Canadian Bilingual School vs Northwest Bilingual School
Canadian Bilingual School and Northwest Bilingual School are both in Kuwait City, about 2 km apart. Both schools offer American programmes. Canadian Bilingual School also offers Canadian, and Northwest Bilingual School also offers Bespoke. Published annual fees are close, at KWD 1,860 - 3,710 for Canadian Bilingual School and KWD 1,491 - 4,100 for Northwest Bilingual School. Canadian Bilingual School takes pupils from 4 to 18, and Northwest Bilingual School from 3 to 18.
Block 2, Zaid Al-Khalil Street, Ibn Hesham Kindergarten Building, South Khaitan, Kuwait.
Location
The school is located in Farwaniya, Kuwait. Address: Block 2, Street 132. The campus is Northwest Bilingual School, Farwaniya. General and department contact numbers are published for inquiries.
Stages
Stages
Kindergarten; Elementary School; Middle School; High School
Stages
Kindergarten, Elementary School, Middle School, High School (K-12).
School type
School type
K-12 school
School type
private, college-preparatory school.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
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Additional learning support
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Country affiliation
Country affiliation
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Country affiliation
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Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation
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School day structure
School day structure
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School day structure
Kindergarten hours: Gate opens at 6:45 am; Morning Assembly 7:10–7:20 am; first lesson starts at 7:30 am; dismissal at 1:00 pm. Middle & High School hours: day starts at 7:35 am and ends at 2:10 pm; drop-off from 6:45 am–7:30 am; pick-up at 2:15 pm.
Bus service details
Bus service details
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Bus service details
The school does not offer bus transportation for late clubs.
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Application / Registration fee
- A non-refundable registration (place-holding) fee of KD 100 is charged for every new enrolment.
Tuition fees by year group (amounts shown in Kuwaiti Dinar — KD; installments and total shown below)
- 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.
- Installment structure: 40% of the total fee due in the 1st installment, 30% due in the 2nd installment, and 30% due in the 3rd installment. Installment due dates: 1st — 01/09/2026; 2nd — 01/01/2027; 3rd — 01/03/2027.
- Registration fee is payable at the time of registration or re-registration and is non-refundable.
- Cash payments are not accepted. Accepted payment channels: K‑NET, bank transfer, or the school payment link. Late or missed payments may result in loss of any granted discounts, withholding of student report cards, suspension of access to online educational platforms, and other administrative or legal actions.
*Boarding fees*
- Boarding is not applicable for this school (school operates as a P–KG to Grade 12 day school).
*Other costs and optional charges*
- Consumable textbooks and school uniform costs are not included in the tuition figures and must be paid separately.
- Transport and meal subscription options are administratively available (transportation and student meal forms exist), but specific amounts for transport or meal plans are not listed in the published financial policy.
- Employer/third-party payment arrangements: if an employer/third party will pay fees, the school requires written confirmation from that payer; failure to provide confirmation within the school's stated timeframe may result in cancellation of the student's place.
*Refund and withdrawal rules*
- Registration fee: non-refundable.
- Withdrawal charge schedule: - Students who withdraw after attending from the first day up to 30 November are charged the 1st installment plus the registration fee. - Students who withdraw between 1 December and the end of the winter break are charged the 1st and 2nd installments plus the registration fee. - Students who withdraw from the start of the second semester (even if they attend only one day) are charged tuition in full plus the registration fee. - Students who do not show up on the first day of school are charged the KWD 100 registration fee.
*Discounts and special terms affecting fees*
- Sibling discounts (applied only for full-year registration and applied on the third/final installment): first sibling 5%, second sibling 10%, third sibling 15%. - Students whose fees are paid by their employer or sponsoring organisation are not eligible for sibling discounts; the school requires a written undertaking from the paying employer.
*Summary of payment methods and administrative notes*
- Payment methods: K‑NET, bank transfer, or the school payment link. Cash is not accepted.
- The school requires timely payment according to the installment due dates; failure to comply may remove discounts and trigger administrative actions including withholding of records. Employer confirmations of payment responsibility should be provided within the school's stated timeframe to avoid place cancellation.
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
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Food options
Food options
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Food options
The school has a canteen on campus. A Canteen Assistant is on staff.
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
The school is private.
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
Northwest Bilingual School offers an American-based curriculum from Kindergarten through high school. Kindergarten uses a comprehensive curriculum aligned with New York Learning Standards, emphasizing language, math, science, and social-emotional development. The Elementary program uses Common Core ELA and Math, builds literacy through a balanced literacy approach, and integrates Social Studies and Science with C3 and NGSS; Arabic subjects follow Kuwait MOE. The Middle School program continues core subjects aligned to Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) in English, Math, Social Studies, and Science, with Arabic taught per MOE and integrated IT, Art, and Multi-media. The High School program is aligned to Virginia SOL for academics; Arabic follows MOE; graduates complete 30 credits and take TOEFL or IELTS to earn the school diploma. Across grades, the curriculum emphasizes literacy, numeracy, critical thinking, collaboration, and technology integration.
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
To earn a Northwest Bilingual School Diploma, students complete 30 credits and take TOEFL or IELTS.
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
Graduates are well prepared to attend competitive colleges and universities.
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
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Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
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Special educational needs (SEN)
The school is not registered, designed nor accredited to accept or educate students with special needs. Study Support programs include ELL - English Language Learners Program; Reading Support; Learning Support Program – Mathematics and Study Skills; AFL - Arabic as a foreign Language; ISL - Islamic as a second language.
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
ELL - English Language Learners Program is offered as part of Study Support. Other study supports include Reading Support, Learning Support Program – Mathematics and Study Skills, AFL - Arabic as a foreign Language, ISL - Islamic as a second language.
Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
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Mental wellbeing
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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
The school is located in Farwaniya, Kuwait (Block 2, Street 132). The campus has a new facility that provides a positive and energetic atmosphere for students to grow. The address is Northwest Bilingual School, Farwaniya, Block 2, Street 132. The facility is described as new.
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
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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
STEAM education is offered across Kindergarten through High School. Kindergarten STEAM emphasizes hands-on experiments, building structures, math integration, and coding activities. Elementary STEAM is offered in the elementary division. Middle and High School feature STEAM and CODED Education, including coding activities to develop computational thinking.
Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
Venturing Past Classroom Walls introduces after-school clubs for various interests. The mission for after-school clubs is to provide a dynamic and enriching after-school clubs program that fosters a love for learning, creativity, and personal growth. Clubs cultivate curiosity, teamwork, and resilience while nurturing a sense of belonging within the school community. Students are invited to join a journey of exploration, discovery, and fun.
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
Al-Wazzan Educational Company operates Northwest Bilingual School. The Board of Trustees describes Al-Wazzan as a leader in education with a management team with over 20 years of experience. Facilities across Kuwait have been developed to lay the academic and moral foundations for this generation and for future generations. The new Northwest campus provides a positive, energetic atmosphere for students.
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
Northwest Bilingual School runs a vibrant campus life with events such as Pastamania, Senior Bake Sale, Ramadan Bazaar, and Humanities Week, plus a Spelling Bee for KG through High School. Field trips are organized for K–12, including visits to KidZania, Sky Zone, Cozmo, and Trampo. Venturing Past Classroom Walls describes after-school clubs designed to foster curiosity, teamwork, resilience, and belonging.
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
Northwest Bilingual School is a private, college-preparatory school serving Kindergarten through High School. It uses an American-based curriculum, integrates advanced technology, and aims to develop critical thinking, confident communication, and leadership for success in higher education and beyond.
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
STEAM education drives creativity across the grades. KG and Elementary feature STEAM programs, while Middle and High School offer STEAM and CODED Education.
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
Global awareness and cultural understanding are central to Northwest's learning. The school provides opportunities to explore diverse cultures through Humanities Week and language activities.
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
Campus life includes various activities and after-school opportunities. Field trips for K–12 and events like Humanities Week and Ramadan Bazaar foster teamwork and community spirit.
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
Civic and social responsibility are part of the school's mission. Students participate in community-centered activities that foster collaboration and civic-mindedness.
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
The school emphasizes leadership and prepares students to be future-ready in a bilingual environment. Students develop leadership, communication, and global awareness through academics and activities.
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
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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
English Language Arts and related subjects are delivered in English; the English curriculum is aligned to the Virginia Standards of Learning. Arabic language subjects follow the Kuwait Ministry of Education curriculum for Arabic-based subjects. Arabic language subjects are taught in both languages depending on the content.
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
Arabic language subjects are taught in both languages depending on content. English language subjects are taught in English. The Arabic language curriculum uses the Kuwait Ministry of Education for all Arabic-based subjects.
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
The Middle States Association (MSA) accredits Northwest Bilingual School.
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.
Admissions
1) Age and grade eligibility. The Kuwait Ministry of Private Education guidelines apply. Pre-Kg is 3 years old by December 31; KG1 is 4 years old by December 31; KG2 is 5 years old by December 31; Grade 1 is 6 years old by December 31; and age requirements continue in the same pattern through Grade 12. These age requirements determine the appropriate grade level for admission.
2) General admission criteria. The school welcomes applicants from local private, government and international schools. Returning students are given preference if tuition obligations have been honored and conduct has been good; siblings enrolled in the school may receive priority for new admissions. Prospective students are evaluated on past records, transcripts and letters of recommendations and must pass a standardized test in Mathematics, English and Arabic. Completed applications are assessed by the Admissions Department before a test/interview appointment is scheduled, and test results along with the Admissions Committee's review determine admission. Parents are notified of acceptance or rejection.
3) Documents required for admission. Completed Enrollment Forms in English and Arabic signed by the legal guardian; Two passport-sized photographs; Copy of birth certificate; Copy of immunization records; Copy of student's passport / Civil ID; Copies of father's and mother's passports and Civil IDs; Three years of previous school records and transcripts; For Kuwaitis, copy of father's/guardian's Kuwaiti nationality. The Ministry of Education requires that these documents be submitted to the school after acceptance.
4) Health and post-acceptance documentation. The Ministry of Education requires a Student Health File for all students, including copies of immunization records; Children under five must receive a BCG vaccination; Government clinics only provide health files. For students transferring from another Kuwaiti school: a Transfer Certificate and a Financial Clearance Certificate are required.
5) Legal requirements and residency. The father or the educational guardian must sign the admission documents; the mother cannot sign without legal authority documents. All students admitted must live with their parent(s) or an authorized guardian. Non Kuwaiti students must have a valid residency. The school reserves the right to reject an application if any legal documents are incomplete.
6) Grade-specific notes. KG Department: Pre-KG and KG1 are interviewed; there are no academic requirements for Pre-KG and KG1; KG2 students undergo a skill-based screening; Pre-KG and KG students must be toilet trained before scheduling the entrance appointment; students must be able to speak and follow basic instructions. High School Department: Students are expected to complete Grade 12 prior to turning 20; NWBS will not accept Grade 12 applications from local Kuwait schools except for students coming from abroad or with a Ministry exemption; students from Kuwait should join at least one year before graduation.
7) Special needs and study support. Special Needs: Northwest Bilingual School is not registered, designed nor accredited to educate students with special needs. Study Support: English Language Learners (ELL) program; Reading Support; Learning Support in Mathematics and Study Skills; AFL- Arabic as a Foreign Language; ISL- Islamic as a second language.
8) Overseas applications. Students applying from overseas must bring copies of school report cards/transcripts for the last three years; Report cards/transcripts must be certified by the Kuwaiti Embassy or Consulate in the country of origin; Medical file, residency and civil ID (if issued).
9) Tuition fees and payment. After the student file is complete: a tuition fee deposit of KD 100 is required to reserve a seat; If withdrawal is requested before July 1, a KD 50 deposit refund is provided. The first instalment is due before the first day of school; If enrolling during the first semester, the full annual tuition is due; If enrolling in the second semester, 60% of the annual tuition is due.
