The information on this school’s profile is taken from publicly available sources, and has been collated by AI and curated by human moderators. Every effort has been taken to ensure accuracy, but factual inaccuracies are possible. If you would like to report inaccurate information please email support@doris.school
Strengths Performing Arts, Visual and Creative Arts, Languages
Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Community and Service
Stages Infant/Toddler Care, Preschool, Kindergarten, Primary School, Secondary School, High School, Sixth Form
Introduction
Nairobi Waldorf School Trust provides an Kenya-based day school for ages 1 to 18. The curriculum blends the Waldorf Steiner approach with International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) offered at Karen Campus and Pearson BTEC qualifications in Business and Art & Design (Levels 2 and 3). English and Swahili are studied from early years, with French taught in upper years and IB language options including French B, Swahili B, or French Ab Initio. The school educates the head, heart, and hands through Main Lesson blocks and a class-teacher approach that accompanies a cohort from early years through primary. Learning integrates academics with movement and the arts: music and singing in early years, crafts, woodwork, drama, and visual arts in later grades, plus BTEC pathways. Co-curriculars feature swimming, soccer, basketball, and arts. Governance is by the Nairobi Waldorf School Trust, with a Board of Trustees, a Pedagogical Team, and a Management Team.
Nairobi Waldorf School has 450 pupils, typical class sizes of 16, instruction in English.
Location
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.
Stages
Karen Campus: Kindergarten through High School; Lavington Campus: Kindergarten through Class 5.
Type
Day school
Additional learning support
Learning support is provided through the Kolisko Group; students who require support receive an Individual Education Program (IEP).
Country affiliation
Kenya
Religious affiliation
Non-sectarian; not affiliated with any particular religion
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.
Fees
Annual tuition at Nairobi Waldorf School ranges from KES 293,577 to KES 1,027,971 for 2026/27.
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.
Academics
Nairobi Waldorf School teaches Waldorf Steiner Curriculum, IB (DP), BTEC Qualification for students aged 1 to 18.
Curriculum
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.
Student Teacher Ratio
Small class sizes promote individualized attention.
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.
Wellbeing
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Social and emotional growth is fostered through themes of sharing, caring, and community building.
Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The Learning Support Department provides services for learners with Specific Learning Disabilities/Disorders (SLD), ADHD, and English Language Learners (ELL); instruction is differentiated within an inclusive main-lesson setting with some pull-out support, and an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or a 504 Accommodation Plan may be developed for eligible students.
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The Learning Support Department provides English Language Learner (ELL) support.
Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is supported through psycho-social services led by the management team, with a Child Psychologist on call to assist the community in trauma cases.
Safeguarding
The welfare and safety of students are paramount; a formal NWST Child Safety and Protection Policy defines abuse types, safeguarding procedures, confidentiality, and zero tolerance for discrimination.
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.
FAQs
What age range does Nairobi Waldorf School serve?
Nairobi Waldorf School serves students from age 1 to 18.
What curriculum does Nairobi Waldorf School follow?
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.
What are the tuition fees at Nairobi Waldorf School?
Annual fees range from approximately 293,577 to 1,027,971.
Is Nairobi Waldorf School a day school or boarding school?
Nairobi Waldorf School operates as a day school.
Is Nairobi Waldorf School co-educational?
Yes, Nairobi Waldorf School is a co-educational school welcoming both boys and girls.
Where is Nairobi Waldorf School located?
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.
When was Nairobi Waldorf School founded?
Nairobi Waldorf School was established in 1989.
How many students attend Nairobi Waldorf School?
Nairobi Waldorf School has approximately 450 students.
Does Nairobi Waldorf School provide learning support for students with additional needs?
Learning support is available. Contact the school for details.
How do I apply to Nairobi Waldorf School?
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.
What extracurricular activities are available at Nairobi Waldorf School?
The Nairobi Waldorf School Trust uses the Waldorf Main Lesson approach, with subjects taught in blocks of three to four weeks.
What languages are taught at Nairobi Waldorf School?
Kiswahili is taught in Grade 1 as Kiswahili: Building Language Foundations with language-focused activities. In Grade 2, Kiswahili and French appear in the subject rotation, supporting language development.
