For families comparing international schools in Bahrain that follow the American model, ASB is one of the newest and most talked about options. It opened its doors in September 2020 on a purpose built campus in North Riffa and, despite its youth, was awarded the highest Outstanding rating by the Bahrain Education and Training Quality Authority, one of the fastest schools on the island to reach that grade. 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 fact could not be confirmed, we mark it as not published.
At a glance
Curriculum and academics
ASB teaches a standards based American curriculum, designed around United States benchmarks and delivered in English, leading to an American high school diploma. The school holds accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and the Middle States Association, two recognised United States bodies, which gives the diploma standing with American and international universities. Its Outstanding rating from the Bahrain Education and Training Quality Authority, achieved within its first few years, signals consistent provision across the school.
The campus was built for the purpose, with modern teaching, sport and arts facilities, and the school runs an early years programme it calls Head Start through to the high school grades. For the wider market and how ASB sits against the established American schools, our roundup of the best American schools in Bahrain provides the context.
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American School of Bahrain fees
| Stage | Annual tuition |
|---|---|
| Head Start | BHD 2,900 |
| Grade 1 | BHD 4,900 |
| Grade 7 | BHD 6,820 |
| Grade 12 | BHD 8,980 |
Source: American School of Bahrain (asb.bh). US curriculum with IB DP in Grades 11 to 12. Excludes transport and exam fees. Fees are the most recent published figures and exclude one-off costs such as registration, deposits and capital levies. Always confirm current fees directly with the school.
American School of Bahrain publishes its fees, which place it in the mid to premium band for the island. The school lists annual tuition running from around 3,145 Bahraini dinars at the lower grades to roughly 7,200 dinars at the top of the school, with an application fee of 75 dinars and a registration fee of 200 dinars, and a separate charge for the Head Start early years programme. Schools revise fees each year, so treat these published figures as a guide and confirm the current schedule with admissions before you budget.
- Application: a one off application fee, listed at 75 Bahraini dinars
- Registration: a registration fee, listed at 200 Bahraini dinars
- Tuition: billed annually, rising with each grade through the school
- Extras: the Head Start early years programme, the school bus, uniform and trips
Admissions
ASB admits for a September start in line with the Bahraini academic year, and operates an apply now process through its admissions office for places across the grades. Admissions reviews previous school reports and sets assessments suited to the year group, with English readiness important given the English medium curriculum. The early years and the entry grades fill first.
As a newer school still growing its roll, ASB can often consider mid year applications where space allows, which helps families relocating outside the standard cycle. Enquire early about the year group you need and confirm the current assessment requirements with the school.
Location and who goes there
ASB sits in North Riffa, close to the Bahrain National Stadium, on a purpose built campus in one of the island's larger residential areas. Riffa is popular with Bahraini and expatriate families alike, and the location gives reasonable access from the central and southern parts of the island, though families in the far north should factor the drive into the daily routine.
The community is a blend of Bahraini families and expatriate households drawn by a modern American campus and a recognised United States diploma, including families relocating for work in the kingdom. 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 American School of Bahrain. 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 ASB, 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 American School of Bahrain fees?
ASB publishes its fees in the mid to premium band, with annual tuition running from around 3,145 to 7,200 Bahraini dinars depending on grade, an application fee of 75 dinars and a registration fee of 200 dinars. Schools revise fees yearly, so confirm the current schedule with admissions.
When did American School of Bahrain open?
American School of Bahrain opened in September 2020 on a purpose built campus in North Riffa, making it one of the newer schools on the island.
Is American School of Bahrain accredited?
Yes. ASB holds accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and the Middle States Association in the United States, and was rated Outstanding by the Bahrain Education and Training Quality Authority within its first few years.
What curriculum does American School of Bahrain teach?
ASB teaches a standards based American curriculum in English, leading to a United States high school diploma, with an early years Head Start programme through to the high school grades.
Where is American School of Bahrain located?
ASB is in North Riffa, near the Bahrain National Stadium, on a purpose built campus with reasonable access from the central and southern parts of the island.
