St Christopher’s International School, nestled in the serene suburb of Karen along Ngong Road, Nairobi, is a premier co-educational institution renowned for delivering a world-class British National Curriculum. Established in 1984, the school caters to students from Kindergarten to Year 13, offering both day and boarding options. With a commitment to academic excellence, holistic development, and a values-based education rooted in a Christian ethos, St Christopher’s is a top choice for parents seeking quality international education in Kenya. This comprehensive guide details the fees structure for the academic year, contact information, admission process, facilities, and more, optimized for parents and guardians exploring educational options in Nairobi.
Overview of St Christopher’s International School
St Christopher’s International School provides a structured British curriculum across three academic levels: Kindergarten (ages 2–5), Preparatory (Years 1–6), and Secondary (Years 7–13). The school emphasizes play-based learning in early years, core academic subjects in preparatory stages, and rigorous preparation for IGCSE, A-Level, and BTEC examinations in secondary school. With modern facilities, a diverse student body, and a focus on values like respect, honesty, and compassion, St Christopher’s nurtures students to become confident, compassionate, and globally minded individuals.
Why Choose St Christopher’s International School?
- British Curriculum: Offers a globally recognized curriculum preparing students for top universities worldwide.
- Holistic Education: Integrates academics with extracurricular activities like robotics, music, and sports.
- Modern Facilities: Includes science labs, art studios, sports fields, and comfortable boarding accommodations.
- Values-Based Education: Fosters core values of respect, compassion, and responsibility through its Values-Based Education (VBE) program.
- Strategic Location: Located in Karen, Nairobi, with door-to-door transport services across multiple zones.
St Christopher’s Kindergarten: Fees Structure
The Kindergarten program (Rainbow Class to Reception) focuses on play-based learning to develop early literacy, numeracy, and social skills. The fees structure for the academic year is as follows:
| Description | Amount (Ksh) |
|---|---|
| Caution Money (Reception FS2 only) | 30,000 (refundable, as required) |
| Registration for Admission | 2,000 (payable once) |
| Tuition Fees (Per Term) | |
| Rainbow Class | 117,000 |
| Blue Class (FS1) | 148,000 |
| Reception Class (FS2) | 166,000 |
Notes on Kindergarten Fees:
- Coverage: Fees include all books, materials, and compulsory trips.
- Payment Policy: Full fees must be paid upfront before admission.
- Annual Review: Fees are reviewed annually by the Board of Directors, with changes communicated one term in advance.
St Christopher’s Preparatory School: Fees Structure
The Preparatory School (Years 1–6) follows Key Stages 1 and 2 of the British curriculum, covering core subjects like English, Mathematics, and Science, alongside foundation subjects such as Geography, History, and French. The fees structure is:
| Description | Amount (Ksh) |
|---|---|
| Caution Money | 50,000 (refundable, as required) |
| Registration for Admission | 2,000 (payable once) |
| Tuition Fees (Per Term) | |
| Year 1 (Key Stage 1) | 302,000 |
| Year 2 | 302,000 |
| Year 3 (Key Stage 2) | 302,000 |
| Year 4 | 374,000 |
| Year 5 | 374,000 |
| Year 6 | 374,000 |
Notes on Preparatory Fees:
- Boarding Option: Optional for Years 5–6, with weekly and flexi-boarding available (see boarding fees below).
- Additional Costs: Uniforms and optional extracurricular activities may incur extra charges.
- Assessment: Students are assessed termly to track progress.
St Christopher’s Secondary School: Fees Structure
The Secondary School (Years 7–13) prepares students for IGCSE, A-Level, and BTEC examinations, offering a wide range of subjects to foster critical thinking and global citizenship. The fees structure is:
| Description | Amount (Ksh) |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | 7,000 (payable once) |
| Registration for Admission | 2,000 (payable once) |
| Caution Money | 70,000 (refundable, as required) |
| Tuition Fees (Per Term) | |
| Year 7 (Key Stage 3) | 436,000 |
| Year 8 | 436,000 |
| Year 9 | 436,000 |
| Year 10 (Key Stage 4) | 476,000 |
| Year 11 | 669,000 (Terms 1 & 2 only) |
| Year 12 & 13 | 681,000 (Terms 1 & 2 only) |
Notes on Secondary Fees:
- Higher Fees for Years 11–13: Reflect intensive preparation for international examinations and specialized A-Level programs.
- Examination Fees: Additional charges for IGCSE, A-Level, and BTEC exams are not included in tuition fees.
- Boarding: Available for Years 5–13 (see below).
Boarding Fees (Years 5–13)
St Christopher’s offers full boarding facilities with dedicated staff, structured routines, and a supportive environment. Boarding fees are:
| Description | Amount (Ksh) |
|---|---|
| Boarding Caution Money | 80,000 (refundable, as required) |
| Full Boarding (Per Term) | 295,000 |
Notes on Boarding Fees:
- Inclusions: Covers lodging, meals (weekdays and weekends), and laundry services.
- Options: Weekly and flexi-boarding options are available; contact the school for details.
- Availability: Open to students from Year 5 to Year 13.
Door-to-Door Transport Charges
St Christopher’s provides a door-to-door bus service across Nairobi, with fees calculated based on distance from the school. The transport charges per term are:
| Zone | Areas Covered | 2-Way (Ksh) | 1-Way (Ksh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | Around Karen, Lenana, Racecourse, Santak, Dagoretti Corner, Nakumatt Junction, Dagoretti Road to Negst, Rhino Park, Ngong Road to Shade Hotel, Karen Country Club, Langata Road to Ostrich Park, Bogani Road, Utamaduni, Catholic University, Kikuyu | 78,000 | 48,000 |
| Zone 2 | From Shade Hotel to Ngong town, Matasia and Kiserian, Bogani Road to Hardy Estate, Bomas of Kenya, Otiende, Southlands, Uhuru Gardens, Jamhuri Estate, Woodley, Ngong Road to Kindaruma Road, Kilimani, Riara Road, Kibera, Lenana Road, Dennis Pritt Road, Valley Arcade, Oloitoktok Road, Lavington, James Gichuru to Strathmore, Bernard Estate, Isaac Gathanju Road, Kawangware | 78,000 | 48,000 |
| Zone 3 | Ngong Road from Kindaruma Road, Golf Course, Highrise Nairobi, West South C, Nairobi Dam, Hurlingham, Caledonia Estate, Kileleshwa, Yaya Centre, Arboretum, State House, Westlands, Waiyaki Way to Westgate, Mountain View, Valley Road, 5th Ngong Road | 95,000 | 63,000 |
| Zone 4 | From Westgate to Spring Valley, Brookside Drive, South B, Plainsview, Golden Gate, Imara Daima, Eastlands, Buruburu, Umoja, Fedha Estate | 95,000 | 63,000 |
Notes on Transport Fees:
- Confirmation: Parents should contact the school to confirm zoning and specific arrangements.
- Payment: Transport fees are charged termly and are separate from tuition and boarding fees.
Contact Information for St Christopher’s International School
For inquiries about admissions, fees, or school programs, St Christopher’s provides multiple contact channels:
- Postal Address: P.O. Box 21378–00505, Nairobi, Kenya
- Telephone:
- Kindergarten and Preparatory: +254 723 392 957, +254 734 838 333
- Secondary: +254 723 318 833, +254 799 463 779, +254 799 463 787
- Email: info@scsinternational.sc.ke
- Website: www.scsinternational.sc.ke
- Physical Location: Ngong Road, Karen, Nairobi
- Operating Hours: Monday to Friday, 08:00 AM – 04:30 PM; closed on weekends.
Parents are encouraged to schedule a personalized tour or contact the admissions office for the most current information.
Admission Process at St Christopher’s International School
The admission process is designed to ensure a good fit between the student and the school’s academic and cultural environment. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Inquiry:
- Contact the admissions office via email (info@scsinternational.sc.ke) or phone to express interest.
- Schedule a tour to explore facilities and meet staff.
- Application:
- Submit an application form with a non-refundable application fee (Ksh 7,000 for secondary, none for kindergarten/preparatory).
- Provide required documents, including previous school reports, birth certificate, and passport photos.
- Assessment:
- Applicants undergo aptitude tests, written exams, and interviews (for secondary or scholarship candidates).
- Kindergarten and preparatory students may have informal assessments.
- Acceptance and Payment:
- Successful candidates receive an admission letter.
- Full fees must be paid upfront before admission, via bank transfer, cheque, or M-Pesa.
Note: Admissions are open each term, subject to availability. Mid-year admissions may involve fee adjustments.
Academic Performance and Curriculum
St Christopher’s International School is celebrated for its academic rigor and global recognition:
- Kindergarten: Emphasizes play-based learning with activities in music, art, and physical education.
- Preparatory: Covers Key Stages 1 and 2, with subjects like English, Mathematics, Science, ICT, French, and Kiswahili. Termly assessments track progress.
- Secondary: Offers 14 subjects in Key Stage 3, 21 options in Key Stage 4 (IGCSE), and specialized A-Level/BTEC programs in Sixth Form. Graduates attend top universities worldwide.
The school’s British curriculum is accredited by Cambridge and Pearson, ensuring students are well-prepared for international examinations and higher education.
Co-Curricular Activities and Facilities
St Christopher’s offers a vibrant co-curricular program to complement academics:
- Clubs and Activities: Includes EAMUN, Red Cross, Robotics, Chess, Creative Arts, Debate, Photography, STEM, and Scouts, among others.
- Sports: Football, basketball, swimming, and athletics, with opportunities to compete regionally.
- Arts: Music, choir, drama, and visual arts foster creativity.
- Facilities:
- Modern science and ICT laboratories.
- Sports fields and swimming pool.
- Art and music studios.
- Comfortable boarding dormitories with dedicated staff.
Community Feedback and Considerations
Feedback from parents and students highlights St Christopher’s strengths and areas for consideration:
- Positive Feedback:
- Parents appreciate the school’s inclusive community, qualified staff, and global curriculum.
- Students value the diverse extracurricular options and supportive environment.
- Concerns:
- High fees, especially for secondary and boarding students, may be a barrier for some families.
- Transport costs for Zones 3 and 4 are relatively high, requiring careful budgeting.
Parents are advised to clarify all costs, including optional activities, and visit the campus to assess suitability.
How to Get to St Christopher’s International School
Located in Karen, Nairobi, the school is easily accessible:
- By Public Transport: Matatus and buses along Ngong Road stop near Karen, a short walk or boda-boda ride to the school.
- By Car: Use Waze or Google Maps for directions to Ngong Road, Karen. The school is near Karen Country Club and Bomas of Kenya.
- Landmarks: Along Ngong Road, opposite Shade Hotel.
Comparison with Other Top International Schools in Nairobi
To provide context, here’s how St Christopher’s compares with other leading international schools:
- Sunshine School Nairobi:
- Fees: Ksh 142,000–229,000 (primary), Ksh 371,500 (secondary) annually, lower than St Christopher’s.
- Curriculum: Kenyan CBC and 8-4-4, unlike St Christopher’s British curriculum.
- Boarding: Boys-only for secondary, less flexible than St Christopher’s options.
- Rosslyn Academy:
- Fees: Approximately Ksh 1.345 million annually, comparable to St Christopher’s secondary fees.
- Curriculum: North American, differing from St Christopher’s British system.
- Christian-based, similar to St Christopher’s ethos.
- The Banda School:
- Fees: Not publicly detailed but estimated at Ksh 600,000–800,000 per term, similar to St Christopher’s.
- Curriculum: British, aligned with St Christopher’s.
- Located near Nairobi National Park, less urban than Karen.
St Christopher’s stands out for its comprehensive British curriculum, flexible boarding options, and extensive co-curricular programs, though its fees are among the highest in Kenya.
Tips for Parents Considering St Christopher’s International School
- Budget Planning: Account for tuition, boarding, transport, and examination fees, as costs escalate in higher years.
- Visit the School: Schedule a tour to evaluate facilities, staff, and the learning environment.
- Explore Discounts: Inquire about sibling discounts or flexible payment plans.
- Confirm Transport: Verify your zone and transport costs for accurate budgeting.
- Engage with the Community: Connect with current parents or alumni via school events or online forums for insights.
St Christopher’s International School Nairobi is a beacon of academic excellence and holistic education, offering a British curriculum tailored to prepare students for global success. With a detailed fees structure, accessible contact channels, and a nurturing environment, it is an ideal choice for families seeking quality international education. For the latest information or to apply, contact the school at info@scsinternational.sc.ke or visit www.scsinternational.sc.ke.
