High School

Hello and welcome to the American International School Kuwait High School Division. If you are new to AIS this year, we look forward to getting to know you. If you are returning to AIS, welcome back! We are excited for the 2023-2024 school year to begin. 
 
At the high school level, we focus on continuous improvement for our students and staff. We embrace the AIS mission to inspire our students to be responsible and adaptable world citizens who retain their cultural values while persevering in the face of new challenges. As the past few years have demonstrated, we cannot know how and when these challenges will present themselves, but we are confident that our students will rise to meet them. A key component to ensuring our students are prepared for the challenges of tomorrow stems from the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme. The IB programme is recognized around the world as the most academically rigorous and socially balanced curriculum available to students. AIS has been recognized as an IB World School since 2007- 2008. As an IB World School, AIS offers the full IB programme from the Early Childhood (EC) years to the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and continues in the middle and high school years as the Middle Years Programme (MYP). For our high school students, the MYP supports their transition from middle school into grades 9 and 10. Participation in the MYP ensures that students are well-prepared to continue their rigorous academic pursuits in the full Diploma Programme (DP) in grades 11 and 12. Last year, 90% of our graduating seniors completed one or more IB courses and most of our seniors are full diploma candidates. Many of our graduating seniors receive university credit and/or advanced placement in college coursework based on their strong performances on the IB exams. These are positive trends we hope to continue to expand. 
 
While we highlight the importance of academics, we also recognize that high school is much more than just what happens in the classrooms. We encourage students to explore a new interest or develop a passion through participation in our robust Athletics, Activities and Arts programs. Whether students choose to participate themselves or want to support their friends and classmates by attending a band or choir concert or a JV volleyball game, we welcome them. We encourage all our students to be fully involved in the AIS community. The IB Programme emphasizes social engagement and artistic pursuits in addition to core academics, and AIS is proud to support these endeavors as well. 
 
We understand that the IB programme is rigorous and demanding. We also know that high school is a time of exciting growth and stressful changes. In addition to strong parent and family support, our students benefit from a highly competent team of professional educators. Our dedicated teachers come from around the world and engage in ongoing, quality professional development to improve instructional practices. Our experienced counseling department provides personalized college and career planning, academic counseling, and social-emotional support. Our administrative team and program coordinators are available to students and parents to answer any questions or concerns. Please reach out to any of us if we can provide any information or assistance. The entire AIS high school staff values strong relationships with our students so we can support them as they navigate through their high school years. 
 
We are proud to be the best school in Kuwait and we are glad you have joined the Lions team
 
Traci Dougherty
High School Principal