List of the Top Private Primary Schools in Nairobi

Nairobi is home to some of Kenya's most prestigious private primary schools, institutions that have built stellar reputations for academic excellence, holistic education, and world-class facilities. Parents seeking quality education for their children have numerous options, from schools offering the Kenyan Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) to those following international curricula such as the British and American systems. This article provides a comprehensive list of the top private primary schools in Nairobi, complete with their locations and contact information.

1. Braeburn School

Braeburn School is a co-educational international school that follows the National Curriculum of England and Wales. Known for its safe, joyful learning environment, Braeburn has consistently achieved excellent academic results with a 95% success rate in transitioning students to higher education levels.

Location: Gitanga Road, Lavington, Nairobi
Postal Address: P.O. Box 45112-00100, Nairobi
Phone: +254 730 881 000 (Main switchboard), +254 722 685 575 (Primary Admissions), +254 733 553 480
Email: Available through their website
Website: braeburnschool.braeburn.com

2. Strathmore School (Primary Section)

Strathmore School is a prestigious private institution with an exceptional academic track record. The Catholic-run school prepares students for the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) and consistently ranks among the top-performing schools in the country. It offers an extensive academic profile coupled with a wide variety of extracurricular activities.

Location: Mzima Springs Road, Lavington, Nairobi
Postal Address: P.O. Box 25095-00603, Nairobi
Phone: +254 20 4348315, +254 722 221 221, +254 718 222 222
Email: info@strathmore.ac.ke
Website: www.strathmore.ac.ke

3. International School of Kenya (ISK)

The International School of Kenya is among the top schools in Kenya, offering a Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12 educational program. The school follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum and North American standards, serving over 1,000 students from more than 75 nationalities. ISK is well-known for its exceptional care and limitless opportunities for student development.

Location: End of Peponi Road/Kirawa Road, Nairobi
Postal Address: P.O. Box 14103-00800, Nairobi
Phone: +254 20 209 1308/9, +254 733 639 340 (Elementary School), +254 733 639 341 (Middle School)
Email: Available through contact page
Website: www.isk.ac.ke

4. Brookhouse School (Primary Section)

Brookhouse School is a private primary institution in Nairobi that offers a stimulating learning environment for children between the ages of 3 and 13. The academic faculty encourages an inquiry-based learning system that follows a robust British curriculum known to foster academic skills and imagination. The comprehensive curriculum includes mathematics, English, Science, Geography, History, Art, Physical Education, Music, Modern Foreign Language, and ICT.

Location: Karen Campus - Magadi Road, off Langata Road; Runda Campus - Off Kiambu Road
Postal Address: P.O. Box 24987-00502, Nairobi
Phone: Karen: +254 722 204 413, +254 733 602 797; Runda: +254 704 392 000, +254 780 392 000
Email: admissions.karen@brookhouse.ac.ke (Karen), admissions.runda@brookhouse.ac.ke (Runda)
Website: www.brookhouse.ac.ke

5. Riara Group of Schools (Primary Section)

Established in 1974, the Riara Group of Schools has set exceptional educational standards in the region. Riara Springs Academy, founded in 2000, is situated in Imara Daima off Mombasa Road. Following both the Kenya Certificate for Primary Education and British Curriculum, the school offers a safe and secure environment that fosters a learner's full potential, identifying and nurturing their talents.

Location: Riara Road off Ngong Road (multiple campuses); Riara Springs Academy - Imara Daima, off Mombasa Road
Postal Address: P.O. Box (varies by campus)
Phone: +254 709 951 000, +254 20 513 1100
Email: Available through website
Website: Available through contact

6. The Banda School

The Banda School is a private primary school located on a 35-acre site near Nairobi National Park. Following the British Curriculum, the school fosters an environment of mutual respect, fun, and commitment to success. The school is known for its excellent facilities and comprehensive educational approach.

Location: Magadi Road, Langata, opposite Nairobi National Park
Postal Address: Available on request
Phone: +254 709 951 000, +254 20 513 1100
Email: info@bandaschool.com
Website: Available on request

7. Nova Pioneer Schools

Nova Pioneer is a relatively new entry in the Kenyan education scene, having launched in 2015. Despite being less than a decade old, the international school has already gained veteran status among top-tier primary schools in Kenya, with campuses in Nairobi, Tatu City, Athi River, and Eldoret. The school's mission is to nurture innovators who will lead and shape Africa's future, fostering critical thinking, self-discovery, innovation, leadership, and independent learning.

Location: Gitanga Road, Lavington; Tatu City; Athi River
Phone: +254 722 685 575, +254 733 553 480
Email: info@novapioneer.com
Website: www.novapioneer.com

8. Kianda School (Primary Section)

Established in 1977, Kianda School has made its mark among the best schools in Nairobi with its incredible performance. This private school for girls emphasizes the perfect cooperation between students, staff, and parents. Kianda School strives to produce responsible and hardworking women and aims for excellence in all parts of their development.

Location: Kianda Road, off Ngong Road, Nairobi
Postal Address: Available on request
Phone: Available through school office
Email: Available through website
Website: www.kiandaschool.ac.ke

9. Peponi School (Primary Section)

Peponi School has a long-standing reputation for academic excellence and holistic education. The school offers both the Kenyan and British curricula, providing students with a well-rounded education that prepares them for both local and international opportunities.

Location: Peponi Road, Nairobi
Postal Address: Available on request
Phone: Available through school office
Email: Available through website

10. Makini Schools

Makini School is among the top 100 private primary schools in Nairobi, Kenya. It offers both the international Cambridge curriculum and the Kenyan CBC curriculum. The school has numerous campuses in Nairobi and Kisumu, and most of its learners perform exceptionally well. For instance, in the 2021 KCPE exams, 30 learners earned 400 marks and above.

Location: Multiple campuses across Nairobi
Postal Address: Varies by campus
Phone: Available through individual campuses
Email: Available through website
Website: www.makinischool.com

Choosing the right primary school for your child is one of the most important decisions you'll make as a parent. The schools listed above represent some of Nairobi's finest educational institutions, each offering unique strengths and educational philosophies. When selecting a school, consider factors such as the curriculum offered, location, fees, facilities, and the school's values and mission. It's advisable to visit the schools, speak with administrators, and tour the facilities before making your final decision. Most of these schools also offer open days and admission consultations to help parents make informed choices about their children's education.