Dwight School to Open First African Campus in Cairo in 2026

NEW YORK, NY – February 18, 2026 – The global landscape of premium education is set to shift as the historic Dwight School network announced its expansion into Africa with a new campus in Cairo, Egypt. Scheduled to open its doors in September 2026, Dwight School Cairo marks a significant milestone for the 154-year-old institution, representing its first physical school on the continent and a deepening of its presence in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

The venture is a strategic partnership with the Al-Futtaim Education Foundation (AFEF), a prominent not-for-profit organization known for its commitment to advancing educational standards in the region. The new school aims to blend Dwight's globally recognized educational philosophy with Egypt's rich cultural and intellectual heritage.

"For over five decades, I've witnessed how education transforms lives when it is personal, purposeful, and deeply human," said Stephen Spahn, Chancellor of the Dwight Schools, in a statement. "We are proud to partner with Al-Futtaim Education Foundation to bring a world-class education to Egypt. This new school continues our family's legacy of building bridges across cultures and empowering students to make a difference in the world."

A New Player in a Competitive Market

Dwight School Cairo enters a dynamic and increasingly crowded market for international education in Egypt's capital. The city is already home to a host of well-regarded institutions, including Cairo American College (CAC), the British International School Cairo (BISC), and the American International School in Egypt (AISE). These schools cater to a robust demand from both a large expatriate community and affluent Egyptian families seeking globally recognized curricula like the International Baccalaureate (IB), British, and American systems.

Egypt's education sector is experiencing significant growth, driven by a large youth demographic and the government's "Egypt Vision 2030," which prioritizes educational development. Enrollment in private schools is outpacing the public sector, creating a fertile environment for new, high-quality offerings. Dwight will be positioned at the premium end of this market, with tuition fees expected to be in line with other top-tier international schools where annual costs can exceed EGP 800,000 for senior grades.

The school's success will depend on its ability to differentiate itself. It plans to do so through its core mission of "igniting the spark of genius in every child," which is built on a highly personalized approach to learning that has been the hallmark of the Dwight network since its founding in New York in 1872.

The Dwight Philosophy Meets Egyptian Heritage

At the heart of the Dwight model is the comprehensive International Baccalaureate curriculum, which it was the first school in the Americas to offer from preschool through grade 12. Dwight School Cairo will initially open with classes from Pre-K to grade 5, with a phased expansion into middle and high school in subsequent years, eventually offering the full IB continuum (PYP, MYP, and DP).

The school's educational philosophy emphasizes not just academic rigor but also community and a global vision. Students at the Cairo campus will be connected to a worldwide network of peers in New York, London, Seoul, Shanghai, Dubai, and Hanoi. This global network facilitates cross-campus projects, leadership conferences, and cultural exchange programs, offering students a genuinely international experience.

"The network of Dwight-Franklin Schools has always stood for innovation and connection, uniting students, educators, and families across continents in a shared pursuit of excellence," noted Vice Chancellor Dr. Blake Spahn. "With Cairo joining our global network, we are creating new pathways for collaboration and cultural exchange across our campuses."

A Strategic Partnership for Regional Growth

The collaboration with the Al-Futtaim Education Foundation is a critical component of Dwight's entry strategy. AFEF, the not-for-profit arm of the vast Al-Futtaim Group, brings deep regional expertise and a track record of educational investment. The foundation already provides oversight for the highly successful Deira International School and Universal American School in Dubai, both located in Dubai Festival City.

AFEF's involvement signals a long-term commitment to educational development rather than a purely commercial venture. The foundation's mission is to foster academic excellence and prepare students for global citizenship, aligning perfectly with Dwight's own ethos. This partnership model combines Dwight's pedagogical expertise and global brand with AFEF's operational experience and community-focused vision, creating a powerful synergy.

Building for the Future: Campus and Leadership

Located in the modern, upscale development of Cairo Festival City, the state-of-the-art campus is being designed from the ground up to support Dwight's hands-on, inquiry-based learning model. The press release details plans for flexible classrooms, dedicated maker spaces for design and technology, advanced performing arts facilities, and extensive indoor and outdoor sports complexes. The campus architecture is intended to encourage exploration, collaboration, and creativity.

Ensuring the Dwight philosophy is embedded from day one will be the responsibility of founding Head of School, Tom Ferguson. An experienced international educator, Ferguson currently leads Dwight School Seoul, a campus lauded for its strong academic results and vibrant community. His appointment provides continuity and ensures the Cairo school will meet the high standards of the global network. Ferguson's extensive background in IB schools across Asia and his focus on student-centered leadership are seen as key assets for launching the new campus successfully.

This move comes as the Egyptian government actively encourages foreign investment in its education sector. Recent regulatory changes, including the removal of a cap on foreign ownership in private schools, have created a more favorable environment for international institutions. While operators must still navigate local requirements, such as the mandatory teaching of Arabic language and religion, the overall climate is one of welcome for established brands like Dwight that can contribute to the nation's educational goals. The establishment of Dwight School Cairo is poised to be a significant development, offering a new path for students in Egypt to engage with a world-class, globally connected education.