The American School of Kuwait (ASK), founded in 1964, is an independent, coeducational day school, which offers a U.S. general academic curriculum from pre-kindergarten through grade 12 for students of all nationalities. The school year is comprised of two semesters extending from early September through mid-January and from mid-January through mid-June.
Organization: Privately owned and operating with the approval of the State of Kuwait, ASK is an independent school governed by an appointed advisory board.
Curriculum: The curriculum is that of U.S. general academic, college-preparatory schools. Most graduates go on to colleges and universities throughout the world, primarily in the United States. The school’s testing program includes the College Board tests and MAP Testing. The language of instruction is English. Arabic, French, and Spanish are taught as foreign languages. Religious instruction is compulsory for Muslims. The elementary program, in which teachers are organized into grade-level teams, features specialists in science, art, computer studies, music, physical education, Spanish, Arabic, and Islamic Studies. The middle school is structured around interdisciplinary teams and has become an exemplary model school. The high school, currently offering 20 AP courses, has rigorous academic and activities programs. Counselors and specialist teachers are employed at all levels. For extracurricular activities, students in grades PK-12 may participate in a well-balanced program of activities, ranging from sports to the performing arts. Most sports are offered for both girls and boys on varsity and junior varsity levels and on an intramural basis for elementary and middle school students. Cultural activities include forensics, theater, and jazz band. Other non-sports activities include student government, academic games, Model United Nations, and Honor Society. The school is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and recognized by Kuwait’s Ministry of Education, which has equalized the school’s diploma with Kuwait’s general secondary certificate.
Faculty: In the 2022-2023 school year, ASK has 173 total staff including 153 teachers, 74 of whom are U.S. citizens, 10 host-country nationals, and 67 third-country nationals.
Enrollment: At the beginning of the 2022-2023 school year, enrollment was 1,881. Of the total, 344 were U.S. citizens, 1,114 were host-country nationals, and 423 were third-country nationals.
Facilities: The school includes 145 classrooms; 33 laboratories including, eight for computers, four for music, four for art, seven for electronic media, and 10 for science; two large libraries/media centers; two gymnasiums; an indoor semi-Olympic pool; a large multipurpose auditorium; four newly renovated courts; and three outdoor play areas.
Finances: Annual tuition rates are as follows: In the 2022-2023 school year, 97% of the school’s income derives from tuition. Annual tuition rates are as follows: K1: KD 3,314; K2: KD 3,314; grades 1-5: KD 4,306; grades 6-8: KD 4,636; and grades 9-12: KD 5,191. A tuition fee deposit of KD100 is required with enrollment forms to reserve a seat. However, payment of the deposit ensures a seat only when all other admission criteria have been met. The school also charges a one-time registration fee, which is included in the annual tuition. These fees are payable in Kuwaiti dinars. (All fees are quoted in Kuwaiti dinars).
Special Needs: Download the Special Needs Profile (2023 Special Needs- Kuwait) for this school to learn more about their capability to support students with exceptionalities.
This Fact Sheet is intended to provide general information. Prospective users of the schools may wish to inquire further of A/OPR/OS or contact the school directly for more specific and up-to-the-minute information. Information and statistics are current as of September 2022 and are provided by the school.