The standards of education at international or private (independent, as they are referred to in South Africa)  schools in Cape Town is higher than at state schools, and naturally so are the fees. Expect to pay R 25,000-45,000 per year, plus extra for after-school activities.  The choice of available schools is very good. Among the nationality-based schools you will find French, German, American and Jewish schools, and among method-based - Montessori, Waldorf, and some others. Most schools are co-ed, but there are some good single sex schools, too.

It is generally considered that the best schools are located in the Southern Suburbs, in Tokai, Constantia, Wynberg and Claremont. This is partly the reason why many families with kids of school age live in the area. That being said, if you live in other areas we highly recommend visiting your local independent schools as well so you can form your own opinion. If you have just arrived and are looking for an area to live, consider commuting times to work and school as they can be quite significant in rush hours.

Below are the details of the best independent schools in Cape Town:

• International School of Cape Town, Wynberg 021 761 6202, www.isct.co.za

British Curriculum, O-A Levels, Co-ed 

• Co-Ed Deutsche Schule Kapstadt, Gardens 021 423 6329, www.dsk.co.za

German, Co-ed

• French School, Gardens 021 461 2508, www.ecolefrancaiseducap.org

French, Co-ed

• American International School of Cape Town, Constantia, 021 713 2220, www.aisct.org.za

American Curriculum, Co-ed

• Reddam House, Tokai/Sea Point, 021 702 2322, 021 433 0105, www.reddamhouse.org.za

SA Curriculum & IEB, Co-Ed

• Herschel School, Claremont 021 674 4010, www.herschel.wcape.school.za

SA Curriculum, Girls Only

• Bishops Dicesan College, Rondebosch 021 659 1052, www.bishops.org.za

SA Curriculum, Boys Only

• Abbotts College, Claremont 021 671 1173, www.abbotts.co.za

SA Curriculum, Co-ed

• Waldorf, Constantia, 021 794 2103, http://www.saprivateschools.co.za/cape/constantia_waldorf.html

Co-ed

• Parklands College, Tableview, 021 521 2700

Co-ed, IEB

• St Joseph's Marist College, Rondebosch, 021 685 6715

Catholic, Co-ed

• International School of Hout Bay, 021 790 8149

British Curriculum, International Baccalaureate (IB), Co-ed

Last updated: January 15, 2010