About the school

What curriculum does Alia follow?

Alia follows an American curriculum, combined with the Bahrain Ministry of Education syllabus for Arabic, Islamic Studies, and Social Studies. The school is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), and also holds the Inclusion Quality Mark (IQM) and ASDAN accreditation.

What ages does Alia teach?

Alia teaches from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12, so from age three through to graduation at age eighteen.

Is Alia an inclusive school?

Alia teaches every child as an individual, whatever their starting point. The school has a dedicated Learning Support section for children with diagnosed learning needs, and a Learning Support team that works alongside class teachers throughout the school. Families seeking specialist provision are welcome to enquire through a dedicated route.

What language is instruction in?

English is the primary language of instruction across the American curriculum. Arabic and Islamic Studies are taught in Arabic by specialist teachers. Most students at Alia are Arab, and Arabic sits at the heart of the school, not on the side.

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Admissions

How do I apply?

Start with an initial enquiry, ideally after visiting the school. The full application process is set out on our Admissions Process page and typically runs across six stages, from initial enquiry to enrollment.

When should I apply?

We accept applications throughout the year, and admit students at any point where places are available. Most families apply between January and April for the following academic year. Popular year groups fill early, so applying in good time is sensible.

Do you have a waiting list?

Yes, for year groups where demand exceeds capacity. A place on the waiting list does not guarantee admission, but families are notified as soon as a place becomes available.

Is there an entry assessment?

Yes. Every child completes an age-appropriate entry assessment before joining Alia. This is not a test to pass or fail. It helps us understand your child’s current level and plan the right support and challenge from their first day.

What documents do I need to apply?

Typical documents include a completed application form, your child’s ID or passport, recent school reports, any diagnostic or educational psychology reports, immunization records, and a recent photograph. The full list is confirmed at application stage.

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Fees and finances

How much are the fees?

Fees vary by year group. The full fee schedule is available on our Fees page or on request from the admissions team.

Do you offer scholarships or financial assistance?

The school reviews financial assistance requests on a case-by-case basis. Please contact admissions to discuss your situation.

What is included in the fees?

Tuition fees cover the academic program and standard school activities. Additional costs may apply for uniforms, textbooks, school trips, and after-school activities. A full breakdown is available with the offer letter.

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Daily life

What are school hours?

School hours vary by year group. Nursery runs 8:00 to 12:30. KG1 runs 8:00 to 12:45. KG2 runs 8:00 to 1:00. Grades 1 to 6 run 7:45 to 1:40 Sunday to Wednesday, and 7:45 to 1:15 on Thursday. Grades 7 to 9 run 7:45 to 2:00 Sunday to Wednesday, and 7:45 to 1:30 on Thursday. Grades 10 to 12 run 7:45 to 2:30 Sunday to Wednesday, and 7:45 to 1:30 on Thursday.

Do you have a school uniform?

Yes. The uniform is worn from Kindergarten through Grade 12. Details are set out in the student handbook and provided at enrollment.

Do you provide transport?

Information about transport arrangements is confirmed at enrollment. Please contact the admissions team for current details.

What extracurricular activities do you offer?

Alia offers a range of co-curricular and enrichment activities across sport, the arts, and academic clubs. The current offering is set out on our Co-curricular page and varies year to year based on interest and staffing.

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Learning support

Does Alia accept students with learning needs?

Yes. Alia has more than twenty years of experience supporting children with a wide range of learning needs, and a dedicated Learning Support team that works alongside class teachers throughout the school. Families seeking specialist provision should enquire through the Learning Support enquiry route so the first conversation is with someone who understands what you are asking.

What kinds of learning needs can Alia support?

The Learning Support team has experience across specific learning difficulties, attention difficulties, speech and language needs, autism spectrum differences, sensory processing needs, and the emotional and behavioral challenges that often accompany them. Support is always planned around the individual child, not the diagnosis. Whether Alia is the right school for your child is a conversation we have honestly, both ways.

Is there an additional fee for learning support?

Fees for specialist learning support depend on the level of support required and are discussed with families at the admissions stage.

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Visiting the school

Can I visit before applying?

We strongly encourage it. A visit is the single best way to know whether Alia is the right place for your child. Contact admissions to arrange a time.

Can my child visit too?

Where possible, we arrange for your child to spend a short time in a class of their own age group during your visit. This is not part of the assessment. It is a chance for them to see the school for themselves.