Top 10 Affordable International Schools in Nairobi

Finding quality yet affordable international education in Nairobi can be challenging for parents seeking globally recognized curricula without breaking the bank. Based on comprehensive research of fee structures, academic performance, and facilities, here are the top 10 most affordable international schools in Nairobi that offer excellent value for money while maintaining high educational standards

List Of Top 10 Affordable International Schools in Nairobi

1. Caplora International School

Location: Multiple locations (Nairobi/Nanyuki with home schooling option)
Curriculum: Cambridge International (IGCSE)
Age Range: Preparatory to Senior High School
Annual Fees: KSh 162,000 – KSh 198,000

Caplora stands out as the most affordable international school option, offering a unique homeschooling model with Cambridge curriculum. The school provides comprehensive education including sports, swimming, and computer lessons. Their fee structure includes science lab fees and optional academic trips, making it an exceptionally budget-friendly choice for quality international education.

2. Holy Cross Catholic International School

Location: Serenity Road, Lavington
Curriculum: Cambridge International (IGCSE) with Catholic values
Age Range: Kindergarten to Year 11
Annual Fees: KSh 240,000 – KSh 324,000

Recognized as “the most affordable international school in Nairobi,” Holy Cross integrates traditional Roman Catholic teachings with the Cambridge curriculum. The school offers excellent academic results with 39% of IGCSE grades achieving A*-A bands. Located in the peaceful Lavington suburb, it provides a holistic education emphasizing spiritual, intellectual, and moral development.

3. Nairobi Academy

Location: Langata Road, Karen
Curriculum: British & IB Curriculum options
Age Range: Pre-Preparatory to Year 13
Annual Fees: KSh 375,000 – KSh 1,230,000

The Nairobi Academy offers multiple curriculum pathways including British, BTEC, and IB Diploma programs. Recent IGCSE results show 82% of students achieving A*-C grades. The school provides boarding facilities and has achieved outstanding A-Level results with 74% securing A*-C grades.

4. Makini Schools (Cambridge Curriculum)

Location: Ngong Road & Statehouse Avenue campuses
Curriculum: Cambridge International (IGCSE)
Age Range: Early Years to Year 11
Annual Fees: KSh 446,977 – KSh 589,158

Makini Schools is a well-established institution offering the Cambridge curriculum across multiple campuses. The fees are inclusive of lunch, computer lessons, games, and swimming. The school follows the international academic year (September to July) and offers family discounts for multiple children.

5. Light International School

Location: Karen, Off Langata Road
Curriculum: British National Curriculum (Cambridge IGCSE)
Age Range: Kindergarten to A-Levels
Annual Fees: KSh 468,000 – KSh 1,251,000

Light International School Karen offers a comprehensive British curriculum with Cambridge IGCSE and A-Level programs. The school provides both day and boarding options for Years 9-10, with modern facilities in the prestigious Karen suburb. LIS emphasizes academic excellence alongside character development and offers extensive extracurricular activities.

6. Potterhouse School

Location: Runda, Nairobi
Curriculum: British National Curriculum
Age Range: Crèche to Year 13
Annual Fees: KSh 560,505 – KSh 856,380

Potterhouse follows the British National Curriculum and offers unique programs including horse riding. The school emphasizes critical thinking and problem-solving skills through its dynamic curriculum. Additional activities include elite soccer development programs and various optional sporting activities.

7. Mahanaim International School

Location: Nairobi
Curriculum: Cambridge International (IGCSE)
Age Range: Primary to Year 11
Annual Fees: KSh 600,000 – KSh 1,200,000

Mahanaim International School has achieved exceptional academic results with a 98% IGCSE pass rate and 73% of students achieving A*-B grades. The school offers the Cambridge curriculum with a focus on holistic education, character development, and spiritual guidance.

8. Braeside Thika (Braeburn Group)

Location: Garden Estate, Thika Road
Curriculum: British National Curriculum
Age Range: Pre-Crèche to Year 13
Annual Fees: KSh 611,699 – KSh 1,264,200

Part of the prestigious Braeburn Group, Braeside Thika offers modern facilities and boarding options. The school is fully accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and provides a comprehensive British education with excellent extracurricular programs.

9. Rusinga School

Location: Gitanga Road, Lavington
Curriculum: British National Curriculum
Age Range: Kindergarten to A-Levels
Annual Fees: KSh 736,000 – KSh 1,212,000

Established in 1975, Rusinga School is CIS-accredited and serves approximately 850 students from over 25 nationalities. The school emphasizes Christian values and offers IGCSE, A-Levels, and BTEC programs. Their strong alumni network and modern facilities make it a popular choice for international education.

10. St. Christopher’s International School

Location: Nairobi
Curriculum: British National Curriculum (IGCSE/A-Levels)
Age Range: Kindergarten to Year 13
Annual Fees: KSh 906,000 – KSh 1,308,000

St. Christopher’s offers a comprehensive British curriculum from kindergarten through A-Levels, with boarding facilities available from Year 5. The school provides strong preparation for IGCSE and A-Level examinations, with modern facilities and experienced international teaching staff.

School Performance and Academic Excellence

Several schools demonstrate exceptional academic performance:

• Mahanaim International School achieved an impressive 98% pass rate with 73% achieving A*-B grades in IGCSE
• Holy Cross Catholic International School achieved 39% A*-A grades in recent IGCSE examinations
• Nairobi Academy reported 82% A*-C achievement in IGCSE results for 2025

Curriculum Options Available

Cambridge International (IGCSE): Holy Cross Catholic, Caplora, Makini Schools, Mahanaim International
British National Curriculum: Light International, Potterhouse, Braeside Thika, Rusinga, St. Christopher’s
International Baccalaureate (IB): Nairobi Academy

School Locations and Google Maps Information

Based on Google Maps research, the schools are strategically located across Nairobi:

• Karen Area: Light International School (Off Langata Road), Nairobi Academy (Langata Road)
• Lavington: Holy Cross Catholic (Serenity Road), Rusinga School (Gitanga Road)
• Runda: Potterhouse School
• Thika Road Corridor: Braeside Thika (Garden Estate)
• Central Nairobi: Makini Schools (Ngong Road & Statehouse Avenue)

Conclusion

The choice of international school depends on your budget, preferred curriculum, location convenience, and specific educational priorities. All schools listed provide globally recognized qualifications and prepare students for international university admission, making them excellent investments in your child’s future.

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