoyi, Lagos
13. Ostra Private Schools
Ostra Private School is adept at what it does – promoting spiritual and academic excellence through many social and educational practices backed up by high-quality learning strategies and resources. On top of that, the school creates a serene environment for your child to thrive.
- Year Founded: 1995
- Grades Offered: Pre-school, Primary, and Secondary
- School Fee: Undisclosed
- Location: No. 60, Oba Kabiru Agbabiaka Str., Off Ostra Lane, Ago-Okota, Lagos
14. St. Gregory’s College
St. Gregory’s College is a boys-only college that seeks to raise boys to become men with outstanding leadership skills. Although it’s one of the oldest boarding schools in the city, it stays updated with the latest learning trends and provides the best accommodation to its students. Note that it’s primarily a Catholic school, but children from all walks of life are welcome to participate in what St. Gregory has to offer its students.
- Year Founded: 1928
- Grades Offered: Secondary
- School Fee: Undisclosed
- Location: South-West Ikoyi, Lagos
15. Apostolic Faith Secondary School
At Apostolic Faith Secondary School, your kids are exposed to education that supports their creativity, innovation, and collaboration. Also, with tech-driven learning, the students are taught to be responsible, self-directed, and compliant with the ever-changing demands of the global market.
- Year Founded: 2002
- Grades Offered: Secondary
- School Fee: N2 million – N2.5 million per annum
- Location: No. 1, Campground Road, Anthony Village, Lagos
16. Meadow Hall Education
Meadow Hall has worked hard to uphold its core values which are the 7Cs – Christ, Care, Cleanliness, Creativity, Culture, Citizenship, and Community. In doing this, the school has placed itself among the best boarding schools in Nigeria.
The school also features state-of-the-art laboratories, sports and games facilities, and a well-equipped ICT suite, all to ensure that your kid gets nothing less than the most beneficial learning experience.
- Year Founded: 2002
- Grades: Pre-school, Primary, and Secondary
- School Fee: N3.5 million per annum
- Location: Meadow Hall Way, Alma Beach Estate, Lekki-Epe Express Way, Lekki, Lagos
17. Loral International School
Loral International School prepares its students for the future with a rigorous academic culture and a rich curriculum that demands nothing but the best from the pupils. This teaches students all they need to succeed in a competitive environment.
- Year Founded: 1976
- Grades: Primary and Secondary
- School Fee: Undisclosed
- Location: Km 8, Agbara Otta Expressway, Igbesa
18. Vivian Fowler Memorial College
Vivian Fowler Memorial College is arguably the best female boarding school in Lagos, catering to young ladies between 10 and 18 years. The school seeks to empower girls and groom them to be at the helm of societal affairs.
With roomy and adequately-furnished hostels, every parent can rest assured that their girl is getting the best education in a peaceful environment. And since the school is only for girls, the management pays special attention to security.
- Year Founded: 1991
- Grades: Secondary
- School Fee: N2 million per annum
- Location Fee: Plot 5, Billingsway, Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos
19. Lekki British School
Lekki British School has all the makings of an international standard boarding school, and you can see that in its conducive learning environment and top-notch boarding facilities. Some high-class features in the school are air-conditioned classrooms, well-equipped laboratories, computers, and more.
As an international school, Lekki British School admits students from different parts of the world. No matter their origin, each pupil is treated equally, with the school doing its best to promote multiculturalism.
- Year Founded: 2000
- Grades: Preschool, Primary, Secondary, and A’ Levels
- School Fee: N4.3 million per annum
- Location: Victoria Arobieke Street, Lekki Phase I, Lagos
20. Albesta Academy
At Albesta Academy, your children will be encouraged to be creative and practical with access to ultra-modern equipment that’d facilitate their learning experience. From ICT rooms to science laboratories and vocational workshops, students have all they need to learn.
- Year Founded: 2006
- Grades: Secondary
- School Fee: Undisclosed
- Location: KM 0.4, along Eleko Beach Road, Off, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Lekki, Lagos
21. Grenville Schools
If you’re looking for a boarding school where your child won’t get lost in the crowd, then Grenville is your best bet. The school’s major policy is to maintain small class sizes to cater to the unique needs of each student.
Also, this high-tech school uses the latest technology, such as interactive smartboards, to make learning fun for students. It maintained a comfortable routine for students to follow, with adequate rest and playtime in-between activities to prevent pupils from burning out.
- Year Founded: 1983
- Grades: Pre-school, Primary, and Secondary
- School Fee: Undisclosed
- Location: No.18, Ladoke Akintola Street, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos
22. Avi-Cenna International School
One of the first things you’re bound to notice when you step into Avi-Cenna International School is the lively atmosphere – students here are known to be joyful and eager to learn. This is because the school operates like a family, with staff and students relating with one another based on friendship and trust.
The boarding school is also famous for its strong pastoral and academic tradition and love for change and innovation. All these together make any Avi-Cenna graduate capable of succeeding in the global market.
- Year Founded: 1989
- Grades: Primary and Secondary
- School Fee: Undisclosed
- Location: No 6, Harold Shodipo Crescent, GRA, Ikeja Lagos
23. Dansol Schools
Dansol School is a Christian institution that caters to a child’s spiritual development while providing high-quality education. All teachers are required to be role models to the students. Also, because the school believes that all subjects have scriptural backing, teachers use relevant scriptures to explain any topic. With standard laboratories, an ICT unit, air-conditioned classrooms, and a conducive environment, Dansol strives to encourage a seamless learning process.
- Year Founded: 1995
- Grades: Primary and Secondary
- School Fee: N1 million – N1.5 million per annum
- Location: Dansol High School, 13/15 Acme Crescent, Off Acme Road, Off Agidingbi, Ikeja, Lagos
24. Grange School
There’s absolutely no way that Grange School wouldn’t make this list. It offers a full boarding program, although there’s a Flexi boarding option for parents who might want to set up a space for their kids in case of an emergency.
As Grange school is co-ed, it promotes friendships and connections among peers and instills the spirit of cooperation and teamwork. It provides such a remarkable experience for your kids.
- Year Founded: 1958
- Grades: Primary and Secondary
- School Fee: N4.5 million per annum
- Location: Grange Education Limited, Harold Shodipo Crescent, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos
25. Kayron International Schools
Kayron International Schools is relatively young, but that hasn’t stopped it from contending with older schools as one of the best boarding secondary schools in Lagos. Alongside other schools’ standard boarding facilities, Kayron takes it a step further by featuring music and vocational studios. With its flexible, all-inclusive, and adaptable curriculum, this school has all it takes to equip students to thrive in the global economic community.
- Year Founded: 2013
- Grades: Preschool, Primary and Secondary
- School Fee: N1 million per annum
- Location: 24/26 Mopo Road, United Estate, Lekki-Peninsula Area, Lagos
Closing Thoughts on the Best Boarding Schools in Lagos
The list is endless, but this list is more than enough to get you started on your search for the best boarding school for your child. Each school has its benefits, so you can choose based on the different factors we’ve mentioned and your personal preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions on the Best Boarding Schools in Lagos
What Is a Boarding School?
A boarding school is simply a school that provides accommodation for students on its campus. Since students have to live away from their parents, a boarding school is responsible for fully preparing them for life after college. Note that some boarding schools also cater to daytime students.
What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Boarding School?
No one can say that a boarding school is good or bad. It all boils down to several factors, which we’ll discuss below.
Advantages
There are several benefits of putting your child in a boarding school, and some of them are:
- It encourages independence in a child.
- It boosts confidence.
- Boarding schools have strict rules that instill discipline in a child.
- All students are considered equal and treated as such.
- Provides a conducive and healthy environment for learning.
- Living with other students will help a child develop and perfect their social skills.
- Students are exposed to several activities that guarantee a rounded education.
Disadvantages
Although boarding schools have a lot to offer, they have some downsides that you should pay attention to before deciding whether to send your child there or not:
- Some children find it difficult to adjust to the restricted life of boarding school.
- Students might become homesick, which might affect their academic performance.
- Children might find it hard to blend in.
- There’s a risk of emotional separation between a child and their parents.
- Constantly being in a school environment can expose students to academic pressure.
- High tuition fees.
- Students might be exposed to vices such as bullying, peer pressure, etc.
Should I Put My Child in Boarding School?
Enrolling your child in a boarding school can be a challenging decision to make as a parent or guardian. To help you out, here are a few points you need to consider before deciding whether to put your child in boarding school or not:
- Your child’s age: Usually, these schools have age requirements for students they’ll be admitting. However, it’s still up to you to decide if your kid is physically, emotionally, and mentally ready for this phase in their life.
- How comfortable is your kid with this decision: Ultimately, this is about your child – not you – so you need to know their stand on the whole idea. Living apart from one’s parents might be difficult to process, so you should ensure they’re comfortable with it. In short, it’d be great if you were both on the same page.
- How responsible is your kid: Boarding schools encourage independence in a child, so unless you’re certain that your kid can look after themselves, you might want to reconsider enrolling them in a boarding school.
- Will the school benefit your kid: You also need to know why you want to send your child to a boarding school. Is it to make them more responsible? What other benefits do you think your child will enjoy in school?
What to Look For in a Good Boarding School
There are several factors to look out for in a boarding school before deciding if it’s the right fit for your kids. Here are five of them:
- Academic excellence: As a parent, you wouldn’t want your child to lack anything, especially in academic excellence. Before settling for a particular boarding school, ensure that it can provide a well-rounded education for your kid to make them stand out in their future endeavors.
- Size of the school: Consider the size of the school and the number of students in it. Do you think your kid will feel better in a school with fewer students, or wouldn’t mind the population? Also, note that, sometimes, the number of students in a school is directly proportional to the school’s reputation – most parents would rather opt for a boarding school with a good history.
- Safety measures: Your child will be at the mercy of the boarding school for a few years, so you must note the safety measures put in place by the school. Be certain that the environment is conducive to learning and that you won’t be getting an emergency call anytime soon.
- School’s philosophy: Each school has its philosophy and teaching approach. Find out what these things are and if you agree with them.
- Dorm Facilities: Explore the school’s dormitory; how comfortable does it look? Are the toilets and bathrooms neat, and how many students stay in a room? How about the food, and what other facilities does the school have?
It’s usually better to visit the school to see these things yourself. While you can get most of the information on the school’s website, nothing beats confirming these points yourself.
What Age is Best for Boarding School?
Most boarding schools in Lagos require a child to be at least 10 years old to be considered for admission. However, according to experts, any child between 8 and 13 years is fit to be enrolled in one.
This age range is ideal because it’s when children start to learn the basics of independence and are prone to obey instructions quickly. However, each child is unique, so it can’t be the same for everyone. This is why parents must know their child’s individual needs.
How Much does Nigerian Boarding School Cost?
Boarding schools can be government-owned or privately owned, with the latter always more expensive than the former. A private Nigerian boarding school costs an average of N1.5 million per year, while a government-owned school costs an average of N800,000 per year.
This amount usually covers tuition, books, school uniforms, house clothes, medical and other facilities, food, and boarding costs.
