Nursery schools in Cameroon are aimed at preparing Cameroonian children for primary school. Nursery schools also known as L'enseignement Maternel, or Early Childhood Education (ECE) in Cameroon, lasts for two years and is not compulsory. The Ministry of Basic Education (MINEDUB) is responsible for administering pre-primary education in Cameroon.
Starting between the ages of 4 and 6 Preschool education in Cameroon is officially a program that runs for 2 years. This is the beginning of a lifelong learning journey and the foundation of child development. Nursery school learning in Cameroon mainly focuses on five areas, namely, communication and literacy, technology skills development and science, motor skills, crafts and arts, and practical life skills.
Importance of nursery school in Cameroon
Just like the previous article on the list of top 26 primary schools in cameroon, this list of top 9 nursery schools in Cameroon is highly essential and detailed. the education of children from birth to eight years of age, both in the family environment and outside the home. For many parents in Cameroon the importance of nursery school for their children is well known.
However, a growing body of research by Bigmanschools highlights potential differences in learning between children who have had the opportunity of preschool education and those who did not.
As in many other African countries, in Cameroon, early education is a rising norm for many parents. Increasing investment in early childhood education in Cameroon is putting millions of Cameroonian children at a major advantage before they even start school. In fact, more than one in four children ages 3-5 in Central and West Africa, Cameroon inclusive, are currently enrolled in nursery school.
However, let's ask ourselves why nursery school is so important for early childhood and what the real benefits are, to really understand the importance of ECE (early childhood education).
Important for child development:
Research has shown that 90% of important brain development occurs before the age of 5 years. A child’s brain is like a sponge, and access to early education entails they're more likely to develop important skills and absorb vital information, from learning to write and read to socializing and interacting with new people.
Childhood offers parents the ideal opportunity to allow their kids’ brain to develop the right connections that they require for a successful, healthy adulthood with the ability to communicate clearly, motivate self, and solve problems.
Prepare the child for primary school:
Preschool obviously gets your children set for school. Going to school involves a complete change in routine, environment and lifestyle and is an essential event in your child's life. Nursery school helps prepare school-age children to be placed in a structured learning environment away from their parents. Preschool equally helps children share the teacher's attention and follow directions, giving them an important foundation for starting school at age five.
Boost learning enthusiasm:
Access to education from an early age can spark a passion for learning in your children. Children become more enthusiastic and excited about learning, when taught from an early age through engaging and fun activities, leading to more successful educational careers. When it comes to planning your child’s future career, this enthusiasm can make a world of difference.
Preschool could inspire your children to go to college and pursue a career. Preschool equally helps your children see the very essence education as they can apply their knowledge to real life situations from an early age.
Bridging the cycle of poverty:
According to research, by the age of three, children from the poorest families learn about 30 million fewer words than children from wealthy families, posing a problem for kids living outside the poverty line. Nursery school education can equip your children obtain the basic skills they require to succeed in school, which can help their parents and themselves escape the cycle of poverty.
Of course we are think long term. However, nursery school education can be crucial in ensuring that they have the skills to one day build a successful career and preparing a child for the future so that they can lead a better life.
Importance to society as a whole:
A community turns to benefit more when more of its children are educated. Only 75% of children in Cameroon complete elementary school, while only 45 percent complete secondary school (http://www.haliaccess.org). According to research, the more children access nursery school education, the more they complete the education ladder.
In its simplest sense, this means less poverty and job opportunities for future generations. The higher your children’s qualification, the better their chances; you can go to college and get a better job with better pay. It can equally bring more teachers, nurses, doctors and lawyers into society, which will as a result benefit the Cameroon society for many years.
Allows children socialize:
Most Cameroonian young children often only socialize with close family friends or family members. Children in Cameroon growing below the poverty line, are likely to be isolated as their parents are likely to be busy running the family or working. Therefore, access to preschool education can be a vital opportunity for children to interact and socialize with their peers.
This entails they can build key relationships and learn essential life skills such as sharing, communication, and collaboration. Nursery school education is the right place for children to learn social values and also meet new people, understand how to consider other people and relate to their feelings. It's about learning to relate to other people, and not just about seeing new faces.
What are the focus areas of Nursery schools in cameroon?
Nursery schools in Cameroon take into account the child’s holistic development and learning is focused on several areas, including:
- Art skills - Promotion of creativity (through works of art such as cardboard art, architecture, drawing, etc.)
- Environment skills - Learn to live with nature, which is full of interesting elements to stimulate the child’s curiosity.
- Peer Relationships skills: To develop positive interactions with other kids.
- Cultural activities - teach them to respect tradition
- Language skills - how to use words and letters
- Arithmetic skills: how to use everyday numbers
- Music skills - how to use rhythm and melody.
Criteria used for selection of the 9 best nursery schools in Cameroon
- The classrooms are spacious and comfortable.
- Availability of school bus service.
- Nice and secure playground.
- An environment conducive to learning and teaching with modern facilities.
- Dedicated, experienced and qualified staff with good moral standards.
- Availability of audiovisual learning that makes learning easier for children.
- Good moral and academic training.
List of top 9 nursery schools in Cameroon
Disclaimer: Bigmanschools is not affeliated to ay of these top 9 schools in Cameroon. This is a purely unbiased, reserched based list of best preschools in Cameroon that was created through genuine data collection following standard ethics of research!
Akwi Montessori School (AMS Nursery) Yaoundé:
This world-class nursery school in Cameroon where a family atmosphere is fostered between staff and children is located at Maeture, Damas, Yaoundé, Cameroon. In terms of vision, care, facility, standard and goals, AMS Nursery school ranks first, as the leading preschool on this list of the top 9 nursery schools in Cameroon. According to Bigmanschools 2023/2024 best preschools in Cameroon research, Akwi Montessori School (AMS Nursery) Yaoundé is considered by many as ultimately the number one preschool in Cameroon.
AMS values quality and the constant pursuit of academic excellence. AMS offers a transition area for children who may spend up to 6 months max before their 3rd birthday, called the AMS Toddlers (2 ½ years). AMS toddlers are trained in a holistic manner preparing them to be more enthusiastic about preschool. AMS Toddler offers children in this age group the opportunity to interact with adults and find new relationships with friends in a loving, secured, caring and eco-friendly environment.
AMS nursery school (ages 3-6) develops your child's mind (intelligence) through sharpening (refining) the five senses. AMS toddlers usually transfer to AMS nursery on their third birthday. AMS teachers receive regular training on the Montessori method of education and are very excited to interact with young learners.
AMS nursery school teachers guide children in mastering various skills and accompany your children in a variety of learning activities while playing the role of parents during school hours. For more information on how to get admission into Akwi Montessori School (AMS Nursery) Yaoundé or register your child, contact AMS through the website.
ALCEF Bilingual day care, nursery and Primary Schools:
This top nursery in Cameroon is located in the southwestern region of Limbe in Cameroon. ALCEF Bilingual Day Care, Nursery and Primary School is a distinctive coeducational school where a family atmosphere is fostered between staff and children, spirituality is emphasized, people are valued, and children are richly educated and enjoy cultural experiences.
This Cameroonian preschool aims to produce successful and happy children who can access a quality Cameroon preschool education while enjoying many exciting and challenging extracurricular activities. Do you want to know more about how to get admission or registration for your child? Contact them through their website!
WITS Bilingual Kindergarten and Elementary School:
WITS School is committed to the pursuit of excellence in all aspects of preschool education and is committed to providing an educational environment where children can reach their full potential. WITS nursery school goes beyond the regular national standard curriculum guidelines for nursery schools put forth by the Ministry of Education and UNESCO.
To stimulate a receptive mind and take advantage of your child's sensitive period, WITS nursery school offers a comprehensive preschool education by providing an environment full of engaging activities. For more information about possible admission to WITS, you can contact them through their website.
Ibolyka Szabo nursery and Primary School:
located in the Limbe region of southwestern Cameroon. Ibolyka Szabo nursery School offers a well-rounded and strong preschool education that connects your child more closely with heritage and culture. And therefore making your child very competitive and excited for school. For more information about possible admission to WITS, you can contact them through their website.
Rising Star Academy Bilingual Nursery and Primary School:
Located in the southwestern region of Kumba in Cameroon. At Rising Star Academy Bilingual Elementary and Pre-K, the education your children is their primary focus. They are a private educational institution that provides quality education to all children of Kumba, Cameroon. Rising Star Academy Bilingual Nursery and Primary School facilities have space for children's games and space for expansion. You can visit their campus in Kumba for more information about possible admission.
Ecole Maternelle La mémoire:
This best preschool in Cameroon is located on the coast of Douala, Cameroon. Ecole Maternelle "La mémoire" is involved in the nursery sector and has very friendly teachers who support the children throughout their school life as parents. For more information about registration you can visit their campus at Douala.
Nazareth Anglo-Saxon Nursery and Primary School:
located in Montée Jouvence, Biyem-assi Yaoundé, Cameroon. This is a non-profit, private school with quality facilities and modern infrastructure to develop your child's perceptual and sensory memory. The school offers audio-visual learning for preschool children, which helps the children here to assimilate and understand things more easily.
Regardless of their circumstances or background, the aim of this nursery school is to inspire all children, and to develop their abilities and talents. The school emphasizes on moral and academic education. It combines theory, live audiovisual presentations, facts, field trips, and more to give your children the opportunity to understand the world from a broader perspective, gain knowledge in a playful way, and develop a love of lifelong education.
Smart kids nursery and primary school Buea:
located in Buea southwestern region of Cameroon. This top nursery school in Cameroon has all the facilities that parents need to ensure that their children get a quality preschool education to ensure that their children achieve the highest level of education. Smart kids nursery and primary school has been around for about 5 years and most parents bring their kids there just to see them look so succeed so wonderfully.
Smart kids nursery and primary school has been amazing with such a huge impact and since it started no single parent has complained about the safety of their children. Bigmanschools found that it is very essential or parents to see that the safety of their children is always a big concern and this is the case at Smart kids nursery and primary school. You can visit Smart kids nursery and primary school campus at Buea for more information about possible admission and to register your child.
SABIBI Preschool and Primary School Tiko:
Located in the Tiko in the Southwestern region of Cameroon. SABIBI Preschool and Primary School Tiko has an eco-friendly learning environment that unique and conducive to all children. This is a nursery school in Cameroon with very high moral standards.
This Cameroonian nursery school was established in 1999 and has since offered graduated children who achieve 100% in the government's pooled income, where they usually all pass List A and certificates of completion. For information about possible admission into SABIBI Preschool and Primary School Tiko you can visit their campus at Tiko.
Notes from Big Man Schools:
Sending your child to one of the top 9 nursery in Cameroon would be a dream come true for parents who love their children very much and want their children to succeed at the preschool level. Registering your child one the best preschools in Cameroon is a family success and equally an inspiration to the entire community.
Many Cameroonians parents who have admitted their kids to any of these nursery schools will tell you it was a huge achievement for the child. This is because the best nursery schools in Cameroon offer the best preschool education in the country. As you are about to complete this ultimate guide of the list of top 9 nursery schools in Cameroon, we encourage you to register your child today for high-quality early childhood education!
