American School of Bahrain vs The Bahrain Bayan School

	A American School of Bahrain Manama, Bahrain	T The Bahrain Bayan School Manama, Bahrain
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year BHD 2,900 - 8,980	Fees / year BHD 4,165 - 5,725
Age range	Age range 2 - 18 years	Age range 4 - 18 years
Type	Type —	Type —
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), American Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Arabic Curriculum, American Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 449	Pupils 1,000
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English, Arabic
Opened	Opened —	Opened —
Bus service	Bus service —	Bus service —
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location ASB is centrally located in North Riffa (Wadi Al Buhair), near the Bahrain National Stadium. The 17-acre campus is easily accessed from the main highways and offers parking for parents and visitors. The campus address is Building 1528, Road 3429, Block 934, Riffa Al Shamali, Kingdom of Bahrain.	Location The Bahrain Bayan School is located in Isa Town, Bahrain, within the Isa Town Educational District. The main campus address is Building 230, Road 4111, Isa Town 841. A separate preschool campus, Dr. May Bint Sulaiman Al Otaibi Preschool, is on the same Road 4111 in Isa Town 841. The Isa Town site is accessible via Bahrain's main thoroughfares and is near other educational facilities.
Stages	Stages ASB serves Early Childhood through Grade 12. The school offers Head Start to Grade 12 with an Early Childhood Center that follows Ontario Kindergarten for Pre-K and KG1 and AERO standards for English, Science and Math in KG2; Grades 1–10 follow AERO standards aligned with Common Core. Pathways in Grades 11 and 12 include the IB Diploma Programme.	Stages The school serves early years through secondary education, from Nursery to Year 13 (ages roughly 4 to 18). It comprises Preschool, Primary, Middle, and High sections.
School type	School type ASB is a co-educational day school with no boarding facilities.	School type The school is a co-educational, independent, non-profit day school. It does not operate boarding facilities.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix ASB serves a diverse student body with dozens of nationalities represented. Publicly available estimates place the total nationalities represented at about 33 to 48, with Bahraini, American and Canadian among the most represented; the local-to-international student ratio is roughly around 50:50.	Pupil nationality mix Approximately 98% of Bayan students come from Bahrain and neighboring GCC countries, with about 2% classified as international/non-GCC students. This results in a predominantly local/GCC student body with a small international minority.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support ASB provides learning support spaces and services, including English Language (EL) support and general learning support, delivered in designated learning support rooms and counseling areas on campus. Availability may be limited by program and staffing.	Additional learning support Additional Educational Assistance (AEA) provides targeted academic and wellbeing support using a MTSS framework. AEA offers in-class support, small-group intervention, individualized learning plans, and targeted Tier 3 instruction, with placement based on data and regular review. AEA services carry an additional fee.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation The school is an American international school located in Bahrain and is part of the Esol Education network.	Country affiliation There is no formal country affiliation; the school is Bahrain-based and operates within the Bahraini education system.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation Religious affiliation: Not affiliated with a specific religion. The curriculum includes Arabic language instruction and Islamic Studies as part of Bahraini cultural education.	Religious affiliation There is no formal religious affiliation; the mission emphasizes Islamic values and respect for Arab and Islamic heritage as part of Bayan's identity.
School day structure	School day structure The school day runs from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.	School day structure The school operates Sunday to Thursday. The school day typically runs from morning into the early afternoon, with common schedules indicating start around 7:00 am and end around 3:00 pm.
Bus service details	Bus service details ASB offers a school bus service; transport details, routes, and providers are coordinated through the Admissions Office. Inquiries about transport options should be directed to admissions@asb.bh or by calling +973 1721 1800.	Bus service details A school bus service is available. Routes and providers are arranged through the school, with transportation coordinated by the admissions or transport team. Pickup times and areas are planned to accommodate families across Bahrain. Contact the school for current route options and schedules.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application and Registration Fees - Application fee: BHD 75 per student. - Registration fee: BHD 300 per student due on acceptance of a place. The application fee (BHD 75) is deducted from the registration fee, so the net registration payment on acceptance is BHD 225. Registration and application fees are not refundable. Tuition fees by year group (2025–2026 academic year) — annual and per-term amounts - Head Start — BHD 2,900 per year (Term 1: BHD 1,450; Term 2: BHD 1,450). - Pre-KG — BHD 3,310 per year (Term 1: BHD 1,655; Term 2: BHD 1,655). - KG 1 — BHD 4,730 per year (Term 1: BHD 2,365; Term 2: BHD 2,365). - KG 2 — BHD 4,820 per year (Term 1: BHD 2,410; Term 2: BHD 2,410). - Grade 1 — BHD 4,900 per year (Term 1: BHD 2,450; Term 2: BHD 2,450). - Grade 2 — BHD 5,330 per year (Term 1: BHD 2,665; Term 2: BHD 2,665). - Grade 3 — BHD 5,330 per year (Term 1: BHD 2,665; Term 2: BHD 2,665). - Grade 4 — BHD 5,660 per year (Term 1: BHD 2,830; Term 2: BHD 2,830). - Grade 5 — BHD 5,660 per year (Term 1: BHD 2,830; Term 2: BHD 2,830). - Grade 6 — BHD 6,820 per year (Term 1: BHD 3,410; Term 2: BHD 3,410). - Grade 7 — BHD 6,820 per year (Term 1: BHD 3,410; Term 2: BHD 3,410). - Grade 8 — BHD 6,820 per year (Term 1: BHD 3,410; Term 2: BHD 3,410). - Grade 9 — BHD 7,910 per year (Term 1: BHD 3,955; Term 2: BHD 3,955). - Grade 10 — BHD 7,910 per year (Term 1: BHD 3,955; Term 2: BHD 3,955). - Grade 11 — BHD 8,980 per year (Term 1: BHD 4,490; Term 2: BHD 4,490). - Grade 12 — BHD 8,980 per year (Term 1: BHD 4,490; Term 2: BHD 4,490). Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition is billed in two equal installments: Term 1 (September–January) = 50% of the annual tuition, and Term 2 (February–June) = 50% of the annual tuition. Term 1 payment is due in August; Term 2 payment is due in January. - Monthly fee calculations for proration or leave-of-absence purposes are made by dividing the annual tuition by 10 months; one or more days' attendance during a month is counted as a full month. The school reserves the right to charge late-payment penalties. An installment plan beyond the two-term schedule may be agreed in exceptional cases subject to written request and management approval; parents should apply to the Finance Department (accounts@asb.bh). Reservation deposit and re-enrollment deposit - A reservation deposit of 10% of the total fee amount must be paid within ten (10) days of the acceptance letter to secure a place. The deposit is deducted from the annual tuition balance and must be paid before the student's first day. The deposit is non-refundable except where the family must relocate outside Bahrain before the academic year starts. If joining at the beginning of a term, the full term fee must be paid instead of a deposit. - A re-enrollment deposit is required in Term 2 to reserve a place for the next academic year; the school will advise the percentage, due dates and refund conditions. Refund information and leaving mid-year - Refund requests must be submitted in writing using the school's Refund Request Form; refunds will be processed after internal clearance and the return of all school-issued books and equipment. The school aims to process refunds within one month of receiving the completed form and supporting documents. Parents are responsible for any bank transfer charges related to refunds. When fees are paid directly by an employer, any refund or difference will be returned only to the employer's account. - If a student leaves during the academic year, tuition charged is calculated as follows (‘fee per month' = annual tuition / 10): - Attendance two weeks or less during the term = charge of one month's fee. - Attendance between two weeks and one month = charge of two months' fee. - Attendance between one and two months = charge of three months' fee. - Attendance two to three months = charge of four months' fee. - Attendance more than three months = full term fee charged. Other costs and exclusions - The published tuition fees do not include transportation, field trips, cafeteria, IB exam fees or any board exam fees, graduation fees, uniform fees, stationery, notebooks or workbooks. These are additional costs to be covered by parents. - Sibling discounts: 10% for the third child and 15% for the fourth and subsequent children (applies to families with more than two children enrolled). Boarding - Boarding is not listed as part of the school's provision; there are no boarding fees shown. Payment methods and bank details - Accepted payment methods: the school's E-Cashier portal (pay.asb.bh), the online payment link on invoices, electronic bank transfer (Fawri), direct deposit, Benefit Pay (Fawri+), cheque payable to American School of Bahrain W.L.L., cash or credit card at the school accounts office (cash is discouraged). Parents are requested to email deposit or transfer advices to accounts@asb.bh and to quote the student number to ensure correct allocation. - Bank account details for direct transfers: - Account title: American School of Bahrain W.L.L. - Beneficiary bank: Khaleeji Bank - Account number: 3900501463001 - IBAN: BH45KHCB03900501463001 - Swift code: KHCBBHBM - Country: Kingdom of Bahrain. Late payment and non-payment - The school may charge late-payment penalties, restrict access to curriculum support, withhold reports, examination results and leaving certificates, and may remove students from the enrolment register for persistent non-payment. Misplacement of an invoice is not an acceptable reason for late payment; parents should contact the accounts office if an invoice is not received. Installment option - Where parents cannot pay the two-term schedule, an installment option may be considered for the current academic year only, subject to a written request and management approval; parents must reapply in subsequent academic years if needed. (Fees and policies are presented for the 2025–2026 academic year.)	Fee details Application & Enrollment Fees - Standard application fee: BHD 50 (payable on submission of the application). - Late application fee (preschool & primary, when applicable): BHD 100 (payable on application). - Enrollment fee (one-time, for preschool & primary, payable upon acceptance): BHD 1,350. - Seat reservation / first tuition installment due on acceptance: BHD 800 (listed as the First Installment / deposit). Tuition fees — instalments and amounts (per the published billing schedule) Fees are billed in four instalments. The instalment amounts and settlement windows published for the current academic cycle are: - First instalment (Deposit): BHD 800 — settlement period shown in March. - Second instalment (not including Educational Resources & Materials fees): BHD 800 — settlement period shown in May. - Third instalment: BHD 1,500 — settlement period shown in September. - Fourth instalment (amount varies by grade) — settlement period shown in January. Fourth-installment amounts by grade group are: - KG1 & KG2: BHD 1,065. - Grades 1 to 5: BHD 1,490. - Grades 6 to 9: BHD 2,015. - Grades 10 to 12: BHD 2,625. - Annual tuition totals (sum of the four instalments) by year group: - KG1 & KG2: BHD 4,165 per year (800 + 800 + 1,500 + 1,065). - Grades 1–5: BHD 4,590 per year (800 + 800 + 1,500 + 1,490). - Grades 6–9: BHD 5,115 per year (800 + 800 + 1,500 + 2,015). - Grades 10–12: BHD 5,725 per year (800 + 800 + 1,500 + 2,625). Note: the published instalment schedule explicitly states the annual tuition figures do not include Educational Resources & Materials (ERM) fees, Tablet Device Program charges, after‑school activity fees, graduation fees and similar charges. Billing schedule and payment terms - Instalment settlement windows are published with each instalment (March, May, September, January windows are shown for the published schedule). Late payment attracts an administrative charge of BHD 10 per month on each pending instalment. - The second instalment is shown as exclusive of ERM (Educational Resources & Materials) fees; ERM and similar ancillary charges are billed separately. Boarding fees - The Bahrain Bayan School operates as a day school; no boarding programme or boarding fees are published. (Boarding is not applicable.) Other costs and recurring / optional charges - Educational Resources & Materials (ERM) bookstore items (textbooks and related materials) are charged separately for applicable grades and are not included in the tuition instalments. The school operates an ERM bookstore for textbook distribution. - Tablet Device Program, after‑school activities, graduation fees and other programme-specific charges are additional to tuition and billed separately. The tuition instalment schedule notes those charges are excluded from the instalment totals. - Additional Educational Assistance (AEA) programme fees: when a student is enrolled in AEA the AEA fees are payable in advance for the full semester and are charged in addition to enrollment and tuition fees. - Uniforms are supplied through the school's Uniform Shop (shop located next to Gate 4). Uniform items and the uniform policy are published; specific uniform prices are not listed on the published uniform pages. - Transport (school bus) arrangements are managed separately; bus service fees are set by the bus provider and paid directly to that provider (fees depend on route/area). Bus fees are not included in the tuition instalments. Refund information (summary of published refund policy) - Deposit / first instalment and non‑refundable amounts: the school's published refund policy sets rules for refunds on withdrawal. It states the deposit / first instalment amount is not refundable; a portion (specified in the policy) may be transferable to a sibling when withdrawal is notified before school starts. - Withdrawal before the end of September: the policy states a partial refund (the policy specifies 50% of the second two instalments in the published policy) may apply if official withdrawal is received before the end of September. - Withdrawal after September: the policy states that when withdrawal is received after September, paid amounts will not be refunded and outstanding tuition for the year becomes payable. - Non‑refundable items: application fees, one‑time enrollment fees and other specific fees (Educational Resources & Materials, Tablet Device, ID card fees, etc.) are listed as non‑refundable in the published refund policy. Fee payment options and instructions - Online payment: invoices and tuition instalments can be paid online via the school's payment portal / parent app; the school's online portal and parent mobile app are used to view and pay invoices. The application/registration flow shows credit and debit card payment options are accepted for application payments. - Finance Department / in‑school payments: payment may also be made through the Finance Department; contact numbers for the Finance Department are published for fee enquiries. Key administrative notes - Late payment penalties: an administrative charge of BHD 10 per month is applied to overdue instalments as published in the fee schedule. - AEA or other programme fees are payable up front where applicable. (For specific invoice-level payment methods or any bank transfer details, the school Finance Department provides the payment instructions on invoices and the online portal.)
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement Uniform is compulsory. The standard uniform consists of a white shirt with the BBS seal, a forest green tie, and the appropriate bottom (skirt or trousers) for the student's year group. Shoes must be closed; belts may be black, brown, or white; headscarves should be plain white, forest green, grey, or black; makeup is not allowed.
Food options	Food options The cafeteria provides balanced meals designed to promote nutrition and health. The offerings align with USDA Dietary Guidelines (2015-2020) and include options that combine fruits, vegetables, grains, protein, and dairy to support students' daily needs.	Food options The on-site canteen serves meals and snacks. A menu from the 2017–2018 period shows breakfast options including American and English breakfasts, items such as omelettes and shakshouka, and a variety of sandwiches/wraps for recess and lunch; the canteen is open Sundays through Thursdays for recess and lunch.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership ASB is a joint venture between Esol Education and Elm Education Fund (Elm), a Bahrain-based education platform established by Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company (Mumtalakat), the sovereign wealth fund of the Kingdom of Bahrain. Elm establishes and co-invests in world-class educational institutions in partnership with leading global operators.	Governance and ownership The school is governed by a Board of Trustees, with the founder Dr. May bint Sulaiman Al Otaibi listed as Executive Chair and other trustees including Sh. Aseel Al Khalifa, Sh. Altaf Al Khalifa, Sh. Mohamed Al Khalifa, and Yara Al Mulla. Bahraini Bayan School is described as an independent, non-profit, co-educational bilingual school (K–12) with private ownership.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Instruction is delivered in English and Arabic. From Early Childhood through Grade 10, ASB follows the AERO standards aligned with the Common Core, with Early Childhood using the Ontario Kindergarten Program for PreK and K1. The Grades 1–10 science program follows the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and emphasizes inquiry-based, hands-on learning. In Grades 11–12, ASB offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) after IB authorisation in 2022; Grade 10 students have access to pre-IB courses to prepare for the DP. The DP comprises six subject groups (Group 1–Group 6) plus the DP core (Theory of Knowledge, Creativity, Activity, Service, Extended Essay), with three HL and three SL (or four HL) options across the groups.	Curriculum details The Bahrain Bayan School provides a bilingual English–Arabic curriculum for students from Kindergarten through Grade 12. In Primary, half of each day is taught in Arabic and half in English, with English, Math, and Science built to the AERO standards, and Arabic instruction aligned with the government syllabus for Social Studies, Religion, and Government; Music, Art, Technology, and Physical Education are also part of the program. Middle School (grades 6–8) maintains bilingual instruction with AERO-aligned English/Math/Science, continues Arabic and government-syllabus subjects, and includes Performing Arts, Visual Arts, Technology and Advisory, with Math offered in standard and higher streams. High School (grades 9–12) is college-preparatory, continues English–Arabic mastery and AERO-aligned courses, and includes Arabic, Citizenship, and Islamic Studies per Ministry of Education requirements; the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is available for grades 11–12, with some students pursuing IB Courses for certificates. Bahrain Bayan School is accredited by the Ministry of Education, the Middle States Association (MSA), and the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO).
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression —
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 ASB provides social-emotional support through dedicated School Counselors for Early Childhood/Elementary and for Middle/High, as well as a University Counselor. The school emphasizes pastoral care and wellbeing as central to student life, with staff attuned to students' wellbeing. Social and emotional development is a core focus within ASB's holistic approach to education. Wellbeing is embedded in student life through the Extra-Curricular Activities program, which includes a Wellbeing category (e.g., Yoga Club). The school's messaging and culture highlight happiness and wellbeing as foundational to learning and belonging.	Social & emotional learning The Bahrain Bayan School supports Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) through its Counseling Program for K–12, offering Guidance & Wellbeing Lessons in classrooms on friendships, feelings, problem-solving, online safety, and healthy habits, with counselors providing both one-on-one and small-group support and partnering with teachers and families to apply these skills in daily learning.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) ASB provides Learning Support and English as an Additional Language (EAL) services, with Kathryn Adams (Curriculum Coordinator and English Teacher) and a team of Learning Support staff (e.g., Natasha McGlade, Jennifer Morrissey, Eimear Peoples, Hiruni De Silva). Leadership for Learning Services includes Caryn Pelletier as Head of Learning Services (Early Childhood and Elementary) and Natasha McGlade as Head of Learning Support (Middle and High School). Hiruni De Silva is presented as Learning Support and EAL teacher. Natasha McGlade holds a Post-Graduate Certification as an Inclusion Specialist, indicating inclusion-focused expertise within the Learning Services team. The school runs Muzdawaj, a dual-language program expanding to KG1 and KG2, to support bilingual language development (Arabic-English).	Special educational needs (SEN) The school offers Additional Educational Assistance (AEA) using a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS), providing in-class support, small-group intervention, individualized learning plans, and targeted Tier 3 instruction, with placement based on data and the service available for an additional fee; public pages do not describe a dedicated SEN unit.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language ASB provides English as an Additional Language (EAL) support through dedicated staff, including Hiruni De Silva as Learning Support and EAL teacher. Kathryn Adams serves as Curriculum Coordinator and English Teacher, contributing to English language learning and literacy development. The Learning Services leadership includes a Head of Learning Services and a Head of Learning Support to coordinate EAL and related language needs. Hiruni De Silva explicitly holds an EAL teaching role at ASB. Muzdawaj is a dual-language program (Arabic-English) that enhances language development for bilingual learners.	English as an additional language The school maintains a bilingual Arabic–English environment from KG to G12, with instruction delivered in both languages; there is no publicly listed separate EAL program, indicating EAL support is integrated within the bilingual framework rather than a standalone service.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Wellbeing is a central facet of ASB's approach, with pastoral care and a focus on students' happiness and confidence. School Counselors support mental wellbeing across campuses; Early Childhood/Elementary and Middle/High counselors exist, plus a University Counselor. Wellbeing is integrated into ASB's activities program, including a dedicated Wellbeing category in Extra-Curricular Activities (e.g., Yoga Club). Wellness is a core pillar of the campus design, with facilities and programs to promote physical activity as part of a healthy lifestyle. The school communicates a culture of happiness and wellbeing as a foundational aspect of its learning environment.	Mental wellbeing Mental wellbeing is addressed via the Counseling Program's focus on social-emotional wellbeing, including wellness lessons and both individual and group sessions (e.g., anxiety management, social skills) to support resilience and healthy coping strategies.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding ASB adopted a Child Safeguarding Policy in August 2022, defining child abuse and neglect and outlining preventative measures and the school's response to suspected cases. The policy outlines four components: a Preventative Program, a Child Safeguarding Management Team, a Core Response Team, and a Multi-Disciplinary Team. All staff are required to report suspected incidents of abuse or neglect, with processes for investigation and contact with local authorities as needed. The policy includes age-appropriate safeguarding curricula for students from K to Grade 12, plus annual staff training and parent information sessions. The policy aligns with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and Bahrain's laws (e.g., Decree No. 4 of 2021; Child Law No. 37 of 2012), with ongoing commitments to training and safeguarding practice.	Safeguarding Safeguarding is supported by policies with a designated safeguarding lead, staff background checks, safeguarding training, and escalation of safeguarding allegations in accordance with school procedures.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview ASB's campus is located in North Riffa on a 17-acre site near the Bahrain National Stadium. It features technology-enabled classrooms, STEAM labs and maker spaces. The library is multi-level and equipped with digital resources, serving as a research space and learning hub. Art studios, music rooms and performance spaces support visual and performing arts. Naturally lit classrooms and open spaces promote collaboration, and connectivity supports modern teaching. The athletics complex includes a shaded swimming pool, a 1500 square meter gymnasium, basketball courts, a regulation-sized soccer field and a running track.	Facilities overview The Bahrain Bayan School operates on a self-contained campus in Isa Town that includes pre-school, primary, middle, and high schools, along with administration, a library, and a cafeteria. Al Bayan Hall, a gymnasium/multi-purpose building completed in 2001, houses a 600-seat theatre, two full-size basketball courts, two squash courts, an aerobic dance studio, and a fitness center, with a running track added in 2011. The Preschool building sits on a separate campus, and the Primary School Complex serves Grade 1–5; a Bayan Mosque is also on campus. The AlRomaihi Innovation Hub provides a Maker Space, a robotics lab, a multimedia studio, a sound room, a research center with access to JSTOR, EBSCO, and WorldBook Online, and an extensive digital library. The campus also features science and computer facilities, including three science labs in the secondary building plus a new Science Building with three additional labs and four computer labs (two Mac labs in Primary and two PC labs in Secondary).
Sports facilities	Sports facilities Elementary has three shaded playgrounds, separated by age group. Middle School and High School have dedicated playgrounds. The campus includes a 1500 square meter gymnasium for indoor athletic activities, a shaded swimming pool, a regulation-sized soccer field, and a running track.	Sports facilities The Bayan Hall gymnasium/multi-purpose building includes two full-size basketball courts, two squash courts, an aerobic dance studio, and a fitness center, and it also houses a 600-seat theatre; a running track was added in 2011. There is a football field with artificial grass on campus (installed by 2013).
Academic facilities	Academic facilities ASB's Learning Facilities include spacious classrooms, science and technology labs, and specialized spaces for graphic arts, performing arts, and music. Open workspaces and breakout rooms support collaborative teaching. The campus has two libraries serving Elementary, Middle, and High School. Outdoor learning spaces, learning support rooms, and counseling areas are available.	Academic facilities The library system comprises separate Primary and Middle/High School libraries, with the Destiny Library Catalog and the Tumble Books Library for resources. The library is open to Secondary students from 7:15 am to 3:00 pm, with Primary students visiting weekly; librarians support research and curriculum needs. The school operates four computer labs: two Mac labs in Primary (28 iMacs each) and two PC labs in Secondary (26 Windows PCs each). The Secondary building houses Biology, Chemistry, and Physics labs, and a dedicated Robotics Lab; a newer Science Building adds three more science labs.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities The ECA program provides opportunities spanning athletics, arts, leadership, and special interests, available during lunchtime and after school. ECAs are led by ASB faculty and enriched by partnerships with external providers. The ECA year is divided into three blocks: Block 1 (September–November), Block 2 (November–February), and Block 3 (February–May). Sign-up is through School Buddy. Music ECAs, sports teams and other activities are offered, with the school having over 60 sports teams in the school year.	Extra curricular facilities The school supports after-school activities and clubs, including programs advertised under Student Life. The AlRomaihi Innovation Hub provides hands-on maker, robotics (VEX), multimedia, and research opportunities after class, including a Maker Space, a Robotics Lab, a Research Center with JSTOR/EBSCO/WorldBook Online, and a Learning Commons.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History ASB opened in September 2020. It is a joint venture between ESOL Education and Elm Education Fund (Elm), a Bahrain-based platform established by Mumtalakat. ASB benefits from ESOL Education's 45-plus years of experience in creating and operating international schools. Under ESOL Education's stewardship, the ASB leadership team operates and manages the school. ASB is part of ESOL Education's global family of international schools, sharing accreditation principles and a common mission across locations.	History The Bahrain Bayan School (BBS) was established in 1982 by Dr. Sh. May Al Otaibi as an independent, national, co-educational bilingual school serving Kindergarten through Grade 12. In 1986 the school relocated to a larger Isa Town campus to accommodate growing enrollment. The school introduced GCE English and the U.S. high school diploma in 1987–1988 and later gained authorization to offer the International Baccalaureate program. It is governed as an independent, non-profit institution with governance through a Board of Trustees and a General Assembly, and it is accredited and licensed by the Bahrain Ministry of Education, with recognition from the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA) and by the Bahrain Education & Training Quality Authority (BQA) as outstanding. Over the years the campus expanded with notable facilities and initiatives, including the completion of the PTA quarters in 2017 and the Dr. May bint Sulaiman Al Otaibi Preschool building in 2018.
Community	Community ASB describes its community as a village where teachers, parents, students and the wider community form strong bonds to support each student's growth. The school emphasizes inclusion and Belonging, honoring its rich collective cultural heritage and promoting global citizenship. Student life features events such as International Day, literacy and arts initiatives, environmental awareness drives and social responsibility programs. Parents are engaged as partners through the Our Parents, Our Partners framework and regular updates via The ASB Insider newsletter.	Community BayMUN is a student-led event established in 2008–2009, now the biggest student event at Bahrain Bayan School and the country's first THIMUN-affiliated MUN. EcoLab 360 won first place in UAE's Zayed Sustainability Prize in 2017, reflecting the school's emphasis on sustainability and project-based learning. The Bin Faqeeh Zakat Al Elm Building, designed by Bayan alumni, houses a library and quiet study zones for middle and high school students. The Bayan community emphasizes a strong home-school partnership, with parents participating in planning committees for the school's strategic plan and accreditation processes and in inaugurating many school events.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association ASB uses a parent engagement model described as Our Parents, Our Partners rather than a traditional PTA. The primary parent information hub is ASB Parent Essentials, which provides calendars, E-Cashier, school uniforms and transportation details. Regular updates are delivered to families through The ASB Insider newsletter. ASB hosts and participates in family-inclusive events such as International Day, the Arabic and Islamic Conference, and ESOL Education Sportsfest. The ESOL Sportsfest and graduation-related events illustrate ongoing parent involvement in school life. ASB's pillars include community leadership and cultural respect, reflecting the aims of its parent partnership.	Parent teacher association The Parent Association (PTA) includes elected members for 2022–2026, with a President, Vice President, and several other members. Its objectives include promoting closer relations between parents, students and the Bayan School administration; representing parents and supporting the school's educational process; cooperating with the school in social, educational and cultural activities during and after school hours; promoting closer relations between the school and other institutions in the country by sponsoring cultural, social, educational and sports activities; and fundraising to help meet school needs. Members are elected every two years, and communications through the school's executive administration guide PTA activities. Main events organized by the PTA include the Bayan Annual Carnival and Grandparents Day. The PTA is accountable to an Executive Committee and participates in planning and accreditation processes, with contact information published on the PTA page for engagement.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual ASB provides a standards-based American curriculum from Head Start to Grade 12. The Grades 1–10 program follows the AERO standards aligned with the Common Core; the Early Childhood Center uses the Ontario Kindergarten Program in Pre-KG and K1 and AERO Common Core Plus for English, Science and Math in KG2. In Grades 11–12, the IB Diploma Programme is offered with three graduation routes: ASB High School Diploma; ASB High School Diploma + IB Diploma Courses; and ASB High School Diploma + Full IB Diploma. The language of instruction is English and Arabic.	Academic & intellectual The Bahrain Bayan School offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme for grades 11–12. It requires six subjects drawn from IB course groups, the Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS) component, and Theory of Knowledge (TOK). The school has been an IB World School since 1993, delivering a university-preparatory curriculum through the IB framework.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative ASB emphasizes visual and performing arts as part of a holistic education. The Visual Arts program follows the US NCCAS standards, and the school operates three art studios and two maker space labs with facilities for exhibitions. The arts program includes regular art shows and exhibitions, and the Performing Arts offerings include music and choral programs with performances throughout the year.	Arts & creative Arts and creative opportunities include the National Art Honor Society (NAHS) for grades 9–12, which emphasizes art scholarship, service, and community engagement, and Theatre Club that supports drama and stage production. A Guitar Club provides music-making and social interaction, and NAHS activities often involve exhibitions and collaborative art projects.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language French and Spanish are taught in High School using the AERO World Language standards with IB success criteria. After-school language programs include Arabic, French, Russian, Italian and German.	Cultural & language The school is bilingual, delivering English and Arabic instruction, with 98% of students from Bahrain and neighboring GCC countries. English and Arabic are emphasized equally to develop bilingual leadership and national identity. The Model United Nations (MUN) Club and LAMDA Public Speaking program offer opportunities for language use, debate, and international-cultural engagement.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies ASB runs an active after-school program with Extra Curricular Activities, Sports and Athletics, Students' Leadership Activities, Performing Arts and Outreach and Service Learning, plus trips and other social experiences.	Social & hobbies After-school activities include Bayan Post, Charity Club, ECOBOOSTERS, Infinity Math Mentors, Press Committee, The Perspective Podcast, and High School Student Council. The programs develop leadership, communication, and teamwork through student-led media, service projects, and clubs across grades 9–12.
Community & service	Community & service Outreach and Service Learning is part of ASB's after-school activities, enabling student involvement in community-based projects and service opportunities.	Community & service Community service is integrated into the school ethos, with Grade 6–7 programs emphasizing global thinking with local implementation. Primary School activities include Beach Cleanup; Middle School activities include The Pencil Project; High School activities include Charity Club Donations, reflecting a commitment to social responsibility across the curriculum.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional Students participate in leadership activities through after-school programs and Students' Leadership Activities, providing opportunities to develop leadership skills.	Leadership & professional Student leadership is fostered through the High School Student Council and other clubs. National Honor Society is by invitation and recognizes scholarship, service, leadership, and character. The MUN Club and NAHS provide leadership roles within diplomacy and the arts, while clubs like Bayan Post cultivate journalistic and professional skills.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing The campus features high quality sports facilities and a design emphasizing natural light and modern learning spaces, supporting physical activity and well-being.	Lifestyle & wellbeing The athletics program participates in regional leagues and competitions, including MOE leagues and various age-group tournaments in Basketball, Football, Athletics, Cross-Country, Badminton, Table Tennis, Padel, and Tennis. These activities support physical health and teamwork as part of the school's well-being emphasis.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision English is the language of instruction for the standard curriculum. Arabic is taught as a core language and as Arabic as a Foreign Language; Arabic language instruction also includes Islamic education for Muslim students, Social Studies and Citizenship Education as part of the core curriculum. French and Spanish are taught in High School as World Languages. The Early Childhood Center follows the Ontario Kindergarten Program for Pre-KG and K1, and the AERO Common Core Plus Curricular Standards for English, Science and Math in KG2. The school provides Arabic language support for both native and non-native speakers. Grades 11–12 follow the IB Diploma Programme.	Language provision The language of instruction is English, and Arabic is taught as a core language across all divisions. Arabic, Citizenship, and Islamic Studies follow Bahrain MOE requirements. The library maintains separate Arabic and English collections.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching ASB offers a dual-language Muzdawaj program in the Early Childhood Center (Pre-KG to KG2) that immerses students in Arabic and English through a co-teaching model. The program is expanding to include KG1 and KG2 in the 2025-26 academic year.	Bilingual teaching The school provides bilingual education in Arabic and English for Kindergarten through Grade 12.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs Muzdawaj is an immersion program that combines Arabic and English learning in a bilingual/co-teaching environment.	Immersion programs Preschool uses a dual-language program with instruction alternating between Arabic and English on alternate days. Primary School delivers approximately half the day in Arabic and half in English. In Middle School and High School, instruction is conducted in both languages with balanced Arabic and English components, and the IB Diploma Programme is offered in Grades 11–12.
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards ASB Graduation 2025: first graduation ceremony with 37 graduates	Awards The school has received multiple recognitions as an outstanding school from the Bahraini authorities (per BQA accreditation).
Accreditations	Accreditations MSA and ACS WASC accreditation; Bahrain BQA Outstanding School recognition	Accreditations The Bahrain Bayan School is an independent, non-profit, co-educational bilingual school in Arabic and English serving Kindergarten through 12th grade. It is accredited and licensed by the Bahrain Ministry of Education and holds accreditation from the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA) and the Bahrain Education & Training Quality Authority (BQA) as an outstanding school.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. ASB offers a standards-based American curriculum from Head Start to Grade 12. The school is part of the ESOL Education family of international schools. ASB is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA) and by the Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACS WASC). Bahrain Quality Assurance (BQA) accreditation is also shown. 2. ASB is open to students of all nationalities who can benefit from the American and international curriculum offered by the school. The program covers Head Start to Grade 12 and provides a standards-based US curriculum. 3. The campus is located in North Riffa, near the Bahrain National Stadium. The ASB campus sits on a 17-acre plot and is designed with technology-enabled classrooms, STEAM labs, a multi-level library, art studios, music rooms and extensive athletic facilities. 4. Pathways in Grades 11 and 12 include the IB Diploma Programme. There are three routes to graduation: ASB High School Diploma; ASB High School Diploma + IB Diploma Courses; and ASB High School Diploma + Full IB Diploma. 5. ASB is enrolling for the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 academic years. Weekly campus tours are offered and led by the leadership team. The Admissions Manager is Nada Faraz. 6. Fees and payment: Application fee is 75 BHD and the registration fee is 300 BHD upon accepting an offer. Tuition is listed by grade for 2025-2026 with two-term payment; a 10% reservation/deposit is required to secure a space. Sibling discounts apply (10% for the third child, 15% for the fourth and subsequent children). 7. ASB offers a Dual Language Program, Muzdawaj, in its Early Childhood Center. The program immerses students in both Arabic and English with a co-teaching model and plans to extend to KG1 and KG2, then Grades 1 and 2, with class sizes capped at 18. Fees for the 2024-25 year were the same as the international program.	Admissions Step 1: Registration. The Admissions Office starts receiving applications in November each year. Submit an application form (online or physical copy) with all required documents. The documents checklist includes birth certificate, copy of passport and CPR, immunization records, previous school reports (last three years), passport-sized photograph, parents' resume with photographs, and copies of parents' passport and CPR. Pay the BD 50 application fee; the fee is non-refundable, and submitting an application form does not guarantee a seat.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist Step 3 indicates that acceptance decisions may include a waiting list; parents are notified of acceptance, non-acceptance, or waiting list by SMS or email within 2-3 weeks after the assessment date. If a seat is not available, the applicant may be placed on the waiting list, and a seat may be offered if one becomes available.
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