Cavina School

Founded in 1950, the school is a family-owned institution rooted in Christian values, which underpin all aspects of school life. It emphasizes the core values of enthusiasm, duty, and fair play, teaching pupils that genuine happiness is found in serving others. The school aims to foster intellectual curiosity and independent thinking while maintaining an affordable prep school education.

The school follows the British national curriculum, with the Pre-Prep unit (ages 2–6) integrating Montessori methods alongside Early Years and Key Stage One frameworks. The Preparatory school (ages 6–13) covers core disciplines including English, Maths, Science, Modern Languages, History, Geography, Scripture, Classics, and ICT. Pupils work towards the Common Entrance examination, supplemented by project-based learning and a robust cultural programme.

Cavina pupils frequently win scholarships to prestigious secondary schools in Kenya and abroad. The school has a long-standing record of academic success, with many alumni progressing to top international universities, including Oxford, Cambridge, Yale, and Stanford. Pupils are prepared for the Common Entrance examination in their final year.

The school maintains a dedicated Head of Learning Support within its teaching staff. The academic programme is designed to be challenging yet stimulating, with teachers providing support to foster intellectual curiosity and individual success.

The school encourages prospective parents to make an online enquiry or email the admissions registrar to arrange a school tour. Following a tour, families may register for a non-refundable fee of Kshs 7,500, though this does not guarantee a place. The main intake occurs in the Playgroup, with priority given to siblings and date of application, while balancing the gender ratio of year groups.

The school operates on a three-term system, with the Michaelmas term typically running from late August to early December. The calendar includes regular parent-teacher meetings, house-based activities, sports fixtures, and termly excursions. Key events include Founder’s Day, carol services, and various inter-house competitions.

Located in the Kilimani area of Nairobi, the school is set on a leafy site with a separate compound for the Pre-Prep unit. Facilities include classrooms, a library, and sports areas used for cricket, football, and swimming. The school also utilizes external venues for specific sports and major events, such as the annual carol service.

Pupils participate in a wide array of activities beyond the classroom, including music, theatre, and poetry. The school offers regular sports fixtures in cricket, football, and swimming, alongside general knowledge competitions and inter-house events. Students also engage in project-based learning, such as the Independent Project Qualification, and various educational expeditions.