Dasman Bilingual School vs International School of Kuwait
Dasman Bilingual School and International School of Kuwait are both in Kuwait City, about 30 km apart. Both schools offer American and Advanced Placement (AP) programmes, and Dasman Bilingual School also offers BTEC Qualification and SEN. Published annual fees are KWD 1,786 - 3,101 at Dasman Bilingual School and KWD 1,750 - 4,500 at International School of Kuwait, which puts International School of Kuwait roughly 28% higher. Dasman Bilingual School takes pupils from 2 to 18, and International School of Kuwait from 3 to 18.
American Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP), BTEC Qualification, SEN focussed
Curriculum
American Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP)
Pupils
Pupils
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Pupils
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Typical class size
Typical class size
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Typical class size
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Instruction language
Instruction language
English, Arabic
Instruction language
Arabic, English
Opened
Opened
1996
Opened
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Bus service
Bus service
Yes
Bus service
Yes
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
Sharq, Kuwait City, Kuwait. The campus spans seven buildings on a large private campus in the Sharq district, with facilities including two swimming pools, two auditoriums, football fields, indoor play areas for younger students, indoor and outdoor basketball courts, music rooms, computer and science labs, and a spacious cafeteria. It offers bilingual instruction in English and Arabic, blending the American and Arabic curricula.
Location
The school is located in Mahboula, Block 3, Street 306, Kuwait.
Stages
Stages
Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle School, and High School (K-12).
Stages
Pre-K through Grade 12 (preK-12 programs).
School type
School type
Private bilingual day school.
School type
International school offering an American curriculum with AP courses and an American High School Diploma.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
Special Needs Division; inclusive support through Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and vocational training.
Additional learning support
Full support for students with additional learning needs.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
United States and Kuwait.
Country affiliation
American curriculum; Cognia accreditation; academic affiliations with College Board and British Council.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation
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School day structure
School day structure
School days start with a 7:00–7:30 a.m. drop-off for all divisions. Pick-up times vary by division: Kindergarten 12:50–13:15, Elementary 14:00–14:15, Middle School 14:15–14:30, High School 14:30–14:45, SEN (A, D, S) 12:55–13:30, and SEN/Vocational 13:30–13:45.
School day structure
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Bus service details
Bus service details
Bus service with division-specific drop-off and pick-up times.
Bus service details
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Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Application and reservation fee - Non-refundable registration / tuition deposit: KD 100 (deductible from the first installment; reserves the student's place only until the first day of the school year).
Tuition fees (annual and instalment breakdown by school division) - Pre‑K / KG1 / KG2: Annual tuition KD 1,786, payable in three instalments — 1st instalment KD 714 (due 01 Sep 2025 / first day of school), 2nd instalment KD 536 (due 01 Jan 2026), 3rd instalment KD 536 (due 01 Apr 2026). - Elementary (Grades 1–4): Annual tuition KD 2,784, payable in three instalments — 1st instalment KD 1,114 (01 Sep 2025), 2nd instalment KD 835 (01 Jan 2026), 3rd instalment KD 835 (01 Apr 2026). - Middle School (Grades 5–8): Annual tuition KD 3,006, payable in three instalments — 1st instalment KD 1,202 (01 Sep 2025), 2nd instalment KD 902 (01 Jan 2026), 3rd instalment KD 902 (01 Apr 2026). - High School (Grades 9–12): Annual tuition KD 3,101, payable in three instalments — 1st instalment KD 1,241 (01 Sep 2025), 2nd instalment KD 930 (01 Jan 2026), 3rd instalment KD 930 (01 Apr 2026). - Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision: Annual fee KD 7,185, payable in three instalments — KD 2,875 / KD 2,155 / KD 2,155. Resource Inclusion (RI) annual fee KD 3,910, payable in three instalments — KD 1,564 / KD 1,173 / KD 1,173.
Billing schedule and payment terms - Standard billing schedule: three instalments with settlement dates shown as the first day of the school year (1st instalment) and fixed calendar dates for the later instalments — 01 Jan and 01 Apr. The full first instalment must be paid on the first day of the academic year. - The KD 100 deposit is non-refundable but is credited to the first instalment. Delayed payments may result in the school withholding the student's report cards until outstanding fees are settled. - Late registration: tuition is calculated from the student's first day at Dasman (no charge is applied for periods prior to joining). Public Authority (PAD) funding and associated timing rules are applied when applicable.
Boarding fees - Boarding: Not applicable. Dasman Bilingual School operates as a day school and does not publish boarding or residential fees.
Other costs and mandatory items - Crèche / KG waiting-room fee: KD 300 (non‑refundable; payable once on admission for the KG department). - Resource Inclusion (RI) sessions: KD 300 per session for one subject (weekly sessions across the year); this charge is payable in two instalments where applicable. - Textbooks and stationery: the school bookstore supplies required Arabic and English textbooks and standardized notebooks; parents who buy externally must match the school's specified items. Cost depends on selections at the school bookstore. - School uniform: uniform is mandatory and available for purchase at the school store; specific uniform pricing is not published in the school's financial policy.
Refund and withdrawal rules - Withdrawal during the school year follows the Ministry of Education (Private Education Department) rules applied by the school: if withdrawal occurs after the first instalment due at the start of the academic year, the school is entitled to 40% of the annual fees; after the second instalment due (01 Jan) the school is entitled to 70% of the annual fees; if withdrawal occurs after the third instalment due date the school is entitled to the full annual fees. The KD 100 deposit is non‑refundable.
Fee payment options and how invoices are handled - The school publishes a Parent Portal link (dasman.parents.isamshosting.cloud) for parents' access to portals and parent resources; invoices and fee administration are managed through the school's published financial policy and parent systems. Specific accepted payment instruments (for example, named credit card brands, bank transfer details or online gateway names) are not listed in the publicly posted financial policy documents.
Notes on regulatory adjustments - Tuition and additional fee charges may be amended in line with decisions by the Ministry of Education – Department of Private Education or the Public Authority for the Disabled; any such amendments are applied to all students for the relevant academic year.
(End of fees overview.)
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
Uniform is mandatory for all students. Kindergarten wear logo tops and stretchable trousers or shorts with black closed-toe shoes. Primary wear blue button-down shirts with the logo and navy pants or knee-length skirts. Middle School wear light blue polo shirts with navy pants or skirts. High School wear white polo shirts with navy blue or black pants, with Grade 12 students designing their uniforms annually. PE and sports uniforms are also required.
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
Dasman Bilingual School is part of the Cognita family of Schools.
Governance and ownership
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Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
The school uses a bilingual curriculum that integrates American and Arabic standards. The curriculum is accredited by CIS and NEASC.
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
The school reports a 100% graduation rate. 55% of graduates pursue higher education at prestigious colleges and universities abroad (UK and US), while 45% continue their studies in Kuwait and the GCC. It is a licensed SAT exam center and a College Board-approved provider for AP exams. 90% of students take the IELTS exam through a British Council partnership, with an average score of 6.5 or above.
Exam results
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Higher education progression
Higher education progression
Dasman graduates study at leading universities worldwide, including Harvard, MIT, University College London, and McGill, with placements in Medicine, Engineering, Business, Law, and Computer Science. Alumni pursue degrees across the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Kuwait, and beyond, with scholarships and global opportunities noted.
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
The school provides effective pastoral care and a culture of wellbeing that supports thriving learners and compassionate citizens. Pastoral care focuses on nurturing happy, resilient, and adaptable learners, with dedicated teachers providing personalised support. Wellbeing is guided by Cognita Be Well Charter, promoting healthy choices and social engagement, including regular physical activity and healthy eating. Safeguarding measures ensure a safe and secure environment for all students to thrive. The Be Well Charter guides wellbeing through six pillars and the school fosters social responsibility through activities and partnerships such as the Sparkle Foundation.
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)
The Special Needs Division comprises Special Needs, Autism, and Vocational Units. It is rooted in the belief that no one is left behind and provides an inclusive, supportive environment for students to grow. The division offers speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physiotherapy, among other supports. A specialized assistant fluent in both English and Arabic works in each classroom to provide individualized support. The curriculum is modified in Language Arts and Math based on the CCSS, and older students may follow the ASDAN and BTEC Qualification Curricula, with some ASDAN students transitioning to higher education.
Special educational needs (SEN)
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English as an additional language
English as an additional language
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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
Wellbeing is a central focus aligned with the Cognita Be Well Charter, which emphasizes six pillars and is applied across the school. The school promotes healthy food choices and regular physical activity as part of daily routines. It fosters connections through social responsibility and enterprise, including the Sparkle Foundation partnership for volunteering activities. Leadership opportunities such as Model United Nations and Student Council support social and emotional development. Regular wellbeing initiatives and a safe, inclusive environment contribute to students' mental wellbeing.
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
Safeguarding is a commitment to promote the welfare of every child, ensuring equal rights to protection from harm and a safe, inclusive environment. The safeguarding principles are universal and have been developed by Cognita's Safeguarding Specialist Team; they emphasize staff training, early identification of concerns, and empowering children to voice their thoughts. Every adult who works with the school is vetted as safe to do so, and staff are equipped to educate students about risk and to respond appropriately to concerns.
Safeguarding
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Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
The school has modern science labs, art studios, sports courts, swimming pools, and a dedicated Special Needs Division.
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 sports program includes volleyball, soccer, basketball, track and field, badminton, and swimming; it runs across four seasons. The campus provides well-maintained courts and fields, plus dedicated swimming and track facilities.
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
Academic facilities include modern science labs and art studios, plus a dedicated Special Needs Division.
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
There are over 70 extracurricular activities, including robotics and STEAM, music, sports, and cultural clubs. Leadership opportunities include Model United Nations and Student Council.
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
Established in 1996 in Sharq, Dasman Bilingual School is part of the Cognita family of schools. It offers bilingual education blending the best of American and Arabic curricula. The school started with 400 students in two buildings and has grown to more than 3,000 students across seven buildings. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including two swimming pools, two auditoriums, football fields, indoor play areas for younger students, indoor and outdoor basketball courts, music rooms, computer and science labs, and a spacious cafeteria; a modern library is set to join. The school's diverse student body represents multiple nationalities and a commitment to global citizenship.
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
Dasman Bilingual School is a thriving community where students, parents, and educators collaborate to foster growth and achievement. Its diverse student body represents multiple nationalities, creating a multicultural environment that celebrates inclusivity and collaboration. Students participate in partnerships with families and cultural organizations, including the Arabic Reading Challenge, Dasman Talk, and international competitions. Leadership opportunities such as Model United Nations and Student Council prepare students to make a meaningful impact in their communities and beyond.
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
At Dasman Bilingual School, the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) serves as a vital bridge between parents, school management, academic staff, and administrative teams. Representing parents across all academic levels and learning units, the PTA works collaboratively to create a positive and meaningful impact on pupils' academic, emotional, and psychological growth while shaping them into responsible members of Kuwaiti society and compassionate global citizens. We encourage parents to connect with the DBS PTA for concerns or suggestions, particularly those related to school systems and policies, rather than individual or personal matters. The PTA is led by Dr. Mishari Al-Mahmoud – Chairman, and includes Adeelah Al-Sawarej, Dalal Al-Mudhahka, Fatma Karam, Huda Akbar, Meshari Al-Khashti, Reyadh Hashem, and Yousef Al-Hasan as members. Contact and further information can be found through the school's general contact and enquiry channels.
Parent teacher association
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Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
The school teaches in English and Arabic. In High School, Advanced Placement (AP) courses, Business, and IT are offered. The curriculum blends American and Arabic strands to develop critical thinking, creativity, and global awareness. 95% of graduates attend top universities in Kuwait, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
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
The school has art studios to support visual arts. Music and cultural clubs are part of extracurricular offerings. With over 70 activities, students explore arts, music, and other creative pursuits.
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
The school teaches in English and Arabic. Arabic language instruction is part of the curriculum, supporting bilingual proficiency. Arabic Reading Challenge, Dasman Talk, and Model United Nations provide language and cultural experiences. The program engages students in international competitions to broaden cultural awareness.
Cultural & language
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Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
The school offers over 70 extracurricular activities, including robotics, STEAM, music, sports, and cultural clubs. Students are encouraged to explore personal interests through these clubs and activities. Clubs and teams foster teamwork, creativity, and healthy social engagement.
Social & hobbies
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Community & service
Community & service
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Community & service
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Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
Leadership opportunities include Model United Nations and Student Council. Participation develops leadership, teamwork, and communication skills. The school supports students in pursuing responsible leadership within the school and wider community.
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
Facilities include science labs, art studios, sports courts, swimming pools, and a dedicated Special Needs Division. Pastoral care supports student wellbeing in a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment. The environment emphasizes inclusive education for mainstream and special needs students.
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 and Arabic are the languages taught in the program. The Arabic program serves native and non-native speakers, with reading, writing, listening, and speaking development and exposure to Arabic literature, history, and traditions. The Arabic Department is led by qualified educators who use innovative teaching strategies.
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
English and Arabic are the languages of instruction. From Kindergarten through High School, instruction blends English-language and Arabic-language curricula with varying amounts of each language used daily. The Arabic program is designed for both native and non-native speakers.
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
The school is accredited by CIS and NEASC.
Accreditations
Cognia accredits ISK. The school has academic affiliations with the College Board and the British Council.
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
1. Make an Enquiry. The Admissions Team answers initial questions and guides families through the next steps. The unique nature of the programs and limited grade-level availability means families are encouraged to follow the steps to ensure their needs are met with care.
2. Visit Us. Experience Dasman Bilingual School by scheduling a campus tour. The Admissions Team offers daily tours at various times to explore facilities and meet members of the School Leadership Team. This visit provides firsthand insight into the school's bilingual environment.
3. Submit Your Online Application. Applications are accepted online only. Upload digital copies of key documents, including identification, academic records, and any relevant reports for special education applicants. Ensure attachments are clear and readable to avoid delays.
4. Assessment and Evaluation. After submitting the application, an assessment date will be scheduled and you will be notified by email. For international applicants unable to attend in person, remote assessments may be arranged. Assessment results are communicated within 2–3 working days. Assessments vary by grade level: Kindergarten uses an informal interview with KG Academic Staff, while Grades 1–12 require formal assessments in English, Math, and Arabic. Special Needs and Vocational applicants may require psychological assessments and classroom observations.
5. Admission Decision. The Admissions Team will notify parents of assessment results within 1 day for Kindergarten and 2–3 days for Grades 1–12.
6. After Acceptance. Upon acceptance, pay a non-refundable KD 100 deposit to secure the child's seat within two days of notification. Submit transfer documents from the child's previous school to the DBS Registrar's Office.
