International School of Kenya (ISK)
The International School of Kenya, known as ISK, is a private nonprofit day school in the Spring Valley area of Nairobi, teaching a North American curriculum from prekindergarten to grade twelve, with fees at the premium end of the city. Founded in 1976, it offers both a North American high school diploma and the IB Diploma, and is one of the flagship names families weigh up among Nairobi international schools.
At a glance
| Curriculum | North American curriculum; North American high school diploma and IB Diploma |
|---|---|
| Exam boards | North American standards; International Baccalaureate (Diploma Programme) |
| Stages | Prekindergarten to grade 12 (ages 3 to 18) |
| Founded | 1976 |
| Accreditation | Middle States Association; Council of International Schools |
| Fee band | Premium for Nairobi |
| Campus area | Spring Valley, off Peponi Road |
Curriculum and academics
ISK teaches a North American programme from the early years upward, building literacy and numeracy against North American standards before students specialise in the upper school. Every graduate earns a North American high school diploma, and most also complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma in the final two years, a dual outcome that keeps university options open across North America, the United Kingdom, Europe and beyond. For how the North American route works and where the diploma sits within it, our American curriculum guide sets out the detail.
As a long established nonprofit accredited by the Middle States Association and the Council of International Schools, ISK can offer a broad academic programme alongside extensive sport, arts and service, drawing on a large campus. Prospective families should ask admissions for the latest IB results and university destinations rather than relying on older figures.
Weighing ISK against another Nairobi school?
Compare schools side by side on fees, curriculum and location.
Compare schoolsInternational School of Kenya fees
| Stage | Annual tuition |
|---|---|
| Kindergarten 2 | KES 2,643,767 |
| Grade 1 | KES 4,409,291 |
| Grade 9 | KES 4,843,246 |
| Grade 12 | KES 5,027,935 |
Source: International School of Kenya (isk.ac.ke). Annual tuition (the school also quotes USD). Excludes one-time and annual capital levies. Fees are the most recent published figures and exclude one-off costs such as registration, deposits and capital levies. Always confirm current fees directly with the school.
International School of Kenya fees sit at the premium end of the city, among the highest in Nairobi, reflecting the campus, the dual diploma offer and the school's nonprofit, well resourced model. Tuition rises by grade and the school publishes its current schedule directly. To see where that lands against the rest of the market, our guide to international school fees in Nairobi sets out the full range from budget to premium.
Beyond tuition, plan for a registration or admission fee, a capital or building levy where applicable, and optional costs such as transport, meals, trips and external examination entries for the IB Diploma. We publish fee bands rather than promote any school, because no school pays to be listed on GlobalSchoolGuide.
Admissions
ISK accepts applications throughout the year for the August start, subject to availability, which suits relocating families who arrive off the standard cycle. The process generally asks for recent school records and reports, and places in popular grades can be limited. Diploma entry is linked to a student's prior record and the IB or diploma subjects they wish to take.
Because demand is high and the school is selective about fit, families relocating to Nairobi should register interest early and confirm the current assessment requirements and any waiting list with the admissions office before committing to a move.
Location and who goes there
ISK sits in Spring Valley, off Peponi Road in the northwestern suburbs of Nairobi, close to the diplomatic and development sector communities in Gigiri and the surrounding areas. Its community is strongly international, with North American, European and Kenyan families alongside the diplomatic and non governmental households drawn to the area. Commutes are easiest from the northwestern suburbs, so it is worth matching the school to where you intend to live.
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Frequently asked questions
How much are International School of Kenya fees?
ISK sits at the premium end of the Nairobi market, with fees among the highest in the city. Tuition rises by grade and the current schedule is published by the school. Budget also for registration, a capital or building levy where applicable, transport and external examination entries.
Is International School of Kenya a good school?
ISK is one of the best known international schools in Nairobi, a nonprofit accredited by the Middle States Association and the Council of International Schools, offering a North American diploma and the IB Diploma. Whether it suits your child depends on your priorities, which is why we do not publish a single ranking.
When do International School of Kenya applications open?
ISK accepts applications throughout the year for the August start, subject to availability. Demand is high, so registering interest early and confirming the assessment requirements with admissions is advisable.
What curriculum does International School of Kenya follow?
ISK follows a North American curriculum from prekindergarten to grade 12, with all graduates earning a North American high school diploma and most also earning the International Baccalaureate Diploma.