The 2025-2026 academic school year marked the Universal American School’s 50th Anniversary of excellence in education. Founded in 1976, the Universal American School-Kuwait began its tradition of greatness in academics, in athletics and in fine arts. It opened its doors in September 1975 to approximately 300 students. Today we serve a learning community nearing 1800 international learners representing over 45 nations.

At the School’s inauguration, Mr. Abdul Aziz Thunayan Al Ghanim, founder of UAS, stated, “The new Universal American School in Kuwait will hold high the dreams of the future in projecting an image of traditional greatness.” As a non-profit school, UAS-Kuwait serves its mission to educate students in an international environment, to be responsible, productive and ethical citizens within a climate that allows them to acquire essential skills to reason critically, communicate effectively and learn continuously.

Within a 50-year span, UAS-Kuwait has grown to approximately 1750 students and over 350 staff members with a diverse and inclusive international membership. It maintains accreditation from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) an the Council of International Schools (CIS).

MILESTONES DURING THE JOURNEY OF 50 YEARS

1976
  • UAS is established in Yarmouk
  • Abdul Aziz Thunayan Al Ghanim, founder of UAS, states, “The new Universal American School in Kuwait will hold high the dreams of the future in projecting an image of traditional greatness.”
  • Kuwait wins Gulf Cup for the 4th time
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1982
  • Rouhiya Al Ghanem manage UAS
  • Our first graduating class has five boys and one girl
  • Our yearbook is titled “Caravan”
  • Anbar Mallalah Faraj, from the Ministry of Education officially opens our new Library and Chemistry Lab
  • David Tower introduces guitar lessons to our students
  • Students win 64-60 in the first Teachers vs. Students basketball game
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1986
  • Our yearbook is published in color
  • We acquired accreditation from Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
  • National Honor Society establishes a chapter at UAS
  • Our NHS students act as ushers at the graduation
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1987
  • Badminton makes its debut at UAS
  • Joan Khaja joins UAS as a Third Grade teacher, making her the longest standing staff member. She’s currently our Superintendent
  • UAS launches a Computer Club, Chess Club, Debate Society and the Model United Nations
  • Our seniors made up their own mantra “Our shoulders held high, our grip reaches heaven, we are the class of ‘87”
  • Kuwait TV invites our UAS Band for a live performance
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1990
  • UAS Varsity and Junior Varsity Basketball and Volleyball teams win first place in KFSAC tournaments
  • We establish our first Debate Team
  • Our Performing Arts students, performs a comedy called “Hey, Teach!”
  • We inaugurate our new Laboratory Building, under the auspices of Dr. Yaqoub Al Sharah, Assistant Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education
  • Iraq invades Kuwait
  • The Salwa Campus becomes a headquarter for the Iraqi troops
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1991
  • UAS reopens with 291 students
  • Abdul Latif Al Shamali, leads the School as its director, along with Dr. Dale Koch as Principal
  • USA Ambassador, Edward Gunaim, visits UAS
  • We establish the first Parent’s Council
  • Grade 6 students go on a field trip to the Blood Bank
  • We rebuild our Computer Lab with new IBM compatible computers
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1992
  • EMAC and KFSAC reinstates our membership
  • We perform an adaptation of “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas”
  • Our yearbook is titled “Sandprints”
  • Our first post liberation class graduates with 3 boys and 2 girls
  • Our logo changes from Lions to EAGLES!
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1994
  • UAS publishes its first newspaper called The Universal Press
  • MUN hold a flea market for charity
  • Our graduation is at the Le Meridian Hotel
  • Grade 3 students perform a play called “The Pilgrims”
  • Our student body increases to 650 students from 30 countries
  • Our staff increases to 92 teachers
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1996
  • Nora Al Ghanim becomes Administrative Director of UAS
  • We host our Third Annual Model United Nations
  • Middle School performs “The Wiz”
  • Our yearbook is called “The Phoenix”
  • UAS becomes a member of “Roots & Shoots”, an international environmental protection program
  • We start our charity work with a walkathon to raise funds for the construction of a school in Tanzania
  • Sheikh Sabah Al Sabah, who was Minister of Foreign Affairs at the time, gives the commencement speech at our Graduation
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2002
  • UAS celebrates its 25th Anniversary
  • UAS Varsity Soccer team wins KFSAC and ISAC championships
  • Our Advanced Placement Programs expands to include 3 AP Sciences, 2 AP Mathematics, 2 AP English, AP Art and AP History
  • Grade 3 students send letters to pen pals in the United States
  • Nursery kids have a busy year of field trips, visiting The Zoo, the dentist, Salwa Park, Sara Lee Cake Factory and the Fire Station
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2006
  • Kuwait mourned the passing of its Amir, His Highness Sheikh Jaber Al Sabah , and His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah assumed leadership as Amir of the State of Kuwait.
  • UAS moves to Hawalli
  • UAS joins UNESCO’s international educational program, under the Ministry of Education’s auspices
  • Our yearbook is called “The Pearls of Wisdom”
  • Women cast their votes for the first time in Kuwait, in a municipal by-election
  • UAS High School students visit the Parliament
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2011
  • UAS establishes the Alumni Association and hosts its first get together at the Regency Hotel
  • Our NHS students donate KD500 to Bayt Abdulla and visit sick children in Al Amiri Hospital
  • The Library hosts its first “Night at the Library”
  • We establish our Green Ambassador’s Club
  • UAS Kuwait participates in the First Pre-Engineering Design Competition, sponsored by the Ministry of Education in collaboration with Shell Companies, winning a spot in the top three.
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2014
  • UAS launches our Instagram account
  • We introduce the Accelerated Reader Program for our Middle School students
  • UAS students win top five prizes in the Religion and Arabic Language competitions sponsored by the Ministry of Education
  • Author Robin Price visits our School from Authors’ Abroad in the UK
  • UAS Varsity Basketball team wins First place in both Kuwait Schools Activities Association (KSAA) and International School Activities Conference (ISAC) tournaments
  • We collect 1000 books to donate to the American Cooperative School in Tunis
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2016
  • Capstone program becomes part of the High School curriculum
  • NHS introduces the “Random Acts of Kindness” program and raise KD1000 for Leukemia
  • UAS Middle School has its first Student Council elections
  • UAS celebrates 40th Anniversary
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2017
  • The class of 2017 is the largest graduating class with 128 graduates.
  • UAS U14 Girls’ Soccer Team placed 3rd in the KASAC League.
  • Active student participation in INJAZ Camp, fostering entrepreneurship and real-world skills.
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2018
  • The Islamic Culture Competition was held under the supervision of the Ministry of Education’s Private Education and Islamic Affairs Departments.
  • Hosted a UAS Alumni Professional Development Talk, connecting students with alumni insights and real-world career experiences.
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2019
  • UASMUN IV (March 7–9, 2019) welcomed 7 schools and nearly 200 students for dynamic debates, resolutions, and collaboration—an engaging and successful conference.
  • The UAS community mobilized  the Winter Campaign to collect clothing and essential household items in support of families in need, in collaboration with “Fareeq Insan”.
  • The first-ever UAS Parent University Evening engaged parents through informative sessions on MAP testing and ACE accreditation, strengthening understanding of student learning and academic standards.
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2020
  • The emergence of COVID-19 began to impact global education systems.
  • UAS initiated preparedness measures to ensure learning continuity.
  • UAS led all private schools and encouraged them to implement Online Learning during COVID-19 Crisis.
  • The UAS School Owner has been elected as Head of Private Schools Union in Kuwait for 2020-2023.
  • Kuwait mourned the passing of its Amir, His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and His Highness Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah assumed leadership as Amir of the State of Kuwait.
  • First Annual Class Election of Grade 2nd
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2021
  • UAS held a drive-through graduation ceremony in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring a safe yet memorable celebration of student achievement.
  • The UAS community successfully achieved re-accreditation by NEASC and CIS, reinforcing its commitment to continuous improvement and international standards of excellence in education.
  • The UAS initiated the Health and Safety Committee and Guidelines which also guided other schools’ implementation towards Safety and Security.
  • UAS is distinguished by being the only school in Kuwait following ACE pathway.
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2022

• Full return to in-person learning with enhanced academic support programs
• Expansion of extracurricular activities including sports and arts

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2023
  • Introduction of upgraded STEM and robotics initiatives
  • UAS students won INJAZ, demonstrating excellence in entrepreneurship and innovation.
  • UAS community led educational awareness initiatives supporting children in Gaza, raising 2,200 KWD donated to the Kuwait Red Crescent.
  • UAS Eagles crowned KASAC U14 Academic Games Champions 2023, showcasing outstanding knowledge and teamwork.
  • Strong performance in Model United Nations (MUN), with Best Resolution Award and Honorable Mentions earned by UAS students.
  • Bankee Financial Literacy Program is offered to the Elementary School in collaboration with National Bank of Kuwait.
  • The UAS School Owner has been elected as Head of Private Schools Union in Kuwait for 2023-2026 for the second time.
  • Employee Self Service System is implemented.
  • Kuwait mourned the passing of His Highness Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, followed by the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah as Amir of the State of Kuwait.
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2024
  • Outstanding AP results were achieved in Chemistry, Physics 1, and Calculus for 2023–2024, reflecting the dedication of UAS students and teachers
  • Hosted a memorable Alumni Ghabga Night, bringing together past and present UAS community members
  • UAS is a founding member of Gulf Athletics & Activities Conference (GAAC)
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2025
  • First school in Kuwait to implement “Distraction Free Learning” – banning all mobile phones and smart watches
  • Proud recipient of the Al Nowair Award recognizing positive school culture and student wellbeing initiatives
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2026
  • UAS celebrates its 50th anniversary, marking five decades of excellence in education
  • Successfully implemented and managed online classes ensuring continuity of learning during US/IRAN War
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