When it comes to education in Nigeria’s south-south, Rivers State is at the forefront with its exemplary list of best-performing schools. Its economy is dominated by the oil industry and vibrant city life, but it doesn’t end there; places like Port Harcourt, in particular, have become a center of learning, grooming the future generation of thinkers, innovators, and leaders. With everything from international curricula to strong moral instructions and world-class learning environments, these schools have distinguished themselves with the quality they provide.
10 Best Secondary Schools in Rivers State
1. Crestforth International School
2. Greenoak International School
3. Bloombreed High School
4. Rivers State University International Secondary School
5. Lintel International School
6. Brainfield Secondary School (Nigeria)
7. Ave Maria International Academy
8. Marygold International School
9. Tantua International Group Of Schools
10. Frontline International School
Best Secondary Schools in Rivers State
Whether you are a parent searching for the best learning setup for your child or simply an interested visitor sifting through the educational landscape in Rivers, this 10 best secondary schools guide to the state will do you justice. Here are institutions that go beyond the classroom to shape confident, well-rounded individuals ready to take over the world.
1. Crestforth International School
Situated on Ambrose O. Ogbonna Avenue, Crestforth International School is more than just a place to learn—it’s a haven for learning. Crestforth International School is famous for its top-class facilities and the care and attention it offers every student. The institution enjoys regular compliments from parents for its calm atmosphere, academic rigor, and its focus on shaping students academically and psychologically.
Crestforth has made a name for itself in churning out students who are not only top performers in exams but also innovative, self-assured, and compassionate.
Location: 10 Ambrose Ogbonna Avenue, Off Stadium Road, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
2. Greenoak International School
Greenoak International School in the secure GRA neighborhood of Port Harcourt is a beacon of academic excellence and all-around development. The institution serves children within the age range of 5 to 17, and operates both as a day and boarding school. Greenoak supports an environment in which students can develop mental, emotional, and moral aspects of growing up.
Elementary and high school students are offered a supportive atmosphere by Greenoak Academy, so they can discover their passions, feel good about themselves, and strive for excellence. Plus, their campuses have all the cool, new stuff that makes learning fun.
Locations: 17, St. Michael’s Crescent, Off Tombia Road Extension, 3rd Street, GRA Phase, Port Harcourt, Rivers State (Secondary and Sixth Form Campus)
3. Bloombreed High School
Bloombreed Schools offers a pioneering schooling experience from birth through secondary school. It is not only marked by academic achievement but by innovation as well. With its distinction as Nigeria’s first Google Reference School, Bloombreed integrates top-shelf technology seamlessly into its classrooms. Its recent TEDx Bloombreed Youth conference in 2025 cemented it as a youth innovation think leader. With schools on Choba Road and Boskel Road, the institution is highly accessible and offers safe, technologically equipped, and engaging learning environments. Beyond textbooks, Bloombreed educates in leadership, creativity, and community service.
Location: 17, Boskel Road, Off Port Harcourt/Aba Expressway, After Eleme Junction (Boarding School)
* Opposite NTA, Off NTA/Choba Road, Port Harcourt, Rivers State (Day School)
4. Rivers State University International Secondary School
Tied to the highly ranked Rivers State University, this secondary school provides a high-quality, disciplined educational experience for students who seek a sound foundation in science, arts, and technology. Less showy than some foreign schools, it is well-regarded and consistently produces top grades. With a nearby university, students are exposed to academic excellence and the potential of future careers early on, and it is a shrewd choice for families concerned with long-term academic success.
Location: RX$J+ Mgbuosimri, Port Harcourt, Rivers
5. Lintel International School
Situated at Mangrove Lane, Woji Artillery, Lintel International School is rooted in holistic excellence. It is an open-minded school that believes every kid can do well, no matter where they come from, if they have the right support. Lintel is accredited for WAEC, NECO, and IGCSE exams. It is known for its diverse curriculum and caring teachers.
The school is not just concerned with academic performance but also the development of character so that students become mature spiritually, emotionally, and socially. With facilities for extra-curricular development—swimming to cultural days—Lintel offers a nurturing and wholesome learning experience.
Location: 2B Mangrove Lane, Off Woji Road, Opposite Genesis Fast Food, Rumurolu, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
6. Brainfield Secondary School (Nigeria)
Brainfield Group of Schools, in operation since 1996, has turned out to be one of the best schools in Rivers State. It was founded by noted educational management expert Prof. (Mrs.) F. N. Obasi, the school has academic discipline and student-centered learning. Brainfield, located on East-West Road, has both Nigerian and international programs. So, it’s a great choice if you want your kids to get a world-class education. The boarding houses also feel like home. The school cares about honesty, hard work, and doing a great job. Their students even get to represent Nigeria at events like the International Children’s Parliament. Brainfield Group of Schools has other branches in Owerri(Imo State), Umuguma (Imo State), and Aba(Abia State)
Location: 63 East-West Road, Eligbolo Street, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
7. Ave Maria International Academy
One of the best schools that makes learning fun with cool tech and professional teachers is Ave Maria International Academy in Port Harcourt. The school lays so much emphasis on moral, spiritual growth, and excellent academic performance..
With top-quality IT infrastructure and full teaching materials, Ave Maria not only informs students of international standards but also trains them to be moral leaders. It is an ideal choice for parents looking for a faith-based yet progressive learning environment.
Location: East West Road, Opposite Deeper Life Bible Church Headquarters, Rumuodara, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
8. Marygold International School
Marygold International School is a famous private school established by Mrs. Janeth Weli and Mr. Obinna in 2002. They have classes all the way from baby care to high school. Marygold operates day and boarding systems and is open to a great diversity of families. The school is known for having well-organized departments such as science, music, ICT, phonics, and vocational studies. These departments work together to give a complete education that helps students learn and experience new things.
Well-known for recruiting quality teachers and enjoying excellent facilities, Marygold International School continues to be a parent’s best option in Port Harcourt for structured, value-based education.
Location: 58 Station Road, Elelenwo, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
9. Tantua International Group Of Schools
Tantua International Group of Schools provides a full curriculum from crèche through nursery, primary, and secondary school levels. The school is known for pushing academic success, and they have professional tutors and a safe learning space. Extracurricular activities such as music, debates, trips, language classes, dance, and martial arts, as well as clubs like taekwondo, chess, drama, and entrepreneurship, are there so kids can learn new things and discover their talents and passions.
The facilities aid the teaching and administration process– a boarding house, sports area, computer centre, nurse’s office, and a well-spaced hall. With Tantua International Group of Schools’ decades-long push for increased standards, however, students are further stimulated with what it takes to excel within and outside of school.
Location: Elekahia Housing Estate, 2nd Avenue, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
10. Frontline International School
Frontline International School is a progressive private institution offering a range of services, including school bus service, supervision during after-school hours, summer school, and academic clinics. This school advocates for holistic education, integrating academic excellence with a caring social environment. Frontline has a safe and clean learning space where students learn and grow without distractions. The teachers are all super dedicated and were chosen because they’re good at inspiring, teaching, and supporting each student.
Frontline develops a techno-scientific learning culture that stimulates innovation and curiosity but ensures that learners are given a well-rounded education. With a strong focus on affordability, quality, and continuity, Frontline International School continues to be a model for parents in Rivers State for reliable and forward-looking education.
Location: 26 Jerry Lane, Ogbatai Road, Off Elitor Street, Woji, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Conclusion
Choosing the perfect secondary school is one of the most important decisions a parent will ever make. In Rivers State, the bar is raised high—these secondary schools have not only adopted academic greatness but have created settings where students are safe, inspired, and cared for. From technologically integrated classrooms to character initiatives, these ten schools are the best of educating the whole child.
No matter your aspirations, if they are worldwide visibility, good moral grounding, innovative learning, or all-around expansion, the educational landscape of Rivers State has a perfect match for your child’s unique situation. While the world evolves, these schools are not just keeping up; tension is mounting as they lead the way.
