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ABA Oman International School

Oman, Muscat

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees OMR 4,900 - 9,910
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 934
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)
Typical class size 20
Introduction

ABA Oman International School is a not-for-profit K–12 international school in Muscat, Oman (99 St) offering the full International Baccalaureate continuum — Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and the Diploma Programme (DP) — from Early Childhood through Grade 12 (ages 3–18). English is the language of instruction; the school operates an English-as-an-Additional-Language (EAL) programme and requires English proficiency checks for older applicants. The school teaches Arabic (including in Early Childhood) and publishes provision for additional modern languages such as French and Spanish, noting that it teaches “4+ languages.” ABA moved to a state‑of‑the‑art campus that opened in March 2022 and publishes facilities and programmes for the arts, athletics and aquatics (ABA Aquatics), libraries and multi‑purpose event spaces. Distinctive, published features include its not‑for‑profit status, an ABA High School Diploma (accredited by the Middle States Association) alongside IB pathways, student support services and an emphasis on international‑mindedness and sustainability.

99 St, Muscat, Oman

The Essentials

ABA Oman International School has 934 pupils, typical class sizes of 20, instruction in English.

Location

ABA Oman International School is located in Madinat Al Irfan, in the Airport Heights area of Muscat, Oman. The Madinat Al Irfan campus opened in March 2022 and features modern facilities. The mailing address is PO Box 372, PC 115, Madinat Al Irfan, Muscat, Oman.

Stages

ABA serves students from ages 3 to 18, spanning Early Childhood through Grade 12. The Elementary division covers ages 3–10, Middle School 11–13, and High School 14–18. The school offers three levels of the International Baccalaureate programme: Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP).

Type

ABA Oman International School is a private, not-for-profit, co-educational day school. It operates as an International Baccalaureate Continuum School. Boarding facilities are not offered.

Pupil Nationality Mix

The school represents students from over 70 nationalities, and staff from around 20 countries. The student body is reported to be over 920 students (Kindergarten through Grade 12). There is no publicly published ratio of local to international students.

Additional learning support

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) is a formal focus at ABA, emphasising inclusion of diverse faiths, cultures and learning profiles. The school has safeguarding policies and a safeguarding handbook to guide health, safety and welfare procedures. Specific published details on dedicated SEN support are not provided on the public pages.

Country affiliation

ABA Oman International School is located in Oman and operates as an IB World Continuum School in Muscat. The IB listing confirms Oman as the country/territory.

Religious affiliation

No formal religious affiliation is listed for the school; ABA emphasises inclusion of faith diversity as part of its DEIB approach.

School day structure

Public pages do not publish daily start/end times or a defined school-day schedule. For current start/end times and break routines, contact the school (Admissions registrar@abaoman.org or reception@abaoman.org) or the External Programmes Coordinator (adauria@abaoman.org).

Bus service

ABA Oman International School offers a bus service, with inquiries about external programmes and transport handled by the External Programmes Coordinator. For bus/service details, use the External Programmes Coordinator contact: adauria@abaoman.org.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements

ABA Oman International School is a day school; boarding is not offered. The IB World School directory lists the boarding facilities as DAY, indicating there is no on-site boarding option. There is no evidence of a separate boarding provision described by the school. Families relocating should plan for daily commuting to the Madinat Al Irfan campus.

Uniform Requirement

ABA has a formal dress code with grade-specific items. Early Childhood and Elementary wear an ABA Cotton T‑Shirt in white or navy, with PE using a Sector House T‑Shirt and navy shorts or leggings; Middle School and High School wear Sector Polo Shirts (white/navy for Grades 6-10; black for Grades 11-12) with knee-length bottoms and designated PE gear. All compulsory uniform items can be purchased directly from the Trutex uniform shop.

Food Options

The cafeteria serves hot lunches or Grab & Go items and is open from 7:45 am to 3:15 pm. Cafeteria cards are topped up via COMO, with login details provided to new students and staff. Packed lunches for Grades 3–12 can be ordered in advance, and Grades 3–4 must preorder hot lunches or bring a packed lunch from home.

House System

ABA operates a house system, with a Sector House T‑Shirt used for PE, indicating students participate in house-based activities. The dress code page explicitly references Sector House for PE.

Governance and Ownership

ABA Oman International School is governed by a Board of Directors and operates as a not-for-profit institution. The Board provides strategic oversight, and surplus funds are reinvested into facilities and programmes. The board composition and governance details are publicly listed on the school's governance pages.
Fees

Annual tuition at ABA Oman International School ranges from OMR 4,900 to OMR 9,910 for 2026/27.

Tuition fees 2025–2026
- Family Classes (FC1 & FC2): OMR 2,450 per semester (OMR 4,900 per year).
- Kindergarten: OMR 2,600 per semester (OMR 5,200 per year).
- Grades 1–5: OMR 2,650 per semester (OMR 5,300 per year).
- Grades 6–8: OMR 3,715 per semester (OMR 7,430 per year).
- Grades 9–10: OMR 4,095 per semester (OMR 8,190 per year).
- Grades 11–12: OMR 4,955 per semester (OMR 9,910 per year).
- Fees listed are in Omani Rials (OMR) and are payable per semester; there are two semesters per school year.

Application fee and registration deposit
- Application fee: OMR 75, non-refundable and required on submission of all applications.
- Registration deposit: 10% of the annual tuition fee required upon confirmation and acceptance of placement; this deposit is deducted from the amount due for semester fees but is non-refundable if the place is not taken.

Enrolment fee (non-refundable)
- A non-refundable enrolment fee is charged for all students entering FC2 (Kindergarten 2) through Grade 12. Two payment options are offered:
- Option 1: OMR 3,500 paid either in full or in two equal semi-annual installments in the first year (the second installment requires a post-dated cheque).
- Option 2: OMR 4,000 paid as four OMR 1,000 installments at the beginning of each academic year for four years (applicable for self-paying parents with required documents).
- If the installment option is chosen, the annual enrolment-charge amounts for high-school entrants are: Grade 9 or below = OMR 1,000 per year; Grade 10 = OMR 1,333 per year; Grade 11 = OMR 2,000 per year; Grade 12 = OMR 2,000 per year.
- The enrolment fee is non-refundable whether paid in full or in installments, even if the student withdraws after attending only one semester.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Payment options offered: pay the full annual tuition in advance (annual fee in advance) or pay on a semester basis.
- Discount: a 2% discount is applied if the annual tuition fee is paid in full by the deadline stated for the year (example: payment in full no later than August 25, 2025 for the 2025–2026 schedule).
- Semester due dates (2025–2026 example): First semester due date August 25, 2025; Second semester due date January 12, 2026. Late payments incur a 5% late fee.
- Extended / customised payment schedule: self-paying parents may request a customised schedule before the stated deadline; customised schedules may require up to nine post-dated cheques with semester payments finalised by November 30 and April 30. The school reserves the right to withhold reports or restrict attendance for unpaid fees.

Boarding fees
- ABA operates as a day school; there are no weekly or full-boarding fee charges listed for the school. No boarding fees apply.

Additional incidental / optional fees
- Field trips (inter-school sports, curriculum-related trips, academic games): variable, charged as applicable.
- School uniform (polo shirts, PE uniform, sweatshirts, hats): variable, charged as applicable.
- Private music lessons and musical instrument costs: variable, charged as applicable.
- Other optional programme or activity charges may apply depending on participation.

Refund information
- Withdrawal notice: parents are required to notify the Registrar at least one semester in advance except in extenuating circumstances.
- If a student leaves before the end of the second week (10 school days) of either semester, 50% of the tuition fees for the current semester will be refunded; any fees paid in advance for tuition that apply to future semesters will be fully refunded.
- Students expelled from the school do not qualify for any fee refund.
- Application fees and enrolment fees are explicitly non-refundable.

Fee payment methods and related terms
- Accepted payment methods include cheque and direct bank transfer; post-dated cheques (PDCs) are used for certain installment arrangements.
- The school may initiate legal action on dishonored cheques and may withhold school documents or restrict class attendance if fees are outstanding.
- Invoice requests and business-office correspondence are handled through the Business Office (businessoffice@abaoman.org).
Academics

ABA Oman International School teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP) for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum

ABA Oman International School offers the International Baccalaureate Continuum: Primary Years Programme (PYP) for Kindergarten 1 through Grade 5, Middle Years Programme (MYP) for Grades 6–10, and Diploma Programme (DP) for Grades 11–12. Instruction is in English, and the IB framework supports inquiry-based, holistic learning across all subjects. The Diploma Programme provides a broad range of subjects across six groups and includes core requirements such as the Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge, and CAS. Assessment and planning are integrated through ManageBAC, with university guidance available via BridgeU and Unifrog. ABA is a not-for-profit IB World School with a track record in DP results, including the Class of 2020 and Class of 2021 achieving perfect scores of 45.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

ABA Oman International School integrates social and emotional development within its IB continuum, emphasizing personal, emotional, and social growth. The school's approach is framed by Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging, celebrating global diversity and fostering a sense of belonging, while maintaining a zero-tolerance stance on bias. A Student Life counselling team provides planning, prevention, and intervention support for students, and guides university admissions pathways. The safeguarding framework includes a designated safeguarding lead focused on wellbeing as part of a whole-school approach to safety and wellness. Health services on campus include a trained nurse and a Health Clinic, supporting student wellbeing through health assessments and care.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

ABA indicates that the Admissions process reviews student files, and the administration may consult student support staff before offering a place. The school requires documentation identifying learning and behavioural needs (if applicable). The English as an Additional Language (EAL) program is described as falling under the Student Support Services and serves students in grades 1-10. Learning Support is described as mainstream inclusion with limits (placement not normally exceeding 10% of enrolment per grade; moderate support normally for up to 5% of total enrollment). Parents are expected to provide formal documentation identifying diagnosed areas of need to tailor support, and the student support program operates with a data- and evidence-based approach. The site does not publish a dedicated SEN center; SEN provisions are described within Student Support Services.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

English as an Additional Language (EAL) is provided through the Student Support Services department for students in Grades 1-10. The program aims to develop English language skills, cultural awareness and learning strategies to enable successful learning. EAL is part of ABA's broader student-support framework, alongside Learning Support and counselling. The High School content confirms the existence of a Student Support Services framework for language needs and notes counselling support for students. Our school counsellors assist students through planning, prevention and intervention, including university admissions guidance.

Mental Wellbeing

The Health & Wellbeing page states that the health and wellbeing of students, staff and families is paramount and that strong safety measures are in place. A trained nurse operates the Health Clinic on campus, with a nurse available during school days to provide care and health education and to liaise with health care providers. The safeguarding lead and the DEIB framework support wellbeing by promoting a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment. The High School counselling team supports mental wellbeing by offering planning, prevention and intervention, and by guiding students through university admissions when relevant.

Safeguarding

ABA's safeguarding policy states the school aims to be a safe haven for every member of the community, with safeguarding policies and procedures outlined in the safeguarding handbook. All staff must report suspected incidents of child abuse or neglect in accordance with Omani law and the school's child protection procedures. Staff background checks and criminal screenings are provided to ensure safety. Parents must acknowledge safeguarding commitments as part of enrollment and re-enrollment. The school designates a safeguarding lead, Maria Trindade, who oversees safeguarding and wellbeing and can be contacted for safeguarding matters.
Parent Experience

History

ABA Oman International School was established in 1987 as a not-for-profit international school in Muscat. It became the first school in the region to offer the full International Baccalaureate continuum (PYP, MYP, and DP). In March 2022, ABA relocated from its Al Khuwair campus to a modern Madinat Al Irfan campus, marked by an inauguration led by ABA alumnus His Highness Sayyid Bilarab bin Haitham bin Tarik Al Said. ABA is governed by a Board of Directors and reinvests any surplus into facilities and programs. The school serves over 940 students from more than 65 countries, and the Class of 2020 and 2021 achieved perfect DP scores of 45.

Community

ABA's community includes students from more than 65 countries and staff from about 20 nations. The school hosts intercultural events such as the International Cultural Festival (ICF), featuring a Parade of Nations, performances, and traditional food stalls. Careers Day for Grade 10 in 2025 demonstrates ongoing engagement with families around post-secondary pathways. Parents and alumni participate in school life, with the PTA coordinating volunteer-driven events that strengthen the community.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

The PTA is a parent-run organization that includes all parents and teachers at ABA, and its purpose is to organize events that build community and raise funds for equipment and services that enhance education. The 2025-26 PTA Executive Committee includes Chair Svenja af Trolle Velinder, Treasurer Victoria Kugach, Communications Liaison Zeinab Hussein, and Parent Representatives for ECE/ES, MS and HS, plus Logistics lead Rani Ganeshan. The PTA maintains a volunteer channel, inviting parents to sign up to help plan and run events. Upcoming PTA events include Spooktacular (30 October 2025), Frostival (11 December 2025), the Golf Tournament (23 January 2026), and the International Cultural Festival (ICF) on 29 January 2026. PAL stands for Parent Activities and Leisure, reflecting the PTA's broad range of family-focused activities. The PTA coordinates closely with the ABA community to support events and activities that benefit students.
Facilities

Facilities Overview

ABA Oman International School's Al Irfan campus in Madinat Al Irfan, Muscat, opened in March 2022. The campus features a contemporary Learning Center, a state-of-the-art Athletics Center, an avant-garde Performing Arts Center, and multiple outdoor learning spaces. It serves students from ages 3 to 18 on a single, integrated campus. The school houses a robust library system with dedicated Elementary and Middle/High School libraries and extensive resources to support inquiry and research. The ABA community offers arts and sports programming that uses these facilities, including ABA Performs as an after-school option.

Sports Facilities

The campus features a state-of-the-art Athletics Center. ABA participates in Muscat Primary Sports League (MPSL) and Muscat Secondary Sports League (MSSL), as well as MESAC, with inter-school competition opportunities. The Vipers swim team is part of ABA's athletics program. These leagues provide pathways for students to engage in team sport across the region.

Academic Facilities

The Learning Center serves as the central hub for teaching and learning on campus. The library system comprises an Elementary Library and a Middle/High School Library, both supported by a Teacher Librarian. The Elementary Library offers close to 15,000 resources across audio, image, fiction, non-fiction, electronic and foreign language formats for students, teachers and parents. The Middle/High School Library provides a broad range of materials and access to an online catalogue.

Extra Curricular Facilities

ABA Performs is an after-school program that develops music and dance skills on ABA's campus. The ABA After School Program (ASP) coordinates ABA-led activities and externally run programmes. External Programme providers on campus offer football, tennis, gymnastics, fencing and Frisbee. ABA Lingo provides foreign language lessons in multiple languages and includes certification opportunities such as DELF and other language offerings. MESAC coordinates inter-school activities that include sports and fine arts among member schools.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

ABA offers a range of elementary after-school activities designed to support academic and cognitive development. The program includes Lego Club, STEM Club, Arabic Speaking, Arabic Reading Club, Board Games, Math Games, Invasion Games, Cricket, Outdoor EC Garden and Fun Arts and Crafts for Grade 2, with Grade 3 adding Dance and Drama and Library Ambassadors, Grade 4 offering Basketball and Paper Craft, and Grade 5 including Basketball and Math Games. Activities run from 2:50 to 3:35 pm on Sundays, Mondays and Wednesdays, with four sign-up sessions. The school participates in MESAC, which features Academic Games, Speech and Debate and other intellectual pursuits across interschool competitions.

Arts & Creative

ABA provides arts and performance opportunities, including Dance and Drama and Fun Arts and Crafts in elementary activities. ABA Performs is a dedicated after-school program that nurtures music and dance for ABA students and the wider community. MESAC supports fine arts participation as part of its inter-school competitions.

Cultural & Language

Elementary language offerings include Arabic Speaking and Arabic Reading Club. ABA Around the World highlights the school's multinational community, with students and staff from many nationalities. ABA participates in intercultural events such as the International Cultural Festival. The MESAC framework also provides intercultural opportunities across member schools.

Social & Hobbies

Elementary after-school activities include Board Games, Arabic Reading Club, and a range of sports such as Invasion Games and Cricket, fostering social interaction and teamwork. Dance and Drama provide performance opportunities, and ABA Performs offers additional after-school music and dance activities. High School hosts clubs including Model United Nations and other student groups.

Community & Service

Service is a key element of ABA's program, with opportunities for individual experiences or team-based service projects within the school and community. Student sustainability groups such as Eco Rangers, Eco Warriors and HS EcoSoc lead environmental projects and community outreach, including recycling, renewable energy and biodiversity initiatives. Campaigns like Save Water are part of ABA Cares, engaging students in service-oriented awareness activities.

Leadership & Professional

Elementary Library Ambassadors provide student leadership opportunities and peer mentoring. Student sustainability groups such as Eco Rangers, Eco Warriors and HS EcoSoc offer leadership roles in projects across grade levels. MESAC fosters leadership through inter-school competition in athletics and arts. ABA Performs provides platforms for students to take lead roles in organization and performance.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

ABA runs athletic leagues such as the Muscat Primary Sports League and the Muscat Secondary Sports League for inter-school competition; MESAC also includes swimming, cross country, tennis and badminton. ABA Aquatics offers an aquatics program for students. Dance and drama programs contribute to wellness and physical activity, and after-school performing arts support overall well-being. Sustainability and service initiatives support students' wellbeing and sense of community.
Languages

Language Provision

The school teaches in English.
Admissions

Admissions

Step 1: Check the Student Grade Placement Chart. ABA places students with age-appropriate peers and the final grade placement is determined after a full review of all required documents. The 2025-2026 School Year chart provides the age-to-grade mappings for Early Childhood through High School.

Step 2: Apply now. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year, subject to space. If ABA is a good fit for your family, apply early. The online application form collects detailed information to help the Admissions team understand the student.

Step 3: Documents Required. Prepare digitally: copy of passport; copy of Oman Resident Card (if applicable); current and previous year school reports (must be translated into English and notarized); official school records and/or transcripts for the past two years; provide any documentation identifying learning and behavioural needs (if applicable).

Step 4: Submit Application Fee. A non-refundable application fee of 75 OMR is required for each application. You can pay at the school or via bank transfer; if paying by bank transfer, email a copy of the transfer receipt to the Registrar with the applicant's name so the payment is applied correctly.

Step 5: Evaluation. Students applying to Kindergarten 1–Grade 5 may be invited to visit a classroom as part of the admissions process. Students applying to Grades 3–12 will be scheduled a placement screener to provide the school with baseline language and mathematics skills.

After Applying: Confirm Placement. When a place is offered and accepted, return a signed Declaration of Acceptance. The Admissions team sends the document at the time a spot is offered. A deposit of 10% of the annual tuition is required to confirm acceptance and is deducted from the first semester fees; the deposit is non-refundable unless a written withdrawal notice is provided before the specified date.

Waitlist. Waitlisted admissions follow a priority order and placements are offered as spaces become available: 1. Faculty children, 2) Siblings of children already attending, 3) Returning students, 4) Overseas transfer students, 5) Children of Alumni of the school with no viable alternative, 6) Local transfer students with no viable alternative, 7) Others. Applicants are notified when spaces become available. The Head of School's decision is final and all admissions are granted on a probationary period of ninety days. Spaces are not held until an official letter is issued.

Admission decisions. The Head of School's decision is final. All admissions are granted on a probationary period of ninety days. Spaces are not held until an official letter is issued.

Waitlist

Waitlisted admissions follow a priority order and placements are offered as spaces become available: 1) Faculty children, 2) Siblings of children already attending, 3) Returning students, 4) Overseas transfer students, 5) Children of Alumni of the school with no viable alternative, 6) Local transfer students with no viable alternative, 7) Others. Applicants are notified when spaces become available. The Head of School's decision is final and all admissions are granted on a probationary period of ninety days. Spaces are not held until an official letter is issued.
School Events
The school has not added events