American Baccalaureate School vs American International School of Kuwait

	A American Baccalaureate School Kuwait City, Kuwait	A American International School of Kuwait Kuwait City, Kuwait
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year KWD 2,650 - 4,810	Fees / year KWD 2,650 - 4,531
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 4 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum American Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP)	Curriculum American Curriculum, IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)
Pupils	Pupils 1,081	Pupils 2,100
Typical class size	Typical class size 23	Typical class size 22
Instruction language	Instruction language English, Arabic	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2006	Opened 1991
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Abraq Khaitan, Block 6, Street #59, Ibn Zuhair Street, Kuwait. The campus is located in Kuwait. The facilities include over 100 classrooms, a networked library and media center, fully equipped science labs, four state-of-the-art computer labs, two full cafeterias serving hot meals, a gymnasium, and an indoor semi-Olympic size swimming pool.	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 Kindergarten; Elementary; Middle and High School	Stages Kindergarten through Grade 12, organized into Early Childhood, Elementary School, Middle School, and High School.
School type	School type Private, non-profit college preparatory school	School type Private, independent, co-educational day school offering an IB Continuum and an American curriculum.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix High school student body is 99% Kuwaiti.	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support —	Additional learning support —
Country affiliation	Country affiliation The school has American affiliation.	Country affiliation No formal country affiliation; based in Kuwait.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure The school week runs Sunday through Thursday. The school day begins at 7:30 a.m. and includes a daily 20-minute homeroom advisory period, followed by seven 48-minute instructional periods. Extracurricular activities occur after school.	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 —	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 fees - Application fee (new applicants): KWD 50 (non‑refundable). - Registration fee (payable at registration): KWD 200 (non‑refundable). Tuition fees by year group (annual and per installment for the 2025–2026 academic year) - Pre‑K: Annual tuition KWD 2,243. Installments: 1st KWD 1,025 (due 31 Aug 2025), 2nd KWD 1,018 (due 31 Jan 2026). - KG‑1: Annual tuition KWD 2,815. Installments: 1st KWD 1,310 (due 31 Aug 2025), 2nd KWD 1,305 (due 31 Jan 2026). - KG‑2: Annual tuition KWD 2,954. Installments: 1st KWD 1,380 (due 31 Aug 2025), 2nd KWD 1,374 (due 31 Jan 2026). - Grades 1–4: Annual tuition KWD 4,408. Installments: 1st KWD 2,105 (due 31 Aug 2025), 2nd KWD 2,103 (due 31 Jan 2026). - Grades 5–8: Annual tuition KWD 4,645. Installments: 1st KWD 2,225 (due 31 Aug 2025), 2nd KWD 2,220 (due 31 Jan 2026). - Grades 9–12: Annual tuition KWD 4,885. Installments: 1st KWD 2,345 (due 31 Aug 2025), 2nd KWD 2,340 (due 31 Jan 2026). Billing schedule and payment terms - Standard tuition billing is in two installments with due dates shown as 31 August and 31 January for the academic year schedule above. Installment amounts are listed beside each grade above. - Cheques should be drawn payable to: "Oxford International for Educational Services." Payment dates and installment arrangements are subject to change per school policy. - Sibling discounts: first child—no discount; second child—KWD 100 discount; third child—10% discount; fourth child—10% discount. Boarding fees - No boarding/hostel fees are published. Boarding services are not listed as part of the school's fee schedule. Other costs and mandatory additional fees - Photo: KWD 10 (mandatory). - Locker (Grades 3–12): KWD 10. - PSAT exam (Grades 9–11): KWD 10. - Agenda/planner (Grades 3–12): KWD 7. - Textbook fees, consumable text fees, lab fees, course‑specific materials (e.g., oceanography book, culinary arts class), Windows laptop requirement (Grades 3–12), and school supplies for KG are additional charges that are not included in the annual tuition and will be billed separately as applicable. Transportation charges and extra‑curricular activity fees are charged separately. Specific amounts for these items are set per item/program and billed in addition to tuition. Refund information - Amounts paid to the school are non‑refundable for the application fee (KWD 50), registration fee (KWD 200), tuition fee, textbook fee, transportation charges, and extra‑curricular activities fees. Fee payment options and notes on payment methods - The published fee schedule specifies cheques to be drawn to "Oxford International for Educational Services." No alternative payment methods (credit card, online portal, bank transfer) are specified on the published tuition and fees schedule. Parents should use the cheque instruction as the named payee when submitting payment per the billing schedule.	Fee details —
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement Uniforms are required. Uniform Order Sheets are available for New Students (Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle–High School; boys and girls) and Returning Students (KG1 to Grade 12; boys and girls).	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 Two full cafeterias serve hot meals.	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 —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The American Baccalaureate School is a private, non-profit institution. It is formally recognized by the Kuwait Ministry of Private Education and accredited by Cognia.	Governance and ownership —
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details The American Baccalaureate School uses the Common Core Standards. For grades K-8, there are grade-by-grade standards in English language arts/literacy and mathematics; for grades 9-12, standards are grouped into 9-10 and 11-12 bands. The standards are research-based, clear and aligned with college and career expectations, emphasize rigorous content and higher-order thinking, and mastery of the standards is essential for success in college, career, and life. They draw on international models and input from educators, researchers, assessment developers, professional organizations, parents and students, to prepare students for the global economy. A range of supports is provided for all students, including those with special needs and English language learners. The Diploma Program emphasizes strong foundations in English and Arabic literacy.	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 Average class size is 20-23 students. ABS has a teaching staff of 229 individuals from over 39 countries.	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression The School Profile 2024-2025 shows graduates gaining admission to universities in the United States, Kuwait, the United Kingdom, and beyond. Examples of U.S. institutions include the University of Arizona, Arizona State University, UC Irvine, the University of Colorado, Michigan State University, Yale University among others. Kuwait institutions listed include Kuwait University, GUST, and the American University of Kuwait, and UK institutions include the University of Glasgow, Bristol University, City, University of London, and the University of Manchester.	Higher education progression Many AIS graduates attend top universities worldwide, with pathways to leading universities around the globe.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented Advanced Placement (AP) courses are offered to high school students starting in their junior year, including AP Calculus, AP Chemistry, AP English Literature and Composition, AP English Language and Composition, AP Computer Science Principles, and AP Biology. AP exams are held each May and can earn college credit or advanced placement depending on scores.	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning The school provides personal, social, and academic support through the ABS Counseling Department for students in grades 9-12. The counseling program helps students become college- and career-ready with guidance and resources focused on personal development. Character education is part of campus life. Students participate in activities that support social growth and leadership, including Student Council, the school yearbook, Model United Nations, National Honor Society, Green Ambassadors, and community service initiatives. Service learning is integrated within ABS and the wider community.	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) ABS does not have the programs and resources to assist those children who have special academic, social or physical needs.	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 —	English as an additional language The school provides English Language Learner (ELL) support.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Health and safety are ABS's top priorities. The health center, supervised by professionally qualified nurses, provides routine check-ups, first aid, vaccinations, and other health services during school hours and focuses on the physical and emotional well-being of students. The health clinic collaborates with parents and staff to foster a caring, safe, and supportive environment for all students.	Mental wellbeing The IB programmes support the social and emotional development of each child, complemented by a pastoral care program.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding ABS prioritizes health and safety and works with parents and staff to maintain a caring, safe, and supportive environment for all students.	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 —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview ABS sits on a 25,000-square-meter campus housing Kindergarten through High School. The technology-centered campus includes over 100 classrooms, campus-wide internet, and fully networked classrooms with Interactive Panel Boards. There are two swimming pools and two cafeterias serving hot meals and fresh snacks. Specialist rooms support culinary arts, music, art, fine arts, and Islamic studies. Four semi-covered playground areas with basketball hoops, soccer goals, and organized lunchtime activities, plus an outdoor Astroturf soccer pitch. Separate buildings house each department.	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 ABS provides state-of-the-art sports facilities, including two gyms: a full-size gymnasium for Elementary and Middle/High School students and a smaller, age-appropriate gym for Kindergarten. There are two swimming pools: a general-use pool and a separate pool for younger students, to support swimming education and water safety. The campus features an expansive soccer field and well-kept tennis courts, with spaces for basketball, football, volleyball, and handball. These facilities accommodate competitive teams, personal fitness, and recreational activities, fostering inclusivity, teamwork, and school spirit.	Sports facilities The school has two gyms, two tennis courts, and two soccer fields.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities ABS has over 100 classrooms, each with an interactive panel and projector, and campus-wide Wi‑Fi. Fully networked classrooms provide access to online resources and digital tools for student learning. There are seven computer labs across all sections, including two testing labs; student machines run Windows 10 and support Robotics, Graphic Design, Yearbook, Journalism, and 3D animation. Digital drawing tablets from Wacom are used by teachers to enhance instruction. The campus is equipped with CCTV, digital signage, and a public address system to support daily operations.	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 A wide variety of annual activities are held on campus, including Afternoon of the Arts / 100 Days of School, ABS Book Fair, ABS Charity Carnival, Curriculum Night, International Day, National and Liberation Day Celebration, Open House and New Student Orientation, and a Talent Show, with parent volunteer opportunities through the Three for Me program. The ABS Book Fair is held twice a year to allow families to purchase books from local vendors. The ABS Charity Carnival is a community event to raise funds for charitable causes. International Day showcases global cultures through performances and foods, while National/Liberation Day celebrations highlight Kuwait's heritage with student dances and traditional activities. These events complement on-campus learning with cultural and community engagement.	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 The American Baccalaureate School is a private, non-profit K-12 school providing an American curriculum with a schoolwide STEM framework. ABS opened in 2006 and has since expanded in academics, social and character education, athletics, and the arts. The school's mission is to prepare students to become accountable, independent, and successful global citizens prepared for international universities. The ABS vision is to educate lifelong learners with ethical values who will develop into leaders, contributing to the global community as responsible, critical thinkers and problem solvers.	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 A wide variety of annual activities are held on ABS's campus each school year, creating fun and excitement in the school community. Annual events include Afternoon of the Arts/100 Days of School, ABS Book Fair, ABS Charity Carnival, Curriculum Night, International Day, National and Liberation Day Celebration, Open House & New Student Orientation, Parent-Teacher Conferences, Talent Show, Three for Me - Parent Volunteer, Arabic / Islamic Events, and Award Ceremonies. International Day celebrates the world's diversity with performances, foods, and traditions, while National/Liberation Day celebrations highlight Kuwait's culture. The ABS community also engages through parent volunteering programs such as Three For Me, which aims to involve parents in school activities and track thousands of volunteer hours.	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 Three For Me - Parent Volunteer is ABS's parent volunteering program, built on partnership between parents and the school community. Volunteers participate in selected activities, fostering loyalty to the school's community spirit. The program emphasizes the partnership among child, school and home, strengthening ties between parents, school and child. Volunteers sign up for activities and follow the program's guidelines to maintain a safe environment. The school's goal is to log 3,000 hours of volunteer time in a school year, reflecting strong parent participation.	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The school has an extensive technology program with a computer lab for every department, a library/media center Partners in Action, and an Arts program that includes Visual Arts, Music, and Drama. ABS is a STEM Education school delivering interdisciplinary STEM activities across the KG, Elementary, and MSHS sections. Social Skills, Study Skills, and after-school extracurricular programs complement the academic program.	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 has an Arts program that includes Visual Arts, Music, and Drama. Annual events include Afternoon of the Arts/100 Days of School and a Talent Show. This year a Fine Arts elective has been introduced.	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 The school celebrates International Day to showcase world cultures with songs, dances, plays, and foods from around the world. Arabic/Islamic Events are observed as part of ABS's annual events. Spirit Days are used to raise awareness on global and local issues through themed dress and activities.	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 The school hosts a Talent Show. Three for Me is a parent volunteer program that engages families in school activities and strengthens community ties. Spirit Days allow students and teachers to express creativity through themed dress days.	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 ABS Charity Carnival raises funds for a worthy cause and brings the community together. Three For Me is a parent volunteering program that supports school activities. The National Honor Society (NHS) chapter links with Kuwait Red Crescent Society, Kuwait Autism Center, and Direct Aid to support service initiatives.	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 NHS - National Honor Society has about 50 members each year and recognizes academics, service, leadership, and character. The Student Council leads student-government activities, hosts social and charity events, and promotes leadership development. Green Ambassador is a student environmental leadership role, and the Mentoring Program provides bi-weekly guidance from counselors to support goal setting and personal growth.	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 The Athletics program emphasizes sport skills and sportsmanship, with competitive teams that compete in Kuwait and internationally. Lunch Time Activities offer a range of games and sports (football, basketball, volleyball, handball, dodgeball, gymnastics, aerobics, table tennis) and include inter-class and inter-grade football mini-tournaments.	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 English is the primary language of instruction. Arabic is taught as part of the regular curriculum and is the language of instruction for Religion and Social Studies. An English Language Resource Program supports students whose English is below grade level starting in Grade 1. The school accepts both Arabic-speaking and non-Arabic-speaking students. AFL (Arabic as a Foreign Language) is offered with ministry approval required for enrollment.	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 The school does not offer a formal bilingual program; English is the primary language of instruction, and Arabic is integrated into the regular curriculum and used for Religion and Social Studies.	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 —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations The school is accredited by the Kuwait Ministry of Private Education and Cognia (formerly AdvancED). Cognia is a global network that evaluates schools against standards.	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. Eligibility and program fit. The school offers admission to both Arabic- and non-Arabic-speaking students. It provides a full English immersion program with an American-based curriculum for Kindergarten through Grade 12, taught by Western-trained teachers. The school invites families to visit the campus and contact the Admissions Office for enrollment guidance. 2. Application materials and submission. The application form and the Parent Checklist for KG, Elementary and MSHS are available for download. Complete these documents and submit them to the Admissions Office together with the required items. The Registration Office is open Sunday to Thursday from 7:00 am to 3:30 pm, and Saturday from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. 3. Screening, transcripts and immunizations. New students must demonstrate an ability performance level within ABS programs and provide report cards and/or transcripts from previous schools. Satisfactory screening/testing is administered by ABS or the Oxford Learning Center. An immunization record or waiver must be on file prior to the start of school. 4. Admissions decision and waiting list. When the capacity of each class is reached, those meeting the above criteria but not admitted will be placed on a waiting list in case an opening occurs. Families will be contacted according to the stated criteria if space becomes available. Applications for the following school year must be resubmitted during spring registration. 5. Priorities for admission. New students will be considered for admission in descending priorities on a space-available basis: children with siblings currently in attendance; Kuwaiti children applying from an American School; American children applying from an American school; all other children applying from an American school. Admissions decisions take into account the capacity of each class and the ability to meet program requirements. 6. Special needs and program scope. ABS does not have the programs and resources to assist those children who have special academic, social or physical needs.	Admissions —
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist The school maintains a waiting list when class capacity is reached. Eligible applicants meeting the criteria will be placed on the waiting list and contacted in the event that an opening becomes available. For the next school year, applications must be resubmitted during spring registration. Openings are offered based on space availability and the ordering of the criteria set by the school.	Waitlist The Admissions Committee may place the applicant on a waiting list.
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