Ghana School Grade Placement: Understanding U.S. to Ghana Equivalency

2 Comments

1. Thanks for this outline of the school sector in Ghana. As a private school owner and consultant with the GES, GNACOPS, Ghana National Council of Private Schools, and the National Parent Teacher Association, I think that your overview doesn’t come close to explaining the REALITY of the Ghana school sector.

   I felt your juxtaposition of the US and Ghana woefully incomplete .The majority of public schools lack basic infrastructure, adequate teaching staff, or food and are over populated.

   In 1961, the government made school compulsory and “free”, but still doesn’t have enough schools for the population, hence there are still 4000 “Schools Under The Trees”.

   Although, “free”, parents must still pay for uniforms, textbooks, food, PTA dues, and printing fees for exams
   There’s a lack of textbooks, desks, toilet facilities, There are no libraries, computer or science labs, there are no school nurses, social workers, IEP, or services for children with physical or learning disabilities, in most schools there are no extracurricular activities, including sports.

   And in the 22,000+ private schools over 300,000 teachers do not have the proper teaching credentials. This is why so many parents struggle to place their wards into private schools.

   Lastly, it’s been my experience that the difference between discipline in the States and Ghana can be traumatic for foreigners. In most Western countries, corporal punishment is forbidden. In Ghana, it’s against the law, but most teachers cane the students regularly.

   1. Thank you for taking the time to share your insights and raise these important points. Your experience within the Ghanaian education sector brings depth to this conversation, and it’s clear that there are many underlying challenges families should be aware of.

      This article was created to answer a specific and frequently asked question from our audience—“How does my child’s U.S. school grade level translate within the Ghanaian system?” It’s an entry point, not a full exposé, but we agree that understanding the broader context, including infrastructure gaps and on-the-ground realities, is absolutely vital.

      We also want to encourage others with real, in-depth knowledge—like yourself—to speak up. These are conversations worth having, especially for diasporans making life-changing decisions about relocating and raising their families in Ghana.

      Thank you again for contributing to the discussion.

      Warm regards,
      Johnathan Lightfoot
      Founder, Listings Pro GH

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