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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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)
- 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.
West Nairobi School does not rank students.
Co-Curricular & 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.
