LEARNING
Welcome to West Nairobi School!
Director:
Dear WNS Parents and Prospective Parents,
Thank you for believing in West Nairobi School! We are honored to be able to partner with you and provide a quality Christian education to your son / daughter.
West Nairobi School started in 1996 and has since grown tremendously. We believe that WNS is God’s school. Our strong Biblical ties are foundational for everything we do (academics, athletics, community, discipling). We also place a strong emphasis on developing the whole child. Our school is best described as a community nurturing students spiritually, socially and emotionally.
This year our school theme is: Impacting the Kingdom: Serve Christ, Show Christ, Share Christ. The Bible verse to go along with our theme is 1 Peter 4:10-11 “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” We look forward to using the gifts God has given us to serve! To serve students, to serve parents, and to serve colleagues.
We believe it is important for students, parents, and the school to come together and partner with one another to set the student up for a successful learning experience. One that will benefit the student for years to come.
We want to extend an invitation for you to come to WNS and set up a meeting. If you have questions or suggestions, we would love to sit down and talk. Please do not hesitate to contact us.
A little bit about me: I have a Bachelors in Secondary Education (Social Studies) from Western Michigan University and a Masters in Educational Leadership from Florida Atlantic University. I have taught in Florida public schools, online, and in Christian schools for 11 years. I have served as Secondary Principal for 5 years. This year marks my 9th year here in Kenya at West Nairobi School. In my free time I like to jog, read books, cook, and play with my boys!
Sincerely,
Thomas Krol
thomaskrol@westnairobischool.org
Welcome to West Nairobi Elementary School!
Elementary Principal:
Education has always been my passion, and I love working with children of all ages. Before coming to West Nairobi School, I taught in the American system for 11 years. I have taught elementary, middle and high school, and I worked in both public and private schools in the U.S. I hold a Bachelor of Arts in History and Spanish from Western Kentucky University and a Masters of Education in Curriculum, Assessment, and Instruction from Trevecca Nazarene University. I am currently working on my Doctorate of Education in Leadership and Professional Practice and will complete my degree in August of 2021. I have served as both the Director of Curriculum and Instruction and the Elementary Principal at WNS. This marks my third year of service at West Nairobi School.
Charlene B. Mutai, M.Ed.
Elementary Principal
charlenemutai@westnairobischool.org
Welcome to West Nairobi Middle & HIGH School!
Secondary Principal:
Hello WNS Family!
It is a great honor to be able to serve your family as the Secondary Principal for the 2020-2021 school year. Thank you for your trust and support as we partner with you to educate your children not just academically but also spiritually, socially and emotionally. I recognize the important and primary role that you as parents play in the education of your children and my door is always open to you. While this year presents some unique challenges, I am confident that together we can provide an excellent education for your children.
Education is my passion and I have been an educator for more than twenty years as both a teacher, public and private school Principal, and a Head of School both in a brick and mortar environment and an online environment. I have spent 11 of those years with the Network of International Christian Schools (NICS) in Indonesia, American and now Kenya. I have a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology, A Master’s in teaching (MAT) and a graduate certificate in Educational Leadership. All of this experience and training will allow me to serve the WNS community with both passion and purpose.
My family and I are looking forward to becoming a part of the diverse and unique WNS community, so not only will I be a Principal at WNS, but I join you as part of the parent community. My wife Wendy and I have two boys ages 17 and 14 who are excited for this new adventure.
Sincerely,
Daniel Cooley
danielcooley@westnairobischool.org
Welcome to West Nairobi School!
Finance Director:
I am new to West Nairobi this year. During the previous two year, I have been serving a sister school as their Finance Director in Brazil. Prior to this I worked in Finance, Training and Youth work in Cyprus and the Arabian Gulf for many years.
My own educational background is in Accounting and Youth Work. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and completed the coursework for a certificate in Youth Ministry at Taylor University in Indiana.
I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the community and the school in financial matters.
Sincerely,
Todd Clark
West Nairobi School
toddclark@westnairobischool.org
ARTS PROGRAM
We look at art. We think about art. We talk about art. We MAKE art.
And through these means, these processes, these techniques, the mysterious gift of art is opened and one finds critical thinking, visual literacy, and artistic expression.
On the adventure of art education, students discover the difference between the texture of simple crayons and complex oil pastel. Brush strokes create movement and direction in the gentle tide of waves. Subtle variations of bone structure are examined as self portraits communicate identity. Abstraction causes theory to be defined. Questions of purpose and meaning are asked through artist study.
We ask questions. We erase. We paint. We observe. We play. We make messes. We make meaning. We connect to the world. We learn about art.
Plan your visit
West Nairobi School is an International Christian School founded in 1996. It is a private co-ed (mixed) day school with North American curriculum taught in English from Kindergarten to 12th grade. West Nairobi School also has Early Childhood Learning Center for students 4 – 5 years old. More than 20 nationalities are represented in the school.
Schedule a visit
Prepare for your visit
Schedule a visit
There’s nothing we love more than introducing families to our community and the learning experience at WNS.
West Nairobi School is open Monday through Friday 7:45 am to 4:15 pm. The school is closed on school and public holidays.
Please note: If you would like to schedule an appointment with admissions or take a school tour, fill the contact form or call to book an appointment.
+254 709-331-000 , +254 733-610-394, or +254 703-610-394
info@westnairobischool.org
MUSIC PROGRAM
The WNS Music Department seeks to educate and train the student as a complete musician through professional preparation in performance, theoretical and historical studies. Performance preparation in both vocal and instrumental areas is cultivated by individual instruction and ensemble membership. WNS currently offers Middle School Band, Middle School General Music, Middle School Choir, and High School Band. Peripatetic tutoring is also available for students throughout the week.
Elementary students have music classes twice a week and two concerts per year.
Middle school students present two concerts per year as well as present an Easter Chapel service which involves choral singing and dramatic readings.
High school students continue on with the instrumental program -band and string ensemble. The students continue to build on understanding the music theory, aural, musical interpretation, music history, different genres of music and performance skills.
WNS seeks to encourage students to set external music goals and is particularly supportive of ABRSM (Associated Board Of the Royal School of Music) Practical and Theory examinations. WNS is a host site for one of the examination centers for students sitting the practical examinations from an ABSRM examiner from London.
The music department currently has two full-time staff: Ms. Rachel Mwaguhu and Mr. Samson Maiko.
At WNS we aim to provide our students with an education that has incorporated technology.
Our computer labs boost of brand new computers and each grade has a computer lesson in their curriculum. We are now offering on-line courses for high school through our sister school Northstar Academy.
Elementary school integrates their lessons with a Digital Classroom in a box using a Kio Kit as well as Kindles and Chrome books. Our classrooms are equipped with projectors and projector screens that can be used as white boards.
We interact with our students and parents through a web-based tool called Sycamore.
At WNS, we offer programs for students whose first language is not English and for students with minor learning disabilities or who may be slightly behind academically.
Our English Language Learner (ELL) program is offered to students whose first language is not English. Our dedicated teachers work with the students to get them to the level of reading, writing and understanding in English so that they will be successful in the classroom.
Our Education Resource Services (ERS) program is designed for students who have minor learning disabilities or who may be slightly behind academically. We have specially trained teachers whose primary focus is to work with these students so that they successfully achieve their academic goals.
What is Advanced Placement?
https://apstudent.collegeboard.org/exploreap
The Advantages of Advanced Placement (From the College Board website)
Stand Out in College Admissions
Deciding to take an AP course lets colleges and universities know that you have what it takes to succeed in an undergraduate environment. When admissions officers see “AP” on your transcript, they know that what you experienced in a particular class has prepared you well for the challenges of college. Taking AP is a sign that you’re up for the most rigorous classes your high school has to offer.
Earn College Credits
By taking an AP course and scoring successfully on the related AP Exam, you can save on college expenses: most colleges and universities nationwide offer college credit, advanced placement, or both, for qualifying AP Exam scores. These credits can allow students to save college tuition, study abroad, or secure a second major. AP can transform what once seemed unattainable into something within reach.
Check out specific colleges’ guidelines on accepting AP scores for credit and placement by searching our AP Credit Policy database.
Skip Introductory Classes
If you already know your preferred college major, taking a related AP course and earning a qualifying score on the AP Exam can help you advance and avoid required introductory courses – so you can move directly into upper-level classes and focus on the work that interests you most.
Even taking an AP Exam unrelated to your major – whether or not you know what you want to major in – can place you beyond your college’s general education requirements. This opens up additional time on your schedule, enabling you to do a second major or minor, take exciting electives, or pursue additional interests.
Build College Skills
Taking an AP course builds the skills you’ll need throughout your college years. You give your mind a rigorous workout while polishing up your time management and study skills. You also get better at handling challenging issues and problems, with the support of your AP teachers. AP courses let you know what to expect during the next phase of your educational journey and help you build the confidence to succeed.
AP Classes offered at WNS :
- AP Biology / AP Chemistry (rotating years)
- AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based
- AP Calculus AB
- AP Language & Composition
- AP Literature & Composition
- AP French Language and Culture
- AP Research
- AP Psychology
- AP Seminar
AP Classes offered at WNS via online
- AP Human Geography
- AP World History
- AP European History
- AP US History
- AP Statistics
- AP Computer Science – Java
- AP Language Spanish and Culture
- AP Music Theory
WNS AP classes school summary
AP Test Information for 2021- 2022 School Year
Deadline to register by:
- If you are a non-WNS student and are interested in taking the Advanced Placement test with West Nairobi School the deadline to register is November 15th. Orders for AP tests will be placed the next working day after the deadline.
Cost for registering:
- $200 USD
- It is payable through the Finance Department at WNS.
Who to contact:
- guidance@westnairobischool.org
- accounts@westnairobischool.org
AP Coronavirus Updates [Read more…]
Getting Ahead (and Abroad) of the University Competition [Read more…]
The WNS Guidance Office
The WNS Guidance Office strives to help students reach their full potential academically, socially, and spiritually. Feel free to contact the Guidance Office should you have any questions by calling the school or by emailing the guidance counselor at guidance@westnairobischool.org
West Nairobi School is now a testing site for Advanced Placement (AP) and PSAT for Non-WNS students. For more information on test dates and times, email the guidance counselor at guidance@westnairobischool.org
Guidance Office Announcements
*Parents & students can also check the WNS calendar events and dates.
WNS SAT DATA
Useful College Links
Online Schools Guide
http://www.onlineschools.org/guides/
Contact Us
Contact the Guidance Office by following this link or emailing directly at guidance@westnairobischool.org
Click Here
To see a partial list of universities WNS students have been accepted to click here.
WNS Profile
Follow this link to see our school profile.
Requirements
Follow this link to see graduation requirements.
SCHOOL PROFILE 2022 – 2023
School and Community
West Nairobi School (WNS) is an international Christian school founded in 1996. It is a private co-ed day school with North American curriculum taught in English for grades Kindergarten to 12th grade. WNS also has a Pre-Kindergarten class for students 4-5 years old. The student body is made up of 30 different nationalities.
Accreditation
West Nairobi School is accredited with the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA-CESS) and the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI).
The High School
The West Nairobi High School is a comprehensive four-year high school with 131 students in grades 9 through 12. WNS graduated their first class in the spring of 2010. WNS School Profile 2022-2023
The class of 2018 graduated 24 students.
The class of 2019 graduated 15 students.
The class of 2020 graduated 16 students
The class of 2021 graduated 23 students
The class of 2022 graduated 27 students
School Calendar
The school year consists of two semesters, with 175-180 instructional days. The first semester begins in August and ends in December; the second semester begins in January and ends in May or June. The 2020-2021 school year was slightly shorter due to COVID-19 with a Sept. 1, 2020, start date.
Curriculum
WNS uses North American curriculum and standardized testing is administered to grades 1-11 each year. WNS offers a broad range of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, including the prestigious AP Capstone Diploma program. The AP course offerings include Biology, Calculus AB, Chemistry, Computer Science Principles, Computer Science A, English Language and Composition, English Literature and Composition, Environmental Science, European History, Human Geography, Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, Music Theory, Physics 1, Physics C: Mechanics, Psychology, Research, Seminar, Statistics, US Government & Politics, US History, and Modern World History. WNS also offers online classes through NorthStar Academy which is accredited by AdvancED.
Additional Services
WNS is committed to meeting individual needs of students subject to the availability of staff and facilities. English Language Learner (ELL) classes, Educational Resource Services (ERS), and remedial programs are provided for students as necessary.
Grading Scale
93-100 = A, 90-92 = A-, 87-89 = B+, 83-86 = B, 80-82 = B-, 77-79 = C+, 73-76 = C, 70-72 = C-, 67-69 = D+, 63-66 = D, 60-62 = D-, Below 60 = F
High School credit is not granted for grades below a C- or 70%. Honors and AP courses are weighted.
Graduation Requirements
West Nairobi School offers two diploma tracks:
College Preparatory Diploma: 24 total credits are required for graduation including:
4 English,
3 Social Studies,
3 Math,
3 Science,
1-4 Bible (required every semester enrolled),
2 World Language,
1 Fine Arts,
1 Physical Education,
0.5 Online Class (may be in any subject), and
3-6 Electives / additional credits for a total of 24 credits.
Academic Honors Diploma: 27 total credits are required. In addition to the requirements for the College Preparatory Diploma students must accomplish the following:
Earn a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher,
Take a rigorous course load including at least 2 credits of AP classes,
Accumulate 15 credits in core subjects,
3 credits of World Language, and
Electives / additional credits for a total of 27 credits.
Student Ranking
West Nairobi School does not rank students.
Co-curricular and School Sponsored Activities
Community Service:
All high school students participate in community service projects throughout the year as permitted with COVID-19.
Fine Arts:
Instrumental and vocal music programs provide students with opportunities to participate in orchestra and music concerts throughout the year.
Art gallery exhibits students’ art and photography.
Model United Nations:
Select students may participate in and represent WNS at the East African Model United Nations.
Sports Program:
Interscholastic competition is offered to all students and includes soccer, basketball, volleyball, cross county, and swimming.
Student Leadership:
Student leaders are selected at the beginning of the school year to plan, lead, and promote school community events, pep rallies, school spirit activities, and fundraisers.
Faculty
There are over 45 certified faculty at West Nairobi School, providing a teaching faculty-to-student ratio of 1:8. The faculty includes a director, principals, guidance counselor, mental health counselor, educational resource teachers (ERS), English language learner teachers (ELL), and K4-12th grade teachers.
Download profile here [Standardized test data, University and College admissions]
For more information please reach out to the guidance counselor at guidance@westnairobischool.org