Small in Scale, Great in Impact
Dutch-language education in the heart of Nairobi. Where every child is seen, known, and valued.
Why Choose the Dutch School?
Small in Scale, Great in Impact Where every child is seen
Bilingual Education
Fully bilingual curriculum for seamless transition, internationally or in the Netherlands and Belgium.
IEYC/IPC Curriculum
International Early Years and Primary Curriculum with thematic learning that encourages inquiry-based learning and global citizenship.
Small Community
With 10+ nationalities and small class sizes, every child receives personalized attention and care.
Green Campus
A beautiful green compound in Karen with space for outdoor learning, play, experience, and discovery.
50+
Years of Excellence
About the Dutch School Nairobi
More than 50 years of educational excellence
The Dutch School has been offering Dutch-language education in Nairobi for more than 50 years. Our small classrooms focus on individual learning needs, while our large, green compound provides a wonderful place to learn and discover.
Our Mission
We provide international, multilingual, and differentiated education to toddlers and primary school students that fully meets the Dutch Core Objectives and the goals of the International Primary Curriculum, enabling our students to develop into open-minded, inquiring, and critical global citizens.
Our Vision
Our vision is to develop children's own identity and talents to make a valuable contribution to a changing world.
Our Offering
A varied offering that meets diverse needs
Toddler Group
Learning through play and discovery in a warm and safe environment, in small groups (max. 15 toddlers), with a strong language foundation in Dutch and English.
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Primary School
Rich bilingual education combining Dutch curriculum with International Primary Curriculum (IPC).
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NTC
Dutch language and culture education in the afternoon for children attending other international schools in Nairobi.
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Adult Dutch Lessons
Dutch language courses for adults at all proficiency levels. Perfect for parents, partners, or anyone interested in learning Dutch.
Learn MoreQuick Facts About the Dutch School
The Dutch School in a nutshell
The Dutch School is an accredited school in Nairobi, Kenya, with various departments. The bilingual primary school offers Dutch-language and English-language education for children from age 1.5. Established in 1971 and recognized by the Dutch Education Abroad Foundation (NOB), the school combines the Dutch national curriculum with the International Primary Curriculum (IPC).
What curriculum does the Dutch School follow?
We follow a bilingual curriculum combining the official Dutch core objectives with the IEYC (International Early Years Curriculum) and IPC (International Primary Curriculum). This ensures students can transition seamlessly to schools in the Netherlands and Belgium or continue their international education pathway in Kenya or elsewhere.
What are the school fees at the Dutch School?
Our fees are divided into two groups: Tariff A for families where the employer reimburses school fees, and Tariff B for families paying out of pocket. Contact us for the detailed fee structure.
Do students need to speak Dutch to enroll?
No prior Dutch language knowledge is required for our day school department. Our immersive bilingual program supports children at all language levels. In most cases, students speak fluent Dutch in daily use within a year, through the combination of daily exposure and dedicated language instruction.
Can students transition to English-language education?
Yes. Thanks to our bilingual curriculum, IPC lessons taught in English, and frequent English language classes, students can move on to British, American, or other English-language schools. Throughout their school career, students build a strong foundation in both Dutch and English, leaving them well prepared for the next step within an international education environment. When parents share their plans with us in good time, we are happy to think along about how best to prepare their child for the transition. For students in Group 8 we can also offer targeted support in preparing for (international) secondary education.
What Parents Say
Hear from our community
“The transition from school in the Netherlands was made easy thanks to the smooth progression from the Toddler Group into Groep 1/2, with both classes located close together and familiar routines helping children feel confident and settled. The bilingual programme allows our children to follow the Dutch curriculum whilst IPC in English builds curiosity through engaging activities. The school bus from Lavington is efficient, and the community is very warm.”
Jenny
Parent
“My family has had a wonderful experience at the Netherlands School Nairobi. It provides a warm, welcoming, and nurturing environment where every child is appreciated and valued as an individual. We especially appreciate the school's commitment to supporting students with different learning styles and abilities, ensuring that each child receives the attention and encouragement they need to thrive. The school's diverse community and appreciation of different cultures create a rich learning environment that helps children develop respect, understanding, and confidence. Most importantly, my sons genuinely love going to school every day because it is a happy, caring place where they feel safe, included, and excited to learn.”
Dennis Kinambuga
Parent
53
Years of Excellence
18
Nationalities
1:8
Teacher-Student Ratio
1,200+
Happy Graduates
A great start for your child's school career
Discover our diverse and engaged school community
Discover how the Dutch School can give your child a strong bilingual foundation through quality education in a safe and trusted learning environment.
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