Al Hekma International School

AHIS is located on Istqlal Highway in Sanad, Bahrain. The campus sits in a residential area within the Manama metropolitan region, providing convenient access for families living in central Bahrain. The site is accessible by car or taxi and is near main roads and local amenities.

The school runs from Preschool through Grade 12, with divisions into Kindergarten, Elementary School, Middle School, and High School.

AHIS is a co-educational international day school. It does not offer boarding facilities; the campus operates as a day school.

There are about 26 nationalities represented at AHIS. The most common nationality is Bahraini. Local students account for roughly 55% of the student body, with international students representing about 45%.

AHIS offers Gifted & Talented Programs. The Learning Support Team designs an Intervention Education Plan (IEP) for gifted and talented students and provides related academic and enrichment options, including an Advanced Placement program.

The school operates in Bahrain and is under the authority of the Bahraini Ministry of Education (MOE).

AHIS does not have a formal religious affiliation listed in its official materials.

The school day typically runs from around 7:00 AM to about 2:15–2:30 PM, depending on grade level. KG days end around 2:15 PM, while Middle and High School days commonly end around 2:30 PM. Breaks and lunchtime are scheduled per the school calendar.

AHIS Bahrain does not provide a school bus service; transportation is arranged by families or private providers.

AHIS Bahrain serves Preschool through Grade 12 and offers an American curriculum alongside the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP) for the high school years. AHIS is an IB World School authorized to deliver the Diploma Programme and is accredited by the Middle States Association (MSA) and Cognia. The curriculum provides instruction in English and Arabic and covers a broad set of subjects, with additional emphasis on ICT, arts, health, and physical education. In high school, students have access to the American diploma pathway and the IB Diploma, with preparation for standardized tests such as SAT, AP, and TOEFL. AHIS also offers Global Programs (Junior Ambassadors Conference, Future Arab Leaders, Model United Nations) and STEM and Service-Learning initiatives as part of its curriculum.

AHIS supports Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) through a values-driven, school-wide approach. The Vision states AHIS aims to foster global citizenship, high self-esteem, low anxiety, and a strong sense of belonging. The school describes its environment as safe and nurturing, with a professional staff supporting students across academic life, activities, and events. The Life Skills program provides SEL-aligned curricula across grades: Kindergarten CARE (Caring, Articulated, Respectful, Engaged); Elementary BEST (Brave, Engaged, Self-confident, Tolerant); Middle School D.A.R.E (Disciplined, Accountable, Reflective, Engaged); High School RE.A.C.H (Responsibility, Engagement, Accountability, Confidence, Honesty). The program emphasizes staff support to meet students' SEL needs throughout the school years.

AHIS provides a Gifted & Talented Programs (GT) for students with high capability. An Intervention Education Plan (IEP) is designed for Gifted and Talented students by the Learning Support Team. The GT program seeks to engage students through venues for research, problem-solving, leadership, and social-emotional development. For students who are struggling academically, teachers offer remedial classes, tutoring, and access to social workers and counselors, with differentiation and IEP plans to assist learning. AHIS is not described as a separate SEN institution; SEN support is integrated through GT and Learning Support within the school.

The language of instruction is English. On-campus Arabic language options can be arranged for interested students through Special Arabic teachers. AHIS operates an American Program and International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, with English as the primary language of instruction. Differentiation and an IEP process are used to support diverse learners, including needs related to English as an additional language. The school also notes on-campus Arabic language offerings and an international, multilingual student body as part of its language and EAL approach.

Mental wellbeing is supported through a safe and nurturing environment; the Vision emphasizes low anxiety and high self-esteem. The school aims to foster belonging and global citizenship as part of wellbeing. The Life Skills program across Kindergarten to High School includes staff dedicated to supporting student wellbeing through a professional team. Affiliations with professional bodies (NESA, ASCD, UNESCO, PTC) indicate ongoing staff development that can support wellbeing. The IB DP candidacy and other global programs promote holistic development that underpins student wellbeing.

The school does not publicly disclose safeguarding and child protection policies on its site. The Vision describes a safe, nurturing environment with a sense of belonging. The Life Skills program across K-12 emphasizes safety and care as part of its values. The Life Skills page notes a professional staff dedicated to supporting students' well-being. AHIS's affiliations with professional bodies indicate formal professional development and policy alignment that may inform safeguarding practices.

Step 1. Submit the application with the required documents. Attach a copy of the student's passport, a copy of the parent's passport, a copy of the residency ID (CPR), a copy of the residency permit in the passport (for expats), the student's vaccination record, the birth certificate, one photo, and transcripts for the past two years. Students applying from outside Bahrain must attest the last year's report card from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Embassy of Bahrain, then present these documents to the Ministry of Education in Bahrain to receive an equivalency letter.

Step 2. Take entrance exams and participate in an interview. Students must sit for entrance exams in English, Arabic, and Math; non-Arabic speaking students are exempted from the Arabic entrance exam. Students must attend an interview to determine eligibility for enrollment.

Step 3. Complete placement assessments. AHIS admits students based on policies set by the MOE in Bahrain. Placement assessments are conducted in English, and students who are non-speakers or new to the language are assessed at the beginning of the academic year and placed at the proper academic level.

Step 4. Receive an admission decision. Acceptance or rejection of enrollment is at the sole discretion of the admissions committee. Both interviews and entrance exams must be passed to be considered for admission.

Step 5. Confirm enrollment and secure a seat. If accepted, a seat booking fee is payable upon acceptance of enrollment and must be paid within 5 business days from notification of acceptance; failure to pay will result in cancellation of registration. Registration, testing, and interview fees are non-refundable even if a student is placed on a waiting list or rejected.

Step 6. Complete enrollment formalities or withdrawal terms. When enrolling, follow the payment schedule and provide all required documents; Registration, testing, and interview fees are non-refundable. If there is a withdrawal, a full semester notice is required; if notice is not given, full semester's fees are payable. Transfer certificates may be required for moving to another school.