Top 10 Best‑Rated Primary Schools In Edo State

Edo State, especially Benin City, has emerged as a hub of educational excellence in Nigeria. With progressive programmes like EdoBEST, public schools now rank globally in foundational literacy and numeracy in record time . But private institutions complement these public efforts, with many consistently rated at the top for facilities, teaching quality, and student performance. Below is a curated list of the Top 10 primary schools in Edo State (including some preschool‑primary combos), based on online rankings, local directories, and educational platforms.

1. Dominion Nursery & Primary School – Benin City

Located at Kenneth Ihensekhien Street, Ebo G.R.A., Dominion is known for high academic standards, well‑structured curriculum, and strong infrastructure . Parents praise its disciplined approach and emphasis on early learning milestones.

2. Our Lady of Apostles (O.L.A) Nursery & Primary School – Benin City

This Catholic institution on Airport Road upholds strong values, disciplined conduct, and academic rigour. With effective supervision and tailored student support, O.L.A remains one of the most sought‑after primary schools.

3. Ewuare Primary School – Benin City

Ewuare Primary boasts a dedicated academic environment with supervision mechanisms that support high learning standards. Many parents appreciate its focused teaching approach and nurturing classrooms.

4. Brother Pius Nursery & Primary School – Benin City

Characterised by a library and research centre for pupils, Brother Pius offers an academically stimulating environment. Its infrastructure supports both literacy and scientific thinking from early years.

5. Joy Nursery & Primary School – Benin City

Located off Benin‑Sapele Road, Joy Nursery and Primary is celebrated for its energetic, child‑centered teaching approach. It promotes a friendly, engaging learning environment for early learners.

6. Minabell International School – Ikpoba Hill, Benin City

Minabell encourages play‑based learning and recreational activities, blending academics with creativity. Its mixed curriculum focuses on holistic development beyond core subjects.

7. Auntie Maria Nursery & Primary School – Benin City

Founded in 1974, Auntie Maria School is a respected mixed‑gender institution with over 500 pupils and a strong reputation for academic excellence and character building. It offers Nursery through Primary, overseen by qualified staff and Ministry‑accredited curriculum.

8. Nosakhare Model Educational Centre – Benin City

Established in 1996, Nosakhare offers both Montessori and small‑group sections. Its progressive teaching methods and inclusive environment for Nursery and Primary students make it a top performer among private schools in the state.

9. Charryville Academy – Benin City

Charryville Academy is a private co‑educational school located in G.R.A., Benin City. Known for its modern facilities and supportive classroom ambience, it is consistently rated among the top nursery‑primary schools in Benin City.

10. Domdest National Schools – Benin City

Positioned along Benin Bye‑Pass, Iguomon Quarter, Domdest offers Nursery, Primary, and Secondary levels in a conducive learning environment. It is praised for academic discipline, extracurricular engagement, and effective parent‑teacher partnership.

Honorable Mentions

Coat of Comfort Learning Centre — Known for early milestones and family‑oriented teaching. Featured among Top 5 private primary schools in Benin by SchoolsCompassBlog.

The Lush Academy — A flipped‑classroom, tech‑forward model with broad‑based learning built for modern learners.

Skylark Schools, Quincy Academy Montessori, and Jevoir International British School made top lists for approach and curriculum fit.

Why They Made the List

1. Facilities & Infrastructure

Most of these schools boast well‑equipped classrooms, libraries, computer labs, playgrounds, and staff trained to foster active learning.

Examples: research centre at Brother Pius; Montessori rooms at Nosakhare; modern GRA campuses like Charryville.

2. Teaching Quality & Curriculum

These schools employ certified, experienced teachers trained in inclusive, student‑centred pedagogy. Many integrate creative methodologies (e.g., Montessori, flipped classrooms, activity‑based learning).

Examples: Nosakhare’s Montessori method; Lush Academy’s flipped model; Minabell’s recreational integration.

3. Learning Outcomes

Although EdoBEST dramatically boosted public school results—such as pupils reading 180+ words per minute in rural schools—these private schools maintain high academic performance and consistency across exams and fluency tests.

4. Reputation & Longevity

Established schools like Auntie Maria (since 1974) and Nosakhare (since 1996) bring legacy, stability, and a track record of producing confident primary grads. Newer brands like Lush and Coat of Comfort have quickly gained traction through quality delivery.

5. Parent & Community Feedback

Listings such as Finelib.com and Fastknowres include reviews praising discipline, safety, communication, and value-for-money ethos at these institutions.

Overview Table

Rank School Name Location Notable Strengths

1 Dominion Nursery & Primary G.R.A., Benin City Academic rigor, infrastructure

2 O.L.A Nursery & Primary Ogogugbo, Benin City Values-based curriculum, disciplined environment

3 Ewuare Primary School Okhokhugbo, Benin City Close supervision, structured learning

4 Brother Pius Nursery & Primary Benin City Library/resource centre, academic support

5 Joy Nursery & Primary Oka, Benin City Energetic, fun learning atmosphere

6 Minabell International School Ikpoba Hill Play and academic balance, creative lessons

7 Auntie Maria Nursery & Primary Siluko Road, Benin Long-standing reputation, holistic education

8 Nosakhare Model Educational Centre Upper Mission Rd, Benin Montessori & small group pedagogy, inclusive ethos

9 Charryville Academy Ugbor Village Rd, Benin Modern facilities, tech-ready facilities

10 Domdest National Schools Iguomon Quarters, Benin Coed, full-spectrum curriculum, supportive community

Spotlight: Public vs Private Mix and EdoBEST Impact

The EdoBEST programme, launched organization-wide across thousands of public primary schools, has transformed foundational literacy and numeracy in state‑run institutions. In just a few years, children reached near international reading fluency levels—pupils in rural schools achieving ~189 words/minute in reading can outperform peers in high‑income countries.

This success has made public schools competitive with private ones, providing quality alternatives for families across socio‑economic backgrounds. That said, private schools offer smaller class sizes, specialised learning (e.g. Montessori), and often more rigorous facilities, making them attractive for families seeking either educational acceleration or continuity.

Choosing the Right School: Key Factors

When selecting the ideal primary school in Edo State, consider:

1. Location & Convenience – proximity matters for younger pupils.

2. Curriculum Fit – do you prefer Montessori, British‑style curriculum, or activity‑based learning?

3. Class Size & Teacher Ratio – smaller classes often lead to more attention and support.

4. Facilities & Environment – libraries, play areas, ICT labs can enrich learning.

5. Academic Tracking & Support – schools with mentorship, parent‑teacher feedback systems, and performance tracking.

6. Cost & Value – fees vary widely (from below ₦50k to higher tiers); seek transparency on extra fees.

7. Reputation & Accreditation – ensure Ministry or NAPPS certification, as well as history of strong outcomes.

Stories & Testimonials

Public School Success: Owina Primary School, Idunmwowina

Under the EdoBEST reform, pupil Florence Patrick, aged 10, achieved 189 wpm in a reading competition—surpassing international norms. She competed alongside peers from across rural and urban schools, demonstrating the breadth and depth of the reform’s impact.

Professional development initiatives like the EdoBEST Induction Training have upskilled teachers, equipping them with innovative teaching methodologies that reinforce learning and aid in closing performance gaps between private and public institutions.

A Note for Parents

For public‑school affordability with strong outcomes, EdoBEST‑led institutions now offer quality that rivals older private schools.

If you prioritize specialty pedagogy or personalised learning, top private schools like Nosakhare, Auntie Maria, or Charryville may better suit your child.

For value-conscious choice with modern amenities, institutions like Joy, Minabell, and Coat of Comfort offer dynamic campuses with engaging pedagogy — often at lower fees.

Final Thoughts

Edo State is on an exciting trajectory of education transformation. From government-led literacy initiatives that benchmark public schools on a global scale, to decades-old private institutions delivering rigorous curricula, the state offers a diverse mix of quality primary education.

The Top 10 schools highlighted here—and the honourable mentions—reflect excellence, innovation, and parental satisfaction. Whether you're seeking tradition, specialised learning (like Montessori), or modern, flipped-classroom environments, Edo State has options that deliver rich, well‑rounded primary education to set children up for lifelong success.