Cities / Cairo / Cairo American College
Cairo American College
Non-profit American school in Maadi founded in 1945, serving around 970 students from 58+ nationalities with PYP, IB Diploma and American Diploma pathways. Annual tuition runs from US$9,200 for Pre-K to US$27,350-28,600 for high school, paid in USD, with a…
In brief
CAC has anchored the Maadi expat circuit since 1945 and remains the first stop for US embassy and corporate families in Cairo.
It is a Pre-K through 12 American school with PYP and an IB Diploma option in the senior years, accredited by CIS, MSA, and the IB. Around 970 students pass through, drawn from 56 nationalities, with US passport holders the largest single group followed by Egyptians. Facilities include two gyms, an Olympic pool, theatres, and on-campus food, and the swim programme has long been a regional standout.
Loyalty among engaged families runs deep, and the diversity of the community is a real draw. The block schedule, four classes one day and four the next, divides parents. Some families say it suits older students moving toward IB independence. Others find that core subjects feel thin in middle school and that the structure asks for organisational maturity younger pupils do not always have. Visit during a normal week before deciding, and ask about how learning support actually plays out below high school.
Fees
| Fee | Age | Type | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-K 3 | 3 | Annual | EGP 488,520 |
| Pre-K 4 | 4 | Annual | EGP 759,330 |
| KG1 / Grade 1 | 5 | Annual | EGP 1,412,460 |
| Grades 1-5 (Elementary) | 6 | Annual | EGP 1,412,460 |
| Grades 6-8 (Middle School) | 11 | Annual | EGP 1,441,665 |
| Grades 9-12 (High School / IB) | 14 | Annual | EGP 1,452,285 |
| Annual Capital Fee | One-time | EGP 15,930 | |
| Application Fee | One-time | EGP 20,709 | |
| Plant Fee | One-time | EGP 39,825 | |
| Admission Deposit | One-time | EGP 53,100 | |
| Registration Fee (K-12) | One-time | EGP 743,400 |
Reviews
- The standard line on expat and teaching forums is that CAC is the only option in Cairo that approximates a top-tier American international school. One commenter called it the only school in Egypt they would consider.
- Facilities are exceptional for the region: two gyms, a pool, two fields, a theatre and on-campus food outlets sit on the Maadi compound.
- Outcomes back the reputation. Around 98 percent of graduates enter university within a year, including consistent placement at competitive US institutions.
- The negative signal is community-side, not academic. One expat parent said the parent body can be hard to break into, describing it as unfriendly to newcomers despite the welcoming student culture, and said the school does little to support transitioning families. Multiple sources flag administrative churn, with one parent saying families staying more than two years should expect constant change.
- Cost is the other recurring caveat. Annual fees sit at the top of the Cairo market and the Maadi catchment adds further expense.
Head of school
Dr. Jared Harris
Dr. Jared Harris became the Head of School at Cairo American College in August 2019. Previously, he served as the High School Principal at CAC starting in 2014. His prior leadership experience includes roles at the International School Nido de Aguilas in Chile and the American School of Asuncion in Paraguay. Dr. Harris holds a BA in Psychology and Mental Health Services, an M.Ed. in School Counseling from Western Washington University, and an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Seattle University. He is recognized for leading the school through a period of significant enrollment growth and innovation.
Accreditations
- Council of International Schools 01
- Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools 02
Academic results
- IB DP average ~35 (2019)
- University acceptances 90-95% to top US colleges