Best International Schools In Kenya

Searching for the best international schools in Kenya for your child? You’re at the right place. Choosing a good school for your child is a big decision. Kenya boasts some of the best international schools offering top-tier curriculums from around the globe.

From British to American, French to German, these schools provide exceptional academic programs and a rich extracurricular experience. Join us today as we explore the best international schools Kenya has to offer.

1.  Freedom International School – Africa

Founded in 2018 by Kenyan Utheri Kanayo (PhD) and Nigerian Oku Kanayo Egbeni (Msc), Freedom International School, formerly Centre for International Freedom, is an international, Afrocentric school that aims to restore the culture, identity and dignity of the black child. One of its kind in the region, FIS’s mission “is to restore Africa’s global prominence by celebrating the innate brilliance within every African child. We foster this greatness from an early age, empowering them to envision innovative solutions. Our goal is to equip them with the tools to transform not only their local communities but also make a substantial impact on a global scale.” The school has classes from Kindergarten to High School.

In my personal view, given failure of the current Western educational system in Africa, this is the type of school African and black children need to attend to restore their confidence in their continent, history, identity and culture. Kenyans and other countries should definitely consider enrolling their children to FIS to obtain first class global education. You can donate to FIS on their website.

2. Durham International School

Durham International School is the best for helping students transition. It is off Peponi Road, on Thigiri Ridge at Thigiri Hilltop in Nairobi. Durham International provides a safe and conducive environment for students to study, thus fostering excellence in education. Durham aims to nurture educational and good childhood relationships and school communities. All students are treated equally, valued, celebrated, and acknowledged individually, improving the students’ well-being.

3. St. Andrew School, Turi

Source: www.standrewsturi.com

Along Molo town, in Nakuru county you find St Andrew School, Turi. This school gained its name after a specific location that occupies at least 450- acres of land at the edge of Rift Valley. It was launched in 1931 and it enrolled 15 students. To-date, this preparatory school has over 600 students from Kenya and East Africa at large. St. Andrew uses the UK curriculum and other co-curricular activities such as music, art, design, choir, cooking classes, and technology and they are available for part-time classes. They offer IGCSE and A Level examinations and many students acquire impeccable performance and get enrolled to top universities across the world.

4. Peponi 

This private international school is located in Kabete. It was launched in 1989, it has both boarding and day school. Peponi School sits on 45 acres of land along the Nairobi – Thika Highway, close to Ruiru. The majority of the students are from Kenya and other countries. This school offers a British curriculum and provides a Common Entrance Exam. In 2017, they started offering the US-based College Board examination including the SAT.

5. Rift Valley Academy

Rift Valley Academy is a Christian boarding school under the management of the African Inland Mission.  This school is located in Kijabe, Kenya and it was launched in 1906.  It has over 500 missionary students from 30 different nations and 80 missions churches and organisations from Kenya, expatriates and non-mission students. This school uses a North American curriculum for all educational levels. They have IGCSE and A-level examinations. In 2003, Rift Valley Academy was the second among the top 100 schools in Africa. They are accredited by the Middle States Association.

6. Sabis International School

Sabis International School is found in the Runda suburbs off Kiambu Road. SABIS  sits on twenty acres, it has modern classrooms, an independent kindergarten, a variety of sports activities, and a boarding dormitory that accommodates up to 70 students. This allows the students to live and study within the campus.  The students undergo IGCSE, TOEFL, SATs, and A-level exams. The school is part of the Sabis network that operates in 20 countries.  The school fosters excellent education and encourages students to embrace daily school life by involving them in academic and social events, hosting sports and games, etc.

7. Intentional School of Kenya

The International School of Kenya resulted from an American and Canadian partnership in 1976. It sits on 40 acres at Kirawa Road, off Peponi Road. This non-profit, coeducational institution provides high-quality education for middle, high, and elementary school students. It offers both expatriate and East African quality education that ensures the students excel.

8. The Banda School

This private international school is a multinational preparatory school based along Magadi Road in Langata, opposite Nairobi National Park. Banda School is a mix of day and boarding programs. It offers a British curriculum similar to other national schools in Kenya.  It provides a conducive learning experience for their students, academic excellence and other extracurricular activities. Their syllabus is the same as the National Curricula of England with the Common Entrance Exam. It also provides a weekly boarding option for the students. It is credited by the Independent Schools Inspectorate for British School Overseas. Additionally, it is a member of the IAPS.

9. Light International School

Light International is the best private international school found in Mombasa. It offers boarders and day scholars quality education along Greenwood Drive.  The institution provides education for different levels, from A-level students to kindergarten, and accommodates students from various backgrounds and regions.  The school is among the six beneficiaries of the Omeriye Educational Foundation and Medical Charitable Trust, founded in 2001. This school operates under the  British and administers exams through IGCSE and A-level exams.  It also has credits from Cambridge.

10. Deenway Intentional School

This institution offers holistic Islamic education and uses the British National Curriculum. Its primary focus is to inflict holistic knowledge, mould and shape the future of its students, and excel in integrated Islamic knowledge. They also focus on fostering good moral character in their students by providing quality education in a safe and conducive environment. Deenway offers the best quality Islamic education and focuses on being the ranking school, considering its world-class curriculum.

Bottom Line

The above are, in our view, some of the best International schools that offer a unique educational experience that fosters global citizenship, academic excellence, and cultural understanding. Students benefit from diverse learning environments, exposure to multiple languages, and preparation for higher education and global careers. FIS stands out as it focuses on Afrocentric education in comparison to the other international schools that train students based on foreign curricula. However, Kenya is a multicultural society with several international expats who may need such education.

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