Best International Schools in Nairobi & Mombasa — Neighborhood-by-Neighborhood Guide
Relocating to Kenya and looking for schools that deliver excellence? Here’s a neighborhood-focused breakdown of top international schools in Nairobi and Mombasa, perfect for families in search of quality schooling.
Nairobi
Karen & Runda
- Brookhouse International School — British curriculum, day & boarding, top IGCSE/A-Level results, campuses in Karen & Runda.
- Hillcrest International School — Prestigious British-style day & boarding school, extensive facilities, age range Nursery–12.
Westlands & Gigiri
- Rosslyn Academy (Gigiri) — American curriculum, AP courses, strong arts & sports, accredited by ACSI, MSA.
- International School of Kenya (ISK) — A leading IB and proprietary curriculum school, known for global standards isk.ac.ke.
Lavington
- Braeside School — British National Curriculum, excellent facilities including labs and sporting amenities.
Multicampus / Other Areas
- St. Andrew’s Turi (boarding), Banda School, Braeburn, Deutsche Schule Nairobi, Lycée Denis Diderot, Netherlands School Society, Rusinga Schools — offering varied curricula (British, German, French, Dutch) and strong reputations The Good Schools Guide.
- Brookhurst, Light International, Svenska Skolan, German School Nairobi, Peponi, Rusinga, Millennium Global, Woodcreek — among top user-recommended institutions International Schools Database.
- Brookhouse: Accredited, high academic results Brookhouse Schools, Nairobi.
Mombasa
Nyali / Bamburi
- The Mombasa Academy — British curriculum, ages 2–19, located in the prime Nyali area.
- Greenwood Groove International School — British curriculum, K–12, located in Nyali.
- Light International School Mombasa — Cambridge-based curriculum, strong STEM programs.
- Oshwal Academy Mombasa — British National Curriculum, nursery to Year 13, strong academic record.
Aga Khan & Braeburn Presence
- Aga Khan Academy Mombasa — IB World School, boarding & day, holistic educational philosophy.
- Braeburn Mombasa International School — British curriculum, large campus (23 acres), IGCSE & A-Level.
- Mombasa International School, Coast Academy, Swiss International School (Mtwapa) — additional reputable options, some bilingual or boarding facilities.
Quick Comparison Table
| City / Neighborhood | Top Schools | Curriculum Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Karen / Runda | Brookhouse, Hillcrest | Top-tier British, boarding/day |
| Westlands / Gigiri | Rosslyn Academy, ISK | American & IB, expat-focused |
| Lavington | Braeside School | British with advanced facilities |
| Mombasa (Nyali/Bamburi) | Mombasa Academy, Greenwood, Light, Oshwal | Wide curriculum options, coastal schools |
| Mombasa (County-wide) | Aga Khan Academy, Braeburn, MIS, Coast, Swiss | IB, British, bilingual, boarding |
Relocation Tips for Families
- Apply Early — Some schools have long waiting lists; apply 12+ months ahead.
- Match Curricula to Future Plans — IB or British curricula ease international transitions.
- Location Matters — Factor in Nairobi’s traffic; choose schools close to home/work.
- Visit Campuses — Prioritize environment, class sizes, support services.
- Boarding Options — Consider Aga Khan or Brookhouse for long-distance families.
Why This Matters for Relocating Families
Choosing the right school means more than academics. Your child’s comfort, adaptability, and consistent learning matter—especially when relocating. Schools in top neighborhoods like Karen, Gigiri, or Nyali offer peace of mind, high standards, and community support—so your move starts on the right foot.
As you plan your relocation to Nairobi or Mombasa, remember that settling in goes beyond choosing the right school—it’s also about creating a comfortable, well-designed home for your family. Prestige Bluestar, awarded Kenya’s Top Interior Design Brand 2025, specializes in luxury renovations and interior finishes tailored for diplomats, expats, and diaspora families. From full-home makeovers to bespoke kitchens, bathrooms, and children’s rooms, we ensure your residence reflects both global standards and local elegance—making Kenya truly feel like home.
