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Woodland Star International School

Kenya, Nairobi

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees KES 8,505 - 23,000
Ages 2 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 150
Type Co-educational
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum American Curriculum, Australian Curriculum
Taught languages Swahili, French
Typical class size 13
Strengths Outdoor Education, Service and Sustainability, Visual and Creative Arts
Clubs Arts and Creative, Community and Service, Lifestyle and Wellbeing
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Middle School, Secondary School
Introduction

Woodland Star International School is an international day school located in Tigoni, near Nairobi, Kenya. The school serves ages 2 to 18 and offers an international curriculum drawn from American and Australian frameworks implemented through transformational and theme-based learning. Classes are multi-age on a single campus, with flexible pacing and rolling admissions that support individual growth and social-emotional development. A distinctive feature is daily forest-based learning, with sessions beginning in the school's surrounding forest and outdoor spaces that form a consistent part of the curriculum. The campus hosts a Green Focus program, indigenous forest restoration effort, a wetland project, and solar energy initiatives that reinforce environmental stewardship. The ImaginEd concept fosters innovation and co-created spaces for creativity in arts, science, technology, and language. The school emphasizes student ownership, growth mindset, and partnerships with families, guided by Village Rules that shape relationships across educational and social life. Woodland Star International school is Cognia accredited.

The Essentials

Woodland Star International School has 150 pupils, typical class sizes of 13, instruction in English.

Location
Located in Tigoni, Limuru, Kenya, not far from Nairobi. The campus sits within Brackenhurst Botanic Garden and is surrounded by 40 acres of indigenous forest and tea fields. Brackenhurst Botanic Garden holds ArbNet Level III status, one of only 22 such gardens worldwide, and hosts over 500 tree species. The forest is home to 180 bird species and the Black and White Colobus Monkey.

Stages
Early Years; Primary Years; Middle Years; High School

Type
International day school

Additional learning support
Learning support is provided; the school welcomes students with special educational needs and provides support on a case-by-case basis.

Country affiliation
Kenya

Bus service
Transport is provided in partnership with African Encounter Travel (AET). Routes include Tigoni, Runda, Rosslyn, General Mathenge, Tilisi, and other nearby areas.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
Uniform approach focuses on honoring diverse journeys rather than uniform outcomes.

Food Options
Lunch is offered as an optional service; Primary Years lunch is $855 per year ($285 per term) and Middle Years/Secondary Years lunch is $930 per year ($310 per term).

House System
Pupils are grouped into villages: Kigelia Village, Podo Village, Nandi Flame Village, Olea Village, Mvule Village, Acacia Village, and Siala Village; each village has a homeroom teacher.

Governance and Ownership
Woodland Star International School Kenya is owned by the ACTS Group and governed by the school's advisory board; the ACTS Group has a Christian heritage, but that faith is not imposed and the school emphasizes diversity.
Fees

Annual tuition at Woodland Star International School ranges from KES 8,505 to KES 23,000 for 2026/27.

Application / Registration Fees

- Registration deposit (new students, once-off, payable to confirm a place): USD 1,000 per child. This registration deposit is deducted from the final term's tuition or may be rolled over annually. If a place is cancelled after payment of the registration deposit but before the start of term, the registration deposit is non-refundable; limited refunds of pre-paid tuition may apply under the school's notice rules.

Tuition fees (per year and per term)

Early Years Program (Pre-School and Pre-Kindergarten)
- 1/2 days, 3 days per week (Pre-School only): USD 3,975 per year (or USD 1,325 per term).
- 1/2 days, 5 days per week: USD 5,250 per year (or USD 1,750 per term).
- Full day, 5 days per week: USD 7,455 per year (or USD 2,485 per term).
- Annual capital levy for Early Years (payable by parents): USD 300 per year.
- Optional lunch: USD 750 per year (or USD 250 per term).

Primary Years (Grades K–5)
- Tuition (self-paid): USD 16,065 per year (or USD 5,355 per term).
- Tuition (employer-paid category): USD 23,625 per year (or USD 7,875 per term).
- Capital levy (self-paid): USD 750 per year. Capital levy (employer-paid): USD 1,000 per year.
- Optional lunch: USD 990 per year (or USD 330 per term).

Middle Years (Grades 6–8)
- Tuition (self-paid): USD 16,905 per year (or USD 5,635 per term).
- Tuition (employer-paid): USD 24,840 per year (or USD 8,280 per term).
- Optional lunch: USD 1,080 per year (or USD 360 per term).

Secondary / High School (Grades 9–11)
- Tuition (self-paid): USD 18,195 per year (or USD 6,065 per term).
- Tuition (employer-paid): USD 24,960 per year (or USD 8,320 per term).
- Optional lunch: USD 1,140 per year (or USD 380 per term).

Optional and additional recurring fees

- Transport (termly rates vary by route and by child order): examples shown in the fee schedule include termly amounts by route with first-child rates and reduced second/third-child rates (term examples: USD 1,160 / USD 585 / USD 930 per term depending on route; reduced rates apply for additional siblings). Late-afternoon bus options are charged separately (examples: USD 235 once-per-week; USD 465 twice-per-week).
- Learning support and specialist services: one-to-one support is priced case-by-case; internal supplementary services example: USD 4,800 per annum; hybrid vocational services example: USD 6,000 per annum. A service-processing surcharge (10–15%) may apply where third-party specialist services are paid through the school's finance office.
- Sibling discount: 5% discount on tuition for each additional child from the same family (applies to tuition only). Annual capital levy is not discounted.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Academic-year category and due dates (2025/26 schedule example): Fees for Term 1 are due no later than 25 August 2025. A 5% discount on annual tuition is applied when the full year's tuition is paid in advance prior to the start of the school year (example date given: on or before 22 August 2025). Late payments attract a penalty of 2% per month on outstanding amounts. Payment-plan arrangements are available for a plan fee (examples in the schedule: USD 150 per year); payment-plan installments are required to follow the school's prescribed timetable (first installment on or before the first day of school, second one month later, final installment two months after the first day of school). Families are liable for the full term's fees once a term has commenced.

Boarding fees

- Boarding: Woodland Star's published fee schedules and finance policy list day-student tuition, transport, lunch, capital levy and related charges and do not include a separate boarding fee line item. No full-boarding fee schedule is provided in the published fee schedule.

Other costs (uniforms, materials and incidentals)

- Uniforms, stationery and personal school equipment are additional costs payable by families; the fee schedule treats these as separate, variable expenses rather than a fixed recurring school fee. Costs for uniforms and first-term starter packs are charged separately and vary by item and supplier.

Refund information and withdrawal notice requirements

- Notice required to avoid further term charges: Families wishing to withdraw a child must give one full term's notice (i.e., notice on or before the last day of the school term that precedes their child's final term). If notice is given less than a full term but before the next term starts, parents are required to pay 75% of the following term's tuition; where tuition for the following term has already been paid the school will reimburse 25% of that term's tuition. If a student leaves part-way through a term, families remain liable for the full term's tuition. Pre-paid lunches are refundable pro rata if a family leaves part-way through a year; pre-paid transport is not refundable. Specific provisions apply to refunds where learning support services have been engaged. The registration deposit is refundable in line with the published policy when applied as described, but is non-refundable if a place is cancelled after payment and before term commencement in certain circumstances.

Fee payment options and charges

- Bank transfer to school accounts (Kenyan Shilling account details and international transfer instructions are provided in the school's finance information).
- Credit card payments are accepted at the finance office; a credit-card processing surcharge applies (example: a 3% surcharge when paying by card). Other local payment methods and the option to arrange approved payment plans are available through the finance office. Payment instructions, required references and bank details are provided by the school's finance office. Late-payment and non-payment consequences (penalties, withholding of reports/transcripts, and potential exclusion from classes until accounts are cleared) are stipulated in the finance policy.
Academics

Woodland Star International School teaches American Curriculum, Australian Curriculum for students aged 2 to 18.

Curriculum
The school uses an international and individualized curriculum.

Higher Education Progression
Graduates are prepared for universities around the world.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Sarah Arthur leads our Inclusion and Learning Support programme, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. The programme focuses on belonging and employs neurodiversity‑affirming practices while coaching teachers to meet diverse learner needs.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The Inclusion and Learning Support programme provides support for learners with diverse needs and is led by Sarah Arthur, emphasizing inclusive education and belonging.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
English Language Support is considered in admissions; the application form asks, 'Does Your Child Need English Language Support?' with a Yes/No option.

Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is integrated through the Inclusion and Learning Support programme and the school's counselors; the approach emphasizes social‑emotional development and a sense of belonging.

Safeguarding
Safeguarding is a top priority with a safeguarding lead and team, a formal Safeguarding Policy, zero tolerance for discrimination, and online safety measures; staff are trained to protect students.
Parent Experience

History
Woodland Star School is located in Tigoni, in the Brackenhurst area near Nairobi. In September 2016 Woodland Star welcomed its sixth year of operation after five years of community building. The school describes itself as a small, environmentally focused, avant-garde, and globally aware establishment of excellence. Growth mindset, multi-age classrooms, and holistic education are emphasized, and Village Rules shape relationships across educational, social, and administrative levels.

Community
Woodland Star's community is a small, connected school in Tigoni that emphasizes belonging, environmental conservation, peaceful conflict resolution, and a growth mindset. The community is guided by Village Rules that shape interactions and foster respectful collaboration. The school hosts Harvest Festival and Open House as key community events that celebrate local talent, vendors, and family involvement. Woodland Star aims for connectedness, belonging, and active participation across the campus.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Located in the emerald tea fields of Tigoni, Kenya, the school sits on a single expansive green campus near Nairobi. The forest is a daily part of learning, with sessions beginning in the forest as a hallmark of Woodland Star. Early Years through Secondary Years share one campus, with multi-age learning on offer. The grounds include outdoor learning spaces, and a virtual tour is available to explore the facilities.

Academic Facilities
Dynamic Learning includes Transformational Learning, Curriculum & Assessment, Theme-Based Learning, Multi-Age Learning, Learning Support, Arts & Sports, and Extramural Activities. Inside Woodland Star's ImaginEd, inclusive innovation is explored as a lived experience with differentiated design and co-created spaces. The campus features a green campus that supports daily forest-based learning and outdoor lessons.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Extramural Activities are part of Woodland Star's Dynamic Learning.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school uses an American curriculum delivered through transformational and theme-based learning. Individualized instruction and social-emotional learning are central, with a strong emphasis on student ownership and a growth mindset. Learning is multi-age on a single campus, across ages 2 to 16, with rolling admissions and cross-curricular projects in literature, mathematics, technology, and science.

Arts & Creative
Arts are integrated through after-school programs and group projects, with arts featured in project-based learning. Interdisciplinary projects include visual arts and design, and students study artists as part of creative exploration. For example, art is explored within theme-based and hands-on projects.

Cultural & Language
First/Home language is recorded on admission, and English language support is available for learners who need it. Global histories and cultures are integrated into learning as part of the thematic and project-based approach.

Social & Hobbies
A broad range of extracurriculars includes after-school programs, group projects, and sports and the arts, fostering relationship skills and collaboration. Theme-based learning and project work connect literacy, science, and art, with field trips enhancing real-world understanding. The school also emphasizes sports and physical activity as part of student life.

Community & Service
The campus pursues environmental stewardship through converting 40 acres of indigenous forest, creating a natural wetland, and a campus-wide Green Focus program. A cutting-edge solar system offsets energy use, and the school partners with local environmental organizations to promote conservation and sustainability.

Leadership & Professional
The Head of School leads academic leadership, curriculum development, accreditation efforts, and the senior leadership team, with oversight of admissions and governance. Fluency in English is noted as a requirement, and the school is pursuing Cognia accreditation as part of ongoing standards verification.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Transformational Learning centers on individualized instruction, social-emotional learning, and thematic teaching. The Maisha Center supports therapies and social-emotional development, and a daily forest walk and outdoor learning spaces reinforce well-being and environmental mindfulness. Sports and outdoor activities are also emphasized as part of a healthy, balanced approach to student life.
Reputation

Awards
Global Inclusion Award (2024); Global Inclusion Award (2025)

Accreditations
Cognia accreditation (the school has pursued Cognia accreditation; see Head of School job description)
Admissions

Admissions
1. Rolling admissions are offered throughout the year, provided there is space in the appropriate classroom, for students aged two to thirteen. The school accepts applicants year-round in a manner that respects class capacity and diversity of learners. The program welcomes students with special educational needs on a case-by-case basis and considers readiness for entry into the school.

2. Selection is based on five criteria: learners must demonstrate school-readiness; there must be available places in the class (with maximum class sizes defined to maintain quality); the school must be able to meet the learner's support needs; the parent/guardian's ability to pay fees (with or without financial assistance); and whether the learner can cope with the medium of instruction.

3. The application process begins with completing the online application form and submitting it to the school. Primary and middle-year applicants must also provide documents including a completed school character/reference form from the previous school, previous school reports, standard examination/assessment results if available, and any relevant additional documentation such as IEPs or assessments.

4. If further academic assessments are deemed necessary, the school may require testing or evaluations to be completed by an external evaluator, at the parents' expense.

5. A credit reference check may be undertaken, which may include contacting the current school.

6. The application is screened for eligibility by school leadership against the stated criteria.

7. If necessary, the learner and the parent(s)/guardian(s) may be interviewed as part of the admissions process.

8. If the application is successful, the parent(s)/guardian(s) sign a financial agreement and pay a registration deposit of $1,000, which is rolled over and applied to the tuition fees of the last term of the academic year.

9. The parent(s)/guardian(s) sign an agreement to uphold the Village Rules and the school's policies and procedures. The principal informs the parent(s)/guardian(s) of the admission status, and reasons for non-admission can be provided on request.
School Events
The school has not added events
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