Rosslyn Academy
Key Stats
Annual Fees: US$6K - US$20K
Curriculum: American
Age Range: 4-18
Students: ~703
Location: Gigiri, Nairobi
Updated April 2026
In Brief
Rosslyn is the go-to for American families in Gigiri who want a faith-based school close to the UN compound - the AP programme is strong and the community is tight-knit. If you're not American or not comfortable with a Christian covenant environment, it's probably not the right fit.
Rosslyn Academy has been in Gigiri since 1947 and is the natural landing point for American diplomatic, NGO, and UN families based in the northern suburbs. About 41% of the student body carries US passports and the school follows the American curriculum through to AP - no IB - with a 40-acre campus on Magnolia Close off Limuru Road. MSA and ACSI accreditation back up the academic credentials, and 95% of graduates proceed to further education. Fees are not published; third-party estimates suggest annual costs of KES 815,000 (PreK) to KES 2,325,000 (High School), though you will need to contact the school directly for current figures.
The AP programme is the headline draw. Spanish, French, Korean, and Kiswahili are all offered, which is broader than most Nairobi schools at that age. Class sizes are capped - 18 in Kindergarten, 20 in Grades 1-3, 24 in Grades 4-8 - and the school maintains a deliberate community feel across its 700-strong roll. Co-curricular life reflects the US independent school model: sports, performing arts, service, and a strong parent involvement culture. University counselling focuses primarily on US college applications, though international destinations are supported.
The school operates within an explicitly Christian framework: a covenant is required of all students and families, chapel attendance is part of the timetable, and the school's ethos is woven into daily life rather than kept to one morning service. This is not a barrier for many families in the Gigiri diplomatic community, but it is a real filter. Non-Christian families should have a candid conversation with the admissions office before visiting. There is no boarding, and the school is a long drive from Karen, Lavington, or the CBD in heavy traffic.
What parents value
- –MSA and ACSI dual accreditation. Strong AP programme with 95% of graduates proceeding to further education. Broad language offering: Spanish, French, Korean, and Kiswahili.
- –Capped class sizes - 18 in Kindergarten up to 24 in upper middle school - and a 40-acre campus in Gigiri close to the UN compound and major diplomatic missions.
- –Tight-knit community of 50+ nationalities; well-established parent network and active co-curricular programme reflecting the US independent school model.
Points of consideration
- –Christian covenant is a genuine requirement - not optional. Chapel and faith-integrated curriculum are part of daily school life. Non-Christian families should assess whether this aligns before applying.
- –Fees are not publicly listed. Budget planning requires a direct enquiry; third-party estimates suggest High School costs around KES 2,325,000 per year plus a KES 129,000 deposit.
- –No boarding. Gigiri location works well for UN-area families but is a significant commute from Karen, Lavington, or Westlands at peak traffic.
Annual Fees
| Year Group | Age | USDTotal Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Preschool (half-day) | 4 | NaN |
| Elementary (Grades 1-5) | 6 | NaN |
| Middle School (Grades 6-8) | 12 | NaN |
| High School (Grades 9-12) | 14 | NaN |
Fees converted from KES. For the most up to date and accurate figures please double check with the school.
Additional Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application Fee (non-refundable) | NaN |
| Deposit (refundable upon withdrawal) | NaN |
Academic Results
Academic results have not been made publicly available by this school.
Extra Curriculars
Contact the school for details on co-curricular activities, sports, and facilities. Ask what a normal week looks like outside lessons for your child's age group.
Inspections & Accreditations
Inspection
No published inspection details are currently available.
Accreditations
Accreditation details are not publicly listed.
Memberships
Membership details are not publicly listed.
Student Body
Nairobi's international schools attract a highly diverse student body from diplomatic, NGO, and professional families. Contact the school for current enrolment and nationality breakdown details.
Leadership
Dr Jon Hill
Superintendent of Rosslyn Academy. Dr Hill leads the school's American and Christian educational mission across the PreK-12 programme in Gigiri.