Nairobi Waldorf School and The Aga Khan Academy are both in Nairobi, about 14 km apart. Both schools offer IB programmes, and Nairobi Waldorf School also offers Waldorf Steiner and BTEC Qualification. Published annual fees are KES 293,577 - 1,027,971 at Nairobi Waldorf School and KES 328,000 at The Aga Khan Academy, which puts Nairobi Waldorf School roughly 101% higher. Nairobi Waldorf School takes pupils from 1 to 18, and The Aga Khan Academy from 2 to 18. The Aga Khan Academy is the larger school, with around 1,000 pupils to Nairobi Waldorf School's 450. Typical class sizes are 16 at Nairobi Waldorf School and 20 at The Aga Khan Academy.
Two campuses in Nairobi, Kenya: Karen Campus at 35 Nandi Road and Lavington Campus on Mageta Road. Karen Campus offers Kindergarten through High School; Lavington Campus currently serves Kindergarten through Class 5.
Location
Parklands suburb of Nairobi, Kenya. The Nursery, Junior School and Senior School are located on 1st Parklands Avenue, off Limuru Road, Nairobi.
Stages
Stages
Karen Campus: Kindergarten through High School; Lavington Campus: Kindergarten through Class 5.
Stages
Nursery School; Junior School; Senior School
School type
School type
Day school
School type
Private, co-educational day school
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
Learning support is provided through the Kolisko Group; students who require support receive an Individual Education Program (IEP).
Additional learning support
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Country affiliation
Country affiliation
Kenya
Country affiliation
Kenya (affiliated with Aga Khan Education Service Kenya, AKES-Kenya)
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
Non-sectarian; not affiliated with any particular religion
Religious affiliation
Non-denominational
School day structure
School day structure
School day runs from 8:00 a.m. to 3:15 p.m., Monday to Friday. The Main Lesson approach uses morning blocks of 1.5–2 hours for each subject, taught in three- to four-week cycles.
School day structure
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Bus service details
Bus service details
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Bus service details
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Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Fees per term (KES)
- Toddler & Playgroup (five days/week): KES 97,859 per term. - Kindergarten (five days/week): KES 119,340 per term. - Primary School: - Class 1: KES 170,845 per term. - Class 2: KES 207,860 per term. - Class 3–5: KES 252,028 per term. - Class 6–8: KES 261,630 per term. - High School: - Class 9–10: KES 311,507 per term. - Class 11: KES 342,657 per term. - Class 12: KES 428,322 per term (Class 12 is charged for two terms only).
Sibling and early-payment discounts
- Sibling discounts: 10% on the first younger sibling, 15% on the second younger sibling, and 20% on any additional younger siblings. - Early-payment discounts: 2.5% discount if school fees are paid in full two weeks before the first day of school for the term; 5% discount if annual school fees are paid in full before the first day of school.
Application, admission, development and security deposit fees
- Application fee (non‑refundable): KES 5,000 due with submission of the application. - Admission fee (non‑refundable): KES 7,000 for Kindergarten admissions; KES 12,000 for Primary and High School admissions. - Note: A child moving from the Waldorf Kindergarten to Primary must pay an additional KES 12,000 admission fee (the earlier KES 7,000 is not credited). Students transitioning internally from Nairobi Waldorf Primary to the High School are not required to pay the KES 12,000 high school admission fee. - Development fee (one‑off, non‑refundable): KES 30,000 per child. - Security deposit (refundable): KES 20,000 for Kindergarten admissions; KES 50,000 for Primary and High School admissions. - When a child moves from Kindergarten to Primary, an additional top‑up of KES 30,000 is required to bring the security deposit to the Primary/High School rate.
Other costs and fee inclusions/exclusions
- Afternoon care (Kindergarten) — fees per term if booked at the start of term: - One day per week: KES 6,500 per term. - Two days per week: KES 13,000 per term. - Three days per week: KES 19,500 per term. - Four days per week: KES 26,000 per term. - Five days per week: KES 32,500 per term. - Reduced weekly attendance (Daisies, ages 18 months–3 years) — fees per term: - Two days (Tue & Thu): KES 45,020 per term. - Three days (Mon, Wed, Fri): KES 67,528 per term. - Five days (Mon–Fri): KES 97,859 per term. - Class materials: All writing books, main lesson books, textbooks and basic drawing and craft materials are included in tuition. Materials for special projects, replacement of lost/damaged personal items, and class outings/trips are charged to parents. - Meals: A snack and warm lunch are included in Toddler, Playgroup and Kindergarten fees. A warm lunch is included in Primary and High School fees. Parents must provide swimming costumes, towels and any specialised sports equipment. - Games kit / uniform items: Primary games kits and High School tracksuits are available from the school at additional cost. - School bus (per term, zoned routes by campus): - Zone A: two-way KES 33,600; one-way KES 20,160. - Zone B: two-way KES 39,095; one-way KES 23,457. - Zone C: two-way KES 44,590; one-way KES 26,754. - Pupil insurance: Basic accidental-injury insurance for pupils is provided (medical costs from accidents at school or off campus are covered under the school's insurance arrangement).
Billing schedule, payment terms and penalties
- Billing schedule / deadlines: Full school fees and other related fees (including bus fees and other fees billed ahead of or during a term) must be received no later than the first Friday of the term. - Late payment fee and follow-up: A late payment fee of KES 5,000 per child is charged for any outstanding fees after the first Friday of the term. The full balance, including the late fee, must be settled by the Friday of the second week of school. If fees remain unpaid as the third week commences, the child will be asked to remain at home. Parents receive an email, a hard‑copy letter and a phone call before the final late-payment deadline. - Payment plans: Per‑term payment plans are available on request (application required at least two weeks before term start). An administration fee of KES 5,000 per child is charged with the payment‑plan application. Term fees may be split into up to three installments; all fees must be cleared by the end of the term. Missed deadlines cancel the delayed‑payment option and render fees immediately due; repeating missed deadlines affects eligibility for payment plans in the remainder of the school year.
Payments accepted and banking details
- Accepted methods: Bank transfers / bank deposits and M‑Pesa payments. Post‑dated cheques are not accepted; payments in kind are not accepted. On direct deposits or electronic transfers, fees are considered unpaid until proof of payment is provided to the accounts team. - Bank (Diamond Trust Bank, DTB — Karen Hub Branch): - Account name: Nairobi Waldorf School Trust - KES Account no.: 0300790004 - Bank code: 063 - Branch code: 031 - SWIFT code: DTKEKENA - M‑Pesa Paybill: Business number 516600; Account number 929942. - After paying by M‑Pesa, the payment reference number must be emailed to accounts@nairobiwaldorfschool.ac.ke to update the statement.
Withdrawals and refunds
- Notice period: One full term's written notice is required to withdraw a child. If one term's notice is not given, one term's fee is payable in lieu of notice and the refundable security deposit will be forfeited. - Refundability: Security deposits are refundable (subject to the above withdrawal/notice provisions). Application, admission and development fees are non‑refundable.
Boarding
- Boarding: Not applicable — there are no boarding fees listed and the school operates as a day school.
Fee details
Application & admission fees
- Admission (charged once on entry): KES 15,000 (non-refundable). - Caution deposit (charged once on entry): KES 15,000 (refundable on exit subject to the school's clearance process).
Tuition and term-by-term fees by school section and year group
- Nursery School (Playgroup, KG1, KG2, KG3) — per-term totals shown and annual total = sum of the three term totals: - Term structure: Term 1 (Aug–Dec), Term 2 (Jan–Apr), Term 3 (May–Jul). - Playgroup: - Tuition per term: KES 107,000. - Other per-term items: Medical fee KES 500; Development levy (Term 1) KES 5,000; Diary & folder (Term 1) KES 500. - Term totals: Term 1 = KES 113,000; Term 2 = KES 107,500; Term 3 = KES 107,500. - Annual total (3 terms): KES 328,000. - KG1: - Tuition per term: KES 175,000. - Other per-term items: Medical fee KES 500; Development levy (Term 1) KES 5,000; Diary & folder (Term 1) KES 500. - Term totals: Term 1 = KES 181,000; Term 2 = KES 175,500; Term 3 = KES 175,500. - Annual total (3 terms): KES 532,000. - KG2: - Tuition per term: KES 175,000. - Additional: Reading log (Term 1) KES 1,000; Medical fee KES 500; Development levy (Term 1) KES 5,000. - Term totals: Term 1 = KES 182,000; Term 2 = KES 175,500; Term 3 = KES 175,500. - Annual total (3 terms): KES 533,000. - KG3: - Tuition per term: KES 175,000. - Term totals: Term 1 = KES 181,000; Term 2 = KES 175,500; Term 3 = KES 175,500. - Annual total (3 terms): KES 532,000. - Optional afternoon programme (Playgroup only shown): KES 28,000 per term (KG1–KG3 listed as inclusive where applicable).
- Junior School (PYP1 / Grade 1 through PYP5 / Grade 5) — per-term totals and annual totals: - Tuition per term: - PYP1–PYP3 (Grades 1–3): KES 295,000 per term. - PYP4–PYP5 (Grades 4–5): KES 322,000 per term. - Term 1 additional items (example): Development levy KES 10,000; Diary & folder KES 1,500; Medical fee KES 500. - Term totals: - PYP1–PYP3: Term 1 = KES 307,000; Term 2 = KES 295,500; Term 3 = KES 295,500. - PYP4–PYP5: Term 1 = KES 334,000; Term 2 = KES 322,500; Term 3 = KES 322,500. - Annual totals (sum of three terms): - PYP1–PYP3: KES 898,000. - PYP4–PYP5: KES 979,000.
- Senior School (MYP Grades 6–10 and IBDP Years 1–2) — per-term totals and annual totals or notes where a term is not applicable: - Tuition per term by year group (term 1 figures shown; term 2 and term 3 figures follow): - MYP1 (Grade 6): KES 322,000 per term. Term totals: T1 = KES 336,500; T2 = KES 322,500; T3 = KES 322,500. Annual total (3 terms): KES 981,500. - MYP2 (Grade 7): same as MYP1. Annual total: KES 981,500. - MYP3 (Grade 8): tuition per term KES 350,000; term totals T1 = KES 364,500; T2 = KES 350,500; T3 = KES 350,500. Annual total: KES 1,065,500. - MYP4 (Grade 9): same as MYP3. Annual total: KES 1,065,500. - MYP5 (Grade 10): term totals show T1 = KES 539,750; T2 = KES 525,750; T3 is not shown (dash) — annual total (two terms shown) = KES 1,065,500. - IBDP 1 (Year 1 DP): T1 = KES 554,500; T2 = KES 540,500; T3 = KES 540,500. Annual total (3 terms): KES 1,635,500. - IBDP 2 (Year 2 DP): T1 = KES 560,750; T2 = KES 546,750; T3 is not shown (dash) — annual total (two terms shown) = KES 1,107,500. - Development levy (Term 1) on Senior School: KES 12,500; Diary & folder KES 1,500; Medical fee typically KES 500 (some DP categories show KES 750 where indicated). Term totals above include these items.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Term billing schedule: the academic year is billed by school terms: Term 1 (August–December), Term 2 (January–April), Term 3 (May–July). Fees for each term are shown on the term fee schedule. - Due dates and settlement: - Parents are required to settle each term's fees promptly before commencement of the school term; unpaid accounts are treated as outstanding and students may be denied attendance until arrangements are made. - Penalties: at the start of each term penalties are computed on the cumulative outstanding balance at 5% per term. Any dishonoured cheque attracts a penalty of KES 2,500 plus any applicable late payment penalty. - Installment option: - Where a lump-sum payment is not possible, an application may be made to the Head Teacher for a three-instalment plan for the term: first instalment = 50% of the term's fees payable before the term starts; the balance payable in two equal monthly instalments of 25% each, due by the 1st of the following two months. Application requires a signed commitment letter and post-dated cheques. Default of an instalment may require parents to pay the remaining amount within 3 days. - Discounts on fees: - Sibling discount: 5% discount on tuition fees for the second and subsequent children (applied to the lowest tuition fee). - Annual payment discount: 5% discount on tuition fees for pre-payment of the full year in advance.
Boarding fees
- No boarding fees are listed for the Aga Khan Academy, Nairobi because the Academy operates as a day school at this campus; boarding fees are not applicable.
Other costs and recurring items
- Development levy: charged at the Term 1 schedule and varies by section — Nursery KES 5,000; Junior KES 10,000; Senior KES 12,500 (shown in Term 1). These levies are included in the Term 1 totals where indicated. - Diary & folder fee: Nursery KES 500 (Term 1), Junior and Senior KES 1,500 (Term 1). - Medical fee: generally KES 500 per term; certain IBDP categories show KES 750 where indicated. - Optional/extra activities: afternoon programme and other co-curricular items are listed where applicable (Nursery afternoon programme KES 28,000 per term for Playgroup). Extra curricular charges vary by programme and are listed in the term schedule.
Refunds and withdrawal rules
- Fees are non-refundable after the first day of the term once the student attends. - Exceptional refund circumstances: for verified medical circumstances supported by a credible doctor's note, 50% of the term's fee may be refunded after consultation with the CEO. - New student who does not report: fees (except the admission fee) may be fully refunded if the parent/guardian gave one month's written notice prior to the commencement of the term. - Pre-paid full-year fees: parents/guardians who pre-pay a whole year's fees are eligible for a refund of subsequent term fees if notice is given at least one term prior to the subsequent term; any discounts redeemed on the pre-payment are recoverable in full. - Withdrawal notice requirement: a full term's advance written notice to the Head Teacher is required when withdrawing; failure to provide the required notice will result in a charge equal to one term's tuition in lieu of the notice period and clearance documents will be issued only once the account is settled. Caution deposits are refundable on exit but must be claimed within three months of the student's exit and require a clearance letter signed by the head of school.
Fee payment options and practical payment instructions
- Accepted payment channels: bank deposit/transfer, MPESA (Paybill), cash and cheque deposits (with original deposit slip submitted to the school bursar). The school issues an official receipt of payment; until receipt is issued the account is shown as "Outstanding." - Bank details (Diamond Trust Bank Kenya) and MPESA Paybill numbers shown for each school/section (use the appropriate account/paybill for the specific school section when paying): - Nursery School (account name AGA KHAN NURSERY SCHOOL, NAIROBI): A/C No. 0500337001; MPESA Paybill No. 862096. - Junior School (account name AGA KHAN JUNIOR ACADEMY, NAIROBI): A/C No. 0500338008; MPESA Paybill No. 862095. - Senior Academy (account name AGA KHAN ACADEMY, NAIROBI): A/C No. 0500340002; MPESA Paybill No. 862094. - For bank transfers parents are required to submit the bank remittance advice to the school bursar. For MPESA payments parents should insert the student name and class in the account/reference field to facilitate tracking. For cash & cheque deposits parents must submit the original deposit slip to the bursar.
Penalties and default actions
- Late payment penalties: cumulative outstanding balances attract 5% per term at the start of the term. Dishonoured cheques attract a penalty of KES 2,500 plus any applicable late payment penalty. The school reserves the right to withhold examination registration, withhold transcripts/results, or ask a student to remain at home if fees are outstanding.
Summary note
- The fee figures above are those published in the school's fee schedules for the current published academic fee schedule documents for the Academy's Nursery, Junior and Senior sections. Each section's PDF fee schedule provides the full term breakdown, one-time charges and the detailed payment instructions shown above.
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
Waldorf education guides Nairobi Waldorf School, educating the head, heart, and hands through academics, movement, and the arts. A class-teacher approach keeps the same teacher with a cohort from early years through primary, supporting routines and social development. Learning uses Main Lesson blocks, with a subject taught in three- to four-week cycles for in-depth exploration. The curriculum spans Kindergarten through High School, with the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme offered at the Karen Campus and Pearson BTEC qualifications in Business and Art & Design at Levels 2 and 3, providing progression to higher education. Language study includes English and Swahili, with French taught in upper years and IB DP language options including French B, Swahili B, or French Ab Initio.
Curriculum details
The Aga Khan Academy Nairobi is an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School authorized to implement the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP) and the Diploma Programme (DP). The Senior School offers the IB MYP for Grades 6–10 and the IB DP for Grades 11–12; Nursery and Junior School continue with the PYP, and the campus serves over 1,000 students.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
Small class sizes promote individualized attention.
Student teacher ratio
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Exam results
Exam results
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Exam results
The Nursery School does not have a grading system. DP results have been 32–34 points over the past four years, well above the world average. Graduates gain admission to top universities globally and in Kenya.
Higher education progression
Higher education progression
The IB Diploma Programme is offered at the Karen Campus as a two-year pre-university pathway and is globally recognized; Kenyan universities generally accept IB after an equivalence process. Pearson BTEC qualifications in Business and Art & Design provide higher education and apprenticeship pathways, with Level 3 BTEC equivalent to A‑levels and higher BTEC levels recognized for university entry in Kenya and internationally.
Higher education progression
Over 90% of graduating IB DP students earn placements in top Kenyan and international universities, including Canada (McGill University; University of Alberta; University of British Columbia; University of Toronto; University of Waterloo; Western University), the United Kingdom (London School of Economics; University of Manchester; University of Nottingham; University of Oxford; University of Reading; University of Warwick), and the United States (Brown University; New York University; Vassar College).
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. Complete and submit a Student Application with a non-refundable application fee of KShs 5,000 per child; the application and fee must be submitted before the school undertakes the initial assessment of the child. 2. Final admission and placement depend on space availability and the school's ability to provide the education and support required for the individual child; the decision is made by the teachers. 3. With increasing interest in Waldorf education, requests for placement exceed space, particularly in the Kindergartens, so interviews with parents/guardians of those requesting placement are conducted. 4. Broad criteria for admission: Kindergarten accepts children from eighteen months, with groups including toddler (18 months–2.5 years), playgroup (2.5–4 years), and kindergarten (4–6 years). Reception Group is for children in their last year of Kindergarten, focusing on developing pre-learning skills with teacher support to enter Primary School. Class One admission from Kindergarten to Primary School is not automatic; a child turning six on or before 30 November is automatically assessed for Class One readiness during term II of the current school year, and if successful, admission typically occurs in late August/early September of that year. If a child turns six after 30 November, an assessment may be carried out following consultation; if readiness is shown, admission may be granted. For Class Two and beyond, a series of interviews, observations, and assessments are conducted for optimal grade placement.
Admissions
Admission to The Aga Khan Academy Nairobi – Nursery School is based on merit and does not discriminate by nationality, ethnic origin or religion. Parents of students with non-Kenyan nationalities must show a valid residence permit and obtain a student pass for their child to be enrolled. Admissions consider the child's age, reports and recommendations from a previous school (if any), and the availability of places (maximum 22 per class). An admission assessment is required: a developmental assessment for all prospective pupils, and a written admission assessment for those applying to K2 and K3. Age ranges as of 31 December of the year of application are Playgroup 2–3 years; Kindergarten 1 3–4 years; Kindergarten 2 4–5 years; Kindergarten 3 5–6 years. The 2025–2026 Nursery School fee structure is published.
Scholarships
Scholarships
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Scholarships
Admission to the Junior School and the Senior School includes scholarships. The Aga Khan Academy offers Scholarships to recognize academic excellence to new or continuing students. Scholarships are based on financial need; the number and amount vary from year to year. In exceptional cases, limited financial assistance may be granted. Families may apply to the Aga Khan Education Service, Kenya panel for consideration.
