Located in the serene suburb of Karen along Ngong Road, St. Christopher’s International School is a premier co-educational institution offering a British National Curriculum from Kindergarten to Year 13. Established in 1984, the school is renowned for its holistic approach, combining academic excellence with a values-based education rooted in a Christian ethos. This article provides a detailed overview of the St. Christopher’s International School Nairobi fees structure for the 2025-2026 academic year, alongside insights into its curriculum, facilities, and unique offerings.
Overview of St. Christopher’s International School
St. Christopher’s International School, located in Nairobi’s leafy Karen suburb, is a leading day and boarding school catering to students aged 2 to 18. The school offers a comprehensive British National Curriculum, accredited by the Cambridge Assessment International Education (CIE), preparing students for globally recognized examinations such as Cambridge Checkpoint, IGCSE, A-Level, and BTEC. With a diverse student body from Kenya and beyond, the school fosters a warm, inclusive community grounded in values like respect, honesty, and compassion.
The school’s facilities include modern classrooms, science laboratories, a vibrant music program, and recently remodeled boarding houses (Hamilton and Meynick). Its commitment to holistic education is evident in its extensive extracurricular offerings, including robotics, chess, EAMUN, and scouting, which nurture creativity and life skills. St. Christopher’s has earned international recognition through affiliations with the Boarding Schools Association and the Council of International Schools, ensuring high standards in education and boarding.
Fees Structure for 2025-2026 Academic Year
The fees structure for St. Christopher’s International School for the 2025-2026 academic year is structured by educational level (Kindergarten, Preparatory, and Secondary) and includes tuition, boarding, and transport charges. All fees are quoted in Kenyan Shillings (KSh) and are subject to annual review by the Board of Directors, with changes communicated one term in advance. New pupils must pay full fees upfront before admission. Below is a detailed breakdown of the fees.
Kindergarten Fees
The Kindergarten program (Rainbow Class to Reception) focuses on play-based learning to develop early literacy, numeracy, and social skills. Fees are as follows:
- Caution Money (Reception FS2 only): KSh 30,000 (refundable, as required)
- Registration for Admission: KSh 2,000 (payable once)
- Tuition Fees (per term):
- Rainbow Class: KSh 127,000
- Blue Class (FS1): KSh 160,000
- Reception Class (FS2): KSh 180,000
These fees cover all books, materials, and compulsory trips, ensuring a comprehensive early education experience.
Preparatory Fees
The Preparatory School (Years 1–6) is divided into Key Stage 1 (Years 1–2) and Key Stage 2 (Years 3–6), offering core subjects (English, Mathematics, Science) and foundation subjects like Humanities, ICT, French, Kiswahili, and Physical Education. Fees include:
- Caution Money: KSh 50,000 (refundable, as required)
- Registration for Admission: KSh 2,000 (payable once)
- Tuition Fees (per term):
- Year 1 (Key Stage 1): KSh 334,000
- Year 2: KSh 334,000
- Year 3 (Key Stage 2): KSh 334,000
- Year 4: KSh 412,000
- Year 5: KSh 412,000
- Year 6: KSh 412,000
- Boarding Fees (Year 5–6): KSh 325,000 per term (full boarding)
- Boarding Caution Money: KSh 80,000 (refundable, as required)
Boarding is optional for Preparatory students, with weekly and flexi-boarding options available upon inquiry.
Secondary Fees
The Secondary School (Years 7–13) prepares students for IGCSE, A-Level, and BTEC examinations, offering a wide range of subjects (14 in Key Stage 3, 21 options in Key Stage 4). The curriculum fosters critical thinking and global citizenship. Fees include:
- Application Fee: KSh 7,000 (payable once)
- Registration for Admission: KSh 2,000 (payable once)
- Caution Money: KSh 70,000 (refundable, as required)
- Tuition Fees (per term):
- Year 7 (Key Stage 3): KSh 480,000
- Year 8: KSh 480,000
- Year 9: KSh 480,000
- Year 10 (Key Stage 4): KSh 524,000
- Year 11: KSh 736,000 (Terms 1 & 2 only)
- Year 12 & 13: KSh 750,000 (Terms 1 & 2 only)
- Boarding Fees (Year 7–13): KSh 325,000 per term (full boarding)
- Boarding Caution Money: KSh 80,000 (refundable, as required)
The higher fees for Years 11–13 reflect the intensive preparation for international examinations and specialized A-Level programs.
Transport Charges
St. Christopher’s provides a door-to-door bus service across Nairobi, with fees calculated based on distance from the school. The zones and charges for 2025-2026 are:
- Zone 1 (e.g., Karen, Lenana, Ngong Road to Shade Hotel):
- Two-way: KSh 86,000 per term
- One-way: KSh 53,000 per term
- Zone 2 (e.g., Ngong Town, Bomas of Kenya, Lavington):
- Two-way: KSh 86,000 per term
- One-way: KSh 53,000 per term
- Zone 3 (e.g., South C, Westlands, Hurlingham):
- Two-way: KSh 105,000 per term
- One-way: KSh 70,000 per term
- Zone 4 (e.g., South B, Buruburu, Umoja):
- Two-way: KSh 105,000 per term
- One-way: KSh 70,000 per term
Parents should contact the school for specific transport arrangements and to confirm zoning for their area.
Payment Policies and Additional Notes
- Payment Methods: The school accepts direct bank deposits, cheques, and M-Pesa. Payments are due at the beginning of each term, with late payments incurring additional charges.
- Sibling Discounts: Limited discounts or flexible payment plans may be available for families with multiple children enrolled. Contact the finance department for details.
- Scholarships: St. Christopher’s offers scholarships for exceptional academic or extracurricular talent, assessed through aptitude tests, exams, and interviews. Parents should inquire directly with the admissions office.
- Fee Reviews: Fees are reviewed annually, and changes are communicated one term in advance.
For exact payment procedures or inquiries about financial assistance, contact the school at:
- Phone: +254 723 318 833 or +254 799 463 787
- Email: info@scsinternational.sc.ke
- Address: P.O. Box 21378–00505, Nairobi, Kenya
- Website: www.scsinternational.sc.ke
Curriculum and Educational Offerings
St. Christopher’s International School delivers a British National Curriculum tailored to foster academic excellence and personal growth. The curriculum is structured as follows:
- Kindergarten (Ages 2–5): Emphasizes play-based learning to develop early skills in literacy, numeracy, and socialization. Activities include music, art, and physical education.
- Preparatory (Years 1–6): Covers Key Stage 1 (Years 1–2) and Key Stage 2 (Years 3–6), with core subjects (English, Mathematics, Science) and foundation subjects (Geography, History, ICT, French, Kiswahili, and more). Students are assessed termly to track progress.
- Secondary (Years 7–13): Includes Key Stage 3 (Years 7–9, 14 subjects), Key Stage 4 (Years 10–11, IGCSE preparation), and Sixth Form (Years 12–13, A-Level and BTEC). Students choose from 21 subject options in Key Stage 4, ensuring flexibility for future career paths.
The school’s inquiry-based learning approach encourages students to question ideas, challenge perspectives, and develop critical thinking skills. Graduates consistently achieve excellent results in Cambridge Checkpoint, IGCSE, A-Level, and BTEC exams, gaining entry to top universities in the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and beyond.
Boarding Facilities: A Home Away from Home
St. Christopher’s boarding facilities (Hamilton House for boys, Meynick House for girls) cater to students from Year 5 to 13, offering a safe and supportive environment. Key features include:
- Modern Dorms: Four-bed en-suite rooms with warm showers, individual study spaces, and socialization areas.
- Pastoral Care: Dedicated boarding tutors are available 24/7, with an open-door policy for student support. A nurse is on campus during the week, and the school has ties with Karen Hospital for medical emergencies.
- World-Class Dining: Meals are prepared under the guidance of a qualified chef, ensuring nutritious and diverse options.
- Accreditation: Approved by the Boarding Schools Association and Council of International Schools, meeting UK and international standards.
Boarding fees (KSh 325,000 per term) cover accommodation, meals, and laundry. Weekly and flexi-boarding options are available for added flexibility. Parents praise the “warm and peaceful” environment, noting significant social and academic progress in their children.
Extracurricular Activities: Nurturing Well-Rounded Individuals
St. Christopher’s offers a vibrant array of extracurricular activities to foster creativity, leadership, and teamwork. Clubs and activities include:
- Academic and Leadership: EAMUN, Debate, World Scholars, STEM Club
- Creative Arts: Art, Beadwork, Crocheting, Music/Choir, Drama, Photography
- Sports and Fitness: Rugby 7s, Netball, Swimming, Scouts
- Cultural and Language: French Club, Kiswahili Club, Poetry Club
- Hobbies and Skills: Robotics, Chess, Cookery, Origami, Book Club, Green Fingers Club
These activities, integrated into the school day, help students build confidence and discover talents, aligning with the school’s mission to produce proactive global citizens.
Why Choose St. Christopher’s International School?
St. Christopher’s stands out as a top choice for families seeking a world-class education in Nairobi. Key reasons include:
- Globally Recognized Curriculum: Prepares students for international examinations and top universities worldwide.
- Holistic Development: Balances academics with extracurriculars and values-based education.
- Inclusive Community: Welcomes students from diverse backgrounds, fostering global citizenship.
- Modern Facilities: Includes science labs, music programs, and remodeled boarding houses.
- Strong Alumni Network: Graduates excel as leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs globally.
Challenges and Opportunities
Like many private international schools, St. Christopher’s faces challenges such as rising operational costs and the need for continuous teacher training to maintain CIE standards. However, the school addresses these through strategic investments in facilities and professional development.
Opportunities for growth include expanding scholarship programs to attract exceptional talent and enhancing STEM and arts facilities to align with Kenya’s Vision 2030. The school’s virtual tour and active online presence (via newsletters and social media) also provide opportunities to engage prospective families globally.
Admission Process and Contact Information
Admissions are open each term, and the process involves:
- Inquiry: Contact the admissions office via email (info@scsinternational.sc.ke) or phone (+254 723 318 833, +254 799 463 787).
- Application: Submit an application form with a KSh 7,000 fee (Secondary only).
- Assessment: Includes aptitude tests, written exams, and interviews for scholarships or Secondary admission.
- Tour: Schedule a personalized tour to explore the school’s facilities.
The school’s website (www.scsinternational.sc.ke) offers detailed information, including newsletters and a parents’ portal for updates.
St. Christopher’s International School Nairobi is a beacon of academic excellence and holistic education in Kenya. Its 2025-2026 fees structure reflects the value of its world-class facilities, qualified staff, and comprehensive British curriculum. From Kindergarten to Sixth Form, the school nurtures students to become confident, compassionate, and globally minded individuals. Whether you’re considering day or boarding options, St. Christopher’s offers a supportive environment where students thrive academically and personally.
For more information or to apply, contact St. Christopher’s at P.O. Box 21378–00505, Nairobi, Kenya, or visit www.scsinternational.sc.ke. With its commitment to excellence and inclusivity, St. Christopher’s is an ideal choice for families seeking a transformative education in Nairobi.
