Primary school education in Kenya seeks to develop self-expression, self-discipline, and self-reliance, while at the same time providing a well-rounded educational experience. The primary school calendar in Kenya starts in January and ends in December but some international schools open in August and end in June or July.
- Age : 6-12 years or 13
- Grades : Grade 1-6 (new system)
- Duration of study : 6 years
- Primary Languages : English
- Terms : 3 terms
Admission Term: Beginning of the term- January (august in international schools)
Curriculum- the curriculum is uniform across the country and includes subjects such as English, Kiswahili, a local language, mathematics, science, social studies, religious education, creative arts, physical education, and life skills. There are five Exams subjects namely Kiswahili, English, mathematics, science and agriculture, and social studies.
Primary education is in most instances divided as follows:
Lower Primary
Lower primary education encompasses grade 1 to grade 3. Students enter primary school at the age of about 6 years and spend 3 years in lower primary. Students take the following Subjects in lower primary school: Literacy, Kiswahili, Sign Language for students who are deaf, English Language, Indigenous Language, Mathematics, Environmental Activities, Hygiene and Nutrition, Religious Education, Movement, and Creative Activities, and Information and Communication Technology.
Upper Primary
Upper primary is a three-year program where students are exposed to a broad curriculum and allowed exploration and experimentation. Education is offered in areas including English, Kiswahili, Kenya Sign Language (for learners who are deaf), Home Science, Agriculture, Science and Technology, Mathematics, Religious Education, Creative Arts, Physical and Health Education, Social Studies, ICT and Optional subjects include Foreign Languages namely Arabic, French, German, and Mandarin.
The International School of Kenya (ISK)
Is a private, nonprofit coeducational day school in Nairobi. The school offers education from prekindergarten through grade 12. The elementary school here is a vibrant place that focuses on developing students’ natural curiosity and creativity while facilitating their academic, physical, social, and emotional development.
- Location: Nairobi, Kenya
- Established: 1976
- Type: Private
- Curriculum: international
Accreditation: Council of International Schools, and the Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges, International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO), Association for the Advancement of International Education (AAIE), Association of International Schools in Africa.
Curriculum: the elementary curriculum here is built around four core areas namely language arts, mathematics, social studies inquiry, and science inquiry. It offers a variety of subjects including math, science, social studies and language arts, modern language, art, music, library, and physical education. Technology is also integrated into all aspects of the curriculum here.
Cocurricular activities- the school offers a variety of extracurricular activities aimed at helping to maximize every child's learning experience, to support the children in every way, and to improve the students' chances of success. Students can take up sporting activities including Soccer, Basketball, Roller hockey, Netball, Swimming, Track and field, Lacrosse, Lawn tennis, and martial arts. Students can also enjoy activities such as arts and crafts, dance movements, and academic activities such as Computers, Reading, Debate, Storytelling, Board games, Photography, Gardening, Homework helper, and Graphic designing, to mention but a few.
Prospective students- the school accepts students throughout the year and parents are urged to apply as early as possible. it is important to submit all the required documents to speed up the process. An application review will only start upon receipt of all required documents. The students must also complete the school's assessment before they can get accepted.
Tuition and fees- parents r guardians of students enrolled here May expect to pay the following as fees for primary or elementary school.
Fee Schedule 2020 – 2021
Application Fee US$ 400
One Time Capital Levy US$ 10 000
LCE Program US$ 20 000
Bus fees US$ 2 200 (for students who use school transprt)
Tuition Fees
Kindergarten US$ 25 713 per year
Grades 1 to 5 US$ 27 129
Grades 6 to 8 US$ 28 349
Nairobi International School (preparatory school Section)
This is an international school located in Nairobi that offers education from the kindergarten phase to senior high school. The school aims to ensure that students achieve as much as possible during their educational journey and realize their full potential. It offers education to a diverse student population of students of various races, religions, and nationalities. Preparation school here encompasses grades 2 to 6.
- address: Maji Mazuri Rd, James Gichuru Road, Nairobi, Kenya
- established: 1975
- Grade : 2-6
- Duration of study: 5 years
- Primary Languages: English
- Terms : 3 terms
- Admission Term: Beginning of the term
Tuition and fees
Tuition and fees for preparatory school are as follws:
Admission Fees 25 000
Caution Fee year 2-6 20 000
Year/ grade Term 1 Term 2 Term 3 Total
2 191 000 191 000 191 000 573 000
3 205 000 205 000 205 000 615 000
4 208 000 208 000 208 000 624 000
5 224 000 224 000 224 000 672 000
6 229 000 229 000 229 000 687 000
Tuition fees are charged every academic term and covers the cost of direct teaching staff, study materials including exercise and textbooks, the cost for Internet, Insurance, Locker, Activity, Lunch, Clubs, Food, and Nutrition. it also covers the overheads associated with running the school.
Discounts- Parents with more than one child at the school will be afforded a discount exclusively on tuition. The second sibling will receive a 10% discount while the third sibling will receive a 15% discount and the fourth will receive a 20%. Parents who settle the full fees in one month before the reopening of schools will receive a 4% discount on tuition.
Brookhouse International School
It iss a private co-educational, independent day and boarding school serving the international community from pre-school to secondary levels. The school has 2 campuses, the Brookhouse Karen Campus, and the Brookhouse Runda Campus.
- address: Magadi Road, Langata, Nairobi, Kenya
- established: 1981
- Language f instruction: English
- Student population: 700
- International representation: 40+ countries
- Type: coeducational
- Terms : 3 terms
- Admission Term: Beginning of the term
- School Hours: 8.15 am to 3.30 pm
- Calendar: September - July
Accreditation: Council of International Schools (CIS), Independent Association of Prep Schools (IAPS)
Memberships: AISA, IAPS, Round Square, Inspired Education.
Curriculum- The school follows the British Curriculum and provides a stimulating learning environment that offers opportunities for academic, physical, and social development. Students here are encouraged to be independent and take responsibility for their learning. Students study a wide range of subjects including Mathematics, Physical Education, Music, English, Science, Geography, History, Art, a Modern Foreign Language and Information and Communication Technolgy.
Extracurricular activities- students are offered a platform to take up a variety of extracurricular activities and clubs where they can do what they love and showcase their talents. Clubs include sculpture club, ballet, cookery, steam, lego club, jewelry making, rollerblading club, taekwondo, drama, and public speaking. Sports activities include soccer, rugby, netball, swimming, athletics, and hockey. Arts activities here include music, drama, and art.
