American International School of Kuwait vs Dasman Bilingual School

	A American International School of Kuwait Kuwait City, Kuwait	D Dasman Bilingual School Kuwait City, Kuwait
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year KWD 2,650 - 4,531	Fees / year KWD 1,786 - 3,101
Age range	Age range 4 - 18 years	Age range 2 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum American Curriculum, IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)	Curriculum American Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP), BTEC Qualification, SEN focussed
Pupils	Pupils 2,100	Pupils —
Typical class size	Typical class size 22	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English, Arabic
Opened	Opened 1991	Opened 1996
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	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.	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 Kindergarten through Grade 12, organized into Early Childhood, Elementary School, Middle School, and High School.	Stages Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle School, and High School (K-12).
School type	School type Private, independent, co-educational day school offering an IB Continuum and an American curriculum.	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 No formal country affiliation; based in Kuwait.	Country affiliation United States and Kuwait.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	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.	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 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.	Bus service details Bus service with division-specific drop-off and pick-up times.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details —	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 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.	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 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.	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 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.	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 Many AIS graduates attend top universities worldwide, with pathways to leading universities around the globe.	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 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.	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) The school provides English Language Learner (ELL) support and is equipped to support students who do not require a modified program.	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 The school provides English Language Learner (ELL) support.	English as an additional language —
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing The IB programmes support the social and emotional development of each child, complemented by a pastoral care program.	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 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 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 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.	Facilities overview The school has modern science labs, art studios, sports courts, swimming pools, and a dedicated Special Needs Division.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities The school has two gyms, two tennis courts, and two soccer fields.	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 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.	Academic facilities Academic facilities include modern science labs and art studios, plus a dedicated Special Needs Division.
Extra curricular facilities	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.	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 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.	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 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.	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 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.	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 The school offers Visual Arts and Performing Arts. The school maintains a Visual Arts Gallery. The school provides Performing Arts opportunities.	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 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.	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 The school offers After School Clubs. Lunch Clubs provide social opportunities after school. AIS Activities includes a variety of clubs under Student Life.	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 The school has National Honor Society (NHS) as part of AIS Activities, offering service opportunities. Service & Action is part of the IB Continuum.	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	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.	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 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.	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 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.	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 English is the language of instruction. Arabic is taught as a language through Grade 9 under Kuwait MOE requirements.	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 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.	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 The Admissions Committee may place the applicant on a waiting list.	Waitlist —
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