Cairo American College

Cairo, Egypt

About Cairo American College: Cairo American College, also known as CAC, is a well established international school in Egypt. It’s got one of the best reputations for international schools in Egypt.

School Mission: Cairo American College (CAC) is dedicated to delivering exceptional education in a diverse and caring community. Guided by its mission to “Learn, explore, and have fun” . The school fosters a dynamic learning environment. Students are inspired to grow academically, socially, and personally.

Check out the school’s website for further information and job opportunities.

ITF Review
(Based on Independent Research)

Would you recommend this school to other teaching families?

Recommend – the school itself has a solid reputation and the benefits offered are very family friendly. That said, Egypt itself is a challenging place to live and we recommend careful consideration if you’re moving with your family to this area

Overall compensation package rating

Excellent – with tuition and housing allowances, private healthcare and a good retirement plan the school offers the ability to save and live a comfortable lifestyle

Tuition benefits

Full tuition is provided for dependent children

Housing

There’s some conflicting information about housing allowances based on our research

Some sources say a housing allowance is provided while others say fully furnished housing is provided by the school

Either way – it appears housing costs are covered (fully or partially) by the school for families

Flights

A yearly flight allowance is provided for the entire family

Healthcare

The package includes a private healthcare scheme for the whole family

Adjustment for kids

With close to 1,000 students, the majority of which are international, kids typically settle well and quickly at this school

Staff are also predominantly international (approximately 80%)

Average class sizes

Class sizes are small, ranging between 16 to 18 across all year levels

Teaching experience required

To teach at this school, you’re required to have a minimum of three years teaching experience. You’ll also need to hold formal teaching qualifications and/or certification from your home country (e.g. Bachelor’s degree and teaching license)

Curriculum

American, AP, International Baccalaureate (DP)

Retirement/pension benefits

The school pays into a private pension scheme, with teachers’ required to pay 10% which is matched by the school

School history & stability

The school is well established, opening its doors back in 1945

Cairo American School – Additional Benefits

  • Staff accommodation benefit
  • Annual flight allowance
  • Relocation allowance
  • Laptop for work
  • Low tax rate of 15%
  • Only 2 hours of extracurricular required per week

What Teachers are Saying About Cairo American School

The whole school environment creates an intimate community for teachers and families. The currency really makes the salary go far – this is a place where you can save. In the secondary school you’re given a lot of autonomy as a teacher, which is great.

CURRENT INTERNATIONAL TEACHER, CAC

Cairo American College is the best school in terms of package, conditions, etc.

CURRENT INTERNATIONAL TEACHER, EGYPT

I taught in Cairo for over 10 years. The only school I would return to in Egypt is Cairo American College. The school offers vast resources, a mixed student population, and a good range of extracurricular activities. All other schools in Cairo range from mediocre to horrible.

EX INTERNATIONAL TEACHER, EGYPT
Historic mosque in Cairo featuring domes and minarets
Street scene in old Cairo, Egpyt - locals navigating in a market
Tourists riding camels near the pyramids of Giza in Egypt - a sight you can expect to see if you choose to work at the Cairo American School

The biggest issue many teachers face is understanding the Egyptian style of management. You really need to be flexible and adaptable, otherwise it’ll be a tough ride.

CURRENT INTERNATIONAL TEACHER, EGYPT

Take it from someone who spent two years teaching in Cairo. Don’t do it.

EX INTERNATIONAL TEACHER, EGYPT

Living in Cairo is definitely not for everyone. But living in Maadi and working at CAC is a reasonably good situation if you’re considering Egypt.

CURRENT INTERNATIONAL TEACHER, EGYPT

Safety, Adaptability & Cost of Living

  • Safety: Fair to Moderate – Cairo is generally safe for expats, especially if you live in well-established neighborhoods like Maadi (which is popular with teachers and expats). Like any major city, petty crime occurs, and you should avoid large political demonstrations. If you take common-sense precautions, you should be able to live securely and comfortably.
  • Adaptability: Moderate – Cairo offers a unique blend of ancient history and modern life. The city is busy and loud, and it definitely feels chaotic and overwhelming at first. Thankfully, the expat community is well-established and supportive. English is widely spoken. Be aware that traffic, air quality, and bureaucracy can take some getting used to.
  • Cost of Living: Moderate to Low – Day-to-day living in Cairo is affordable, particularly groceries, transport, and domestic help. Imported goods can be expensive, but with your teaching package it should allow for a good quality of life and potential savings.

General Overview for Teaching Families

Cairo American College (CAC) is one of the oldest and most respected international schools in the Middle East. The school offers a strong package for teaching families and a history of high-quality education.

Located in the well-established expat suburb of Maadi, the school was founded in 1945 and has built a reputation for academic excellence, community values, and a broad extracurricular program. With over 800 students and a mostly international teaching staff, CAC offers a U.S.-based curriculum that includes the Advanced Placement Program (AP) and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). Class sizes are small and, according to our research, diverse.

For teachers with families, the benefits are excellent. You can expect full tuition for all of your dependent children, furnished housing (or a housing allowance – information is conflicting online), annual flights, private healthcare, pension contributions, and a salary that can comfortably support a family . You’ll also have the ability to save, although how much obviously depends on the the type of lifestyle you choose.

The school community is tight-knit and welcoming, and the neighborhood offers green spaces, international supermarkets, and easy access to cultural experiences across Cairo.

On the downside, the city’s air pollution, traffic congestion, and bureaucratic hurdles definitely take some adjusting to.

If you’re looking for for a well-established school in Egypt with a supportive package, CAC is a solid choice for the region.

Do you currently teach at CAC? Get in touch to share your experience!

Latest from the Blog (For Teachers)