Best Private Primary Schools in Nairobi

Navigating the list of Best Private Primary Schools in Nairobi isn’t the easiest of tasks. Quality education is at the heart of every parent’s concern.

Therefore, it is critical to pick out a school that not only develops students academically but also nurtures their minds, senses, and environment. Fortunately, the following list of the best private primary schools in Nairobi was meticulously compiled to make your scavenging easier.

With no regard to order – these are the best private primary schools in Nairobi.

Braeburn Group of International Schools  – Braeburn Primary School

Braeburn Primary School, part of the renowned Braeburn Group of International Schools, is an exceptional private primary school offering a solid foundation for early children’s development. Its mandate is to offer a safe and joyful learning environment for its pupils and promote social responsibility and respect.

Braeburn Group of International Schools co-ed and British/International Curricula covers English, Math, Science, Computing, History, Geography, Physical Education, Music, Swimming, PSHE, Art, Design, and Technology.

This private learning institution stands out thanks to its academic excellence, holistic approach to learning, and quality education delivered by its dedicated faculty.

Location: Gitanga Road, Lavington, Nairobi.

Contact: +254 (0) 722 685575 or +254 (0) 733 553480. Email: enquiries.braeburn@braeburn.ac.ke.

Nova Pioneer

Nova Pioneer is a new entry in the Kenyan education scene after officially launching in 2015. With less than a decade under its belt – the international school (with campuses in South Africa) 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. Guided by six cultural principles, Nova Pioneer believes in fostering a positive way of life through critical thinking, self-discovery, innovation, leadership, and independent learning.

It offers the newly introduced CBC(Competency-based Curriculum) and KCPE (Kenya Certificate of Primary Education) with boarding facilities (separate boys and girls), a swimming pool, and playfield facilities.

Location: Ruiru-Kamiti Road, Tatu City, Nairobi

Contact:(+254) 0790491030/ 0724386086. Email: admissions.tatuprimary@novapioneer.com.

Hillcrest International School

Hillcrest International School is a top-tier private primary school in Nairobi with a strong commitment to academic excellence. The international school was established in 1975 with 54 students and three classrooms. It’s among the early adopters of Cambridge Overseas ‘O’ and ‘A’ level examinations and certification in the region.

Thanks to its track record of quality education paired with a comprehensive curriculum, it boasts a diverse enrolment of international students from all over the world.

The founding principles of the private primary school include cooperation, mutual respect, and self-awareness.

Location: Karen and Langata Campuses.

Contact: +254724255444 or +254736256173, Email: adminprep@hillcrest.ac.ke.

Peponi School

When it comes to a rigorous primary educational program – Peponi school is held in high regard. Set on the outskirts of the Nairobi metropolitan area, Peponi offers a diverse community focused on providing a unique and fulfilling journey for its pupils.

Following a British Curriculum (British National Curriculum and Common Entrance Syllabus), the private primary school emphasizes hard work, cooperation, respect, and pastoral excellence with the aim of preparing Its pupils for success in a dynamic world.

Location: Kabete, Nairobi.

Contacts:  +(254) 716 639 282, Email: kabete@peponihouse.sc.ke.

Strathmore School

Strathmore is a leading private primary school in Nairobi with an exceptional academic track record. It constantly ranks among the top-performing schools in the country. The Catholic-run school prepares its students for the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education.

Its success consistently places a majority of its candidates in top higher learning institutions in the country, and the world is backed by strictly following a system of Continual Assessment tests as well as regularly issuing reports to parents.

Strathmore offers an extensive academic profile coupled with a wide variety of extra-curricular activities.

Location: Lavington, Mzima Springs Lane.

Contact: +254722221221, +254718222222, +254733937945. Email: info@strathmore.ac.ke.

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.

Its lush green environment, set next to the renowned Nairobi National Park, features an expansive landscape and is home to warthogs. Banda School’s dedicated teaching faculty ensures its pupils strive for excellence within the British curricula it follows and in co-curricular activities.

The Banda School caters to a broad range of abilities and consistently succeeds in Common Entrance exams. The school’s 2022 Year 8 cohort achieved an impressive 95% A* – C grades and secured entry into their preferred secondary schools.

Location: Magadi Road, Langata, opposite the Nairobi National Park.

Contact: +254709951000/+254205131100, Email: admissions@bandaschool.com.

Riara Group of Schools – Riara Primary School

Established in 1974, the Riara Group of Schools has set exceptional educational standards in the region. Riara Springs Academy, on the other hand, was founded in 2000 and is situated in Imara Daima, off Mombasa Road.

Following the Kenya Certificate for Primary Education and British Curriculum, the private primary school offers a safe and secure environment that fosters a learner’s full potential – identifying and nurturing their talents.

According to the management, Riara Springs Academy (Primary) offers a quality education that equips its pupils for a successful future.  The Riara Group of Schools’ wholesome learning experience includes kindergarten, Primary, Junior, High school, and University.

Location: Imara Daima, Off Mombasa Road, Nairobi.

Contact: (+254) 0703 038 100/200, Email: info@riaraschools.ac.ke.

International School of Kenya

When it comes to culture, quality of care, and opportunities, the International School of Kenya (ISK) Primary School ranks at the top. Backed by a passion for instilling rigorous academic and personal exploration, ISK offers a comprehensive curriculum coupled with modern facilities and experienced faculty.

The International School of Kenya’s faculty, authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO), focuses on developing the whole child, with an emphasis on emotional and social skills.

Its middle school program covers core subjects, and pupils have the privilege of choosing from a variety of Creative Arts courses. The International School of Kenya’s diverse and inclusive community nurtures excellence.

Location: Kirawa Road, Nairobi.

Contact: Middle School: +254 733 639341, Elementary School: +254 733 639340, Email: communications@isk.ac.ke. 

Brookhouse School

Brookhouse School is a private primary school in Nairobi that offers a stimulating learning environment for children between the ages of 3 and 13. The academic faculty at the private institution encourages an inquiry-based learning system that follows a robust British curriculum known to foster academic skills and imagination.

Brookhouses’ comprehensive curriculum includes math, English, Science, Geography, History, Art, Physical Education, Music, Modern Foreign Language, and ICT.

According to the management, its teaching faculty combines independent tasks and teacher-guided group work, promoting active participation in learning among the pupils. Both its campuses in Runda and Karen offer a British curriculum coupled with co-curricular activities.

Location: Magari Road, Karen Nairobi (Karen Campus), Off Kiambu Road, Runda, Nairobi   (Runda, Campus).

Contact: Karen Campus – Tel: +254 (0) 722 204 413, Runda Campus – Tel: +254 (0) 704 392 000.

Cavina School

Established in 1950, Cavina School is a top-tier British Preparatory school located along Elgeyo Marakwet Road in Nairobi’s Kilimani area. The wholesome private learning institution consists of a Prep-pre Unit, Junior School, Middle School, and Senior School.

Following the British Curriculum, the private institution emphasizes on subjects such as Math, English, French, Science, British History, Geography, Scripture, and Latin.

Other than academic curricula, the private school also offers computer studies, Art, Music, Physical Education, and Performing Arts. With a foundation in Christian values, Cavina School school serves pupils aged 2-13 years, fostering holistic development.

Location: Along Elgeyo Marakwet Road, Kilimani, Nairobi.

Contact: (+254-20) 2573630, 0706232334 or 0708387746. Email: admin@cavina.ac.ke. 

Rosslyn Academy

Rosslyn Academy is a top-tier private Christian school in Nairobi with a dedicated – primary school section. The Christian primary school boasts a diverse student population from over 50 countries globally.

Rosslyn’s core focus is inspiring and equipping students to develop their gifts backed by Christian values globally.

Adopting an American curriculum, Rosslyn Academy Primary School’s approach is marked by its rigorous, creative, and collaborative partnership between the teaching faculty, pupils, and parents. The school aims to offer a holistic, lasting approach to learning.

Location: Parklands/Highridge Off Limuru Road Off UNEP Avenue Past UNEP. Off, Magnolia Cl, Nairobi.

Contact: (+254) 020 8893090, Email: info@rosslynacademy.com. 

Pembroke House School

Set on the city’s outskirts, Pembroke School is one of the best private schools around Nairobi. Offering a pupil-based British curriculum, the school nurtures children aged 2-13 years with an aim to fulfill their dreams and aspirations.

Pembroke’s primary school curriculum covers diverse subjects, including Adventure Learning, STEM, Rhythm and Dance, Tennis, Squash, and Design Technology. Additionally, the school incorporates Kenyan roots in the curriculum, teaching Kiswahili and Kenyan Citizenship.

While in Pre-Prep, Junior, and Middle Schools, the UK National Curriculum guides them. When the pupils get to years 7 and 8, most of the subjects align with the Common Entrance curriculum.

According to the management of Pembroke House School, the private primary school provides academic challenges while exposing students to non-academic subjects, catering to various learning styles.

Location: Nyahururu Road, Gilgil

Contact: +254 (0) 711 875 972, +254 (0) 727 267 642. Email: registrar@pembrokehouse.sc.ke.

St. Christopher’s School

St. Christopher’s is an acclaimed private primary school in Nairobi. It’s ranked among the best thanks to its adoption of the British Curriculum administered by the University of Cambridge Assessment International Education (CIE).

Its curriculum, diverse resources, and dynamic learning experiences ensure its primary school pupils reach their full potential, preparing them for further education globally.

St. Christopher’s track record of consistently achieving excellent results in the internationally recognized Cambridge Checkpoint, IGCSE, A Level, and BTEC examinations makes it a go-to institution for child development.

Location: Ngong Road, Nairobi.

Contact: +254 723 392 957, +254 734 838 333, Email: info@scsinternational.sc.ke.

Mirema School

Established in 1997, Mirema School is a Christian private primary and secondary school in Nairobi, located on Mirema Road, off Thika Road. The private school offers a blend of curricula, including the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education, the recently introduced Competency-based Curriculum (CBC), and the British Curriculum.

Mirema School operates as a mixed-day and boarding Christian school with rigorous academic, diverse co-curricular activities, including off-campus programs and creative arts incentives, among others.

The Christian private school aims to help its pupils discover their unique gifts and talents by fostering a supportive and challenging environment.

Location: Mirema Road, Off Thika Road.

Contact: Tel: 0716 171698, Website: miremaschool.ac.ke.

Aga Khan Academy Parklands

Aga Khan Academy, Parklands ranks among the top crème of private schools in Nairobi thanks to their comprehensive curriculum offering the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum that includes the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP).

The Parklands-based primary school boasts a diverse population of students from different nationalities around the world. The private primary school promotes an inquiry-based approach from early childhood throughout its stages to senior school.

Some of the facilities Aga Khan Academy offers include a well-equipped library, ICT hubs, swimming pools, Science labs, Sports fields, art rooms, and a Drama and Film Studio.

Location: 1st Parklands Avenue, off Limuru Road, Nairobi.

Contact: (+254) 0 736 380 101.

Bellevue School, South C

Bellevue School, South C, is a Christian private primary school that follows the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education as well as the recently introduced Competency-based Curriculum (CBC).

Founded by Christian values, the private primary school serves all children regardless of their faith, financial background, or spirituality. Tucked in the tight-knit community of South C neighborhood, Bellevue School, South C aims to offer quality education centered on the child, parents, and teaching faculty.

Some of the facilities within the school premises include an expansive playfield, a semi-Olympic-sized swimming pool, and a well-stocked library.

Location: Bellevue, South C Neighborhood.

Contact: (+254) 0716 456135, Email: info@bellevueschool.sc.ke, Website: bellevueschool.sc.ke.

St. Hannah’s Primary School

Located in the lush neighborhood of Karen, St. Hannah’s Primary School is a private day and boarding school with three campuses in Nairobi: Runda, Karen, and Ngong Road. The private school offers a competency-based curriculum that leads to the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education examination.

Thanks to its rigorous curriculum, dedicated faculty, and integrated programs, St. Hannah’s Primary School is one of Kenya’s top-performing schools. This private primary school has about 435 pupils, including 198 boys and 237 girls enrolled at one time.

The school promotes quality, child-centered education that lets its pupils discover their strengths through teacher-guided programs.

Location: Ngong Rd Primary & Junior Secondary School.

Contact: (+254) 020 211 2657, 0728 412285.

Nairobi Academy

Nairobi Academy is a popular private primary school in Nairobi with a welcoming and friendly learning environment. The private learning institution aims to provide its pupils with a quality education that will, in turn, help them transverse seamlessly in a dynamic world.

The school follows the British National Curriculum, offering Cambridge and BTEC curricula.

Nairobi Academy Prep places a lot of emphasis on its students’ diverse talents, ensuring that learning is engaging and enjoyable. The school offers its pupils access to arts, sports, field trips, academic challenges, and other extracurricular activities to promote well-rounded, positive individuals committed to learning and personal growth.

Location: Langata Road, Next to Mamba Village, Karen.

Contacts: (+254) 0722 208365. 0735 338047. Email: info@nairobiacademy.or.ke.

Ruaraka Academy

Ruaraka Academy is a private mixed-cay primary school nurtured under biblical foundations. It offers a competency-based curriculum that leads to the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education.

Established in 1988, Ruaraka Academy is one of Nairobi and Kenya’s top-performing primary education institutions.

Due to its Christian background, the school is dedicated to developing well-rounded pupils within a caring community while at the same time imparting critical values and skills needed for their future. Ruaraka Academy operates based on strong Christian principles, providing a firm foundation for students as they embark on their educational journey from kindergarten to primary level.

The private primary school places great importance on providing an excellent and holistic educational structure for all pupils regardless of their background or ability. In addition to academics, Ruaraka Academy offers a host of co-curricular activities, including music, dance, drama, art, scouting, wildlife, and more.

Location: Thome 1, Behind USIU, off Thika Road.

Contact: (+254) 700 737 522. Email: info@ruarakaacademy.sc.ke.