Compare German Curriculum International Schools in Kenya

Limuru Road, Gigiri, Nairobi, Kenya (opposite Village Market).

Kindergarten; Primary School; Secondary School.

German school with Kindergarten, Primary and Secondary divisions.

More than 50 nationalities represented.

Deutsch als Fremdsprache; multilingual environment; DaF/DaZ support; teachers proficient in German and English.

Germany (German school abroad).

The Kindergarten day runs from 7:30 to 15:30, Fridays 7:30 to 13:00. The day includes a morning circle, breakfast, project work, outdoor play and rest periods. Deutsch als Fremdsprache is taught weekly in groups, with additional small-group DaF sessions for preschoolers.

A safe and reliable school bus service operates for Kindergarten and school children across Nairobi. Buses cover major residential areas and are organized in three zones. Riders are picked up at home and dropped off; an accompanying person is required for children under three. Details on registration, timetables and fees are available via transport@germanschool.co.ke.

School lunch is provided. The kitchen prepares fresh and balanced meals daily, with two vegetarian days per week; current weekly menus are available for School and Kindergarten. Ingredients are sourced locally where possible, and over 90 percent of the kitchen's electricity comes from solar energy.

The German School Nairobi is owned by the German School Society. The Society governs the School through an eight-member Committee; the Head of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Nairobi or their delegate attends Committee meetings, and the Committee appoints the Headmaster and other staff. The Society holds two General Meetings of Members each year.

The Sekundarstufe curriculum follows KMK standards and is Germany-approved. It enables Hauptschulabschluss, Realschulabschluss, and Deutsches Internationales Abitur. English is the language of Geography instruction, and History is taught bilingually in German and English. French is introduced from Class 6 as a second foreign language. The curriculum emphasizes linguistic competence in German and English, analytical thinking, scientific work, societal responsibility, and cultural openness. A detailed curriculum overview is currently in development.

The secondary level is a small, single-stream school.

The school offers Hauptschulabschluss, Realschulabschluss, and Deutsches Internationales Abitur; all qualifications are state-recognized and enable access to further educational opportunities in Germany and internationally.

The German School Nairobi offers a Stipendien Programm for talented Kenyan children to pursue the German Abitur; for the 2026 intake applications are invited from children aged 9–10 (Application period: September 1–28, 2025; German Intensive Course January–July 2026; Next step: direct entry into Class 5 with continued support in German language learning).

School social work is a fixed part of DSN Nairobi's life, offering listening, guidance, and connection for students, families, and staff. The Parents' Café, run with the special education team, provides information and discussion on ADHD, reading and spelling difficulties, dyslexia, dyscalculia, and media use. The school runs theme weeks on mindfulness, mental health, neurodiversity, and diversity and respect to promote wellbeing and inclusion. Individual case counseling is available for students, parents, and teachers to listen, support, and work toward solutions. Class cohesion is strengthened through class visits that foster belonging and social skills for all. The social work program collaborates with specialists to ensure inclusive practices across the school.

The school provides support for students with special educational needs through social work services and collaboration with specialists in Sonderpädagogik. The Parents' Café, held with the special education team, offers information on ADHD, Lese- und Rechtschreibschwäche, Dyskalkulie, and media use. Individual case counseling is available to students and families to listen and find solutions. The school emphasizes inclusive practices and adapts teaching strategies to individual needs. Language support programs, a bilingual environment, and close collaboration across programs support students with special educational needs. The school maintains clear procedures to coordinate support across Kindergarten, primary, and secondary levels.

The school supports English as an Additional Language through a bilingual environment and language-focused programmes. The Kindergarten is bilingual, with German- and English-speaking educators. Deutsch als Fremdsprache is offered, and the language program promotes multilingualism as a valuable competence and helps children experience language as a bridge between cultures. Deutsch als Fremdsprache is taught weekly in groups, with preschoolers receiving additional small-group sessions with the DaF coordinator; learning is play-based, using songs, games, and stories. In Grundschule, most lessons in German, Mathematics, and English are delivered through team-teaching by two teachers; children have a twice-weekly 20-minute Sprachbad to deepen language development.

DSN Nairobi provides health and emotional wellbeing support through an on-site clinic staffed by two qualified nurses who are available throughout the school day. The nurses have hospital experience, first-aid training, and child psychology expertise to support both physical and emotional wellbeing. A detailed health form is completed at school entry so the nursing team is informed about allergies, medications, and special health needs, enabling quick and appropriate responses. The school follows a head lice policy and collaborates with MP Shah Hospital across the street to ensure access to medical care; an ambulance is available for larger events. Regular first aid training is conducted for teachers, coaches, and students to respond safely in emergencies. The school's social work program also addresses mental health and wellbeing through theme weeks and targeted support.

Safeguarding and student welfare are integrated into DSN Nairobi's practices. The on-site clinic supports safety and wellbeing, with clear procedures for injuries and illness and communications with families. A health form at school entry ensures awareness of allergies, medications, and special needs. The school collaborates with MP Shah Hospital for medical emergencies and maintains access to an ambulance at major events. Regular first aid training for staff and students reinforces responsive safeguarding. Social work activities include Parents' Café and theme weeks addressing topics such as ADHD, neurodiversity, and mental health to promote safe, inclusive environments. The school works with the special education team to support students with diverse needs and ensure inclusive schooling.

1. Online inquiry: Fill out the form (about 5 minutes; non-binding). A response is provided within 3 working days. The online inquiry collects information about the child, the desired DSN area (Kindergarten, Primary, or Secondary), and the planned start date. 2. Interview and, if needed, assessment: A personal interview is conducted; depending on the school level, a short assessment may be used to help determine the appropriate placement. 3. Admission decision: The admission decision is based on capacity, language proficiency, and pedagogical assessment. 4. Enrollment: Contract documents are issued and enrollment is completed. Prerequisites include: Kindergarten uses German or English in daily life. For Primary and Secondary, sufficient German language proficiency is required. School reports and academic records are required.

The German School Nairobi is offering a Scholarship Program. Since 2008, the program has enabled talented and motivated Kenyan students to pursue an education leading to the German Abitur. For the 2026 intake, applications are invited from children aged 9–10. Application period: September 1–28, 2025. Preparation: German Intensive Course, January–July 2026. Next step: direct entry into Class 5 with continued support in German language learning. For more details and application documents, please visit scholarship.dsnairobi.de. Terms and conditions apply.

Applications are ideally submitted by April. Placement is generally by July. If demand is high, a waitlist may be used. Siblings and children of staff are given priority in admissions decisions.