Finding the best secondary school in Rivers State isn’t as easy as walking down the street and picking the biggest building. Top 10 Best Secondary Schools in Rivers State If you’re like most parents I speak with, you want a school that offers more than grades. You want safety, discipline, results, and a place where your child can develop good values, confidence, and skills for the future.
Rivers State, with its capital in Port Harcourt, has long had a reputation for strong education. The state is home to some of Nigeria’s most respected schools—both public and private—that have produced top-performing students in WAEC, NECO, and international exams.
In this article, we break down the top 10 best secondary schools in Rivers State, with insights on what makes each school stand out. Whether you’re a parent, guardian, or student, this guide will help you make a smart, informed decision.
Why Choosing the Right Secondary School in Rivers State Matters
A school does more than just teach maths and science. It shapes character, builds discipline, and gives your child the tools to succeed in life. In Rivers State, where competition is fierce and opportunities are growing, choosing the right school sets the tone for your child’s future.
The best secondary schools in Rivers State have a few things in common:
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 Strong WAEC/NECO performance
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 Highly trained and motivated teachers
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 Excellent facilities for science, technology, and the arts
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 Safe and structured environments
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 Extra-curricular activities that build leadership and creativity
At LearnHub.com.ng, our goal is to help parents avoid trial and error by recommending schools that are tested, trusted, and proven.
Top 10 Best Secondary Schools in Rivers State
1. Graceland International School, Port Harcourt
Graceland consistently ranks as the best secondary school in Rivers State. Known for its academic excellence, discipline, and moral upbringing, the school has produced some of the top WAEC results in the state year after year.
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WAEC/NECO Excellence: Consistently among the top performers nationwide.
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 Modern facilities for science and technology.
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 Offers both boarding and day school options.
Parents love Graceland because of its structured environment, balanced moral training, and strong alumni network.
2. Charles Dale Memorial International School, Port Harcourt
Charles Dale offers a blend of British and Nigerian curricula, preparing students for both local and international opportunities. It’s one of the most sought-after schools in the state for parents aiming for global exposure.
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🇬🇧 British + 🇳🇬 Nigerian curriculum
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 Excellent infrastructure and serene campus
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 Small class sizes for personalized attention
Charles Dale is known for academic rigor, discipline, and producing confident students who thrive abroad.
3. Brookstone Secondary School, Port Harcourt
Brookstone stands out for its innovation and emphasis on technology-driven education. The school blends academics with sports and leadership training, ensuring students are well-rounded.
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 British and Nigerian curriculum options
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 Excellent sports and extracurricular programs
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 High academic performance with impressive WAEC and Cambridge results
Brookstone students often gain admission into top universities in Nigeria, the UK, the US, and Canada.
4. Jephthah Comprehensive Secondary School, Port Harcourt
Jephthah is a Christian-based boarding school known for combining discipline, moral values, and strong academics.
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 Emphasis on Christian values and discipline
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 Excellent WAEC/NECO track record
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 Fully boarding environment
Parents who value moral training alongside academics often find Jephthah a perfect fit for their children.
5. Nigerian Navy Secondary School, Borokiri, Port Harcourt
This is one of the best federal government-owned schools in Rivers State. It combines military discipline with a strong academic curriculum.
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 Discipline-focused education
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 High WAEC success rate
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 More affordable compared to many private schools
The Nigerian Navy Secondary School is ideal for parents seeking quality education with a structured, military-style environment.
6. Brainfield Secondary School, Port Harcourt
Brainfield balances academic excellence with modern teaching methods and leadership development.
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 Offers both Cambridge and Nigerian curricula
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 Leadership-focused programs
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 Modern facilities and technology-enabled learning
Brainfield has a growing reputation for producing confident, articulate, and academically strong graduates.
7. Ave Maria International Academy, Port Harcourt
Ave Maria stands out for its well-rounded approach to education, blending science, moral training, and academic excellence.
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 Excellent science labs and ICT facilities
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 Strong moral and academic balance
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 Rapidly growing reputation
The school is becoming a favorite among parents seeking balanced education without overwhelming costs.
8. Royal Girls Academy, Port Harcourt
Royal Girls Academy is a leading all-girls school in Rivers State. It focuses on academic rigor, discipline, and preparing young women for leadership.
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 All-girls environment
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 Consistently good WAEC results
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 Leadership and moral training
It’s the go-to choice for parents who want their daughters to thrive in a structured and empowering environment.
9. Shalom International Secondary School, Port Harcourt
Shalom offers quality education at an affordable rate, blending strong academics with character development.
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 Discipline-focused system
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 Excellent WAEC/NECO performance
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 Balanced extracurricular activities
Shalom has steadily built its reputation as a solid choice for parents who want great value without compromising quality.
10. Crestforth International School, Port Harcourt
Crestforth focuses on modern teaching methods, Cambridge curriculum options, and a nurturing environment.
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 Technology-driven classrooms
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 Cambridge curriculum available
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 Consistent academic performance
It’s a great pick for parents looking for a forward-thinking, internationally aligned school.
 Summary of Rankings
| Rank | School Name | Type | Known For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Graceland International School | Private | WAEC excellence, moral values |
| 2 | Charles Dale Memorial Int’l School | Private | British & Nigerian curriculum |
| 3 | Brookstone Secondary School | Private | Innovation, sports, academics |
| 4 | Jephthah Comprehensive School | Private/Christian | Morals, discipline, WAEC success |
| 5 | Nigerian Navy Secondary School | Federal/Military | Discipline, strong academics |
| 6 | Brainfield Secondary School | Private | Leadership, modern learning |
| 7 | Ave Maria International Academy | Private | Science labs, morals, academics |
| 8 | Royal Girls Academy | Private (Girls) | Discipline, academics, leadership |
| 9 | Shalom International Secondary School | Private | Character building, academics |
| 10 | Crestforth International School | Private | ICT focus, Cambridge curriculum |
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Top 10 best secondary schools in Rivers State ranking chart
 What to Look for When Choosing a Secondary School
If you’re still not sure how to choose, here are the core factors I always recommend parents focus on:
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Academic performance (WAEC, NECO, international exams)
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Facilities for science, ICT, sports, and arts
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Teacher qualifications and experience
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Boarding vs. day options
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School safety and security measures
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Discipline and moral values
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Alumni success stories and reputation
Taking the time to research these factors will help you make a confident, informed choice.
Why LearnHub.com.ng Is Your Best Resource
Parents often waste months hopping from one school to another without clear information. LearnHub.com.ng makes it easy. From WAEC resources to school rankings to scholarship updates, we’re your trusted guide for smarter school decisions.
Instead of guessing, visit LearnHub.com.ng for up-to-date school rankings, admission news, and expert education tips tailored for Nigerian parents.
FAQs About the Best Secondary Schools in Rivers State
Q: Are public schools in Rivers State as good as private schools?
Some public schools perform well, but many parents prefer private schools for smaller class sizes, better facilities, and more consistent academic results.
Q: How much are school fees in Port Harcourt?
Fees range from ₦200,000 to ₦4 million per term, depending on the school’s standard and curriculum.
Q: When do admissions open?
Most top schools open admissions between January and May for the September session.
Q: Do Rivers State schools offer international opportunities?
Yes. Schools like Brookstone and Charles Dale prepare students for UK, US, and Canadian universities, with many offering Cambridge or British curricula.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best secondary school in Rivers State isn’t about picking the flashiest campus. It’s about finding a place where your child will thrive academically, morally, and socially.
Use this list as your trusted guide, and don’t forget to visit LearnHub.com.ng for updates on entrance exams, admission guides, and education tips.
The right school is more than a choice—it’s an investment in your child’s future.
