As your child approaches the transition into Senior School, you may find yourself asking:
“How do I prepare my child to select a pathway aligned to their passion and strengths?”

It starts with intentional support, thoughtful pathway selection, and a mindset shift from grades to growth.

At Nova Pioneer, we walk alongside families as they make this exciting leap. Here’s how you can prepare your child for a smooth and meaningful start to their CBE Senior School journey.

 

1. Understand What CBE Senior School Is Really About

Unlike the traditional 8-4-4 system, CBE is designed to:

• Equip learners with skills and competencies, not just content
• Emphasize values, collaboration, and real-world application
• Allow students to pursue pathways that match their passions and strengths

In short, CBE is not just about what students learn, but how they learn, and why.

Tip for Parents: Shift conversations from “What grade did you get?” to “What did you create? What problem did you solve?”

 

2. Choose the Right Pathway: Passion + Strength = Purpose

CBE Senior School offers three key academic pathways:

• STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics
• Social Sciences 
• Arts & Sports Science

The best pathway for your child is one that aligns with:

• What they are curious about
• What they naturally excel in
• What kind of impact they want to have

At Nova Pioneer, we help families reflect on learner profiles and long-term goals before making a pathway decision. No pressure, just guided choice through data from their academic performance and our student strength discovery tool/survey.

 

3. Build Soft Skills Early

CBE Senior School emphasizes skills like:

• Critical thinking
• Communication
• Collaboration
• Leadership
• Digital literacy

You can nurture these at home by encouraging:

• Journaling and reflection
• Group problem-solving (even with siblings!)
• Participation in youth clubs, coding camps, or debate forums
• Open discussions on current events

4. Encourage Ownership and Independence

Students in Senior School are expected to take more responsibility for their learning. This includes:

• Setting academic and personal goals
• Managing their time and assignments
• Choosing elective subjects and passion projects

Tip for Parents: Support your child to take initiative and ask them to lead family plans (like planning a meal) to build confidence.

 

5. Choose a School That Nurtures More Than Grades

Look for a school that blends academics with:

• Real-world exposure (internships, service learning)
• Student leadership opportunities
• Project-based learning
• Mentorship and university prep

At Nova Pioneer, we integrate our Innovation and Leadership Programme into every student’s journey, no matter their pathway. We also have a robust Post School Success Programme providing students with personalised guidance on exploring post-secondary options. The programme also provides support & encouragement, Internships & job shadows, Student Exchange Programme.

 Our programmes ensure that our students leave school with more than a certificate; they leave with clarity, skills, and purpose.

Final Word: It’s Not Just a System Change – It’s a Mindset Shift!

Preparing your child for CBE Senior School means helping them see learning as a tool to shape their future, not just a race to pass exams.

Choose a pathway that excites them. Support their strengths. And trust that with the right environment, they will not only succeed, they will thrive.

Explore Nova Pioneer’s Senior School CBE Pathways across our Athi River, Eldoret and Tatu City campuses.

Applications for 2026 are now open. Apply Now! Help your child start strong.

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. 

 

 

Hey Novaneers!

My name is Lisa Mukoya Ochieng, a proud alumna of Nova Pioneer Tatu Girls (Class of 2022) and an incoming freshman at Princeton University, New Jersey—still very much undecided on my major, but leaning towards something STEM (or maybe humanities? Who knows, we’ll see). 

Nova Pioneer played a huge role in shaping my journey, thanks to the incredible teammates who supported me every step of the way in high school. Special thanks to Mr. Otaka for guiding me through the application process and writing my counselor recommendation letter, and to Mrs. Melvin and Mr. Opiyo for their amazing subject recommendation letters. I’m deeply grateful.

After completing my K.C.S.E in December 2022, I spent my time at home waiting for results while working on coding projects (because what else do you do when you have way too much free time?). Then came January 2023, K.C.S.E results day. I was expecting good news, but I was still completely shocked when I saw my score: an A of 83/84 points, making me one of the top students in the country and the top girl in Ruiru Sub-county.

With those results, I was selected to join the Equity Leadership Program, which mentors top students countrywide into future leaders. During an intensive two-week job induction camp, we were trained on financial literacy, banking operations, fraud detection, and professional skills. After that, I began a six-month internship as a Relationship Officer at Equity Bank, Embakasi Branch. Alongside my internship, I joined the Equity College Counseling Program, where I prepared for the SAT, crafted my essays, and built my college applications.

I took my first SAT on August 23rd, 2023, scoring 1430/1600 (760 Math, 670 English). While I performed well in Math, the English section proved to be a challenge.

Around this time, I also joined the Kenya Robotics Team as the Assistant Team Captain and began working on building a robot for the FIRST Global Challenge in Singapore. The experience was incredible! I got hands-on with computer-aided design (CAD), deepened my knowledge of Java programming, and truly immersed myself in the world of robotics.

Then came the dreaded college application season, and let’s just say, it was brutal. I applied to 20 colleges in the US, and every single one of them rejected me. 20 out of 20. It felt like the universe had a vendetta against me, but deep down, I knew I couldn’t give up. I also explored other opportunities and was later awarded the full Türkiye Bursları Government Scholarship to study Computer Science at Ankara University. It was an amazing opportunity, but I took a massive risk and declined it to chase my American dream one more time.

Determined to improve my chances, I retook the SAT on October 5th, 2024. My English score went up, but Math decided to betray me that day (1380/1600—710 English, 670 Math). With a superscore of 1470, I still felt it wasn’t competitive enough, so I ultimately applied test-optional (without submitting my SAT scores).

This time, everything changed.

On March 27th, at exactly 2:07 a.m., I got the acceptance letter. “Congratulations!” My first-ever acceptance. And not just anywhere. Princeton University. The #1 ranked university in the U.S. offering me full funding. God came through for me!

I still got 10 rejections this cycle, but honestly? It doesn’t even matter. My American dream came true. I’m still in shock, but I know these next four years are going to be incredible.

To anyone out there chasing big dreams, keep going. Rejection is just redirection. Your moment is coming! And most importantly, trust in God. His timing is always perfect.

 

At Nova Pioneer, we value our community and the connections that are made within it. That’s why we are excited to announce a special Referral Campaign running from 27th March to 12th September 2025. Whether you are a current family or considering enrolling with us, this campaign offers a chance to save 25% on your child’s tuition fees for the remaining part of 2025!

Here’s How It Works

For Current Families:

• Refer a New Family: If you are a current family at our CBC or Cambridge campuses, simply refer a friend, neighbor, or colleague to enroll their child at our school.
• Earn a Discount: When your referred family successfully enrols, you will receive 25% off your child’s tuition fees for the remaining 2025 school year.

For New Families:

• Save on Tuition: If you’re a new family enroling at our school, you can also enjoy a 25% discount on your child’s tuition fees for the remaining 2025 school year.

This campaign is open to both CBC and Cambridge families, making it a great opportunity for everyone in our school community to save!

Key Things to Know

1. Eligibility: The campaign is available for families from both CBC and Cambridge campuses.
2. Campaign Dates: This limited-time campaign runs from 27th March to 12th September 2025, so make sure to refer a family or enrol before the campaign ends.

Terms and Conditions

Before you refer or enrol, please take a moment to review the Terms and Conditions of the campaign.

25% Tuition Discount For Current Families Referring New Families – TERMS & CONDITIONS

25% In-year Incentive For New Families- TERMS & CONDITIONS

More Than A Discount!

This opportunity is more than just a discount; it’s an opportunity to give your child an amazing educational experience whilst helping to build an even stronger, more vibrant school community.

If you have any questions, or if you would like more information about the campaign, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at +254 (0)748 577 462 or write to us at admissions.ke@novapioneer.com.

Apply here, and our Admissions team will be in touch with you to guide you through the process.

 

Nova Pioneer and Moyo Moja Africa Partner to Enhance Outdoor Education Programmes.

Nova Pioneer and Moyo Moja Africa have announced a groundbreaking partnership, signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to offer outdoor environmental education programmes for students aged 14 to 18 years. This collaboration aims to empower young learners by fostering leadership skills while addressing environmental challenges.

As the climate crisis continues, it is crucial to equip the next generation with the tools to take action. The partnership between Nova Pioneer and Moyo Moja Africa will provide students with hands-on outdoor education, encouraging them to think critically and develop solutions for the challenges their communities face. The launch of two pilot programmes during the April 2025 school break marks the beginning of this exciting venture.

Antony Gatandi, Nova Pioneer’s Director of School Services & Productivity, emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating, “This collaboration presents a unique opportunity for students to engage in practical learning experiences that will shape them into environmental leaders. Nova Pioneer and Moyo Moja Africa are dedicated to preparing students for the pressing environmental challenges we face today.”

Johannes Visser, CEO of Moyo Moja Africa, shared his excitement about the partnership, “It is rewarding to work with Nova Pioneer as an organisation committed to developing generations of Innovators and Leaders who will solve the pressing environmental challenges of our time. Our programmes equip students with the tools to understand, advocate for, and drive solutions that benefit their communities. Whether affected by flooding, drought, or other environmental challenges, we aim to inspire students to become curious problem solvers and lead the change. Through this collaboration, students will benefit from passionate staff at Nova Pioneer, creating a dynamic environment for learning and growth.”

The two pilot programmes will launch in April 2025, focusing on two vital ecosystems:

1. Forests Ecosystems Programme (April 7-11, 2025): Held at Nova Pioneer’s Tatu City campus, this programme will engage students in storytelling, forestry ecosystems, and sustainable practices, with a special focus on the fashion industry’s environmental impact. The programme will feature conservation heroes, organic farmers, and environmentalists who have been recognized by global media outlets such as BBC and CNN. Students will gain valuable insights into local conservation efforts and be inspired to create solutions for their own communities.
2. Coffee Value Chain Programme (April 14-17, 2025): Also based at Nova Pioneer Tatu City campus. The programme will take students through a coffee journey in Kenya. Through the lenses of sustainability and societal impact, they will look for innovation and entrepreneurship in the Value chain. Visits to coffee farmers and distributors are part of the hands-on learning. The programme will culminate in Simba’s Den, where students will pitch their innovative ideas for innovation to a panel of experts.

These two programmes represent the first steps in a long-term collaboration between Nova Pioneer and Moyo Moja Africa, aiming to develop a generation of environmentally-conscious leaders ready to tackle the global challenges of the 21st century.

Through this partnership, Nova Pioneer will continue to provide its students with opportunities to lead in addressing climate change and environmental sustainability. Students will not only gain practical skills but also resources that will shape their careers and future contributions to society.

To learn more about the programmes and sign-up for the available April 2025 programmes, visit www.moyomoja.org/programs. The deadline for signing up for the April 2025 programmes is 24 March 2025.

Download the two brochures below:

Forestry programme

Value Chain programme

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.

 

Nova Pioneer and Strathmore University have entered a groundbreaking partnership to champion the future of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education across Africa. 

The partnership aims to develop a comprehensive AI curriculum for students in grades K-12, with a particular focus on grades 7-12 within Nova Pioneer’s existing Innovation and Leadership Programme. The launch of the pilot programme will commence in 2025 for all Grade 8 students at Nova Pioneer.

Speaking during the signing of the agreement, Mr. Chinezi Chijioke, Nova Pioneer’s Co-founder and CEO, described the partnership as one that would equip African youth with the skills and knowledge essential for thriving in an AI-driven future.

Nova Pioneer’s Senior Director of Schools, Dr. London Moore, added, “Over the course of the next 5 years, we are looking forward to partnering with Strathmore University to create AI Impact Camps and an African Innovation Fund that will enable students across Africa to take their ideas and meaningfully bring them to life.” 

Nova Pioneer’s Innovation and Leadership Programme enables Grade 7 to Form 4 students to hone in on character, and reflect deeply on their values and beliefs. They then develop skills that will help them solve real-world problems through the frameworks of innovation, social entrepreneurship, and leadership.

The collaboration between Nova Pioneer and Strathmore University will see the delivery of the K-12 AI curriculum in Kenya, South Africa, Ghana, Uganda, Nigeria, and other African countries. This effort represents a significant step towards preparing the next generation of African leaders to harness the potential of AI and drive future innovation and growth on the continent. 

 

Nova Pioneer has been recognized as one of the top 10 schools globally in the field of education innovation, securing its place among the world’s educational elite. This prestigious acknowledgment underscores Nova Pioneer’s commitment to fostering innovation, creativity, and excellence in education.

The recognition of Nova Pioneer’s outstanding contributions to advancing educational practices and pioneering new approaches to learning demonstrates its dedication to preparing students for success in an ever-evolving world.

Nova Pioneer stands out for its innovative curriculum, dynamic teaching methods, and commitment to leveraging technology to enhance learning experiences. Through project-based learning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and real-world applications, the school equips students with the skills and mindset necessary to thrive in the 21st century.

In addition to its innovative programs, Nova Pioneer fosters a culture of collaboration, inclusivity, and community engagement. By partnering with local organizations, industry leaders, and educational institutions through its post school success programme, the school provides students with opportunities to apply their skills in real-world settings and make a positive impact on society.

As Nova Pioneer celebrates this prestigious accolade, it reaffirms its commitment to innovation, excellence, and continuous improvement in education. By embracing change, embracing challenges, and embracing opportunities, Nova Pioneer remains at the forefront of educational innovation, preparing students to excel in a rapidly changing world.

While being among the top 10 schools in the innovation category is a tremendous honor, our journey does not end here. We have set our sights on winning The Community Choice Award. This award is open to 50 shortlisted schools and awarded to the school that receives the most votes in the Public Vote. Only one school will be awarded the Community Choice Award and to achieve this goal, we need your support!

Please cast your vote for Nova Pioneer by following the instructions provided below.

1. Head to  https://vote.worldsbestschool.org/
2. Select Nova Pioneer
3. Register to vote
4. Validate your vote via email

Additionally, we encourage you to share this wonderful news with your friends, family, and networks, and ask them to vote for us as well. Together, we can make a difference and showcase the excellence of Nova Pioneer on a global stage.

Please note that public voting will close on June 28th, 2024. 

If you are not part of the Nova Pioneer community yet and are interested in learning more about our innovative approach to delivering our unique learning model, please sign up here to visit us at our next open day.

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!