International schools in Nairobi have become increasingly popular among parents seeking quality education for their children.
These schools offer a range of curricula and co-curricular activities that cater to the needs of diverse learners.
In this article, we will explore the various international schools in Nairobi, their curricula, co-curricular activities, approximate school fees, and their contacts.
Best international schools in Nairobi
International School of Kenya (ISK)
The International School of Kenya is the oldest and most prestigious international school in Nairobi.
It offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, and co-curricular activities such as sports, music, drama, and Model United Nations.
The school fees range from Ksh 2,795,000 to Ksh 4,741,000 per year, depending on the grade level.
Contact: admissions@isk.ac.ke
Braeburn Schools
Braeburn Schools offer a British curriculum and co-curricular activities such as swimming, athletics, music, and drama.
The school fees range from Ksh 1,800,000 to Ksh 3,600,000 per year, depending on the grade level.
Contact: admissions@braeburn.ac.ke
Gems Cambridge International School
Gems Cambridge International School offers the Cambridge International Curriculum and co-curricular activities such as sports, music, and drama.
The school fees range from Ksh 845,000 to Ksh 2,500,000 per year, depending on the grade level.
Contact: info.cambridge@gemseducation.com
Peponi School
Peponi School offers a British curriculum and co-curricular activities such as sports, music, and drama.
The school fees range from Ksh 2,172,000 to Ksh 2,631,000 per year, depending on the grade level.
Contact: info@peponihouseschool.co.ke
Hillcrest International School
Hillcrest International School offers the British National Curriculum and co-curricular activities such as sports, music, and drama.
The school fees range from Ksh 1,315,000 to Ksh 3,480,000 per year, depending on the grade level.
Contact: admissions@hillcrest.ac.ke
Brookhouse School
Brookhouse School offers the British National Curriculum and co-curricular activities such as sports, music, and drama.
The school fees range from Ksh 1,350,000 to Ksh 3,590,000 per year, depending on the grade level.
Contact: info@brookhouse.ac.ke
Kenton College Preparatory School
Kenton College Preparatory School offers a British curriculum and co-curricular activities such as sports, music, and drama.
The school fees range from Ksh 1,955,000 to Ksh 2,605,000 per year, depending on the grade level.
Contact: registrar@kenton.ac.ke
St. Andrew’s School, Turi
St. Andrew’s School, Turi offers the British National Curriculum and co-curricular activities such as sports, music, and drama.
The school fees range from Ksh 1,680,000 to Ksh 2,904,000 per year, depending on the grade level.
Contact: admissions@turimail.co.ke
Rosslyn Academy
Rosslyn Academy offers an American-based curriculum and co-curricular activities such as sports, music, and drama.
The school fees range from Ksh 1,587,000 to Ksh 3,343,000 per year, depending on the grade level.
Contact: admissions@rosslynacademy.com
N/B: Please note that this list may not be exhaustive and there may be other international schools in Nairobi that are not included.
Expensive school fees
Here are some reasons why school fees is expensive in most international schools.
- High-quality education: International schools offer high-quality education that meets international standards. This requires investment in qualified teachers, advanced curriculum, and modern facilities.
- Multilingualism: International schools often offer classes in multiple languages, which require additional resources and specialized teachers.
- International curriculum: International schools follow a global curriculum, which involves purchasing expensive textbooks and materials.
- High demand: International schools have limited enrollment capacity, and the high demand for quality education results in increased fees.
- Expensive facilities: International schools require state-of-the-art facilities, such as science labs, computer rooms, and libraries, which incur high maintenance costs.
- Extracurricular activities: International schools offer a wide range of extracurricular activities, such as sports, music, and drama, which require additional investment in equipment and staff.
- Teacher salaries: International schools offer competitive salaries to attract experienced and qualified teachers, which increases the overall cost.
- Student support services: International schools provide student support services, such as counseling and health services, which require additional resources and staff.
- International accreditation: International schools must meet international accreditation standards, which require ongoing investment in quality assurance and improvement.
- Location: International schools are often located in prime areas, which increases the cost of rent, utilities, and other overhead expenses.
Difference between international schools and local schools
International schools and normal schools (or local schools) differ in several ways.
Here are some of the main differences;
- Student Body: International schools have a more diverse student body, with students coming from different countries and cultures. In contrast, normal schools typically have a more homogeneous student population.
- Curriculum: International schools often offer a curriculum that is different from the local curriculum, such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) or American curriculum. Normal schools usually follow the national or local curriculum.
- Language of Instruction: International schools often offer instruction in English or another international language, while normal schools usually use the local language as the primary language of instruction.
- Teaching Staff: International schools often have teachers from different countries with different educational backgrounds and teaching experience. In contrast, normal schools usually have teachers who are trained in the local education system.
- Facilities: International schools often have better facilities and resources than normal schools, including advanced technology, sports facilities, and specialized equipment.
- Cost: International schools are often more expensive than normal schools because they provide a higher standard of education and more resources. Normal schools are generally more affordable, although the quality of education may vary depending on the school.
- Accreditation: International schools often have to meet strict accreditation standards from international bodies, while normal schools typically follow the accreditation standards of the local education system.