Parent's Review of Al Bayan Bilingual School in Hawalli, Kuwait

What is the name of your child's school? (Please report on one school per survey.)

Al Bayan Bilingual School

In what town or city is this school located?

Hawalli

How would you describe this school? (i.e. American, British, International, Local, etc.)

American Curriculum

What grade levels are represented at this school?

Grade 5-12

How do most children get to school everyday? (bus, train, walk, etc.)

The majority of students are either driven to school by a parent or a private driver. Some students are transported by bus.

How would you describe the facilities at this school? What extra-curricular activities are available?

The Middle/High School campus will soon be replaced as construction is underway. The school has several computer labs, a library, a gym and a theatre. In addition, it has two music rooms and two art rooms. It has a small soccer pitch and several basketball courts. Many after-school programs are offered to BBS students. After-school clubs, a homework clinic, and a host of activities planned by student council provide plenty of oportunities for the students.

What has this school done to help your child transition from the curriculum in your home country into the curriculum in your new country? Are there programs to prepare your child for repatriation?

The school curriculum is based on an American curriculum. The school is bilingual, with most speaking arabic and English. Given that it is bilingual, the overwhelming majority of students are arabic speakers. Special programs are developed to meet the needs of any student who is not able to take part in the arabic program. Having said that, this school best serves bilingual students.

How would you describe the social activities available for parents through this school? Are there parent-teacher organizations?

There is a very active PTA that plans a number of events during the school year. The PTA conducts a number of fundraisers each year and supports a number of scholarships. The PTA supports a number of charity organizations in addition to a number of social gatherings for teachers.

What advice would you give to someone considering enrolling their child in this school?

Al Bayan Bilingual school is a great place to learn if you are bilingual. Teachers and adminstrators have an open door policy so parents are always welcome to visit. It has a demanding curriculum and high standards and expectations. English continues to a be a focus of both the MS and HS and the introduction of Writers Workshop is a great example of this committment to excellence. If your goal is to get your child into a good university and provide them with a solid education, then BBS is one option you might want to consider!