Lycée Français International Denis Diderot

Argwings Kodhek Road, Kilimani, Nairobi (Near Yaya Center)

Ages 2 to 18

Private international school; accredited by the French Ministry of Education; member of the AEFE network

France

The Lyce9e Frane7ais Denis Diderot offers the full French curriculum from Kindergarten to Lycee in Nairobi. It provides a bilingual French-English education, with Kindergarten taught by a French-speaking teacher, supported by assistants and an English teacher from the first year. The Primary program runs five years, developing core knowledge, with eight hours of foreign languages per week, including two hours of Swahili. Middle School spans four years with core disciplines and languages; a new foreign language is introduced in the second year. High School lasts three years; in the second year students choose majors and sit the French baccalaureate exam to prepare for higher studies. Parcours PARLE promotes multilingualism, and a British International Section is available on a trial basis, leading to the French international baccalaureate.

Studies after the French Baccalaureate can be pursued in many countries. France remains a privileged option for higher education, with opportunities in preparatory classes for Grandes Ecoles and admission to top universities (INSA Lyon, Louis-le-Grand, Montaigne, etc.). Graduates have enrolled in Canada (HEC Montre9al) and the United States (HULT International Business School), as well as programs in Great Britain, Switzerland, Spain, Italy, Egypt and Malaysia. Orientation support for continuing with the STUDENT PLAN, including the Future course and resources from ONISEP, CIDJ, AEFE and PARCOUREO, plus the PRIO platform, helps families explore post-baccalaureate options.

LFIDD prioritizes student wellbeing and a positive school climate. It launched the pHARe safeguarding program to prevent harassment and to create an inclusive, caring, and protective environment. The program includes staff training and guidance on handling harassment and promoting wellbeing. The school is committed to an inclusive, benevolent, and protective environment for all students. Parent involvement via the PundaKtiv association supports the school community and student wellbeing.

The school adapts to the needs of each child. Each primary class receives one hour per week of remedial learning activities targeting students with specific needs. In secondary, homework support is available for 6eme class, and tutoring is organized for students who need it. A team of shadow teachers (AESH) is available to assist students with disabilities or special needs.

English is taught by native English-speaking teachers. In kindergarten and elementary, 30% of school time is in English under the EMILE system; in elementary, three hours weekly are dedicated specifically to learning English. In secondary, English teaching is reinforced and provided by native speakers in skill groups. The British International Section adds six hours per week of English (four hours English Language and Literature and two hours History-Geography in English), increasing English exposure to more than 30% of secondary education. From the fifth grade, a third living language (Spanish or German) is taught, and Mandarin is available as an extracurricular option. The school also offers language certificates: DELF for French, Cambridge English Language Assessment, DELE for Spanish, and Goethe for German.

Student wellbeing is a focus at LFIDD as part of safeguarding and school climate initiatives, including the pHARe program and ongoing staff training to support mental health and safety.

LFIDD launched pHARe, a safeguarding program to prevent harassment and protect students, with staff training and a focus on school climate and inclusion.

Step 1. New students are welcomed at the beginning of the school year (September) and throughout the year. Registrations for the 2025-2026 year are now open. The registration process is initiated online via the Online Registration link in the Registration section. The online registration is accessible to families as part of the admission process.

Step 2. Step to registration. Online registration is the primary route to apply. The process is accessed by clicking the Online Registration link. Families are directed to follow the online steps to complete the application. The 2025-2026 registration cycle is specified on the page.

Step 3. Important information. Tuition is paid by families and the financial terms are described in the Financial Regulations. Canteen: school meals are compulsory for primary pupils on three long days (Monday-Tuesday-Thursday). Immigration: it is the parents' responsibility to be in good standing with Kenyan immigration authorities; a certificate of enrolment and a school letter may be provided to complete the student pass application. Communication: information relating to school life is distributed electronically to the email address provided by the parents. School Insurance: the school insures its pupils for school insurance and medical transport.

Step 4. Admission procedures. Admission procedures are differentiated by the pupil's prior schooling background. Case 1 applies to pupils enrolled in a public or AEFE network school in France or a French school abroad during the previous school year or the current school year. These pupils are admitted to the class indicated by the orientation decision or the dialogue form, for entry into 2nde, 1ère and Terminale, with priority given subject to availability of places. Case 2 applies to pupils who attended a school not approved by the French Ministry of Education during the previous or current school year, or who have had an interruption of 3 months or more in the AEFE network; a placement test will be carried out to determine the appropriate level.

The Lycée is a non-profit school, subsidized by the French state, which allows tuition fees to be 30% to 27% lower than other international schools in Nairobi. AEFE scholarships: French families can apply for a grant from AEFE. This tuition assistance is reserved for children of French nationality residing with their families in Kenya, and under certain means conditions, the scholarship may cover up to 100% of tuition fees. Applications and renewal files can be collected from the French Embassy. Two committees meet during the year: in May, for the regular committee ruling on applications for the upcoming school year; and in October/November, for the remedial commission concerning new students enrolled in the Lycée for the current year. The opening dates of the scholarship campaign and submission of files are published on this site. A brochure AEFE is available for more information.