International Schools in Mombasa

Mombasa, Kenya’s coastal gem, offers a laid-back lifestyle paired with a growing selection of international schools catering to both local and expatriate families. As of February 20, 2025, there are 12 notable international schools in Mombasa, providing diverse curricula such as British, International Baccalaureate (IB), Canadian, and Islamic-integrated programs. These schools serve students from toddlerhood to young adulthood, with fees ranging from budget-friendly to premium, and options for day and boarding education. Below, we explore these schools in detail and offer a way to personalize your search for the perfect fit.

Overview of International Schools in Mombasa

Mombasa’s international schools are fewer in number compared to Nairobi’s 45, but they pack a punch with quality education, modern facilities, and a focus on global citizenship. Most schools are clustered in areas like Nyali, a prime residential zone popular with expatriates. The British curriculum dominates, reflecting Kenya’s historical ties to the UK, but options like IB and Canadian curricula add variety. Many schools emphasize holistic development, blending academics with extracurriculars and values like Islamic heritage or experiential learning.

Featured International Schools in Mombasa

1. Greenwood Groove International School

• Description: An IGCSE school in Nyali offering junior and senior programs.
• Curriculum: British
• Language of Instruction: English
• Ages: 3 to 18
• Yearly Fees: Not publicly available
• Reviews: 1 review
• Highlights: Provides a full British education pathway from early years to IGCSE.

2. Oshwal Academy Mombasa

• Description: A diverse learning environment fostering talent and 21st-century skills.
• Curriculum: British
• Language of Instruction: English
• Ages: 1 to 18
• Yearly Fees: Not publicly available
• Highlights: Balances academics with innovation, catering to a wide age range.

3. Bright International Academy

• Description: An Islamic-integrated nursery and primary school blending British and Kenyan curricula.
• Curriculum: British, Islamic, Kenyan
• Language of Instruction: English
• Ages: 2 to 11
• Yearly Fees: Not publicly available
• Highlights: Ideal for families seeking an Islamic ethos alongside secular education.

4. KenCada International Academy

• Description: Focuses on educating the whole child with a Canadian-inspired approach.
• Curriculum: Canadian, International
• Language of Instruction: English
• Ages: 3 to 11
• Yearly Fees: Not publicly available
• Highlights: Emphasizes experiential learning for younger students.

5. The Aga Khan Academy Mombasa

• Description: An IB World School with state-of-the-art facilities and boarding for 160 students.
• Curriculum: International Baccalaureate (IB)
• Language of Instruction: English
• Ages: 6 to 18
• Yearly Fees (2024/2025): KSh 537,140 to KSh 1,611,420
• Reviews: 4 reviews
• Highlights: Part of the Aga Khan network, it prepares ethical leaders with a global outlook.

6. The Coast Academy

• Description: Offers the British curriculum from playgroup to Year 13.
• Curriculum: British
• Language of Instruction: English
• Ages: 2 to 18
• Yearly Fees (2024/2025): KSh 58,000 to KSh 283,050
• Highlights: One of the most affordable options with a comprehensive age range.

7. Braeburn Mombasa International School (BMIS)

• Description: A co-educational school following the National Curriculum of England and Wales.
• Curriculum: British
• Language of Instruction: English
• Ages: 2 to 18
• Yearly Fees (2024/2025): KSh 343,200 to KSh 1,342,200
• Highlights: Part of the reputable Braeburn Group, known for quality education.

8. Deenway International School

• Description: Integrates Islamic studies with the British curriculum (Edexcel).
• Curriculum: British, Islamic
• Language of Instruction: English
• Ages: 11 to 18
• Yearly Fees: Not publicly available
• Reviews: 1 review
• Highlights: Targets secondary students with a focus on Islamic identity.

9. MM Shah and MV Shah Academy

• Description: Offers a structured environment with high expectations for success.
• Curriculum: British, International
• Language of Instruction: English
• Ages: 5 to 14
• Yearly Fees (2024/2025): KSh 215,000 to KSh 335,000
• Highlights: Strong leadership and parent engagement for primary and middle schoolers.

10. Jaffery Academy

• Description: Empowers students to learn at their own pace in a supportive setting.
• Curriculum: British
• Language of Instruction: English
• Ages: 3 to 18
• Yearly Fees: Not publicly available
• Reviews: 1 review
• Highlights: Focuses on individual uniqueness and societal impact.

11. Light International School Mombasa

• Description: Prioritizes academic excellence, STEM, and global exposure.
• Curriculum: British
• Language of Instruction: English
• Ages: 1 to 18
• Yearly Fees (2024/2025): KSh 213,000 to KSh 1,105,000
• Highlights: Strong career guidance for Ivy League aspirations.

12. The Mombasa Academy

• Description: A pioneering school founded in 1978 by F.J. Bentley in Nyali.
• Curriculum: British
• Language of Instruction: English
• Ages: 2 to 18
• Yearly Fees: Not publicly available
• Reviews: 1 review
• Highlights: Draws from Mombasa’s expatriate community with a long-standing reputation.

Curriculum Options

• British Curriculum: Predominant in Mombasa (e.g., Braeburn, Light International, Jaffery), leading to IGCSE and A-Levels.
• International Baccalaureate (IB): Offered by The Aga Khan Academy, focusing on inquiry-based learning.
• Canadian/International: KenCada provides a unique Canadian-inspired approach.
• Islamic-Integrated: Bright International and Deenway blend British curricula with Islamic studies.

Fee Structures

Fees vary based on facilities and curriculum:

• Budget-Friendly: The Coast Academy (KSh 58,000–283,050), Light International (starting at KSh 213,000).
• Mid-Range: MM Shah and MV Shah (KSh 215,000–335,000), Braeburn Mombasa (up to KSh 1,342,200).
• Premium: The Aga Khan Academy (up to KSh 1,611,420).
• Not Disclosed: Many schools (e.g., Greenwood Groove, Oshwal) require direct inquiries.

Personalize Your Search

Finding the right school depends on your priorities. Answer these quick questions to calculate a personal score for each Mombasa international school:

1. Preferred Curriculum: British, IB, Canadian, or Islamic-integrated?
2. Age Range: Early years, primary, secondary, or full spectrum (1-18)?
3. Budget: Low (under KSh 300,000), mid (KSh 300,000–1,000,000), or premium (above KSh 1,000,000)?
4. Values: Secular, Christian, Islamic, or holistic development?
5. Facilities: Boarding, STEM focus, or extracurricular emphasis?

Based on your answers, schools will be ranked. For example:

• Budget + British + Full Range: The Coast Academy or Light International.
• Premium + IB + Boarding: The Aga Khan Academy.
• Islamic + Secondary: Deenway International.

Conclusion

Mombasa’s 12 international schools offer a rich mix of educational options, from the affordable Coast Academy to the prestigious Aga Khan Academy. Whether you seek a British foundation, IB rigor, or an Islamic-integrated experience, there’s a school to match your needs. Use the personalization tool to narrow your choices and find the perfect fit for your child as of February 20, 2025.