International Schools Directory

The American School of Kuwait (ASK), founded in 1964, is an independent, coeducational day school which offers a U.S. general academic curriculum from prekindergarten to grade 12 for students of all nationalities. The school year is comprised of 2 semesters extending from early September through mid-January and from mid-January through mid-June. The school is privately owned and operating with the approval of the State of Kuwait, ASK is an independent School, governed by an appointed Advisory Board. 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 the Iowa Test of Basic Skills. The language of instruction is English. Arabic, French, and Spanish are taught as foreign languages. Religious instruction is compulsory for Moslems. The elementary program, in which teachers are organized into grade-level teams, features specialists in science, art, computer studies, music, physical education, Arabic, and Islamic Studies. The middle school is structured around interdisciplinary teams, employs a block schedule, and has become an exemplary model school. The high school, currently offering 12 AP courses, has a rigorous academic and activities program. 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, theatre, 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. School includes 103 classrooms; 32 laboratories including 7 for computers, 4 for music, 4 for art, 7 for electronic media, and 10 for science; 2 large libraries/media centers; 2 gymnasia; an indoor semi-Olympic pool; a large multipurpose auditorium; and 3 outdoor play areas.