Choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions you will make when relocating to Nairobi. With over 50 international schools to choose from—including 17 offering boarding—the city offers remarkable educational diversity but also significant differences in curriculum, ethos, and cost. This guide provides a practical overview of what parents should know.
The Nairobi International School Landscape
Nairobi’s international schools cater primarily to expatriate families, diplomats, and Kenyan families seeking a globally recognised education. The vast majority follow English-language curricula, with British-style programs predominating. The academic year varies: British and Kenyan schools typically start in January, while American schools often follow their overseas counterparts with an August start.
One important consideration for new families is that most international schools have rolling admissions, but places can be competitive. Schools often require entrance testing for older students and maintain waiting lists.
Curriculum Options: British, American, or IB?
British Curriculum Schools
The British National Curriculum is the most common international offering in Nairobi. Most schools follow the Cambridge pathway, with students sitting IGCSE examinations (typically in Year 11) followed by Cambridge A-Levels in Sixth Form.
Leading British Curriculum Schools:
Brookhouse International School operates two campuses—Karen (offering both day and boarding from Year 2) and Runda (day school only). The school also offers BTEC courses and an International Foundation Year (IFY), which provide alternative pathways for students who may not pursue traditional A-Levels.
Braeside Lavington School serves approximately 950 students from over 50 nationalities, following the National Curriculum of England and Wales from Early Years Foundation Stage through to Sixth Form, with average class sizes of 24.
St. Austin’s Academy offers the Cambridge International Curriculum from pre-primary through Year 13, and is recognised as a top IGCSE institution in Kenya.
Riara International School delivers a UK-aligned programme for ages 4 to 16, following the British Curriculum framework through Cambridge Primary and Secondary pathways.
St. Christopher’s International School serves 650 students from 25 nationalities, offering IGCSEs, A-Levels, and BTEC qualifications, with smaller class sizes averaging 15 students.
American Curriculum Schools
American schools offer the US-style high school diploma and Advanced Placement (AP) courses, which are particularly suited for families planning to return to North America or attend US universities.
International School of Kenya (ISK) is widely considered one of the premier international schools in Nairobi and offers the full IB continuum (Primary Years, Middle Years, and Diploma programmes) alongside a North American diploma for PreK through Grade 12. ISK has a non-profit status, serving over 1,000 students from more than 70 nationalities, with a student-to-teacher ratio of 10:1.
Rosslyn Academy operates on a 40-acre campus in Gigiri, the diplomatic district, and follows an American curriculum with one of Africa’s largest and most successful Advanced Placement programs. The school serves over 700 students from more than 50 nations and integrates Christian values into all aspects of learning.
West Nairobi School in Karen offers an American curriculum with AP courses, accredited by MSA-CESS and ACSI, and follows a two-semester academic year from August to December and January to May/June.
The International Baccalaureate (IB)
For parents specifically seeking the IB Diploma Programme, ISK offers the full IB continuum, including the two-year IB Diploma Programme commencing in Grade 11. St. Mary’s School Nairobi also offers the IB Diploma Programme alongside its British curriculum offerings.
Key Schools at a Glance
Understanding School Fees
International school fees in Nairobi represent a significant financial commitment. For a 12-year-old, the average annual school fee across the city is approximately KES 778,600.
Fee Structures to Expect
ISK provides a clear illustration of how fees are structured at top-tier international schools:
| Fee Type | Amount (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application Fee | $400 | Non-refundable, per new applicant |
| Capital Levy (One-Time) | $11,000 | Payable at enrolment, non-refundable. $500 discount for additional siblings |
| Tuition (Pre-K) | $18,870 | Per year, payable by semester |
| Tuition (Grades 11–12) | $37,330 | Highest tuition band |
| Annual Capital Levy | $1,550 | For continuing students |
| Bus Service | $2,200 | Per year, sibling discounts available |
Rosslyn Academy charges a registration fee of KES 26,000 (non-refundable) and a refundable deposit of KES 129,000 per child to secure a place upon admission.
Brookhouse International School offers fee payment either in full at the start of the academic year or in three instalments per term, with all payments accepted in Kenyan Shillings. Their termly fees range from KES 145,000 for the youngest students to over KES 1.4 million for Sixth Form (boarding additional).
SABIS International School – Runda has a broad fee range from KES 70,000 to KES 2,158,000 per year, reflecting the different age groups and programs offered.
Boarding Options
For families who may be based outside Nairobi or who prefer a boarding environment, several international schools offer residential options.
Brookhouse International School provides boarding at its Karen campus for students from Year 2 and above. Boarding fees for Year 13, for example, reach KES 2,272,500 per term—significantly higher than day fees for the same year (KES 1,440,000).
SABIS International School – Runda has a boarding facility for up to 70 students, supporting international families whose parents may be based outside the city.
Admission Process and Waiting Lists
What to Expect
The admissions process for Nairobi’s international schools typically involves:
- Online Application: Complete forms and pay a non-refundable application fee (e.g., $400 at ISK, KES 26,000 at Rosslyn)
- Entrance Testing: Most schools require assessment. Rosslyn Academy mandates testing for grades 2–12 focusing on English and Math, with a requirement to meet or exceed the 50th percentile on US norms. St. Christopher’s uses CAT4 assessments, English and Maths papers, and an interview with senior management.
- Interviews: Student and/or parent interviews are common.
- Age Requirements: Schools are typically strict about age cut-offs. For example, Rosslyn requires children to be turning 4 by September 1 for preschool entry, turning 5 by that date for Kindergarten, and subsequent grades follow similar age requirements.
Waiting Lists and Capacity
Places at popular schools can be limited. ISK notes that admission may not be possible if class size has reached capacity, the number of Learning Support students in the grade is at its maximum, or the student has severe learning needs the school cannot accommodate. Waiting lists are common, particularly for younger year groups.
Support for Students with Additional Needs
Many international schools offer support for students with mild to moderate learning needs.
ISK provides Student Support Services and offers a Life-Centered Education (LCE) Program for students with intellectual disabilities (PreK–Grade 12), which involves a modified curriculum focusing on daily living skills and social-emotional development. This program carries an additional fee of $20,000 per year.
St. Christopher’s International School provides dedicated staff and programs for students with special learning needs, supports gifted and talented students, and provides student access to an educational psychologist.
Extracurricular Opportunities
Nairobi’s international schools are well-resourced with impressive facilities and extensive extracurricular programs. Most participate in East African Model United Nations (EAMUN) and the President’s Award—the Kenyan equivalent to the Duke of Edinburgh Award.
Rosslyn Academy offers extensive sports (basketball, soccer, volleyball, swimming) alongside music, theatre, visual arts, and community service. SABIS International School features a semi-Olympic pool, sports hall, and tennis courts on its 20-acre campus. West Nairobi School offers ABRSM music exams on site and participates in Model United Nations.