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Universal College – Aley

Lebanon, Aley

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English, Arabic
Fees LBP 33,000,000 - 55,000,000
Ages Not listed
Type Co-educational
Opened 1907
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum American Curriculum, Bespoke Curriculum
Taught languages Arabic, French
Strengths STEM, Languages, Academic Enrichment
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Preschool, Primary School, Middle School, High School
Introduction

The Universal College – Aley is a college-preparatory school serving an ethnically and religiously diverse student body in Aley, Lebanon. The school teaches in English, with Arabic language and social studies, and French language studies integrated into the curriculum. It operates under the Lebanese Ministry of Education and holds full accreditation by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools in Philadelphia. Established in 1907, UCA combines historic and modern facilities to support learning and community. The New Building (2014) houses a STEM lab and a technology lab for coding and robotics, a 270-seat auditorium, and 23 classrooms; the White Building provides a media center and dedicated music and art rooms; Preschool buildings offer arts, music, classrooms, play areas, kitchens, and restrooms; an Administration Building contains the library and offices. UCA is part of ESOL Education's international network, and an on-campus health program supports student wellbeing, fostering collaboration and inclusivity.

Jamia Al Watnia, facing/ across from the Druze Court, Aley, Lebanon; P.O. Box 284

The Essentials

Universal College – Aley has instruction in English, Arabic.

Location
Located in Aley, Lebanon, overlooking the capital Beirut. Mailing address is P.O. Box 284, Jamia Al Watnia, across from the Druze Court. The campus is in Aley, Mount Lebanon area.

Stages
KG1 through Grade 12

Country affiliation
Lebanon

School day structure
School day begins at 7:45 a.m. with homeroom. The day runs until 2:00 p.m. with scheduled breaks; Pre-K and Elementary share the earlier schedule while Middle and High School follow the same end time.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
Uniforms are required daily and provided by a designated uniform supplier. Shirts and blouses must be the official uniform shirt and buttoned up; PE shorts and the PE shirt are worn on PE days, with the PE uniform or sports wear on PE days or after-school activities. Jackets must be navy blue, black, dark brown or charcoal; white jackets or jackets with flashy colors may be permitted if no suitable alternative exists; 12th graders may wear a Letterman jacket with a 75% average; earrings are allowed only for female students (one small pair); makeup is not allowed; hair must be conservative.

Food Options
The cafeteria provides a variety of foods and snacks with a daily hot meal. Menus include sandwiches, nutritious snacks, salads, juices, milk, and water; meals are eaten only during breaks and lunch in designated areas; food is not consumed in classrooms. The cafeteria aims to provide an economical, nutritious variety.

Governance and Ownership
The Universal College – Aley is an Esol Education school and is part of the Esol Education network of international schools.
Fees

Annual tuition at Universal College – Aley ranges from LBP 33,000,000 to LBP 55,000,000 for 2026/27.

Application / Registration fee
- Registration (seat-holding) deposit: USD 300 per student. This deposit must be paid in cash to the Business Office, is non-refundable, and is not deducted from the annual school fees.

Annual tuition and associated recurring fees (2026–2027)
- Tuition (Lebanese Lira, per academic year) by year group:
- KG1–KG2–KG3: 33,000,000 L.L.
- Installment breakdown (tuition only): 1st instalment (40%) = 13,200,000 L.L.; 2nd (30%) = 9,900,000 L.L.; 3rd (30%) = 9,900,000 L.L.
- Grades 1–2–3: 38,500,000 L.L.
- Installment breakdown: 1st (40%) = 15,400,000 L.L.; 2nd (30%) = 11,550,000 L.L.; 3rd (30%) = 11,550,000 L.L.
- Grades 4–5: 44,000,000 L.L.
- Installment breakdown: 1st (40%) = 17,600,000 L.L.; 2nd (30%) = 13,200,000 L.L.; 3rd (30%) = 13,200,000 L.L.
- Grades 6–7–8: 49,500,000 L.L.
- Installment breakdown: 1st (40%) = 19,800,000 L.L.; 2nd (30%) = 14,850,000 L.L.; 3rd (30%) = 14,850,000 L.L.
- Grades 9–10–11–12: 55,000,000 L.L.
- Installment breakdown: 1st (40%) = 22,000,000 L.L.; 2nd (30%) = 16,500,000 L.L.; 3rd (30%) = 16,500,000 L.L.

- Operating fees (USD, annual) by programme:
- Lebanese Programme operating fee: USD 4,000 per year. Installment breakdown: 1st (40%) = USD 1,600; 2nd (30%) = USD 1,200; 3rd (30%) = USD 1,200.
- American Diploma Programme operating fee: USD 4,750 per year. Installment breakdown: 1st (40%) = USD 1,900; 2nd (30%) = USD 1,425; 3rd (30%) = USD 1,425.

- Books & subscriptions and insurance (annual):
- Lebanese Programme: Books & subscriptions = USD 300 per year; Insurance = USD 15 per year.
- American Diploma Programme: Books & subscriptions = USD 450 per year; Insurance = USD 15 per year.
- These ancillary charges are billed with the school year and are included in the school's annual fee billing.

Billing schedule and payment terms (2026–2027)
- Registration / seat reservation window: April 27 – May 15, 2026. A USD 300 deposit per student is payable at registration.
- Standard instalment schedule for the remaining annual fees:
- 1st instalment (40%) due: September 7, 2026.
- 2nd instalment (30%) due: December 7, 2026.
- 3rd instalment (30%) due: March 5, 2027.
- Early-payment discount: A 10% discount on both operating fees (USD) and tuition (L.L.) applies when the complete payment is received by September 7, 2026.
- Sibling discount on operating fees and tuition applies for families with three or more children enrolled: third child 5% discount; fourth child and onward 10% discount (applies to both operating fees in USD and tuition in L.L.).
- The school reserves the right to adjust fees in response to significant changes in the Lira–USD market rate and to changes in fuel and global costs. Fees must be paid on the established timelines; unresolved financial obligations delay release of official records.

Boarding fees
- Boarding is not offered; there are no boarding fees published for Universal College – Aley.

Other costs and compulsory charges
- Uniforms: School uniform is required and must be purchased from the school. No fixed uniform price is shown in the annual fee documents; uniform items are billed separately through the school.
- Transportation (bus) services: Transportation is offered for a separate annual fee; transport fees are not included in tuition and are arranged through the Business Office. Transportation fees are set per route and may be adjusted according to fuel and maintenance costs. The transportation fee is charged annually.
- Textbook/supply replacement: Lost textbooks must be paid for at the Business Office before replacements are issued; invoices for lost/damaged items are billed separately.

Refund information and withdrawal
- The registration deposit (USD 300) is non-refundable and will not be deducted from the annual school fees.
- Withdrawal procedure: Parents must notify the Director's Office in writing at least one week prior to the withdrawal date. All outstanding financial obligations (tuition, books, exam fees, lost items, etc.) must be cleared before official records or transcripts will be released. The family handbook specifies these administrative steps; specific tuition refund schedules for withdrawal are not itemized in the published family handbook.

Fee payment options and how payments are processed
- The USD 300 registration deposit is accepted in cash at the Business Office. Financial account statements and invoices are accessible to parents through the EDUFLAG app (parents obtain a username/password via the school). For billing questions or to confirm accepted payment methods (for example bank transfer, card, cheque or other options), contact the Business Office or the Director's Office as noted in school billing communications.

Practical notes on amounts shown
- Tuition is presented in Lebanese Lira (L.L.) and operating/ancillary fees in US dollars (USD). Installment percentages above (40% / 30% / 30%) apply to the billed annual amounts as per the school's published payment schedule. Fees are subject to revision should the school implement adjustments for currency or cost changes.
Academics

Universal College – Aley teaches American Curriculum, Bespoke Curriculum.

Curriculum
The Universal College – Aley is a college-preparatory school serving an ethnically and religiously diverse student body. It operates under the Lebanese Ministry of Education and holds full accreditation by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (Philadelphia, PA, USA). The language of instruction is English for all coursework, with Arabic language, Arabic Social Studies, and French Language studies included in the curriculum. There is a daily focus on developing basic skills and knowledge across all areas of the curriculum; critical reasoning; effective communication; continuous learning; creative thinking; and perseverance when solving problems and making decisions. A laboratory setting at all grade levels fosters cooperative and collaborative dialogue among all members of the school community. UCA is part of ESOL Education's international network of schools, with locations such as Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Bahrain, Hong Kong, Cairo, and Nicosia.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Guidance and Counseling Services support social and emotional development. The Counseling team provides individual and group counseling for academic, personal, and career issues, and the Learning Support Coordinator coordinates early-year interventions in collaboration with families to promote student growth.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The school has a Learning Support Program led by a Learning Support Coordinator who oversees targeted interventions and personalized plans for students in the early years (K-4). The program emphasizes collaboration with parents and teachers to support diverse learning needs.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The language of instruction is English for all course work, with preschool children receiving bilingual instruction in English and Arabic from KG1. Arabic language studies, Arabic Social Studies, and French Language studies are also taught; Special English and Arabic are available to students who require additional language support.

Mental Wellbeing
Guidance and Counseling Services support students' mental wellbeing. Counselors provide individual and group counseling for academic, personal, and career issues, and offer career guidance to help students plan for life after school.

Safeguarding
The school promotes and protects the safety and wellbeing of all students and does not tolerate any form of child abuse or neglect. The Child Protection policy aligns with UNICEF principles and defines abuse types, identifies stakeholders, and outlines safeguarding procedures.
Parent Experience

History
Universal College – Aley was established in 1907 and has been a learning community devoted to helping students graduate with confidence and competence. The school renewed and restored its commitment to quality education into the new millennium. As an ESOL Education school, UCA is part of a family of international schools in locations such as Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Bahrain, Hong Kong, Cairo and Nicosia. The school is located in Aley, Lebanon.

Community
The school is home to about 1,500 students aged 12 to 16 and about 100 faculty and staff. The community represents over 40 different nations. The school emphasizes an international and multicultural ethos and collaborative community. The curriculum is built on global and US standards.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Universal College – Aley campus combines historic and modern facilities to support learning and community. The Administration Building houses administrative offices and a library. The Walid and Nada Abushakra Building (New Building, 2014) includes a STEM lab and a technology lab for coding and robotics, a 270-seat auditorium, 23 classrooms, a science lab, a mini-conference room, and a counselor's office, and it connects to the White Building while also serving as an SAT testing center. The Kamil Shibil Khuri Building (White Building) provides 18 classrooms, a media center, and dedicated music and art rooms. The Preschool buildings (Maroun Abboud and Akram Shehayeb) include arts and music rooms, four floors, two playgrounds, classrooms, kitchens, bathrooms, technology labs, a bookstore, and offices, while the central Cafeteria and Campus Grounds offer social and outdoor spaces within a secure, closed campus.

Academic Facilities
Academic facilities include the New Building (2014) with a STEM lab and a technology lab for coding and robotics, a 270-seat auditorium, 23 classrooms across three floors, a science lab, a mini-conference room, and a counselor's office. The White Building provides 18 classrooms, a media center, and dedicated music and art rooms. The Administration Building contains the school library and administrative offices. The Preschool buildings provide arts and music rooms and dedicated teaching spaces for younger learners, along with classrooms, play areas, kitchens, and restrooms.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Extracurricular spaces include a 270-seat auditorium with backstage areas for assemblies and performances; dedicated music and art rooms in the White Building and Preschool; two playgrounds in the Preschool; and a central Cafeteria and Campus Grounds with covered walkways for social and outdoor activities.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The Universal College – Aley offers a range of academic enrichment opportunities. Academic Competitions include poetry and writing, with Arabic Reading Contest, Spelling Bees, and Quiz Bowls also featured. Humanities Fair and Science/Math/Technology Fair provide cross‑disciplinary inquiry, and Model United Nations/Model Arab League (local and international) fosters research, debate, and critical thinking.

Arts & Creative
Fine Arts are a core component of student life, including Art, Dance, Music, Drama, and Broadway. Students participate in arts‑based activities and performances and engage with related events as part of the curriculum and school life. The school supports creative expression through these integrated arts experiences.

Cultural & Language
The language of instruction is English for all course work, with Arabic language, Arabic Social Studies, and French Language studies also offered. The school runs Arabic Reading Contests and Book Fairs (English/Arabic) to promote language development. It participates in cultural activities such as AUB Folk Dance Festival and Model United Nations/Model Arab League (local and international).

Social & Hobbies
Social activities include School Parties/Socials and Contests (Spelling Bee, Number Sense, Quiz Bowls). World Reading Day and various literary and quiz‑based events are part of student life. Athletics are active through a Sports Club/ Athletics program including Football, Basketball, and other fitness activities, along with field trips such as Skiing Field Trips and a Spring Travel Excursion for older students.

Leadership & Professional
Leadership opportunities include a Student Advisory Committee that meets monthly and links students, faculty, and staff to sponsor activities and develop leadership and good citizenship. Class representatives from each grade level participate, with senior class officers guiding activities; student elections require maintaining a satisfactory academic and conduct record. The school also lists UCA Honor Societies as part of student leadership and recognition options.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
A full‑time school nurse provides health services on campus, supported by staff trained by Red Cross personnel; health and immunization records are required, and students are insured for school‑sponsored activities. The campus emphasizes safety and well‑being with health policies and supervision during activities. Additionally, physical wellness is promoted through sports, athletics, and outdoor experiences such as Skiing Field Trips and other field experiences, along with after‑school and weekend activities.
Languages

Language Provision
The Universal College - Aley offers an American Curriculum program of studies from KG1 through Grade 12. English is the language of instruction. Arabic is taught from KG1.
Admissions

Admissions
Step 1: The Universal College – Aley is currently accepting applications for KG1 through Grade 12 for the 2026-2027 academic year. The admissions process applies to prospective students and families considering UCA. The Admissions Process page confirms that applications are being accepted for the stated grades and year. The information is presented under the school's admissions policies.
School Events
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