International School of Kenya

Nairobi, Kenya

About the International School of Kenya: The International School of Kenya (otherwise known as ISK) is a private, not for profit school situated on a stunning former coffee plantation in Nairobi, Kenya.

School Mission: ISK inspires and nurtures passion, creativity and ambition in pursuit of a better world.

School Vision: Empowering students to create solutions for tomorrow’s challenges.

Check out the school’s website for further info.

ITF Review
(Based on Independent Research)

Would you recommend this school to other teaching families?

Highly recommend – the school has received consistently positive feedback from teachers and offers a generous salary, great benefits and access to a diverse and supportive community.

Overall compensation package rating

A generous salary is paid in USD that provides the ability to save and life comfortably as a family.

Tuition benefits

Two children receive full fee remissions per teacher. For additional children, you’re eligible for a 50% fee reduction (capped at four children in total).

Housing

Onsite and offsite housing is provided, with most teachers offered onsite accomodation in their first year. If no onsite accommodation is available, they’ll be provided with an off campus apartment. Be aware most apartments do not allow pets.

Flights

Annual flights are provided for teachers and dependents (based on economy airfare and the most direct route).


Healthcare

Medical insurance is provided for teachers and dependents (up to four kids). This includes generous medical coverage, dental benefits and prescription medicine.

Adjustment for kids

The majority of students (around 90%) are international, representing more than 60 different nationalities. With around 1,000 students kids typically adapt quickly.

Average class sizes

Classes typically average 20 students per year level.

Teaching experience required

The school prefers teachers with at least two years minimum teaching experience. You also need to hold formal teaching qualifications/certification. It’s a highly competitive school to work at.

Curriculum

International Primary Curriculum, International Baccalaureate (DP).

Retirement/pension benefits

In addition to your annual salary, the school also pays an extra 11% of your salary as a retirement benefit.

School history & stability

The school has a solid history – first established in 1976.

International School of Kenya – Additional Benefits

  • Life insurance benefit
  • Tuition fee, capital level, bus fee and application fees covered for two kids
  • Settling in allowance
  • Opportunities for dependents
  • Utilities covered

What Teachers are Saying Online About the International School of Kenya

ISK is a positive workplace for teachers and is one of the best employers in Kenya. It offers a supportive community, fulfilling work, and a high number of holidays. Be mindful that like other international schools, there is a big difference in pay and benefits between local hires and expats.

EX TEACHER, ISK

I am a Kenyan and it’s by far the best international school in the country.

TEACHER FROM KENYA

I taught in another school in Nairobi and had friends who worked there. The teachers are made up of staff from around the world and everyone I knew said it was the best school they’d ever worked at. It sounds amazing.

EX TEACHER IN NAIROBI, KENYA
Aerial shot of Nairobi - blending urban architecture and natural landscapes - what you can expect if you work at the International School of Kenya
A giraffe standing tall in Naoribo national park, Kenya
A street scene in Mombasa, Kenya with a cyclist riding in the city bustle - what you might see on your daily commute to the Aga Khan Academy Mombasa

Safety, Adaptability & Cost of Living

  • Safety: Fair – Nairobi has areas that are safe and popular with expat families, but like any major city, it’s important to stay alert. Many expats will avoid walking alone at night and take precautions with transport. Political demonstrations also happen occasionally, so steer clear of large gatherings.
  • Adaptability: Mixed – English is widely spoken in Nairobi, and many locals are welcoming and used to expats. But it can take some time to adapt to local infrastructure challenges, slower service delivery, and bureaucracy. The city offers a vibrant social scene, but there are differences in cultural expectations.
  • Cost of Living: Balanced – Everyday expenses like groceries, transport, and domestic help are affordable. But like many African countries, purchasing imported goods can be expensive. Nairobi can be as affordable or as costly as the lifestyle you choose.

General Overview for Teaching Families

Founded in 1976 as a joint partnership between the U.S. and Canadian governments, the International School of Kenya (ISK) is a private, non-profit day school. It offers education for kids PreK to Grade 12 on a stunning 40-acre campus. It has a reputation for offering a rigorous, inclusive international curriculum (the IB Diploma Programme). The school serves expat and local Kenyan families, and maintains a strong commitment to child protection and global best practices when hiring new staff members. It’s an incredibly competitive school to work at.

Along with a strong academic program, the school offers comprehensive support services including ESOL, inclusion, and college counselling. The teaching staff is also highly diverse, with teachers coming from over 15 countries.

Teaching packages are highly competitive, with salaries paid 100% in USD. There are also generous teacher benefits including full health insurance for up to four dependents, life insurance, strong retirement contributions, and high savings potential (especially for teaching couples). Annual flights, tuition remission, and a settling-in allowance are also included.

ISK is a well-established, sought-after school in East Africa, offering a supportive setting for teachers and their families seeking a professional challenge and cultural enrichment.

Do you currently teach at ISK? If so we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch to share your experience with us or complete our teacher survey!

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