Among international schools in Bahrain following the American model, Al Hekma is one of the longer established names, having opened in 1985. It teaches a United States style curriculum from Pre-school to Grade 12 and adds the IB Diploma in the senior years, a combination that gives families both a recognised American high school diploma and the option of the international Diploma. This profile sets out what GlobalSchoolGuide Editorial has verified about its curriculum, fees, admissions and location.
We are independent and no school pays to be listed, so this is a reference for relocating parents rather than promotion. Where a detail could not be confirmed, we mark it as not published.
At a glance
Curriculum and academics
Al Hekma teaches the American curriculum, a standards based United States programme that runs from Pre-school through to Grade 12 and leads to an American high school diploma. The school describes its approach as flexible in how material is taught and assessed, and it begins preparing students for university from the start of high school, with several pathways through the senior grades. Teaching is in English throughout.
In the senior years the school adds the IB Diploma Programme as an alternative route, so older students can choose between the American diploma and the international Diploma depending on their university plans. Accreditation by the Middle States Association and Cognia, both recognised United States bodies, gives the diploma standing with American and international universities. For the wider market, our roundup of the best American schools in Bahrain places Al Hekma against its peers.
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Al Hekma International School fees
Al Hekma International School fees sit in the mid band for Bahrain, more affordable than the newest premium campuses but in line with the established American schools. The school publishes a current schedule each year and tuition rises with each stage, with the senior high school and IB Diploma years the most expensive, so confirm the live figures with the admissions office before you budget rather than relying on a figure found second hand.
- Registration: a one off application or registration charge
- Deposit: a place deposit on acceptance to confirm enrolment
- Examination entry: IB Diploma entry fees and standardised testing in the senior years
- Extras: the school bus, uniform, lunches and trips
Admissions
Al Hekma admits for a September start in line with the Bahraini academic year, and considers applications through the year where places exist. Admissions reviews previous school reports and sets assessments suited to the year group, with the senior grades weighed against the high school diploma and IB Diploma courses. English readiness matters given the English medium curriculum.
Demand is steady across the school, with the early years and the move into high school the busiest entry points. Register early for sought after year groups and ask about occasional places if you are relocating outside the standard cycle.
Location and who goes there
Al Hekma sits on the Sanad and Adliya side of Manama, a central part of the capital well served by road and within reach of the residential districts where many Bahraini and expatriate families live. A central location keeps the daily commute manageable, which is a practical consideration on an island where most journeys converge on the capital.
The community is a mix of Bahraini families and expatriate households drawn by an American education and a recognised United States diploma, with the IB option widening its appeal to internationally mobile families. For the full landscape of districts, curricula and fees across the island, see the Bahrain city hub.
Reviews
We do not yet have verified parent reviews for Al Hekma International School. GlobalSchoolGuide is independent and no school pays to be listed, so we publish reviews only once we can confirm they come from real families. If your child attends or has attended Al Hekma, we would value your first hand account. Share your experience through the school reviews hub and help the next relocating family decide with better evidence.
Frequently asked questions
How much are Al Hekma International School fees?
Al Hekma International School sits in the mid band for Bahrain. Tuition rises with each stage and is highest in the senior high school and IB Diploma years, and the school publishes a current schedule each year. Registration, a deposit and extras such as transport sit on top, so confirm the live figures with admissions.
What curriculum does Al Hekma teach?
Al Hekma teaches an American curriculum from Pre-school to Grade 12, leading to a United States high school diploma, and adds the IB Diploma Programme as an alternative route in the senior years. Teaching is in English throughout.
Is Al Hekma International School accredited?
Yes. Al Hekma is accredited by the Middle States Association and Cognia in the United States, is authorised for the IB Diploma, and is licensed by the Bahrain Ministry of Education.
When was Al Hekma International School founded?
Al Hekma was founded in 1985, making it one of the longer established American curriculum schools in Bahrain.
Does Al Hekma offer the IB?
Yes. Alongside the American high school diploma, Al Hekma offers the IB Diploma Programme in the senior years, so students can choose the route that best fits their university plans.
