American schools divide the school year into two semesters (halves). This can further be divided into four quarters. The American school usually begins in August and ends in May. Kindergarten is the first required year of school. Children must turn five before September 1st in order to start school. There are typically three divisions in school: elementary, middle school, and high school. In order to graduate high school, students must earn “credits”; one full year study of one course is equal to one credit. Credits begin in ninth grade.
No, we offer an Advanced Placement program. This program allows students to take college-level courses in areas where they excel. Many four-year colleges in the United States, United Kingdom and colleges in over 60 other countries give students college credit, advanced placement or both based on their AP Exam scores. This offers students an advantage when they start university.
While the West Nairobi student body represents over 30 countries and gives our school an international flavor, our school is always open to national applicants.
Yes, we offer the SAT test four times a year. WNS is an SAT testing center.
West Nairobi is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA) as well as Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI).
It is best that your child has a working knowledge of English. West Nairobi does offer ELL (English Language Learner) courses for students whose first language is not English. The ELL program is individualized, and each student works at his/her own level. Instruction includes linguistics, speaking, listening, reading and writing.
We try and keep our teacher-to-student ratio low so that each student has more one-on-one instruction with the teacher. The class maximums are as follows:
- Early Childhood Learning Center (pre-school) – 12 students
- Kindergarten – 16 students
- 1st Grade – 20 students
- 2nd –8th-grade classroom size is 25 students
- 9th-12th grade classroom size is 25 students
Students transferring from an American curriculum school that have standardized test scores may be exempt from placement testing. All other students need to take an admissions placement test so we can ensure the right class for your child. We want your child to excel.
Once an application, health form, and appropriate paperwork is submitted to the admissions counselor a placement test is scheduled. After the placement test you will have results within 2-3 days.
If you are in Kenya when you apply, we would like to have the application fee paid on or before the day of placement testing. We understand not everyone applying to West Nairobi School is in Kenya when they apply. The application fee can be paid through a bank transfer. Account details are provided on request. Alternatively, if one is arriving in the country before the scheduled placement testing date, the testing fee can be brought into the business office.
