Finding the best English medium schools near you in Dhaka is one of the most common concerns for parents today. Location in Dhaka directly affects commute time, safety, academic environment, and even student performance.
This 2026 guide helps parents shortlist schools in Gulshan, Bashundhara, Dhanmondi, and Uttara using verified institutional data and official sources.
Why Area Based Shortlisting Matters in Dhaka
Dhaka traffic congestion significantly impacts school commute time. Long travel hours can reduce study efficiency and increase stress.
Parents should evaluate:
- Distance from home
- Peak traffic travel time
- Safety of surrounding neighborhood
- Academic ecosystem in the area
According to Bangladesh Road Transport Authority and Dhaka traffic studies, commute times during peak hours can double in major residential zones
Choosing a school within your residential cluster reduces fatigue and improves routine consistency.
Step by Step Method to Shortlist Schools
Step 1: Identify Curriculum
Most English medium schools in Dhaka follow the Cambridge International curriculum.
Cambridge O Level and A Level qualifications are internationally recognized and accepted by universities worldwide, according to Cambridge Assessment International Education.
Source: https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/programmes-and-qualifications/
Step 2: Verify School Authorization
Always confirm a school is officially registered as a Cambridge school through the Cambridge International School search directory
Step 3: Compare Facilities and Academic Offerings
Check:
- Subject availability
- Science lab facilities
- Student teacher ratio
- Extracurricular activities
Step 4: Evaluate Commute Practicality
A school 20 minutes away in off peak hours may take 60 minutes during peak traffic.
Area Wise Shortlisting in Dhaka
English Medium Schools in Gulshan
Gulshan is known for premium international and English medium institutions.
Notable Schools in Gulshan
- Manarat Dhaka International School & College (MDIC)
Official Website: http://www.manaratcollege.edu.bd/
Curriculum: Cambridge - Springdale International School
Official Website: https://springdaledhaka.org/
Curriculum: Inquiry‑based international curriculum (often associated with international/IB‑style but check with school for specific exam board)
Parents searching for an English medium school near Gulshan typically prioritize international exposure and global university pathways.
Typical Characteristics in Gulshan
- Higher tuition range
- Strong expatriate presence
- IB and Cambridge availability
IB programmes are internationally recognized for global university admissions
English Medium Schools in Bashundhara
Bashundhara Residential Area has rapidly developed into an academic hub.
Notable Schools in Bashundhara
- Canadian Maple International School
Official Website: https://cmis.com.bd/
Curriculum: Cambridge - Playpen School
Official Website: https://playpen.edu.bd/
Curriculum: Cambridge - International School Dhaka
Official Website: https://www.isdbd.org/
Curriculum: IB Programme
International School Dhaka offers the IB Programme, which is globally recognized for university admissions across multiple countries.
source: https://www.ibo.org/programmes/find-an-ib-school/
Parents searching for an English medium school near bashundhara often look for modern infrastructure and a balanced tuition range.
Why Bashundhara Appeals to Parents
- Planned residential layout
- Newer campus facilities
- Growing academic competition
English Medium Schools in Dhanmondi
Dhanmondi has a long standing academic culture.
Notable Schools in Dhanmondi
- Mastermind English Medium School
Official Website: https://www.mastermindschool.org/
Curriculum: Cambridge - Oxford International School
Official Website: https://ois.edu.bd/
Curriculum: Cambridge
Dhanmondi schools often focus on strong O Level and A Level performance.
Cambridge qualifications are benchmarked internationally
English Medium Schools in Uttara
Uttara is expanding rapidly with mid range and premium English medium institutions.
Notable Schools in Uttara
- Scholastica
Official Website: https://www.scholasticabd.com/
Curriculum: Cambridge - DPS STS School Dhaka
Official Website: dpsstsdhaka.org
Curriculum: Cambridge and IB
IB School verification directory: https://www.ibo.org/programmes/find-an-ib-school/
Uttara attracts parents looking for quality education with relatively moderate residential costs.
Area Wise Comparison Table
| Area | Curriculum Options | Fee Positioning | Best For |
| Gulshan | IB and Cambridge | Premium | Global pathways |
| Bashundhara | Cambridge | Mid to Premium | Balanced modern campuses |
| Dhanmondi | Cambridge | Mid to High | Academic rigor |
| Uttara | Cambridge and IB | Mid | Expanding residential families |
Curriculum verification sources: Cambridge International and IB Organization
Where Canadian Maple International School Fits
Canadian Maple International School located in Bashundhara offers Cambridge curriculum as confirmed on its official website
For parents residing in Bashundhara or nearby areas, CMIS offers:
- Cambridge academic pathway
- Accessible location
- Balanced tuition positioning compared to Gulshan based premium schools
Location aligned selection reduces commute burden and enhances daily routine stability.
Common Mistakes Parents Make
- Choosing only based on brand name
- Ignoring traffic patterns
- Not verifying official curriculum registration
- Overlooking long term university goals
Always confirm curriculum authenticity via official Cambridge or IB listings
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best English medium schools near me in Dhaka area wise?
It depends on your residential zone. Gulshan offers premium IB and Cambridge schools, Bashundhara offers growing Cambridge institutions including CMIS, Dhanmondi emphasizes academic performance, and Uttara provides expanding mid range options.
Which area has the highest concentration of English medium schools?
Gulshan and Dhanmondi historically have higher concentration of established institutions
Is Bashundhara good for English medium education?
Yes. Bashundhara hosts several Cambridge schools including Canadian Maple International School
Are Gulshan schools more expensive?
Generally yes, due to IB programmes and expatriate demand
How important is commute time in Dhaka?
Traffic studies indicate peak hour delays significantly impact daily travel duration
Final Thoughts
Shortlisting the best English medium schools near you in Dhaka area wise requires balancing location, curriculum authenticity, commute time, and long term academic goals.
For parents in Bashundhara and nearby areas, Canadian Maple International School offers a Cambridge aligned pathway with location convenience.
Careful area based evaluation ensures both academic success and daily lifestyle balance.