American School of Bahrain
ASBPart of Esol Education, Founded 2020
Updated July 2026
Accreditations
Languages
The American School of Bahrain is a Pre-KG to Grade 12 American international college preparatory school that provides a holistic, standards-based education. It is a joint venture between Esol Education and the Elm Education Fund, part of the Mumtalakat portfolio.
Term structure
Teaching approach
The school aims to provide a challenging American and international education in a happy, accepting environment that inspires students to pursue their passions and become responsible global citizens. It prioritizes a 'smile index' as a barometer for success, fostering a culture of mutual respect, happiness, and high expectations. The school values a growth mindset, encouraging students to embrace persistence, risk-taking, and learning from mistakes.
Programmes
The school offers a standards-based American curriculum from Pre-KG to Grade 12, primarily following AERO (American Education Reaches Out) standards aligned with the Common Core. The Early Childhood program utilizes the Ontario Kindergarten Program for Pre-KG and KG 1, and AERO standards for KG 2. In Grades 11 and 12, students have the option to pursue the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). The curriculum integrates STEAM, project-based learning, and design thinking across subjects.
Outcomes
The school is recognized as an 'Outstanding' school by the Bahrain Education and Training Quality Authority (BQA). Graduates from the Esol Education network, of which the school is a part, have matriculated to top-tier universities worldwide, including Harvard, Stanford, Oxford, Yale, MIT, and Columbia University.
Student support
Learning support
The school emphasizes a growth mindset and provides a nurturing environment where teachers work to create engaging and inspiring learning experiences. It maintains an inclusive atmosphere where staff build personal connections with students to support their individual needs and academic success.
Frequently asked questions(5)
- What curriculum does American School of Bahrain offer?
- American School of Bahrain offers US Common Core, AERO, Ontario Curriculum and IB Diploma.
- How much is tuition at American School of Bahrain?
- Annual tuition at American School of Bahrain is BHD 2.9K–BHD 9K. Fees vary by year group — confirm the current schedule with the school.
- Is American School of Bahrain a day or boarding school?
- American School of Bahrain is a day school.
- What accreditations does American School of Bahrain hold?
- American School of Bahrain holds accreditations including Middle States Association, WASC and IB.
- Where is American School of Bahrain located?
- American School of Bahrain is an international school in Al Muharraq, Bahrain.
Tuition & fees
Annual tuition by grade
2025-2026| Grade | Ages | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Head Start | 2–3 | BHD 2.9K |
| Pre-KG | 3–4 | BHD 3.3K |
| KG 1 | 4–5 | BHD 4.7K |
| KG 2 | 5–6 | BHD 4.8K |
| Grade 1 | 6–7 | BHD 4.9K |
| Grade 2 | 7–8 | BHD 5.3K |
| Grade 3 | 8–9 | BHD 5.3K |
| Grade 4 | 9–10 | BHD 5.7K |
| Grade 5 | 10–11 | BHD 5.7K |
| Grade 6 | 11–12 | BHD 6.8K |
| Grade 7 | 12–13 | BHD 6.8K |
| Grade 8 | 13–14 | BHD 6.8K |
| Grade 9 | 14–15 | BHD 7.9K |
| Grade 10 | 15–16 | BHD 7.9K |
| Grade 11 | 16–17 | BHD 9K |
| Grade 12 | 17–18 | BHD 9K |
Other fees(4)
| Application fee· Per student, non-refundable. Reduced from the registration fee of accepted students. | BHD 75 |
|---|---|
| Registration fee· Due upon accepting the school’s offer of a space. Application fee of BHD 75 will be reduced from this, making the net registration fee payable BHD 225. Non-refundable. | BHD 300 |
| Deposit· 10% of the total annual tuition fee to be paid within ten (10) days of issuance of the acceptance letter in order to secure a place. Deducted from the annual tuition fee upon enrolment. Strictly non-refundable except under specific relocation conditions. | — |
| Deposit· Required in term 2 to reserve a place for the next academic year. | — |
Discounts
- Sibling discount: 10% - 15%
Admissions
The school welcomes students of all nationalities who demonstrate the potential to benefit from its challenging American and international curriculum. The admissions process is supported by a dedicated team, and prospective families are encouraged to contact the school to arrange a visit or begin the enrollment process. Applications are currently being accepted for the 2026-2027 academic year.
Calendar
The school operates on a Sunday to Thursday schedule. Pre-KG hours are 7:50 a.m. to 12:50 p.m., KG 1 hours are 7:50 a.m. to 1:50 p.m., and KG 2 through Grade 12 operate from 7:50 a.m. to 2:50 p.m. The school's administrative working hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Facilities
About the campus
Located on a 17-acre campus in North Riffa, the school features naturally lit classrooms, STEAM labs, maker spaces, and a multi-level library. Athletic facilities include a 25-meter swimming pool, an indoor gymnasium, basketball courts, a regulation-sized soccer field, and a 400-meter running track. The campus also provides a cafeteria and over 200 parking spaces.
Co-curriculars
The school offers a diverse range of after-school activities, including sports, performing arts, and student leadership opportunities. These programs are designed to help students develop skills and interests outside the classroom. Additionally, the school engages in outreach and service learning initiatives.
- Dave McMasterFounding Director
Dave McMaster is the Founding Director of the American School of Bahrain, bringing over 35 years of K-12 education experience in Canada, Hong Kong, and Bahrain. He led the school's founding team and oversaw its construction and opening in 2020, emphasizing a school culture based on mutual respect and his "smile index" barometer for success. He holds degrees from Queen's University and a Master of Arts in Education Leadership from San Diego State University.
- Dr. Juan SaavedraMiddle & High School Principal
Dr. Juan Saavedra is the Middle & High School Principal, with 33 years of educational experience, including 20 years as a high school principal. He has worked internationally in Colombia, the UK, Kuwait, China, and the Ivory Coast, and is an experienced IB educator and accreditation team member.
- Katrina BloomElementary Principal
Katrina Bloom is the Elementary Principal at the American School of Bahrain, bringing over 15 years of international education experience from Canada, Spain, China, the U.A.E., and Bahrain. She holds a Master's degree in Educational Leadership from the University of New Brunswick and is committed to fostering student-centered, vibrant learning environments.
- Casey BuchelerEarly Childhood Principal
Casey Bucheler is the Early Childhood Principal with over 30 years of experience in the field, having worked in numerous countries including New Zealand, Thailand, Qatar, and China. She has extensive experience with the IB PYP and Reggio Emilia approaches and serves as an IBEN member and PYP Evaluation Leader.
- Dermot McGladeMiddle & High School Vice Principal
Dermot McGlade is the Middle & High School Vice Principal, originally from Ireland, with experience teaching across a wide range of grades and subject areas. He holds a Master’s in Education from the University of Ulster and is passionate about mathematics, physics, and guiding students through their transformative learning processes.
- Dr. Nour AbuateyhVice Principal of Arabic Language and Culture
Dr. Nour Abuateyh is the Vice Principal of Arabic Language and Culture, holding a PhD in Educational Leadership and Policies from Eton University and a Master of Education from The British University in Dubai. She is an experienced educator, IB workshop leader, and Arabic Assessments Designer with over seventeen years of experience in teaching and leadership.
- RADIAH AliIBDP and Accreditations Coordinator
Radiah Ali is the IBDP and Accreditations Coordinator, bringing over 18 years of experience in International Baccalaureate education. She has held strategic leadership roles including Head of Department, Vice Principal, and Director of Quality Assurance, and is an expert in guiding schools through accreditation processes.
More international schools in Al Muharraq
- Hawar International SchoolIGCSE, IB Diploma
- St. Christopher's School, BahrainNational Curriculum (England), IGCSE, Cambridge A-Level
- The British School of BahrainNational Curriculum (England), IGCSE, Cambridge A-Level
- Al Hekma International SchoolIB Diploma, Advanced Placement
- Ibn Khuldoon National SchoolIB PYP, IB MYP, IB Diploma
- Al Rawabi SchoolIGCSE, IB Diploma
US Common Core
Ontario Curriculum
IB Diploma
Middle States Association
WASC