The Aga Khan Academy Nairobi stands as a beacon of academic excellence among international schools in Kenya, offering a world-class education rooted in the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum. Established in 1970, this private, co-educational institution in Nairobi’s Parklands neighborhood is renowned for its multicultural environment, holistic approach, and commitment to fostering global citizens. For parents and expatriates considering Nairobi IB schools, understanding the fees structure, admissions process, curricula, and extracurricular offerings is essential. This article provides a comprehensive guide to the Aga Khan Academy Nairobi, including insights for families in Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu, and comparisons with other international schools in Kenya.
Curricula at Aga Khan Academy Nairobi
The Aga Khan Academy Nairobi is distinguished for its adherence to the International Baccalaureate framework, a globally respected curriculum offered by over 5,500 schools worldwide. Unlike schools offering the British curriculum in Kenya, such as Premier Academy or Braeburn Schools, the Aga Khan Academy focuses exclusively on the IB system, which emphasizes inquiry-based learning, critical thinking, and intercultural understanding.
IB Continuum: PYP, MYP, and DP
- Primary Years Programme (PYP) (Grades 1–5): The PYP caters to students aged 5.8 to 11, fostering intellectual, emotional, and social growth through six transdisciplinary themes, such as “Who We Are” and “How the World Works.” It encourages independence and responsibility, preparing students for lifelong learning.
- Middle Years Programme (MYP) (Grades 6–10): For students aged 11 to 16, the MYP focuses on eight subject groups, including language acquisition, sciences, and arts, taught through global contexts. This program bridges traditional academics with real-world applications, promoting creativity and critical thinking.
- Diploma Programme (DP) (Grades 11–12): The DP is a rigorous pre-university course for students aged 16 to 19. Students take six subjects (three at Higher Level and three at Standard Level), complete a 4,000-word Extended Essay, engage in Theory of Knowledge, and participate in Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS). Over the past four years, DP students have achieved an average of 32–34 points, surpassing the global average.
The academy’s IB curriculum aligns with the needs of expatriate families and local students aiming for top universities worldwide, including McGill, University of Toronto, and the University of Nairobi. Unlike the British curriculum in Kenya, which emphasizes GCSEs and A-Levels, the IB’s global focus makes it ideal for students seeking international mobility.
Aga Khan Academy Nairobi Fees Structure for 2025/2026
Understanding the fees structure is critical for families considering international schools in Kenya. The Aga Khan Academy Nairobi’s fees for the 2025/2026 academic year vary by program (PYP, MYP, DP) and whether students are day or residential. Below is a detailed breakdown based on available data, with all amounts in Kenyan Shillings (KES).
Nursery School (Playgroup to Kindergarten 3)
- Tuition Fees: Not publicly disclosed; contact the admissions office for details.
- One-Time Fees:
- First Enrollment: KES 50,000
- Security Deposit (Refundable): KES 50,000
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: KES 50,000
- Security Deposit (Refundable): KES 50,000 (Grade 1), KES 100,000 (Grades 2–5)
- 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), KES 2,287,660 (Residential)
- Grade 7: KES 1,035,760 (Day), KES 2,357,210 (Residential)
- Grades 8–10: KES 1,229,430 (Day), KES 2,550,880 (Residential)
- One-Time Fees:
- First Enrollment: KES 50,000
- Security Deposit (Refundable): KES 150,000 (Day), KES 200,000 (Residential)
- Good Faith Deposit: KES 100,000 (First Enrollment)
- Additional Services:
- Lunch (Day Students, Annual): KES 64,000
- Medical Insurance (Residential, Annual): KES 30,000
- Stipend (Residential, Annual): KES 20,000
- Transport (Day Students, Annual):
- Town: KES 53,000
- Tudor/Makupa: KES 59,000
- Nyali: KES 86,000
Senior School – DP (Grades 11–12)
- Tuition Fees (Annual):
- Grades 11–12: KES 1,611,420 (Day), KES 3,272,060 (Residential)
- One-Time Fees:
- First Enrollment: KES 50,000
- Security Deposit (Refundable): KES 200,000 (Day), KES 250,000 (Residential)
- Good Faith Deposit (Grade 11 only): KES 100,000
- Additional Services:
- Lunch (Day Students, Annual): KES 64,000
- Medical Insurance (Residential, Annual): KES 30,000
- Stipend (Residential, Annual): KES 20,000
- Transport (Day Students, Annual):
- Town: KES 53,000
- Tudor/Makupa: KES 59,000
- Nyali: KES 86,000
Additional Notes on Fees
- Financial Assistance: Available for students demonstrating financial need, subject to review by an independent committee. Applications must be submitted immediately after admission confirmation or by March 8 for current students.
- Sibling Discount: A 5% discount on tuition fees for the second and subsequent children.
- Payment Terms: Fees are payable in Kenyan Shillings or US dollars, with exchange rates determined by the academy. Non-payment within one month of the deadline may result in suspension from classes.
- Field Trips and Exam Fees: MYP and DP exam fees and field trip costs are billed separately.
For the most accurate and updated fees, contact the admissions office at +254 733 758 510 or via email (available on the official website). Compared to other Nairobi IB schools, such as the International School of Kenya (ISK), the Aga Khan Academy is considered relatively affordable, with a reputation for excellent academic outcomes.
Admissions Process at Aga Khan Academy Nairobi
The admissions process at the Aga Khan Academy Nairobi is merit-based, non-discriminatory, and open to students of all nationalities, ethnicities, and religions. Here’s a breakdown by school level:
Nursery School (Playgroup to Kindergarten 3)
- Eligibility: Children aged 2 to 5.8 years, placed in age-appropriate groups.
- Requirements:
- Developmental assessment for all applicants.
- Written admission assessment for K2 and K3.
- Non-Kenyan nationals must provide a valid residence permit and student pass.
- Process: Prospective parents can schedule a school visit. Admissions are based on creativity, critical thinking, and developmental readiness.
Junior School (Grades 1–5)
- Eligibility: Students aged 5.8 to 6.8 for Grade 1, with priority given to graduates of the Aga Khan Nursery School who have completed at least two years (K2 and K3) and received a head teacher’s recommendation.
- Requirements:
- Conversancy in English and numerical literacy.
- Academic aptitude and interest in co-curricular activities.
- Positive behavior record.
- Automatic Admission: Grade 5 students transitioning to the Senior School receive automatic admission with a head teacher’s recommendation, provided fees are cleared.
Senior School (Grades 6–12)
- Eligibility: Open to students meeting academic and behavioral standards, with scholarships available for academic excellence or all-round talent (e.g., arts, athletics).
- Requirements:
- Submission of report cards, learning support records, and behavior records.
- Non-Kenyan nationals require a student pass.
- Scholarships: Offered based on financial need and exceptional academic or extracurricular achievement, with applications reviewed by a special AKES panel.
Parents can contact the admissions office at P.O. Box 44424-00100, Nairobi, or call +254 733 758 510 for detailed guidance. The process is streamlined compared to other international schools in Kenya, such as ISK or Brookhouse, which may require additional entrance exams.
Extracurricular Activities
The Aga Khan Academy Nairobi emphasizes a holistic education, offering a wide range of extracurricular activities to complement its IB curriculum. These activities foster leadership, creativity, and community engagement, aligning with the IB Learner Profile.
- Sports: Facilities include a swimming pool, basketball court, and sports fields. Students participate in soccer, cricket, athletics, and swimming, with competitive teams representing the school regionally.
- Arts and Culture: Drama, music, and visual arts programs encourage creative expression. The annual PYP exhibition and DP Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) projects showcase student talents.
- Clubs and Societies: Debate, Model United Nations, and environmental clubs promote critical thinking and global awareness.
- Community Service: Students engage in local and international service projects, reflecting the academy’s commitment to ethical leadership.
Compared to schools offering the British curriculum in Kenya, such as Braeburn, the Aga Khan Academy’s extracurriculars are deeply integrated with the IB’s focus on global citizenship, making it a standout among Nairobi IB schools.
Expat Guide: Choosing Aga Khan Academy Nairobi
For expatriate families relocating to Nairobi, Mombasa, or Kisumu, the Aga Khan Academy Nairobi offers a compelling option due to its international curriculum, multicultural environment, and residential facilities. Here’s what expats need to know:
- Why Choose Aga Khan Academy?: Its IB curriculum ensures continuity for students transitioning from other international schools. Graduates gain admission to top universities globally, including in Canada, the UK, and the US.
- Residential Program: Ideal for families in Mombasa or Kisumu, the residential option (Grades 6–12) provides a supportive environment with medical insurance and stipends included.
- Cultural Integration: The academy’s diverse student body (over 1,000 students from various nationalities) eases the transition for expat children, fostering inclusivity.
- Comparison with Other Schools: Unlike British curriculum Kenya schools like Premier Academy, the Aga Khan Academy’s IB focus is better suited for families seeking a globally recognized qualification. In Mombasa, the Aga Khan Academy Mombasa offers similar IB programs, while Kisumu has limited IB options, making Nairobi a preferred destination.
- Practical Considerations: Expatriates must secure a student pass and residence permit. The admissions office provides support for documentation, and school transport options (Town, Tudor/Makupa, Nyali) cater to Nairobi-based families.
For expats in Mombasa or Kisumu, the Aga Khan network also includes schools like the Aga Khan High School in Mombasa (offering KCSE) and the Aga Khan Nursery School in Kisumu, though these follow different curricula.
Comparisons with Other International Schools in Kenya
To contextualize the Aga Khan Academy Nairobi, here’s how it compares with other international schools in Kenya:
- International School of Kenya (ISK): Located in Nairobi, ISK offers the IB and American curricula. Its fees are higher (approximately KES 2,000,000–3,500,000 annually), but it lacks the full IB continuum.
- Brookhouse School: A Nairobi-based school offering the British curriculum in Kenya (IGCSE and A-Levels). Tuition ranges from KES 552,000 to 1,116,000, excluding boarding. It’s less globally focused than the IB.
- Aga Khan Academy Mombasa: Offers the IB curriculum with fees starting at KES 637,140 for day students. It’s a viable alternative for Mombasa-based families but has fewer residential options.
The Aga Khan Academy Nairobi’s affordability, IB continuum, and multicultural ethos make it a top choice for both local and expatriate families.
The Aga Khan Academy Nairobi is a premier institution among international schools in Kenya, offering a robust IB curriculum, diverse extracurriculars, and a supportive environment for students and expatriates. Its fees structure for 2025/2026, ranging from KES 537,140 for Grade 1 to KES 3,272,060 for DP residential students, is competitive for a Nairobi IB school. With a merit-based admissions process, extensive facilities, and a commitment to global citizenship, the academy prepares students for success in top universities worldwide. For families in Nairobi, Mombasa, or Kisumu, the Aga Khan Academy Nairobi is a standout choice for a world-class education.
For further details, contact the admissions office at +254 733 758 510 or visit www.agakhanschools.org.
