What's the best international school in Antananarivo?

The American School of Antananarivo (ASA) is widely considered the best for English-medium education, offering IB programmes for students aged 3–18 from 30+ nationalities. For French-speaking families, the Lycée français de Tananarive is the top choice. The International School of Madagascar (ISM) offers a Cambridge curriculum alternative.

How much does international school cost in Madagascar?

Annual tuition ranges from $5,000 to $18,000 depending on the school and grade level. ASA is the most expensive ($8,000–$18,000). ISM is moderately priced ($5,000–$12,000). Additional costs include uniforms ($100–$300), books ($200–$500), and transport ($50–$100/month).

Are there English-language schools in Nosy Be?

No. There are no English-medium international schools in Nosy Be. Expat families on the island typically homeschool using online platforms (K12, Oak Meadow) or enroll children in small French-language local schools. Some families maintain a base in Antananarivo for schooling purposes.

Can my children learn French and Malagasy at school?

Yes. Most international schools in Antananarivo include French language instruction as part of the curriculum. The Lycée français teaches entirely in French. Malagasy language classes are offered at some schools and through private tutors. Children typically pick up French quickly through daily immersion.

Is homeschooling legal in Madagascar?

Yes. There are no specific laws prohibiting homeschooling in Madagascar. Many expat families use structured online programs (K12, Connections Academy, Oak Meadow) supplemented with local tutors. The flexible approach works well given the limited school options outside Antananarivo.

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🇲🇬 Madagascar

Education

Education options in Madagascar are concentrated in Antananarivo, where several international schools offer quality instruction in French and English. The American School of Antananarivo (ASA) and the International School of Madagascar (ISM) are the main English-language options, while the Lycée français de Tananarive serves the French-speaking community..

ASA

Top School (English)

American School of Antananarivo

Lycée Français

Top School (French)

French national curriculum

$5,000–$18,000

Annual Tuition

International schools

French or English

School Language

Depending on school

Last updated: March 2026

Overview🏙️Antananarivo 🏝️Nosy Be

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Overview

Key Takeaways

American School of Antananarivo (ASA): IB PYP and Diploma Programme, ~260 students from 30+ nationalities, tuition $8,000–$18,000/year
No English-medium international schools on Nosy Be
University of Antananarivo: the country's flagship university — instruction primarily in French

International Schools in Antananarivo

Antananarivo has several international schools catering to the diplomatic, NGO, and expat community. The two main English-language options are the American School of Antananarivo (ASA) and the International School of Madagascar (ISM). For French-speaking families, the Lycée français de Tananarive is the flagship institution with a full K–12 French national curriculum.

American School of Antananarivo (ASA): IB PYP and Diploma Programme, ~260 students from 30+ nationalities, tuition $8,000–$18,000/year
International School of Madagascar (ISM): Cambridge curriculum (IGCSE/A-Levels), English medium, tuition $5,000–$12,000/year
Lycée français de Tananarive: French national curriculum from maternelle to terminale, largest international school
École Peter Pan: bilingual French-English preschool popular with expat families
Most international schools are located in Ivandry, Ambatobe, or Alarobia — near expat housing
School year: September to June (following Northern Hemisphere calendar)

Education in Nosy Be

Educational options in Nosy Be are extremely limited compared to Antananarivo. There are local Malagasy schools and a couple of small French-language schools, but no international schools offering English-medium education. Expat families in Nosy Be typically homeschool or use online schooling platforms.

No English-medium international schools on Nosy Be
Small French-language schools available — suitable for French-speaking children
Homeschooling: many expat families use K12, Connections Academy, or Oak Meadow online
Some families split time — children school in Tana during the term, Nosy Be during holidays
Tutors: private French and Malagasy tutors available at $5–$10/hour
Consider education access as a key factor when choosing between Tana and Nosy Be for families

Universities & Higher Education

Madagascar has several universities, with the University of Antananarivo being the largest and most established. However, higher education quality is generally low by international standards. Most expats pursuing higher education do so through online programs or at universities in neighboring countries (South Africa, Réunion, Mauritius).

University of Antananarivo: the country's flagship university — instruction primarily in French
INSCAE (Institut National des Sciences Comptables et de l'Administration d'Entreprise): respected for business/management
Online education: most expats pursuing degrees use international online programs
French language study: Alliance Française in Antananarivo offers structured French courses
Malagasy language: private tutors and some cultural centers offer Malagasy lessons
Research opportunities: Madagascar's unique biodiversity attracts international researchers — several field stations accept visiting scholars

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