How to Choose a Private CBC School in Embakasi: A Practical Guide for Parents
Two schools with similar fees can offer very different days. Here is how to compare the five things that actually shape your child’s experience — honestly.
To choose a private CBC school in Embakasi, visit your shortlisted schools in person and compare five things that shape your child’s day — class sizes and teacher support, how the school delivers CBC in practice (not just on paper), its approach to values and discipline, safety and meals, and admission availability for your child’s specific grade. Below is how to weigh each — and how Kings International Academy in Fedha measures up, so you can judge whether it fits your family or not.
Why choosing a CBC school takes more than a fees list
Kenya’s Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) asks schools to develop skills, character and practical competencies — not just exam performance. That means two schools charging similar fees can deliver very different daily experiences. The only reliable way to choose is to look past the brochure at how a school actually runs: how many children are in a class, what learners genuinely do each week, and whether the school’s values match your own.
Embakasi and the wider Fedha, Tassia, Pipeline and Nyayo Estate area has many private schools. This guide covers the questions worth asking every one of them — and where it helps, points you to the relevant part of the Kings International Academy website for detail.
Class size and teacher support
Small classes matter most in the early years, when a strong foundation shapes everything that follows. In a crowded class, a five-year-old who has fallen behind can stay invisible for weeks.
What to ask — What is the average class size, and the maximum you allow? Are there assistant teachers, especially in preschool?
At Kings — average classes run about 20 learners in Preschool and around 10 in Junior School, with a firm cap of 24 per class. Every Preschool class has an assistant teacher, and Primary and Junior School have additional teachers on hand to support learners who need it. You can see how each stage is structured on the CBC programmes page, from Daycare through Junior School.
How the school delivers CBC in practice
CBC is meant to be hands-on. A school truly running it will have concrete examples of learners doing — not just a curriculum document.
What to ask — Can you give me real examples of project-based or practical learning from this term? How are learners assessed beyond exams?
At Kings — learners take part in practical, competency-based activities — for example, cooking sessions where children work in the kitchen in aprons and hairnets, alongside co-curricular activities like football, chess and skating, and educational trips that connect classroom learning to the real world. There is more of this in our campus life gallery. Assessment goes beyond exams to include classwork, continuous assessment, practical activities and projects, depending on the level and subject.
Values, discipline and faith — finding a private CBC school in Embakasi that fits
This is where the “fit” question is most personal. A school’s stance on discipline and faith should either match what you want for your child, or clearly not — and a good school will tell you honestly which it is.
What to ask — What values does the school teach, and how? If it is a faith-based school, what does that mean day to day — and are families of other faiths welcome?
At Kings — Kings is a Christian school sponsored by Gospel Centres International, founded in January 2009. You can read the school’s full story on the about Kings International Academy page. Christian values show up through devotions, assemblies, Christian Religious Education (CRE), and the modelling of values like integrity, respect, discipline, responsibility, kindness and service. Families from other faith backgrounds are welcome to enrol — the school does not require or enforce conversion — provided they are comfortable with its Christian devotions and general approach.
Families looking for a school that places little emphasis on academics or discipline, or families who want a completely non-Christian environment. If either describes what you are after, another school will suit you better — and that is worth knowing before you enrol.
Safety, meals and daily wellbeing
The practical basics parents rightly worry about: is my child safe, and are they fed well enough to learn?
What to ask — What are the security arrangements? Are meals prepared on-site, and what is the approach to nutrition?
At Kings — security includes guards, controlled gate access, visitor sign-in and CCTV. Meals are prepared on-site by Bonnie Cuisines, with a balanced diet aimed at giving learners the nutrition they need to grow and concentrate through the school day. The people who look after them day to day are introduced on the Kings International Academy teachers page.
Admission availability for your child’s grade
“Admissions open” does not always mean open for your child’s grade. Some grades fill up, and some schools admit certain grades only at specific times of year. Always confirm for the exact grade you need.
At Kings — admissions are open across most levels on a rolling basis throughout the year. Preschool places are currently limited. Grades 6 and 9 admit only at the beginning of the year, not mid-year. It is best to enquire early for your child’s grade — you can see the steps on the Kings International Academy admissions page.
A quick checklist for any school visit
Before you decide, confirm these in person for each school on your shortlist:
- Average and maximum class size, and whether there are assistant teachers
- Two or three real examples of practical, CBC-style learning
- How learners are assessed beyond exams
- The school’s stance on values, discipline and faith — and whether it fits your family
- Security arrangements and whether meals are prepared on-site
- Whether your child’s specific grade currently has space
- Total termly cost, including transport, meals and one-off charges
For more on how the curriculum itself works, the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) is the official reference. A good next step is to see the school in action: browse upcoming school events in Fedha, or get in touch with Kings International Academy to arrange a visit.
Frequently asked questions
What is a private CBC school?
A private CBC school is a privately owned school that teaches Kenya’s Competency-Based Curriculum, the national curriculum that focuses on developing skills, character and practical competencies from early years through junior school, rather than exam performance alone.
What is a good class size for a CBC school?
Smaller is generally better, especially in the early years. Classes in the low-to-mid twenties or below allow teachers to give individual attention. At Kings International Academy, classes average about 20 in Preschool and are capped at 24.
Are faith-based schools open to families of other religions?
Many are. Kings International Academy, for example, is a Christian school that welcomes families of other faiths and does not enforce conversion, provided they are comfortable with the school’s Christian devotions and values.
How do I know if a school actually delivers CBC well?
Ask for specific, recent examples of practical and project-based learning, and how children are assessed beyond written exams. A school delivering CBC well can point to real activities such as cooking, sports, chess and educational trips, and to continuous assessment, not just term exams.
Is Kings International Academy currently accepting new pupils?
Yes, across most levels on a rolling basis, though Preschool places are limited and Grades 6 and 9 admit only at the start of the year. It is best to enquire early for your child’s grade.
Where is Kings International Academy located?
Kings International Academy is in Fedha, off Outering Road, Nairobi (P.O. Box 45383–00100). You can reach the school on +254 716 119 645 or at info@kingsinternational.sc.ke.
See it for yourself in Fedha
The best way to judge any school is to walk the grounds and meet the teachers. Book a tour or start your child’s application today.
Start an ApplicationFedha, Outering Road, Nairobi • +254 716 119 645 • info@kingsinternational.sc.ke