Top 10 Best International Schools in Nanyuki

Finding the best international schools in Nanyuki can be challenging for parents seeking globally recognized curricula. Located at the foothills of Mount Kenya in Laikipia County, Nanyuki offers several excellent international schools that provide world-class education in a serene, conducive learning environment. While Nanyuki has a growing number of international schools, the nearby town of Nyahururu (just 93 kilometers away) provides additional options for families in the region.

The 10 Top Best International Schools in Nanyuki

1. Braeburn Nanyuki International School

Location: Cottage Hospital Road, Nanyuki, Laikipia
Age Range: 2-13 years (Crèche to Year 8)
Curriculum: British National Curriculum (England)
Annual Fees: KSh 417,600 – 1,347,900 (plus lunch and transport costs)

Braeburn Nanyuki stands as the premier international school in the region, offering an international version of the National Curriculum of England. With 213 students and 29 teaching staff, the school provides a multicultural environment emphasizing outdoor learning. Set against the stunning backdrop of Mount Kenya, the school is British Schools Overseas (BSO) accredited and is a proud member of IAPS (Independent Association of Preparatory Schools).

The school’s philosophy centers on providing “a natural education” where children can be children for longer, with ample space for outdoor learning. The wood and stone architecture blends seamlessly with the natural environment, featuring large windows that maximize natural light and provide breathtaking mountain views.

Performance: As part of the Braeburn Group, the school maintains high academic standards with students progressing to top secondary schools globally.

2. Three Rivers Academy

Location: Turaco, Umande Location, Daiga Division, Laikipia East
Age Range: Grade 7 to A-levels (Secondary boarding school)
Curriculum: Cambridge International Curriculum
Campus: 81-acre peaceful campus outside Nanyuki

Three Rivers Academy opened in May 2022 as a Christian-based secondary school focusing on character development. The school’s motto “Love Good. Be Good. Do Good.” reflects its emphasis on character education while offering the rigorous Cambridge curriculum. With current enrollment of about 180 students and plans to expand to 300, the school provides both boys’ and girls’ boarding facilities.

The school’s core values of responsibility, integrity, and kindness permeate all activities, creating a family-like atmosphere that students often refer to as “a home away from home”. The peaceful rural setting provides an inspiring environment for academic and personal growth.

3. Caplora International School

Location: Multiple locations including Nanyuki (with homeschooling option)
Age Range: Preparatory to Senior High School
Curriculum: Cambridge International (IGCSE)
Annual Fees: KSh 162,000 – 420,000 for online group classes

Caplora stands out as Kenya’s most affordable international school option, offering a unique homeschooling model with Cambridge curriculum. The school provides comprehensive education including science lab fees, sports programs, and optional academic trips. Students can participate in sports activities at Sportsman’s Hotel in Nanyuki, making it accessible to families in the region.

The school offers both online group classes and personalized one-on-one sessions, with optional forest school programs available for Nanyuki residents. The flexible model makes quality international education accessible to a broader range of families.

4. Mount Kenya Waldorf School

Location: Burguret, Nyeri (Nanyuki County area)
Age Range: Playgroup to Primary (1.5-12 years)
Curriculum: Waldorf/Steiner Curriculum
Annual Fees: KSh 665,460 – 1,138,380 for day students

Mount Kenya Waldorf School offers a distinctive holistic educational approach that caters to the “whole child” – academic, physical, social, and emotional development. The Waldorf curriculum emphasizes creativity, imagination, and hands-on learning experiences appropriate to each developmental stage.

Located in the picturesque landscapes near Nanyuki, the school provides a nurturing environment with small class sizes and individualized attention. The school offers various scheduling options (3, 4, or 5 days per week) and includes programs like swimming, forest school activities, and organic meal programs.

5. Hampton School Nanyuki

Location: Nanyuki (Online model with boarding facilities)
Age Range: Kindergarten to High School
Curriculum: Both Local (8-4-4 & CBC) and International (IGCSE)
Model: Fully online education with physical boarding option

Hampton School represents an innovative approach to education, operating as a fully online institution since April 2020. The school uses Google Classroom to deliver lessons to students both locally and internationally, including a Kenyan student learning from Dubai. For students requiring boarding, the school provides accommodation in apartments in Nanyuki town.

With 60 students total (40 doing IGCSE and 20 in local curricula), the school offers a unique blend of international and local educational pathways. The online model allows for flexible learning while maintaining high educational standards.

6. St. Christopher’s Schools Nanyuki

Location: Cottage Road, Nanyuki
Age Range: Kindergarten to Junior Secondary School
Curriculum: CBC Curriculum (not international)
Features: Holistic education with boarding facilities

While St. Christopher’s primarily follows the Kenyan CBC curriculum rather than an international curriculum, it deserves mention for its comprehensive educational approach and excellent facilities. The school offers both day and boarding options with state-of-the-art facilities including smart classrooms, modern science and computer labs, and extensive sports facilities.

The school emphasizes holistic development through academics, sports (including PIPSA swimming championships), arts, and leadership programs. The institution provides a nurturing environment with experienced teaching staff and strong community values.

International Schools in Nyahururu (Alternative Options)

7. Nyahururu Elite Schools

Location: Igwamiti, Nyeri-Nyahururu Road
Age Range: Nursery to Form 4
Curriculum: CBC, IGCSE (O-Level), KCSE
Annual Fees: KSh 123,000 – 157,500 (day students)

Nyahururu Elite Schools offers multiple educational pathways including the globally recognized IGCSE ‘O’ Level curriculum from Year 9 to Year 11. The school comprises several sections: Nursery School & Kindergarten, Junior School, Junior High School, Girls High School, and Senior School (Boys’ School).

The school provides both day and boarding facilities with comprehensive programs covering various subjects including Mathematics, English, Sciences, and optional subjects like Computer Science and Home Science.

8. Graceland Schools Nyahururu

Location: Nyahururu
Age Range: Kindergarten to Senior School
Curriculum: CBC and KCSE (primarily local curricula)
Features: Multiple school sections under one institution

Graceland Group of Schools has established itself as a leading educational institution in Nyahururu with a comprehensive offering including Girls’ Senior School, Boys’ Senior School, Mixed Senior School, Junior High School, Primary School, and Kindergarten. The school focuses on holistic development and creating a transformative learning experience.

Additional Considerations: Schools in the Broader Region

For families seeking more options, Greensteds International School in Nakuru (approximately 100 km from Nanyuki) offers excellent British curriculum education:

Greensteds International School, Nakuru:

• Annual Fees: KSh 318,000 – 1,341,000 (day), KSh 848,000 – 2,685,000 (boarding)
• Curriculum: British National Curriculum, IGCSE, A-levels
• Features: 50-acre campus, CIS accredited, established in 1936

Nanyuki vs. Nyahururu: Making the Right Choice

Distance and Accessibility

Nanyuki and Nyahururu are conveniently connected by a 93-94 kilometer road that takes approximately 1 hour and 39 minutes to drive. This proximity makes both towns accessible for families considering schools in either location. An alternative route via Rumuruti covers 121 kilometers in about 2 hours and 21 minutes.

Why Choose Nanyuki Over Nyahururu:

1. International School Quality and Variety: Nanyuki offers more established international schools with globally recognized curricula like Braeburn Nanyuki (BSO accredited) and Three Rivers Academy (Cambridge curriculum).

2. Tourism and Infrastructure: Nanyuki benefits from better tourism infrastructure due to its proximity to Mount Kenya, Ol Pejeta Conservancy, and other attractions, resulting in better facilities and services.

3. Expatriate Community: Nanyuki has a larger expatriate community, providing more international exposure and networking opportunities for families.

4. Economic Opportunities: As a popular tourist destination, Nanyuki offers more diverse economic opportunities for families.

Why Choose Nyahururu Over Nanyuki:

1. Cost of Living: Nyahururu generally has a lower cost of living compared to Nanyuki, making it more affordable for families.

2. Less Crowded: Nyahururu experiences less tourist traffic, providing a quieter, more focused learning environment.

3. Academic Focus: Schools in Nyahururu may offer more affordable fees while still maintaining good academic standards, as evidenced by Nyahururu Elite Schools’ IGCSE program.

4. Cultural Immersion: Nyahururu provides a more authentic Kenyan cultural experience with less expatriate influence.

Academic Performance Context

When considering international schools in the region, it’s worth noting that Kenyan international schools have been performing exceptionally well globally. Schools offering Cambridge curricula (IGCSE and A-levels) have shown impressive results:

• Mahanaim International School achieved a 98% IGCSE pass rate with 73% achieving A*-B grades
• Brookhouse Schools consistently achieve the best IGCSE and A-Level results in East Africa
• St. Christopher’s International School reported 76% of IGCSE students achieving five credit passes (A*-C)

Conclusion

While Nanyuki may not have a full complement of 10 international schools, it offers several excellent options led by Braeburn Nanyuki International School and Three Rivers Academy. The proximity to Nyahururu expands choices significantly, and the region’s schools provide quality education in stunning natural settings.

For families prioritizing established international curricula and expatriate communities, Nanyuki is the preferred choice, particularly with Braeburn’s BSO accreditation and Three Rivers Academy’s Cambridge curriculum. Families seeking more affordable options while maintaining international standards should consider Caplora’s flexible homeschooling model or explore Nyahururu’s Elite Schools for their IGCSE program.

The decision between Nanyuki and Nyahururu ultimately depends on your family’s priorities: international exposure and established curricula (Nanyuki) versus affordability and cultural immersion (Nyahururu). Both towns offer quality education options within the spectacular Mount Kenya region.