Principal’s Message

Dear UAS Families,

Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year! A new academic year opens the door to endless possibilities, and we are thrilled to partner with you as we watch our students learn, stretch, and achieve extraordinary growth.

This year holds special significance across our grade levels:

• Our Seniors (Grade 12): We are eager to guide our rising seniors through their final year of high school as they prepare to step confidently into the world ahead.
• Our Freshmen (Grade 9): We recognize that entering high school is a major milestone, and we are fully committed to supporting our 9th graders through a smooth, successful transition.

As I step into my 29th year as an educator and my fourth year as High School Principal at Universal American School, my core priority remains unchanged: fostering safe, welcoming spaces where every student feels valued, supported, and connected.

Throughout my career—serving as a teacher, department head, vice principal, and principal—I have seen firsthand how critical the high school years are to a young person’s academic and personal development. Having lived in Kuwait for over two decades and raised my own children here, I hold a deep appreciation for the vibrant culture, rich diversity, and unique perspectives that our families bring to our campus.

Universal American School is far more than a building; it is a community fueled by collaboration, trust, and a shared passion for growth. Alongside our exceptional faculty and staff, I am dedicated to offering an inspiring educational environment that empowers our students to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Educational excellence thrives on strong partnerships. I encourage all parents and guardians to stay engaged, communicate openly, and join us actively in this journey. Your involvement is essential to creating the best possible experience for our young learners.

Thank you for being such an integral part of our community. Here is to an inspiring and rewarding year ahead!

Sincerely, 

Laura Divine

High School Principal 

Universal American School

 

Vice Principal’s Message

 

Dear UAS Community,

It is with great excitement and gratitude that I welcome you to another school year at Universal American School. My name is Miriam Hourani, though many know me as Miya Hourani, and I am honored to continue serving our community as the High School Vice Principal for the second year.

Whether you are returning to UAS or joining our family for the first time, welcome. As we begin this new year together, we remain committed to fostering a learning environment built on respect, purpose, and opportunity. At UAS, we believe every student has the ability to grow, contribute, and achieve, and we are dedicated to supporting each learner as they discover their strengths and pursue their goals.

To our students, this year is an invitation to challenge yourselves, embrace new experiences, and approach each day with determination. Success is not measured solely by grades, but by your willingness to think deeply, ask questions, persevere through challenges, and learn from every experience. Each decision you make and every effort you invest will shape not only your achievements, but also the character and resilience you carry beyond the classroom. Remember that you are never alone on this journey, and our faculty, staff, are here to support you every step of the way.

To our parents and families, thank you for the confidence you place in us. Your partnership is one of the greatest strengths of our school community. By maintaining open communication and working together with a shared commitment to student success, we create a community for every child to flourish both academically and personally. We look forward to celebrating milestones together and supporting our students through every challenge and accomplishment.

As we embark on this new academic year, I encourage each of us to embrace the opportunities that lie ahead with optimism, purpose, and a commitment to excellence. I am excited to see the accomplishments, relationships, and memories that this year will bring, and I look forward to celebrating the growth of every member of our High School community.

Wishing you all a successful and fulfilling school year.

 

Warm regards,

Miriam Hourani, M.Ed

High School Vice Principal

Universal American School