The academic environment of School of the Nations is designed to be intellectually engaging; focused on the individual needs of each student; and provide a holistic development of the mind and character. With an emphasis on student-centered participatory instruction, SON operates on the belief that the best way to develop the intellect is through making learning interesting.

SON utilizes the British National Curriculum, which is organized into four key stages.  At SON, the programme covers KS1 for children aged 5-7 years, KS2 for 7-11 years and most of KS3 which covers all subject areas from 11-14 years. At the end of each Key Stage the students sit down for and write internationally recognized exams in English and Numeracy.

The curriculum is centered around the core curriculum skills development in Literacy, Numeracy and Investigative Science.  This is supported by the wider curriculum in I.C.T. – Computing, Modern Languages (Kiswahili and French), Humanities, Christian Religious Education, the Creative Arts, C.D.T. and Sports.

Many subject areas for the older year groups are project based.  The School utilizes Continous Assessment strategies throughout each academic term, as well as examination testing systems, relevant to the age groups.