Cities / Nairobi / Aga Khan Academy Nairobi
Aga Khan Academy Nairobi
A long established Aga Khan school in Parklands offering the full IB continuum from PYP through DP, widely regarded in Nairobi as the affordable IB alternative to ISK.
In brief
A long-established Aga Khan school in Parklands offering the full IB continuum from PYP through DP, widely regarded in Nairobi as the affordable IB alternative to ISK.
Operated by Aga Khan Education Service Kenya, the academy traces its roots to 1970 and now sits inside the modern Parklands campus alongside the Aga Khan Junior Academy. Around 1,000 students follow PYP, MYP and DP, and over 90 percent of DP graduates head to universities in Kenya, the UK, Canada and the US. Class sizes typically run around 20.
Families value the IB outcomes against fees that are well below ISK and Brookhouse, and many speak warmly of long-tenured, supportive teachers. The recurring criticism is uneven teaching quality at the margins, with some parents and former students saying that strong departments carry weaker ones. The intake is heavily Kenyan and Ismaili rather than the embassy crowd, which families either welcome or weigh against the more expat-dominant alternatives.
Fees
Annual fees
| Year level | Age | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| KG1-KG3 (Nursery) | 3 | KES 525,000 |
| Grades 1-3 (PYP) | 6 | KES 885,000 |
| Grades 4-5 (PYP) | 9 | KES 966,000 |
| Grades 6-7 (MYP) | 11 | KES 966,000 |
| Grades 8-9 (MYP) | 13 | KES 1,050,000 |
| Grade 10 (MYP5) | 15 | KES 1,050,000 |
| Grade 11 (IB Diploma 1) | 16 | KES 1,620,000 |
| Grade 12 (IB Diploma 2) | 17 | KES 1,092,000 |
One-time fees
| Item | Age | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Security Deposit (refundable) | KES 15,000 | |
| Admission Fee (non-refundable) | KES 15,000 |
Reviews
- Parents who stay long-term tend to praise affordability against IB peers in Nairobi and the strength of supportive teachers. One long-time parent described the IB programme as affordable and the teaching as very supportive.
- Student reviews are sharply split. Two ex-students described teachers reading from textbooks and a poor classroom atmosphere, with bullying named directly.
- A teacher review on the international staff circuit flagged contract issues and gaps in professional training among some local teachers, alongside warmth toward colleagues.
- The school sits inside a heavily Indian-Kenyan and South Asian community in Nairobi, which one local commenter said is reflected in the parent body. Cultural mix is a relevant filter for prospective families.
Positives
- Affordable IB option. Long-term parents flag the IB fees as accessible compared to other Nairobi IB schools, with strong reported global results.
Considerations
- Teaching quality is uneven. Parents praise supportive teachers; ex-students describe textbook-led classes and weak subject expertise in places.
- Bullying and atmosphere. Two student reviews describe bullying and a poor classroom atmosphere.
- Community composition. Local commenters describe the parent body as heavily Indian-Kenyan and South Asian.
Leadership
Dr. David Howe
Dr. David Howe serves as the Head of Academy at the Aga Khan Academy, Nairobi. He provides leadership across the nursery, junior, and senior schools, overseeing the implementation of the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum and fostering a community of lifelong learners. Under his guidance, the Academy emphasizes the development of ethical leaders and young changemakers through a holistic education that balances academic rigour with co-curricular engagement. Dr. Howe is actively involved in the school's outreach and community events, such as the annual IB Diploma Programme graduation ceremonies and school open evenings.
Academic results
- IB DP Average 32-34 pts