The unique and colorful history of ISK extends back to 1967 when Nancy Ellen Crooks founded the US Community School in a house near the Nairobi Hospital. Well known for her passion for education, Mrs. Crooks became the first principal and was dedicated to meeting the educational needs of expatriate and Kenyan children in Nairobi.;xNLx; ;xNLx;In 1970, the United States International University (USIU) bought the school and moved it to our current location, a coffee plantation at the end of Peponi Road. Grades were expanded from 4th grade to 12th grade and even college courses were offered. The move also came with a name change - the American Community School was renamed Nairobi International School.;xNLx; ;xNLx; The genesis of the International School of Kenya dates back to June of 1975 when the school community proposed to purchase the Nairobi International School (NIS) from United States International University ( USIU). A committee was formed under the auspices of the United States Embassy and Canadian High Commission to investigate this possibility and the International School of Kenya (ISK) was officially established on May 3, 1976. ISK took over NIS facilities on July 1,1976, and classes commenced for the first time as the International School of Kenya in August of 1976.;xNLx; ;xNLx;ISK is not merely a story of buildings and inanimate objects. It is a story of people, a story of thousands of students who have passed through ISK’s corridors, left their mark, and gone on to achieve their goals around the world. It is a story of dedicated teachers, administrators, parents and board members who have given their time and energy to make ISK what it is today.;xNLx;
“My fondest memory of ISK is meeting the love of my life, Terri, at the Junior Prom in the spring of 1974. A mutual friend suggested I ask her—and I’m so glad I did. When her family moved back to California soon after, we kept our connection alive through countless airmail letters across continents. Six years later, on June 1, 1980, Terri said ‘yes’ again—this time to forever.” Rob Bigsby (Class of 1975)
The genesis of the International School of Kenya dates back to June of 1975 when the school community proposed to purchase the Nairobi International School (NIS) from United States International University ( USIU). A committee was formed under the auspices of the United States Embassy and Canadian High Commission to investigate this possibility, and the International School of Kenya (ISK) was officially established on May 3, 1976. ISK took over NIS facilities on July 1,1976, and classes commenced for the first time as the International School of Kenya in August of 1976.
Appointed in January 1976, ISK Superintendent Mr. Everett McGlothlin reflected on his first year, saying: “Overall, the 1976/77 school year was successful. It was gratifying to see members of the student body, faculty, community, and Board of Directors taking an active interest in the affairs of the school.” *Update as of July 2025 : Click on the link below to see what Mr. McGlothlin has been up to.
In Cupertino, California, Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak established the Apple Computer Company, introducing the Apple I—their first personal computer—assembled in a garage. The company marked the beginning of the personal computing revolution, making technology more accessible beyond large corporations and universities. Apple’s founding would go on to reshape the global technology landscape, influencing innovation, design, and the way people interact with computers and digital devices.
The International School of Kenya came into existence on July 1, 1976 as successor to the Nairobi International School whose facilities it purchased. The school was originally established in 1966 as the US Community School and from 1969 until 1976 operated as the Nairobi International School under the auspices of the US international University of San Diego which maintained a Nairobi campus.
The United States marks 200 years of independence since the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. The Bicentennial was celebrated nationwide with parades, fireworks, historical reenactments, and special commemorations. Major cities hosted tall ship displays, and President Gerald Ford led national events in Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia. The celebration symbolized both pride in American history and reflection during a time of political and social change in the U.S.
In its first year as The International School of Kenya, ISK welcomes its first 485 students.
On this day, ISK opened its doors for the very first time, welcoming students, educators, and families to a new chapter in international education in Nairobi. What began as a small community with a big vision has grown over five decades into a vibrant, diverse, and innovative learning environment.
"I loved interacting and playing with my friends of all nationalities which helped me to be open, friendly and comfortable with various peoples and cultures I've encountered throughout my adult life." Caron Grantham (Attended ISK from 1976 to 1977)
Mr. Havelock Mathitu had been at ISK since 1969. He witnessed the name change from The American Community School, to Nairobi International School, and then to The International School of Kenya. He retired in June 2016.
