Luanda International School
"Luanda International School (LIS) stands as the premier international school in Angola's capital city, offering families a rigorous, English-medium education from preschool through grade 12."
Founded in October 1996 by a group of five individuals committed to establishing a high-quality international school in Angola, LIS has grown into the largest international school in Luanda and a trusted educational home for the city's global community. The school is supported by the oil industry, reflecting the significant presence of international energy companies in Angola and the needs of their employees' families — though its doors are open to the broader expatriate and internationally-minded community as well. Academically, LIS offers a dual-framework curriculum combining an American educational structure with the full continuum of International Baccalaureate programmes. The school is an authorized IB World School, offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP) for younger students, the Middle Years Programme (MYP) for those in the middle grades, and the Diploma Programme (DP) at the secondary level. This seamless IB continuum, spanning from the earliest years of schooling through to university preparation, provides students with a coherent, inquiry-based educational philosophy that travels well across borders — an important consideration for families who may relocate again in the future. The integration of American curriculum frameworks alongside the IB ensures students are well-prepared for university admission in the United States and internationally. The school conducts all instruction in English, making it an accessible and natural fit for expatriate families arriving from English-speaking countries, as well as for internationally mobile families for whom English is the common language of education. This English-medium environment also supports the practical reality that many LIS families are in Luanda on professional assignments of varying lengths and require continuity with their children's prior and future schooling. LIS holds accreditation from two of the most respected bodies in international education: the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) and the Council of International Schools (CIS). These dual accreditations signal a sustained commitment to educational quality and institutional accountability, and they provide parents with meaningful assurance that LIS meets rigorous international standards. The school is also assisted by the U. S. State Department, further underlining its standing within the global network of internationally recognized schools. Located in Luanda, LIS occupies a position at the heart of a city that serves as Angola's economic and political center. Luanda is a dynamic, fast-growing metropolis, and while it presents the typical complexities of life in a major African capital, the LIS community offers families a welcoming and well-established support network. For relocating professionals — particularly those arriving in the oil and gas sector — knowing that a school of LIS's caliber and accreditation is available in Luanda can be a significant factor in the decision to accept an assignment. With nearly three decades of history, a full IB continuum, strong institutional accreditations, and a mission rooted in serving the international community, Luanda International School offers families a stable and genuinely world-class educational option in West Africa.