Cities / Kuwait City / The Universal American School
The Universal American School
UAS is a non-profit co-educational American-curriculum school that has operated from Block 212, Mousa Bin Nassir Street in Hawalli since 1975. Around 1,800 students from 60+ nationalities attend from Nursery to Grade 12; the school holds CIS and NEASC accreditation…
In brief
A long-standing American college-preparatory school in Hawalli with strong international community feel and curriculum flexibility in the senior years.
UAS opened in 1975, was occupied during the Iraqi invasion, and reopened in 1991 under the same family ownership. Around 1,800 students from a wide spread of nationalities, accredited by MSA and CIS. The senior school splits into two pathways in Grades 11 and 12: AERO/AP for the American track, or full IB Diploma. The 2024 IB cohort averaged 34 points with 40 percent above 35.
Families speak warmly about the inclusive community and a recent leadership refresh, and praise the teaching team. The honest pushback you hear is on curriculum depth in maths and history at certain grades, and on staff turnover that has affected continuity. Strong choice for families who want American flexibility plus an IB option in one school, with eyes open about year-to-year variance in specific departments.
Fees
| Fee | Age | Type | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nursery (KG1) | 3 | Annual | KWD 2,265 |
| KG2 | 4 | Annual | KWD 2,125 |
| KG3 | 5 | Annual | KWD 2,636 |
| Grades 1-4 | 6 | Annual | KWD 3,527 |
| Grades 5-8 | 10 | Annual | KWD 3,738 |
| Grades 9-12 | 14 | Annual | KWD 3,954 |
| Application fee (non-refundable) | One-time | KWD 65 |
Reviews
- Public signal is mostly teacher-side rather than parent-side.
- The school is described as well known and probably among the better Kuwait options, but teachers also warn that Kuwait international schools can bring difficult student behaviour and lifestyle constraints.
- Curriculum fit comes up in teacher discussion, with an AP pathway seen as less aligned for an IB-focused teacher.
Head of school
Mrs. Joan Khaja
Mrs. Joan Khaja is the Superintendent of the Universal American School in Kuwait. She joined UAS in 1987 as a Third Grade teacher, making her the longest-standing staff member at the institution. Over her extensive tenure, she has served in various leadership roles, including Acting Superintendent, before becoming the Superintendent. She holds a Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree. Under her leadership, the school emphasizes academic excellence and a "One Team, One Mission" approach to student safety and well-being, recently implementing a "Distraction-Free School" policy for mobile devices.
Accreditations
- New England Association of Schools and Colleges 01
- Council of International Schools 02
Academic results
- AP Exams 2023 26% scored 3 or above