Prytanée militaire de Saint-Louis

The Prytanée militaire de Saint-Louis is a Senegalese secondary school under the Ministry of Armed Forces, located in Saint-Louis.

It admits the best students in Senegal, selected through a highly competitive exam held nationwide. Annually, 50 students are chosen from over 3000, all being boys. Additionally, about fifteen students from foreign countries are also admitted. It is regarded as the best school in Senegal.

History
The School for Enlisted Children of Saint-Louis-du-Sénégal was established in 1923 and welcomed its first students the following year at the Oudeoud camp (El Hadj Omar camp) in the Pointe Nord neighborhood of Saint-Louis. The school's mission was to meet the needs of French West Africa by providing intellectually and technically trained cadres. Recruitment was open to the sons of active military personnel, canton chiefs, and other notable figures.

Students received primary education leading to the Primary School Certificate and then to advanced primary education (1st and 2nd year). After this training, students joined the platoon of the 1st Senegalese Tirailleurs Regiment. In 1926, a specific platoon for the school was created.

The living conditions for the Enlisted Children were rather Spartan: fed with ordinary African meals, they slept on low beds with mats and a blanket. Their attire included a fez, a red flannel belt, and they were unshod. Non-commissioned officers maintained strict military discipline.

In 1938, the School for Enlisted Children was attached to the out-of-rank company (C.H.R) and placed under the authority of the Officer commanding this unit. The school was later placed under the command of Captain Charles N'Tchoréré. His tenure left a lasting impact, and his influence and legend continue to inhabit the school.

From 1940, education was provided on-site: four classes were created and established within the school (2nd year elementary, 1st and 2nd year middle school, 1st year upper school). Teachers were seconded to the school alongside military instructors. The teaching staff included a director of studies and a college of teachers. In 1944, an additional class was added: the 2nd year upper school. The school's command was now entrusted to an officer solely dedicated to this role. Among the teachers was Mamadou Dia, a former Prime Minister of Senegal.

In 1946, the school was transferred to the Dakhar Bango camp, which was renamed Camp DÉ Momar Gary on 22 December 1992, after Captain DÉ Momar Gary, a former student of the school in 1946.

From 1949, primary classes were gradually phased out and replaced by middle school classes (6th, 5th, 4th, and 3rd grades). In 1953, the school presented students for the first time for the Secondary School Certificate (B.E.P.C). The school changed its status and name to the African Preparatory Military School (E.M.P.A.) Charles N'Tchoréré, with the motto: "United, always serving France-Africa."

In June 1973, the school was renamed for the second time: the African Preparatory Military School (E.M.P.A.) became the Prytanée militaire Charles N'Tchoréré de Saint-Louis (PMS). The Prytanée militaire Charles N'Tchoréré de Saint-Louis was led by a Senegalese officer for the first time in 1974, Commandant Papa Assane Mbodj.

In 1994 and 1995, the Prytanée militaire de Saint-Louis won the international Génies en herbe competition.

Related articles
Charles N'Tchoréré History of Senegal