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American United School

Kuwait, Sabah Al-Salem

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees KWD 4,700 - 7,875
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 1300
Type Co-educational
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum American Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP)
Taught languages Arabic, French, Spanish
Typical class size 20
Strengths STEM, Academic Enrichment, Languages
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Early Years, Preschool, Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle School, High School
Introduction

American United School (AUS) offers an American-based curriculum for students aged 3 to 18, with AP and Pre-AP options in the high school. The Elementary program (Pre-K to Grade 5) aligns ELA and Mathematics to the Common Core, Science to NGSS, and Social Studies to C3. A 1:1 technology program provides tablets for K–5 in school and at home, with tools such as Raz-Kids, IXL, and ClassDojo. Middle School uses an American-based curriculum aligned with CCSS, NGSS, and C3, with differentiated instruction and inquiry-based learning. High School offers 20+ AP courses, GOA, and 50+ electives, supporting personalized pathways. The school emphasizes college and career readiness with university counseling and SAT/ACT prep, and global citizenship through CASEL and ROCK values. AUS holds CIS/MSA accreditation and features STEAM labs, a Culinary Arts Suite, a Multimedia Lab, and robotics as an upper-grade option. It welcomes families seeking an internationally minded, hands-on program today.

101, Kuwait

The Essentials

American United School has 1,300 pupils, typical class sizes of 20, instruction in English.

Location

The American United School is located in Kuwait, Kuwait. It serves a diverse community with a bus network that covers multiple areas around Kuwait City.

Stages

Pre-K through 12th grade; Elementary, Middle School, and High School divisions.

Type

Private, co-educational day school.

Pupil Nationality Mix

50 nationalities represented.

Additional learning support

English Language Learning (ELL) support for students acquiring English; Exceptional Learning Support provides remedial and in-class support; AUS is not an approved school by the Public Authority of the Disabled.

Country affiliation

American-based curriculum.

School day structure

Pre-K: 7:30am–1:00pm; K–5: 7:30am–2:45pm; REAL After School Activities: 2:45pm–4:30pm.

Bus service

Bus transportation is available. For AUS Bus Transportation Services, contact Abdul Najeeb Kunnath, Supervisor, at a.kunnath@aus.edu.kw. Coverage areas include Ahmadi, Mubarak Al-Kabeer, Hawally, Al Farwaniya, Al Asimah, and additional neighborhoods such as Al Riqqa, Fintas, Mahboula, Hadiya, Jaber Al Ali, Egaila, Al Masayel, Abu Fatira, Qurain, Qusor, Funaitees, Adan, Abu Al Hasaniya, Sabah Al Salem, Messila, Al Salam, Jabriya, Salmiya, Salwa, Mishref, Bayan, Mubarak Al-Abdullah, Rumaithiya, Zahra, Al Sadeeq, and Shuhada.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement

The school has a uniform and dress code. Uniforms are mandatory during the school day and the uniform is designed to respect Kuwait's host country culture. General guidelines include skirts or shorts touching the knee, shirts buttoned up with a collared shirt under sweaters, only authorized fleece/sweaters, and appropriate footwear; hijabs may be solid colors black, white, burgundy, grey, or navy; the PE uniform is mandatory; non-uniform days exist with dress-code restrictions.

Food Options

The school has a nutrition menu with meals prepared from scratch; all meals are pork-free and not fried; no artificial flavors, colors, or unhealthy sweeteners are used; meals are prepared in a healthy way to support concentration.

Governance and Ownership

The school is governed by the Director with support from the Board of Trustees; the Board includes a UEC representative; Partnering with Parents (PTSO) exists with an Executive Council to involve parents and students.
Fees

Annual tuition at American United School ranges from KWD 4,700 to KWD 7,875 for 2026/27.

Application & assessment fees

- Assessment fee (non-refundable): KWD 125 for grade-appropriate entrance assessments.
- Enrollment/registration deposit (to confirm an offered place): KWD 100 (non-refundable; applied against first tuition payment).

Tuition fees by year group (annual amounts)

- Pre‑K: KWD 4,700 per year.
- Kindergarten (K): KWD 5,000 per year.
- Grades 1–3: KWD 5,500 per year.
- Grades 4–5: KWD 6,000 per year.
- Grades 6–8 (Middle School): KWD 6,600 per year.
- Grades 9–10: KWD 7,700 per year.
- Grades 11–12: KWD 7,875 per year.

Tuition billing schedule and payment terms

- Standard payment options: pay tuition in full at the beginning of the academic year, or use the Deferred Payment Plan in three instalments.
- Typical instalment schedule (three instalments): 1st instalment due at start of year, 2nd instalment mid‑year, 3rd instalment later in the year (schools operate a September/January/April instalment pattern).
- All student fees and charges must be settled or satisfactory arrangements made prior to a student's first day of school. A hold may be placed on student records for unpaid accounts.

Boarding fees

- Not applicable. Boarding provision and boarding fees are not part of the school's fee schedule.

Other mandatory and regular costs

- Re‑enrolment deposit (for returning students): a non‑refundable re‑enrolment deposit is required to guarantee a seat for the following academic year (amount set annually).
- Student smart card credit for Grades 6–12: KWD 500 initial credit is issued for families who pay full tuition; the card is used for cafeteria and boutique purchases (remaining credit is non‑refundable and does not roll over).
- Special course and activity fees: additional fees may be charged for after‑school activities, special courses or off‑campus trips; these are billed separately.
- Textbooks / mandated digital books fee: where applicable, an annual textbook/digital books fee is charged (amount and deadline noted on fee schedules).
- Uniforms, transport and meals: charged separately where applicable (uniforms purchased through the school boutique; bus transport and cafeteria costs billed or payable as selected services).

Refunds and withdrawal

- The enrollment deposit and, in many cases, the first instalment are non‑refundable once the student begins the school year. Refund requests for paid tuition or other fees must be submitted in writing and are processed according to the school's refund policy.
- The school reserves the right to claim any unsettled fees for the academic year and to apply holds or collection actions for overdue amounts.

Discounts and concessions

- Sibling discount: a 10% tuition discount is available for siblings attending the school (applies to tuition only and is subject to the school's finance office approval and annual application).
- Corporate/group company rates: special corporate rates are available subject to application and annual approval; these apply to tuition only.

Accepted fee payment methods

- Cash.
- K‑NET.
- Bank transfer.
- Online payment portal (school's online payment system).
- Cheque.

Notes for parents

- All fees are contractual. By registering a child, parents enter into a legally binding contract and are obligated to pay all related student fees and charges. Failure to meet payment obligations may result in holds on records, recovery action, or unenrollment procedures.
Academics

American United School teaches American Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP) for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum

Elementary (Pre-K–Grade 5) offers a world-class American-style program with core subjects aligned to the Common Core for ELA and Mathematics, NGSS for Science, and C3 Social Studies. A 1:1 technology program provides tablets for students in grades K–5, with tools including Raz-Kids, IXL, and ClassDojo. Middle School (Grades 6–8) uses an American-based curriculum aligned with CCSS, NGSS, and C3, with differentiated instruction and inquiry-based learning; literacy builds on the Science of Reading. High School (Grades 9–12) offers 20+ AP courses and Pre-AP, including AP Capstone, plus 50+ electives and GOA options, supporting a personalized learning pathway. The school provides college and career readiness, including university counseling, SAT/ACT preparation, college fairs, internships, and a strong emphasis on global citizenship and well-being through CASEL and ROCK values. AUS has earned CIS/MSA accreditation and provides a 1:1 technology environment across grade levels.

Higher Education Progression

AP & Pre-AP pathways prepare students for university study, with 20+ AP courses and nine Pre-AP classes including AP Capstone. University counseling, SAT/ACT preparation, college fairs, career days, and internships support college readiness. GOA expands access to advanced courses beyond AUS core offerings. AUS emphasizes college and career readiness and supports students to pursue higher education worldwide.

Gifted and Talented

Differentiated Pathways for English Language Learners (ELL) and enrichment opportunities for students who show mastery.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

Aus provides a comprehensive counseling program addressing personal/social, academic, career, and global development. Counselors are integral members of a multidisciplinary team that supports students and families and helps build student achievement through evidence-based interventions. Elementary students receive classroom guidance; middle school has advisory; high school offers college preparation and career guidance. Short-term individual and small-group counseling is available for students needing targeted support. Distinctive programs include Character in Action (CIA), the ROCK values (Respectful, Organized, Cooperative, Kind), Transition Buddies, AUS Rise, and student leadership opportunities that foster social-emotional growth.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

Aus supports inclusive education with an Instructional Support Team and a dedicated Special Educational Needs Educator. The Curriculum & Instruction pages reference a Special Educational Needs Educator and an Instructional Support Team as key components of AUS's support for diverse learners. These teams provide differentiated learning and additional instructional support to ensure curriculum access for students with a range of needs.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

Differentiated Pathways for English Language Learners (ELL) and enrichment opportunities for students who show mastery.

Mental Wellbeing

Wellbeing is embedded through the CASEL Social-Emotional Learning framework and the ROCK values. Daily advisory and homeroom groups provide individualized support for academic, social, and emotional growth. Counselors offer ongoing one-on-one and small-group counseling across divisions. Leadership opportunities and service-learning activities foster resilience, empathy, and ethical leadership.

Safeguarding

The Kuwait National Child Protection Program guidelines are followed; all educators are mandated reporters. The policy emphasizes ethical conduct, reporting and preventing abuse, supporting victims, staff screening, professional learning, and community awareness for safeguarding children.
Parent Experience

Community

American United School serves about 1,300+ students from 50 nationalities, supported by 189 teachers. Elementary and secondary teacher–student ratios are 1:20 and 1:16, and the school offers 55 sports teams with 1:1 technology access for students. The school emphasizes learning anytime, anywhere and a caring community of learners, recognizing the value of every individual and integrating technology into learning to support global citizenship. The 2025 graduating class includes 85 graduates. AUS maintains partnerships such as the Real Madrid Foundation and holds accreditation with CIS and MSA.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

The American United School has a formal Parent/Teacher/Student Organization (PTSO). The PTSO aims to elevate education through commitment, collaboration and communication among parents, students and educators, and its purposes include fostering relationships between home and school, recruiting volunteers, organizing parent education events, recognizing student achievements, and supporting activities in music, foreign language clubs, sports, theatre and more. Membership includes students, parents/guardians, and school staff as determined by the School Director. The Executive Council comprises a President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, Elementary and Secondary Parent Representatives, Teacher representatives, Student representatives, and school Principals; ExCo meets monthly and PTSO meetings occur at least quarterly, with bylaws and a policy manual guiding operations. The PTSO maintains a mailing list for members and coordinates events such as Winter Wonderland, Falloween, Coffee Mornings, Arts Night and Field Days, with contact at PTSO@aus.edu.kw.
Facilities

Facilities Overview

Kindergarten rooms have large wooden play structures. Outdoor pocket playgrounds include tricycles, balance bikes, and gardens. Family-style classroom lunches support independence. Pre-K uses tablets in classrooms; K–5 have tablets for school and home as part of AUS's 1:1 technology program. Every elementary classroom is equipped with smartboards, Chromebooks, and digital tools as part of integrated technology. STEAM labs and an Information Center support hands-on learning.

Academic Facilities

A 1:1 Technology Program exists; Pre-K uses tablets in classrooms, and K–5 have tablets for school and home. ISTE standards guide technology instruction, and Google Apps for Education supports collaboration. Elementary includes a STEAM Lab and an Information Center; high school offers a Culinary Arts Suite, a Multimedia & Video Production Lab, and design technology workshops, with Global Online Academy (GOA) for additional advanced study. 1:1 Chromebooks and smart classrooms are integrated across core subjects; robotics is offered as an upper-grade elective.

Extra Curricular Facilities

Real Madrid Foundation program in Kuwait is offered; Gymnastics Academy is available; R.E.A.L. Program is offered. Extracurriculars include athletics, MUN, speech and debate, drama, music, and participation in international competitions.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

Model United Nations, Math Olympiads, and Academic Quiz Bowl are available as student organizations. World Languages Clubs, Choir, and Band provide language and humanities-based intellectual engagement. Yearbook Club is offered in Middle School and High School. These activities develop leadership, critical thinking, collaboration, and communication.

Arts & Creative

Choir and Band are offered as performing arts activities. Drama and other performing arts are available as electives, with upper elementary students choosing drama and creative writing. Secondary students participate in music and performing arts through Choir and Band. Upper elementary electives also include robotics, drama, and creative writing.

Cultural & Language

World Languages Clubs are offered in Middle School and High School. These clubs support language learning and cultural exchange within AUS's student community.

Social & Hobbies

Real Madrid Foundation, Gymnastics Academy, R.E.A.L. Program, and Athletics are offered as after-school activities. Clubs meet from 3:30 to 4:30, and registered students receive an afternoon snack with Extended Learning from 2:45 to 3:30 at no extra charge. Pickup is at 4:30 from Gate 3.

Community & Service

Global Impact Projects aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals are part of AUS's global citizenship initiatives, and Celebrations of Learning highlight real-world connections. The school embeds well-being through CASEL and ROCK values and supports global citizenship education. Health Week engages all students in health-related workshops and activities. The AUS clinic coordinates vaccinations, maintains medical files, and conducts annual health check-ups.

Leadership & Professional

In Middle School and High School, Student Council provides central student government and opportunities for leadership. Leadership roles include attending meetings, working in teams toward goals, and developing planning and organizational skills. Other organizations available to students include Model United Nations, Math Olympiads, Academic Quiz Bowl, Choir, Band, World Languages Clubs, and Yearbook Club.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Health and Wellness are prioritized through the AUS clinic and Health Week program. The clinic maintains medical files, provides daily treatment, coordinates vaccinations, and conducts annual health screenings (vision, height/weight). Two nurses are on staff and certified in First Aid and CPR. Health Week offers age-appropriate health-related workshops and activities for all students.
Languages

Language Provision

English language learner (ELL) support is provided, with differentiation across the curriculum. The high school is developing a dedicated ELL program while expansion of elementary and middle school ELL is prioritized. AUS is a member of the WIDA International School Consortium and uses the WIDA framework for language support and assessments. Differentiated pathways for English Language Learners are available across grade levels.
Reputation

Awards

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Accreditations

CIS and MSA international accreditation (dual re-accreditation) as of September 2025; previously earned a 10-year CIS/MSA accreditation in 2018.
Admissions

Admissions

1. Submit online application. AUS accepts online applications. Create an account, log in, and submit the admission form with required documents: applicant's passport; Pre-K does not require a report card; Kindergarten or 1st grade require the most recent report card; 2nd–12th require end-of-year and most recent report cards. After submission, the application is reviewed once all documents are received, and you are notified by email with the results; if initial requirements are met, you are invited to complete an assessment. 2. Assessment. Elementary: Pre-K and K use a developmentally appropriate assessment; 1st–2nd grade evaluate reading, writing and math; 3rd–5th grade take MAP plus a writing component; duration about 1–2 hours. MS/HS (6th–12th) complete MAP entrance assessment plus an interview and writing task; total time about 2–3 hours. MAP results provide grade-level equivalents and guide placement. 3. CSR and admission decision. The Confidential Student Reference (CSR) form must be completed by the current school and sent directly to AUS. The Admission/Placement Committee reviews assessments and notifies families by email within 7 days; if accepted, the registration process continues. 4. Registration, deposits, and documents. Upon acceptance, complete the Registration Form and upload the required documents. A KD 100 enrollment deposit must be paid within 3 days to secure enrollment; the deposit is applied to the first tuition payment, and the seat may be released if not received within 7 days. Before the first day, submit final report card, Transfer Certificate (if transferring within Kuwait), Clearance Certificate (if transferring within Kuwait), Medical Card, and tuition payment; tuition can be paid online or in person; AUS offers a 10% sibling discount and Group Company Rates, which are subject to change.
School Events
The school has not added events