Light International School (LIS), under the leadership of Principal Ramsi Hasanli, stands as a premier institution offering a world-class British curriculum education in Nairobi, Kenya. Since opening its doors in 2001, LIS has grown into a culturally diverse, ultra-modern international school, catering to students from ages 2 to 18 across multiple campuses. With a commitment to academic excellence, innovative teaching, and holistic development, LIS prepares students for global success through the Cambridge IGCSE, A-Level, and Pearson BTEC qualifications. This article explores LIS’s campuses, curriculum, facilities, fees, and its unique position in Kenya’s educational landscape for the 2024/2025 academic year.
Campuses: Karen, Lavington, and Lenana
LIS operates three distinct campuses in Nairobi, each tailored to specific age groups yet unified by a serene, conducive learning environment:
- LIS Nairobi Karen Campus:
- Location: Situated off Langata Road in the leafy suburb of Karen C, approximately 15 km southwest of Nairobi’s city center, this campus spans a sizable plot ideal for both learning and recreation.
- Age Range: Ages 2 to 18 (Kindergarten through A-Level).
- Facilities: Boasts spacious, modern classrooms equipped with smart boards and projectors, warmly decorated with teaching aids. The campus includes ICT labs, science laboratories, a library, and extensive sports facilities such as fields and courts. Boarding options are available, enhancing its appeal for families seeking a comprehensive educational experience.
- Primary Lavington Campus:
- Location: Located on Ole Odume Road in the upscale Lavington neighborhood, roughly 6 km from Nairobi’s central business district.
- Age Range: Ages 6 to 11 (Years 1-6).
- Facilities: Features well-equipped classrooms with smart technology, a playground, and smaller-scale extracurricular spaces suited for younger learners. Its urban setting offers proximity while maintaining a quiet atmosphere.
- Kindergarten Lenana Campus:
- Location: Found on Lenana Road, near the Hurlingham area, about 4 km from Nairobi’s core.
- Age Range: Ages 2 to 6 (Playgroup through Kindergarten).
- Facilities: Designed for early learners, this campus includes colorful, interactive classrooms with smart boards, a safe play area, and resources tailored to foster creativity and foundational skills.
All campuses emphasize a “beautiful, quiet, and serene environment,” as noted by Principal Hasanli, enhancing focus and engagement for students at every stage.
Curriculum and Qualifications
LIS delivers the British National Curriculum, accredited by Cambridge International Examinations and Pearson Edexcel, ensuring globally recognized qualifications:
- Kindergarten (Ages 2-6): An inquiry-based foundation focusing on literacy, numeracy, and play-based learning, enriched with ICT and creative arts.
- Primary (Years 1-6, Ages 6-11): Builds core skills in English, Mathematics, Science, and Humanities, with additional languages and extracurriculars introduced.
- Secondary 1 (Years 7-9, Ages 12-14): Broadens the curriculum with subject diversity, preparing students for IGCSE choices.
- Secondary 2 (Years 10-11, Ages 15-16): Culminates in the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), with students selecting subjects aligned with their interests and career goals.
- Sixth Form (Years 12-13, Ages 16-18):
- A-Levels: Offers AS and A2 levels in subjects like Mathematics, Sciences, Humanities, and Business, accepted by top universities worldwide.
- BTEC: Provides the Pearson BTEC Level 3 in Business, a practical, vocational qualification equivalent to up to two A-Levels, ideal for students pursuing hands-on career paths.
- Language of Instruction: English, with native English-speaking teachers ensuring fluency and clarity.
- Extra Languages: While not explicitly detailed, LIS’s emphasis on 21st-century skills suggests options like French or other languages may be available, common in international curricula.
LIS boasts “excellent results in both O-Level and A-Level,” with alumni thriving at high-ranking universities globally and making significant impacts in the job market.
Facilities and Extracurriculars
LIS prides itself on advanced facilities and a robust extracurricular program:
- Classrooms: Average class sizes of 20 students (maximum 24), equipped with smart boards and projectors, fostering interactive learning.
- Technology: Students and teachers are equipped with “advanced computer and ICT skills,” supported by dedicated ICT labs.
- Sports and Clubs: The sporting department offers facilities and programs—such as soccer, basketball, and swimming—alongside clubs like Model UN, debate, and arts, ensuring “all students and their different needs are taken care of,” as per Principal Hasanli.
- School Bus: Transportation services are available, though specifics vary by campus; contact LIS for details.
This holistic approach ensures students grow academically, socially, and physically, aligning with 21st-century educational demands.
Fees Structure for 2024/2025
LIS’s fees for the 2024/2025 academic year reflect its premium offerings while remaining competitive among Nairobi’s international schools:
- Range: Annual fees range from KES 584,000 to KES 1,556,000, payable in three terms (August, December, April), except for Years 11-13, which are billed biannually (August, December).
- Kindergarten (Lenana & Karen): Approximately KES 584,000 – KES 700,000 annually, with first-year costs around KES 664,000 including one-time fees (e.g., admission, uniform).
- Primary (Lavington & Karen): KES 700,000 – KES 900,000.
- Secondary (Karen):
- Years 7-9: KES 900,000 – KES 1,100,000.
- IGCSE (Years 10-11): KES 1,200,000 – KES 1,400,000.
- A-Level/BTEC (Years 12-13): KES 1,400,000 – KES 1,556,000.
- Boarding (Karen): Additional KES 200,000 – KES 300,000 annually, covering meals and accommodation.
- One-Time Fees: Include a refundable deposit (KES 50,000-100,000, returned if accounts are settled and notice given), admission fee (KES 20,000), and uniforms/books (KES 30,000-50,000).
- Discounts: A 5% discount applies to full-year payments made by the first day of term; sibling discounts may also be available (contact LIS for confirmation).
Note: Fees are subject to change; visit lis.sc.ke or contact admissions ([email protected]) for the latest details.
Why Choose Light International School?
- Academic Excellence: LIS’s track record in IGCSE, A-Level, and BTEC exams, combined with its vibrant alumni network, reflects its success in preparing students for global universities and careers.
- Cultural Diversity: Described as a “mosaic of many colors,” LIS fosters a harmonious, inclusive community where students from diverse backgrounds thrive.
- Modern Facilities: From smart classrooms to extensive sports amenities, LIS offers a 21st-century learning environment rare among peers.
- Holistic Development: Clubs and sports ensure well-rounded growth, complementing academic rigor with personal and social skills.
Principal Hasanli’s assertion that “your arrival to our school means access to success” encapsulates LIS’s mission to unlock each student’s potential.
Conclusion
Light International School, with its Karen, Lavington, and Lenana campuses, stands as a pinnacle of British curriculum education in Nairobi, Kenya. For the 2024/2025 academic year, fees ranging from KES 584,000 to KES 1,556,000 provide access to a top-tier education, advanced facilities, and a culturally rich environment. Offering IGCSE, A-Levels, and BTEC qualifications, LIS prepares students for prestigious universities and impactful careers worldwide. For families seeking a modern, inclusive, and success-driven international school, LIS is a compelling choice—where education meets opportunity in a serene, supportive setting. Explore more at lis.sc.ke or contact the school to join this vibrant community.
