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Al Hekma International School

Bahrain, Manama

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees BHD 1,589 - 4,392
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 945
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), American Curriculum
Typical class size 20
Introduction

Al Hekma International School (AHIS) is a co-educational international school on Road 4363 in Sanad (Manama), serving preschool through Grade 12 (ages 3 to 18). The school delivers an American curriculum from Pre‑K to Grade 12 and provides an IB pathway at secondary level; external listings and the school's publications record the IB Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma programmes as part of its profile while the IB organization lists the school on its Diploma Programme register. Instruction is delivered in English with Arabic taught as a required subject under Bahrain's Ministry of Education (the school describes students as primarily English‑language learners). Facilities cited on the school site and inspection reports include modern classroom technology (interactive boards and student laptops), science, art and robotics laboratories, sports facilities, playgrounds and extracurricular clubs. AHIS is accredited by US bodies (MSA and Cognia), and the school highlights its Cognia STEM certification and a recognised service‑learning distinction as notable features of its programme.

1962 Rd No 4363, Sanad, Bahrain

The Essentials

Al Hekma International School has 945 pupils, typical class sizes of 20, instruction in English.

Location
AHIS is located on Istqlal Highway in Sanad, Bahrain. The campus sits in a residential area within the Manama metropolitan region, providing convenient access for families living in central Bahrain. The site is accessible by car or taxi and is near main roads and local amenities.

Stages
The school runs from Preschool through Grade 12, with divisions into Kindergarten, Elementary School, Middle School, and High School.

Type
AHIS is a co-educational international day school. It does not offer boarding facilities; the campus operates as a day school.

Pupil Nationality Mix
There are about 26 nationalities represented at AHIS. The most common nationality is Bahraini. Local students account for roughly 55% of the student body, with international students representing about 45%.

Additional learning support
AHIS offers Gifted & Talented Programs. The Learning Support Team designs an Intervention Education Plan (IEP) for gifted and talented students and provides related academic and enrichment options, including an Advanced Placement program.

Country affiliation
The school operates in Bahrain and is under the authority of the Bahraini Ministry of Education (MOE).

Religious affiliation
AHIS does not have a formal religious affiliation listed in its official materials.

School day structure
The school day typically runs from around 7:00 AM to about 2:15–2:30 PM, depending on grade level. KG days end around 2:15 PM, while Middle and High School days commonly end around 2:30 PM. Breaks and lunchtime are scheduled per the school calendar.

Bus service
AHIS Bahrain does not provide a school bus service; transportation is arranged by families or private providers.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
AHIS does not offer boarding; it operates as a day school for Preschool through Grade 12. The International Baccalaureate profile lists Boarding facilities as DAY, indicating there are no on-site boarding options.

Uniform Requirement
Uniforms are provided to all students upon registration. Only school-provided uniforms are allowed, and uniforms are worn according to the weekly schedule; sports uniforms are permitted only on designated sports days.

Food Options
The catering and food page indicates a fully supervised cafeteria for students in grades 1 and above, offering hot meals, drinks, salads, and sandwiches; students may also bring lunch from home. Payments can be made by cash or via a cashless system, and the campus is nut-free to accommodate allergies.

Governance and Ownership
AHIS is governed by a Board of Directors that is appointed by the Managing Director to oversee operations, long-range planning, budgeting, and policy, including monitoring the School Wide Improvement Plan. The school operates under the Bahraini Ministry of Education and is privately founded, with Dr. Mona Rashid AlZayani listed as President & Founder.
Fees

Annual tuition at Al Hekma International School ranges from BHD 1,589 to BHD 4,392 for 2026/27.

Application & Registration Fees

- Application form fee: BD 35 for PS–KG1 and KG2; BD 35 or BD 45 for other grade bands as listed (Application Form: BD 35 or BD 45 depending on grade).
- Seat reservation (booking) fee: BD 250 payable upon acceptance of enrollment. Booking/seat reservation fees are payable within five business days of acceptance and are not refundable.
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Annual Tuition by Year Group (amounts inclusive of VAT)

- PS–KG1: BD 1,589.000.
- KG2: BD 1,616.000.
- Grade 1–3: BD 2,510.000.
- Grade 4–5: BD 2,513.000.
- Grade 6: BD 2,524.000.
- Grade 7: BD 3,377.000.
- Grade 8: BD 3,371.000.
- Grade 9: BD 3,432.000.
- Grade 10: BD 4,146.000.
- Grade 11: BD 4,256.000.
- Grade 12: BD 4,392.000.

What is included in the tuition

- Tuition includes one set of sports uniform, one set of standard uniform, books and rental books, notebooks and the yearbook. The published tuition amounts also indicate the seat reservation amount as part of the fee structure.

Per-term / Installment amounts (calculated from the annual tuition figures)

- The following installment figures are calculated from the annual tuition amounts using the school's published payment splits (50/50 or 50/25/25). These numbers are simple arithmetic based on the published annual fees and the published payment schedule:

- PS–KG1 (BD 1,589.000): 50% = BD 794.50; 25% = BD 397.25.
- KG2 (BD 1,616.000): 50% = BD 808.00; 25% = BD 404.00.
- G1–G3 (BD 2,510.000): 50% = BD 1,255.00; 25% = BD 627.50.
- G4–G5 (BD 2,513.000): 50% = BD 1,256.50; 25% = BD 628.25.
- G6 (BD 2,524.000): 50% = BD 1,262.00; 25% = BD 631.00.
- G7 (BD 3,377.000): 50% = BD 1,688.50; 25% = BD 844.25.
- G8 (BD 3,371.000): 50% = BD 1,685.50; 25% = BD 842.75.
- G9 (BD 3,432.000): 50% = BD 1,716.00; 25% = BD 858.00.
- G10 (BD 4,146.000): 50% = BD 2,073.00; 25% = BD 1,036.50.
- G11 (BD 4,256.000): 50% = BD 2,128.00; 25% = BD 1,064.00.
- G12 (BD 4,392.000): 50% = BD 2,196.00; 25% = BD 1,098.00.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Payment schedule options:
- One full payment (due at the start of the year in August).
- Two installments: 50% in August and 50% on January 1.
- Three payments: 50% in August, 25% on January 1, and 25% on March 1.
- If a student is admitted in the first half of a semester, a full semester's fees are charged; if admitted in the second semester, half of the annual fees are charged.
- Booking/seat reservation fee is payable upon acceptance and must be paid within five business days or registration will be cancelled; registration, testing and interview fees are non-refundable. Discounts, if granted, will be revoked if parents are more than two weeks late on the due date. A late-payment fine of 7.5% applies and additional penalties may be added for further delay; a returned/bounced cheque carries an added fine. Failure to pay can result in withholding of certificates, transcripts and denial of examination or graduation participation.

Boarding fees

- No boarding fees are listed and boarding is not presented as an offered fee category. There are no published boarding charges on the fee schedule.

Other costs and additional fees

- Books and uniforms (one set each) are included in the tuition, but the policy notes that books, uniforms, tablets, transportation and any additional fees are not refundable once paid. The published schedule also references registration, testing and interview fees as separate charges and non-refundable. Any additional services (transportation, extra devices, additional uniform sets, extra-curricular fees if charged separately) would be considered extra and are not covered in the base tuition amounts.

Siblings discount

- Sibling discount policy: first eldest and second child pay full tuition; third younger child receives a 10% discount; fourth younger child and subsequent children receive a 15% discount. Note: the sibling discount does not apply to PS–KG2 grade levels. Discounts cannot be combined and may be revoked for late payment.

Refund information

- Tuition fees are non-refundable whether the student attended or not. If a student withdraws, one full semester's notice is required or a full semester's fees become payable. Registration, testing, interview and booking/seat reservation fees are non-refundable. Books, uniforms, tablets, transportation and any additional fees are not refundable. If registration is cancelled due to missing required documents, paid fees are not refunded. If the school terminates registration for discipline or rule breaches, fees are not refundable. Fees paid will not be refunded even if the student did not start or attend. Cancellation of enrollment must be submitted in writing where required by the school policy.

Accepted payment methods and banking details

- In-branch payment at BBK (submit receipt to accounts or admissions) or bank transfer to the BBK account: Account Number 100000087325; Account Name: Al Hekma International School S P C; IBAN: BH35BBKU00100000087325; SWIFT: BBKUBHBM.
- In-branch payment at AUB (submit receipt to accounts or admissions) or bank transfer to the AUB account: Account Number 0016-270218-001; Account Name: AL Hekma International School; IBAN: BH65AUBB00016270218001; SWIFT: AUBBBHBM.
- Cash or cheque payments accepted at the school (school office hours noted). Post-dated cheques are accepted only in accordance with the published payment terms and due dates. Receipts should be submitted to the accounts or admissions office. Credit card payment is not listed as a published payment method in the fee schedule.

Notes on enforcement and penalties

- A two-week delay on payment can result in blocking of the student's name in the Ministry of Education system and potential legal action. Discounts may be revoked if payments are more than two weeks late. No certificates, transcripts or graduation participation will be issued if fees remain unpaid.

Summary of non-refundable items

- Registration/testing/interview fees, booking/seat reservation fee, tuition once paid, books, uniforms, tablets, transportation and additional fees are non-refundable under the school policy. A written notice and one full semester's notice are required for withdrawal to avoid further charges.
Academics

Al Hekma International School teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), American Curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
AHIS Bahrain serves Preschool through Grade 12 and offers an American curriculum alongside the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP) for the high school years. AHIS is an IB World School authorized to deliver the Diploma Programme and is accredited by the Middle States Association (MSA) and Cognia. The curriculum provides instruction in English and Arabic and covers a broad set of subjects, with additional emphasis on ICT, arts, health, and physical education. In high school, students have access to the American diploma pathway and the IB Diploma, with preparation for standardized tests such as SAT, AP, and TOEFL. AHIS also offers Global Programs (Junior Ambassadors Conference, Future Arab Leaders, Model United Nations) and STEM and Service-Learning initiatives as part of its curriculum.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
AHIS supports Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) through a values-driven, school-wide approach. The Vision states AHIS aims to foster global citizenship, high self-esteem, low anxiety, and a strong sense of belonging. The school describes its environment as safe and nurturing, with a professional staff supporting students across academic life, activities, and events. The Life Skills program provides SEL-aligned curricula across grades: Kindergarten CARE (Caring, Articulated, Respectful, Engaged); Elementary BEST (Brave, Engaged, Self-confident, Tolerant); Middle School D.A.R.E (Disciplined, Accountable, Reflective, Engaged); High School RE.A.C.H (Responsibility, Engagement, Accountability, Confidence, Honesty). The program emphasizes staff support to meet students' SEL needs throughout the school years.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
AHIS provides a Gifted & Talented Programs (GT) for students with high capability. An Intervention Education Plan (IEP) is designed for Gifted and Talented students by the Learning Support Team. The GT program seeks to engage students through venues for research, problem-solving, leadership, and social-emotional development. For students who are struggling academically, teachers offer remedial classes, tutoring, and access to social workers and counselors, with differentiation and IEP plans to assist learning. AHIS is not described as a separate SEN institution; SEN support is integrated through GT and Learning Support within the school.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The language of instruction is English. On-campus Arabic language options can be arranged for interested students through Special Arabic teachers. AHIS operates an American Program and International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, with English as the primary language of instruction. Differentiation and an IEP process are used to support diverse learners, including needs related to English as an additional language. The school also notes on-campus Arabic language offerings and an international, multilingual student body as part of its language and EAL approach.

Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is supported through a safe and nurturing environment; the Vision emphasizes low anxiety and high self-esteem. The school aims to foster belonging and global citizenship as part of wellbeing. The Life Skills program across Kindergarten to High School includes staff dedicated to supporting student wellbeing through a professional team. Affiliations with professional bodies (NESA, ASCD, UNESCO, PTC) indicate ongoing staff development that can support wellbeing. The IB DP candidacy and other global programs promote holistic development that underpins student wellbeing.

Safeguarding
The school does not publicly disclose safeguarding and child protection policies on its site. The Vision describes a safe, nurturing environment with a sense of belonging. The Life Skills program across K-12 emphasizes safety and care as part of its values. The Life Skills page notes a professional staff dedicated to supporting students' well-being. AHIS's affiliations with professional bodies indicate formal professional development and policy alignment that may inform safeguarding practices.
Parent Experience

History
AHIS was founded in 1985 by Dr. Mona Rashid AlZayani, who is listed as President and Founder on the Board of Directors page. The school is governed by a Board of Directors, with Mohanned Al-Anni as Chairman; the board oversees long-range planning, budgeting, and adherence to Ministry of Education directives. AHIS operates as a co-educational international school from Preschool through Grade 12 offering an American and IB diploma, and it operates under the Bahraini Ministry of Education. It holds accreditations from the Middle States Association for Accreditation of Colleges and Schools (MSA), Cognia, and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, and has affiliations with UNESCO and ALECSO.

Community
AHIS organizes a set of global programs to foster leadership and global engagement, including the Junior Ambassadors Conference, Future Arab Leaders, and Model United Nations, which connect students with local and international issues. AHIS hosts cultural and community events such as the Bahraini Women's Day event Razjia 2, with participation from board members and student councils. The school also runs overseas trips, such as a middle/high school trip to Dubai and Abu Dhabi, broadening horizons and developing life skills. AHIS offers a variety of clubs and activities during and after school, contributing to well-rounded development.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
AHIS has a PTA described as a grassroots organization made up of parents and teachers who have a special interest in children, families, and schools. The PTA's mission is to support and speak on behalf of students and youth in the school, in the community, and before governmental bodies and other organizations that make decisions affecting students, and to assist parents in developing the skills they need to raise their children and to encourage parent involvement in the school's activities. AHIS's PTA works to develop the school environment through its objectives, promoting the welfare of all children at home, at school, and in the community, and strengthening the home–school relationship. AHIS has creative and intellectual parents and teachers forming its PTA who work together toward offering the best quality of education in the most convenient educational environment, meeting the highest international standards. The leadership includes Chairperson Inshad Abdullah Johar, Vice Chair Ateqa Taheri, and a broad slate of members such as Donia Ahmed, Dima Nahouli, Shazeema Rasheed, Sabri Ben Trabelsi, and many others, with roles such as Secretary Asmaa Osman and Treasurer Rehab AlBaz.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
AHIS provides modern facilities, including spacious buildings, multimedia classrooms with interactive Smartboards and wireless internet, science labs, music labs, art labs, and computer labs. It has two libraries, meeting and lecture halls, a cafeteria, and a modern theatre; large playgrounds and dedicated sports facilities complement the academic spaces.

Sports Facilities
The school has a gymnasium, an air-conditioned sports hall, track and field facilities, a soccer field, a tennis court, basketball and volleyball courts, and play areas for children.

Academic Facilities
Academic facilities include spacious multimedia classrooms with interactive Smartboards and wireless internet, science labs, music labs, art labs, and computer labs, along with two libraries and meeting/lecture halls.

Extra Curricular Facilities
AHIS offers a variety of clubs and activities during and after school. Global programs include Junior Ambassadors Conference, Future Arab Leaders, and Model United Nations.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
AHIS promotes academic development through a broad range of activities that build written and oral communication in Arabic and English. Throughout the year students participate in research tasks, presentations, field trips, and reading, spelling and writing competitions. AHIS courses include computers, health, art, music, drama, and physical education; these classes are taught by certified staff and designed to enrich students' self-confidence and creativity. Extracurricular programs such as Model United Nations and other global programs supplement classroom learning by developing research, analysis, and presentation skills.

Arts & Creative
Art, music, and drama are part of the core AHIS curriculum and are taught by certified staff. These subjects foster creativity and self-expression and are supported by dedicated facilities. AHIS emphasizes creative development as a component of a well-rounded education.

Cultural & Language
Bilingual communication in Arabic and English is a focus, with Arabic language included in the curriculum. Programs such as Future Arab Leaders and Model United Nations provide opportunities to develop bilingual communication skills and engage with global communities. The Model United Nations program is linked to UNESCO and emphasizes diplomacy and global understanding.

Social & Hobbies
There are extensive opportunities to participate in school clubs and student-led activities. The high school profile lists MUN, YLC (Young Leaders Council), BYE (Bahrain Young Entrepreneurs), and Student Council as avenues to develop leadership and social engagement. Model United Nations also provides a forum for teamwork and debate as part of AHIS's global programs.

Community & Service
The Junior Ambassadors Conference focuses on child rights, citizenship, and health, education, and safety topics. Participants engage with communities and policy discussions to advocate for youth needs. The program links students with broader global citizenship initiatives within AHIS's global programs.

Leadership & Professional
Future Arab Leaders develops leadership and social skills and bilingual communication through experiential simulations and current-events discussions. Model United Nations builds diplomacy, research, policy-writing, and public-speaking abilities. Young Leaders Council and Bahrain Young Entrepreneurs, along with Student Council, provide ongoing leadership and entrepreneurship opportunities.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Life Skills programs provide age-appropriate modules with names like CARE, BEST, DARE, and REACH to promote values such as caring, bravery, self-confidence, discipline, responsibility, and accountability. AHIS describes a safe, nurturing environment with a dedicated staff supporting students' development across academic life and activities. The program emphasizes wellbeing, organization, and healthy study habits through ongoing guidance.
Languages

Language Provision
Arabic language is taught as part of the curriculum to develop written and oral communication in Arabic. English language is taught as part of the curriculum to develop written and oral communication in English. The school offers American and IB Diploma Programme options.
Reputation

Accreditations
MSA, Cognia, and IB Diploma Programme; Cognia STEM Certification; MSA Service-Learning Program of Distinction.
Admissions

Admissions
Step 1. Submit the application with the required documents. Attach a copy of the student's passport, a copy of the parent's passport, a copy of the residency ID (CPR), a copy of the residency permit in the passport (for expats), the student's vaccination record, the birth certificate, one photo, and transcripts for the past two years. Students applying from outside Bahrain must attest the last year's report card from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Embassy of Bahrain, then present these documents to the Ministry of Education in Bahrain to receive an equivalency letter.

Step 2. Take entrance exams and participate in an interview. Students must sit for entrance exams in English, Arabic, and Math; non-Arabic speaking students are exempted from the Arabic entrance exam. Students must attend an interview to determine eligibility for enrollment.

Step 3. Complete placement assessments. AHIS admits students based on policies set by the MOE in Bahrain. Placement assessments are conducted in English, and students who are non-speakers or new to the language are assessed at the beginning of the academic year and placed at the proper academic level.

Step 4. Receive an admission decision. Acceptance or rejection of enrollment is at the sole discretion of the admissions committee. Both interviews and entrance exams must be passed to be considered for admission.

Step 5. Confirm enrollment and secure a seat. If accepted, a seat booking fee is payable upon acceptance of enrollment and must be paid within 5 business days from notification of acceptance; failure to pay will result in cancellation of registration. Registration, testing, and interview fees are non-refundable even if a student is placed on a waiting list or rejected.

Step 6. Complete enrollment formalities or withdrawal terms. When enrolling, follow the payment schedule and provide all required documents; Registration, testing, and interview fees are non-refundable. If there is a withdrawal, a full semester notice is required; if notice is not given, full semester's fees are payable. Transfer certificates may be required for moving to another school.
School Events
The school has not added events
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