Foreign schools in Kuwait start early, others begin in September

• Foreign schools educate over 255,000 students across all levels. There are 585 private schools, including 426 foreign and 159 Arab institutions.

• The start of school hours in foreign schools varies from one institution to another, as these schools follow the academic calendars of their respective countries.

As the new academic year 2024/2025 begins this morning at some foreign schools, institutions like Canadian Bilingual and British International start in the last week of August. In contrast, many schools commence their term in early to mid-September, reflecting the variation in school calendars, the Al Jarida newspaper reported.

159 Arab schools serve around 100,000 students

In this context, educational sources confirmed to Al Jarida newspaper that the number of students in foreign schools across various systems exceeds 255,000, including those in all three school stages as well as kindergarten. They also noted that there are 585 private schools, comprising 426 foreign and 159 Arab institutions.

The sources stated that the start of school hours in foreign schools varies from one institution to another, as these schools follow the academic calendars of their respective countries. They noted that student activities today are limited to some Indian and Pakistani schools, while Canadian Bilingual School and British International School students will start on September 1.

Additionally, it was pointed out that the American Academy School will begin for Riyadh and primary stage students on the 27th, with middle and secondary students starting on the 28th.

Sources stated that schools with the Arab system follow the Ministry of Education’s academic calendar, with students starting on September 16 and 17. Meanwhile, teachers and administrative staff begin their work on September 8. The number of students in Arab schools is approximately 100,000.

Ensuring schools meet standards for a safe learning environment

In addition, the sources indicated that the General Directorate of Private Education is monitoring private schools to ensure they are prepared and equipped to provide a suitable educational environment for students. This oversight is conducted through observers of the study stages in special education, as well as school administrators appointed by the Ministry of Education, who manage the school stages in special education institutions. This process is carried out in coordination with officials appointed by the school owners.