School Spotlight: Woodland Star International School

We’re proud to represent some of the very best international schools from around the world. In our School and Group Spotlight series, we’ll take an in-depth look at these schools, detailing their history, ethos, location and of course, benefits, to help you choose the school that best suits you.

Snapshot: Woodland Star International School

Year founded: 2011
Curriculum: International, United States of America, Advanced Placement, Common Core
Instructional language: English
Alternate instructional language: None
Start grade: Nursery
End grade: 12

About: Woodland Star International School

Woodland Star International School is a truly unique educational community nestled within a 100-acre eco-campus in the heart of Kenya’s indigenous forest. Created to meet the growing demand for a more holistic, inclusive, and progressive approach to education, the school serves students from pre-K through high school, representing more than 25 nationalities. Its small size and personalised learning approach allow it to cater to children across the neurodiversity spectrum, embracing the individual strengths and challenges of each learner. At Woodland Star, students are not only taught but also seen, heard, and celebrated for who they are.

What sets Woodland Star apart is its commitment to meeting children where they are – academically, emotionally, and socially. Learning is deeply student-centered and inquiry-driven, designed to spark curiosity, creativity, and compassion. The school’s Reggio-inspired spaces, multi-age classrooms, and innovative curriculum help children flourish in a nurturing environment that prioritises connection over conformity. Whether gathered around a classroom fireplace, swinging in an outdoor learning area, or exploring the nearby forest trails, students are immersed in an educational experience that feels more like a vibrant village than a traditional school.

Ethos: Woodland Star International School

At Woodland Star, education is about more than academics – it’s about empowering children to live meaningful, purpose-driven lives in an ever-changing world. Guided by the motto ad astra per aspera – “through hardships to the stars” – the school fosters resilience, empathy, and courage in all its learners. The ethos is rooted in the belief that every child is unique and deserves an environment tailored to their strengths, passions, and needs. This deeply inclusive philosophy shapes every aspect of school life, from curriculum design to classroom culture.

The mission is to develop lifelong learners who understand their place in the world and their power to affect positive change. Students are encouraged to explore their identity, express their ideas, and engage critically with the world around them. Woodland Star doesn’t just teach children what to think – it teaches them how to think, how to feel, and how to act with purpose. With a strong emphasis on environmental responsibility, social justice, and global citizenship, the school cultivates thoughtful, compassionate, and visionary young people who are equipped to make a difference in their communities and beyond.

Facilities: Woodland Star International School

The facilities at Woodland Star reflect its commitment to experiential, nature-based learning and child-centered design. Set within the lush grounds of Brackenhurst Botanic Garden, the campus is unlike any other – offering open-air classrooms, sensory gardens, climbing walls, and tranquil outdoor spaces that encourage exploration and imaginative play. The school’s Reggio-inspired classrooms are intentionally designed to feel warm and welcoming, with fireplaces, swinging benches, and natural materials that create a sense of home and belonging.

Each section of the campus – Early Years, Primary, Middle, and Secondary – is purpose-built to meet the developmental needs of the age groups it serves, while still allowing for interaction across age levels through its multi-age learning model. The school boasts a performing arts centre, science and STEM labs, a shamba (kitchen garden), and even treehouses, all designed to foster creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking. From Wild Wednesdays to daily forest walks, the facilities at Woodland Star are not just backdrops – they are active participants in the learning journey.

Location: Woodland Star International School

Tucked away in Tigoni, just a short drive from Nairobi, Woodland Star offers educators and families the best of both worlds – access to the capital city’s amenities and a peaceful, green sanctuary to call home. The school is located within a 100-acre eco-campus that includes Brackenhurst Botanic Garden, home to more than 500 tree species, 180 species of birds, and the Black and White Colobus Monkey. The setting is not only breathtaking but also deeply integrated into the school’s learning model, with nature walks, environmental stewardship, and outdoor education woven into daily routines.

For teachers, life in Tigoni offers a refreshing contrast to the hustle and bustle of city living. The surrounding tea fields, forest trails, and strong sense of community make it an ideal place to slow down and reconnect with nature and purpose. Yet Nairobi’s vibrant restaurants, cultural events, and international conveniences are still within easy reach. Whether you’re looking to grow professionally, make a meaningful impact, or simply live a more grounded and intentional life, Woodland Star provides a one-of-a-kind environment where both educators and students can truly thrive.

Benefits: Woodland Star International School

Number of Contract Days: 189

Starting Salary Range: $40,000-55,000

Taxes: The finance department at Woodland Star School helps employees pay and file their annual taxes. The employee will be subject to local taxes (currently around 35% of gross annual salary) and these will be deducted in the computation of the net amount payable.

Savings Potential: Savings potential depends on personal lifestyle choices, but many teachers at Woodland Star School are able to live comfortably and save a considerable portion of their income.

Accommodation: There is limited staff housing on campus available for about $250 per month. In the case that on-campus housing is unavailable, a $250 housing stipend will be given to expatriate staff.

Flights/Transport: For the staff and dependents (dependents: spouse or children under age of 18), the school will provide the following:

•  An initial flight to Kenya at the beginning of the contract
• One return flight per two-year contract cycle between Nairobi and the staff member’s nearest major airport in their home country
• A flight to the staff member’s nearest major airport in their home country at the end of their time working at Woodland Star

Dependent Opportunities: All full-time and contracted teaching staff, both local and international recruits, are eligible for free tuition for their dependents during the contracted time of employment. Free tuition constitutes a taxable benefit (by Kenyan law), and as such all employees benefiting from free tuition for their dependents are required to pay (around 30%) tax on this benefit.

Medical: The school will provide basic health insurance through a quality provider for in-country medical expenses (Hospitalization Only Medical Cover) for employee and dependents (dependents: spouse or children under age of 18) for Africa and 60 days abroad per annum (inclusive of US). If required, the employee may pay to join a higher level plan through the provider. Supplemental insurance may be available for staff members if such insurance is necessary in their country of origin. Such supplements are determined on a case-by- case basis.

Disability: A contract employee shall be entitled to a maximum of seven days sick leave with full pay and thereafter to seven days with half pay in each period of twelve months consecutive service.

Parental Leave: A female employee shall be entitled to three months maternity leave with full pay. A male employer shall be entitled to two weeks paternity leave with full pay.

Other: Up to $1,000 per year for professional learning.

Retirement: The employee’s contribution towards the pension fund will be matched by the employer up to 5% of the employee’s gross salary.

View vacancies at Woodland Star School and apply now.