International School of Kenya

"The International School of Kenya (ISK) is a private, non-profit international day school serving students from pre-kindergarten through grade 12 in Nairobi, Kenya."

Founded in 1976, ISK has built nearly five decades of experience educating the children of diplomats, expatriate professionals, and internationally mobile families, establishing itself as one of the most respected international schools in East Africa. The school receives support through the U. S. State Department's assisted schools program, a designation that reflects its strong ties to the American diplomatic and expatriate community while underscoring its commitment to academic excellence. Academically, ISK offers a curriculum grounded in North American standards throughout the lower and middle school years, providing students with a familiar and rigorous framework that eases transitions for families arriving from the United States and Canada. At the secondary level, ISK offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), giving older students the opportunity to pursue a globally recognized qualification that opens doors to universities around the world. This blend of American-style education with the intellectual rigor of the IB Diploma makes ISK an appealing choice for families who want both continuity and global ambition in their children's education. All instruction is delivered in English. One of ISK's most striking qualities is the remarkable diversity of its student body. With just over 1,000 students representing more than 75 nationalities — including the United States, Canada, Kenya, Denmark, the Netherlands, China, Japan, Vietnam, and Brazil — the school offers children an authentic cross-cultural experience that is difficult to replicate elsewhere. This diversity is not merely demographic; it shapes the daily life of the school, fostering the kind of global awareness and intercultural understanding that international families often prioritize when choosing a school abroad. ISK's institutional affiliations further reflect its commitment to quality and community. The school is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and holds membership in the Council of International Schools and the Association of International Schools in Africa (AISA). ISK is also a member of Round Square, an international network of schools united by a commitment to character development, service, and experiential learning that extends education well beyond the classroom. Athletically and competitively, ISK participates in the International Schools of Southern and Eastern Africa (ISSEA) league, giving students the chance to compete and connect with peers across the broader region. Located in Nairobi, ISK sits in one of Africa's most dynamic and cosmopolitan cities — a regional hub for international business, diplomacy, and NGO activity that draws a steady stream of globally minded families. For parents relocating to Kenya, whether for a diplomatic posting, a corporate assignment, or development work, ISK offers a stable, well-established educational environment where children can thrive academically and socially. The school's long history, diverse community, dual American and IB academic pathway, and deep network of international affiliations make it a natural first consideration for any family seeking quality international education in Nairobi.