International School of Kenya
Secular, Founded 1976
Updated July 2026
Curriculum
Accreditations
The International School of Kenya is a private, non-profit international school in Nairobi serving approximately 1,000 students from over 65 nationalities. It provides a rigorous, university-preparatory English language education that culminates in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme.
Curriculum
Teaching approach
The school is committed to nurturing globally-minded students who are effective self-managers, deep thinkers, skilled collaborators, and committed change-makers. It emphasizes a culture of learning built on trust, mutual respect, and inclusivity, where setbacks are viewed as opportunities for growth. The educational approach focuses on personalized learning, critical thinking, and creativity to solve real-world challenges.
Programmes
The school offers a comprehensive curriculum divided into Elementary School (Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 5), Middle School (Grades 6 to 8), and High School (Grades 9 to 12). The High School curriculum includes the two-year International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme for students in Grades 11 and 12. The academic program is supported by college counseling, a work experience program, and a focus on design and innovation.
Student support
Learning support
The school provides student support services for students with identified mild to moderate learning needs from Kindergarten through Grade 12. Additionally, an English Language Learners (ELL) program is available for students from Kindergarten through Grade 10. These services focus on personalized guidance in areas such as mathematics, reading, writing, and study skills.
Frequently asked questions(6)
- What curriculum does International School of Kenya offer?
- International School of Kenya offers IB Diploma.
- What ages does International School of Kenya teach?
- International School of Kenya enrolls students aged 3 to 18.
- Is International School of Kenya a day or boarding school?
- International School of Kenya is a day school.
- What accreditations does International School of Kenya hold?
- International School of Kenya holds accreditations including IB, CIS and Middle States Association.
- Is International School of Kenya co-educational?
- International School of Kenya is a co-ed school.
- Where is International School of Kenya located?
- International School of Kenya is an international school in Nairobi, Kenya.
Tuition & fees
No published fee schedule was found for this school.
Admissions
The school maintains a non-discriminatory admissions policy open to students of all backgrounds. Priority is given to children of U.S. and Canadian government employees, ISK staff, siblings of current students, and members of the diplomatic community. Applicants must demonstrate the ability to succeed in an English-language, university-preparatory environment, and the school offers support for students with mild to moderate learning needs.
Calendar
The school operates on a standard academic calendar, with the 2025-26 and 2026-27 schedules available for download. The academic year typically begins in mid-August, with orientations for new families and students held in the days preceding the first day of classes.
Facilities
About the campus
The school is situated on a 40-acre campus on the outskirts of Nairobi, formerly a coffee plantation. The grounds feature maintained gardens and modern facilities, including a recently completed track and field complex. The campus is designed to integrate nature with learning spaces to support the student body.
Co-curriculars
The school offers a diverse range of co-curricular activities across the elementary, middle, and high school levels to support social, physical, and emotional development. These include athletics, service learning, and intercultural trips. The school also participates in the ISSEA (International Schools of Southern and Eastern Africa) activities and tournaments.
- Julie LemleyInterim Director
Julie Lemley serves as the Interim Director, bringing over two decades of international educational leadership experience. She holds an undergraduate degree from Virginia Tech and a Master’s degree in Education Leadership from Georgia Southern University, with a focus on innovative learning, STEAM, and social-emotional learning.
- Fay LeongDirector of Teaching and Learning
Fay Leong joins ISK from Hong Kong International School, where she served as the Director of Curriculum and Assessment for five years. She holds a Master’s in Special Education and a Master’s in International School Leadership, with extensive teaching experience across grades 6–12 in various international locations.
- Ryan Hopkins-WilcoxElementary School Principal
Ryan Hopkins-Wilcox is a lifelong learner and progressive educational leader who holds a Master’s in Education (international curriculum and instruction) from George Mason University. She has spent 20 years working as a teacher, learning leader, and administrator across the globe, joining ISK in 2019.
- Dr. Alexa SchmidMiddle School Principal
Dr. Alexa Schmid is a student-centered educator who holds an undergraduate degree from Duke University, a Master of Education from Plymouth State University, and a Doctor of Education in Learning, Leadership and Community. She joined ISK in 2017 and has previous experience as an educator in Egypt and India.
- Ruth JonesHigh School Principal
Ruth Jones has two decades of international education experience, including the past 15 years at ISK in roles such as teacher, grade-level leader, and Assistant Principal. She holds degrees in French and Spanish, a Master's in Education, a Master's in Inclusive Education, and is pursuing a Doctorate in Educational Leadership.
- Jack OtienoDirector of Technology
Jack Otieno serves as the Director of Technology and recently contributed to an Executive EdTech Leadership Breakfast at the Google Nairobi Office.
More international schools in Nairobi
- St Mary's SchoolCambridge Primary, IGCSE, IB Diploma
- Rose Of Sharon Academy LimitedIGCSE, IB Diploma
- Braeburn SchoolNational Curriculum (England), IGCSE, Cambridge A-Level
- ILM International AcademyAdvanced Placement, IB Diploma
- French School of NairobiFrench National Curriculum
- Braeburn High School NairobiNational Curriculum (England), IGCSE, Cambridge A-Level
IB Diploma
CIS
Middle States Association