Canadian Bilingual School vs International School of Kuwait
Canadian Bilingual School and International School of Kuwait are both in Kuwait City, about 21 km apart. Both schools offer American programmes. Canadian Bilingual School also offers Canadian, and International School of Kuwait also offers Advanced Placement (AP). Published annual fees are KWD 1,860 - 3,710 at Canadian Bilingual School and KWD 1,750 - 4,500 at International School of Kuwait, which puts International School of Kuwait roughly 12% higher. Canadian Bilingual School takes pupils from 4 to 18, and International School of Kuwait from 3 to 18.
- Tuition is billed in three instalments per academic year: 1st instalment due at the start of the academic year (September), 2nd instalment due in January, and 3rd instalment due in April. Specific installment dates shown in school materials are 1 September, 1 January and 1 April. - The registration/place‑holding fee is payable on application/registration and is non‑refundable. - Transport fees (if used) are collected in one instalment in September; the transport fee payment is non‑refundable. - If fees are not paid by the specified due dates, the school may take further administrative or legal action and may cancel registration; clearance and transfer documents are issued only after all outstanding fees are paid. If a student cancels or withdraws during a term, the full term fees become payable.
Boarding fees
- No boarding provision or boarding fees are listed; boarding is not applicable.
Other costs and mandatory extras
- Transportation (two‑way bus) fee: KD 350 (single price listed; paid as one instalment in September). A minimum number of students is required for a route to run. - Books and uniform fees are not included in the tuition figures and are payable separately. Uniforms are mandatory. - Incidental or additional charges such as field trips, exams or special activities may be charged separately as required by the school's policies (these are not included in the tuition totals above).
Refund information and key financial rules
- The registration/place‑holding fee is non‑refundable. - Transport fees paid for the academic year are non‑refundable if the service is cancelled by the parent after payment. - If a student withdraws during a term, full term fees are charged; if the student does not attend after one month from the start of the school year or fees remain unpaid without prior permission, the school may cancel registration without refund. - Clearance and transfer certificates are issued only after all fees and any school property obligations have been settled.
Fee payment options
- The school provides an online fee payment facility (“Quick Fee Payment” / Pay Now portal) for parent fee payments. - Specific payment methods accepted (credit card, bank transfer, e‑check, in‑person cash/cheque) are not detailed in the published fee tables; payment methods available through the school's online payment portal and the school office should be used for making payments.
Fee details
Application & Registration Fees
- Registration / seat deposit: KWD 100 (this deposit secures the student's place until the first day of the school year).
Tuition fees (per grade) — installment amounts and annual total (currency: KWD)
(Instalment amounts and dates are published together as the school's tuition schedule.)
Billing schedule & payment terms
- Published instalment schedule (example dates shown on the published schedule): 1st instalment due 25 August; 2nd instalment due 1 January; 3rd instalment due 1 April. The first instalment must be paid in full before the commencement of the new academic year. - The KWD 100 registration/seat deposit holds the place until the student's first day of the school year. - The published tuition figures exclude additional charges (see next section).
Boarding fees
- Boarding is not listed as part of the school's published fee schedule; no boarding/residential fees are shown.
Other costs and fees
- Items excluded from the published tuition schedule and billed separately: books, uniform, extracurricular activities, extra examination fees and school trips. - Any specialty or optional program charges (for example extra-curricular trip fees, exam centre fees or subject-specific charges) are additional to the tuition amounts above.
Refund information
- The published schedule states that the KWD 100 deposit secures the place until the first day of the school year. Specific refund terms for the deposit or tuition (for withdrawal or cancellation) are not itemised on the published fee schedule.
Fee payment options
- The published fee schedule does not list specific accepted payment methods (for example card, cash or bank transfer) within the fee schedule document. For payment method instructions, the school's admissions and reception contact details are provided in school communications.
Additional administrative notes shown on the published fee schedule
- The school's published fees are subject to change based on Ministry of Education approval.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
Uniform is not included in tuition.
Food options
Food options
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Food options
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House system
House system
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House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
The school is owned and operated by Stellar Education, a division of Stellar International Holding.
Governance and ownership
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Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
CBS adopts an American-based curriculum in Math (Calculus and Pre-calculus), Science (Biology, Chemistry and Physics), English, Business subjects, PE and Art. We follow the Kuwaiti Ministry of Education curricula in Arabic, Islamic Studies and Kuwait Social Studies.
Curriculum details
American-influenced curriculum with Pre-Advanced Placement and Advanced Placement (Pre-AP and AP) courses and an American High School Diploma accredited by Cognia. ISK is a SAT examination center and has affiliations with the College Board and the British Council to support college readiness. Fusion™ is the core learning framework, a student-centered, collaborative, and inquiry-based approach that integrates STEM, the arts, and well-being. The Renaissance Education framework emphasizes holistic liberal-arts development and encourages students to pursue their individual talents.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio
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Exam results
Exam results
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Exam results
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Higher education progression
Higher education progression
Graduates from Grade 12 have the opportunity to obtain Kuwait scholarships for International and Gulf higher education.
Higher education progression
Pre-AP and AP courses prepare students for higher education; AP courses are recognized by universities worldwide. The American High School Diploma is Cognia-accredited and supports college admissions, and ISK provides SAT preparation and has College Board affiliations to aid university applications.
Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
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Gifted and talented
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Academic calendar
Academic calendar
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Academic calendar
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Wellbeing & support
Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning
Social & emotional learning
From JK to SK, CBS provides positive experiences that support intellectual, social, emotional and physical development.
Social & emotional learning
The Fusion learning ecosystem includes well-being and mindfulness as core elements of ISK's curriculum. The approach integrates well-being and mindfulness as central components of education. The school aims to develop the Renaissance student who can thrive in any context after graduation. Guidance counselors support students, and prospective families can meet a counselor during campus visits. The curriculum also emphasizes deep-language learning, visual and performing arts, and problem-based learning as part of student development.
Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
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Special educational needs (SEN)
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English as an additional language
English as an additional language
English is the medium of instruction; the elementary English program is delivered through the Literacy Block, supporting reading, writing and speaking development.
English as an additional language
Language development is a core element of ISK's Fusion program, with deep-language learning integrated into the curriculum. Language development is emphasized across learning experiences.
Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
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Mental wellbeing
Well-being and mindfulness are core components of the curriculum. Guidance counselors support students and are available for meetings during campus visits. The Fusion framework embeds mental wellbeing as part of everyday learning.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding
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Safeguarding
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Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
CBS has purpose-built classrooms for Kindergarten, Elementary School, and High School. Labs are well-equipped with the latest technology equipment and computers to nurture practical learning. The Library offers services, collections, and programmes to nurture confident, connected, actively involved life-long learners. A world-class, modern multi-purpose hall accommodates a wide range of activities to aid student development. A Play Area supports physical exercise and sports activities to keep students healthy and develop physical fitness as well as mental strength. CBS also provides state-of-the-art IT Laboratories with over 100 computers and a dedicated staff to assist students.
Facilities overview
ISK has state-of-the-art facilities, including FIFA-standard 7-a-side pitches, an NBA-standard court, and a cutting-edge STEAM lab and robotics center. The school provides preK-12 programs and swimming classes. Mindfulness spaces support social and emotional learning, and physical engagement includes sports, dance, yoga, Pilates and martial arts. The STEAM lab and robotics center underpins a modern, interdisciplinary approach to learning.
Sports facilities
Sports facilities
The Multi-purpose Hall provides a venue for a variety of activities. A Play Area supports physical exercise and sports activities as part of the curriculum.
Sports facilities
FIFA standard 7-a-side pitches are on campus. ISK has an NBA-standard basketball court. The sports facilities include swimming, football, and tennis. The basketball program offers opportunities to participate in inter-school and regional tournaments.
Academic facilities
Academic facilities
Labs are well-equipped with the latest technology equipment and computers to nurture practical learning. The Library offers services, collections, and programmes to assist the school's vision of nurturing confident, connected, actively involved life-long learners. CBS has state-of-the-art IT Laboratories with over 100 computers across the campus.
Academic facilities
ISK's STEAM Lab and Robotics Center is cutting-edge and equipped with advanced tools for hands-on learning. Robotics builds design, building, and programming skills and includes competitions and collaborative projects. STEAM and robotics are part of a holistic approach balancing academics with arts, sports and wellbeing. Projects emphasize real-world applications, including sustainability and smart technology.
Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
Mindfulness spaces support social and emotional learning. Physical engagement includes sports, dance, yoga, Pilates and martial arts. Live to Give reflects ISK's ethos, encouraging community involvement and responsible conduct. Swimming classes are offered as part of the school's extracurricular program.
Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
Canadian Bilingual School opened in 2007 and is part of the Stellar Education Management Company, which operates six schools. The first educational institution under the group was Creative Children International School, which commenced in 2003. Four schools joined the group in 2019: Pakistan International School, Indian Central School, Aspire Indian International School and Aspire Bilingual School of Kuwait. CBS began with about 100 students in JK–Grade 5, and its first graduating class of Grade 12 occurred in 2014. The Ontario curriculum has guided English learning, with expansion to Maths, Science, Arabic, Kuwait Social Studies and Islamic Studies; RenWeb was adopted previously and a Learning Management System was adopted in the prior year. CBS has been accredited by the Middle States Association since 2013 and was re-accredited in 2021–22 for seven years, with MAP assessments supporting ongoing progress. The school emphasizes a culture of positivity and growth shared by students, parents, teachers, administrators and owners—the CBS community.
History
ISK is Cognia-accredited and has academic affiliations with College Board and the British Council. It has expressed interest in candidacy for accreditation with NEASC, Pearson (Edexcel), and the Council of International Schools (CIS). The Renaissance School page frames these accreditation efforts as part of ISK's development toward broader international accreditation.
Community
Community
CBS hosts an annual half marathon that unites athletes and promotes healthy living and charitable work within the CBS community. The event is a broader community engagement initiative involving students, parents and community members. It has drawn about 45,000 participants on average, with roughly 78% of runners becoming regular participants, and about 90,000 participants in the last five years.
Community
ISK's community rests on core values of integrity, empowerment, inclusivity, inquiry, and well-being. Live-to-Give emphasizes service and a Code of Conduct (Codicem Conductum) guiding interactions among students, parents and staff. Academic and events calendars show cultural and community observances such as International Day of Families, World Arabic Day, World Teachers' Day, and National Day.
Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
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Parent teacher association
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Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
Ontario curriculum with a strong emphasis on English literacy and critical thinking. JK to SK includes a structured program that develops reading, writing and speaking through stories, rhymes and songs, with a strong English language program that supports learning across subjects. Elementary and middle school challenge students to think critically and creatively through a balanced curriculum and engaging extra-curricular activities. In high school, students receive career guidance and develop a critical, analytical and rational mindset to prepare for higher education and life in a global community.
Academic & intellectual
The Fusion™ core methodology provides a 21st-century education centered on student‑centered teaching, collaboration, conceptual and contextual learning, and community/societal connections. ISK features a STEAM-based curriculum supported by a STEAM lab and robotics center. The school offers Pre-AP and AP courses and holds Cognia accreditation for its American High School Diploma.
Arts & creative
Arts & creative
Kindergarten introduces creativity through books, puppet play, rhymes and games to build early learning skills and imagination. An experienced teaching team supports imaginative activities across the curriculum, helping students explore and express ideas. The program emphasizes hands-on learning and creative exploration as students progress through the grades. In later years, creative expression continues to be integrated across subjects.
Arts & creative
Dance is included in Physical Engagement. A STEAM lab and robotics center supports creative and technical exploration across disciplines. Fusion integrates creative thinking across subjects to prepare students for a dynamic world.
Cultural & language
Cultural & language
Ontario curriculum governs a broad range of subjects with English language development a central focus and a strong English-language program that supports learning across subjects. The Ontario-based curriculum covers English, Maths, Science, Computer Science, Social Studies, Arabic, Kuwait Social Studies, and Islamic Studies. This approach helps students engage with global perspectives while maintaining a strong grounding in local language and studies. The program supports cross-curricular connections and prepares students for higher education in Kuwait and beyond.
Cultural & language
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Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
Field trips and co-curricular activities provide social learning and hobby opportunities. Examples include a 2019 field trip for Grade 1 to the Kuwait Zoo and a 2019 beach-cleaning trip for the community; 2020, 2022-23 field trips are also featured. The CBS facilities, including a state-of-the-art multi-purpose hall, host workshops, exhibitions, quiz competitions and cultural activities, along with yoga and meditation classes. These activities complement classroom learning and help students build teamwork and interpersonal skills.
Social & hobbies
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Community & service
Community & service
Community spirit and social responsibility are emphasized across CBS; accreditation notes highlight a close-knit, supportive community and ongoing family involvement. Field trips and school activities reinforce a culture of positivity and growth within the CBS community. The school pursues a collaborative environment in which students, parents, teachers and administrators work together to support learning and development.
Community & service
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Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
Continuous Improvement Goals include improving English reading skills. They also focus on developing character learning skills, building values, responsibility and leadership. They aim to promote healthy living and well-being as integral parts of student development.
Leadership & professional
Leadership is a focus at ISK as reflected in its aim to 'build leaders' and in Fusion's emphasis on community/societal connections.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Play areas and labs support physical and mental development; physical exercise and sports remain vital in the curriculum to keep students healthy and mentally strong. A state-of-the-art multi-purpose hall supports a variety of activities, including workshops, seminars, exhibitions, cultural events, yoga and meditation. Wellness is integrated into daily school life through facilities and programs that promote physical and mental well-being.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Well-being is a key concept at ISK, with Mindfulness spaces for social and emotional learning to transpire. Physical engagement includes sports, dance, yoga, Pilates and martial arts.
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
English is the language of instruction for core areas; Arabic, Islamic Studies and Kuwait Social Studies are taught in Arabic. Students are expected to use English in class, while Arabic is used for the designated Arabic subjects. English language communication is evaluated in English courses, and conversations during recess are encouraged in English. CBS serves Kindergarten through High School (K-12).
Language provision
Deep-language learning is a feature of ISK's curriculum. Fusion™ integrates language learning across subjects to support this.
Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
The school uses English as the language of instruction in core subjects (English, Mathematics, Social Studies, Science, Art, Science and Technology, and Physical Education), and students are expected to use only English in these classes. Arabic, Islamic Studies and Kuwait Social Studies are taught in Arabic as mandated by the Kuwait Ministry of Education. During recess, students are expected to use English in conversations. CBS serves Kindergarten through High School (K-12).
Bilingual teaching
Languages are deeply integrated across the curriculum.
Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
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Awards
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Accreditations
Accreditations
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Accreditations
Cognia accredits ISK. The school has academic affiliations with the College Board and the British Council.
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Step I — Admission Enquiry: Click the below link, fill and submit the Admissions Enquiry Form. Our team will contact you to inform the date for interview and entrance test (on-campus / online).
Step II — Scheduling Interview: Our team will contact you to inform the date for interview and entrance test (on-campus / online).
Step III — Entrance Test: On the scheduled day, after the interview, your child will be given an entrance test in English, Math and Arabic and evaluated. The test results will be informed by our team within 2-3 working days.
Step IV — Admission: A meeting with the parents is mandatory prior to acceptance. When we admit a student, we wish to build a relationship with his/her family. This collaboration begins early so that your child is well supported both at school and at home.
