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Kuwait Bilingual School

Kuwait

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The school at a glance
Instructs in Arabic, English
Fees KWD 2,405 - 3,120
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 2500
Type Co-educational
Opened 1998
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), American Curriculum, Bespoke Curriculum
Taught languages Arabic, English
Strengths STEM, Visual and Creative Arts, Sport
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Middle School, High School
Introduction

Located in Al Jahra, Kuwait Bilingual School operates two campuses: KBS2, an IB World School offering the PYP, MYP and DP, and KBS1, a traditional-curriculum campus. The school teaches in English and Arabic and offers two graduation pathways in High School—the IB Diploma Programme and the American Bilingual High School Diploma. The IB continuum includes MYP for Grades 9-10, and the school serves about 2,500 scholars from ages 3 to 18. It is accredited by the Middle States Association and emphasizes bilingual literacy. Since 2020, KBS1 emphasizes bilingual Arabic-English language development and global citizenship. Facilities include an Innovation Center with Web Design, AI, 3D printing, Robotics, VR/AR, and Design Technology; a Library with over 50,000 titles; arts spaces, a drama program, and a theater. The campus has two full-sized swimming pools, CCTV and security, accessibility features, and programs in sports, arts, service, and leadership.

Al-Jahra, P.O. Box 3125, Al-Jahra City 01033, Kuwait

The Essentials

Kuwait Bilingual School has 2,500 pupils, instruction in Arabic, English.

Location

Al-Jahra, Al-Jahra City 01033, Kuwait

Stages

Elementary School and Middle School; Grade 1 to Grade 8

Type

Bilingual international school; IB World School

Additional learning support

Student Support Services provide individualized academic guidance, counseling for social-emotional development, goal-setting and future planning, self-advocacy support, and access to resources to overcome challenges; counseling for Elementary and Middle School students is offered.

Country affiliation

Kuwait
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement

Full school uniform with official logos; uniforms are available year-round at the school Uniform Store; items must be clearly labeled with the student's name. Uniform components include blue pants, a dark blue T‑shirt, and an orange sweater for winter; white PE T‑shirts and blue pants or shorts are required on PE days; shoes or sneakers of any color are acceptable; sandals and beach-type sandals are not allowed. Jewelry (except a watch) and cosmetics are not permitted; hats are not part of the uniform, but sun-smart hats may be worn at recess and not inside classrooms; occasional free-dress days are announced.

Food Options

Students may purchase food from the school cafeteria. The school promotes a healthy diet and prohibits soda, candy, and chocolate; students are encouraged to bring nutritious options such as a sandwich, fresh fruit or vegetables, with uneaten items wrapped and sent home.

Governance and Ownership

Owned by Mr. Abdulaziz Al Meklef, Kuwait Bilingual School is governed by the Board of Governors, which provides fiduciary oversight and strategic direction. The Board delegates operational authority to the Director and operates under the KBS School Board and Governance Policy.
Fees

Annual tuition at Kuwait Bilingual School ranges from KWD 2,405 to KWD 3,120 for 2026/27.

Application and assessment fees

- Registration fee: KD 100 due on acceptance.
- Admission assessment (non‑refundable test) fee: KD 50 payable when the applicant sits the entrance assessment.

Tuition fees by year group (amounts per instalment and annual total; payable in three instalments plus registration)

- Kindergarten (KG1): First instalment KD 770; Second instalment KD 770; Third instalment KD 765; Registration KD 100; Annual tuition (school billing total) KD 2,405.

- Kindergarten (KG2): First instalment KD 835; Second instalment KD 835; Third instalment KD 835; Registration KD 100; Annual tuition KD 2,605.

- Elementary (Grades 1–5): First instalment KD 1,010; Second instalment KD 1,010; Third instalment KD 1,000; Registration KD 100; Annual tuition KD 3,120.

- Middle School (Grades 6–8): First instalment KD 1,175; Second instalment KD 1,175; Third instalment KD 1,170; Registration KD 100; Annual tuition KD 3,620.

- High School (Grades 9–12): First instalment KD 1,440; Second instalment KD 1,440; Third instalment KD 1,440; Registration KD 100; Annual tuition KD 4,420.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Standard instalment schedule: First instalment due around the start of term (1 September), second instalment around 1 January, third instalment around 1 April. Parents pay the registration fee and the first tuition instalment immediately after acceptance (the school's enrolment instructions require prompt payment within the acceptance window).

- Payment deadlines are applied by instalment as shown above; penalties or enrollment consequences apply for missed or late payments as per the school's payment policy.

Boarding

- Kuwait Bilingual School operates as a day school and does not publish a boarding programme or boarding fees.

Other costs and optional charges

- Aftercare: After‑school care for Early Years (KG) is available for a separate fee; the handbook notes aftercare is chargeable though the handbook does not list a fixed amount.

- School uniform and textbooks: the school enforces a dress code; costs for uniforms, textbooks, stationery and similar consumables are handled separately from the tuition instalments and are not presented as part of the three‑instalment tuition figures above.

- Transport / other optional services: optional services (for example, any school transport if provided) are additional to the tuition instalments and are billed separately when offered. The school collects fees for optional services outside the three instalments.

Refund and withdrawal policy

- Test fee: non‑refundable.
- Withdrawal after payment: if a student withdraws after fees have been paid and the student has not attended any day of classes, KD 100 is retained; if the student has attended even a single school day no refund of tuition is given.

Fee payment options and contacts

- Payments are processed through the school's parent e‑payment portal (parent login / ePay) and the school's Business Office handles payment enquiries; contact details and the e‑payment portal are published by the school for parents to use. For payment assistance the school provides a parent login and business‑office contact details.

Notes for parents

- Tuition figures above are the amounts published by the school in its admissions/fees information and are billed in the three instalments shown. The school's handbook confirms some optional services (for example aftercare) are charged separately.
Academics

Kuwait Bilingual School teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), American Curriculum, Bespoke Curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum

Kuwait Bilingual School operates two campuses: KBS2, the IB World School, and KBS1, which runs a traditional curriculum. The school offers the International Baccalaureate continuum (Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme, Diploma Programme) with English and Arabic as languages of instruction. In High School, there are two graduation pathways: the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) and the American Bilingual High School Diploma; Grades 9-10 (MYP 4 and 5) are part of the MYP. The school is an IB World School and serves about 2,500 scholars.

Higher Education Progression

KBS graduates have pursued higher education at universities worldwide. Notable UK destinations include Cambridge, Bristol, Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University, UCLan, Nottingham Trent University, Strathclyde, Teesside University, and Newcastle University. In Kuwait, alumni have attended Kuwait University, Arab Open University (AOU Kuwait), Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST), American University of Kuwait (AUK), American University of the Middle East (AUM), Australian University (AU), Kuwait International Law School (KILAW), and American International University (AIU). In the United States, alumni have studied at Arizona State University (ASU) and Drexel University; in Ireland at Trinity College Dublin and Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI); in the United Arab Emirates at Khalifa University; and in Bahrain at the University of Bahrain.

Gifted and Talented

A Gifted or Talented referral process exists within the Student Support and Inclusion Policy. The policy includes a Gifted or Talented Students Referral Form to request assessment and appropriate enrichment.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

The school provides counseling to develop social-emotional skills and resilience. It offers individualized academic guidance and goal-setting support to help students plan for their future. It helps students recognize and manage their emotions and build positive relationships with peers and teachers. A restorative approach guides students to resolve conflicts respectfully and reflect on their actions. Counseling services are age-appropriate across elementary and middle school, focusing on social-emotional development and leadership.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

The school uses English and Arabic as mediums of instruction in a bilingual program. The guiding language policy states that English and Arabic are both mediums of instruction, with the school serving a student body in which the majority are English language learners (approximately 98% speak English as an additional language). English language acquisition is supported through English language acquisition, intervention, and support programs, including pull-out/push-in formats in the IB PYP, MYP, and DP structures. The library and learning resources are bilingual in English and Arabic to support bilingual literacy.

Mental Wellbeing

The counseling program provides age-appropriate mental wellbeing support. Elementary counselors offer lessons on kindness, self-esteem, resilience, and healthy peer relationships, along with guidance on leadership and personal growth. Middle school counseling includes individual guidance, workshops on stress management and digital responsibility, and opportunities to develop leadership through school projects. Restorative mediation and collaborative activities support emotional resilience and social-emotional learning across grade levels.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding and child protection policies are in place, including KBS Child Protection Policy and School Protection and Safeguarding Policy. The Safer Recruitment Policy for KBS2 requires staff to undergo criminal background checks, sign a code of conduct, and participate in safeguarding training. There are dedicated incident reporting forms and guidance for safer working practices to support safeguarding.
Parent Experience

History

Kuwait Bilingual School was founded in Al Jahra by Saleh Al Mekhlef in March 1998 and opened in September 1998 with 45 scholars in Nursery, KG1, and KG2. It began as a private independent not-for-profit school and later evolved into a K-12 International Baccalaureate World School with two campuses: KBS2 (IB) and KBS1 (traditional curriculum). Enrollment grew to 2,500 scholars in a K-12 IB program, and the school is accredited by the Middle States Association. In September 2015 Pre-K to Grade 1 moved to the new KBS2 campus in Saad Al Abdullah City, with the remainder of the school transitioning the following year. Since 2020, KBS1 emphasizes bilingual Arabic-English language development and global citizenship.

Community

Kuwait Bilingual School No.1 embraces a community where education extends beyond textbooks through arts, sports, and school-wide events that celebrate culture, service, and innovation. The school hosts events that promote cultural awareness and global citizenship, including International Day, Arabic Day, National & Liberation Day celebrations, Sports Day, Science Fair, KBS Bazaar, and Math Fair.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

KBS1 maintains an active Parent Community that fosters open communication and strong partnerships between families and school leaders. Parents stay informed through digital platforms and newsletters, and participate in in-person meetings, informational sessions, and open forums. Parents are invited to engage in Open House, School Events & Celebrations, and Career Education initiatives, and to contribute through Parent Volunteer Programs that support school life and classroom learning.
Facilities

Facilities Overview

Kuwait Bilingual School's campus features an Innovation Center with the latest technology to empower students to explore and create. The Library holds over 50,000 titles in English and Arabic, supporting inquiry. Arts spaces include art studios, drama classrooms, and a theater for music and visual arts, while the campus provides CCTV surveillance, 24/7 security, and accessibility features.

Sports Facilities

Two full-sized swimming pools offer year-round instruction, training, and recreational fitness. The aquatics program provides structured swimming lessons and opportunities to compete locally and internationally. Swimming is integrated with PE and after-school programs to promote health and well-being.

Academic Facilities

An Innovation Center hosts Web Design & Digital Art, AI & ML, 3D Printing, Robotics, VR/AR, and Design Technology, with technology used across all subjects. The Library supports bilingual literacy with over 50,000 titles and digital resources for inquiry. IB-aligned inquiry covers PYP, MYP, and DP with spaces for research and digital literacy.

Extra Curricular Facilities

Arts spaces include studios, drama classrooms, and a theater for music and visual arts. Life outside the classroom is supported by programs in sports, arts, community service, and leadership. An aquatics program and related activities promote teamwork and personal growth.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

The school emphasizes hands-on, inquiry-based learning that connects arts, technology, and physical education in in-class activities. The curriculum integrates science, math, and other subjects to develop critical thinking and problem-solving. Students showcase ideas through events such as the Science Fair and Math Fair, applying concepts in real-world contexts. Learning is enhanced through classroom experiences and school-wide activities that foster intellectual growth.

Arts & Creative

The Art program engages scholars in painting, sculpture, mixed media, and digital art, developing creativity and problem-solving skills. In-class activities integrate the arts with technology and physical education to create a holistic learning experience. Creative expression is encouraged through arts-focused projects and school-wide events that celebrate student achievement. The curriculum supports ongoing exploration of artistic techniques to enhance thinking and communication.

Cultural & Language

International Day celebrates cultures, traditions, and cuisines from around the world. Arabic Day highlights the beauty of the Arabic language, poetry, music, and traditions. National and Liberation Day celebrations showcase Kuwait's heritage with performances and festivities. Global citizenship and cultural appreciation are fostered through multicultural events and service learning.

Social & Hobbies

Sports Day is an annual event that brings together students, teachers, and parents for sport, competition, and friendship, held at local venues. Physical Education provides a full athletics program with gym facilities and regular sports competitions that build teamwork, discipline, and fitness. Students participate in a variety of sports and recreational activities, including scouting, to promote cooperation, leadership, and belonging. Group activities and outdoor games support social engagement and team spirit.

Community & Service

Global citizenship and cultural appreciation are emphasized through school-wide events and service learning. The calendar includes celebrations and activities that connect scholars with the wider community, fostering social responsibility. The school hosts events such as KBS Bazaar that involve families and local businesses, encouraging community engagement and entrepreneurship. Service learning opportunities help students apply classroom knowledge to real-world contexts.

Leadership & Professional

Scholars develop leadership through school-wide events, teamwork, and collaborative projects, building confidence and collaboration skills. In-class activities and community celebrations emphasize leadership alongside critical thinking and other life skills. The program supports leadership development to prepare students for future academic and professional challenges. Through experiences in various activities, students learn professional communication and project planning.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

The Physical Education program offers a full athletics program, two gym facilities, and regular sports competitions that promote fitness, teamwork, and discipline. Students learn about healthy nutrition as part of wellbeing and sport education. Sports Day and other physical activities contribute to physical health and a balanced lifestyle.
Languages

Language Provision

Arabic and English are taught as part of the school's bilingual programs. KBS1 serves Grades 1–8 with bilingual education, and KBS2 High School offers an American Bilingual Diploma (Arabic and English) and the IB Diploma Programme, with multilingual communication emphasized in the IB context.

Bilingual Teaching

The school offers bilingual education in Arabic and English. The High School has two graduation pathways: the American Bilingual High School Diploma (Arabic and English) and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). Grades 9 and 10 follow the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP 4-5), with graduation options in Grades 11 and 12.
Reputation

Accreditations

Middle States Association (accreditation for the IB World School components)
Admissions

Admissions

Step 1: Documentation. Complete the registration form and submit the following documents: birth certificate, vaccination records, two passport-sized photographs, and copies of the student's, mother's, and father's civil IDs. For Kuwaitis, include the father's nationality; for non-Kuwaitis, include copies of the father's and student's passports and valid residence. Also submit the previous year's report card and any court-related documents such as guardianship or custody orders. These documents are required as part of the enrolment process. Step 2: Admission Assessments. Personal interviews assess mental well-being and interaction skills, while academic tests in English, Arabic, and Mathematics align with the grade level applied for. A non-refundable 50 KD test fee applies. During assessments, tasks must be completed independently. Parental interference may lead to rejection and retesting. Step 3: Post-Assessment. Accepted candidates must sign the Registration Contract. They must pay the registration fee and the first tuition installment within 14 days of acceptance. They must complete a medical file with the School Health Department. They must obtain an Acceptance Notice for transfer procedures. Step 4: Waitlist Procedures. If spots are unavailable, students may be waitlisted based on academic performance, extracurricular achievements, and application date. The school reviews waitlisted candidates as spaces become available. When a spot opens, parents will be notified promptly. The waitlist process is designed to be fair and transparent. Step 5: Appeals Process. Appeals are reviewed fairly and transparently. If an appeal is submitted to the admissions department detailing concerns, it will be reviewed within 30 days. A formal response will be provided. The process considers information provided by the applicant and the school's admissions criteria. Step 6: Additional Information. Payment Policy: The first tuition installment must be paid within 7 days of acceptance. Withdrawals after payment incur a 100 KD fee if the student has not attended classes, and no refunds are given if the student attends even one day. Priority Admissions: Siblings of current KBS scholars receive priority when spaces are limited. Merit-Based Admissions: Admissions are strictly merit-based; no 'wasta' is considered.

Waitlist

Waitlist Procedures: If spots are unavailable, students may be waitlisted based on academic performance, extracurricular achievements, and application date. The school reviews waitlisted candidates as spaces become available. When a spot opens, parents will be notified promptly. The waitlist process is designed to be fair and transparent.
School Events
The school has not added events