Top 10 Best‑Rated Primary Schools In Cross River State

Choosing the right primary school is one of a parent’s most important decisions. In Cross River State—a region celebrated for its rich culture, tourism, and emerging educational hubs—many private and government institutions offer diverse learning environments. The right school can spark a lifelong love of learning, critical thinking, and character development. This post highlights the top 10 primary schools in Cross River State, particularly in Calabar, the state capital, which hosts most of its best‑rated institutions.

Methodology & Criteria

Reputation: Based on listings from educational directories like NaijSchools and FineLib.

Curriculum Approach: Blend of Montessori, national curriculum, and international standards.

Facilities & Resources: Classrooms, libraries, ICT labs, playgrounds.

Pastoral Care & Inclusivity: Special needs support, moral/spiritual development.

Outcomes & Feedback: Success in external assessments, testimonials from parents/community.

Ranked List

1. Access Pre‑Primary & Primary School, Calabar

One of the most frequently listed schools in top‑school directories.

Curriculum: Combines national curriculum with extra‑curricular engagement.

Strengths: Well‑trained teachers, emphasis on moral and academic excellence, modern classrooms, and strong parental involvement.

2. Ace Elementary School, Calabar

Consistently top‑ranked among primary schools in Calabar and across the state.

Curriculum: National curriculum infused with Montessori-style pedagogy.

Strengths: Recognized for nurturing a well-rounded child. Known for its modern friendly campus and engaging learning methods.

3. Duke Town School, Calabar

Highly regarded co-educational primary and secondary school with a strong track record.

Curriculum: National curriculum with enrichment programs.

Strengths: Disciplined learning environment, supportive teachers, and consistent academic performance.

4. Hillcrest Special Needs Model Schools, Calabar

Dedicated to inclusive education, this school offers specialized and mainstream classes ─ a rare feature in the region.

Curriculum: Specialized tailored instruction for children with disabilities.

Strengths: Expert faculty, therapeutic support, and an inclusive philosophy.

5. Aunty Lizzy International Daycare Nursery & Primary School, Calabar

A nurturing environment for children aged nursery through primary levels.

Curriculum: Montessori-inspired and holistic early childhood approach.

Strengths: Emphasis on emotional development, play-based learning, and gentle discipline.

6. Blooms ‘n Daisies School, Calabar

Offers early years and primary education with innovation and creativity at its core.

Curriculum: Montessori-leaning curriculum.

Strengths: Bright, stimulating environment; artful lessons; small classes.

7. Bluebells School Calabar

An established center for daycare, preparatory, and primary education 

Curriculum: National curriculum with broad extra‑curriculars.

Strengths: Emphasizes language skills, character formation, and physical activities.

8. Florence Obi Academy, Calabar

Focused on nurturing academic excellence, moral integrity, and social values.

Curriculum: Structured daily lessons balanced with arts, sports.

Strengths: Qualified teachers, good discipline, and community involvement.

9. Grid Academy, Calabar

Known for its productive and enjoyable learning atmosphere.

Curriculum: Balanced academic and practical learning.

Strengths: Student-centered pedagogy, modern facilities, parent engagement.

10. NAOWA Schools, Calabar

Operated by the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association; recognized for discipline and quality teaching.

Curriculum: National curriculum delivered in structured, systematic form.

Strengths: Highly trained staff, secure environment, well‑maintained campus.

Honourable Mentions

These schools, while not in the top 10 list above, are notable and have excellent reputations across Cross River:

Harryfield Montessori School (Calabar): Leading Montessori school of choice in the city, often ranked #1 in business listings for Calabar primary schools.

Surefoot International School: International boarding/day school with inclusive education programs, strong Christian values, and consistent IGCSE/WASSCE success.

MaryGold International School: Follows high international standards, boarding/day school with modern learning amenities.

St Anne’s Private School and Tender Hearts School: Known for calm learning environments, sports, arts, and pastoral care infrastructures.

Virtuous College and Danglad International: Featured in business‑directory lists as strong performers in Calabar primary education.

Detailed Profiles & Comparison

Rank School Location Curriculum Stand‑Out Features

1 Access Pre‑Primary & Primary School Calabar National + extra‑curricular Strong academics, moral focus, modern campus  

2 Ace Elementary School Calabar National + Montessori Nurturing environment, well‑trained staff 

3 Duke Town School Calabar National Academic record, discipline, supportive environment

4 Hillcrest Special Needs Model Calabar National + Special needs Inclusive, therapeutic, tailored learning

5 Aunty Lizzy Int. Daycare & Primary Calabar Montessori + National Gentle early childhood, play‑based learning

6 Blooms ‘n Daisies School Calabar Montessori‑style Creative, small classes, child‑centered play

7 Bluebells School Calabar Calabar National Language focus, balanced curriculum

8 Florence Obi Academy Calabar National Values‑based instruction, parental engagement

9 Grid Academy Calabar National Positive learning culture, engaging pedagogy

10 NAOWA Schools Calabar National Security, disciplined environment, uniform quality

Why Calabar Covers the Top Institutions

Cross River State’s capital, Calabar, has a concentration of private schools with international affiliations, structured pedagogy, and infrastructure investment. Most of the top‑ranked schools are in Calabar simply because:

1. Higher demand: Urban parents prioritize strong educational foundations.

2. Better resources: Calabar private schools often enjoy better funding, modern facilities, and exposure to international curricula.

3. Well recognized: Those schools frequently appear in directories, rankings, and receive consistent positive feedback.

How Each School Stands Out

Access Pre‑Primary & Primary School

Leaders in community schooling and consistently included in “best‑of” lists.

Offers strong parental engagement, clean campus, and academic focus with discipline.

Ace Elementary School

Frequently ranked city‑wide and statewide as a premier primary institution.

Combines Montessori methods for younger learners and rigorous academics for older ones.

Duke Town School

Longstanding reputation for producing academically successful pupils.

Well‑structured school days and enrichment beyond basic curriculum.

Hillcrest Special Needs Model Schools

Recognized for inclusivity—rare in Cross River—and strong support services.

Suitable for families with children requiring specialized instruction.

Aunty Lizzy & Blooms ‘n Daisies

Both emphasize early childhood education, nurturing, and creative methodologies rather than rote learning.

Bluebells & Florence Obi

Known for balanced academics, arts, spiritual grounding, and parent‑teacher partnerships.

Grid Academy

Prioritizes an engaging, enjoyable learning environment—often used to describe its ethos.

NAOWA Schools

Military‑community run—a trusted, secure option with disciplined structure and fairly consistent academic standards.

Parent Testimonials & Community Feedback

While there’s limited direct online reviews, a few common themes emerge:

Parents of Ace and Access Schools often praise the nurturing, well‑balanced approach—“modern, caring, and effective.”

Harryfield Montessori, while not in NaijSchools’ top‑11 list, frequently tops business directories and is often mentioned as Calabar’s #1 Montessori facility.

Hillcrest is regularly cited in listings not just for primary but also its special needs focus—a factor that distinguishes it regionally.

Tips for Parents Evaluating Options

1. Visit the school in person: Tour classrooms, meet teachers, observe interactions.

2. Ask about teacher qualifications: Especially for curriculum areas like early literacy, numeracy, and special needs.

3. Review the curriculum mix: Some blend Montessori or international standards; others rely on Nigeria’s national curriculum.

4. Check class size: Small classes (20–30) are more common in private schools; larger classes may indicate different dynamics.

5. Examine extras: Are ICT, sports, arts, reading programs, or inclusive practices supported?

6. Understand fees, session rhythm, and holidays: Most private schools follow a three‑term system—typically starting in September and running through June–July with breaks.

7. Security & discipline: Particularly important in larger urban centers—schools like NAOWA score high here.

Looking Beyond Calabar: Other LGAs & Towns

While most top schools are in Calabar, families outside the capital may consider:

St Joseph’s School, Ugep: A mixed boarding/nursery‑primary institution in Yakurr LGA; known in Ugep region for academic performance.

All Saints Presbyterian Academy (ASPA), Ugep: Recognized regionally for strong academic foundation.

Community primary schools also listed in Yala, Ikom, etc., but lack reviews or quality ratings online.

Statewide Educational Initiatives

It’s worth noting that under the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and Jolly Phonics initiative, Cross River State was recognized in 2019 as the best performing state in early literacy assessments across Nigeria, among public primary schools in grades P1–P3 . This suggests some public schools deliver quality foundational learning as well.

Conclusion

Selecting a primary school in Cross River State requires balancing academic rigour, teaching style, values, inclusivity, and resources. Based on directories and listings, the top 10 best-rated schools all operate within Calabar and are known for strong academic standards, positive reviews, and structured learning environments:

1. Access Pre‑Primary & Primary

2. Ace Elementary

3. Duke Town School

4. Hillcrest Special Needs Model

5. Aunty Lizzy Daycare & Primary

6. Blooms ‘n Daisies School

7. Bluebells School

8. Florence Obi Academy

9. Grid Academy

10. NAOWA Schools

Each has its strengths—some excel at early childhood education, others at inclusive or academic approaches. Harryfield Montessori, though not on NaijSchools’ top‑11, consistently ranks in business listings as Calabar’s premier Montessori institution and merits consideration for parents prioritizing that style.

Honourable mentions such as Surefoot International, MaryGold, Virtuous College, and St Anne’s highlight that Cross River hosts a range of schools offering IGCSE, inclusive, Christian‑based, and boarding environments.

Final Thoughts

Visit before enrolling: On‑site impressions of classes, facilities, and warmth matter.

Ask questions: Curriculum, teacher training, class size, inclusivity, fees, extra‑curriculars.

Check local options if not in Calabar: Regions like Ugep have reputable schools worthy of exploration.