Top 10 Best Private Schools in Mombasa: Complete Guide for Parents (2025)
Finding quality private education in Mombasa that balances academic excellence with affordability can be challenging. Many families seek alternatives to public schools while managing costs effectively. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the best private schools in Mombasa, separated by primary and secondary levels, with detailed fee structures and performance insights.
Table of Contents
Best Private Schools In Mombasa – Primary School Under KSh 200,000
Ultra-Budget Options (KSh 80,000 – 150,000)
1. Nyali Primary School
Location: Links Road, Nyali
Annual Fees: KSh 78,000 – 120,000
Type: Private mixed day school
Curriculum: CBC
Performance: Excellent – Top KCPE performers including Shawn Jeremy Wachira
This school offers the most affordable quality primary education in Mombasa’s prime Nyali area. With excellent KCPE performance and established reputation, it provides exceptional value for money while maintaining high academic standards.
2. Busy Bee School
Location: Opposite Technical University of Mombasa
Annual Fees: KSh 90,000 – 150,000
Type: Private mixed day school
Curriculum: CBC (Learner-Centered Approach)
Performance: Good – Research-based learning approach
Located strategically near TUM, Busy Bee emphasizes research-based activities, presentations, and student leadership programs. The school creates confident, expressive children through innovative teaching methods.
3. Memon Academy Primary
Location: Maalim Juma Road
Annual Fees: KSh 100,000 – 180,000
Type: Islamic mixed day school
Curriculum: CBC and IGCSE
Performance: Excellent – Consistent KCPE results
This Islamic institution combines affordable fees with excellent academic performance. The school offers dual curriculum options while maintaining strong Islamic values and community focus.
4. Rainbow Connection
Location: Links Road, Nyali
Annual Fees: KSh 100,000 – 180,000
Type: Private mixed day school (Ages 1-14)
Curriculum: CBC (Multicultural approach)
Performance: Good – Multicultural environment
Serving children from 1-14 years, Rainbow Connection offers multicultural education with equipped libraries, computer rooms, and experienced international staff creating a stimulating learning environment.
5. Berits Junior School
Location: Nyali (Between VOK & Beach Road)
Annual Fees: KSh 120,000 – 180,000
Type: Private mixed day school
Curriculum: CBC with International approach
Performance: Good – Progressive modern education
This modern progressive school in prime Nyali location emphasizes unlimited learning challenges in a secure environment, blending CBC with international curriculum elements.
Mid-Range Options (KSh 150,000 – 200,000)
6. Light International School – Mombasa
Location: Off Greenwood Drive, Nyali
Annual Fees: KSh 150,000 – 200,000
Type: International mixed day school
Curriculum: British (IPC) and CBC
Performance: Excellent – Top Coast performer KCPE 2023 (mean score 400)
The standout performer in this category, Light International achieved the highest KCPE results on the Coast in 2023. The school excels in STEM education, swimming, and robotics programs.
7. Maville Academy
Location: Beach Road, Nyali
Annual Fees: KSh 120,000 – 200,000
Type: Private mixed day school
Curriculum: British National Curriculum
Performance: Good – Arts and music focus
Distinguished by diverse music programs including piano, guitar, violin, saxophone, and trumpet. The school also offers martial arts and extensive sports activities alongside academic excellence.
8. Coast Academy Primary
Location: Kaunda Avenue, Mombasa
Annual Fees: KSh 156,000 – 264,000
Type: International mixed day school
Curriculum: British and CBC
Performance: Good – International standards
Offering international school experience with world-class facilities, Coast Academy provides comprehensive sports and extracurricular activities with experienced international faculty.
9. Bright International Academy
Location: Neem Avenue, off Greenwood Drive
Annual Fees: KSh 150,000 – 250,000
Type: Islamic international mixed day school
Curriculum: British National with Islamic Studies
Performance: Good – Integrated Islamic education
This school uniquely integrates British curriculum with Islamic studies, offering creative pursuits including Taekwondo, pottery, and comprehensive arts programs.
10. Oshwal Academy Primary
Location: Kongowea, Kisauni
Annual Fees: KSh 100,000 – 180,000
Type: Private mixed day school
Curriculum: CBC and 8-4-4
Performance: Good – Community focused
Serving the Kisauni area, Oshwal Academy emphasizes holistic education with dynamic co-curricular programs and strong parent community support.
Best Secondary Schools In Mombasa Under KSh 300,000
Ultra-Budget Options (KSh 120,000 – 250,000)
1. Oshwal Academy Secondary
Location: Kongowea, Kisauni
Annual Fees: KSh 120,000 – 250,000
Type: Private mixed day school
Curriculum: CBC and 8-4-4
Performance: Good – Holistic education approach
The most affordable quality secondary education in Mombasa, offering excellent value with comprehensive programs and strong community support.
2. Star of the Sea High School
Location: Ganjoni, Island
Annual Fees: Contact for details (Estimated under KSh 200,000)
Type: Catholic girls’ boarding school
Curriculum: 8-4-4 System
Performance: Good – Strong religious foundation
This all-girls boarding school combines affordability with strong academic performance and religious values, serving the Mombasa Island community.
3. Memon High School
Location: Maalim Juma Road
Annual Fees: Contact for details (Estimated under KSh 250,000)
Type: Islamic mixed day school
Curriculum: 8-4-4 and IGCSE
Performance: Good – Dual curriculum options
Continuing from the primary section, Memon High offers dual curriculum pathways while maintaining Islamic values and affordable education.
Mid-Range Options (KSh 250,000 – 500,000)
4. Light Academy Secondary
Location: Park Lane, Nyali
Annual Fees: KSh 270,000 – 400,000
Type: International mixed day school
Curriculum: Cambridge IGCSE and A-levels
Performance: Excellent – A-plain performers in 2024 KCSE
Outstanding performer with recent A-plain students, Light Academy combines science-focused education with international standards and excellent facilities.
5. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed School
Location: Mombasa
Annual Fees: Contact for details (Estimated KSh 300,000 – 450,000)
Type: Private mixed day school
Curriculum: 8-4-4 (Science-focused)
Performance: Excellent – Mean score 9.13 in 2024 KCSE
Exceptional 2024 KCSE results with 4 A-plain students and mean score of 9.13. The school specializes in science education with early revision programs and discipline-focused approaches.
6. Jaffery Academy Secondary
Location: Al-Sadiq Road, Kizingo
Annual Fees: KSh 300,000 – 500,000
Type: Private mixed day school
Curriculum: British National Curriculum
Performance: Good – International standards
Part of the established Jaffery network, this school emphasizes wholesome education promoting academic, spiritual, and social development with international curriculum standards.
7. Deenway International School
Location: Beach Road
Annual Fees: KSh 200,000 – 350,000
Type: International mixed day school
Curriculum: International curriculum
Performance: Good – Modern international approach
Offering integrated international education with modern facilities and contemporary teaching methods in a prime coastal location.
Mid-Range and Premium Options
Most Expensive Primary Schools In Mombasa (Above KSh 400,000)
Aga Khan Primary School
Location: Vanga Road
Annual Fees: KSh 537,140 – 857,070
Type: International mixed day school
Curriculum: IB Primary Years Programme
Performance: Excellent – International Baccalaureate standards
The premium option for primary education, offering IB curriculum, bilingual education, and exceptional sports facilities including swimming pools and athletics tracks.
Most Expensive Secondary Schools In Mombasa (Above KSh 600,000)
1. Aga Khan Academy Secondary
Location: Vanga Road
Annual Fees: KSh 966,210 – 1,611,420
Type: International mixed day/boarding school
Curriculum: International Baccalaureate (IB)
Performance: Excellent – Global university preparation
The most prestigious secondary school in Mombasa, offering IB Diploma Programme with residential options and preparation for top global universities.
2. Braeburn Mombasa International School
Location: Along JCC Road, Off Mombasa-Malindi Road
Annual Fees: KSh 1,210,200 – 1,402,600
Type: International mixed day school (Ages 18 months – 18 years)
Curriculum: British National Curriculum (England and Wales)
Performance: Excellent – International standards
Part of the respected Braeburn Group, serving students from 18 months to 18 years with world-class British education standards and comprehensive facilities.
3. Coast Academy Senior School
Location: Opposite YWCA, Mbaraki
Annual Fees: KSh 1,326,000 – 2,274,000
Type: International mixed day school
Curriculum: British and A-levels
Performance: Excellent – Year 13 programs available
The most expensive option offering British A-levels, scholarships, and world-class facilities with comprehensive Year 13 university preparation programs.
Key Differences Between Primary and Secondary Schools
Fee Structure: Secondary schools generally charge 30-50% more than primary schools due to specialized facilities like science laboratories, computer labs, and qualified subject teachers.
Curriculum Options: Secondary schools offer more diverse curriculum paths including IGCSE, IB, and A-levels, while primary schools focus mainly on CBC and international primary programs.
Facilities: Secondary schools in Kenya require sophisticated infrastructure including science laboratories, computer labs, libraries, and sports complexes for comprehensive education.
What These Fees Typically Include
Primary Schools:
- Complete CBC or international curriculum tuition
- Lunch meals (in most schools)
- Basic sports and co-curricular activities
- Learning materials for lower classes
- Swimming lessons (select schools)
Secondary Schools:
- Full curriculum tuition (KCSE, IGCSE, or IB)
- Laboratory fees and science practicals
- Computer lab access and IT programs
- Sports and extensive co-curricular activities
- Some schools include meals and transport
Additional Costs to Consider
Uniform Costs: KSh 8,000-15,000 for primary, KSh 12,000-20,000 for secondary
Books and Materials: KSh 15,000-25,000 annually
Transport: KSh 40,000-80,000 annually (if not provided)
Extracurricular Activities: KSh 10,000-25,000 per year
International Exam Fees: KSh 50,000-100,000 (for IGCSE/IB schools)
Tips for Choosing Schools in Mombasa
Visit Multiple Schools: Assess facilities, teaching quality, classroom environments, and general atmosphere during normal school days.
Check Recent Performance: Review KCPE/KCSE results for the past 3-5 years, focusing on consistency rather than single-year peaks.
Understand Complete Fee Structure: Ensure all costs are transparent including hidden charges, activity fees, and annual increases.
Consider Location and Transport: Factor in Mombasa’s traffic patterns, safety of routes, and total transport costs when calculating affordability.
Evaluate Curriculum Alignment: Choose curriculum (CBC, British, IB) based on your child’s future educational plans and university aspirations.
Assess School Culture: Ensure the school’s values, discipline approach, and community atmosphere align with your family’s expectations.
Check Teacher Qualifications: Inquire about teacher-student ratios, staff qualifications, and teacher retention rates for stability.
Review Facilities: Examine libraries, laboratories, sports facilities, and technology resources that support comprehensive education.
These options demonstrate that quality private education in Mombasa spans various price points and educational philosophies. From ultra-affordable options like Nyali Primary School (KSh 78,000) to premium institutions like Coast Academy (KSh 2.2M+), families can find schools that provide excellent education, moral foundation, and academic preparation within their specific budgets and requirements.
The coastal city’s diverse educational landscape ensures that whether seeking affordable CBC education or premium international curricula, parents can access quality private schools that prepare students for local and global opportunities.