Choosing a Senior School isn’t just about the curriculum. It’s about unlocking your child’s full potential. At Nova Pioneer, we offer all three Senior School Competency Based Education Pathways across our campuses in Kenya – STEM, Social Sciences, and Arts & Sports Science. But here’s what makes us different: no matter the pathway, every Novaneer is developed as a visionary, ethical leader equipped to thrive in a fast-changing world.

This is more than school, it’s a launchpad!

 

One Vision: Developing Future Leaders

Whether your child chooses to dive into medical sciences, international relations, or digital design, the foundation remains the same: Nova Pioneer’s Innovation and Leadership Programme.

We’ve embedded real-world leadership development into our learning experience, helping students build:

• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• A deep sense of personal agency and ethical leadership
• The ability to create, innovate, and lead with purpose

This is where passions are nurtured and students grow the capabilities to lead change in Kenya and beyond.

 

Beyond the Classroom: Real-Life Learning

Learning at Nova Pioneer doesn’t stop at the classroom door. Our students take part in:

• Passion Projects and pitch sessions
• Internship experiences with partner organisations
• Clubs, competitions, and innovation fairs
• Community service and leadership camps

These are more than co-curriculars; they are key parts of how we prepare students to tackle real problems, work in diverse teams, and build solutions the world needs.

 

Inside the Classroom: Celebrating Collaboration and Student Voice

Our classrooms are alive with collaboration, not competition. Here, students are challenged to:

• Think aloud
• Question everything
• Lead group problem-solving
• Co-create knowledge with teachers, not just receive it

And yes, they have a voice. Through feedback circles, class forums, and peer-led initiatives, Novaneers learn early how to advocate, communicate, and lead from where they are.

 

The Destination: Post-School Success

Senior School at Nova Pioneer isn’t just about passing exams; it’s about preparing students for life after school.

Through our Post-School Success Programme, every student receives:

• University application and scholarship coaching
• Career exploration workshops and mentorship
• Personal development support to transition confidently into adult life

Whether they go on to top global universities, local institutions, or launch their own ventures, our goal is the same; to help each student to thrive.

👉 Explore our Senior School CBE Pathways today. Applications for 2026 are now open. 

 

Selecting the best curriculum for your child’s education is a significant decision that shapes their academic journey and future opportunities. With so many options available; such as traditional, Montessori, Waldorf, International Baccalaureate (IB), and Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), parents are often left wondering which path to choose for their child(ren).

Key considerations 

When choosing a curriculum, parents should consider their child’s learning style, interests, and long-term goals. The flexibility of the curriculum, the focus on critical thinking and creativity, and how well it prepares students for future education are all important aspects to weigh. Additionally, the alignment of the curriculum with your family’s values and educational philosophy plays a crucial role.

Understanding Curriculum Differences

Different curricula offer unique approaches to learning. Traditional curricula focus on standardized content and exams, while Montessori and Waldorf emphasize hands-on, child-centered learning. IB is globally recognized for its rigorous, inquiry-based approach, preparing students for university-level work. Meanwhile, CBC, which is gaining traction in Kenya, emphasizes the development of specific competencies and skills rather than rote memorization.

Skills Development in CBC and International Curricula

CBC aims to develop practical skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity. These competencies are designed to prepare students for real-world challenges, making learning more relevant and applicable. In contrast, international curricula like IB focus on holistic education, encouraging students to explore subjects deeply and engage in independent research, fostering a global perspective.

As CBC continues to roll out across Kenya, it is set to transform the educational landscape by prioritizing skills and competencies over traditional content delivery. This shift is expected to create a more adaptable and innovative generation of learners, better equipped to meet the demands of the modern world.

To learn more, watch the Find Your Nova Podcast as Carol Gitobu (Senior Market Engagement Manager – GSMA),  Dr Lawrence Nderu (Chair – Dept. of Computing JKUAT) and Peninah Ivy Muthoni (Curriculum Design expert), discuss the intricacies of educational choices and their impact on students’ futures, offering expert insights to help you navigate this important decision. Watch now and leave a comment!

Are you interested to learn more about Nova Pioneer? Sign up via this link to attend a Campus Experience.

 

At Nova Pioneer, we’re bursting with pride! Our young innovators and leaders have truly outdone themselves in the 2023 KPSEA (Kenya Primary School Education Assessment) exams. With an impressive 96.8% of our 93 assessed students meeting and exceeding expectations, we couldn’t be happier for their remarkable achievements. We are proud to be leading the way in academic excellence and holistic student development.

These outstanding results are a testament to the dedication and hard work of each Novaneer. We applaud our students, parents, and teachers for their tireless efforts and unwavering commitment to excellence. These results also reveal the collaborative spirit that thrives at Nova Pioneer. Our dedicated teachers, support staff, and the entire school community have come together to create an environment that fosters learning, growth, and a genuine love for education.

What are the KPSEA exams?

KPSEA stands for Kenya Primary School Education Assessment. It’s a national exam administered to assess the learning progress of Grade 6 students under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). The CBC curriculum represents a significant shift in the education space of Kenya. This innovative approach moves away from an exam-focused approach and prioritizes developing well-rounded individuals with a strong foundation in core subjects like English and Mathematics.  It also encourages exploration in Integrated Sciences and an understanding of the world through Creative Arts & Social Studies.

Our students shone brightly in the 2023 KPSEA exams across various subjects, exceeding expectations in English, Mathematics, Integrated Sciences, and Creative Arts & Social Studies! 

At Nova Pioneer, academics is at the core of what we do. Our students learn to effectively question, critique, analyse and create through our inquiry-based instruction and project-based learning model to prepare them for the future.

While academic excellence is a cornerstone of our approach, it’s just one piece of the puzzle. We provide students with opportunities to be challenged, to compete, and to achieve beyond the walls of a classroom. We also offer our unique Innovation & Leadership programme for Junior and Senior School students across our schools. The Innovation and Leadership programme spans a full six years and is designed to ensure that students graduate with a set of skills that are founded on confidence, resilience, critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, curiosity, and awareness of self and others. 

Join Us in Shaping the Future!

At Nova Pioneer, we encourage students to consider the ever-changing world and their position in it and prepare them to take their place as the next generation of innovators and leaders on the African continent.

Are you ready for your child to be a part of this exceptional learning journey? Click HERE to apply today to learn more about CBC The Nova Pioneer Way!

 

Education plays a pivotal role in shaping your child’s future. This reality makes selecting the right school environment a crucial decision for a parent or guardian. While boarding schools have their merits, day schools also present many advantages.

In line with offering a variety of options to serve more of our families, Nova Pioneer is launching a day school option for Junior School in the city of champions, Eldoret. We currently have two campuses in Eldoret, a Girls’ Secondary School, and a separate Boys’ Secondary School dedicated to impacting the next generation of leaders and innovators.

Three Reasons To Enrol Your Child At Nova Pioneer’s Junior School Day Option in Eldoret 

Reduced Cost and Accessibility

Affordability is one of the reasons families are not able to access quality education. The Nova Pioneer Eldoret – Junior School Day option enables families who live in Eldoret to access quality education at a reduced cost due to the reduced boarding expenses. The money saved can be redirected to developing other aspects of your child, like specialized extracurricular activities.

Sense of Independence and Responsibility

We pride ourselves in developing responsible leaders and innovators who will shape the future and our learning model is student-centered, thus giving them the opportunity to explore what they know under the guidance of our teachers. A day school option will enhance their sense of responsibility and independence since they will have to balance the school assignments with daily family responsibilities and  personal interests. Your child will get to develop their organization skills and time management ability. This early practice will help them seamlessly transition into Senior High School and other higher learning institutions. 

Reduced Homesickness and Stress

Sometimes, it can be hard for your child to get accustomed to a boarding school environment. Unfortunately, getting a quality Junior Day school is an uphill task in most urban areas. Our day school option will help your child avoid dealing with high-stress levels caused by homesickness as a result of being in a boarding environment. A child that is not stressed has better mental health and will have a positive attitude toward academics. Thus, being able to develop as an all-round student.

If this is an option that interests you, reach out to Cosmas from our Admissions team via 0799453440.

The teacher is of course an artist, but being an artist does not mean that he or she can make the profile, can shape the students. What the educator does in teaching is to make it possible for the students to become themselves.” –Paulo Freire

The Competency Based Curriculum (CBC), a practical and workable educational system that focuses on nurturing children from an early age, was launched in 2017 to address the deficiencies of the previous 8-4-4 system. Instead of relying on the student’s ability to replicate the content in a test paper, CBC intends for students to use the material in practical and real-world settings. This system is student-centred and intended to produce students who are prepared to face and solve problems of the 21st century.

Some parents and students have expressed quite reasonable worries and concerns about the announcement and rollout of CBC. After all, this is not replacing dated curtains to give your house a fresh look – this is the future of your child, Kenya, Africa, and the entire world.

In apt form, Nova Pioneer Schools for Innovators and Leaders have done just that! They have innovated, adapted and are ready to lead the new dawn in what promises to be a vivification in the Kenyan educational system. 

In preparing our teachers for this new role, we have gone above and beyond what was expected of us. The Ministry of Education will provide training, but we are providing additional professional development for our teachers so that they can develop a thorough understanding of CBC and an ability to administer with the diligence that Kenya’s future demands.

With the gradual implementation of CBC, we are prepared and supportive of the last class of 8-4-4, our current class 7 students, who will take their K.C.P.E exams in 2023. Our 8-4-4 and CBC students consistently receive equal attention and high-quality instruction.

In response to our parents’ requests, CBC Grade 7 students will now have the option to enrol in either a day or boarding school as they advance from CBC Grade 6 to CBC Grade 7. Our 8-4-4 students who are scheduled to finish their KCPE in 2023 will continue to receive support at their existing campus and will have the option of attending a Nova Pioneer Day or Boarding secondary school.

We have taken a holistic approach to embracing and mastering CBC, from admissions to the classroom; it has to be mentioned that so much of what we are already offering is well suited for CBC:

• The holistic student outcomes that we strive for – The 3C’s that we aim to develop in each Novaneer student: Capability, Character & Connection – match well with CBC benefits and intent, namely that of developing the best interests and talents of the student;
• Our enquiry-based teaching methods that promote student voice and reasoning is precisely the kind of instruction that CBC envisions and that can make it great;
• Our in-house learning design capabilities and team enable us to research, adapt, and enrich CBC curriculum for our teachers and students;
• Our professional teacher development practices — supported by our culture principles of Always Growing and Joy of Learning — give our teachers the mindset to actively learn and constantly get better at new practices.

We will continue to provide the best education possible for our students, give them the resources they need to develop into upright citizens, increase their connections to the global community by increasing their likelihood of participating in initiatives such as Model United Nations or Yale’s Young Learners programme, and we will continue to work hard for their success through our unique Post-School programme even after they graduate from our school.

Ours is a life long relationship, a camaraderie, and we invite our current and prospective parents and students  to dialogue about the plans we have made for the future innovators and leaders of the African century.

Admissions for 2023 are currently ongoing. Click here to enrol your child.

 

Going back to a school routine can be challenging . Here are some back to school tips for Kids and Parents that will help ease the transition.

Early to bed Early to rise

Getting back into a school sleep schedule is very important. It helps your child get enough rest time. Gentle winding down activities such as bath time and bed-time stories can help your child relax.

 

Encourage Independence

Children who play a active role in preparing for school- such as choosing and organizing school supplies –  are more likely to be excited about going back to school which in turn eases their jitters.

Daily age appropriate tasks will help your child gain independence and confidence.

 

Limit Screen Time

Help your child unplug from the screen earlier than holiday time. .This will help them get into a school bedtime routine easily.

 

Re- Establish A routine

Establishing a consistent routine is important for kids. Write out the steps in the routine and rehearse them with your child. With time  the kids will adjust to the routine making it easy for their school schedule.

 

Talk about First Week Jitters.

Reassure your child that being nervous is normal. Especially for kids joining a new school. Let them express their fears and perhaps share with them your own experiences. Discuss the scenarios that worry them without dismissing their fears. 

 

We are currently open for 2022 enrollments . Click here to submit your application

“I’m planting a tree to teach me to make the world a better place.”-

Andrea Koehle Jones 

I believe this was Grade 3’s motto for the day as they embarked on a journey to make a difference in the school’s community. On Friday 11th June 2021, the learners at Tatu Primary planted a total of 100 trees in our school that would not only benefit the environment but also for educational purposes such as improving the children’s learning. 

This exercise was supported by their homeroom teachers who educated the learners on the importance of tree planting and did a demo beforehand in class to illustrate how trees are planted. The best way to cultivate the cultural principle of the joy of learning is by inspiring a love for nature at an early age. 

Planting trees helps beautify the environment. As the trees begin to grow, they will attract bees, birds, and butterflies. Personally, it comforts my soul to see birds, bees, and butterflies flit among the trees and flowers. I imagine by the time Grade 3 learners transition from Nova Primary to Nova High School, it will be a sigh of relief and a sense of pride that they have been able to contribute to the environment and their learning. 

This was one of the best lessons since the learners were able to do it practically. The Grade 3 learners were happy about planting trees, making a difference in the environment, and nurturing a love for nature. Watching them dance, water their newly planted trees, and naming their trees was a delight beyond measure. The school community will be surrounded by greenery singing birds and blooming flowers in the days and years to come.

It is our hope and joy that they will grow eventually into strong healthy trees. 

 

On March 15 2020, the Kenyan government announced a national school lockdown in response to the rising cases of Covid-19 in the country and this caused some disruption to the Kenyan Academic Calendar. The students were at this time approaching the end of the first time and looking forward to the April holiday.

Six  months later  Grade 4, Class 8 and Form 4 classes re-opened while other classes awaited their start dates. The disruption to on-campus learning resulted in a change in the Kenyan academic calendar. Schools, students and parents were now going to face a new norm with new term dates.

The ministry of Education announced the new term dates late last year (2020) and this was in an effort to cover the remaining 2 terms from 2020 with the aim of stabilising the school calendar by December 2022. The changes to the calendar may be confusing and this post is written with the aim to help understand what these changes look like practically.

 

Concluding the 2020 Academic Calendar

Term 2 began on January 4th, 2021 (which in the past would have been Term 1 for the new academic year) and ended on March 19th, 2021.  Term 3 for the 2020 Academic Calendar will commence on May 10th and will close on July 25th. The 2020 calendar will close out on July 25th

 

Starting the 2021 Academic Calendar

The first  term of the 2021 calendar will commence on the  26th of July 2021 to 1st October,2021 after which the students will break for a 1 week holiday that will transition them to Term 2 which will start on 11th October,2021 to 23rd December,2021 this will be followed by a 10 day holiday and reopen for Term 3 as from 3rd January 2022, to 4th March.

 

Working to restabalise the calendar

Holidays to mark the end of 2021 Calendar will begin March 5th 2022 and end April 24th, 2022.

The KCPE period will begin March 7th 2022 and end March 10th, 2022. Then finally, the KCSE period will begin March 11th  until April 1st, 2022.

We look forward to welcoming students for the new 2021 Academic Year in July. Nova Pioneer is currently still enrolling for grades in both our Primary and Secondary Schools. To apply for Term 1,  click on (link) To begin the enrollment process for the 2021 Academic year beginning in July, please submit your application here (link)

We continue to follow the Government’s directive on COVID 19, to ensure our students and teammates safety while they are at school. (Link COVID preparedness blog)

 

 

Covid-19 continues to challenge our once best laid plans. Schools in Kenya have remained closed since March and as we await directives on re-opening in September 2020, our learners continue to adjust as best as they can to the new reality we live in. At Nova Pioneer, we take pride in having launched our remote learner packs in the last part of the first term of the year that allowed students to continue learning remotely. This was closely followed by the launch of our virtual learning program in May and this program has been accessible to our Nova Pioneer families.

To continue reaching as many learners as possible to reduce the expected impact Covid-19 may have on the quality of education across the world, Nova Pioneer will be extending it’s virtual learning program to non-Nova Pioneer families.

 

What You Can Expect?

 

Access to Student Facing Google Classroom

Google Classrooms helps students and teachers organize assignments, boost collaboration, and foster better communication. This has enabled us to shift from physical classrooms to a digital classroom environment.

Live Lessons & Lesson Videos

One of the distinctive features of Nova Pioneer is our strong instructional leadership culture. Coupled with education technology tools from the G-Suite for Education, Nova Pioneer has been set up to deliver engaging learning experiences for all Novaneers remotely and at scale.

In partnership with our learning design team, teachers and instructional leaders, we are building out a library of rigorous enquiry-based lesson storyboards, which are helping guide our Novaneers through the 8-4-4 and CBC curriculum at home. We have been thrilled to see the engaging learning moments that have been happening across Novaneer homes!

Students enjoy receiving lesson videos from a team of passionate teachers at each campus, which are delivered via their Google Classrooms.

Class Assignments

Our students have been completing their assignments completely digitally and submitting them back to teachers. What is amazing about this is that students are learning to use digital tools like Google Docs, Sheets and Slides, which are building essential collaboration and digital literacy skills for the future ways of working. What sets innovators apart from others is that they use technology as tools for active creation and collaboration, rather than only for passive consumption of content.

Weekly Live Check-Ins

Every week teachers are connecting with their students via Zoom or Google Meet making sure that teachers remain connected and in relationship with their students as they move through the curriculum at home.

To learn more about our Virtual Learning Program, feel free to email us on admissions.ke@novapioneer.com.

To sign-up for the virtual learning program open to Non-Nova Pioneer families, click here to complete the interest form and a member of the admissions team will reach out to you to clarify any questions you may have and with the next steps.