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American School of Bahrain

Bahrain, Manama

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees BHD 2,900 - 8,980
Ages 2 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 449
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), American Curriculum
Introduction

American School of Bahrain is an independent international day school based in Manama, Bahrain (Building 1528, Road 3429, Block 934, North Riffa) offering school‑level provision from Early Childhood through Grade 12 and serving ages 2–18. The school operates a standards‑based American curriculum from Head Start to Grade 12 and provides IB Diploma pathways in Grades 11 and 12 alongside routes to an ASB high‑school diploma. English is the primary medium of instruction; Arabic is taught as a core subject and ASB operates a dual‑language (Arabic–English) Muzdawaj model in early years. After‑school and world‑language programmes include Arabic, French, Russian, Italian and German, while French and Spanish are offered in the high school. The campus in North Riffa features STEAM and maker‑space labs, technology‑enabled classrooms, a multi‑level library, art and music studios, performance spaces and an athletics complex with two swimming pools, an indoor gymnasium, courts, a regulation football pitch and a 400‑metre track.

Building 1528, Road 3429 North Riffa، 934, Bahrain

The Essentials

American School of Bahrain has 449 pupils, instruction in English.

Location
ASB is centrally located in North Riffa (Wadi Al Buhair), near the Bahrain National Stadium. The 17-acre campus is easily accessed from the main highways and offers parking for parents and visitors. The campus address is Building 1528, Road 3429, Block 934, Riffa Al Shamali, Kingdom of Bahrain.

Stages
ASB serves Early Childhood through Grade 12. The school offers Head Start to Grade 12 with an Early Childhood Center that follows Ontario Kindergarten for Pre-K and KG1 and AERO standards for English, Science and Math in KG2; Grades 1–10 follow AERO standards aligned with Common Core. Pathways in Grades 11 and 12 include the IB Diploma Programme.

Type
ASB is a co-educational day school with no boarding facilities.

Pupil Nationality Mix
ASB serves a diverse student body with dozens of nationalities represented. Publicly available estimates place the total nationalities represented at about 33 to 48, with Bahraini, American and Canadian among the most represented; the local-to-international student ratio is roughly around 50:50.

Additional learning support
ASB provides learning support spaces and services, including English Language (EL) support and general learning support, delivered in designated learning support rooms and counseling areas on campus. Availability may be limited by program and staffing.

Country affiliation
The school is an American international school located in Bahrain and is part of the Esol Education network.

Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation: Not affiliated with a specific religion. The curriculum includes Arabic language instruction and Islamic Studies as part of Bahraini cultural education.

School day structure
The school day runs from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Bus service
ASB offers a school bus service; transport details, routes, and providers are coordinated through the Admissions Office. Inquiries about transport options should be directed to admissions@asb.bh or by calling +973 1721 1800.
Diving Deeper

Food Options
The cafeteria provides balanced meals designed to promote nutrition and health. The offerings align with USDA Dietary Guidelines (2015-2020) and include options that combine fruits, vegetables, grains, protein, and dairy to support students' daily needs.

Governance and Ownership
ASB is a joint venture between Esol Education and Elm Education Fund (Elm), a Bahrain-based education platform established by Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company (Mumtalakat), the sovereign wealth fund of the Kingdom of Bahrain. Elm establishes and co-invests in world-class educational institutions in partnership with leading global operators.
Fees

Annual tuition at American School of Bahrain ranges from BHD 2,900 to BHD 8,980 for 2026/27.

Application and Registration Fees
- Application fee: BHD 75 per student.
- Registration fee: BHD 300 per student due on acceptance of a place. The application fee (BHD 75) is deducted from the registration fee, so the net registration payment on acceptance is BHD 225. Registration and application fees are not refundable.

Tuition fees by year group (2025–2026 academic year) — annual and per-term amounts
- Head Start — BHD 2,900 per year (Term 1: BHD 1,450; Term 2: BHD 1,450).
- Pre-KG — BHD 3,310 per year (Term 1: BHD 1,655; Term 2: BHD 1,655).
- KG 1 — BHD 4,730 per year (Term 1: BHD 2,365; Term 2: BHD 2,365).
- KG 2 — BHD 4,820 per year (Term 1: BHD 2,410; Term 2: BHD 2,410).
- Grade 1 — BHD 4,900 per year (Term 1: BHD 2,450; Term 2: BHD 2,450).
- Grade 2 — BHD 5,330 per year (Term 1: BHD 2,665; Term 2: BHD 2,665).
- Grade 3 — BHD 5,330 per year (Term 1: BHD 2,665; Term 2: BHD 2,665).
- Grade 4 — BHD 5,660 per year (Term 1: BHD 2,830; Term 2: BHD 2,830).
- Grade 5 — BHD 5,660 per year (Term 1: BHD 2,830; Term 2: BHD 2,830).
- Grade 6 — BHD 6,820 per year (Term 1: BHD 3,410; Term 2: BHD 3,410).
- Grade 7 — BHD 6,820 per year (Term 1: BHD 3,410; Term 2: BHD 3,410).
- Grade 8 — BHD 6,820 per year (Term 1: BHD 3,410; Term 2: BHD 3,410).
- Grade 9 — BHD 7,910 per year (Term 1: BHD 3,955; Term 2: BHD 3,955).
- Grade 10 — BHD 7,910 per year (Term 1: BHD 3,955; Term 2: BHD 3,955).
- Grade 11 — BHD 8,980 per year (Term 1: BHD 4,490; Term 2: BHD 4,490).
- Grade 12 — BHD 8,980 per year (Term 1: BHD 4,490; Term 2: BHD 4,490).

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Tuition is billed in two equal installments: Term 1 (September–January) = 50% of the annual tuition, and Term 2 (February–June) = 50% of the annual tuition. Term 1 payment is due in August; Term 2 payment is due in January.
- Monthly fee calculations for proration or leave-of-absence purposes are made by dividing the annual tuition by 10 months; one or more days' attendance during a month is counted as a full month. The school reserves the right to charge late-payment penalties. An installment plan beyond the two-term schedule may be agreed in exceptional cases subject to written request and management approval; parents should apply to the Finance Department (accounts@asb.bh).

Reservation deposit and re-enrollment deposit
- A reservation deposit of 10% of the total fee amount must be paid within ten (10) days of the acceptance letter to secure a place. The deposit is deducted from the annual tuition balance and must be paid before the student's first day. The deposit is non-refundable except where the family must relocate outside Bahrain before the academic year starts. If joining at the beginning of a term, the full term fee must be paid instead of a deposit.
- A re-enrollment deposit is required in Term 2 to reserve a place for the next academic year; the school will advise the percentage, due dates and refund conditions.

Refund information and leaving mid-year
- Refund requests must be submitted in writing using the school's Refund Request Form; refunds will be processed after internal clearance and the return of all school-issued books and equipment. The school aims to process refunds within one month of receiving the completed form and supporting documents. Parents are responsible for any bank transfer charges related to refunds. When fees are paid directly by an employer, any refund or difference will be returned only to the employer's account.
- If a student leaves during the academic year, tuition charged is calculated as follows (‘fee per month' = annual tuition / 10):
- Attendance two weeks or less during the term = charge of one month's fee.
- Attendance between two weeks and one month = charge of two months' fee.
- Attendance between one and two months = charge of three months' fee.
- Attendance two to three months = charge of four months' fee.
- Attendance more than three months = full term fee charged.

Other costs and exclusions
- The published tuition fees do not include transportation, field trips, cafeteria, IB exam fees or any board exam fees, graduation fees, uniform fees, stationery, notebooks or workbooks. These are additional costs to be covered by parents.
- Sibling discounts: 10% for the third child and 15% for the fourth and subsequent children (applies to families with more than two children enrolled).

Boarding
- Boarding is not listed as part of the school's provision; there are no boarding fees shown.

Payment methods and bank details
- Accepted payment methods: the school's E-Cashier portal (pay.asb.bh), the online payment link on invoices, electronic bank transfer (Fawri), direct deposit, Benefit Pay (Fawri+), cheque payable to American School of Bahrain W.L.L., cash or credit card at the school accounts office (cash is discouraged). Parents are requested to email deposit or transfer advices to accounts@asb.bh and to quote the student number to ensure correct allocation.
- Bank account details for direct transfers:
- Account title: American School of Bahrain W.L.L.
- Beneficiary bank: Khaleeji Bank
- Account number: 3900501463001
- IBAN: BH45KHCB03900501463001
- Swift code: KHCBBHBM
- Country: Kingdom of Bahrain.

Late payment and non-payment
- The school may charge late-payment penalties, restrict access to curriculum support, withhold reports, examination results and leaving certificates, and may remove students from the enrolment register for persistent non-payment. Misplacement of an invoice is not an acceptable reason for late payment; parents should contact the accounts office if an invoice is not received.

Installment option
- Where parents cannot pay the two-term schedule, an installment option may be considered for the current academic year only, subject to a written request and management approval; parents must reapply in subsequent academic years if needed.

(Fees and policies are presented for the 2025–2026 academic year.)
Academics

American School of Bahrain teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), American Curriculum for students aged 2 to 18.

Curriculum
Instruction is delivered in English and Arabic. From Early Childhood through Grade 10, ASB follows the AERO standards aligned with the Common Core, with Early Childhood using the Ontario Kindergarten Program for PreK and K1. The Grades 1–10 science program follows the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and emphasizes inquiry-based, hands-on learning. In Grades 11–12, ASB offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) after IB authorisation in 2022; Grade 10 students have access to pre-IB courses to prepare for the DP. The DP comprises six subject groups (Group 1–Group 6) plus the DP core (Theory of Knowledge, Creativity, Activity, Service, Extended Essay), with three HL and three SL (or four HL) options across the groups.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
ASB provides social-emotional support through dedicated School Counselors for Early Childhood/Elementary and for Middle/High, as well as a University Counselor. The school emphasizes pastoral care and wellbeing as central to student life, with staff attuned to students' wellbeing. Social and emotional development is a core focus within ASB's holistic approach to education. Wellbeing is embedded in student life through the Extra-Curricular Activities program, which includes a Wellbeing category (e.g., Yoga Club). The school's messaging and culture highlight happiness and wellbeing as foundational to learning and belonging.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
ASB provides Learning Support and English as an Additional Language (EAL) services, with Kathryn Adams (Curriculum Coordinator and English Teacher) and a team of Learning Support staff (e.g., Natasha McGlade, Jennifer Morrissey, Eimear Peoples, Hiruni De Silva). Leadership for Learning Services includes Caryn Pelletier as Head of Learning Services (Early Childhood and Elementary) and Natasha McGlade as Head of Learning Support (Middle and High School). Hiruni De Silva is presented as Learning Support and EAL teacher. Natasha McGlade holds a Post-Graduate Certification as an Inclusion Specialist, indicating inclusion-focused expertise within the Learning Services team. The school runs Muzdawaj, a dual-language program expanding to KG1 and KG2, to support bilingual language development (Arabic-English).

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
ASB provides English as an Additional Language (EAL) support through dedicated staff, including Hiruni De Silva as Learning Support and EAL teacher. Kathryn Adams serves as Curriculum Coordinator and English Teacher, contributing to English language learning and literacy development. The Learning Services leadership includes a Head of Learning Services and a Head of Learning Support to coordinate EAL and related language needs. Hiruni De Silva explicitly holds an EAL teaching role at ASB. Muzdawaj is a dual-language program (Arabic-English) that enhances language development for bilingual learners.

Mental Wellbeing
Wellbeing is a central facet of ASB's approach, with pastoral care and a focus on students' happiness and confidence. School Counselors support mental wellbeing across campuses; Early Childhood/Elementary and Middle/High counselors exist, plus a University Counselor. Wellbeing is integrated into ASB's activities program, including a dedicated Wellbeing category in Extra-Curricular Activities (e.g., Yoga Club). Wellness is a core pillar of the campus design, with facilities and programs to promote physical activity as part of a healthy lifestyle. The school communicates a culture of happiness and wellbeing as a foundational aspect of its learning environment.

Safeguarding
ASB adopted a Child Safeguarding Policy in August 2022, defining child abuse and neglect and outlining preventative measures and the school's response to suspected cases. The policy outlines four components: a Preventative Program, a Child Safeguarding Management Team, a Core Response Team, and a Multi-Disciplinary Team. All staff are required to report suspected incidents of abuse or neglect, with processes for investigation and contact with local authorities as needed. The policy includes age-appropriate safeguarding curricula for students from K to Grade 12, plus annual staff training and parent information sessions. The policy aligns with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and Bahrain's laws (e.g., Decree No. 4 of 2021; Child Law No. 37 of 2012), with ongoing commitments to training and safeguarding practice.
Parent Experience

History
ASB opened in September 2020. It is a joint venture between ESOL Education and Elm Education Fund (Elm), a Bahrain-based platform established by Mumtalakat. ASB benefits from ESOL Education's 45-plus years of experience in creating and operating international schools. Under ESOL Education's stewardship, the ASB leadership team operates and manages the school. ASB is part of ESOL Education's global family of international schools, sharing accreditation principles and a common mission across locations.

Community
ASB describes its community as a village where teachers, parents, students and the wider community form strong bonds to support each student's growth. The school emphasizes inclusion and Belonging, honoring its rich collective cultural heritage and promoting global citizenship. Student life features events such as International Day, literacy and arts initiatives, environmental awareness drives and social responsibility programs. Parents are engaged as partners through the Our Parents, Our Partners framework and regular updates via The ASB Insider newsletter.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
ASB uses a parent engagement model described as Our Parents, Our Partners rather than a traditional PTA. The primary parent information hub is ASB Parent Essentials, which provides calendars, E-Cashier, school uniforms and transportation details. Regular updates are delivered to families through The ASB Insider newsletter. ASB hosts and participates in family-inclusive events such as International Day, the Arabic and Islamic Conference, and ESOL Education Sportsfest. The ESOL Sportsfest and graduation-related events illustrate ongoing parent involvement in school life. ASB's pillars include community leadership and cultural respect, reflecting the aims of its parent partnership.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
ASB's campus is located in North Riffa on a 17-acre site near the Bahrain National Stadium. It features technology-enabled classrooms, STEAM labs and maker spaces. The library is multi-level and equipped with digital resources, serving as a research space and learning hub. Art studios, music rooms and performance spaces support visual and performing arts. Naturally lit classrooms and open spaces promote collaboration, and connectivity supports modern teaching. The athletics complex includes a shaded swimming pool, a 1500 square meter gymnasium, basketball courts, a regulation-sized soccer field and a running track.

Sports Facilities
Elementary has three shaded playgrounds, separated by age group. Middle School and High School have dedicated playgrounds. The campus includes a 1500 square meter gymnasium for indoor athletic activities, a shaded swimming pool, a regulation-sized soccer field, and a running track.

Academic Facilities
ASB's Learning Facilities include spacious classrooms, science and technology labs, and specialized spaces for graphic arts, performing arts, and music. Open workspaces and breakout rooms support collaborative teaching. The campus has two libraries serving Elementary, Middle, and High School. Outdoor learning spaces, learning support rooms, and counseling areas are available.

Extra Curricular Facilities
The ECA program provides opportunities spanning athletics, arts, leadership, and special interests, available during lunchtime and after school. ECAs are led by ASB faculty and enriched by partnerships with external providers. The ECA year is divided into three blocks: Block 1 (September–November), Block 2 (November–February), and Block 3 (February–May). Sign-up is through School Buddy. Music ECAs, sports teams and other activities are offered, with the school having over 60 sports teams in the school year.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
ASB provides a standards-based American curriculum from Head Start to Grade 12. The Grades 1–10 program follows the AERO standards aligned with the Common Core; the Early Childhood Center uses the Ontario Kindergarten Program in Pre-KG and K1 and AERO Common Core Plus for English, Science and Math in KG2. In Grades 11–12, the IB Diploma Programme is offered with three graduation routes: ASB High School Diploma; ASB High School Diploma + IB Diploma Courses; and ASB High School Diploma + Full IB Diploma. The language of instruction is English and Arabic.

Arts & Creative
ASB emphasizes visual and performing arts as part of a holistic education. The Visual Arts program follows the US NCCAS standards, and the school operates three art studios and two maker space labs with facilities for exhibitions. The arts program includes regular art shows and exhibitions, and the Performing Arts offerings include music and choral programs with performances throughout the year.

Cultural & Language
French and Spanish are taught in High School using the AERO World Language standards with IB success criteria. After-school language programs include Arabic, French, Russian, Italian and German.

Social & Hobbies
ASB runs an active after-school program with Extra Curricular Activities, Sports and Athletics, Students' Leadership Activities, Performing Arts and Outreach and Service Learning, plus trips and other social experiences.

Community & Service
Outreach and Service Learning is part of ASB's after-school activities, enabling student involvement in community-based projects and service opportunities.

Leadership & Professional
Students participate in leadership activities through after-school programs and Students' Leadership Activities, providing opportunities to develop leadership skills.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The campus features high quality sports facilities and a design emphasizing natural light and modern learning spaces, supporting physical activity and well-being.
Languages

Language Provision
English is the language of instruction for the standard curriculum. Arabic is taught as a core language and as Arabic as a Foreign Language; Arabic language instruction also includes Islamic education for Muslim students, Social Studies and Citizenship Education as part of the core curriculum. French and Spanish are taught in High School as World Languages. The Early Childhood Center follows the Ontario Kindergarten Program for Pre-KG and K1, and the AERO Common Core Plus Curricular Standards for English, Science and Math in KG2. The school provides Arabic language support for both native and non-native speakers. Grades 11–12 follow the IB Diploma Programme.

Bilingual Teaching
ASB offers a dual-language Muzdawaj program in the Early Childhood Center (Pre-KG to KG2) that immerses students in Arabic and English through a co-teaching model. The program is expanding to include KG1 and KG2 in the 2025-26 academic year.

Immersion Programs
Muzdawaj is an immersion program that combines Arabic and English learning in a bilingual/co-teaching environment.
Reputation

Awards
ASB Graduation 2025: first graduation ceremony with 37 graduates

Accreditations
MSA and ACS WASC accreditation; Bahrain BQA Outstanding School recognition
Admissions

Admissions
1. ASB offers a standards-based American curriculum from Head Start to Grade 12. The school is part of the ESOL Education family of international schools. ASB is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA) and by the Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACS WASC). Bahrain Quality Assurance (BQA) accreditation is also shown.

2. ASB is open to students of all nationalities who can benefit from the American and international curriculum offered by the school. The program covers Head Start to Grade 12 and provides a standards-based US curriculum.

3. The campus is located in North Riffa, near the Bahrain National Stadium. The ASB campus sits on a 17-acre plot and is designed with technology-enabled classrooms, STEAM labs, a multi-level library, art studios, music rooms and extensive athletic facilities.

4. Pathways in Grades 11 and 12 include the IB Diploma Programme. There are three routes to graduation: ASB High School Diploma; ASB High School Diploma + IB Diploma Courses; and ASB High School Diploma + Full IB Diploma.

5. ASB is enrolling for the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 academic years. Weekly campus tours are offered and led by the leadership team. The Admissions Manager is Nada Faraz.

6. Fees and payment: Application fee is 75 BHD and the registration fee is 300 BHD upon accepting an offer. Tuition is listed by grade for 2025-2026 with two-term payment; a 10% reservation/deposit is required to secure a space. Sibling discounts apply (10% for the third child, 15% for the fourth and subsequent children).

7. ASB offers a Dual Language Program, Muzdawaj, in its Early Childhood Center. The program immerses students in both Arabic and English with a co-teaching model and plans to extend to KG1 and KG2, then Grades 1 and 2, with class sizes capped at 18. Fees for the 2024-25 year were the same as the international program.
School Events
The school has not added events
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