American International School of Kuwait vs Kuwait Bilingual School 2

	A American International School of Kuwait Kuwait City, Kuwait	K Kuwait Bilingual School 2 Kuwait City, Kuwait
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year KWD 2,650 - 4,531	Fees / year KWD 2,405 - 4,420
Age range	Age range 4 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum American Curriculum, IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), American Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 2,100	Pupils 2,200
Typical class size	Typical class size 22	Typical class size 18
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English, Arabic
Opened	Opened 1991	Opened 1998
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 Al-Jahra City, Kuwait
Stages	Stages Kindergarten through Grade 12, organized into Early Childhood, Elementary School, Middle School, and High School.	Stages Kindergarten to Grade 12
School type	School type Private, independent, co-educational day school offering an IB Continuum and an American curriculum.	School type Private, independent, K-12 international bilingual IB World School
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support —	Additional learning support Inclusive educational environment with a Student Support and Inclusion Program
Country affiliation	Country affiliation No formal country affiliation; based in Kuwait.	Country affiliation 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 Elementary School hours are 7:30 am to 2:00 pm Sunday through Wednesday; Thursdays dismissal at 1:30 pm
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 —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details —	Fee details Application & assessment fees - A non-refundable placement/test fee of KWD 50 is charged for admission assessments. - A registration fee of KWD 100 is required at acceptance. Tuition fees by year group (per term and annual totals) — applicable for the 2025/26 academic year - Kindergarten 1 (KG1): - First instalment (due before 01 Sep 2025): KWD 770. - Second instalment (due before 01 Jan 2026): KWD 770. - Third instalment (due before 01 Apr 2026): KWD 765. - Registration fee: KWD 100. - Annual total (sum of instalments + registration): KWD 2,405. - Ministry-approved total shown alongside: KWD 3,760. - Kindergarten 2 (KG2): - First instalment (due before 01 Sep 2025): KWD 835. - Second instalment (due before 01 Jan 2026): KWD 835. - Third instalment (due before 01 Apr 2026): KWD 835. - Registration fee: KWD 100. - Annual total (sum of instalments + registration): KWD 2,605. - Ministry-approved total shown alongside: KWD 3,760. - Elementary (Grades 1–5): - First instalment (due before 01 Sep 2025): KWD 1,010. - Second instalment (due before 01 Jan 2026): KWD 1,010. - Third instalment (due before 01 Apr 2026): KWD 1,000. - Registration fee: KWD 100. - Annual total (sum of instalments + registration): KWD 3,120. - Ministry-approved total shown alongside: KWD 4,774. - Middle School (Grades 6–8): - First instalment (due before 01 Sep 2025): KWD 1,175. - Second instalment (due before 01 Jan 2026): KWD 1,175. - Third instalment (due before 01 Apr 2026): KWD 1,170. - Registration fee: KWD 100. - Annual total (sum of instalments + registration): KWD 3,620. - Ministry-approved total shown alongside: KWD 5,150. - High School (Grades 9–12): - First instalment (due before 01 Sep 2025): KWD 1,440. - Second instalment (due before 01 Jan 2026): KWD 1,440. - Third instalment (due before 01 Apr 2026): KWD 1,440. - Registration fee: KWD 100. - Annual total (sum of instalments + registration): KWD 4,420. - Ministry-approved total shown alongside: KWD 5,665. Billing schedule and payment terms - Instalment deadlines for the academic year are: First instalment due before 01 September 2025; Second instalment due before 01 January 2026; Third instalment due before 01 April 2026. - The school requires payment of the first tuition instalment immediately on acceptance; internal guidance states the first tuition instalment must be paid within 7 days of acceptance, and the admission policy also requires payment of the registration fee and first tuition instalment within a fortnight (14 days) from the result/acceptance announcement. Parents must follow the school's admission contract for the exact deadline that applies to their offer. Boarding fees - Kuwait Bilingual School operates as a day school; no boarding facilities or boarding fees apply. Other costs and routine additional charges - Uniform: School uniform is required; a separate PE kit (PE shirt, pants and shoes with the KBS logo) is required for PE days. Specific uniform items and replacement costs are handled through the school's standard supplier arrangements. - Educational trips and excursions: Bus and entrance fees for trips are charged per trip; parents are notified in advance for each trip and fees are collected as required. - Assessments and supplementary charges: Standard assessment/test fee (KWD 50) applies at admissions; individual course or activity fees (if any) are billed separately when applicable. Refund and withdrawal policy - Withdrawals after payment: If a student has not attended any school days, a KWD 100 administrative fee applies on withdrawal after payment. - No tuition refund is given if the student has attended even one day of classes.
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 —
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 The Board of Governors oversees Kuwait Bilingual School 2 on behalf of the school community. It is chaired by the school owner, Mr. Abdulaziz Al Meklef, and includes appointed and elected members who provide fiduciary oversight and strategic direction. The Board delegates operational authority to the Director, and guidelines for all procedures are outlined in the School Board and Governance Policy.
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 International Baccalaureate (IB) framework guides learning across Kuwait Bilingual School 2. Early Years and Elementary School follow the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) in a bilingual English-Arabic environment, with inquiry-based learning, global citizenship, and student agency. The Middle School provides the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP), promoting critical and creative thinking, intercultural understanding, personal growth, and service through inquiry and project-based learning, with digital literacy and social-emotional learning integrated. The High School offers two graduation pathways: the American Bilingual High School Diploma (Arabic and English), blending American standards with Arabic language, Islamic studies, and culture, and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). The school emphasizes multilingual communication, global citizenship, student agency, service learning, and technology-enabled learning environments that support university and career preparation. As an IB World School, KBS 2 integrates the IB Learner Profile and aims to prepare graduates for success in top universities worldwide.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio There are 2,200 scholars and about 200 teachers, yielding an approximate student-teacher ratio of 11:1.
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression Many AIS graduates attend top universities worldwide, with pathways to leading universities around the globe.	Higher education progression Graduates attend top universities worldwide.
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 SEL is woven into the school community at KBS 2. It equips scholars to understand and manage emotions, develop positive relationships, make responsible decisions, and navigate challenges with resilience. SEL is integrated through CharacterStrong lessons, classroom discussions, mentorship programs, assemblies, and advisory groups, helping scholars build confidence, empathy, and leadership skills. Restorative Practice fosters positive conflict resolution, open communication, accountability, and growth, creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment where every scholar feels heard and valued.
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) —
English as an additional language	English as an additional language The school provides English Language Learner (ELL) support.	English as an additional language The school operates in a bilingual environment, integrating English and Arabic language development.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing The IB programmes support the social and emotional development of each child, complemented by a pastoral care program.	Mental wellbeing Mental wellbeing is supported through workshops on mental and physical health, emotional resilience, and university readiness. The counseling team provides age-appropriate support across Early Years through the IB Diploma Programme, helping scholars develop coping strategies and maintain 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 The school has a Child Protection & Safeguarding policy and related safeguarding resources. Documents include the KBS Child Protection Policy, Guidance for safer working practice for those working with children, and the School Protection and Safeguarding Policy. A Child Protection Incident Report Form is available to report 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 Kuwait Bilingual School 2 features an Innovation Center with state-of-the-art technology and tools across Web design & digital art, AI/ML, 3D printing, robotics, VR/AR, and engineering design. The library has over 50,000 English- and Arabic-language titles and supports bilingual literacy and digital research across IB programs. Arts and Performance Spaces include dedicated art studios, drama classrooms, and a theater for music, visual arts, and drama. Security and accessibility are prioritized with CCTV surveillance, 24/7 security, and accessible facilities. Swimming comprises two full-sized pools offering year-round instruction, competitive training, and recreational fitness.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities The school has two gyms, two tennis courts, and two soccer fields.	Sports facilities Two full-sized swimming pools provide year-round access to professional instruction, competitive training, and recreational fitness. Certified instructors lead structured swimming lessons focusing on skill progression and water safety. The program offers competitive opportunities to represent KBS 2 in local and international events, fostering teamwork and excellence. Swimming is integrated into physical education and after-school programs, promoting cardiovascular health, strength, and resilience.
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 The Innovation Center provides access to technology and tools across Web design, digital art, AI/ML, 3D printing, robotics, VR/AR, and engineering design, with technology integrated into every classroom. The library is a multilingual hub with over 50,000 books, e-books, and academic resources in English and Arabic, supporting bilingual literacy and research across PYP, MYP, and DP. IB-aligned inquiry is supported by spaces and resources for Personal Projects, Extended Essays, and subject study. As an IB World School, KBS 2 fosters inquiry-based learning across the Primary, Middle, and Diploma programs.
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 Service Learning is embedded in the IB curriculum at KBS 2, consisting of Service for Learning, Service as Learning, and Service as Action, developing compassion, leadership, and global citizenship. In the PYP, service learning includes environmental stewardship, literacy initiatives, and animal welfare awareness. In the MYP, students engage in community outreach, sustainability initiatives, and mental health advocacy. In the DP, CAS includes international service trips, health and well-being campaigns, and STEM-for-social-good using the Innovation Center. These activities foster global citizenship, collaboration, critical thinking, and social responsibility.
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 Kuwait Bilingual School 2 (KBS 2) is a private, independent institution founded in 1998 to provide bilingual, values-based education to the Al-Jahra community and surrounding areas. The Founding Father, the late Saleh Al Mekhlef, opened KBS in 1998 with 45 scholars in Nursery, KG1, and KG2. In September 2015, Pre-K to Grade 1 moved to a new campus in Saad Al Abdullah City, with the rest following in May 2016. The IB journey began in 2013 with Primary Years Programme (PYP) authorization, followed by a 2017 PYP evaluation and full MYP authorization in 2018; Diploma Programme (DP) authorization was granted in 2024. KBS 2 is a K-12 IB World School fully licensed by the Ministry of Education, with about 2,500 scholars and affiliations with IB, MSA, CIS, and ECIS; CIS accreditation was initiated in 2024 and is targeted for 2026.
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 A strong school-home partnership underpins KBS 2, with the Parent Community playing a vital role in shaping the learning experience. Open communication is maintained through digital platforms, newsletters, and regular leadership check-ins. Parents engage in Coffee Mornings with Leadership, Orientation & Information Sessions, and Workshops, and participate in events such as STEAM Fair, Personal Project, Arabic Day, Learning Showcases, Bazaar, Young Authors' Celebrations, PYPx, Three-Way and Student-Led Conferences. Volunteer opportunities include Guest Speaker & Career Talks, Supporting School Events & Student Projects, and Parent-Led Initiatives, all contributing to a true partnership in education.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association The Parent Association at KBS 2 supports a strong school-home partnership through regular updates, interactive sessions, and community-building events. Coffee Mornings with Leadership provide informal opportunities to meet with school leaders, while Orientation & Information Sessions help families navigate the IB framework and policies. Workshops on student well-being, academic success, and digital safety equip parents to support learning at home. Parents can volunteer at school fairs, reading programs, and mentorship initiatives, and may propose Parent-Led Initiatives to enrich the school experience. These activities foster open communication and shared responsibility for scholars' educational journeys.
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 An International Baccalaureate World School offers the Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme, and Diploma Programme, alongside an American diploma. The curriculum is bilingual and guided by inquiry-based learning to foster global citizenship, scholarship, and service. Beyond academics, activities, athletics, arts, and special events provide opportunities for growth, leadership, and community engagement.
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 Scholars unleash creativity through painting, sculpture, mixed media, and digital art. Drama involves role-playing, improvisation, and theatrical performances. The music program covers instrument study, vocal performance, and music production. ICT includes coding, robotics, web design, AI, and digital literacy.
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 School-wide events celebrate culture and language, including International Day and Arabic Day, fostering cultural awareness and appreciation of global diversity. Global citizenship and cultural engagement are promoted through diverse activities and service learning. Kuwait's heritage is celebrated on National & Liberation Day with traditional performances and school-wide festivities.
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 Physical Education is a core component with two swimming pools, three gyms, and a full athletics program that includes sports competitions. Students develop teamwork, fitness, and discipline through structured physical activities. The program also supports creative and cultural activities that contribute to a balanced, well-rounded experience.
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 Service learning and global citizenship are integral to school life, reflected in school-wide events that promote culture, creativity, and service. Activities include International Day, Arabic Day, SDG-themed dress-down days, and community celebrations like the KBS Bazaar that connect scholars with local initiatives. These events foster community engagement, collaboration, and social responsibility.
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 Scholars develop leadership and essential life skills through in-class activities and school-wide events. The program emphasizes teamwork, confidence, and leadership as part of everyday learning and community involvement.
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 The school emphasizes a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment with social-emotional wellbeing at the center of its approach. Inclusion and wellbeing are supported through the holistic IB framework and school culture.
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 language classes are offered to strengthen multilingual communication. The bilingual approach supports multilingual expression across the curriculum, with scholars developing bilingual Arabic-English proficiency. The IB framework underpins the program, with the Early Years aligned to the Primary Years Programme and Diploma Programme (DP) authorization granted in 2024, making KBS2 the first fully authorized IB continuum bilingual school in Kuwait.
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 The school provides bilingual education in English and Arabic. The Early Years program is part of the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme. English and Arabic language classes strengthen multilingual communication and help scholars express themselves in multiple languages. This bilingual approach develops globally-minded learners who communicate across cultures.
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 Kuwait Bilingual School 2 is accredited by the Middle States Association (MSA) and is a member of the Council of International Schools (CIS). It is affiliated with the Educational Collaborative for International Schools (ECIS).
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions —	Admissions 1. Documentation: Complete the registration form signed by the parent/guardian. Required documents include birth certificate and vaccination records. Two passport-sized photographs; copies of the student's, mother's, and father's civil IDs; a copy of the father's nationality for Kuwaitis. Copies of the father's and student's passports and a valid residence for non-Kuwaitis; the previous year's report card; and any judicial decisions related to the student. 2. Admission Assessments: Personal interviews and assessments gauge the student's mental well-being and interaction capabilities. The student must be independent during the interview, with no parental interference. Academic evaluation tests in English, Arabic, and Mathematics are administered, tailored to the grade applied for, and a test fee of 50 dinars applies. Parents/guardians may not interfere or guide the student during the assessment, and any mediation may result in rejection and a required retest. 3. Post-Assessment Results: Successful candidates sign a Registration Contract and pay the registration fees and the first tuition installment within a fortnight of the result announcement. A medical file is created through the School Health Department, and the admission paper (Acceptance Notice) is obtained to facilitate transfer procedures from the previous school. 4. Waitlist Procedures: If applications exceed available spots, students may be placed on a waitlist. The criteria for waitlisting are a combination of academic performance, extracurricular achievements, and date of application. Students will be notified promptly if a spot becomes available. 5. Appeals Process: Parents or guardians may submit a formal appeal detailing grounds for appeal to the admissions department; the admissions department reviews the appeal and provides a response within 30 days. The process is designed to be transparent and fair. 6. Annual Review and Feedback: The admission policy is reviewed annually to ensure relevance and effectiveness, and a channel for feedback is available for stakeholders. Feedback helps inform updates to the policy.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist The Admissions Committee may place the applicant on a waiting list.	Waitlist When applications exceed available spots, students may be placed on a waitlist. The waitlist criteria combine academic performance, extracurricular achievements, and date of application. Students are notified promptly if a spot becomes available.
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