International Schools
in Nairobi
About Schools in Kenya
Nairobi is home to a wide range of private pre-primary, primary and secondary schools, several of which follow the British and American primary and secondary models. For international staff posted to Nairobi, it is advisable to enquire about vacancies well in advance of one’s arrival, as most of the best private schools are in heavy demand.
Consideration should also be given to both living and work locations when choosing a school as traffic in Nairobi can cause significant congestion and delays. Living in Runda, for example, and attending school in Lavington could see children commuting for an hour or more each way.
International schools in Kenya generally follow the British school calendar, with three terms running from early September to early December, early January to late March, and late April to mid July. Schools following the British educational model offer Common Entrance exams at the primary level and GCSEs/‘O’ and ‘A’ levels in secondary schools.
Three Nairobi high schools – Rosslyn Academy, West Nairobi School and the International School of Kenya (the ‘American School’) – follow the North American school calendar, the first term of which usually begins in late August. A fourth school, Rift Valley Academy, which is open to boarders in Kijabe, also offers the North American syllabus.
There are several schools maintained by foreign communities, with classes in their native languages. These include the French, Japanese, Dutch, Danish, German, Norwegian and Swedish schools. Nursery schools and kindergartens offer an informal education for children aged 3 and upwards - usually in the mornings- in many of the more upmarket residential areas.
There are also a few special education schools for children with special needs, such as the Accelerated Learning Centre in Kileleshwa.
Comprehensive listings of Nairobi’s kindergartens and private primary schools are available at the expatriate.
Below, are some popular international schools:
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International School of Kenya (ISK)
At ISK, learning is the construction of meaning. We construct meaning through inquiry -based experiences that transcend disciplines.At ISK, wellbeing is equipping all learners with the knowledge and skills to navigate life’s challenges while feeling good on the inside, functioning well on the outside, and doing good for others.SK is a community that is committed to justice and anti-oppression through learning, action, and accountability.
Curriculum Type:
Our school is a center of inquiry, creativity and joyful learning. The curriculum consists of core subjects (Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Studies and Science) combined with a specialist program (Modern Language, PE, Art, Music, Technology Integration, Guidance and Library.)Admission Period: Rolling Admission throughout the year
Admission Age:
Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 5 Ages 3 - 10 years
Grades 6, 7, and 8 Ages 11 - 14 years
Grades 9 to 12 Ages 14 - 18 -
Braeburn Group of Schools
Hillcrest is a co-educational International School located in Nairobi. Built on a philosophy of inclusion, cooperation and mutual respect, it has a large diversity of cultures and backgrounds.
Braeside Thika is a co-educational international school in Mang’u Road (Exit 16A off Thika Highway), Kenya.
Braeside Lavington is a co-educational international school in Nairobi.
Curriculum Type: National Curriculum of England and Wales
Admission Period: Rolling Admission throughout the year
Admission Age:
Hillcrest: 2 – 18 years
Braeside Thika: 3 – 18 years
Braeside Lavington: 3 – 18 years -
Rosslyn Academy
Rosslyn Academy, an international Christian school founded in 1947, is a private, co-ed day school. Its 701 students in Preschool-12th grade come from over 50 different countries. Rosslyn is located on a former coffee plantation on the outskirts of Nairobi, Kenya. The school serves families from the mission communities, as well as those whose parents are with the diplomatic corp, the UN, in business and in the local community.
Curriculum Type: American Curriculum
Admission Period: As this changes each year, referring to this page will provide the most up-to-date information
Admission Age: Preschool-12th Grade (Preschoolers must turn four by 1 September) -
Maple Bear Kenya
Maple Bear Kenya offers the best of Canadian education for a global future. Located along a quiet road in the heart of Westlands, Maple Bear Kenya offers a bilingual preschool program for students aged between 12 months and 6 years incorporating the best Canadian educational practices. Our school is conveniently located just 2 minutes from Westgate Mall and a short 15-minute drive from the United Nations office in Gigiri.
Curriculum Type: Canadian Curriculum
Admission Period: Rolling Admission throughout the year
Admission Age: 12 months to 6 years oldLocation: Eldama Ravine Road, Westlands, Nairobi, Kenya
Contact Details: (+254) 0113733248, (+254) 020 202 0030 -
The Vale School Muthaiga
The Vale School Muthaiga is a forward-thinking institution rooted in strong values, emphasizing mindfulness, environmental stewardship, growth mindset, and community spirit. As a certified International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, we are authorized to offer the Primary Years Programme Curriculum, which integrates seamlessly with our focus on project-based learning and 21st century skills. This forms the foundation for cultivating empathetic and discerning critical thinkers. Our mission is to foster individuals who contribute to a more compassionate and purposeful life experience for themselves and their community, preparing them to excel both locally and on the global stage.
Curriculum Type: IB PYP (IB World School)
Admission Period: September - Term 1, January - Term 2, April - Term 3
Academic Year - September to August
Admission Year/Age:
Kindergarten: 1 year to 5 years
Primary School: 5 years to 11 years