History - A Lion's Legacy

Our Community’s First Step: US Community School

In 1967, the late Nancy Ellen Crooks opened the doors to the US Community School in a house near the Nairobi Hospital. Well known for her passion for education, Mrs. Crooks became the first principal and was dedicated to meeting the educational needs of Kenyan and expatriate children in Nairobi.

A Growing Legacy: Nairobi International School

In 1970, the United States International University (USIU) bought the school and moved it to our current location, a coffee plantation at the end of Peponi Road. They renamed it Nairobi International School (NIS), expanded grades from 4th Grade to 12th Grade, and even offered college courses. While the original buildings consisted only of a white wooden house and two stone buildings, the potential for a school like ISK was evident.

Establishing Our Identity: The International School of Kenya

In 1976, with an enrollment of 485 students, the Nairobi International School was renamed to the International School of Kenya. In 1982, we offered our first IB (International Baccalaureate) class. Since then, ISK has established itself as one of the world's premier and most diverse international schools, attracting students from all over the world.

The school's expansion hasn't just been in terms of student population, though. We have also constructed world-class facilities, from one of Nairobi's best swimming pools to our new state-of- the-art track and field.

Celebrating 45 Years of Learning Together

In the 2021-2022 school year, ISK celebrated its 45th anniversary. Despite the ever-evolving landscape caused by the Coronavirus pandemic, ISK adapted by making constant innovations to enhance the way students learned while prioritizing their safety.