The Aga Khan Academy Mombasa is a premier institution among international schools in Kenya, renowned for its commitment to academic excellence, holistic education, and fostering future leaders. Located in the scenic coastal city of Mombasa, this International Baccalaureate (IB) World School offers a world-class education through the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP). For parents considering enrolling their children, understanding the fees structure, admissions process, curricula, extracurricular offerings, and expat-friendly features is essential.
Curricula at Aga Khan Academy Mombasa
The Aga Khan Academy Mombasa is distinguished as the first school in Kenya to offer the full IB continuum, comprising:
- Primary Years Programme (PYP, Grades 1-5): This program focuses on whole-child development, emphasizing inquiry-based learning and transdisciplinary themes such as “Who We Are” and “Sharing the Planet.” It fosters creativity, critical thinking, and independence, preparing students for a globalized world.
- Middle Years Programme (MYP, Grades 6-10): Designed for students aged 11-16, the MYP encourages intellectual curiosity, interdisciplinary learning, and personal growth. Students engage in subjects like sciences, humanities, and arts, culminating in a personal project in Grade 10.
- Diploma Programme (DP, Grades 11-12): A rigorous pre-university program recognized globally, the DP prepares students for top universities. Subjects include mathematics, sciences, languages, and electives, with a focus on critical thinking and research through the Extended Essay.
Unlike schools offering the British curriculum in Kenya, such as Braeburn Garden Estate, the Aga Khan Academy’s IB curriculum emphasizes a student-centered, inquiry-driven approach. This makes it ideal for families seeking a globally recognized education that prepares students for international universities. The academy’s IB programs are complemented by the Aga Khan Curricular Strands, which promote ethical leadership and pluralism.
Fees Structure for 2024-2025 Academic Year
The fees at Aga Khan Academy Mombasa vary by program (PYP, MYP, DP) and whether students are enrolled as day or residential students. Below is a detailed breakdown of the fees for the 2024-2025 academic year, based on available data.
Junior School (PYP, Grades 1-5)
- Tuition Fees (Annual):
- Grade 1: KES 537,140
- Grade 2: KES 647,350
- Grade 3: KES 793,940
- Grades 4-5: KES 857,070
- One-Time Fees:
- First Enrollment Fee: KES 50,000
- Refundable Security Deposit: KES 50,000
- Good Faith Deposit (Grade 1 only): KES 100,000
- Additional Services:
- Lunch (Annual): KES 49,000
- Transport (Annual):
- Town: KES 53,000
- Tudor/Makupa: KES 59,000
- Nyali: KES 86,000
Senior School (MYP, Grades 6-10)
- Tuition Fees (Annual):
- Grade 6: KES 966,210 (Day School), KES 2,287,660 (Residential)
- Grade 7: KES 1,035,760 (Day School), KES 2,357,210 (Residential)
- Grades 8-10: KES 1,229,430 (Day School), KES 2,550,880 (Residential)
- One-Time Fees:
- First Enrollment Fee: KES 50,000
- Refundable Security Deposit: KES 100,000 (Day School), KES 150,000 (Residential)
- Good Faith Deposit: KES 100,000 (Grade 6)
- Additional Services:
- Lunch (Annual, Day School only): KES 64,000
- Transport (Annual, Day School only):
- Town: KES 53,000
- Tudor/Makupa: KES 59,000
- Nyali: KES 86,000
- Medical Insurance (Residential only): KES 30,000
- Stipend for Residential Students: KES 20,000
Senior School (DP, Grades 11-12)
- Tuition Fees (Annual):
- Grades 11-12: KES 1,611,420 (Day School), KES 3,272,060 (Residential)
- One-Time Fees:
- First Enrollment Fee: KES 50,000
- Refundable Security Deposit: KES 200,000 (Day School), KES 250,000 (Residential)
- Good Faith Deposit (Grade 11 only): KES 100,000
- Additional Services:
- Lunch (Annual, Day School only): KES 64,000
- Transport (Annual, Day School only):
- Town: KES 53,000
- Tudor/Makupa: KES 59,000
- Nyali: KES 86,000
- Medical Insurance (Residential only): KES 30,000
- Stipend for Residential Students: KES 20,000
Additional Notes on Fees
- Sibling Discount: A 5% discount on tuition fees is available for the second and subsequent children.
- Financial Assistance: Newly admitted students with demonstrated financial need can apply for aid through the Admissions Office after confirmation. Current students must submit applications by March 8, 2024. An independent committee reviews requests.
- Field Trips and Exam Fees: MYP and DP exam fees, as well as compulsory and optional field trips, are billed separately. Parents receive at least one month’s notice for trip costs.
- Payment Terms: Fees can be paid in Kenyan Shillings or US Dollars, with exchange rates determined by the academy’s bank. Late payments may result in students being excluded from classes or activities until dues are settled.
- Withdrawal Policy: Three months’ written notice is required for withdrawals, or pro-rated fees for three months will be charged.
For the most accurate and up-to-date fees, contact the admissions office at P.O. Box 90066-80100, Mombasa, Kenya, or call +254 733 470 047.
Admissions Process
Admission to the Aga Khan Academy Mombasa is merit-based, focusing on intellectual potential, leadership, integrity, and a commitment to positive change. The process varies by program:
- Nursery and Junior School (PYP): Students aged 5.8-6.8 years are admitted to Grade 1 in September, with preference given to those from the Aga Khan Academy Nursery School who have completed at least two years and received a head teacher’s recommendation. Applicants undergo a developmental assessment, and K2/K3 students complete a written admission test.
- Senior School (MYP and DP): Admission requires academic aptitude, English proficiency, numerical literacy, and a positive behavioral record. Grade 6 applicants need a recommendation from their junior school head teacher, while Grade 11 applicants may need to demonstrate academic excellence and extracurricular involvement.
- Non-Kenyan Students: A valid residence permit and student pass are required.
- Scholarships: Available for Grades 7, 10, and 12, scholarships reward academic excellence and talent in arts, drama, music, or sports, with financial need considered.
Prospective parents can visit the campus and contact the admissions office for application forms and interview schedules. The academy does not discriminate based on nationality, ethnicity, or religion, ensuring a diverse student body.
Extracurricular Activities
The Aga Khan Academy Mombasa emphasizes holistic development through a wide range of extracurricular activities, fostering leadership, creativity, and teamwork. Students have access to:
- Sports: Training by Kenyan national coaches in basketball, swimming, and football. The academy hosts inter-house sports days and has excelled in competitions like the CASA Swimming Championship.
- Creative Arts: Facilities for music, drama, and visual arts enable students to compete nationally and internationally. The academy has won accolades at the Coast Region Music Festival and supports events like TEDxYouth@AKAMombasa.
- Clubs and Competitions: Options include Model UN, Junior Achievement, debate, and science fairs. Students have represented the academy at national and international events, such as the Kenya Science and Engineering County Fair.
- Community Engagement: Initiatives like the Zawadi Bazaar and World Water Week activities encourage social responsibility and environmental awareness.
These activities complement the academic rigor of Nairobi IB schools and other international schools in Kenya, ensuring students develop as well-rounded individuals.
Expat Guide: Why Choose Aga Khan Academy Mombasa?
For expatriate families in Mombasa, Nairobi, Kisumu, or other parts of Kenya, the Aga Khan Academy Mombasa offers a welcoming environment tailored to diverse needs:
- Multicultural Community: The academy’s diverse student body fosters an inclusive environment, ideal for expats from various backgrounds.
- Residential Program: The boarding option, with medical insurance and stipends, provides a home-away-from-home for students, making it suitable for families relocating to Kenya.
- Global Recognition: The IB curriculum ensures seamless transitions for students moving to or from other international schools in Kenya or abroad. Graduates gain admission to top universities globally, supported by significant scholarship awards.
- Support Services: Guidance and counseling committees monitor student well-being, while transport and lunch options cater to day students.
- Accreditation: As an IB World School, the academy meets international standards, offering peace of mind for expat parents seeking quality education.
Expats in Nairobi, considering Nairobi IB schools, or those in Kisumu seeking international schools in Kenya, will find the Aga Khan Academy Mombasa a compelling choice due to its academic excellence and comprehensive facilities.
Comparison with Other International Schools in Kenya
While the Aga Khan Academy Mombasa excels in the IB curriculum, other international schools in Kenya offer alternatives:
- Nairobi: The Aga Khan Academy Nairobi, also an IB World School, serves over 1,000 students and shares a similar fee structure and curriculum. Braeburn Garden Estate School offers both IB and British curriculum in Kenya, appealing to families preferring A-levels.
- Kisumu: Schools like Braeburn Kisumu provide the British curriculum, with a focus on personalized learning and boarding options, but lack the full IB continuum.
- Mombasa: Other schools, like Oshwal Academy, offer the British curriculum and are popular among local elites, but the Aga Khan Academy’s IB focus and scholarship opportunities set it apart.
The Aga Khan Academy Mombasa’s fees are competitive for an IB education, with financial assistance available, making it accessible compared to other premium international schools in Mombasa.
The Aga Khan Academy Mombasa stands out as a leading international school in Kenya, offering a rigorous IB curriculum, state-of-the-art facilities, and a vibrant extracurricular program. Its fees structure for 2024-2025 reflects its commitment to quality education, with options for day and residential students, financial assistance, and sibling discounts. For expat and local families in Mombasa, Nairobi, Kisumu, or beyond, the academy provides a nurturing, multicultural environment that prepares students for global success. To explore enrollment or schedule a campus visit, contact the admissions office at +254 733 470 047 or visit www.agakhanacademies.org.
