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Universal American School - Kuwait City

Kuwait, Kuwait City

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees Fees not listed
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 1800
Type Co-educational
Opened 1975
Bus Service Yes
Academic offering
Curriculum American Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP)
Taught languages Arabic, Spanish, French
Typical class size 25
Strengths Sport, STEM, Visual and Creative Arts
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Leadership and Professional
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School, Kindergarten
Introduction

Universal American School in Hawally, Kuwait City, is a private nonprofit, co-educational, college-preparatory day school serving KG through Grade 12. The campus hosts over 1,800 students from 45 nations and is a UNESCO Associated School. UAS follows an American curriculum with Advanced Placement courses; elementary instruction aligns with the Common Core Standards and Next Generation Science Standards, while Arabic Language Arts, Kuwait Social Studies, and Islamic Religion are offered for Muslim students. High school delivers a college-preparatory program with 90-minute blocks, four academic courses per semester, and all core instruction in English. AP courses carry a 10% weight, and in 2024, 30% of AP exam-takers earned 3 or higher. Facilities include eight floors of classrooms, libraries totaling over 25,000 volumes, science labs, art rooms, a 400-seat auditorium, pools, gyms, and a health clinic. Extracurriculars include Speech & Debate, Model United Nations, Arts and Crafts, Green Ambassadors, and competitive swimming program.

82Q4+6RV, Block 212, Mousa Bin Nassir Street, Hawally, Kuwait Hawally, Hawally 72451, Kuwait

The Essentials

Universal American School - Kuwait City has 1,800 pupils, typical class sizes of 25, instruction in English.

Location
Located in Hawally, a suburb of Kuwait City. The campus address is Block 212, Mousa Bin Nassir Street, opposite the Qadsiya area. It sits in the northwest corner of Hawally.

Stages
KG to Grade 12

Type
private nonprofit co-educational, college-preparatory day school

Country affiliation
United States

Religious affiliation
No formal religious affiliation; Islamic Religion is provided for Muslim students through the Ministry of Education.

School day structure
On regular days, KG finishes at 12:40 p.m. and Elementary, Middle, and High School finish at 2:45 p.m. Ramadan timings change to 2:10 p.m.

Bus service
Transportation is provided for Early Childhood to Grade 12 with buses equipped with seatbelts, a tracking system, and surveillance cameras. A Bus Hotline (99643751) coordinates absences; bus fees are non-refundable; a Transportation Coordinator oversees operations.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
The school requires a full UAS uniform daily. A Student ID is part of the uniform for Grades 1–12 and must be worn. Shirts, slacks, sweaters, vests, PE clothes, socks, belts, and lunch bags are available for purchase from the Uniform Store.

Food Options
A canteen is available during recess and lunch times with a variety of food choices. The menu is based on MOE-approved vendors and is inspected daily by the on-site medical team to ensure health. Students may bring a healthy lunch or purchase from the canteen; purchases are made using the student's ID card via the Wallet Funding System.

Governance and Ownership
The school is a private nonprofit. It is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) and is a member of the Council of International Schools (CIS).
Fees
Application & assessment
- Application and assessment fee: KD 65 (non-refundable).

Registration, deposits and enrollment fees
- New-student registration fee: KD 100 (non-refundable).
- Student file opening / registration-online and educational affiliations charge: KD 350 (this amount is credited to tuition).
- Seat reservation / re-enrollment deposit: KD 350 per student required to reserve a seat (KD 100 re-enrollment fee + KD 250 student registration/online/book affiliation); this deposit is credited to tuition but KD 100 is deducted if the withdrawal form is submitted before the stated deadline. The re-enrollment deposit is due with the re-enrollment form by the announced deadline.

Annual tuition (by year group) — amounts shown are total tuition per academic year
- Nursery: KD 2,265.
- KG 1: KD 2,125.
- KG 2: KD 2,636.
- Grade 1 – Grade 4: KD 3,527.
- Grade 5 – Grade 8: KD 3,738.
- Grade 9 – Grade 12: KD 3,954.

Per-term / per-installment amounts (equal-installment examples)
- The school offers two-installment and three-installment payment schedules; the published schedule lists the installment due dates but does not itemize unequal installment amounts. The per-installment figures below are equal-split calculations of the published annual tuition amounts (these are arithmetically calculated examples to show the per-payment value under each option):
- Nursery (KD 2,265): two equal installments = KD 1,132.50; three equal installments = KD 755.00.
- KG 1 (KD 2,125): two equal installments = KD 1,062.50; three equal installments ≈ KD 708.33.
- KG 2 (KD 2,636): two equal installments = KD 1,318.00; three equal installments ≈ KD 878.67.
- Grade 1–4 (KD 3,527): two equal installments = KD 1,763.50; three equal installments ≈ KD 1,175.67.
- Grade 5–8 (KD 3,738): two equal installments = KD 1,869.00; three equal installments = KD 1,246.00.
- Grade 9–12 (KD 3,954): two equal installments = KD 1,977.00; three equal installments = KD 1,318.00.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Two-installment schedule: payments due on the first day of school and the first day of January.
- Three-installment schedule: payments due on the first day of school, the first day of December, and the first day of February. Parents with one or two children may request to pay in three installments by applying to the Business Office at enrollment; installment arrangements are managed by the Business Office. Students joining after August 15 must pay the full first installment on joining. Re-enrollment for the next academic year is conditional on tuition being paid in full by the stated deadlines.

Boarding
- Boarding is not applicable; Universal American School operates as a day school (no boarding fees listed).

Other compulsory and recurring charges
- Annual digital books and textbook fee: KD 150 due by the stated deadline; this fee is non-refundable if the student withdraws or transfers after the school year begins.
- Annual technology fee (charged in prior materials and referenced in school documentation): previously published as KD 75 in technology charges language; parents should note the school's published mandatory technology/textbook and digital-material charges.
- Textbook replacement charges (examples taken from school handbook): lost AP textbook replacement KD 100; lost regular textbook replacement KD 50 (charges apply when textbooks are not returned).
- Uniforms: school uniform must be purchased from the school's designated stores; uniform costs are charged to parents at those designated stores.
- Transportation (school bus): transportation is charged separately; transportation forms and payments are handled through the Business Office and online payment portal. Specific route/fee amounts for transportation are billed separately from tuition.
- Incidental or activity charges: field trips, extra-curricular activities, examination fees, and certain other course-specific charges are billed in addition to tuition when applicable.

Refunds and withdrawal terms
- Application and assessment fees are non-refundable. New-student registration fees are non-refundable. The student file-opening/registration-online charge is credited to tuition but is subject to the school's withdrawal deductions. If a withdrawal form is submitted before the stated deadline, KD 100 is deducted from the deposit; failure to submit the withdrawal form by the deadline typically results in no refund of the deposit. Students withdrawing during the first semester are liable for the full tuition for that semester; students withdrawing during the second semester remain liable for the full academic-year tuition. The digital books/textbooks fee is non-refundable after the school year begins. Records and official documents are released only after financial clearance.

Accepted payment channels and instructions
- The school provides an online payment service for tuition and transportation payments (parents may register and activate the online payment service). Contact the Business Office for help with the online payment portal and payment setup. The school documentation states that Universal American School does not accept credit-card payments and reserves the right to reject payments by personal cheques; parents should therefore use the school's specified payment methods via the Business Office and the online portal. For payment clarifications and account matters contact the Business Office.
Academics

Universal American School - Kuwait City teaches American Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP) for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
Elementary School curriculum aligns with the American Common Core Standards and Next Generation Science Standards, with core subjects of English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. Arabic Language Arts, Kuwait Social Studies, and Islamic Religion are offered for Muslim students, and specialized classes include Art, Music, Physical Education, Technology and Coding, Swimming, and Library. English Language Arts & Reading includes guided, shared, and independent reading and writing, with running record assessments to monitor reading levels. High School uses a college-preparatory curriculum with intensified 90-minute block classes; four academic courses per semester; all instruction in core classes is delivered in English. AP courses are offered with a weighted grading system (AP courses receive an extra 10% weight) and, in 2024, 30% of AP exam takers scored 3 or above. The vast majority of the senior class continues to study at universities in the US, UK, Canada, Europe, Australia, Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Kuwait.

Exam Results
AP SCORE SUMMARY: In 2024, 30% of students taking AP exams at UAS scored 3 or above, in subjects including Biology, Chemistry, Physics, World History: Modern, Calculus AB, Human Geography, Psychology, English Language & Composition, and English Literature & Composition. AP weighted grading: AP courses receive an extra 10% weight.

Higher Education Progression
The vast majority of our senior class continues their educational journey at universities in the US, UK, Canada, Europe, Australia, Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Kuwait.

Gifted and Talented
Academic Games is a high school club for students gifted in any area of knowledge and recruits all high school students. Meetings are typically one hour per week, with occasional twice-weekly sessions during competition preparation; competitions typically take place on Saturdays and sometimes after school.
Parent Experience

History
The Universal American School, Kuwait (UAS) is a private nonprofit co-educational college-preparatory school serving multinational students from KG to Grade 12. UAS opened in September 1975 with approximately 300 students to begin a high-quality tradition in academics, athletics, fine arts, and extracurricular activities. Today there are over 1,800 students from around the world representing over 45 nations as the school approaches its 50th year of excellence in education. The campus is located in Hawally and is a UNESCO Associated School.

Community
Universal American School is an American-curriculum, college-preparatory, non-profit, private school located in Hawally, Kuwait. Founded in 1976, the majority of students are from international, business and professional families; approximately 75% are Kuwaiti and the remaining 25% are other nationalities. Teachers are recruited from the United States, Canada, other English-speaking countries and from within Kuwait. UAS is accredited by NEASC, the Council of International Schools (CIS), the Ministry of Education (MOE), and the Ministry of Higher Education in Cairo and other countries, and all instruction in core classes is delivered in English. The UAS community hosts family events and workshops, including Our First Community Workshop AY 2025–2026, and maintains engagement through parent-teacher conferences across grade levels.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The Universal American School is located in Hawally, Kuwait City on a single city block with eight floors and 127 classrooms. Facilities include one Large Swimming Pool and two Training Pools, three Music Rooms, a 400-seat Auditorium, a large Gymnasium, a smaller Sports Hall, an Early Childhood Playroom, Art Rooms, four Science Labs, a Library, a Health Canteen, and a Multipurpose Room. The campus also has an on-site Health Clinic with a doctor and nurses and a technology program with wireless internet throughout, computer labs, a computer in every classroom, smart mimio boards, digital projectors, and a Bring Your Own Device program for Grades 1-12. Seesaw for Schools and Zoom for Education are used for e-learning, and PlusPortals enables enhanced communication with parents. Four libraries house over 25,000 volumes and provide access to Destiny Online Catalog and Britannica Online.

Sports Facilities
Facilities for sport and physical education include one Large Swimming Pool, two Training Pools, a large Gymnasium, and a smaller Sports Hall.

Academic Facilities
The campus features Early Childhood Playroom, Art Rooms, four Science Labs, and a Library; four libraries house over 25,000 volumes and provide access to Destiny Online Catalog and Britannica Online. A Health Canteen and a Multipurpose Room support student well-being and flexible learning spaces. The technology program provides wireless internet across the campus, computer labs, a computer in each classroom, smart mimio boards, digital projectors, and a document camera, with a Bring Your Own Device program for Grades 1-12. Seesaw for Schools and Zoom for Education are used for e-learning, and PlusPortals supports parent communication.

Extra Curricular Facilities
UAS offers a wide range of extra-curricular pursuits including swimming, basketball, volleyball, running club, badminton, track and field, and soccer. The Speech & Debate Club, Arts and Crafts, Academic Games, Green Ambassadors Club, and Model United Nations (MUN) provide creative and critical-thinking opportunities. UAS participates with KASAC for athletics, academics, and arts. The school also runs a competitive swimming team for Grades 1-12 with over 40 swimmers, training twice weekly and competing in local and international events such as the Middle East Unity Cup.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Speech & Debate Club and Academic Games challenge students to think critically and articulate ideas clearly. They provide opportunities to apply classroom knowledge to real-world topics. UAS participates with Kuwait American Schools Activities Conference (KASAC) for athletics, academics, and arts.

Arts & Creative
Arts and Crafts is offered as part of extracurricular activities. The Arts and Crafts program supports creative expression through hands-on projects. It is part of a set of activities designed to develop creative and critical thinking along with other clubs.

Cultural & Language
Model United Nations (MUN) is an extracurricular activity. MUN provides opportunities to engage with international issues and develop cross-cultural understanding. Participants build research, public speaking, and diplomatic skills.

Social & Hobbies
Green Ambassadors Club is an extracurricular activity. The club focuses on environmental initiatives and sustainability projects led by students. Participation promotes collaboration and social interaction within the school community.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
UAS offers physical activities including swimming, basketball, volleyball, running club, badminton, track and field, and soccer (football). Participation in these activities supports physical conditioning as well as alertness and positive emotional health. A healthy body supports a healthy mind.
Reputation

Accreditations
The school is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and the Kuwait Ministry of Education. The ACE Learning Principles guide learning within the NEASC accreditation framework. The school maintains NEASC and CIS membership and aligns with CIS standards. The school holds accreditation from NEASC and CIS.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Age placement: Recommended age requirements are stated for each grade level. KG should be 3 years old by August 31, and KG1 should be 4 by December 31. KG2 should be 5 by December 31, Grade 1 should be 6 by December 31, and Grade 2 should be 7 by December 31. Grade 12 should be 17 by December 31.

2. Applications open: Beginning in December (and continuing on a rolling basis until classes are full), applications for the following year are accepted for consideration. The Admissions Team also organizes school tours for interested parents.

3. Submission of documents: Submit the following documents to the Admissions Office before scheduling an Entrance Exam: a completed application form in English and Arabic, two passport-sized photographs, a birth certificate with full immunization records, copies of the student's, mother's, and father's/guardian's Civil IDs and passports. A copy of the father's nationality certificate is required for Kuwaiti students. Official transcripts for the last three years including the current year and a non-refundable KD 65 application and assessment fee must be included. For single parents, custody papers and, if applicable, a death certificate should be submitted.

4. Admissions assessment and interview: After ALL required documentation and fees are submitted to the Admissions Office, the UAS Registrar will contact parents to schedule an Entrance Exam for EC applicants and an assessment test and interview for Grades 1–12. The assessment results are reviewed by the Admissions Committee to determine whether admission is granted, denied, or the student is placed on a waiting list. If the results are satisfactory and places are available, parents will be invited to register their child. Parents are informed of the outcome.

5. After acceptance: Submit a complete Health File from the Kuwait Ministry of Health or previous school; a Financial Clearance Certificate from the previous Kuwaiti school; and the Original Transfer Certificate from the previous school. Once all documents are submitted, UAS will confirm the start date. Parents must sign the Acknowledgment Form in the Student/Parent Handbook and complete an Emergency Information Form for each student. Overseas transcripts must be certified by the Kuwaiti Embassy or Consulate; if residency visa is not yet available, a sponsor letter is required, and a photocopy of the entry visa may be accepted temporarily, with a visa required within six weeks.

Waitlist
After the admissions assessment, the school may place the student on a waiting list. The parent/guardian will be notified of the outcome.
School Events
The school has not added events
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