This section of the timeline highlights ISK’s key milestones, events, and achievements from 2018 to the present—a dynamic period marked by innovation, growth, and global engagement. During these years, ISK has deepened its focus on sustainability, digital learning, and community partnerships while amplifying student voice, inclusion, and wellbeing. The timeline reflects how ISK continues to evolve, honoring its legacy while preparing students to thrive in an ever-changing world.
Explore ISK’s journey since its founding in 1976! Click the link below to learn more about our history.
Large-scale global protests led by youth, especially inspired by Greta Thunberg, calling for urgent action on climate change.
In 2018, the ISK Educational Aims were refreshed to better reflect our values, with a renewed focus on collecting evidence of students living out these core principles.
ISK officially opened its purpose-built Fabrication Laboratory—a dynamic, creative space that bridges STEM and the arts. The opening also honored the memory of Fares Hussain (Class of 2017), with the dedication of his artwork as a lasting tribute to his creativity, innovation, and spirit.
Led by the student-run Faraja Club, ISK hosted its first-ever fundraising Cancer Run in January 2018. The event raised funds for the Faraja Cancer Support Center in Nairobi, supporting access to treatment for local patients. With a 2K and 5K course, community turnout was strong, marking a meaningful step in student-led service at ISK.
ISK proudly hosted the 2018 AISA Global Issues Service Summit under the theme “It Starts With Us!” Students from across Africa and Europe gathered for three days of inspiring speakers, cultural exchange, and hands-on service. Highlights included talks from Kenyan changemakers like Umra Omar and Dipesh Pabari, global village problem-solving sessions, and a community service day in Karura Forest. The summit empowered students to think globally and act locally.
ISK hosted a four-day institute titled Transforming Schools: Leading and Learning Through Collaboration, bringing together educators to explore innovative practices that strengthen leadership, teamwork, and student-centered learning.
This year, the Elementary School hosted a well coordinated Book Character Party. They dressed up as their favorite authors and characters!
ISK hosted a Kiswahili Consortium organized by the Teaching and Learning Center. A day of reflection on the local language and enhancing people's knowledge.
High school students launched Students for the Environment (SFE) to reduce ISK’s ecological footprint through recycling, tree planting, upcycling, and community education. The club led campus initiatives, collaborated with elementary students, and hosted events like the Candle Light Dinner and Earth Week activities to promote environmental awareness.
With over 68 nationalities represented, International Day was full of color, sounds and attire from all around the world.Diversity Enriches us all was the theme for International Day 2018!
In February 2018, ISK proudly hosted the ISSEA Band & Choir Festival, bringing together talented student musicians from across the region. The campus was filled with music, collaboration, and creativity as students rehearsed, performed, and connected through their shared passion for the performing arts.
For many years, ISK students hit the slopes in Europe on an unofficial but much-loved ski trip. While not a formal school event, it became a favorite tradition among student skiers and a highlight of the year for many!
For the first time ever, ISK joined CNN’s global My Freedom Day initiative — with Middle and High School students coming together to raise awareness about modern-day slavery and explore ways to take action for freedom.
The High School Prom was full of glitz and glam from all our seniors!
In April 2018, ISK brought Shakespeare to life with a lively production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, showcasing student talent, creativity, and theatrical flair.
Hosted by the Elementary School, the first ever Elementary Maker Fair, was a mix of science, robotics and cooking!
Hosted by our Middle School students, the Refuge Benefit Concert was a success raising money for the Autism Support Center Kenya.
On May 25, ISK proudly graduated 73 seniors representing 36 nationalities. With university destinations around the globe and nearly $2.5 million in scholarships awarded, the Class of 2018 reflected both ISK’s diversity and excellence. 67% of the class wrote the IB diploma with a 92% pass rate. ISK students averaged 33 points, consistently higher than the worldwide average of 30 points. Some students had been at ISK since Preschool—others for just one year—highlighting the unique nature of our community.
Diplomatic meetings held between North Korea’s Kim Jong-un and U.S. President Donald Trump, aimed at reducing nuclear tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
The 2017–18 school year in Middle School was filled with energy, friendship, and unforgettable experiences. Students enjoyed fun moments with friends, splashed into swimming activities, and kicked off the year together at the Welcome Back Picnic. Learning with technology opened new possibilities in the classroom, while spirited House activities brought everyone together to celebrate teamwork, creativity, and school pride.
During the 2018–2019 school year, the Embrace the Amazing group brought joy and support to children from the Autism Support Center of Kenya. Meeting monthly, middle and high school students organized creative activities like homemade play dough, water games, block building, coloring, and mask making for kids aged 3 to 16 with varying needs. Through specialized training, ISK students developed skills in communication and collaboration while building meaningful relationships. Embrace the Amazing fosters inclusion, social growth, and fun—giving these children access to experiences they might not otherwise have.
ISK’s Enrollment during the 2018-19 ISK reached 995 students from 66 nationalities!
Since the 2012–2013 school year, one of ISK’s proudest accomplishments has been the ongoing support of its merit-based Scholarship Program for Kenyan citizens. Many of these scholars have gone on to attend universities in the US, UK, or Canada—often with partial or full university scholarships. The 2018 - 2019 recipients were Arissa Tejani & Terrance Macharia
Led by Alexa Schmid, MS Principal, and Pamela Pappas, Director of Community Relations & Advancement, a team of students, parents, faculty, and administrators launched the Diversity Working Group (DWG). Committed to strengthening ISK’s diversity and inclusion practices, the group used the Appreciative Inquiry model to identify strengths, explore areas for growth, and envision a more inclusive, culturally responsive school community.
On August 29, 2018, ISK officially opened the Lions’ Den—an outdoor but fully covered facility featuring multi-use courts for basketball, volleyball, and more. It quickly became a central space for athletics, school spirit, and community gatherings.
Whether hiking Mount Kenya or serving in Ol Pejeta, ISK students are challenged to grow in character and connection, applying learning in diverse Kenyan contexts.
In early September of 2018, 136 middle school students took part in ISK’s first Swahili Immersion class, led by HS Swahili teacher George Ndungu and Kenyan service chaperones. Designed to support Service Learning and promote intercultural understanding, the program introduced students to basic Swahili vocabulary and cultural context through songs, peer activities, and real-world applications.
In 2018, we roared into a new era of school spirit by listening to student voices and launching merch designed by and for our community. The result? Gear that students, staff, and families are proud to wear—boldly representing the Lions wherever they go.
The picnic is also an opportunity for our student groups to fundraise for their various community outreach initiatives through the sale of goods and organization of fun games!
On September 1, the Rhodia Mann Museum in ISK’s Library was officially opened. The Samburu Museum at ISK was inaugurated, showcasing ceremonial items, spears, beads, and original works by Ms. Mann, forming a cultural bridge between ISK and the Samburu people. The artefacts in this unique museum were returned to Ms. Mann in the 2023-2024 school year.
During the 2018–19 school year, IC trips took ISK students on unforgettable adventures across Kenya—from exploring the wildlife and landscapes of Soysambu, to experiencing the thrills of Sagana, to embarking on a breathtaking mountain bike expedition on Mt. Kenya. These journeys deepened friendships, sparked curiosity, and created memories that students continue to cherish.
Leading and Learning in Complex Systems – Professional Learning Institute – This institute brought together educators and leaders to explore how schools can thrive within dynamic and ever-changing environments. Participants examined the interconnected nature of teaching, learning, and leadership through the lens of systems thinking. The institute emphasized collaboration, adaptive leadership, and evidence-informed decision-making, equipping participants with practical strategies to navigate complexity, foster innovation, and strengthen organizational coherence. Through workshops, case studies, and reflective practice, attendees deepened their understanding of how to lead learning communities that are agile, resilient, and future-ready.
Sixth grade students spent the week at Rift Valley Adventures camp in Ol Pejeta Conservancy.
Eighth grade students spent the week in the Maasai Mara with the Me to We organisation. They rotated through various activities over the course of the week.
Seventh grade students spent the week at Ngare Ndare Forest with Rift Valley Adventures.
The Round Square organization is an international network of 180 schools in 50 countries that provides opportunities for students to get out of their comfort zones. Round Square provides opportunities such as service projects, conferences and exchanges that build character, tolerance and understanding of other cultures.
In 2018, ISK high school students launched Design Studio—a student-run club based in the Design & Fabrication Lab. Focused on real-world skills, the club took on client projects ranging from laser engraving to web design, offering professional-quality services while raising funds for community-focused design work.
In line with ISK’s inclusive philosophy, the Life-Centered Education (LCE) program was launched in 2018, initially serving students in Pre-K to Grade 5 with diagnosed intellectual or developmental disabilities. The program provided individualized academic and social instruction while integrating students into electives and after-school activities, fostering inclusion and belonging across the school community. Due to its success, the LCE program was expanded in 2021 to include students from Grade 6 to Grade 12, ensuring continuity and support throughout their learning journey. In 2025, two LCE seniors graduated with a modified ISK High School Diploma, marking a proud milestone for the program and the ISK community.
The ISK Track & Field team travelled to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia for ISSEA this year to compete for ISSEA glory in both cross country and track & field. The boys Cross Country Team took first overall and brought home the championship plaque.
Following the Construction by Design Club’s 2017 creation of a plastic recycling workspace using open-source machinery, 2018 marked the launch of Plastiki Rafiki—a student-led initiative transforming collected plastic waste into unique, handmade products. Using plastic gathered during Intercultural Trips to areas like the Mara, Ol Pejeta, and Ngare Ndare, students sorted, shredded, and molded waste into items now sold in the PTO Shop. Proceeds support sustainability efforts and future recycling hubs across Kenya.
In November 2018, MS and HS students brought the magic of Beauty and the Beast to life on stage, showcasing their incredible theatrical talents. Bravo to the cast, crew, and directors Jill Hire and Kate Oliverson for an unforgettable production!
The most inspiring launch ever of the Inspiration Initiative took place on November 2 at the “Evening of Classical Music” concert in the ISK auditorium. The concert featured many of ISK’s talented musicians and several members of the Ghetto Classics Orchestra. The hall was filled with the music of Chopin, Beethoven, Gardel, Holst, Busakid, Mascagni, Vivaldi and more. All proceeds from the evening were committed to the Ghetto Classics Orchestra as part of this year’s Inspiration Initiative in collaboration with ARTSCO, one of ISK’s student-led service learning groups.
In November 2018, MS teacher Mark Anding led the transformation of the Fine Arts Center into a cozy jazz café. With hot drinks, sweet treats, and standout performances from middle and high school musicians, the evening offered a memorable blend of music and community spirit.
Held from November 23–26, the 2018 Annual FOTA Art Show featured works by over 80 Kenyan and East African artists. With 67 pieces sold and $22,700 raised in art sales, the event generated $4,660 to support art education projects in and around Nairobi. Despite the Thanksgiving weekend timing, the show was a great success—thanks to the dedication of 30 parent volunteers and the support of multiple ISK teams.
In just two short days and one overnight expedition, ten ISK adventurers and three teachers set out to summit Mt. Suswa. They included one middle school and nine high school students, all part of the President’s Award club offered in the high school. The President’s Award (PA) is Kenya’s own version of the Duke of Edinburgh Award where young adults have the opportunity to earn either a bronze, silver or gold award through the completion of service, skill development, physical recreation and an adventurous journey.
In 2019, ISK celebrated International Day under the theme Proud to Be Me—a joyful showcase of the cultures, traditions, and identities that make up our diverse community. From vibrant performances to delicious foods and colorful displays, the day highlighted pride in who we are and where we come from.
Storyteller Mara Menzies joined our first assembly this month, and oh what a treat it was. As a vibrant speaker, Mara captivated the audience by building a story with the support of children from all grade levels.
The Elementary School celebrated Book Character Day on Thursday, February 7th, with a parade and literary events. All students were encouraged to dress up as a character from their favorite book and then parents, students, and staff enjoyed watching each grade parade around the field in their costumes.
ISSEA Music 2019 was a inspiring experience for nineteen ISK musicians. Students from ISSEA schools joined forces to create a Concert Band and Festival Choir with almost 100 musicians in each ensemble. Student musicians spent three days rehearsing with guest conductors in preparation for the energizing Finale Concert on the last evening. Special honors went to Paulina and Ike, who were invited to perform for “ISSEA’s Got Talent”, as well as Amani who wrote and read original poetry in support of the Zulu prayer “Ukuthula”. Congratulations to all ISK musicians for their extraordinary dedication and musicianship!
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