Al-Bayan Bilingual School vs American International School of Kuwait
Al-Bayan Bilingual School and American International School of Kuwait are both in Kuwait City, about 3 km apart. Both schools offer American programmes. Al-Bayan Bilingual School also offers Advanced Placement (AP), and American International School of Kuwait also offers IB. Published annual fees are close, at KWD 2,434 - 4,505 for Al-Bayan Bilingual School and KWD 2,650 - 4,531 for American International School of Kuwait. Al-Bayan Bilingual School takes pupils from 3 to 18, and American International School of Kuwait from 4 to 18. Both keep typical class sizes around 22.
Beirut Street, Hawally, Kuwait 32004. The Hawally campus is located on Beirut Street in the Hawally district of Kuwait City. Postal address is P.O. Box 355, Hawally 32004, Kuwait. The location serves families in Hawally and surrounding areas.
Location
Located in Salmiya, Kuwait (PO Box 3267, 22033). Mailing address: American International School Kuwait, Salmiya 22033. Courier address: American International School, Hamood Al-Naser Street, Medan Hawalli, Kuwait.
Stages
Stages
Preschool; Elementary School; Middle School; High School
Stages
Kindergarten through Grade 12, organized into Early Childhood, Elementary School, Middle School, and High School.
School type
School type
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School type
Private, independent, co-educational day school offering an IB Continuum and an American curriculum.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
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Additional learning support
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Country affiliation
Country affiliation
Kuwait
Country affiliation
No formal country affiliation; based in Kuwait.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation
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School day structure
School day structure
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School day structure
AIS Kuwait uses division-based schedules across EC, ES, MS and HS. EC and ES gates open around 6:45 AM; EC dismissal around 1:12 PM and ES around 2:00 PM; MS/HS bus gate operations and regular dismissal around 2:25 PM (bus) or 3:00 PM depending on division. Elementary starts at 7:20 AM; High School starts around 7:40 AM.
Bus service details
Bus service details
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Bus service details
AIS provides bus transportation. Families register with the Transportation Supervisor. Buses are staffed by licensed drivers. AIS maintains a Bus Procedure Manual and Transportation Maintenance Manual.
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Application & Registration Fees
- Registration deposit (new students): KWD 100 (non-refundable and non-transferable; this deposit is deducted from the first tuition installment). - An admissions interview/evaluation fee for new students applies (separate from the KWD 100 registration deposit).
Tuition fees by year group (annual and per-term amounts)
All amounts are shown in Kuwait Dinars (KWD). Annual tuition is listed first, followed by the standard payment breakdown used by the school: Registration deposit KWD 100 (deducted from the first installment), First installment (balance of 34% of total fees after the deposit), Second installment (33% of total fees), Third installment (33% of total fees). Annual and installment amounts below follow the school's published fee structure.
- Standard installment due dates: 1st installment due by 30 August, 2nd installment due by 1 January, 3rd installment due by 1 April. The registration deposit (KWD 100) is payable immediately upon acceptance and is deducted from the first installment. - The first installment must be paid to confirm and hold the student's seat; late payment or outstanding balances can affect re-enrollment and the transfer of student records. Students registering after the school year begins must pay the installment that is due at the time of registration.
Boarding fees
- Boarding is not applicable; Al‑Bayan Bilingual School operates as a day school and does not publish boarding fees.
Other costs and additional fees
- Items commonly charged in addition to tuition include: school uniform costs, transportation/bus fees, admissions interview/evaluation fee for new students, school photos, school field trips, the annual BBS yearbook, optional after‑school activities and optional KG after‑school club, damaged or lost library/textbooks, and canteen meals. These items are billed separately from tuition.
Refund and withdrawal information
- The registration deposit (KWD 100) is non-refundable and non-transferable but is deducted from the first installment. Withdrawing a student after the first day of school does not remove the obligation to pay the first installment, because a seat was held for that student. Outstanding fees must be settled before the school will transfer student files to another school. Re-enrollment for the next academic year is contingent on settlement of all outstanding fees.
Fee details
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Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
The Uniform Center exists. An Online Uniform Center is available for purchases (sales.fawsec.com.kw).
Uniform requirement
The school has an on-site Uniform Store on the school grounds; uniforms are required and the Uniform Store operates Sunday–Thursday from 7:30 AM to 3:00 PM; the AIS uniform is designed to be respectful, well-groomed and modest.
Food options
Food options
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Food options
The school has a canteen offering international and local food choices; Blimpies, Lo Fat and D & D Pizza are provided, a brick oven serves fatayer and other local bread products; beverages, pastas, saj and small snacks are offered; food service is contracted with local establishments and monitored by the Health and Safety Committee.
House system
House system
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House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
FAWSEC Educational Co. governs and owns Al-Bayan Bilingual School.
Governance and ownership
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Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
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Curriculum details
The school offers an International Baccalaureate (IB) Continuum with the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP). English is the language of instruction. Languages offered include English, Arabic (Language and Literature), Arabic as a Foreign Language (AFL), and French for language acquisition. The curriculum is standards-based and aligned with Kuwait's Ministry of Education requirements; Arabic is studied through Grade 9 and Muslim students study Islamic Studies. Science follows the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and IB DP alignment; Mathematics aligns with CCSS; Physical Education follows The Ontario Curriculum Health and Physical Education. AIS emphasizes university preparation and provides pathways to leading universities around the globe.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio
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Exam results
Exam results
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Exam results
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Higher education progression
Higher education progression
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Higher education progression
Many AIS graduates attend top universities worldwide, with pathways to leading universities around the globe.
Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
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Gifted and talented
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Academic calendar
Academic calendar
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Academic calendar
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Wellbeing & support
Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning
Social & emotional learning
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Social & emotional learning
The school supports social and emotional development through the IB programmes and a pastoral care program; the Student Services team includes divisional counselors and assistant principals to support student wellbeing.
Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
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Special educational needs (SEN)
The school provides English Language Learner (ELL) support and is equipped to support students who do not require a modified program.
English as an additional language
English as an additional language
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English as an additional language
The school provides English Language Learner (ELL) support.
Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
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Mental wellbeing
The IB programmes support the social and emotional development of each child, complemented by a pastoral care program.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding
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Safeguarding
The school has a safeguarding policy to protect students and staff; background checks are required for staff; a child protection framework is in place.
Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
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Facilities overview
AIS campus in Salmiya, Block 11, is three to four acres in area. The space provides essential facilities and services for an inviting and welcoming learning environment. Our facilities include Dr. Kamil AlRayes Auditorium (seats 1,270), a Black Box Theatre, Gyms (2), Tennis Courts (2), Soccer fields (2), and a Kindergarten play area. Additional facilities include an Aerobics room, Weight room, Science Labs, Learning Common, Genius Bar, Canteen, Security, Music Rooms, Clinic, Art Rooms, and Computer Labs.
Sports facilities
Sports facilities
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Sports facilities
The school has two gyms, two tennis courts, and two soccer fields.
Academic facilities
Academic facilities
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Academic facilities
The school has science labs. It has computer labs. A Learning Common and a Genius Bar support collaborative learning and technology use. There are music rooms and art rooms. A clinic provides health services on campus.
Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
AIS offers a broad extracurricular program through AIS Activities. Activities include Model United Nations (MUN), the Student Leadership Council (SLC), and the National Honor Society (NHS). Athletic options include varsity and junior varsity teams, as well as U14 teams. Visual Arts and Performing Arts are supported with dedicated programs. After School Clubs and Lunch Clubs provide additional enrichment opportunities.
Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
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History
Founded in 1991, AIS Kuwait was established after the liberation of Kuwait to provide Kuwaiti and international students with a high-quality American education. Under founder Dr. Kamil Al Rayes, the school aimed to provide access to a world-class education and pathways to leading universities. In its first year, AIS Kuwait welcomed 300 students and 25 teachers, despite shortages of textbooks, library facilities, and other learning resources. By October 1994, the school achieved full accreditation and relocated from Surra to Salmiya to support growth. After Dr. Kamil Al Rayes passed away in 1995, his daughter, Mrs. Samera Al Rayes, MA.Ed., became Director, with the family continuing to serve on the governing Board; today the school serves more than 2,200 students with more than 350 staff and remains an accredited international school with an open, welcoming culture and strong sense of community.
Community
Community
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Community
AIS Kuwait maintains an active school community with a calendar of events including cultural celebrations and national holidays. World Arabic Language Day is observed at AIS on December 4, 2025. The AIS calendar includes events such as the MUN Conference (December 4–6, 2025) and the Winter Book Fair (November 23–27, 2025), plus National Day/Liberation Day celebrations in February. Student life is supported by active clubs and organizations such as NHS and MUN, promoting student leadership and community engagement.
Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
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Parent teacher association
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Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
MAP assessments are used to monitor student progress. Grade 5 MAP Testing and Grade 2 MAP Testing occur across elementary and middle school levels. Science Fair is organized by the Student Life Department to promote inquiry and project-based learning. After School Clubs provide extended academic and enrichment opportunities.
Academic & intellectual
The school offers Model United Nations (MUN) through AIS Activities. The school lists SLC and NHS as components of AIS Activities. The school includes an Academic Events program.
Arts & creative
Arts & creative
The school hosts art exhibitions to showcase student work. Music concerts are held in the Theater as part of student arts programs. Drama performances take place in Theater for Middle and High School students.
Arts & creative
The school offers Visual Arts and Performing Arts. The school maintains a Visual Arts Gallery. The school provides Performing Arts opportunities.
Cultural & language
Cultural & language
Global Citizenship Education at BBS is embedded in curricular and co-curricular activities and focuses on intercultural competence, diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and belonging. It includes cross-cultural experiences, immersion programs, and international exchanges, plus community partnerships. The Empathy to Impact framework guides CARE, AWARE, ABLE, and IMPACT to help students turn learning into action.
Cultural & language
The school offers Model United Nations (MUN) through AIS Activities. The school lists SLC and NHS as student life options. Lunch Clubs are available as part of AIS Activities.
Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
After School Clubs operate for Elementary and Middle School with multiple sessions during the year. Session 3, 4, 5, and 7 are among the club offerings seen in past years. High School features Student Council Elections, providing leadership opportunities outside the classroom. NHS Induction ceremonies and Pearl MUN Conference are also part of student life.
Social & hobbies
The school offers After School Clubs. Lunch Clubs provide social opportunities after school. AIS Activities includes a variety of clubs under Student Life.
Community & service
Community & service
Community partnerships are part of school life with opportunities to engage in service projects. Global Citizenship Education emphasizes service by guiding students to take action and partner with communities. Empathy to Impact supports turning learning into action through community engagement.
Community & service
The school has National Honor Society (NHS) as part of AIS Activities, offering service opportunities. Service & Action is part of the IB Continuum.
Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
Student Council Elections are held in High School to cultivate leadership. NHS Induction ceremonies are held for National Honor Society members. Pearl MUN Conference and Speech and Debate showcases provide opportunities in student government and debate.
Leadership & professional
The school lists the Student Leadership Council (SLC) under AIS Activities. NHS supports leadership and service experiences. AIS Athletics & Activities provide opportunities for team leadership and collaboration through Varsity, Junior Varsity, and U14.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Sports activities include badminton and track and field, with events such as the OAC tournaments. KG 1 Sports Day is part of early years physical activity, with sports events across grade levels. Sports Day occurs across year levels and occasions celebrate athletic participation.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
The school offers NESAC Athletics and KASAC Athletics with Varsity, Junior Varsity, and U14 teams. These programs support physical well-being through school athletics. The school provides a broad range of athletic opportunities through Student Life.
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
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Language provision
English is the language of instruction. Arabic is studied through Grade 9 in accordance with Kuwait MOE requirements. Islamic Studies is studied for Muslim students.
Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching
English is the language of instruction. Arabic is taught as a language through Grade 9 under Kuwait MOE requirements.
Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
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Awards
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Accreditations
Accreditations
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Accreditations
MSA accreditation: The school has Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA) accreditation. First accredited in 1994; reaccredited in 2003 and 2013. The most recent accreditation used the Excellence by Design protocol, strengthening health and safety policies, student support and career services, and the governance–leadership alignment with the teaching staff. IB Continuum: The IB Continuum is part of AIS. Diploma Programme authorized in 2005; MYP authorized in 2006; PYP authorized in 2007. Reauthorized in all three programmes multiple times, with a 2017 multi-programme self-study bringing the reauthorizations together.
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
1. Entrance evaluation purpose. Entrance evaluations determine whether the student is developmentally ready for school and has the basic skills required to enter the requested grade. English, Arabic, and Math evaluations assess reading, writing, and oral language abilities, as well as basic math skills. These evaluations are designed by the school to reflect the curriculum and the demands of a bilingual program. The evaluations help establish appropriate placement within the grade level.
2. Evaluation dates and scheduling. After meeting all the basic qualifications, the Admissions Office informs parents about suitable dates and times for the evaluation of their children. The scheduling is coordinated by the Admissions Office and communicated to families. The process ensures dates align with the admissions timeline for each grade level.
3. Evaluation fees. All evaluation fees are non-refundable unless cancellation is made by parents five business days prior to the evaluation date. The policy applies to all applicants undergoing the admissions evaluation. Families should be aware of the cancellation window when planning their participation.
4. Re-evaluation. With the Principal's approval, a maximum of one re-evaluation will be allowed for a student, and additional fees may apply. The option provides another opportunity to display the required competencies if initial results suggest insufficient readiness. Re-evaluation decisions are made based on the principal's assessment and related documentation.
5. Evaluation decision. The evaluation decision is made by the Principal in each division after careful review of the results, recommendations from examining teachers, and the student's previous academic and behavior records. The process integrates multiple sources of information to determine suitability for admission. Final decisions reflect the school's assessment of readiness and placement.
6. Evaluation results. Grades 1-12 evaluation results are normally provided to parents three working days after the evaluation. Preschool results are communicated around the beginning of March, following interviews. All results are issued through the Admissions Office and are kept confidential.
7. Confidentiality. BBS reserves the right to deny admissions to any student without stating reasons and to maintain the confidentiality of references from the student's previous school. The policy supports safeguarding the privacy of applicants and their families. Decisions are made in the school's best interest, considering the presented information.
8. Alternative grade level. If a student does not pass the entrance evaluation for the grade applied for, BBS may offer acceptance in a lower grade level based on previous records, age, and observed abilities. The family makes the final decision to accept or deny this offer. Once accepted, the family cannot request a change in grade.
9. Pre-K interviews. There are no formal interviews for Pre-K, but new families must book a Meet & Greet as part of enrollment. Sessions are conducted weekly in February and may continue depending on placement availability, with each session lasting about 30 minutes. Admissions priorities and seat availability govern conditional acceptance, and final results are announced by early March.
10. Preschool interviews (KG1 and KG2). KG children are interviewed in small group settings and individually in English and Arabic. The interviews assess social, emotional, speech, language, and fine motor development. Interviews run weekly in February, are 45–50 minutes long, and may continue depending on placement availability.
11. Elementary entrance evaluations (Grades 1-5). Students seeking admission to Elementary are evaluated in Arabic, English, and Math. Evaluations measure whether the student can meet grade-level expectations in the current grade to progress to the next. Evaluations are typically administered in February through August, depending on placement availability.
12. Middle School entrance evaluations (Grades 6-8). Students entering Middle School sit for Arabic paper-based and English/Math computer-based assessments (IDAT) and participate in a counselor interview. Eligibility is determined from these results together with information and report cards from previous schools.
13. High School entrance evaluations (Grades 9-12). High School entrants undergo a more rigorous Arabic assessment and IDAT in English and Math. Students must meet standard requirements and have prior academic/behavior records reviewed to be considered for admission. The Guidance Counselor consults with new students and parents to select courses for the High School diploma, noting that credits from previous schools are attached to the transcript but not transferred; minimum graduation requirements must be met. New students are not encouraged to apply for 12th grade admissions. Entrance evaluations are typically administered monthly throughout the year.
14. Entrance evaluation content. Entrance Evaluation Content is available to parents in PDF format for download/printing, with grade-by-grade links to applying guides for each level.
Admissions
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Scholarships
Scholarships
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Scholarships
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Waitlist
Waitlist
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Waitlist
The Admissions Committee may place the applicant on a waiting list.
