Rosslyn Academy vs SABIS® International School – Runda

	R Rosslyn Academy Nairobi, Kenya	S SABIS® International School – Runda Nairobi, Kenya
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year KES 815,850 - 2,175,000	Fees / year KES 70,000 - 2,158,000
Age range	Age range 4 - 18 years	Age range 4 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Curriculum	Curriculum American Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP)	Curriculum Bespoke Curriculum, British Curriculum, American Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels, Advanced Placement (AP)
Pupils	Pupils 690	Pupils 210
Typical class size	Typical class size 20	Typical class size 32
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1947	Opened 2018
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Gigiri, Nairobi, Kenya; 40-acre campus in the diplomatic suburb of Gigiri, about one mile from the UN complex and the U.S. Embassy.	Location Nairobi, Kenya. The postal address is P.O. Box 111-00627, Two Rivers, Nairobi, Kenya. The school is part of the SABIS Network.
Stages	Stages Preschool; Elementary; Middle School (Grades 6–8); High School (Grades 9–12).	Stages Kindergarten; Lower School (grades 2–4); Middle School; High School
School type	School type Private, co-ed day school with a North American curriculum.	School type International school (SABIS Network)
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix Nationalities represented: numerous; most common nationality is American (41%). Kenyan local share 35%; international share 65%; local:international ratio approximately 7:13. Total students about 675.	Pupil nationality mix 30 nationalities represented; Kenyan is among them.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Learning support for mild to moderate learning needs; inclusive mainstream classroom; accommodations and curricular modifications; EAL support.	Additional learning support Learning support is provided through teacher‑led study groups, prefects and group leaders, peer tutoring, power study sessions, academic competitions, and on‑demand tutoring videos. Advisory classes are offered for Primary School (Grade 1–Grade 6) in the morning, with Grade 7 having weekly advisory sessions.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Affiliation with United States via American-curriculum; serves an international community.	Country affiliation Kenya
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation Christian.	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application and Admission Fees - Non‑refundable registration/application fee: KES 26,000 (reported as the standard registration charge). - Acceptance / admission deposit: KES 129,000 (reported as the deposit required to confirm a place). An additional acceptance fee figure of KES 45,325 is also reported by third‑party summaries. Tuition fees by year group (term and annual) - Preschool (early years): reported around KES 271,950 per term (termly basis). Estimated annual cost (three terms) approximately KES 815,850. - Elementary (approx. Grades 1–5): reported termly range KES 426,000–564,000 per term. Estimated annual total (three terms) KES 1,278,000–1,692,000. - Middle School (approx. Grades 6–8): reported termly range KES 522,000–641,000 per term. Estimated annual total (three terms) KES 1,566,000–1,923,000. - High School (Grades 9–12): reported termly range KES 600,000–850,000 per term. Estimated annual total (three terms) KES 1,800,000–2,550,000. Billing schedule and payment terms - Fees are charged on a termly basis (three terms per academic year) and quoted term amounts above reflect the common reporting format (per term). Parents are required to pay fees by the start of each term; termly payment is the reported billing rhythm in the available summaries. Specific published due dates, late‑payment penalties, or detailed installment plans are not available in the public materials reviewed. Boarding fees - Not applicable. Rosslyn Academy operates as a day school; there is no routine boarding program or boarding fee for students. Other costs and recurring extras - School bus/transport: the school operates a bus service; bus fees are charged separately. Exact route‑zone pricing and term amounts are provided by the school's transport office when parents apply for bus service. Students suspended from bus service are not entitled to a refund for the suspended period. - Meals, snacks and some co‑curricular activities: third‑party summaries report that tuition commonly covers snacks, lunch, co‑curricular activities and some excursions for certain year groups; this varies by grade level and the reported fee band. Confirmed itemization and which year groups have meals included are not published in a single public fee sheet available to reviewers. - Textbooks, damaged/lost book fines and incidental fines: textbooks are school property and parents are charged for replacement or damage; fines for lost locks, damaged property and missing textbooks are enforced and must be paid before records are released. Example fine: KES 500 for a lost locker lock is referenced in school policies. - Uniforms and personal supplies: uniform and personal school supplies are additional to tuition; specific uniform pricing is not published in the materials reviewed. Refund information - Acceptance/placement deposits: some third‑party summaries report a refundable security deposit component (figures reported in summaries vary); other admission charges (for example the registration fee) are reported as non‑refundable. Exact refund conditions, timelines, and what portion (if any) of acceptance deposits are refundable are not included in a single public fee schedule available to reviewers. The school's published policies note circumstances where refunds are not issued for particular services (for example bus suspension). Payment methods and fee payment options - Specific published details of accepted payment methods (for example bank transfer, credit card, mobile money) were not located in the public materials reviewed. Parents should use the school's finance office or admissions office for the available payment channels and any bank account or invoicing instructions. Summary of findings and limitations - Rosslyn Academy is a day school and does not charge boarding fees. The school's official parent/student materials reviewed (2025–2026 handbooks and profiles) do not contain a single public, itemized 2025/26 or 2026/27 fee schedule with confirmed line‑by‑line charges; consequently the termly figures above are taken from recent third‑party fee summaries and media reporting that present indicative per‑term ranges and reported admission deposits. Third‑party summaries show consistent termly ranges across sources but differ on precise amounts and on whether certain charges are refundable. Where an exact, official line item or up‑to‑date published fee table was required, that full public schedule was not located in the documents reviewed.	Fee details Application / Registration Fee - One-time, non-refundable registration fee: KES 70,000. Tuition fees by year group (annual and per-term installments) - KG1 — Annual: KES 903,000. Term installments: Term 1 KES 301,000; Term 2 KES 301,000; Term 3 KES 301,000. - KG2 — Annual: KES 903,000. Term installments: Term 1 KES 301,000; Term 2 KES 301,000; Term 3 KES 301,000. - Grade 1 — Annual: KES 1,229,000. Term installments: Term 1 KES 410,000; Term 2 KES 410,000; Term 3 KES 409,000. - Grade 2 — Annual: KES 1,229,000. Term installments: Term 1 KES 410,000; Term 2 KES 410,000; Term 3 KES 409,000. - Grade 3 — Annual: KES 1,465,000. Term installments: Term 1 KES 489,000; Term 2 KES 489,000; Term 3 KES 487,000. - Grade 4 — Annual: KES 1,465,000. Term installments: Term 1 KES 489,000; Term 2 KES 489,000; Term 3 KES 487,000. - Grade 5 — Annual: KES 1,465,000. Term installments: Term 1 KES 489,000; Term 2 KES 489,000; Term 3 KES 487,000. - Grade 6 — Annual: KES 1,465,000. Term installments: Term 1 KES 489,000; Term 2 KES 489,000; Term 3 KES 487,000. - Grade 7 — Annual: KES 1,638,000. Term installments: Term 1 KES 546,000; Term 2 KES 546,000; Term 3 KES 546,000. - Grade 8 — Annual: KES 1,638,000. Term installments: Term 1 KES 546,000; Term 2 KES 546,000; Term 3 KES 546,000. - Grade 9 — Annual: KES 1,638,000. Term installments: Term 1 KES 546,000; Term 2 KES 546,000; Term 3 KES 546,000. - Grade 10 — Annual: KES 1,953,000. Term installments: Term 1 KES 651,000; Term 2 KES 651,000; Term 3 KES 651,000. - Grade 11 — Annual: KES 1,953,000. Term installments: Term 1 KES 651,000; Term 2 KES 651,000; Term 3 KES 651,000. - Grade 12 — Annual: KES 2,158,000. Term installments: Term 1 KES 720,000; Term 2 KES 720,000; Term 3 KES 718,000. Billing schedule and payment terms - Installment timing: 1st installment due upon registration; 2nd installment due two weeks before the start of Term 2; 3rd installment due two weeks before the start of Term 3. Fees are collected in Kenyan Shillings. School fees include tuition, books, and a morning snack. Boarding fees (where applicable) - Boarding fee (listed in the fee schedule): KES 790,500. The boarding charge as shown includes meals, accommodation, and Friday transport. Other costs and optional fees - Transport (termly rates shown on the bus registration form): - Runda/Thindigua/Evergreen/Four Ways/Ridgeways areas — One-way termly KES 34,100; Round-trip termly KES 48,000 (approx. 1–5 km routes). - Westlands/Parklands/Garden Estate/Muthaiga/Rosslyn areas — One-way termly KES 47,200; Round-trip termly KES 67,300 (approx. 6–14 km routes). - The Hub Karen/Mombasa Road/Loresho/Lavington areas — One-way termly KES 67,300; Round-trip termly KES 96,000 (approx. 15+ km routes). - Hot lunch / meal subscription (registration present on the fee pack): Lunch-only option (term rate listed): KES 32,300 (subscription fees are non-refundable). - Uniform pricing (examples; prices include VAT): All Polo (short sleeve) KES 1,540; All Jacket KES 2,820; Summer PE T‑shirt KES 1,400; Trousers KES 2,950; Girls Dress KES 2,680; Hoodie KES 3,590. Final uniform cost depends on items and sizes selected. - Other incidental or subscription charges (for example, extracurricular activities or event-specific charges) may apply; specific subscription items (meals/transport) are noted as non-refundable where indicated. Sibling discounts - First sibling: full school fees. Second sibling: 5% discount on school fees only. Third sibling: 10% discount on school fees only. Fourth sibling and above: 20% discount on school fees only. Refund information - The one-time registration fee is non-refundable. Meal/ subscription fees are marked non-refundable. Other subscription fees (for example, cafeteria subscriptions) are explicitly non-refundable where stated. Fee payment options - Bank transfer / direct payment to the school account (Sidian Bank — account name: SABIS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL RUNDA; account number: 01053050000260; branch: Two Rivers / Head Office details provided in payment instructions). Payment details for school-related subscriptions and event payments use this bank account. - M‑Pesa Paybill instructions are provided for some payments (Paybill number 111999 with the account number field used for the school account reference). - Other accepted payment channels have included cheque and direct bank payments for event and subscription payments (payment channel options such as cheque or M‑Pesa are shown in the school payment instructions). Notes - The figures above are the fee schedule reported for the academic year shown in the school fee pack. Where optional services (transport, boarding, meals, uniform) are selected, those charges are additional to the annual tuition amounts listed.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options —	Food options —
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership —	Governance and ownership —
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details The school follows a North American Curriculum, including the Advanced Placement Program (AP) in the high school.	Curriculum details The SABIS Educational System is a skillfully researched curriculum based on international standards that is implemented through the SABIS learning cycle, classroom technology, and continual student assessment, with progress monitored via the SABIS Digital Platform. The foundation for student success expands in breadth and depth as students progress from Kindergarten to graduation. Starting in Kindergarten and continuing through graduation, the curriculum covers a broad range of subjects and enables students to develop fluency in English, French, and Kiswahili. There is strong emphasis on English and mathematics, and on the sciences in secondary school where students prepare for external exams such as the British-based IGCSEs and the U.S.-based Advanced Placement (AP) program. Social studies, music, fine arts, physical education, psychology, business and economics, computer studies, and non-traditional subjects (robotics, 3D printing, web development) are integrated into the curriculum. A strong student-led component is embedded in the school day, and the SABIS Student Life Organization promotes participation in activities to develop leadership and life skills. The learning process includes frequent assessment and a 360° view of progress accessible to students, teachers, and parents via the SABIS Digital Platform.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio Class sizes are small; Elementary class sizes are typically around 20 students.	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results The SABIS Runda program prepares students to sit external exams such as IGCSEs, SAT, TOEFL, ACT and Advanced Placement (AP) exams by Grade 12, with an A-level pathway available in Grade 13. In Grades 10–11, students have the option to sit for IGCSE exams. The High School Diploma is accredited by Accreditation International (AI) and the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA), which means the diploma is recognized by colleges and universities in the U.S. and worldwide. SABIS graduates are accepted to universities around the world; a 2025 university acceptance list includes Curtin University, University of Sydney, University of Alberta, University of Calgary, University of British Columbia, University of Toronto, Arizona State University, Auburn University, Drexel University, Iowa State University, Penn State University, Rutgers University, The Citadel, University of Arizona, University of Connecticut, University of Kansas, University of Pittsburgh, INTO Manchester, and African Leadership Academy.
Higher education progression	Higher education progression The school prepares students for university and life beyond.	Higher education progression University counselling at SABIS Runda prepares students to meet admissions requirements of the world's most competitive universities in Europe, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Germany, the Middle and Far East, and Australia, with Africa to be added. With the support of a dedicated and highly skilled team, students have access to universities of their choice and ability. Graduates have gained acceptances to universities across multiple continents, as evidenced by the 2025 University Acceptances list (including institutions such as Curtin University, University of Sydney, University of Alberta, University of Calgary, University of British Columbia, University of Toronto, Arizona State University, Auburn University, Drexel University, Iowa State University, Penn State University, Rutgers University, The Citadel, University of Arizona, University of Connecticut, University of Kansas, University of Pittsburgh, INTO Manchester, and African Leadership Academy).
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning —	Social & emotional learning —
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) —
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language —
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing —	Mental wellbeing —
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding —
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview —	Facilities overview —
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities —	Academic facilities —
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities —	Extra curricular facilities —
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History —	History —
Community	Community —	Community —
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual —	Academic & intellectual —
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative —
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language —
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies —
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing —
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision —	Language provision —
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Rosslyn Academy has fairly stringent admissions policies. Students must display satisfactory academic records, typically at or above a 'C' average if coming from North American schools. They must demonstrate a history of acceptable social and moral behaviors. 2. All students coming from non-North American school systems are required to take an admissions test and must demonstrate a certain level of proficiency in reading, language skills, and math. The school does not admit students into grade 12 coming from non-North American school systems. The acceptance rate for the 2025-26 year was approximately 46%, but varies from year to year. 3. Admission decisions are made on a case-by-case basis, and admission depends on the school's ability to serve the student well. The Guidance Office provides university and career planning resources, and university representatives visit Rosslyn's campus to meet with students and parents. The Guidance Office also maintains materials to assist families with post-secondary planning. 4. Rosslyn Academy is a testing center for the SAT (SAT I), SAT Subject (SAT II), ACT, and AP exams. Registration for the SAT must be done through LTS or online at College Board; registration for the ACT must be done online at ACT's site. AP exams are taken through the school and payment is made directly to Rosslyn. The PSAT is administered internally by the Guidance Office each year, and the office also oversees standardized testing timelines and preparation resources.	Admissions 1. To initiate the admission process, submit the following documents to the registrar: Application for Admission Form; Student Medical Form and Vaccination Report; Copy of Birth Certificate and Passport; Copy of School Reports from the Previous School Year. After submission, placement testing for the grade level is organized. A final admission decision cannot be made without these documents. 2. If acceptance is granted, the parents complete additional forms: SABIS Digital Platform (SDP) Form; Guarantee Form; Pick-Up/Drop-Off Authorization Form; Uniform Selection Form; Transport Request Form (if required); Meals Request Form (if required). A Clearance Letter from the previous school is required if applicable. Nationality matters: non-Kenyan nationals receive assistance with the documentation required to apply for an annually renewable Pupil's Pass under Kenyan Immigration Law; Dependent's Passes are no longer exempt unless at least one parent has diplomatic status. 3. Admission decisions are made after careful evaluation of candidates, including the results of diagnostic testing and previous school records. Additional criteria include motivation, social and emotional development, willingness to work hard, and the ability of SABIS® Runda to accommodate the candidate's needs. 4. Families are encouraged to visit SABIS® Runda for a school tour and to talk with admission staff. Appointments can be made by contacting the school administration. 5. There is no application deadline, but admission decisions are based on spaces available throughout the school year. Applications are accepted, but offers are granted based on space available. There is no joining fee on the first occasion of going through the admission process. 6. Once accepted and the required fees are paid, a place for the student is reserved. This reserves the seat for the upcoming term and completes enrollment steps.
Scholarships	Scholarships Rosslyn Academy offers school-based scholarships with multiple components. Missionary Students receive a reduced tuition, less than half of regular tuition, with an estimated cost of about $10,000 per year per student. This program is designed to support missionary families serving abroad and to enable them to continue their field service. Kenyan National Church Students program admits one Kenyan child per year (into 9th grade) from one of the Mission Owner's local church partners; this program is limited by funding. In addition, Make A Kingdom Investment fundraising has provided a 4-year scholarship to one exceptional student with a compelling story and a desire to attend Rosslyn Academy. This funding support is intended to expand access to Rosslyn for qualified students in need of financial assistance.	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
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