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The Aga Khan Academy Mombasa

Kenya, Mombasa

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English, Swahili
Fees KES 690,000 - 3,592,500
Ages 6 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 700
Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Opened 2003
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)
Taught languages English, Swahili, French, Russian
Typical class size 16
Strengths Sport, Languages, STEM
Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Community and Service
Stages Primary School, Middle School, Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction

The Aga Khan Academy Mombasa is a day school in Mombasa, Kenya, with a residential programme on campus for students from elsewhere. It serves ages 6 to 18 and offers the International Baccalaureate framework across PYP, MYP and DP. English is the language of instruction, with a bilingual programme to develop Kiswahili and other national languages. Aga Khan Curricular Strands—Ethics, Pluralism, Cultures (with emphasis on Muslim civilisations), Governance and Civil Society, and Economics for Development—are woven across the curriculum to connect theory with local and global issues. The 18-acre campus features purpose-built classrooms, science and computer laboratories, a library, art and music rooms, and design and technology workshops, plus a multipurpose hall and The Commons dining and activity hub. Sports facilities include swimming and diving pools, fields for soccer and hockey, a gym, floodlit fields, and tennis courts. Residential life, in dorm-style housing, supports enrichment through Expression, Action and Citizenship and prepares students for post-secondary study.

The Essentials

The Aga Khan Academy Mombasa has 700 pupils, typical class sizes of 16, instruction in English, Swahili.

Location
Located on an 18-acre (7.3-hectare) site in the Kizingo area of Mombasa, Kenya. The campus is designed with age-specific classrooms and facilities including science and computer laboratories, a library, art and music rooms, design and technology workshops, and a multipurpose hall. The Commons building houses the dining hall and spaces for school activities. Sports facilities include swimming and diving pools, playing fields for soccer, hockey and athletics, a gymnasium, and tennis courts; on-campus residential accommodation is available for Academy community members and visiting staff.

Stages
Junior School (years 1–5, age 6–10) and Senior School (years 6–12). The Junior School follows the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP). The Senior School offers the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) and the IB Diploma Programme (DP).

Type
Day school for local students, with a residential programme on campus for students from elsewhere.

Pupil Nationality Mix
The student body is diverse, with local Kenyan students and international students from East Africa and beyond.

Additional learning support
The Academy provides inclusive and equitable education for all students regardless of abilities or needs; a documented system for Personalised Learning Plans (PLPs) exists for Junior School.

Country affiliation
Kenya

Religious affiliation
No formal religious affiliation; AKDN programmes are conducted without regard to faith.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
Residential facilities on campus provide housing for students and dorm parents. The campus has six residential blocks (three male and three female); dorm parents are teachers who live in on‑campus housing. The current residential population is 270 students with a capacity of 300, and rooms typically accommodate up to four students; facilities include a student lounge, dining hall, laundry facilities and study areas. The Commons houses the dining hall and spaces for school activities.

Uniform Requirement
The school requires a uniform. Junior girls Years 1–2 wear grey pinafores with a white shirt; Years 3–5 wear grey skirts with white shirts; Senior girls Years 6–10 wear grey skirts or trousers with white shirts; Diploma Programme level girls wear grey skirts/trousers with a grey striped shirt. Senior boys Years 6–10 wear grey trousers with a white shirt; Diploma Programme level boys wear grey trousers with a grey striped shirt. Games attire is black shorts and a black T‑shirt; swimming attire is black trunks for boys and a black one‑piece for girls; shoes are black and socks are ankle‑length white. House colours are allocated later for T‑shirts.

Food Options
Dining services provide a varied menu throughout the week with meals that are nutritious and balanced. A lunch menu is published weekly, and the Commons dining hall serves as the hub for meals and campus events.

House System
There is a house system with four houses: Eagles, Falcons, Hawks and Ravens. Inter-house sports days are part of student life.

Governance and Ownership
The Aga Khan Academy Mombasa is part of the Aga Khan Academies, a programme of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN). The Aga Khan Academies Network includes multiple campuses and collaborates with AKDN agencies and universities; AKDN governs and supports the network.
Fees

Annual tuition at The Aga Khan Academy Mombasa ranges from KES 690,000 to KES 3,592,500 for 2026/27.

Application and Admission Fees

- Admission (application) fee: Ksh 100,000 — non‑refundable and payable within one week of accepting an offer.

Tuition fees — Day students (annual and per term)

- Year 1 (PYP): Ksh 580,000 per year — Ksh 290,000 per term.
- Year 2 (PYP): Ksh 696,000 per year — Ksh 348,000 per term.
- Year 3 (PYP): Ksh 850,000 per year — Ksh 425,000 per term.
- Year 4 (PYP): Ksh 920,000 per year — Ksh 460,000 per term. Trip fee Ksh 15,000 (billed separately as indicated).
- Year 5 (PYP): Ksh 940,000 per year — Ksh 470,000 per term. Trip fee Ksh 25,000 (billed separately).

- Year 6 (MYP): Ksh 1,060,000 per year — Ksh 530,000 per term. Trip fee Ksh 25,000.
- Year 7 (MYP): Ksh 1,120,000 per year — Ksh 560,000 per term. Trip fee Ksh 36,000.
- Year 8 (MYP): Ksh 1,320,000 per year — Ksh 660,000 per term. Trip fee Ksh 27,000.
- Year 9 (MYP): Ksh 1,320,000 per year — Ksh 660,000 per term. Trip fee Ksh 30,000.
- Year 10 (MYP): Ksh 1,320,000 per year — Ksh 660,000 per term. Trip fee Ksh 30,000; MYP exam fee indicated as USD 500 billed separately.

- Year 11 (DP): Ksh 1,725,000 per year — Ksh 862,500 per term. Trip fee Ksh 42,500.
- Year 12 (DP): Ksh 1,725,000 per year — Ksh 862,500 per term. Diploma (IB) exam fee indicated as USD 750 billed separately.

Tuition fees — Residential (boarding) students (annual and per term)

- Year 6 (MYP boarder): Ksh 2,460,000 per year — Ksh 1,230,000 per term. Trip fee Ksh 25,000.
- Year 7 (MYP boarder): Ksh 2,520,000 per year — Ksh 1,260,000 per term. Trip fee Ksh 36,000.
- Year 8 (MYP boarder): Ksh 2,720,000 per year — Ksh 1,360,000 per term. Trip fee Ksh 27,000.
- Year 9 (MYP boarder): Ksh 2,720,000 per year — Ksh 1,360,000 per term. Trip fee Ksh 30,000.
- Year 10 (MYP boarder): Ksh 2,720,000 per year — Ksh 1,360,000 per term. Trip fee Ksh 30,000; MYP exam fee indicated as USD 500 billed separately.

- Year 11 (DP boarder): Ksh 3,500,000 per year — Ksh 1,750,000 per term. Trip fee Ksh 42,500.
- Year 12 (DP boarder): Ksh 3,500,000 per year — Ksh 1,750,000 per term. Diploma (IB) exam fee indicated as USD 750 billed separately.

Residential / Boarding additional fees and charges

- Security deposit (residential): Ksh 100,000 — refundable on leaving the school after required notice and clearance; no interest paid.
- Medical insurance (residential): Ksh 30,000 — payable with the first tuition instalment.
- Student stipend (residential): Ksh 20,000 — paid to students and managed by the Academy.

Other compulsory or commonly billed costs (day and residential)

- Security deposit (day): Ksh 50,000 — refundable on leaving the school after required notice and clearance; no interest paid.
- Re‑enrolment / Good Faith deposit (to reserve a seat): Day students Ksh 50,000; Residential Ksh 100,000 — applied towards tuition. The deposit is non‑refundable if the student does not return; payment due by June 15 to reserve a seat.
- Lunch (annual): Years 1–5 Ksh 50,000; Years 6–12 Ksh 65,000 (day students).
- Transport (annual, examples listed): Tudor Ksh 60,000; Nyali Ksh 90,000 (day students). Transport is charged in addition to tuition.
- Field trips: Some trips (compulsory or optional) are billed separately with advance notice; trip fees are shown per grade where applicable. Exam fees for MYP and DP are billed separately according to IB charges (MYP/DP exam fees shown where indicated). Personal computer requirement: MYP and DP students must have a personal computer meeting specified standards.
- Uniform: A school uniform is required and items are listed by year group (junior/senior girls and boys, games kit, swimming, shoes and socks). Uniforms and school merchandise are purchased separately; specific prices are not listed in the fee tables.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Regular billing / instalments: Tuition is billed in two equal instalments — due by 15 July and 15 December. Parents may pay in full by 15 July to qualify for an early‑payment discount.
- Early payment discount: 3% off tuition if the full year is paid by 15 July (applied after other discounts).
- Sibling discount: 5% off for the second child, 10% for the third, and 15% for the fourth and beyond (not available if receiving financial assistance).
- AKDN employee discount: AKDN employees receive 20% off residential fees and 5% off day student fees.
- Late payment surcharge and consequences: A 3% monthly surcharge applies to fees unpaid after 30 days. Students with unpaid fees may be barred from classes or activities; residential students unpaid after suspension may be sent home; results, certificates and transcripts may be withheld until dues are cleared.
- Withdrawal and refunds related to notice: Three months' written notice is required for withdrawal. Without notice, three months' fees are due. Security deposits are refundable on leaving the school once required notice and clearance are completed; admission/application fees are non‑refundable.

Payment methods and procedure

- Accepted payment methods: No cash payments are accepted. Payments may be made by bank deposit, bank transfer, or M‑Pesa. Proof of payment (including student name and ID) must be emailed to mba‑bursar@agakhanacademies.org to ensure correct crediting. Parents must use the correct Academy bank account as shown on invoices.

Refunds and deposit handling

- Admission/application fee: Non‑refundable.
- Security deposit: Refundable when the student leaves the school after proper notice and a “No Dues” clearance; no interest is payable on the deposit.
- Re‑enrolment / Good Faith deposit: Applied towards tuition; non‑refundable if the student does not return.

Notes on billing items

- Trip fees, exam fees (MYP and DP), medical insurance for residential students, student stipend and transport are invoiced in addition to base tuition where applicable. The tuition line covers course fees and a set of listed educational resources and services but excludes uniforms and certain extras which are billed separately.
Academics

The Aga Khan Academy Mombasa teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP) for students aged 6 to 18.

Curriculum
The Aga Khan Academy Mombasa follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework across the Primary Years Programme (years 1–5), Middle Years Programme (years 6–10), and Diploma Programme (years 11–12). Aga Khan Curricular Strands—Ethics, Pluralism, Cultures (with emphasis on Muslim civilisations), Governance and Civil Society, and Economics for Development—are integrated across the curriculum. English and the national language are languages of instruction in the Junior School as part of a dual-language programme aimed at bilingual proficiency. The curriculum links theoretical learning to local and international issues, fosters analytical skills and independent learning, and emphasizes mastery and the use of technology to prepare students for post-secondary education.

Student Teacher Ratio
Full-capacity figures show 750 students and 90 teachers, giving a student–teacher ratio of about 8:1.

Exam Results
The Class of 2025 completed the IB Diploma Programme with 79 graduates. That class has collectively secured over $6.6 million in scholarships and will attend universities worldwide, including McGill University, Imperial College London, Huron University, the University of Toronto, Howard University, the University of Birmingham, and the National University of Singapore.

Higher Education Progression
Graduates pursue higher education at universities around the world. The Class of 2025 will attend institutions such as McGill University, Imperial College London, Huron University, the University of Toronto, Howard University, the University of Birmingham, and the National University of Singapore. Huron University partnership offers full-tuition or partial scholarships to IB students, supporting progression to post-secondary study.

Gifted and Talented
The Talent Identification Programme identifies ‘creators of destiny'—Year 6 students from Kenyan government schools in deprived socio-economic and educational areas who are academically able and show leadership potential. Seven of these students graduated from the IB Diploma Programme, with six securing pathways to leading universities on full scholarships.
Parent Experience

History
In 2000, His Late Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV initiated a programme to establish an integrated network of schools, the Aga Khan Academies. In 2003, the first Aga Khan Academy was established in the Kizingo area of Mombasa, Kenya, and the Mombasa campus is a state-of-the-art learning institution recognised as an International Baccalaureate World School, with Swahili-inspired architecture on an 18-acre site including a residential facility, a sports complex, classrooms and common areas. Residential programming began in April 2009, the Diploma Programme graduates in 2007 gained admission to top universities worldwide with scholarships, and the AKDN Academies network has since expanded to Hyderabad (2011), Maputo (2013) and Dhaka (2022) with partnerships across the IB, Aga Khan University and the University of Central Asia.

Community
The students, faculty and parents of the Aga Khan Academy form a socially conscious community committed to the development of their communities, their nation and civil society in the world at large. They understand that knowledge is a lifelong process of inquiry that leads to intellectual and personal growth. The Meet Our School Community page offers spotlights on Alumni, Teachers and Parents, highlighting members of the Academy family who contribute to society. Spotlights on Alumni feature graduates who exemplify leadership and public service.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The Aga Khan Academy Mombasa sits on an 18-acre site in the Kizingo area of Mombasa. The campus was designed by renowned architects and is purpose-built. The campus houses subject- and age-specific classrooms, science and computer laboratories, a library and resource centers, art and music rooms, and design and technology workshops. The Commons building contains the dining hall and spaces for activities and lectures. The Aga Khan Academy Mombasa is an IB World School.

Sports Facilities
Sports facilities include swimming and diving pools. Sports fields accommodate soccer, hockey and athletics, with floodlights for nighttime matches. A gymnasium supports indoor sports such as basketball, badminton, volleyball and gymnastics, and tennis courts are provided.

Academic Facilities
Classrooms are subject- and age-specific. There are well-equipped science and computer laboratories. A library and resource centers support research and study. Art and music rooms, design and technology workshops, and a multipurpose hall are provided. A religion and culture room and a career counselling facility support student wellbeing and planning.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Enrichment programmes enable students to realise their potential beyond the classroom. The academy offers a dance studio, gymnasium, athletics tracks, swimming and diving pools, and pitches for cricket, soccer and hockey, plus basketball, volleyball, tennis and squash courts. Enrichment programmes are clustered into three streams: Expression, Action and Citizenship, focusing on arts, sport and community service respectively.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The Aga Khan Academy Mombasa offers an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School programme with Primary Years Programme (years 1–5), Middle Years Programme (years 6–10), and Diploma Programme (years 11–12). Aga Khan Curricular Strands are woven into the curriculum and cover Ethics, Pluralism, Cultures (with emphasis on Muslim civilisations), Governance and Civil Society, and Economics for Development. The IB framework fosters intellectual curiosity, creativity, leadership development, social consciousness and a pluralistic sensibility, and prepares graduates for university admission in their own country and abroad. The focus is on developing critical thinking and multicultural understanding through cross-disciplinary strands that inform content and themes.

Arts & Creative
Enrichment Programmes include Expression, enabling creative expression through theatre, art, music and drama, and emphasising collaborative projects. Action focuses on physical sport, teamwork and ethical behavior, with a healthy lifestyle complementing academic achievement. Citizenship stresses understanding of humanity and civil society and involvement in civic activities. Arts facilities include rooms for fine arts, music and dance, an amphitheatre performance space and individual practice booths.

Cultural & Language
The Aga Khan Curricular Strands include Cultures (with emphasis on Muslim civilisations). The medium of instruction for the IB programme is English; there is a bilingual programme to help develop proficiency in national languages. The majority of learners come from schools where English is the language of instruction; home languages are diverse. The Academy's library curates resources in English, Kiswahili, French and Russian, and language pathways across Language and Literature and Language Acquisition exist for English, Kiswahili, French and Russian.

Social & Hobbies
Enrichment Programmes include Expression (arts), Action (sport) and Citizenship (civic projects). Students participate in co-curricular clubs and leadership roles such as house leaders, student council, team captains and dorm duties. Activities range from community service opportunities to sports and expressive arts, fostering cooperation, problem solving and personal goal setting. These experiences allow students to explore interests and develop social skills beyond the classroom.

Community & Service
Community service is a major facet of student education and is integrated into student life and the curriculum. Through structured community projects and internships, students learn about the interconnectedness of education with the wider world and contribute to local groups. Partnerships with local Aga Khan Development Network agencies enable hands-on experience in operations and service delivery. Examples of Mombasa projects include Coast Rural Support Programme tree planting, East African Quality in Early Learning library/book drive and reading sessions, EMACK leadership workshops and Madrasa Resource Centre painting projects.

Leadership & Professional
The Student Leadership programme develops ethical, public-minded learners with pluralistic outlooks. Through co-curricular clubs, students assume leadership positions such as house leaders, student council members, team captains and dorm duties. Leadership activities span community service, sports and expressive arts, cultivating creativity and collaboration. The AKA Learner Profile highlights Leaders and Stewards, guiding students to motivate others, tackle problems and act with integrity. The programme prepares students for leadership roles in their communities and future professional life.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The Residential Experience focuses on intellectual, social, spiritual and physical growth in a structured and ethical environment, with a safe boarding life that supports emotional, intellectual and physical thriving. Residential life typically houses four students per room and includes a student lounge, dedicated study areas and laundry facilities; the Commons serves as the hub for dining and activities. Mealtimes and gatherings provide opportunities for informal interaction, language tables and study groups, fostering campus life and wellbeing.
Languages

Language Provision
The Academy uses English as the unifying language across the network. In Mombasa Kiswahili is taught as the National Language of Kenya, and English and Kiswahili are visible and integrated in the Academy's environments. A Kiswahili translanguaging teacher leads Kiswahili language development in the Junior School, and the bilingual programme invites parental involvement. Language pathways are designed to enable graduates to achieve CEFR level C1 in English and CEFR level B2+ in the national language, with differentiation to meet individual learner needs.

Bilingual Teaching
English is the unifying language across the Aga Khan Academies, and Kiswahili is taught as Kenya's national language at the Mombasa campus. A Kiswahili translanguaging teacher leads Kiswahili language development in the Junior School, and English and Kiswahili are visible and integrated in the Academy's physical and digital environments. The bilingual programme involves families and supports students in mastering at least two languages, including English, with opportunities to enhance foreign-language learning through international exchanges.
Admissions

Admissions
The Academy uses a multifaceted assessment to identify students. The assessments enable students to demonstrate their cognitive, literary, mathematical, creative and leadership abilities. Admission is competitive and based on merit, regardless of a family's ability to pay; the Academy endeavours to meet the demonstrated financial need of each admitted student. Junior School (Years 1-5) follows the Primary Years Programme and requires students to be 6 years old by August 31. Prospective Year 1 entrants must demonstrate potential for high academic achievement and literacy and numeracy. Applicants in Years 2-5 sit standard assessments in logic, English (reading and writing), mathematics and creativity and have personal interviews with Junior School staff. Senior School (Years 6-10) follows the Middle Years Programme; admission requires high scholastic achievement and engagement in community service and extracurricular activities. All applicants must schedule a standard assessment in logic, English and mathematics and problem solving, provide past grade reports and certificates of achievement, and have personal interviews with Senior School staff. Diploma Programme (Years 11-12) requires outstanding academic achievement and a civic minded record; the application process includes a standardised assessment in English, mathematics and logic and an interview with Diploma Programme coordinators and Senior School staff; new students will not be accepted in the year of the Diploma exam.

Scholarships
The Aga Khan Academy Mombasa offers six merit-based scholarships of up to 50% off fees for outstanding students who demonstrate superior academic ability. This includes B average for international curricula, B+ for KCSE students, and 390+ for KCPE. Applicants must have also excelled outside of the classroom in one or more of the following areas: leadership in the service of others; innovation in Science, Technology, Engineering or Math; environmental responsibility; performing arts; team sports. Scholarships will be awarded to students from a diversity of socio-economic, cultural, ethnic, linguistic and other backgrounds across Kenya. Based on demonstrated merit and financial need, scholarship awards may cover up to 50% of school fees, including residential fees. Scholarships are open to new students applying for admission in August 2022. The deadline for application is 1st July 2022. The process: Students should make an application through the normal admissions process (an application fee is payable) and indicate their interest in applying for the Aga Khan Academy Scholarship Programme. AKASP is open to new students only; those already enrolled at the Academy are not eligible. 1. Fill in the below form. 2. An initial assessment to determine suitability for the scholarship programme will take place. 3. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a personal interview with the Dean of Admissions. This interview will assess the ability of the student to contribute significantly to the Academy outside of the classroom. 4. Final selection includes an interview with the Head of Academy and the Dean of Admissions. The decision of the Academy in awarding these scholarships will be final. Eligibility: To apply, students must be residents in Kenya. The scholarships are open to students who are able to demonstrate exceptional academic ability and the potential to benefit from a unique educational programme based on the International Baccalaureate and the Aga Khan Strands. Scholarship awards may not cover all costs, and some scholarships will require the candidate and their family to contribute part of the cost. For more information email mba-admissions@agakhanacademies.org.
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