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Lycée Français International Denis Diderot

Kenya, Nairobi

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The school at a glance
Instructs in French, English
Fees KES 12,000 - 2,162,963
Ages 2 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 676
Type Co-educational
Opened 1962
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum French Curriculum, British Curriculum
Taught languages Swahili, Spanish, German, Mandarin
Strengths Languages, Sport, Performing Arts
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Leadership and Professional
Stages Preschool, Kindergarten, Primary School, Middle School, High School, Sixth Form
Introduction

LFIDD is a private international school in Nairobi offering the full French curriculum from Kindergarten through Lycée with a bilingual French‑English program. It is accredited by the French Ministry of Education and a member of the AEFE network, aligning its standards with French education worldwide. The 2‑hectare campus on Argwings Kodhek Road in Kilimani serves ages 2 to 18 and includes 35 classrooms, two libraries, a large performance hall, a music studio, science laboratories and a modern media technology suite. Kindergarten is taught by a French‑speaking teacher with assistants and an English teacher from year one. The Primary program runs five years with eight hours of foreign languages weekly, including two hours of Swahili. Middle School adds a second foreign language in year two; High School lasts three years with the French baccalaureate pathway and majors chosen in year two. Parcours PARLE promotes multilingualism; a British International Section is available on a trial basis and leads to the French international baccalaureate.

The Essentials

Lycée Français International Denis Diderot has 676 pupils, instruction in French, English.

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

Stages
Ages 2 to 18

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

Country affiliation
France
Diving Deeper

Food Options
The school has a canteen served by the private provider LENANA HAUS for students from kindergarten to the end of high school. Canteen catering is compulsory for primary students over 3 days; meals are prepared on site with attention to dietary needs, with provisions for diabetics or allergies via the PAI program or exemption with a medical certificate (in which case the canteen fee is not charged). A snack for Maternelle and Elementary is offered around 9:50 am with fruit; the menu includes 2 or 3 starters, a main course with meat, vegetables and starch, and a choice of 2 desserts. The canteen operates daily with Kindergarten at 12:00 (11:45 on Wednesdays and Fridays), Elementary at 12:00, and Secondary at 12:15; a hygiene and security committee checks hygiene rules. Digestive-disorder reports can be submitted via a dedicated form, and monthly canteen menus are posted.

Governance and Ownership
The school is a private international school in Nairobi certified by the French Ministry of Education and a member of the AEFE network.
Fees

Annual tuition at Lycée Français International Denis Diderot ranges from KES 12,000 to KES 2,162,963 for 2026/27.

School year covered

- Annual fee schedule and related charges shown below apply to the 2025–2026 academic year.

Application & registration fees

- Application / dossier fee: KES 12,000 per child.
- First-time registration fee: KES 120,000 per child (charged at time of acceptance; must be paid within 10 days).
- Re‑registration advance: KES 80,000 (advance on annual tuition fees) — non‑refundable.
- These enrollment payments are not refundable.

Annual tuition fees and per‑term (tranche) amounts — French & Kenyan nationals (KES)

- Maternelle (annual): KES 700,000. Tranche 1 (40%): KES 280,000; Tranche 2 (30%): KES 210,000; Tranche 3 (30%): KES 210,000.
- Élémentaire (annual): KES 1,154,449. Tranche 1: KES 461,780; Tranche 2: KES 346,335; Tranche 3: KES 346,335.
- Collège (annual): KES 1,311,837. Tranche 1: KES 524,735; Tranche 2: KES 393,551; Tranche 3: KES 393,551.
- Lycée (annual): KES 1,754,237. Tranche 1: KES 701,695; Tranche 2: KES 526,271; Tranche 3: KES 526,271.
- All amounts shown in Kenyan shillings (KES).

Annual tuition fees and per‑term (tranche) amounts — Other nationalities (KES)

- Maternelle (annual): KES 800,000. Tranche 1 (40%): KES 320,000; Tranche 2 (30%): KES 240,000; Tranche 3 (30%): KES 240,000.
- Élémentaire (annual): KES 1,423,361. Tranche 1: KES 569,344; Tranche 2: KES 427,008; Tranche 3: KES 427,008.
- Collège (annual): KES 1,614,764. Tranche 1: KES 645,906; Tranche 2: KES 484,429; Tranche 3: KES 484,429.
- Lycée (annual): KES 2,162,963. Tranche 1: KES 865,185; Tranche 2: KES 648,889; Tranche 3: KES 648,889.
- All amounts shown in Kenyan shillings (KES).

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Two main payment rhythms:
- Annual single payment: pay the full annual tuition before 30 September to receive a 5% discount.
- Three‑installment (trimestrial) payment: tuition payable in three fractions (tranches).
- Standard tranche due dates (when paying by trimester): Trimestre 1 due 15 September; Trimestre 2 due 15 January; Trimestre 3 due 15 April.
- Late payment penalty: 5% per month applied to overdue amounts; penalties are cumulative.
- Sibling reduction: 20% discount on tuition applicable from the third child of the same family (and for each subsequent child).
- For students joining or leaving mid‑year, tuition is invoiced pro rata (the month of arrival or departure is billed in full unless exceptional weekly prorating is approved).
- Invoices are issued through the school billing platform EDUKA; invoices must be paid according to the calendar above. Proof of payment should be sent to caisse@lyceefrancaisnairobi.com when required.

Boarding fees

- No boarding charges are listed in the school's fee schedule; the Lycée does not publish a boarding programme or boarding fees in the 2025–2026 fee documentation.

Canteen (school lunch) — annual fees (KES)

- Maternelle: 5 days/week KES 84,000; 4 days/week KES 67,200; 3 days/week KES 50,400.
- Élémentaire: 5 days/week KES 101,500; 4 days/week KES 81,200; 3 days/week KES 60,900.
- Secondaire: 5 days/week KES 119,000; 4 days/week KES 95,200; 3 days/week KES 71,400.
- Canteen tariffs are indicative (based on a 35‑week year) and may vary with calendar days.

Exam, option and ancillary fees (charges and timing)

- Exam fees (billed in Trimester 3): DNB (Brevet): KES 9,400; Baccalauréat Première: KES 18,000; Baccalauréat Terminale: KES 51,370.
- Cambridge language exam (mandatory for CM2 and 2nde): KES 17,550 to KES 27,000 (billed in Trimester 3).
- Section Internationale Britannique (SIB) option (collège & lycée): KES 52,000 (billed in Trimester 1).
- Model United Nations (MUN) option: KES 23,300 (billed in Trimester 1).
- Extra‑curricular activities: average KES 25,000 per activity (charged when applicable).
- Daycare / garderie: if registered, fixed package KES 3,500 per month; if not registered, KES 400 per day.
- Textbooks, basic stationery supplies, one sports kit and a medicalized transport insurance are included in the tuition.

Refunds and non‑refundables

- Dossier (application) fees and first‑time registration payments are non‑refundable.
- The re‑registration advance (KES 80,000) is explicitly stated as an advance on annual tuition and non‑refundable.
- General rule in the financial regulations: enrollment‑related payments that validate registration are not refundable.

Fee payment options and practical payment details

- Accepted payment methods:
- Bank transfer in EUR, KES or USD (school lists accounts for transfers).
- Cheque payable to “Lycée Français Denis Diderot.”
- M‑Pesa Paybill: Paybill number 453553 (the payment reference must be the invoice number).
- Cash payments are no longer accepted.
- Invoices issued in the EDUKA platform include amounts in Euro, KES and USD; the exchange rate applied is the chancery exchange rate on the date of invoicing.
- In specific cases the school may agree a payment plan; approved plans are formalized and may require a direct debit or monthly instalments (for example nine monthly instalments from September to May if a plan is agreed).
- For payment identification, use the student identity or family code shown in EDUKA and send proof of payment to caisse@lyceefrancaisnairobi.com when requested.
- Failure to pay according to the calendar may result in penalties, suspension from activities, withholding of transfer documents or withholding of end‑of‑year certificates/diplomas until accounts are settled.

Notes on discounts and penalties

- 5% reduction on tuition if full annual payment is received in the school's bank account by 30 September.
- 20% sibling reduction applied from the third child of the same family (on tuition).
- Late payments incur a 5% monthly penalty, cumulative.
Academics

Lycée Français International Denis Diderot teaches French Curriculum, British Curriculum for students aged 2 to 18.

Curriculum
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.

Higher Education Progression
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.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
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.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
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 as an Additional Language (EAL)
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.

Mental Wellbeing
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.

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

History
Created in 1962, the Lyce9e Frane7ais International Denis Diderot is one of the oldest international schools in Kenya and one of the most recognized. LFIDD is the only Nairobi institution offering the French curriculum from preschool through high school. The school is accredited by the French Ministry of Education and is a member of the AEFE network.

Community
LFIDD provides a bilingual French-English education and sits on a 2-hectare campus along Argwings Kodhek Road in Kilimani, Nairobi. Multilingualism is central to the school7s mission, with students gaining fluency in two major international languages. The school supports a vibrant cultural and community life with active involvement from families and the wider LFIDD community.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
Pundaktiv is a group of parent volunteers who organize festive and cultural events at LFIDD, collaborating with the school leadership, administration and teaching staff. Major events include the big Christmas party (December), the carnival (February), the school festival (Kermesse) in April/May, and the production of the year7s yearbook. Contact pundaktiv@lyceefrancaisnairobi.com. The LFIDD Parents Association (APE) has a board with Judy Kagure as President, Anne-Marie Pasinetti as Vice President, and Jerome Chapuis as Treasurer.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The campus covers 2 hectares and is located along Argwings Kodhek Road in Kilimani, near the Yaya Center. The school has 35 classrooms including exam rooms (capacity 25 students), two libraries, one large performance hall, one music studio, state-of-the-art media technology suites, science laboratories, a clean canteen, and nap rooms for the youngest students.

Sports Facilities
The school has a multi-purpose field of over 3,000 sqm, a running track, two basketball courts, a handball court, a tennis court, a 450 sqm gymnasium, a 100 sqm PE room, a gym, and a climbing wall.

Academic Facilities
The school has 35 classrooms including exam rooms (capacity 25 students), two libraries, science laboratories, state-of-the-art media technology suites, a music studio, and a large performance hall.

Extra Curricular Facilities
AES (Extra Curricular Activities) are offered.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school is a private international school in Nairobi certified by the French Ministry of Education and a member of the AEFE network. It has operated for over 60 years and offers a bilingual French-English education for students aged 2 to 18. From kindergarten to the lycée, education is designed to develop student autonomy and uses innovative teaching methods. It is a Cambridge English Language Assessment center offering Cambridge certifications (YLE, KET, PET, FCE, C1 Advanced) aligned with CEFR levels.

Arts & Creative
The campus houses a large performance hall and a music studio, with two libraries and science laboratories to support creativity and inquiry. Extra-curricular activities in arts, culture and languages are offered outside classroom hours through AES. The school emphasizes a vibrant cultural life and creative projects as part of the broader school experience.

Cultural & Language
Multilingualism is central to the programme, and the Lycée enables students to become fluent in two major international languages, French and English. A British International Section is offered in primary and is available on a trial basis in secondary, designed to deepen English proficiency while continuing French education, and it leads to the French international baccalaureate. The approach is bilingual and bicultural, with English used in certain subjects to build language proficiency.

Social & Hobbies
AES (Extra Curricular Activities) are sporting, cultural or linguistic activities offered outside the curriculum and school time. Registration for AES follows the EDUKA portal, with term-based enrollment for the 2025-2026 school year. Students participate in a range of activities, including sports, cultural activities and language clubs.

Community & Service
The LFIDD community life is vibrant, with a Parents Association (APE) and Alumni network, plus other parent and student groups that contribute to school life. The school emphasizes cultural and community life as an integral part of the student experience and hosts events that involve families and the wider community.

Leadership & Professional
Formal student leadership structures include the High School Life Council. Model United Nations is a regular feature of student life, contributing to leadership, teamwork and public speaking skills. The campus and clubs provide opportunities to develop collaboration, communication and organizational abilities.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Facilities support sport and fitness, including a multi-purpose field, running track, two basketball courts, a handball court, a tennis court, a gymnasium and PE room. Swimming is taught from primary levels as part of the curriculum. The Denis Diderot Trophy showcases sport, teamwork and school spirit, reflecting the value placed on physical well-being and community.
Languages

Language Provision
The school teaches in French and English, with English integrated into certain subjects and from kindergarten. Primary includes eight hours of foreign languages per week, including two hours of Swahili. Parcours PARLE supports multilingualism and enables fluency in two major international languages.

Bilingual Teaching
The school delivers a bilingual French-English education for students aged 2 to 18.

Immersion Programs
The British international section is a bilingual and bicultural scheme that trains pupils of all nationalities to practice English in depth, including using English in certain subjects. It leads to the French international baccalaureate.
Reputation

Awards
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Accreditations
The Lycée Français Denis Diderot (LFIDD) is a private international school in Nairobi certified by the French Ministry of Education and a member of the AEFE network.
The school teaches a bilingual French–English education for students aged 2 to 18, from kindergarten to the lycée, and has been operating for over 60 years.
Admissions

Admissions
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.

Scholarships
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.
School Events
The school has not added events
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