Al-Bayan International School vs Dasman Bilingual School

	A Al-Bayan International School Kuwait City, Kuwait	D Dasman Bilingual School Kuwait City, Kuwait
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year KWD 2,434 - 5,273	Fees / year KWD 1,786 - 3,101
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 2 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum American Curriculum	Curriculum American Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP), BTEC Qualification, SEN focussed
Pupils	Pupils 436	Pupils —
Typical class size	Typical class size 15	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English, Arabic
Opened	Opened —	Opened 1996
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location —	Location Sharq, Kuwait City, Kuwait. The campus spans seven buildings on a large private campus in the Sharq district, with facilities including two swimming pools, two auditoriums, football fields, indoor play areas for younger students, indoor and outdoor basketball courts, music rooms, computer and science labs, and a spacious cafeteria. It offers bilingual instruction in English and Arabic, blending the American and Arabic curricula.
Stages	Stages —	Stages Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle School, and High School (K-12).
School type	School type —	School type Private bilingual day school.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support —	Additional learning support Special Needs Division; inclusive support through Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and vocational training.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation —	Country affiliation United States and Kuwait.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure School days start with a 7:00–7:30 a.m. drop-off for all divisions. Pick-up times vary by division: Kindergarten 12:50–13:15, Elementary 14:00–14:15, Middle School 14:15–14:30, High School 14:30–14:45, SEN (A, D, S) 12:55–13:30, and SEN/Vocational 13:30–13:45.
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details Bus service with division-specific drop-off and pick-up times.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application and registration fees - Application / assessment: an admissions assessment and interview are required as part of the enrolment process; a registration fee of KWD 100 is required with the application. Tuition fees by year group (annual and calculated per-term) The published annual tuition for the 2025/2026 academic year is shown below (amounts in Kuwaiti Dinars). Per-term figures in parentheses are calculated by dividing the published annual fee by three (Annual ÷ 3) because a term-by-term breakdown was not published. The per-term numbers are presented for convenience and are calculated values, not an official school breakdown. - Kindergarten 2 (K2 / age 4): KWD 2,434 (per term: KWD 811.33). - Kindergarten 3 (K3 / age 5): KWD 2,650 (per term: KWD 883.33). - Grade 1: KWD 4,086 (per term: KWD 1,362.00). - Grade 2: KWD 4,086 (per term: KWD 1,362.00). - Grade 3: KWD 4,086 (per term: KWD 1,362.00). - Grade 4: KWD 4,086 (per term: KWD 1,362.00). - Grade 5: KWD 4,086 (per term: KWD 1,362.00). - Grade 6: KWD 4,770 (per term: KWD 1,590.00). - Grade 7: KWD 4,770 (per term: KWD 1,590.00). - Grade 8: KWD 4,770 (per term: KWD 1,590.00). - Grade 9: KWD 5,273 (per term: KWD 1,757.67). - Grade 10: KWD 5,273 (per term: KWD 1,757.67). - Grade 11: KWD 5,273 (per term: KWD 1,757.67). - Grade 12: KWD 5,273 (per term: KWD 1,757.67). Billing schedule and payment terms - Parents are required to pay tuition fees on or before the due date indicated on the school invoice. - The school's published figures are shown as annual tuition totals; a three‑installment structure (September, January and April) is commonly used across American-curriculum schools in Kuwait and is the basis for the per-term calculations above (per-term = annual ÷ 3). Those per-term amounts are calculated values for reference and are not a published BIS schedule. Boarding fees - Al‑Bayan International School operates as a day school; there is no boarding provision. Other costs and mandatory charges - Uniform: student uniform is mandatory from KG1 through Grade 12. No published uniform price was available. - Additional costs that families should expect (amounts not published): textbooks and book packs, exam fees (external assessment / university‑entrance testing where applicable), school trips, after‑school activities, and optional or route‑based transportation. These items are commonly charged separately to tuition. Refund information - A specific, school‑published refund policy for tuition, registration or other fees was not published in the available fee material. The school requires the registration fee with application; schools in Kuwait commonly treat some application/registration payments as non‑refundable. Where other schools publish explicit deposit/refund rules those vary by school and by timing of withdrawal. The per-term figures above are calculated values and not a statement of refund terms. Fee payment options - No detailed, school‑published list of accepted payment methods (credit card, bank transfer, cheque, etc.) was found in the published fee material reviewed. Schools in Kuwait commonly accept bank transfer, cheque and/or card payments. Cheque payment instructions are used by other Kuwaiti international schools.	Fee details Application and reservation fee - Non-refundable registration / tuition deposit: KD 100 (deductible from the first installment; reserves the student's place only until the first day of the school year). Tuition fees (annual and instalment breakdown by school division) - Pre‑K / KG1 / KG2: Annual tuition KD 1,786, payable in three instalments — 1st instalment KD 714 (due 01 Sep 2025 / first day of school), 2nd instalment KD 536 (due 01 Jan 2026), 3rd instalment KD 536 (due 01 Apr 2026). - Elementary (Grades 1–4): Annual tuition KD 2,784, payable in three instalments — 1st instalment KD 1,114 (01 Sep 2025), 2nd instalment KD 835 (01 Jan 2026), 3rd instalment KD 835 (01 Apr 2026). - Middle School (Grades 5–8): Annual tuition KD 3,006, payable in three instalments — 1st instalment KD 1,202 (01 Sep 2025), 2nd instalment KD 902 (01 Jan 2026), 3rd instalment KD 902 (01 Apr 2026). - High School (Grades 9–12): Annual tuition KD 3,101, payable in three instalments — 1st instalment KD 1,241 (01 Sep 2025), 2nd instalment KD 930 (01 Jan 2026), 3rd instalment KD 930 (01 Apr 2026). - Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision: Annual fee KD 7,185, payable in three instalments — KD 2,875 / KD 2,155 / KD 2,155. Resource Inclusion (RI) annual fee KD 3,910, payable in three instalments — KD 1,564 / KD 1,173 / KD 1,173. Billing schedule and payment terms - Standard billing schedule: three instalments with settlement dates shown as the first day of the school year (1st instalment) and fixed calendar dates for the later instalments — 01 Jan and 01 Apr. The full first instalment must be paid on the first day of the academic year. - The KD 100 deposit is non-refundable but is credited to the first instalment. Delayed payments may result in the school withholding the student's report cards until outstanding fees are settled. - Late registration: tuition is calculated from the student's first day at Dasman (no charge is applied for periods prior to joining). Public Authority (PAD) funding and associated timing rules are applied when applicable. Boarding fees - Boarding: Not applicable. Dasman Bilingual School operates as a day school and does not publish boarding or residential fees. Other costs and mandatory items - Crèche / KG waiting-room fee: KD 300 (non‑refundable; payable once on admission for the KG department). - Resource Inclusion (RI) sessions: KD 300 per session for one subject (weekly sessions across the year); this charge is payable in two instalments where applicable. - Textbooks and stationery: the school bookstore supplies required Arabic and English textbooks and standardized notebooks; parents who buy externally must match the school's specified items. Cost depends on selections at the school bookstore. - School uniform: uniform is mandatory and available for purchase at the school store; specific uniform pricing is not published in the school's financial policy. Refund and withdrawal rules - Withdrawal during the school year follows the Ministry of Education (Private Education Department) rules applied by the school: if withdrawal occurs after the first instalment due at the start of the academic year, the school is entitled to 40% of the annual fees; after the second instalment due (01 Jan) the school is entitled to 70% of the annual fees; if withdrawal occurs after the third instalment due date the school is entitled to the full annual fees. The KD 100 deposit is non‑refundable. Fee payment options and how invoices are handled - The school publishes a Parent Portal link (dasman.parents.isamshosting.cloud) for parents' access to portals and parent resources; invoices and fee administration are managed through the school's published financial policy and parent systems. Specific accepted payment instruments (for example, named credit card brands, bank transfer details or online gateway names) are not listed in the publicly posted financial policy documents. Notes on regulatory adjustments - Tuition and additional fee charges may be amended in line with decisions by the Ministry of Education – Department of Private Education or the Public Authority for the Disabled; any such amendments are applied to all students for the relevant academic year. (End of fees overview.)
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement Uniform is mandatory for all students. Kindergarten wear logo tops and stretchable trousers or shorts with black closed-toe shoes. Primary wear blue button-down shirts with the logo and navy pants or knee-length skirts. Middle School wear light blue polo shirts with navy pants or skirts. High School wear white polo shirts with navy blue or black pants, with Grade 12 students designing their uniforms annually. PE and sports uniforms are also required.
Food options	Food options —	Food options —
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership —	Governance and ownership Dasman Bilingual School is part of the Cognita family of Schools.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details —	Curriculum details The school uses a bilingual curriculum that integrates American and Arabic standards. The curriculum is accredited by CIS and NEASC.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results The school reports a 100% graduation rate. 55% of graduates pursue higher education at prestigious colleges and universities abroad (UK and US), while 45% continue their studies in Kuwait and the GCC. It is a licensed SAT exam center and a College Board-approved provider for AP exams. 90% of students take the IELTS exam through a British Council partnership, with an average score of 6.5 or above.
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression Dasman graduates study at leading universities worldwide, including Harvard, MIT, University College London, and McGill, with placements in Medicine, Engineering, Business, Law, and Computer Science. Alumni pursue degrees across the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Kuwait, and beyond, with scholarships and global opportunities noted.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning —	Social & emotional learning The school provides effective pastoral care and a culture of wellbeing that supports thriving learners and compassionate citizens. Pastoral care focuses on nurturing happy, resilient, and adaptable learners, with dedicated teachers providing personalised support. Wellbeing is guided by Cognita Be Well Charter, promoting healthy choices and social engagement, including regular physical activity and healthy eating. Safeguarding measures ensure a safe and secure environment for all students to thrive. The Be Well Charter guides wellbeing through six pillars and the school fosters social responsibility through activities and partnerships such as the Sparkle Foundation.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) The Special Needs Division comprises Special Needs, Autism, and Vocational Units. It is rooted in the belief that no one is left behind and provides an inclusive, supportive environment for students to grow. The division offers speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physiotherapy, among other supports. A specialized assistant fluent in both English and Arabic works in each classroom to provide individualized support. The curriculum is modified in Language Arts and Math based on the CCSS, and older students may follow the ASDAN and BTEC Qualification Curricula, with some ASDAN students transitioning to higher education.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language —
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing —	Mental wellbeing Wellbeing is a central focus aligned with the Cognita Be Well Charter, which emphasizes six pillars and is applied across the school. The school promotes healthy food choices and regular physical activity as part of daily routines. It fosters connections through social responsibility and enterprise, including the Sparkle Foundation partnership for volunteering activities. Leadership opportunities such as Model United Nations and Student Council support social and emotional development. Regular wellbeing initiatives and a safe, inclusive environment contribute to students' mental wellbeing.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding Safeguarding is a commitment to promote the welfare of every child, ensuring equal rights to protection from harm and a safe, inclusive environment. The safeguarding principles are universal and have been developed by Cognita's Safeguarding Specialist Team; they emphasize staff training, early identification of concerns, and empowering children to voice their thoughts. Every adult who works with the school is vetted as safe to do so, and staff are equipped to educate students about risk and to respond appropriately to concerns.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview —	Facilities overview The school has modern science labs, art studios, sports courts, swimming pools, and a dedicated Special Needs Division.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities The sports program includes volleyball, soccer, basketball, track and field, badminton, and swimming; it runs across four seasons. The campus provides well-maintained courts and fields, plus dedicated swimming and track facilities.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities —	Academic facilities Academic facilities include modern science labs and art studios, plus a dedicated Special Needs Division.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities —	Extra curricular facilities There are over 70 extracurricular activities, including robotics and STEAM, music, sports, and cultural clubs. Leadership opportunities include Model United Nations and Student Council.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History —	History Established in 1996 in Sharq, Dasman Bilingual School is part of the Cognita family of schools. It offers bilingual education blending the best of American and Arabic curricula. The school started with 400 students in two buildings and has grown to more than 3,000 students across seven buildings. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including two swimming pools, two auditoriums, football fields, indoor play areas for younger students, indoor and outdoor basketball courts, music rooms, computer and science labs, and a spacious cafeteria; a modern library is set to join. The school's diverse student body represents multiple nationalities and a commitment to global citizenship.
Community	Community —	Community Dasman Bilingual School is a thriving community where students, parents, and educators collaborate to foster growth and achievement. Its diverse student body represents multiple nationalities, creating a multicultural environment that celebrates inclusivity and collaboration. Students participate in partnerships with families and cultural organizations, including the Arabic Reading Challenge, Dasman Talk, and international competitions. Leadership opportunities such as Model United Nations and Student Council prepare students to make a meaningful impact in their communities and beyond.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association At Dasman Bilingual School, the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) serves as a vital bridge between parents, school management, academic staff, and administrative teams. Representing parents across all academic levels and learning units, the PTA works collaboratively to create a positive and meaningful impact on pupils' academic, emotional, and psychological growth while shaping them into responsible members of Kuwaiti society and compassionate global citizens. We encourage parents to connect with the DBS PTA for concerns or suggestions, particularly those related to school systems and policies, rather than individual or personal matters. The PTA is led by Dr. Mishari Al-Mahmoud – Chairman, and includes Adeelah Al-Sawarej, Dalal Al-Mudhahka, Fatma Karam, Huda Akbar, Meshari Al-Khashti, Reyadh Hashem, and Yousef Al-Hasan as members. Contact and further information can be found through the school's general contact and enquiry channels.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual —	Academic & intellectual The school teaches in English and Arabic. In High School, Advanced Placement (AP) courses, Business, and IT are offered. The curriculum blends American and Arabic strands to develop critical thinking, creativity, and global awareness. 95% of graduates attend top universities in Kuwait, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative The school has art studios to support visual arts. Music and cultural clubs are part of extracurricular offerings. With over 70 activities, students explore arts, music, and other creative pursuits.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language The school teaches in English and Arabic. Arabic language instruction is part of the curriculum, supporting bilingual proficiency. Arabic Reading Challenge, Dasman Talk, and Model United Nations provide language and cultural experiences. The program engages students in international competitions to broaden cultural awareness.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies The school offers over 70 extracurricular activities, including robotics, STEAM, music, sports, and cultural clubs. Students are encouraged to explore personal interests through these clubs and activities. Clubs and teams foster teamwork, creativity, and healthy social engagement.
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional Leadership opportunities include Model United Nations and Student Council. Participation develops leadership, teamwork, and communication skills. The school supports students in pursuing responsible leadership within the school and wider community.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing Facilities include science labs, art studios, sports courts, swimming pools, and a dedicated Special Needs Division. Pastoral care supports student wellbeing in a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment. The environment emphasizes inclusive education for mainstream and special needs students.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision —	Language provision English and Arabic are the languages taught in the program. The Arabic program serves native and non-native speakers, with reading, writing, listening, and speaking development and exposure to Arabic literature, history, and traditions. The Arabic Department is led by qualified educators who use innovative teaching strategies.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching English and Arabic are the languages of instruction. From Kindergarten through High School, instruction blends English-language and Arabic-language curricula with varying amounts of each language used daily. The Arabic program is designed for both native and non-native speakers.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations The school is accredited by CIS and NEASC.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions —	Admissions 1. Make an Enquiry. The Admissions Team answers initial questions and guides families through the next steps. The unique nature of the programs and limited grade-level availability means families are encouraged to follow the steps to ensure their needs are met with care. 2. Visit Us. Experience Dasman Bilingual School by scheduling a campus tour. The Admissions Team offers daily tours at various times to explore facilities and meet members of the School Leadership Team. This visit provides firsthand insight into the school's bilingual environment. 3. Submit Your Online Application. Applications are accepted online only. Upload digital copies of key documents, including identification, academic records, and any relevant reports for special education applicants. Ensure attachments are clear and readable to avoid delays. 4. Assessment and Evaluation. After submitting the application, an assessment date will be scheduled and you will be notified by email. For international applicants unable to attend in person, remote assessments may be arranged. Assessment results are communicated within 2–3 working days. Assessments vary by grade level: Kindergarten uses an informal interview with KG Academic Staff, while Grades 1–12 require formal assessments in English, Math, and Arabic. Special Needs and Vocational applicants may require psychological assessments and classroom observations. 5. Admission Decision. The Admissions Team will notify parents of assessment results within 1 day for Kindergarten and 2–3 days for Grades 1–12. 6. After Acceptance. Upon acceptance, pay a non-refundable KD 100 deposit to secure the child's seat within two days of notification. Submit transfer documents from the child's previous school to the DBS Registrar's Office.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
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