American Baccalaureate School vs International School of Kuwait
American Baccalaureate School and International School of Kuwait are both in Kuwait City, about 22 km apart. Both schools offer American and Advanced Placement (AP) programmes. Published annual fees are KWD 2,650 - 4,810 at American Baccalaureate School and KWD 1,750 - 4,500 at International School of Kuwait, which puts American Baccalaureate School roughly 19% higher. Both take pupils from 3 to 18.
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
The school is located in Mahboula, Block 3, Street 306, Kuwait.
Stages
Stages
Kindergarten; Elementary; Middle and High School
Stages
Pre-K through Grade 12 (preK-12 programs).
School type
School type
Private, non-profit college preparatory school
School type
International school offering an American curriculum with AP courses and an American High School Diploma.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
High school student body is 99% Kuwaiti.
Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
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Additional learning support
Full support for students with additional learning needs.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
The school has American affiliation.
Country affiliation
American curriculum; Cognia accreditation; academic affiliations with College Board and British Council.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation
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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
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Bus service details
Bus service details
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Bus service details
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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)*
- 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
Application & Registration Fees
- Registration / seat deposit: KWD 100 (this deposit secures the student's place until the first day of the school year).
Tuition fees (per grade) — installment amounts and annual total (currency: KWD)
(Instalment amounts and dates are published together as the school's tuition schedule.)
Billing schedule & payment terms
- Published instalment schedule (example dates shown on the published schedule): 1st instalment due 25 August; 2nd instalment due 1 January; 3rd instalment due 1 April. The first instalment must be paid in full before the commencement of the new academic year. - The KWD 100 registration/seat deposit holds the place until the student's first day of the school year. - The published tuition figures exclude additional charges (see next section).
Boarding fees
- Boarding is not listed as part of the school's published fee schedule; no boarding/residential fees are shown.
Other costs and fees
- Items excluded from the published tuition schedule and billed separately: books, uniform, extracurricular activities, extra examination fees and school trips. - Any specialty or optional program charges (for example extra-curricular trip fees, exam centre fees or subject-specific charges) are additional to the tuition amounts above.
Refund information
- The published schedule states that the KWD 100 deposit secures the place until the first day of the school year. Specific refund terms for the deposit or tuition (for withdrawal or cancellation) are not itemised on the published fee schedule.
Fee payment options
- The published fee schedule does not list specific accepted payment methods (for example card, cash or bank transfer) within the fee schedule document. For payment method instructions, the school's admissions and reception contact details are provided in school communications.
Additional administrative notes shown on the published fee schedule
- The school's published fees are subject to change based on Ministry of Education approval.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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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
Uniform is not included in tuition.
Food options
Food options
Two full cafeterias serve hot meals.
Food options
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House system
House system
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House system
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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
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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
American-influenced curriculum with Pre-Advanced Placement and Advanced Placement (Pre-AP and AP) courses and an American High School Diploma accredited by Cognia. ISK is a SAT examination center and has affiliations with the College Board and the British Council to support college readiness. Fusion™ is the core learning framework, a student-centered, collaborative, and inquiry-based approach that integrates STEM, the arts, and well-being. The Renaissance Education framework emphasizes holistic liberal-arts development and encourages students to pursue their individual talents.
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
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Exam results
Exam results
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Exam results
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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
Pre-AP and AP courses prepare students for higher education; AP courses are recognized by universities worldwide. The American High School Diploma is Cognia-accredited and supports college admissions, and ISK provides SAT preparation and has College Board affiliations to aid university applications.
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
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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
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 Fusion learning ecosystem includes well-being and mindfulness as core elements of ISK's curriculum. The approach integrates well-being and mindfulness as central components of education. The school aims to develop the Renaissance student who can thrive in any context after graduation. Guidance counselors support students, and prospective families can meet a counselor during campus visits. The curriculum also emphasizes deep-language learning, visual and performing arts, and problem-based learning as part of student development.
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)
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English as an additional language
English as an additional language
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English as an additional language
Language development is a core element of ISK's Fusion program, with deep-language learning integrated into the curriculum. Language development is emphasized across learning experiences.
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
Well-being and mindfulness are core components of the curriculum. Guidance counselors support students and are available for meetings during campus visits. The Fusion framework embeds mental wellbeing as part of everyday learning.
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
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Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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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
ISK has state-of-the-art facilities, including FIFA-standard 7-a-side pitches, an NBA-standard court, and a cutting-edge STEAM lab and robotics center. The school provides preK-12 programs and swimming classes. Mindfulness spaces support social and emotional learning, and physical engagement includes sports, dance, yoga, Pilates and martial arts. The STEAM lab and robotics center underpins a modern, interdisciplinary approach to learning.
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
FIFA standard 7-a-side pitches are on campus. ISK has an NBA-standard basketball court. The sports facilities include swimming, football, and tennis. The basketball program offers opportunities to participate in inter-school and regional tournaments.
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
ISK's STEAM Lab and Robotics Center is cutting-edge and equipped with advanced tools for hands-on learning. Robotics builds design, building, and programming skills and includes competitions and collaborative projects. STEAM and robotics are part of a holistic approach balancing academics with arts, sports and wellbeing. Projects emphasize real-world applications, including sustainability and smart technology.
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
Mindfulness spaces support social and emotional learning. Physical engagement includes sports, dance, yoga, Pilates and martial arts. Live to Give reflects ISK's ethos, encouraging community involvement and responsible conduct. Swimming classes are offered as part of the school's extracurricular program.
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
ISK is Cognia-accredited and has academic affiliations with College Board and the British Council. It has expressed interest in candidacy for accreditation with NEASC, Pearson (Edexcel), and the Council of International Schools (CIS). The Renaissance School page frames these accreditation efforts as part of ISK's development toward broader international accreditation.
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
ISK's community rests on core values of integrity, empowerment, inclusivity, inquiry, and well-being. Live-to-Give emphasizes service and a Code of Conduct (Codicem Conductum) guiding interactions among students, parents and staff. Academic and events calendars show cultural and community observances such as International Day of Families, World Arabic Day, World Teachers' Day, and National Day.
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
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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 Fusion™ core methodology provides a 21st-century education centered on student‑centered teaching, collaboration, conceptual and contextual learning, and community/societal connections. ISK features a STEAM-based curriculum supported by a STEAM lab and robotics center. The school offers Pre-AP and AP courses and holds Cognia accreditation for its American High School Diploma.
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
Dance is included in Physical Engagement. A STEAM lab and robotics center supports creative and technical exploration across disciplines. Fusion integrates creative thinking across subjects to prepare students for a dynamic world.
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
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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
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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
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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
Leadership is a focus at ISK as reflected in its aim to 'build leaders' and in Fusion's emphasis on community/societal connections.
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
Well-being is a key concept at ISK, with Mindfulness spaces for social and emotional learning to transpire. Physical engagement includes sports, dance, yoga, Pilates and martial arts.
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
Deep-language learning is a feature of ISK's curriculum. Fusion™ integrates language learning across subjects to support this.
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
Languages are deeply integrated across the curriculum.
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
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
Cognia accredits ISK. The school has academic affiliations with the College Board and the British Council.
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
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Scholarships
Scholarships
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Scholarships
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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.
