Top 10 Best‑Rated Primary Schools In Zamfara State

Choosing a primary school in Zamfara State is a big decision. Parents across Gusau, Anka, Talata Mafara (and other LGAs) are increasingly prioritizing institutions offering strong academics, moral values, and safe, structured environments—ideally at affordable fees. Here's an in-depth look at the Top 10 Best‑Rated Primary Schools in Zamfara State, selected for their commitment to holistic education and relevance to Nigerian families.

The Top 10 Primary Schools in Zamfara State

Based on credible sources from Emmason247 and state school directories, these schools frequently rank highly in Zamfara’s educational landscape.

1. Government Secondary School (Primary Section), Gusau

Often considered the benchmark public primary in Gusau, offering a comprehensive national curriculum, qualified teachers, and a nurturing environment with focus on discipline and critical thinking.

2. Federal Government College, Anka (Primary Section)

A Unity School primary section known for academic excellence, character formation, and extracurricular opportunities alongside federal curriculum support.

3. Elkanemi College, Gusau (Primary Section)

Features a strong academic program, experienced staff, and supportive learning environment. Recognized for well-rounded development through both core subjects and extracurricular activities.

4. Arab Academy, Gusau

Focuses on core academics integrated with moral values and character building. Maintains a conducive learning atmosphere rooted in discipline and parental approval.

5. Model Primary School, Gusau

Part of Zamfara’s model school initiative, this public school delivers reliable resources, better staff support, and improved standard classrooms—ideal for parents seeking low-cost, quality public schooling.

6. College of Arts and Islamic Studies Primary, Talata Mafara

Combines academic curriculum with Islamic Studies, reinforcing both educational and cultural values. A balanced school known for combining morals with mainstream subjects.

7. Army Children School, Gusau (Primary)

Run by military authorities, this school emphasizes discipline, academic excellence, and extracurricular support—especially strong for children of military families or parents seeking structured environments.

8. St. Steven’s Primary School, Gusau

A respected private school with strong academics, arts and sports programs, and community reputation for building confidence and critical thinking in young learners.

9. Crescent Nursery & Primary School, Gusau

Well-known for early years education, structured foundation stage programs, reading culture, and nurturing environment that makes it ideal for younger children transitioning into formal schooling.

10. Makera Primary School, Gusau

Offers a dependable curriculum, supportive teaching, and balanced extracurricular activities. Known in local directories for strong academic outcomes and positive school culture.

In-Depth Profiles & Facilities Highlights

Government and Model Primary Schools

Curriculum: Nigerian National Curriculum

Strengths: Low fees, public accountability, structured routines.

Facilities: Basic classroom blocks, playgrounds, often part of model school upgrades.

Ideal where affordability and official curriculum matter.

Federal College Anka & Army Children School

Curriculum: High-standard national curriculum with enrichment clubs and events.

Features: Organised classrooms, extracurricular activities, holiday programs.

Preferred for disciplined study environments and federal sponsorship.

Elkanemi College & Arab Academy

Approach: Academic focus with moral/traditional training.

Teachers: Qualified and community-oriented.

Activities: Debates, sports, cultural events—help build confident pupils.

St. Steven’s, Crescent & Makera Schools

Style: Smaller classes, parent-engaged environment, early literacy emphasis.

Programs: Reading corners, phonics classes, creative arts, foundational numeracy.

Suited for early years and incremental academic growth.

Zamfara State Educational Context & Local Flair

Educational quality in Zamfara varies. While free universal primary education exists, challenges like overcrowded classrooms, inadequate infrastructure, and teacher shortages remain common—especially in rural areas.

Many urban parents now turn to recognized private or model schools offering structured classrooms, smaller teacher-to-student ratios, and dependable learning environments.

In Gusau, model schools and Unity College primaries are attractive because they combine public credibility with better resources. Parents from Anka and Talata Mafara travel into Gusau for admissions into leading public or private schools. Islamic instruction remains important in many communities, making schools like College of Arts & Islamic Studies widely appealing.

Security remains a concern—Zamfara is in Nigeria’s northwest and has experienced school kidnappings in past years (e.g. Jangebe incident)—leading parents to prioritize schools with perceived safety and community oversight.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q1: Which schools are most affordable yet reliable?

Government Secondary School Gusau, Model Primary School Gusau, and Makera Primary offer dependable education at minimal cost.

Q2: Are there Islamic curriculum-integrated schools?

Yes—College of Arts and Islamic Studies, Talata Mafara integrates Quranic Studies with mainstream subjects.

Q3: Which schools offer structured discipline and academic rigor?

Federal Government College Anka, Elkanemi College, and Army Children School are known for disciplined environments and committed staff.

Q4: Where is early years focus strongest?

Crescent Nursery & Primary and St. Steven’s Primary offer strong early literacy, creative play, and child-centered pedagogy.

Q5: Should I prioritize public or private options?

Public model schools and Federal Unity College primaries offer quality with low cost. Private schools like St. Steven’s or Makera deliver enhanced class environments and parent engagement—but at modest fees.

Conclusion

Zamfara State offers strong primary school options across public and private systems. Whether you prioritise affordability (Government & Model Primary Schools), structured discipline and federal influence (Federal Government College Anka, Army Children School), moral and academic integration (Elkanemi College, College of Arts & Islamic Studies), or child-centric learning for early years (Crescent, St. Steven’s), there’s a school to match your family’s priorities.

These Top 10 schools stand out in Zamfara State—offering quality, infrastructure, values orientation, and local relevance for your child’s first stepping stone in education.