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History - A Lion's Legacy

The Road to Excellence

The International School of Kenya (ISK) is situated on 40 acres of a former coffee plantation. For the past 48 years, our scenic campus has catered to the educational needs of both expatriate and Kenyan students who seek a challenging North American curriculum alongside the rigorous International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma programme.


Our Community’s First Step: US Community School

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


A Growing Legacy: Nairobi International School

n 1970, the United States International University (USIU) acquired the school and relocated it to its current site on the former coffee plantation at the end of Peponi Road. They renamed it Nairobi International School (NIS), expanded the grade offerings from 4th Grade to 12th Grade, and even introduced college courses. Despite only having a white wooden house and two stone buildings at that time, the vision for a school like ISK was already apparent.

1970's

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Establishing Our Identity: The International School of Kenya

In 1976, with an enrollment of 485 students, Nairobi International School was renamed the International School of Kenya (ISK). By 1982, ISK offered its first International Baccalaureate (IB) class. Since then, ISK has established itself as one of the world's premier and most diverse international schools, attracting students from around the globe. The school's expansion has not only been in terms of student population. We have also constructed world-class facilities, including one of Nairobi's best swimming pools and a new state-of-the-art track and field.

1980's & 1990's

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Celebrating 45 Years of Learning Together


During the 2021-2022 school year, ISK celebrated its 45th anniversary. Despite the challenges posed by the Coronavirus pandemic, ISK adapted by implementing constant innovations to enhance student learning while prioritizing their safety.

learning together since 1976

2000's

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