American School of Bahrain will open its doors in 2020. The school has already been gaining a great reputation as an exciting, future-forward schooling option for parents in Bahrain who are looking for a warm, tight knit community school, where students are happy, collaborating and learning together. Here is a handy guide to frequently asked questions by parents inquiring about the school.

 1. Where is the school located?

The school has secured a 17 acre plot for its campus, located in Rifaa, very close to the Bahrain National Stadium

2. When will the new school open?

The school admissions office is already open and accepting applications, and the school opens with its first year in September 2020.

3. Will it be accredited?

This is an important question parents need to ask about all US curriculum schools, and the good news is: yes, the new school will gain accreditations by

            •  Middle States Association (MSA)

            •  Council of International Schools (CIS)

4. What curriculum will ASB follow?

The school will offer US curriculum delivered primarily by a North American and international faculty. 

5. How will this school be different?

The school will include a cross-curricular STEAM program, which is exciting, as it goes beyond the regular Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) with an added ‘A’ for Arts, providing a balanced approach. Innovation and sustainability will also play an important role. Student wellness and happiness will also be a key component of the school’s program, with a focus on healthful living, positive learning attitudes and student voice.

6. What grades will be available?

The school will be a full-fledged Pre-KG to Grade 12 school, opening with Grades Pre-KG to 8 in September 2020, with Grades 9, 10, 11 and 12 being added in subsequent years.

7. How many students in the school?

At full capacity, the current campus of 60,000 sq.m. with 19,260 sq.m. built up area will have a student strength of 1200, with plenty of room to expand in the future. 

8. What facilities does the school include?

The school’s campus is an advanced facility focused on connectivity and open spaces. It has been designed in line with modern teaching standards, with naturally lit classrooms and wide spaces to encourage student collaboration. Here’s what the campus will include:

            •  Technology-enabled classrooms

                                    •  STEAM Labs

                                    •  Maker spaces

                                    •  Library and Learning Hub

                                    •  Athletics Complex 

                                                •  Swimming Pool

                                                •  Large Indoor Gymnasium

                                                •  Basketball Courts

                                                •  Regulation-sized Soccer Field

                                                •  400-meter track

9. What are the fees?

The starting fees in Pre-KG are BD 3145 ranging to BD 6200 in Grade 8.

10. Who is the founding body of ASB?

This is singularly the most important question parents need to ask about any new school they are enrolling their child in!

The school is being established by Esol Education. Esol is the world’s largest operator of American international schools, with an experienced leadership team, and a 43-year track record of establishing and running successful international schools in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Hong Kong, Cairo and Lebanon. 

Esol’s Chairman, Mr. Walid Abushakra explains, “Our connections with accreditation partners and top universities, our ability to attract the best international teachers, together with our experienced leadership teams, empower Esol schools to become leading centers of education in their communities, equipping our students with the essential skills they need to excel at top universities worldwide and in their chosen careers.”