Nairobi International School vs Viraj International Academy
Nairobi International School and Viraj International Academy are both in Nairobi, about 23 km apart. Both schools offer Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge A Levels programmes. Nairobi International School also offers British and BTEC Qualification, and Viraj International Academy also offers Montessori and Bespoke. Published annual fees are KES 552,000 - 1,140,000 at Nairobi International School and KES 178,000 - 720,200 at Viraj International Academy, which puts Nairobi International School roughly 88% higher. Nairobi International School takes pupils from 2 to 18, and Viraj International Academy from 3 to 18. Typical class sizes are 20 at Nairobi International School and 25 at Viraj International Academy.
British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels, BTEC Qualification
Curriculum
Montessori Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels, Bespoke Curriculum
Pupils
Pupils
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Pupils
156
Typical class size
Typical class size
20
Typical class size
25
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
2008
Opened
2015
Bus service
Bus service
No
Bus service
No
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
Three Nairobi campuses: Kindergarten at No. 6 Kanjata Road, off James Gichuru; Preparatory at No. 5, Kanjata Road, off James Gichuru; Senior School at No. 728 Maji Mazuri Road, off James Gichuru, Lavington. These locations are along the James Gichuru corridor in the Nairobi area.
Location
The school has a Nairobi, Kenya location. The campus address is Viraj Road, Off Quarry Road, P.O. Box 76018-00508, Nairobi, Kenya. The location is viewable on Google Maps.
Montessori Program; Junior School; Middle School; Senior School
School type
School type
Private international school offering day schooling with boarding options.
School type
The school is a co-educational day and boarding institution.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
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Additional learning support
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Country affiliation
Country affiliation
Kenya
Country affiliation
Kenya
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
—
Religious affiliation
—
School day structure
School day structure
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School day structure
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Bus service details
Bus service details
The school provides transport services; transport fees per term depend on distance and whether one-way or two-way transport is chosen. Distances are divided into six zones (A–F) with routes covering Zone A (Muthangari, Gitanga Rd, Rhapta Rd, etc.), Zone B (Kilimani, Kileleshwa, Ngong Rd, etc.), Zone C (Milimani, State House, Parklands, etc.), Zone D (Madaraka, Upper Hill, Ngara, etc.), Zone E (Muthaiga, Gigiri, Karen, etc.), Zone F (Ridgeways, Garden Estate, Embakasi, etc.). Two-way vs one-way transport options are available per term.
Bus service details
The school has a bus service with extensive route coverage; buses serve key residential areas; professional drivers and attendants; comfortable seating with safety belts; regular servicing; real-time coordination; secure handovers at pickup points.
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
*Applicaton / Admission and one-off charges*
- Admission Fee (one-off): KES 25,000. - Caution Fee / Security Deposit (refundable subject to exit clearance): amounts vary by section of school as listed below; the deposit is refunded without interest and must be claimed within two years of a student leaving. - Boarding Admission Fee (one-off, for boarders): KES 10,000.
*Tuition fees by year group (per term; annual totals shown where applicable)*
Note: Tuition fees are charged every academic term; most year groups have three terms. Where a term is listed as NIL, only the two listed terms apply.
- Kindergarten - Playgroup: KES 184,000 per term — Annual (3 terms): KES 552,000. - KG 1: KES 202,000 per term — Annual (3 terms): KES 606,000. - KG 2: KES 208,000 per term — Annual (3 terms): KES 624,000. - Year 1: KES 220,000 per term — Annual (3 terms): KES 660,000.
- Preparatory (Primary) - Year 2: KES 240,000 per term — Annual (3 terms): KES 720,000. - Year 3: KES 245,000 per term — Annual (3 terms): KES 735,000. - Year 4: KES 262,000 per term — Annual (3 terms): KES 786,000. - Year 5: KES 268,000 per term — Annual (3 terms): KES 804,000. - Year 6: KES 279,000 per term — Annual (3 terms): KES 837,000. - Preparatory caution fee (one-off): KES 20,000.
- Middle School - Year 7: KES 319,000 per term — Annual (3 terms): KES 957,000. - Year 8: KES 351,000 per term — Annual (3 terms): KES 1,053,000. - Year 9: KES 360,000 per term — Annual (3 terms): KES 1,080,000. - Middle School caution fee (one-off): KES 40,000.
- Junior High School - Year 10: KES 372,000 per term — Annual (3 terms): KES 1,116,000. - Year 11: KES 563,000 for Term 1 and Term 2; Term 3: NIL — Annual (2 terms): KES 1,126,000. - Junior High caution fee (one-off): KES 40,000.
- Senior High School - Year 12: KES 570,000 for Term 1 and Term 2; Term 3: NIL — Annual (2 terms): KES 1,140,000. - Year 13: KES 570,000 for Term 1 and Term 2; Term 3: NIL — Annual (2 terms): KES 1,140,000. - Senior High caution fee (one-off): KES 40,000.
*Boarding and related charges*
- Full-time Boarding: KES 250,000 per term. - Weekly Boarding: KES 225,000 per term. - Boarding caution fee (one-off): KES 25,000. - Boarding admission fee (one-off): KES 10,000. - Medical insurance cover (yearly, applies to boarders and/or students as stated by the school): KES 7,000 per year.
*Transport fees (per term by zone)*
- Zone A: One-way KES 32,000 — Two-way KES 51,000. - Zone B: One-way KES 34,000 — Two-way KES 54,000. - Zone C: One-way KES 36,000 — Two-way KES 58,000. - Zone D: One-way KES 40,000 — Two-way KES 64,000. - Zone E: One-way KES 52,000 — Two-way KES 78,000. - Zone F: One-way KES 56,000 — Two-way KES 84,000.
*Billing schedule and payment terms*
- Tuition and other recurring fees are invoiced by term; an invoice (Fee Note) is issued at the end of each academic term indicating fees due for the next term. Fees are expected to be settled by the first day of school reopening for the next term. Students admitted before half term pay the full term; those admitted after half term are charged 50% of the term fee. - Withdrawal: One academic term's written notice to the Head of School is required; if adequate notice is not provided, one full term's fee will be charged in lieu of notice. - Space Retention Deposit: When pausing schooling to retain a place for a following term/year, a non-refundable deposit of 25% of the tuition fees is payable; this secures the student's place.
*Discounts and penalties*
- Sibling discounts on tuition only: second sibling 10%, third sibling 15%, fourth and subsequent siblings 20% (fixed for subsequent children). - Early payment discount: 4% on tuition if the full invoiced amount is settled one calendar month prior to school reopening (not combinable with other special discounts). - Cheque return (bank dishonour) charge: KES 2,000. Cash payments are not accepted.
*Refunds and security deposit handling*
- The caution fee (security deposit) is refundable without interest upon a child's permanent departure, subject to full settlement of all due fees and return of school property in good condition. The caution fee must be claimed within two years of leaving. Deductions from the caution fee may be made for outstanding obligations.
*Accepted payment methods and practical payment details*
- Bank transfer (deposit): Account Name: NAIROBI INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL — Account Number: 01129650642300 — Bank: The Co-operative Bank of Kenya Ltd, Branch: Lavington. Receipts are issued upon presentation of deposit slips. - Cheque: Cheques payable to Nairobi International School; receipts issued after cheque clearance. Cheque return charges apply. - M-Pesa / Paybill: Paybill No. 400200 — Account No. 01129650642300. - Cash payments are not accepted.
*Other costs to consider*
- Uniforms, personal supplies, any specific course materials or external exam fees where applicable are additional to the tuition and term fees listed above and should be budgeted for by parents. Exam registration and any outstanding fees must be settled before exam registration is processed.
(Fee schedule and policy details above are taken from the school's published fee structure and fees policy documents.)
Fee details
Application and admission fees - Application fee (paid once): KES 7,500 for Kenyan National Curriculum (KNC) and British National/Cambridge (BNC/CAIE) pathways; KES 5,000 for Montessori early-years admissions where published. - ERS (annual administrative levy): KES 1,300 per year (applies across fee schedules). - Caution / security deposit (paid once): varies by programme — commonly KES 10,000 for early years and some KNC listings, and KES 20,000 for secondary and boarding students in the BNC/Cambridge schedule. The caution deposit is refundable subject to the school's withdrawal and clearance procedures.
Tuition (school) fees and meals — amounts per academic year and per term - Montessori (Early Years – Pink / Blue / Green classes): School fee KES 124,800 per academic year (payable termly at KES 41,600). Meals (day school) KES 51,900 per academic year (payable termly at KES 17,300).
- Kenyan National Curriculum (KNC) — School fee / Meals / Boarding (examples by stage): - Lower Primary (Grade 1–3): School fee KES 224,250 per year (payable termly at KES 74,750); Meals KES 72,000 per year (payable termly at KES 24,000). Boarding: N/A for this stage in the published schedule. - Upper Primary (Grade 4–6): School fee KES 238,050 per year (payable termly at KES 79,350); Meals KES 66,000 per year (payable termly at KES 22,000); Boarding KES 181,500 per year (payable termly at KES 60,500). - Junior Secondary (Grade 7–9): School fee KES 269,850 per year (payable termly at KES 89,950); Meals KES 69,600 per year (payable termly at KES 23,200); Boarding KES 188,250 per year (payable termly at KES 62,750). - Senior Secondary (Grade 10–12): School fee KES 325,350 per year (payable termly at KES 108,450); Meals KES 74,550 per year (payable termly at KES 24,850); Boarding KES 202,950 per year (payable termly at KES 67,650).
- British National / Cambridge (BNC / CAIE) — School fee / Meals / Boarding (examples by key stage): - Key Stage 1 (Year 1–2): School fee KES 290,850 per year (payable termly at KES 96,950); Lunch KES 72,000 per year (payable termly at KES 24,000). Boarding: N/A. - Lower Key Stage 2 (Year 3–4): School fee KES 321,450 per year (payable termly at KES 107,150); Lunch KES 72,000 per year (Yr 4 reduced amounts may apply as published). Boarding: N/A. - Upper Key Stage 2 (Year 5–6): School fee KES 343,950 per year (payable termly at KES 114,650); Lunch KES 66,000 per year (payable termly at KES 22,000); Boarding KES 181,500 per year (payable termly at KES 60,500). - Key Stage 3 (Year 7–9): School fee KES 393,300 per year (payable termly at KES 131,100); Lunch KES 69,600 per year (payable termly at KES 23,200); Boarding KES 188,250 per year (payable termly at KES 62,750). - IGCSE (Year 10–11): School fee KES 427,800 per year (payable in two instalments in Term 1 & Term 2 at KES 213,900); Lunch KES 73,000 per year (payable in the same two instalments); Boarding KES 200,600 per year (payable in two instalments). - A‑Levels (Year 12–13): School fee KES 573,900 per year (payable in two instalments in Term 1 & Term 2 at KES 286,950); Lunch KES 74,800 per year (same instalment pattern); Boarding KES 203,000 per year (same instalment pattern).
Billing schedule and payment terms - Termly billing: Standard practice is termly invoicing; school fees are payable in full on or before the opening date of each term. Some senior programmes (IGCSE / A‑Level) are billed in two instalments across Term 1 and Term 2 as published. - Reservation fee: A minimum reservation fee equivalent to 50% of the school fees may be required to reserve a place; this reservation fee is non‑refundable if the applicant withdraws but is transferable to school fees on admission completion. - Late payment and penalties: Outstanding amounts after term commencement incur a cumulative administrative/late payment charge at 3% per month on the outstanding balance. - Notice for withdrawal: A full term's written notice (submitted on or before the opening day of the term) is required for withdrawal; absent that notice a full term's fee is payable. - General treatment of fees: Published fee schedules state that fees are non‑transferable and not prorated; ancillary charges (examination fees, trip/activity fees, co‑curricular fees, specialist fees) are not included in the headline school fee figures and are billed separately as required.
Boarding fees and rules - Boarding fees are charged separately from day-school tuition and vary by level (examples listed above under each curriculum). Boarding is optional unless otherwise advised and generally applies to older students in secondary / senior stages. Boarding fees do not include pocket money; pocket money must be deposited with the school accounts office. Boarding admissions are subject to the school's boarding house rules.
Transport (optional) and other recurring costs - Transport (per term, optional) is charged by zone. Typical zone charges per term published include: Zone A KES 21,800; Zone B KES 23,600; Zone C KES 26,000; Zone D KES 27,000; Zone E KES 29,000; Zone F (shuttle service) KES 17,000; Zone G (Viraj Village) KES 8,500. One‑way transport is charged at 70% of the zone rate. - Ancillary / optional costs: Examination fees, activity and trip fees, co‑curricular programme fees, specialist tuition, personal stationery and uniform items are charged separately as applicable. Uniform lists are provided for each pathway; uniform costs are not included in the headline tuition figures. - Sibling discount: A 5% discount on school/tuition fees (applies to the younger sibling) is offered under the published terms and conditions.
Refunds and deposits - Caution deposit: The caution/security deposit is refundable subject to adequate written notice, completion of withdrawal procedures, and complying with the school's clearance policies. - School fees: General published terms indicate tuition and related fees are non‑refundable and non‑proratable except where specific refundable deposits (such as the caution fee) are identified and returned under the school's stated conditions. A full term's fee is payable if required notice is not given.
Accepted payment method(s) and invoice details - Payment method as published: Payments are required in advance and the published schedules specify payment by banker's cheque made payable to “Shamji Kalyan Pindoria Ltd” as the invoiced payee; the payment date is taken as the date the original cheque is presented. The school's published terms emphasise that invoices are issued for convenience but parents remain responsible for ensuring payment before the published opening date of term.
Notes on incidental items (summary) - Meals (compulsory for day students) are charged separately and shown per year and per term in each schedule. Transport, boarding and other optional services are extra. Ancillary charges (exams, trips, some activities) are additional. A reservation fee may be required to hold a place. Late payments attract a 3% monthly administrative charge. Caution deposits are refundable under the school's clearance conditions; general tuition is described as non‑refundable and non‑transferable.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
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Food options
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House system
House system
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House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership
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Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
KS3, KS4 & A-Levels of the British National Curriculum.
Curriculum details
Kenyan National Curriculum via Competency-Based Education (CBE) and the Cambridge International Curriculum (CAIE). Montessori Program is offered for early years; a Global Curriculum combines Kenyan and Cambridge systems.
Prepare students to sit IGCSE, 'A' Levels from Cambridge and BTEC from Pearson as a stepping stone to universities around the world.
Higher education progression
Alumni progress to leading high schools and universities in Kenya and around the world.
Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
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Gifted and talented
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Academic calendar
Academic calendar
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Academic calendar
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Wellbeing & support
Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning
Social & emotional learning
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Social & emotional learning
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Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
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Special educational needs (SEN)
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English as an additional language
English as an additional language
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English as an additional language
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Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
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Mental wellbeing
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Safeguarding
Safeguarding
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Safeguarding
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Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
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Facilities overview
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Sports facilities
Sports facilities
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Sports facilities
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Academic facilities
Academic facilities
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Academic facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
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Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
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History
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Community
Community
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Community
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Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
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Parent teacher association
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Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
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Academic & intellectual
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Arts & creative
Arts & creative
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Arts & creative
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Cultural & language
Cultural & language
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Cultural & language
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Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
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Social & hobbies
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Community & service
Community & service
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Community & service
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Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
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Leadership & professional
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
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Language provision
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Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching
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Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
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Awards
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Accreditations
Accreditations
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Accreditations
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Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
1. Begin by accessing the Enquiry page to start the application. The initial step collects the parent/guardian's name, relationship to the applicant, a valid email address, and a contact number, and records the applicant's name, date of birth, and the year level being applied for. 2. Submit the above information. An Enquiry is created at this stage and can be completed immediately or continued later after login details are emailed to the user. 3. Return to the Enquiry page and complete the admission application. Siblings may be included in the same application. 4. After completing the Enquiry, an email lists the documents required for the admission application. These include photocopies of the applicant's passport (and immigration status page for non-citizens) and copies of the parents' passports. A parent's work permit is required for non-citizens. Also required are the applicant's birth certificate in English, 4 coloured passport photos for non-citizens (2 for citizens), the official report card, and the Transfer Certificate for Year 2 upwards. The applicant must also submit a short essay of about 250 words about themselves. 5. The Admissions Team will contact you for an interview and/or assessment. The student may be referred to the Inclusion Support Team for additional provision determination. If a place is offered, an offer letter will be emailed within 24 hours. 6. To confirm and secure the place, pay the admission fee of 25,000 Ksh within 7 days. 7. Screening and Assessment: The school conducts a pre-entry assessment to ensure the curriculum matches the child's skills and needs. Assessments vary by year level and include English language and Mathematics tests; early years may involve play-based activities; higher grades may require examinations to assess core competencies, with results supported by prior school records. Final admission can be offered at the Principal's discretion if the student is deemed capable of succeeding at Nairobi International School.
Admissions
1. Application Form: A duly filled admission application form is required and is available at the school or downloadable. The form should have all sections completed accurately. 2. Student Documents: Provide a copy of birth certificate or passport, two recent passport-size photographs, the previous term's report card for transfers, and a leaving certificate from the previous school if applicable. 3. Entrance Assessment: An age-appropriate assessment is conducted for new entrants into primary and secondary levels; Montessori and early years applicants attend a child-friendly observation session instead of a formal test. 4. Parent/Guardian Documents: Provide a copy of national ID, passport, or residence permit, along with updated contact information and emergency details. 5. Medical Report: Submit an up-to-date medical history form and immunization records. 6. Fee Structure & Payments: An admission fee is payable upon confirmation of placement, and termly school fees are due before the start of each term. 7. Additional Requirements (Where Applicable): A special needs evaluation may be required if applicable; a boarding registration form is required for boarding students; a transportation registration form is needed for students using school transport. 8. Admission Timeline: Main intake runs January to March; mid-year admissions occur April to July based on availability; rolling admissions operate for early years (Montessori). Early application is encouraged due to limited spaces. 9. Uniform & Supplies: All students wear the official school uniform; a booklist and stationery requirements are issued upon admission; uniforms are available at designated stores. 10. Parent-Teacher Engagement: Termly meetings, regular academic updates via the portal, and open communication channels with the administration are provided. 11. Transport Services: Safe and reliable transport is available; seats are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis; routes and fees are available upon inquiry. 12.
Scholarships
Scholarships
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Scholarships
Merit-based opportunities are available for outstanding students.
