Light International School vs Nairobi International School
Light International School and Nairobi International School are both in Nairobi, about 9 km apart. Both schools offer Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge A Levels programmes. Light International School also offers Cambridge International AS Levels, IPC and IEYC, and Nairobi International School also offers British and BTEC Qualification. Published annual fees are KES 752,000 - 2,623,000 at Light International School and KES 552,000 - 1,140,000 at Nairobi International School, which puts Light International School roughly 99% higher. Light International School takes pupils from 3 to 18, and Nairobi International School from 2 to 18. Both keep typical class sizes around 20.
Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, IPC (International Primary Curriculum), IEYC (International Early Years Curriculum)
Curriculum
British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels, BTEC Qualification
Pupils
Pupils
572
Pupils
—
Typical class size
Typical class size
20
Typical class size
20
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
—
Opened
2008
Bus service
Bus service
No
Bus service
No
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
Light International School Nairobi is located in Karen, Nairobi, Kenya. The postal address is P.O. Box 1799-00502 Karen, Nairobi, Kenya. The school can be reached by telephone at +254 703 200 002 or +254 717 998 888 and by email at info@lis.sc.ke. The Karen campus serves students from diverse geographical and cultural backgrounds.
Location
Three Nairobi campuses: Kindergarten at No. 6 Kanjata Road, off James Gichuru; Preparatory at No. 5, Kanjata Road, off James Gichuru; Senior School at No. 728 Maji Mazuri Road, off James Gichuru, Lavington. These locations are along the James Gichuru corridor in the Nairobi area.
Stages
Stages
Kindergarten (Aged 3-5) through A-level (Year 13) as part of the Cambridge International Curriculum.
The school is a co-educational day and boarding school.
School type
Private international school offering day schooling with boarding options.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
15 nationalities represented
Pupil nationality mix
—
Additional learning support
Additional learning support
—
Additional learning support
—
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
—
Country affiliation
Kenya
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
—
Religious affiliation
—
School day structure
School day structure
—
School day structure
—
Bus service details
Bus service details
—
Bus service details
The school provides transport services; transport fees per term depend on distance and whether one-way or two-way transport is chosen. Distances are divided into six zones (A–F) with routes covering Zone A (Muthangari, Gitanga Rd, Rhapta Rd, etc.), Zone B (Kilimani, Kileleshwa, Ngong Rd, etc.), Zone C (Milimani, State House, Parklands, etc.), Zone D (Madaraka, Upper Hill, Ngara, etc.), Zone E (Muthaiga, Gigiri, Karen, etc.), Zone F (Ridgeways, Garden Estate, Embakasi, etc.). Two-way vs one-way transport options are available per term.
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Scope and academic year The fees below apply to the 2025/2026 academic year and cover one-time registration amounts, termly tuition and ancillary term charges, boarding charges where applicable, payment terms, and common additional costs.
Application / one‑time registration fees - Interview / assessment fee (Primary, Secondary, AS & A‑Level): KES 5,000 (one‑time). - Interview / assessment fee (Kindergarten): KES 2,000 (one‑time). - Admission fee: KES 30,000 (one‑time). - Caution / security deposit: KES 50,000 (refundable subject to school conditions). - Boarding caution deposit (where applicable): KES 30,000 (one‑time).
Tuition and term charges (per term) — day students and per‑term ancillary items - Kindergarten (KG 1–3): Tuition KES 188,000 per term; Lunch KES 35,000 per term; Stationery KES 5,000 per term; Club fee KES 11,000 per term; Online subscriptions KES 5,000 per term. Annual tuition (three terms) = KES 564,000 (tuition only). - Years 1–2: Tuition KES 244,000 per term; Lunch (Years 1–6) KES 47,000 per term; Stationery KES 5,000 per term (Term I & II 5,000; Term III sometimes shown as KES 4,000); Club fee KES 11,000 per term; Online subscriptions KES 5,000 per term. - Years 3–4: Tuition KES 297,000 per term; ancillary charges same structure as Years 1–2 (Lunch, stationery, clubs, subscriptions). - Years 5–6: Tuition KES 385,000 per term; Lunch KES 47,000 per term; Stationery and other term charges as above. - Years 7–8: Tuition KES 417,000 per term; Lunch KES 59,000 per term (Years 7–10); Stationery KES 6,000 per term; Club fee KES 11,000 per term; Online subscriptions KES 5,000 per term. - Years 9–10: Tuition KES 442,000 per term; Boarding (where applicable) KES 338,000 per term; Lunch KES 59,000 per term; Stationery KES 6,000 per term; Club fee and subscriptions as above. - Year 11 (IGCSE first year/candidate year): Tuition KES 663,000 per term (fees for Year 11 are charged over two terms only — Term 1 and Term 2); Stationery KES 9,000 per term; Lunch and club charges applicable (see Year 11 items). Annual tuition (two‑term basis) = KES 1,326,000. - Years 12–13 (AS & A Level): Tuition KES 758,000 per term (charged over two terms only — Term 1 and Term 2); Boarding for Years 11–13 KES 445,000 per term (two‑term billing where applicable); Stationery and other term charges specified for senior years. Annual tuition (two‑term basis) = KES 1,516,000.
Annual totals (examples / consolidated view) - Typical annual totals (tuition + routine term charges) are published by year group; examples include KES 585,500 for Nursery/Kindergarten levels and higher totals for primary and secondary year groups as shown in the school's published fee breakdown. Use the per‑term numbers above to compute the exact annual amount for each year group (three‑term or two‑term billing as applicable).
Boarding fees and rules - Boarding charges by year group (per term): Years 9–10 boarding KES 338,000 per term; Years 11–13 boarding KES 445,000 per term (Years 11–13 billed over two terms only where applicable). Boarding caution deposit: KES 30,000 (one‑time). No reimbursement, refund, or credit note is made if a student drops boarding unless otherwise determined by the school's formal drop/notice procedure.
Other one‑time and recurring costs - Textbook / curriculum materials (annual, by year): KG KES 20,000; Years 1–6 KES 35,000; Years 7–10 & 12 KES 40,000; some candidate year groups (IGCSE / A‑level) have examination‑linked or subject fees additionally. - Graduation fees for certain year groups: KG3 KES 7,000; Year 6 KES 8,500; some senior graduation/certification charges (example: Year 11/13 graduation items) shown separately. - Exam and exam‑related fees (Cambridge IGCSE / AS / A‑Level / BTEC): Candidate exam fees and subject entry fees are charged in addition to tuition; Cambridge examination fees for candidate classes must be paid by the stated school deadline (for example, by 30 January for candidate year groups). Practical/art facilitation and subject‑based exam fees are charged where applicable. - Routine charges that appear termly: student ID KES 1,000 (annual), emergency health services KES 2,000 (annual), yearbook KES 3,000 (annual), career testing/counselling and other optional services where applicable. - School and PE uniform are not included in the fees; uniform costs are billed separately. Lunch is compulsory for day students.
Billing schedule, payment terms and penalties - Term billing: For KG–Year 10 and most year groups, termly fees are chargeable and payable over three terms (Term 1, Term 2, Term 3). For Years 11–13 (senior candidate years) fee types are chargeable and payable over two terms (Term 1 and Term 2) as specified. All fee types must be paid in full at least fifteen working days before the start of each term. - Late payment penalty: A surcharge of 5% is levied per month on any outstanding fee balance. - Notice and withdrawal: A full term's written notice to, and acknowledgement by, the Principal is required for withdrawal; otherwise a full term's fees is payable in lieu of notice. In specific year groups with limited vacancies, a non‑refundable advance/commitment payment (50% of tuition) may be required as part of first term fees.
Refunds and refundable items - The standard caution deposit (KES 50,000) is refundable subject to the school's refund conditions and account settlement. Certain advance/commitment payments and some other deposits are explicitly non‑refundable in case a placement is forfeited. No reimbursement or credit note is made if a student drops boarding unless the formal drop process and any school conditions provide otherwise. A cleared fees balance is required for exam registration and issuance of official documents.
Fee payment methods and instructions - Accepted methods: Bank transfer and bank cash deposit to the school's Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) account using the student's Virtual Bank Account number as the payment reference; parents/guardians are asked to forward payment confirmation to the school's specified WhatsApp numbers or email address for reconciliation. Cheques and direct cash payments to the school are not accepted. International/telegraphic transfers may require the KCB SWIFT code and correct account reference. Use the student's virtual account number on the payment reference to ensure correct posting.
Discounts and special billing rules - Sibling discount (applies to tuition only for registered Light Group siblings): 2nd child 5% tuition discount; 3rd child 10%; 4th and subsequent siblings 15% (first born not entitled to discount). When a sibling graduates or transfers the discount allocation is recalculated. In certain year groups a 50% non‑refundable advance may be requested to secure a place.
Notes for calculation and use - Use the per‑term figures above together with the billing rules (three‑term or two‑term billing) to compute annual totals for each year group. Boarding, examination, subject‑specific, and one‑time registration charges are additional to term tuition and must be added when estimating total annual cost for admission and enrollment.
Fee details
*Applicaton / Admission and one-off charges*
- Admission Fee (one-off): KES 25,000. - Caution Fee / Security Deposit (refundable subject to exit clearance): amounts vary by section of school as listed below; the deposit is refunded without interest and must be claimed within two years of a student leaving. - Boarding Admission Fee (one-off, for boarders): KES 10,000.
*Tuition fees by year group (per term; annual totals shown where applicable)*
Note: Tuition fees are charged every academic term; most year groups have three terms. Where a term is listed as NIL, only the two listed terms apply.
- Kindergarten - Playgroup: KES 184,000 per term — Annual (3 terms): KES 552,000. - KG 1: KES 202,000 per term — Annual (3 terms): KES 606,000. - KG 2: KES 208,000 per term — Annual (3 terms): KES 624,000. - Year 1: KES 220,000 per term — Annual (3 terms): KES 660,000.
- Preparatory (Primary) - Year 2: KES 240,000 per term — Annual (3 terms): KES 720,000. - Year 3: KES 245,000 per term — Annual (3 terms): KES 735,000. - Year 4: KES 262,000 per term — Annual (3 terms): KES 786,000. - Year 5: KES 268,000 per term — Annual (3 terms): KES 804,000. - Year 6: KES 279,000 per term — Annual (3 terms): KES 837,000. - Preparatory caution fee (one-off): KES 20,000.
- Middle School - Year 7: KES 319,000 per term — Annual (3 terms): KES 957,000. - Year 8: KES 351,000 per term — Annual (3 terms): KES 1,053,000. - Year 9: KES 360,000 per term — Annual (3 terms): KES 1,080,000. - Middle School caution fee (one-off): KES 40,000.
- Junior High School - Year 10: KES 372,000 per term — Annual (3 terms): KES 1,116,000. - Year 11: KES 563,000 for Term 1 and Term 2; Term 3: NIL — Annual (2 terms): KES 1,126,000. - Junior High caution fee (one-off): KES 40,000.
- Senior High School - Year 12: KES 570,000 for Term 1 and Term 2; Term 3: NIL — Annual (2 terms): KES 1,140,000. - Year 13: KES 570,000 for Term 1 and Term 2; Term 3: NIL — Annual (2 terms): KES 1,140,000. - Senior High caution fee (one-off): KES 40,000.
*Boarding and related charges*
- Full-time Boarding: KES 250,000 per term. - Weekly Boarding: KES 225,000 per term. - Boarding caution fee (one-off): KES 25,000. - Boarding admission fee (one-off): KES 10,000. - Medical insurance cover (yearly, applies to boarders and/or students as stated by the school): KES 7,000 per year.
*Transport fees (per term by zone)*
- Zone A: One-way KES 32,000 — Two-way KES 51,000. - Zone B: One-way KES 34,000 — Two-way KES 54,000. - Zone C: One-way KES 36,000 — Two-way KES 58,000. - Zone D: One-way KES 40,000 — Two-way KES 64,000. - Zone E: One-way KES 52,000 — Two-way KES 78,000. - Zone F: One-way KES 56,000 — Two-way KES 84,000.
*Billing schedule and payment terms*
- Tuition and other recurring fees are invoiced by term; an invoice (Fee Note) is issued at the end of each academic term indicating fees due for the next term. Fees are expected to be settled by the first day of school reopening for the next term. Students admitted before half term pay the full term; those admitted after half term are charged 50% of the term fee. - Withdrawal: One academic term's written notice to the Head of School is required; if adequate notice is not provided, one full term's fee will be charged in lieu of notice. - Space Retention Deposit: When pausing schooling to retain a place for a following term/year, a non-refundable deposit of 25% of the tuition fees is payable; this secures the student's place.
*Discounts and penalties*
- Sibling discounts on tuition only: second sibling 10%, third sibling 15%, fourth and subsequent siblings 20% (fixed for subsequent children). - Early payment discount: 4% on tuition if the full invoiced amount is settled one calendar month prior to school reopening (not combinable with other special discounts). - Cheque return (bank dishonour) charge: KES 2,000. Cash payments are not accepted.
*Refunds and security deposit handling*
- The caution fee (security deposit) is refundable without interest upon a child's permanent departure, subject to full settlement of all due fees and return of school property in good condition. The caution fee must be claimed within two years of leaving. Deductions from the caution fee may be made for outstanding obligations.
*Accepted payment methods and practical payment details*
- Bank transfer (deposit): Account Name: NAIROBI INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL — Account Number: 01129650642300 — Bank: The Co-operative Bank of Kenya Ltd, Branch: Lavington. Receipts are issued upon presentation of deposit slips. - Cheque: Cheques payable to Nairobi International School; receipts issued after cheque clearance. Cheque return charges apply. - M-Pesa / Paybill: Paybill No. 400200 — Account No. 01129650642300. - Cash payments are not accepted.
*Other costs to consider*
- Uniforms, personal supplies, any specific course materials or external exam fees where applicable are additional to the tuition and term fees listed above and should be budgeted for by parents. Exam registration and any outstanding fees must be settled before exam registration is processed.
(Fee schedule and policy details above are taken from the school's published fee structure and fees policy documents.)
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
Boarding options include Full Boarders who stay on campus throughout the term and go home during holidays, and Weekly Boarders who stay on campus during the week and return home on weekends. Boarding life is supervised by on-site supervisors who live on campus and provide round-the-clock support and mentorship. Facilities include modern dormitories, study rooms, gaming rooms, mentorship rooms, TV rooms, a laundry area, clean washrooms, and hot showers.
Boarding arrangements
Boarding is available at Nairobi International School. The school offers Full-time Boarding and Weekly Boarding. Full-time Boarding costs 250,000 per term and Weekly Boarding 225,000 per term. Admission Fee for boarding is 10,000, Caution Fee 25,000, and Medical Insurance 7,000 per year apply.
Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
The school has a school uniform and dress code; uniforms and PE uniforms are required, with details including a house T-shirt/jersey for house activities; uniforms are not included in the fees.
Uniform requirement
—
Food options
Food options
Lunch is available and is compulsory for day students; lunch fees and boarding fees are subject to amendment.
Food options
Lunch is included in tuition; meals are provided as part of food and nutrition.
House system
House system
Every student belongs to one of four houses: Heisenberg – Green, Tesla – Red, Feynman – Yellow, Newton – Blue. These houses compete in events such as Fun Day and the annual house quiz, and also undertake community links through house activities.
House system
—
Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
The school is governed by a five-member Board appointed at the annual general meeting of Omeriye Limited, the legal entity of the school, and LIS is associated with Light Group Of Schools.
Governance and ownership
Founder/Director is Mrs. Radhika Lee. The Head of School is Mrs. Deepthi Menon; the Academic Director is Mr. Simba Song'e; Deputy Heads for Curricula & External Examinations and for Pastoral & Co-Curricular Affairs are Mr. Paul Gee and Mrs. Minneh Mutoro.
Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
The Cambridge International Curriculum is used at Light International School Nairobi. The curriculum is based on Cambridge Assessment International Education programs, starting with Cambridge Primary and moving through to IGCSE and Cambridge AS & A Levels. The school is accredited as a Cambridge International School for Primary, Key Stage 3, IGCSE and A Level Programs. Light International School provides a full Cambridge curriculum for ages 3 to 18. The program emphasizes cross-curricular learning and the use of technology to enhance learning, and prepares students for admission to universities worldwide.
Curriculum details
KS3, KS4 & A-Levels of the British National Curriculum.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
1:67.
Student teacher ratio
—
Exam results
Exam results
SAT results (2018-2019): Participation 19%; Average Score 1310.
Exam results
—
Higher education progression
Higher education progression
College and University Acceptances in the past five years include University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, University College London, Simon Fraser University, University of Manitoba, University of Houston, Strathmore University, South China University, University of Texas, Queensland University of Business, Coventry University, Nairobi University, Deakin College, Trent University, Mount Kenya University, and Loughborough University.
Higher education progression
Prepare students to sit IGCSE, 'A' Levels from Cambridge and BTEC from Pearson as a stepping stone to universities around the world.
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
Guidance & Counselling (Non Academics) is offered as part of the Cambridge Secondary curriculum to support students' personal development and well-being.
Social & emotional learning
Academic Excellence is pursued alongside the personal characteristics of respect, self-discipline and teamwork. Character development emphasizes morally and ethically demanding practices, with concepts like self-discipline, generosity, compassion, understanding, respect and decency to be invoked and practised in and outside the school. The school fosters a sense of community, with everyone having an integral part to play and the ability to contribute to the greater good. Physical and spiritual well-being are prioritised, with many athletic teams and diverse religious traditions represented within the student body, offering opportunities to strengthen bodies and nourish souls. Giving back and creating re-thinkers are part of the ethos, encouraging personal growth and creative thinking.
Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
The school considers learning support needs in class allocations to balance year groups and accommodate students who require additional learning support.
Special educational needs (SEN)
—
English as an additional language
English as an additional language
English as a second language is included in the English curriculum.
English as an additional language
English as a Second Language (ESL) is taught; ESL, English Language and Literature in English are part of the language provision.
Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
Health and safety are a priority; the school maintains a drug-free environment and will safeguard the well-being of its members.
Mental wellbeing
—
Safeguarding
Safeguarding
The school is guided by the Constitution of Kenya 2010 and the Children's Act; the school has a legal responsibility to provide a safe and healthy environment and to safeguard the best interests of the child.
Safeguarding
Pastoral care and student welfare are overseen by the Deputy Head (Pastoral & Co-Curricular Affairs).
Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
—
Safeguarding policy
—
Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
The Nairobi campus has modern facilities and technology to support learning. The curriculum is based on the British education system (IGCSE) and is tailored to the needs of each student. A wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and drama, complements academics. Technology is integrated into teaching to enhance the learning experience.
Facilities overview
—
Sports facilities
Sports facilities
Outdoor clubs include soccer, basketball, volleyball, netball, swimming, skating, boxing, archery, scouting, environmental activities, Tong-il moo-do, and dance. Indoor clubs include debate, programming, Presidential Awards, journalism, book club, science club, EAMUN, art, music, cooking, drama, chess, table tennis, crocheting, first aid, robotics, and digital art. The program also includes community service and cultural programs to enrich learning.
Sports facilities
—
Academic facilities
Academic facilities
The Cambridge International Curriculum is offered from kindergarten (ages 3-5) through A-level. The British education system (IGCSE) forms the curriculum. The campus features modern facilities and technology, including classrooms and laboratories.
Academic facilities
—
Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
Outdoor clubs: soccer, basketball, volleyball, netball, swimming, skating, boxing, archery, scouting, environmental, Tong-il moo-do, and dance. Indoor clubs: debate, programming, Presidential Awards, journalism, book club, science club, EAMUN, art, music, cooking, drama, chess, table tennis, crocheting, first aid, robotics, and digital art. In addition to clubs, the program includes community service and cultural programs to enrich student life.
Extra curricular facilities
—
Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
Light International School Nairobi traces its roots to the Light Academy network of schools located across Kenya and operates from the Karen suburb of Nairobi in a quiet environment conducive to learning. The school offers the Cambridge International Curriculum from Kindergarten (ages 3–5) through A-level (Year 13) to students from diverse geographical and cultural backgrounds. It participates in national and international projects and competitions, including hosting the East African Round of the World Scholar's Cup and the environment-focused Golden Climate International Project Olympiad (GCIEPO), inaugurated in 2011. The school is accredited as a Cambridge International Exam Centre for IGCSE and A Levels. The motto is Access to Success and the core values are Leadership, Integrity, Good Judgement, Honour, and Trustworthiness.
History
Nairobi International School was founded in September 2008 by Radhika Lee as the first Eschool in East Africa. Radhika Lee is the Founder / Director. The school uses the motto Where Tomorrow Begins. Radhika Lee published her autobiography “Rainbows in my clouds” in November 2015 and received the 2020 BETT award for Women in Technology. The Kindergarten campus is No. 6, Kanjata Road, off James Gichuru; the Preparatory campus is No. 5, Kanjata Road, off James Gichuru; and the Senior School campus is No. 728, Maji Mazuri Road, Lavington. The Senior School offers KS3, KS4 and A-Levels of the British National Curriculum.
Community
Community
The LIS community includes students from diverse geographical and cultural backgrounds. The school hosts and participates in international events, such as the World Scholar's Cup East Africa Round and the Golden Climate International Project Olympiad (GCIEPO), fostering intercultural exchange. Dormitories and hostels provide a home-like environment with a dorm master and staff support. The values of leadership, integrity, and social responsibility guide the school community.
Community
The school publishes a Calendar of Events, including monthly calendars. It maintains a Green Pledge and an Alumni network linked to The Gold Key Society. CATSI, the Cancer Awareness & Treatment Support Initiative, is a school community program.
Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
—
Parent teacher association
—
Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
The school offers indoor clubs including Debate, Programming, Journalism, Science Club, Book Club, Robotics, and EAMUN. Presidential Awards and Art, Music, and Digital Art are also part of the indoor program.
Academic & intellectual
The Middle School Model United Nations (MSMUN) offers a conference for junior high school students that simulates United Nations activities. Delegates discuss topics across Technology, Health, Human Rights and Ecology & Environment and engage in debating and presenting. The programme also develops leadership and public speaking skills, with opportunities to build self‑confidence.
Arts & creative
Arts & creative
Indoor arts and creative clubs include Art, Music, Drama, and Digital Art. Crocheting and Cooking are also offered among co-curricular activities.
Arts & creative
The Preparatory program offers music, drama, art, cookery and chess as extracurricular activities, with inter-house competitions that foster team spirit. Senior School provides dedicated facilities for the arts, including an art studio and a music studio.
Cultural & language
Cultural & language
Cultural programs promote diversity and intercultural understanding through events celebrating different traditions. EAMUN is a Model United Nations club within the indoor offerings. The co-curricular program includes community service and cultural programs.
Cultural & language
Spanish, French, German and Kiswahili are offered in the Middle School.
Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
Outdoor Clubs include Soccer, Basketball, Volleyball, Netball, Swimming, Skating, Boxing, Archery, Scouting, Environmental, Tong-il moo-do, and Dance. Indoor Clubs include Debate, Programming, Presidential Awards, Journalism, Book Club, Science Club, EAMUN, Art, Music, Cooking, Drama, Chess, Table Tennis, Crocheting, First Aid, Robotics, and Digital Art.
Social & hobbies
A wide range of activities in the Preparatory period includes football, netball, basketball, cricket, rounders, hockey, athletics, swimming, music, drama, computers, art, cookery and chess. Inter-house competitions foster belonging to teams.
Community & service
Community & service
Community service is offered as part of the co-curricular program. Community service initiatives provide opportunities for students to give back to their local community and enrich the learning experience.
Community & service
Community service is not simply a graduation requirement; from the moment students sign the school pledge, they commit to personal growth, integrity, self‑discipline and caring for others. The Green Pledge encourages environmentally responsible choices and a reduced environmental footprint.
Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
Presidential Awards is listed among indoor clubs. Indoor clubs such as Debate, Journalism, and EAMUN provide opportunities for student leadership and organized activities.
Leadership & professional
MSMUN in Middle School provides a platform to develop leadership, debating and public speaking skills. Senior School includes tutorials to enhance exam preparation for final assessments. The school emphasizes technology-enabled learning as part of its 'Smart School' approach.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Outdoor Clubs offer Soccer, Basketball, Volleyball, Netball, and Swimming. Additional activities include Skating, Boxing, Archery, Scouting, Environmental initiatives, Tong-il moo-do, and Dance.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
NIS emphasizes Physical & Spiritual Well-Being with athletic programs and a weekly Reflections programme for spiritual development. The Senior School offers facilities such as a well‑equipped gym, computer lab, art studio, music studio and food lab. Inter-house competitions support fitness, teamwork and well-being.
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
English is the language of instruction across the curriculum, with English as a First Language and English as a Second Language available. Language subjects include French (Second Language), German (Second Language), Spanish (Second Language), and Turkish (First Language). English language development is supported through ESL. Kindergarten uses IEYC with Jolly Phonics, and the Primary programme blends Cambridge Primary with the International Primary Curriculum (IPC).
Language provision
English, French and Kiswahili are taught as part of the curriculum. French and Kiswahili are taught as subjects. In Preparatory, Key Stage 1 & 2 of the British National Curriculum are followed. In Senior School, KS3, KS4 and KS5 with A-Levels and BTEC follow the British National Curriculum.
Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
—
Bilingual teaching
—
Immersion programs
Immersion programs
—
Immersion programs
—
Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
—
Awards
null
Accreditations
Accreditations
—
Accreditations
null
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
1. The school currently accepts admissions for KG1 through Year 13, with some slots limited. The curriculum is based on the British education system (IGCSE). Admission requirements should be reviewed before applying. 2. Prepare the required documents. The list includes: copy of birth certificate; two passport-sized photographs; copies of both parents' IDs; copies of both parents' KRA PIN; transfer letter from former school (if transfer) or latest report form; copy of student's passport; copy of a parent/sponsor's passport (if not Kenyan); fully signed last page of the Parents/Students Handbook; signed Drugs Policy; signed Digital Access to Success (DAS) Program Policy; duly filled subject selection form (Year 10 and 12); copy of a valid health insurance card (if applicable); copy of a pupil's pass (for foreign students); and copies of payment slips showing total amounts paid for registration, annual school fees, and term fees. Non-Kenyan citizens must apply for a pupil's pass after completion of registration. 3. Fill the application form. An application form is available via a Google Form linked for LIS Nairobi admissions. The page notes to view admission requirements before filling the form. 4. Fee terms and conditions. All fee types must be paid fully fifteen working days before the beginning of each term. School fees are payable in Kenya Shillings only. For Kindergarten to Year 10, fees are charged per term (Three Terms); for Years 11 to 13, fees are charged per term (Two Terms). Cambridge examination fees for candidate classes (Year 11, 12 & 13) must be paid by 30 January of the respective year, and Cambridge exam registrations cannot be done until the balance is cleared. The school reserves the right of admission. In Year Groups where vacancies are limited, a 50% advance payment of the tuition fee may be required as part of the First Term's fees, and this advance is nonrefundable if the place is forfeited. Sibling discounts apply: 2nd born child 5%; 3rd born child 10%; 4th born child and any other siblings 15% (the 1st born child is not entitled to a discount). When a sibling graduates or transfers, the discounts are recalculated. A full term's notice in writing and the Principal's acknowledgement in writing is required for withdrawals; otherwise a full term's fees are payable. Payment methods include bank transfer or bank deposit to the LIS bank account; cheques and cash payments are not accepted. 5. Age requirements. The school strictly follows the age groups: Nursery 3; Kindergarten 1 4; Kindergarten 2 5; Year 1 6; Year 2 7; Year 3 8; Year 4 9; Year 5 10; Year 6 11; Year 7 12; Year 8 13; Year 9 14; Year 10 15; Year 11 16; Year 12 17; Year 13 18. 6. Waiting list. If vacancies are not available immediately, students are put on a waiting list.
Admissions
1. Begin by accessing the Enquiry page to start the application. The initial step collects the parent/guardian's name, relationship to the applicant, a valid email address, and a contact number, and records the applicant's name, date of birth, and the year level being applied for. 2. Submit the above information. An Enquiry is created at this stage and can be completed immediately or continued later after login details are emailed to the user. 3. Return to the Enquiry page and complete the admission application. Siblings may be included in the same application. 4. After completing the Enquiry, an email lists the documents required for the admission application. These include photocopies of the applicant's passport (and immigration status page for non-citizens) and copies of the parents' passports. A parent's work permit is required for non-citizens. Also required are the applicant's birth certificate in English, 4 coloured passport photos for non-citizens (2 for citizens), the official report card, and the Transfer Certificate for Year 2 upwards. The applicant must also submit a short essay of about 250 words about themselves. 5. The Admissions Team will contact you for an interview and/or assessment. The student may be referred to the Inclusion Support Team for additional provision determination. If a place is offered, an offer letter will be emailed within 24 hours. 6. To confirm and secure the place, pay the admission fee of 25,000 Ksh within 7 days. 7. Screening and Assessment: The school conducts a pre-entry assessment to ensure the curriculum matches the child's skills and needs. Assessments vary by year level and include English language and Mathematics tests; early years may involve play-based activities; higher grades may require examinations to assess core competencies, with results supported by prior school records. Final admission can be offered at the Principal's discretion if the student is deemed capable of succeeding at Nairobi International School.
Scholarships
Scholarships
—
Scholarships
—
Waitlist
Waitlist
Waiting list is used when vacancies are not immediately available.