Cairo American College (CAC) traces its roots to the Cairo School for American Children (CSAC), founded in 1945 to serve American families in post-World War II Egypt. Originally housed in a rented villa in Maadi, the school was established with support from American business leaders, particularly in the oil industry, and a grant from Socony Vacuum Company (later Mobil Oil).

Offering an American-style education with French and Arabic instruction, CSAC emphasized college preparation and fostered a strong sense of community. Maadi’s tranquil setting provided an ideal environment for expatriate families, though the school faced challenges such as financial constraints, high staff turnover, and political shifts in Egypt.

Despite these hurdles, CSAC grew steadily, welcoming a diverse student body of Americans, Egyptians, and Europeans. In 1948, it was renamed Cairo American School, paving the way for what would become CAC—a thriving institution dedicated to academic excellence and cultural exchange.

In the 1940s, Prince Mohamed Ali Ibrahim built a new palace for himself and his family at Number 40, Road 78, in Maadi. The actual occupants of the house were Princess Hanezada, her husband, and their children. After the 1952 Revolution, this palace, modest by royal standards, was taken over by the government, and in 1955 it was rented to Cairo American School. The villa on Road 7 was seriously overcrowded with 162 students in its last year.  

The first alteration was to change the institution's name from Cairo American School to Cairo American College in 1955, in an apparent attempt to enhance its status.  At the elementary and junior high school levels, curricular emphasis was on reading, writing, and arithmetic, with supplemental courses in science, social science, music, art and physical education. High school courses varied somewhat from year to year according to the needs of the students. Still, the standard program included four years of English, French, mathematics, science, and social studies, with electives in Latin, art, music, journalism, drama, typing, and Arabic. French was taught at all levels, from the first grade through the senior year in high school. In general, the curriculum was designed to be typical of a good American school at the time.  It also offered courses in French and Arabic, and emphasized the history and geography of the Middle East and Asia. The program was intended to prepare students for higher education and most of the graduates of CAC did go on to college or university.

As CAC transitioned into a new era, it maintained its unique identity as an American-administered school with an international student body. The move to Digla marked a major milestone, providing a purpose-built campus four times the size of its previous location. Egyptian architect Salah Zeitoun designed the new buildings, blending modern functionality with traditional Egyptian aesthetics.

By the early 2000s, CAC had grown significantly, with 350 students spread across a spacious new campus. A strong sense of community remained, fostering close connections between students, parents, and staff. In 1998, CAC introduced a Summer Enrichment Program, starting with 100 students and expanding to over 1,200 by 2005.

The school maintained its accreditation with the Middle States Association and, in 2005, committed to enhancing its existing campus rather than relocating outside Maadi. Enrollment peaked at 1,440 students in 2001-2002 but declined in the years following the September 11th attacks, reflecting global shifts in security and expatriate mobility. By 2004-2005, student numbers began to rebound, reaffirming CAC’s resilience and continued growth.

In 2010, CAC celebrated the completion of Phase I of its 2006 Campus Master Plan, unveiling a modern Elementary School designed for five sections per grade level. The building replaced the main field within the 400m track, marking significant progress in campus development. At the time, the school was thriving with a steady enrollment of 1,430 students.

In January 2011, the Arab Spring brought major change to Egypt. Amid widespread protests, the school temporarily closed, and many expatriate families and teachers evacuated. Despite the challenges, CAC reopened within a week, welcoming around 300 students who had remained in Cairo. Teachers and staff worked tirelessly to adapt schedules and maintain learning, ensuring a safe and functional environment for returning students.

Though these events brought transitions and challenges, they also showcased the resilience of the CAC community. By adapting to shifting circumstances, the school emerged stronger and more committed to its mission of excellence, continuing to serve as a pillar of stability and education during a time of significant regional change.

Over the past five years, under the leadership of our current Head of School, Dr. Jared Harris, CAC has experienced unprecedented growth in student enrollment, marking the first time in its history that it has expanded consistently for such a sustained period. This surge has been fueled by a more diverse and vibrant community, with families from a wider range of cultural and professional backgrounds choosing CAC for its commitment to academic excellence and community values. The steady rise in enrollment underscores CAC’s reputation as a leading international school and highlights its ability to adapt and thrive in a dynamic global environment.