How to Choose a Primary School in Lagos: The Complete Parent Guide

Pleasant Places School Team

June 2026 · 7 min · Lekki, Lagos

In this guide

1. Curriculum
2. Class Size and Teacher Attention
3. Location and Commute
4. School Facilities
5. School Culture and Values
6. Extracurricular Activities
7. Parent Involvement and Communication
8. Fees and Hidden Costs
9. Reputation and Track Record
Making Your Decision

Choosing a primary school for your child is one of the most consequential decisions you will make as a parent. In Lekki, where there are dozens of private primary schools to choose from – each with different curricula, approaches, and fee structures – it can be difficult to know where to start. This guide provides a clear framework to help you compare schools and make a confident choice.

1. Curriculum

The curriculum is the foundation of your child’s education. In Lagos, the most common options are:

Nigerian Curriculum (NERDC): Covers all national learning areas and prepares students for the Common Entrance Examination. Strong on Nigerian cultural content and civic values.
British Curriculum: Follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and English National Curriculum. Internationally recognised, strong on phonics, critical thinking, and inquiry-based learning.
Blended Curriculum: Combines elements of both, aiming for the best of each system. Children are prepared for both local exams and international pathways.
Montessori and Other Alternative Approaches: Child-led, hands-on learning with mixed-age classrooms. Less common in Lagos but available in some schools.

Consider which approach aligns best with your child’s learning style and your family’s long-term plans.

2. Class Size and Teacher Attention

Class size has a direct impact on the quality of education your child receives. In a smaller class, your child gets more individual attention, and the teacher can better tailor instruction to their needs. Ask:

How many children are in each class?
How many teachers or teaching assistants are in the classroom?
How does the school support children who need extra help or additional challenge?

3. Location and Commute

A long daily commute can be exhausting for a young child and may affect their energy, mood, and ability to focus in class. Consider:

How far is the school from your home or workplace in Lekki?
What is the traffic like during drop-off and pick-up times?
Does the school offer transport services? If so, what is the route and supervision arrangement?

4. School Facilities

The physical environment matters for your child’s learning and safety. During your visit, look at:

Classrooms: Are they well-lit, well-ventilated, and appropriately furnished?
Outdoor space: Is there a safe play area or sports field?
Library and learning resources: Are there books, learning aids, and technology?
Toilets and hygiene facilities: Are they clean and child-friendly?
Security: What measures are in place to ensure the safety of children on campus?

5. School Culture and Values

Every school has a culture – a set of values, expectations, and ways of doing things. During your visit, observe:

How do teachers speak to children? With warmth and respect, or with authority and distance?
How do children behave? Do they seem happy, engaged, and comfortable?
How does the school handle discipline and conflict between children?
What is the school’s approach to celebrating diversity, inclusion, and Nigerian culture?

6. Extracurricular Activities

A good primary school offers more than academics. Ask about:

Sports and physical education programmes
Music, art, and drama
Clubs and societies (debate, coding, chess, etc.)
School trips and enrichment activities

Extracurricular activities help children discover their talents, build confidence, and develop social skills outside the classroom.

7. Parent Involvement and Communication

The best schools view parents as partners. Ask:

How does the school communicate with parents about their child’s progress?
Are there parent-teacher conferences, and how often?
Can parents volunteer or get involved in school activities?
How does the school handle concerns or complaints from parents?

8. Fees and Hidden Costs

Fees vary widely among Lefki private schools. When comparing costs, ask for a complete breakdown including:

Tuition fees per term or per year
Registration and application fees
Uniforms, books, and stationery
Transport fees
Meal plans
Extracurricular activity fees
Exam fees (including Common Entrance)
Annual development or PTA levies

9. Reputation and Track Record

Speak to other parents, read online reviews, and ask the school about:

Academic results and examination performance
Where their graduates go on to secondary school
How long the school has been established
Staff turnover – do teachers stay long-term or leave frequently?

Making Your Decision

Once you have gathered information on these nine areas, rank your shortlisted schools against your priorities. No school will be perfect in every category, but the right school for your child is the one that best aligns with what matters most to your family.

At Pleasant Places School, we welcome parents to visit our Lekki primary campus, observe our blended curriculum in action, and ask every question on your list. We believe an informed parent makes the best decision for their child.