AMERICAN SCHOOL OF BAHRAIN
- AN OUTSTANDING ACCREDITED PREMIUM SCHOOL
About The School
With a 60,000 square meter state-of-the-art campus and a capacity of 1200 students, American School of Bahrain (ASB) is the home to one of the most advanced K-12 learning environments in Bahrain. Located in Riffa, near the Bahrain National Stadium, the premium American international preparatory school opened its doors in September 2020. With a challenging standards-based, US curriculum designed to meet the highest standards of international education, ASB offers graduates pathways to the world’s top universities and prestigious careers.
ASB has been established in Bahrain by Esol Education, the world’s largest operator of high-quality international American schools, in a joint venture with Elm Education Fund (Elm), a Bahrain-based education platform backed by Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company (Mumtalakat), the country’s sovereign wealth fund. Elm establishes and co-invests in world-class educational institutions in partnership with leading global operators.
ASB follows Esol Education’s 45-year tradition of establishing exceptional schools worldwide, with certified, professional and caring educators, experienced leadership and world-class facilities. The school aims to facilitate innovation, academic excellence, international-mindedness and happiness, fostering students who will be leaders within their communities and beyond.
State-of-the-Art Campus
Centrally located in Wadi Al Buhair, in North Riffa near the Bahrain National Stadium, American School of Bahrain’s campus has been designed in line with the latest educational research and modern pedagogical standards.
Naturally lit classrooms and open spaces encourage collaboration, project-based learning and interactive teamwork, while state-of-the-art connectivity and seamless technology integration optimize our learning environment for modern teaching. High-quality sports facilities offer ample opportunities for students to develop their physical skills and adopt a lifelong love of wellness.
Being constructed on a spacious 17-acre plot easily accessed from the main highways, with plenty of parking for parents and visitors, the ASB campus is designed for convenience and safe accessibility for our community.
ASB’s campus includes technology-enabled classrooms, STEAM Labs and maker spaces. Our multi-level library is equipped with the latest digital resources, serves as a research space and learning hub, while art studios, music rooms and performance spaces build visual and performing arts skills. Our athletics complex comprises a swimming pool, large indoor gymnasium, basketball courts, regulation-sized soccer field and a 400-meter track.
Accreditations & Memberships
Middle States Association Of Colleges & Schools (MSA)
The Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA) accredits all of Esol Education’s U.S. curriculum schools. Recognized by the United States Department of Education, MSA is among the premier accrediting associations in the world and has been accrediting colleges and schools in the United States for over a century. Esol Education and MSA have a 30-year relationship and MSA currently accredits eight Esol Education schools.
Western Association of Schools & Colleges (WASC)
The Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACS WASC), a world-renowned accrediting association and one of the six regional accrediting agencies in the United States, works closely with the Office of Overseas Schools under the U.S. Department of State. ACS WASC provides assistance to schools worldwide, especially in California, Hawaii, Guam, Asia, the Pacific Region, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe.
American School of Bahrain Achieves Historic ‘Outstanding’ Rating from BQA
American School of Bahrain has achieved a major milestone in the Kingdom’s education sector after being awarded an “Outstanding” rating by the Education & Training Quality Authority (BQA). The achievement is particularly significant as ASB has been operating for only five years, making it one of the youngest schools in Bahrain to receive the highest possible rating across all assessed areas.
The BQA’s rigorous evaluation framework measures school performance across four key aspects: Academic Achievement, Personal Development and Social Responsibility, Teaching, Learning and Assessment, and Leadership, Management and Governance. ASB earned an “Outstanding” rating in every category, reflecting its consistent pursuit of excellence and high educational standards.
The BQA’s “Outstanding” rating is reserved for institutions that demonstrate exceptional performance and impact across all evaluated aspects. This distinction places ASB among the top educational institutions in Bahrain and reinforces its growing reputation within the local and international education community.
Welcome to Our Community
As a community of learners, we work together to prepare young people for tomorrow’s world through a holistic and stimulating curriculum, challenging our students with high expectations, and providing them with exciting and engaging learning experiences both in and out of the classroom. An exceptional education is, at its core, built on relationships.
Collectively we strive to provide an educational environment where each graduating student has developed the skills to think independently, to respect themselves and those around them, to have a passion to make the world a kinder and safer place and to think critically and creatively. We hope that our diverse programs will help them build compassion, resilience and an understanding of their role in a rapidly changing world.
Dave McMaster
Director
Our Mission, Vision & Statement of Respect at ASB
At American School of Bahrain, our mission is to provide a challenging American and international education that inspires students to pursue their passions, achieve their goals and become responsible global citizens.
Our vision is to be a happy and vibrant learning community known for its love of learning, excellence in education, and service to its community and beyond.
ASB is a respectful and inclusive community, proud of our diversity and mindful of the many cultures that make up the fabric of our school. We are privileged to be hosted in the Kingdom of Bahrain and are committed to upholding Bahraini values by providing our students with authentic and meaningful interactions with the rich culture and heritage of Bahrain.
Our Pillars at ASB
As a member of the American School of Bahrain educational family, you will have the opportunity to experience and bring alive the central pillars that drive our journey to educational excellence.
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Academic success is at the center of everything we do at ASB. We follow a student-centered, inquiry-based approach to support every student’s academic journey. Each student arrives with his or her strengths and needs, and will be challenged and supported by our experienced staff. We will create shared expectations between students and the school to strive for personal growth and academic excellence.
It is extremely important at ASB that we design experiences of happiness for our students and our staff. Happiness should not be an afterthought and should be the first step in everything we do.Happy students learn more efficiently, while happy staff are more engaged, more motivated and more likely to truly inspire their students. Staff and students should feel comfortable with experimentation and risk-taking, within reason. This environment makes it much more likely that students will find and pursue their passions.
Having a mindset where innovation is embraced by all members of the ASB community allows us to be comfortable expecting the unexpected. This inspires students to be creative, curious and to constantly experiment with new concepts. The world is changing at a rapid pace and we owe it to our students to apply new ideas regularly in an effort to put our mission into practice. The more students are allowed to experiment, to explore, to create and innovate, the more confident they will become as learners.
The world has become a much smaller place and as an international school it is vital we stress the importance of being an internationally minded person. This focus helps students to work in harmony not only with their own peers, but with students around the world. Most of our graduates will eventually work in a global environment and reinforcing the importance of developing respect, compassion and empathy will better prepare them for success in this rapidly changing and shrinking world. Opportunities to travel and explore different cultures and learning a new language are ways which ASB will support students in their quest to be internationally minded.
To enable students to become well-rounded and balanced citizens it is important to provide opportunities for those students who have a passion for the arts and athletics. There is ample research that supports the benefit of an extensive and enriching extracurricular program beyond the traditional classroom. Students who participate actively in the fine and performing arts and/or athletic pursuits are more successful academically, socially and are more likely to find balance in their educational journey.
At ASB, we value leadership. Leadership in the community can take on many forms and may look different depending on the age of the students. The school practices invitational and distributed leadership based on the belief that all students have the potential for growth and development and that everyone has a different profile for leadership. This is modeled and shared by the adults in the building as well as older students with younger students. Shared leadership and community leadership demonstrates our mutual respect and trust for each other and the community.
Meet the Leadership Team
Founding Director, Dave McMaster
Dave McMaster, Founding Director, American School of Bahrain brings to the Esol Education team over 30 years of K-12 education experience, largely in leadership positions in Canada, Hong Kong, and Bahrain.
Joining the organization in September 2018, Dave oversaw the construction of the school and led the founding team during its pre-opening years. He was proud to open the doors at ASB in September 2020. Under his leadership the school has grown six-fold in its first two years of operation.
Dr. Juan Saavedra - Middle & High School Principal
Dermot McGlade - Middle & High School Vice Principal
Dermot McGlade was born and raised in Ireland and is an experienced teacher, athlete, and father. Driven by progress, he takes pride in providing the best education possible. He has taught across a wide range of grades, from ages 5 to 12, in various subject areas. He first experienced the pleasure of international teaching in Qatar and is now in Bahrain, where he works at ASB alongside his wife; their daughter also attends this fabulous school.
With a Master’s in Education from the University of Ulster, he seeks to guide students through their transformative learning processes and encourage them to become leaders in their own learning. He has a passion for mathematics and physics, is an avid reader, and enjoys a variety of sports, board games, and puzzles.
Katrina Bloom - Early Childhood / Elementary Principal
Katrina Bloom joins as the Elementary Principal at the American School of Bahrain (ASB) with over 15 years of experience in international education, including schools in her home country Canada, Spain, China, the UAE and now Bahrain.
She holds a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the University of New Brunswick, a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, and a Bachelor’s degree in Languages. Katrina is passionate about education. She champions putting people first and creating student-centered learning experiences that nurture each child’s unique potential.
As an elementary principal, she is deeply committed to fostering engaging and vibrant learning environments that empower every student, nurture holistic development, and instill a lifelong love for learning. Outside of school, she loves exploring new cultures and cuisines. She looks forward to bringing her passion for education and her commitment to fostering meaningful connections to ASB.
Tamas Simon - Early Childhood / Elementary Vice Principal
Tamas Simon brings over 25 years of international education experience across Japan, Germany, the UAE, and Bahrain, including his previous role as Upper Elementary Coordinator at ASB. Originally from Hungary, Tamas holds a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Policy and is passionate about building positive school cultures where students feel safe, challenged, and inspired to grow.
He believes strongly in high-quality, evidence-informed teaching, meaningful professional collaboration, and building authentic relationships across the school community. His approach to leadership is grounded in the belief that excellent schools combine high expectations with happiness, curiosity, and a genuine sense of belonging. A father of three girls and a lifelong musician, Tamas enjoys playing several instruments, sports, travel, and spending time with his family.
Dr. Nour Abuateyh - Vice Principal of Arabic Language and Culture
Dr. Nour Abuateyh possesses a solid educational background with over seventeen years of experience in teaching and leadership roles within the educational sector. She earned her Master of Education in Management, Leadership, and Policy from The British University in Dubai, followed by a PhD in Educational Leadership and Policies from Eton University.
As an experienced educator, Dr. Nour is skilled in the International Baccalaureate (IB), and she serves as an Arabic Assessments Designer and Consultant. Additionally, she is recognized as an IB workshop and program leader, contributing to the development of innovative teaching practices.
Dr. Nour previously held the positions of Head of Language Acquisition and as a Senior Educational Supervisor in Dubai. Her dedication to education and leadership has made a significant impact on the institutions and students she has worked with.
Radia Ali - IBDP and Accreditations Coordinator
Radia Ali brings over 18 years of distinguished experience in International Baccalaureate education, combining strategic leadership roles as Head of Department, Vice Principal, and Director of Quality Assurance with a passion for teaching IBDP Economics and Business Management.
Beyond the classroom, she is a recognized expert in quality assurance, having successfully guided schools through rigorous accreditation processes with BQA, MSA, and WASC, as well as IB programme authorizations, strengthening both institutional performance and reputation.
In her teaching, Radia creates vibrant learning environments where curiosity is sparked, ideas are explored confidently, and students are empowered to take ownership of their learning. By blending mentorship with collaborative strategies, she equips young people to become self-directed, globally minded individuals. Her work extends beyond academic results, focusing on cultivating curiosity, resilience, and the essential skills for thriving as thoughtful, responsible citizens in an interconnected world.
Michael Balo - Athletic & Activities Director
Michael Balo has been an international educator for 28 years. He worked in Hong Kong, Thailand, and Vietnam and has been involved in sports and activities his entire career.
Michael is passionate about giving students as many opportunities as possible and he firmly believes that ECAs are the second half of education.
Experience American School of Bahrain
American School of Bahrain (ASB) is a learning community dedicated to providing a world-class international education and inspiring intercultural understanding. At ASB, our mission is to provide a challenging American and international education that inspires students to pursue their passions, achieve their goals and become responsible global citizens.
Every student at ASB is greeted with a smile. Our commitment is to educate the whole child, and we recognize that the academic and emotional growth of each student is dependent on their happiness and confidence. In keeping with this approach, we take the pastoral care of students seriously.
The adults at ASB are wholly attuned to the wellbeing of our students, and we work in partnership with parents to ensure a positive educational experience. As you walk through the hallways and classrooms at ASB you will feel the warmth and energy that is pervasive throughout the campus. We pride ourselves on keeping the smile factor high so that every child feels a sense of belonging in a safe and welcoming environment.
Academics at American School of Bahrain
We promote the values of brave curiosity and diligent effort as the keystones of helping students flourish as learners in their pursuit of academic excellence.
Our coursework, from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12, provides meaningful and challenging opportunities for both individual and collective achievement. We empower students with the desire and the means to reach their highest potential. We provide students with want students to be able to take a question that’s really compelling in the world or in their lives, and have many tools with which to answer it.
Our Early Childhood Program in Pre-KG and KG1 follows the research-based American Creative Curriculum®.
Our KG-12 standards-based American curriculum follows the AERO (American Education Reaches Out) standards set by the Office of Overseas Schools, part of the U.S. State Department, also aligned with the Common Core State Standards, utilizing a cross curricular approach.
Early Childhood & Elementary School at ASB
When our early childhood and elementary students arrive at school we want them to be happy, engaged, and eager to interact with friends and teachers from around the world. They will have ample opportunities to develop an understanding of essential concepts, skills, knowledge and attitudes at an age appropriate level.
From a very early age we want them to develop confidence in their abilities, learn to think independently, question, express their opinions and respect the opinions of others. We place emphasis on the development of the whole child in all areas of learning and we support and nurture students in their social and emotional development as well as in their creative, linguistic, sporting and academic programs.
Students will be actively involved in authentic learning across all curriculum areas reflecting on their learning and becoming critical thinkers who develop an ability to take action where required.
Muzdawaj Dual - Language Program at ASB
ASB offers Dual Language Program, Mozdawaj for Pre-KG, KG1 and KG2 students. This program is a groundbreaking initiative immersing students in both Arabic and English where we implement a co-teaching model that empowers your child to communicate in a truly bilingual and culturally rich environment. The Dual Language Program students will have the option to continue this program.
Our Early Childhood Program takes pride in offering a unique dual language experience that immerses children in both Arabic and English. Following the Ontario Kindergarten Program, as well as the AERO Common Core Plus Curricular Standards for English, Science, and Math in KG2, we provide a comprehensive educational foundation.
Children begin their language journey in a fun and immersive environment, unlocking proficiency in both English and Arabic. They engage in culturally enriching activities, from traditional music to storytelling, developing a deep understanding and appreciation for diverse perspectives.
We seamlessly integrate Ontario and Common Core curricula into our Elementary School, ensuring a smooth transition and laying a strong foundation for future academic success. Your child will be ready to embrace the opportunities that a multilingual and multicultural world offers.
Contact Our Admissions Team Today
Middle School at ASB
The middle school years are a time when students are transitioning from children to their adolescent years. It is both an exciting and challenging time for students and the adults in their lives and a time for increased independence in learning.
We provide a challenging and creative program to meet the demands of high school while continuing to inspire a love of learning. Our programs provide a framework that encourages students to embrace and understand the connections between traditional subjects and the real world, and to become critical and reflective thinkers.
The middle years is a time when adolescents begin to formalize their opinions and thoughts about their education. They are exploring who they are and where they fit into the grand scheme of things.
They yearn for an increased level of independence in their decision making which requires us, as educators and parents, to guide them along this journey with patience, understanding and sometimes, a sense of humour.
High School at ASB
Education is more than the accumulation of knowledge, and at ASB learning is a process of discovery and transformation through pursuing individual passions and encountering new ways of viewing the world. Our academic programs provide rigor and challenge as well as depth, breadth and variety across all disciplines.
Our aim is to fully prepare our students for higher education and life after high school so that they can attend leading universities in Bahrain and around the world. Students will have choices in an array of academic areas as well as the arts, sports, and a wide variety of extracurricular offerings that provide them with enriching experiences and opportunities.
All of our high school programs are designed to address the intellectual, social, emotional and physical wellbeing of students. Although the academic rigor increases for students as they make their journey through high school, we provide a warm, inviting environment and a pastoral program to allow students to balance their lives and continue their love of learning.
High School students are engaged in focused activity, honing skills to serve them throughout life. They grapple with moral questions through English, history, Islamic religon courses. They embody a playwright’s idea by acting it out. They understand technology by writing code. They converse in Spanish or French.
High School students engage in music and the arts, volunteer work, varsity sports, and preparation for college admissions. They publish. They plan and present. They share who they are becoming with the world. It is a very full life, yet marked all the while with moments of peaceful, reflective insight. What better way is there to prepare for what comes next?
Curriculum Overview at ASB
The Creative Curriculum®
The Creative Curriculum® establishes a basis for excellence in literacy, mathematics, science and social studies through the expert approach of inquiry and hands on learning. This curriculum encourages a love of learning, instills critical thinking, curiosity and creativity while also providing a holistic education that focuses on the development of social skills.
This US based pre-school curriculum was designed from the features of curriculum effectiveness published by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and the National Association of Early Childhood Specialists in the US Department of Education.
The curriculum utilizes learning approaches that focus on inquiry and project based learning. The program ensures a smooth transition for students into the next phases of their learning.
Based on 38 objectives for development and learning, the curriculum includes progressions that identify widely held expectations for children of particular ages or grades. When children enter kindergarten, their learning has already been focused on the skills that are essential for success in the Common Core Standards.
At American School of Bahrain, our Early Years Program follows the Creative Curriculum® as well as AERO Common Core Plus Curricular Standards for Science and Math.
Project AERO | Common Core Plus
American Education Reaches Out (AERO) is a project supported by the United States Department Office of Overseas Schools, which establishes an implementation framework for international American schools which offer a standards-based U.S. curriculum.
Aligned with the Common Core State Standards and Next Generation Science Standards, AERO is considered to be “Common Core Plus,” providing an “enduring understanding, essential questions and learning progression.”
At American School of Bahrain, our U.S. curriculum from Elementary School to High School is based on AERO | Common Core Plus standards.
The IB Diploma Programme®
American School of Bahrain offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). IB World Schools share a common philosophy, a commitment to high-quality, challenging, international education- that we believe is important for our students.
IB programs, taught in more than 4000 schools globally, encourage academic rigor, deep inquiry and relentless curiosity to develop students to be caring, courageous risk takers and critical thinkers.
An IB education inspires young people to become lifelong learners, using their energy, conviction and positivity to engage with increasingly complex and interconnected global challenges. It teaches children and students that each one of us is responsible for the rest of us, and this understanding is a necessary basis for progress toward a more just and peaceful world. The IB vision is to foster open and enlightened minds, and the IBO has done this successfully for five decades.
The IB takes a truly holistic approach to education and is the best educational preparation for students who seek to continue their education in colleges and universities around the world.
All IB programs are driven by a commitment to multilingualism and international-mindedness, and to action through service in the student’s own community and beyond. The IB encourages the curiosity inherent in every child, developing a love of learning, an attitude of constant questioning and a hunger for knowledge and understanding.
Key Information at a Glance
Established
Year
2020
Educational
Curriculum
IB American Curriculum
BQA
Rating
Outstanding
(MAR 2025)
Age
Groups
3 Years To 18 Years
School
Grades
Pre-KG - Year 12
Fees
Structure
Click To View
Parent Testimonials
Open Day Event
Open DAY EVENT ALERT
REGISTER TODAY
Join ASB’s Open Day on Monday, February 2nd, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.
Explore ASB’s dynamic learning environment from Pre-KG to Grade 12, where curiosity, creativity, and excellence thrive. Learn about our curriculum pathways, from Early Childhood to American and IB diplomas, enriched with Arabic, cultural studies, sports, activities, and leadership programs such as Model United Nations and the National Honor Society.
Admissions at American School of Bahrain
There are few decisions parents have to make as important as the education of their children. Choosing the right school for your child takes time and energy, and at ASB we are here to help you with this process. Our admissions team is dedicated to supporting you from the moment you walk into our school until your child is registered and ready to start their educational journey at ASB.
ASB is open to students of all nationalities who demonstrate the potential to benefit from the challenging American and international curriculum and programs offered by the school.
ASB is a Pre-KG to Grade 12 American and international college preparatory school, offering a standards-based US curriculum.
Please browse through our website to gain a better understanding of our academic and extracurricular offerings, our progressive, state-of-the-art facilities, as well as our philosophy, mission and vision.
We would love to have you visit us in person or you can contact us to make an appointment.
Contact Information & Details
- The American School of Bahrain
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Address : Building 1528, Road 3429, Block 934
Riffa Al Shamali, Kingdom of Bahrain - Tel Landline : +973 17211800
- Website : www.asb.bh
- Working Hours : Sunday to Thursday
- Timings : 7:30 a.m.– 4:00 p.m
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