FAQ’s
Frequently Asked Questions?
This is a list of some of the questions that we are most often asked. For any other questions, please write to info@albassamschools.com
1. When do Al-Bassam Schools accept student applications? Do Al-Bassam Schools accept applications during the school year?
Al-Bassam Schools have rolling admissions which allows students to enter our Schools at any time during the year. Students applying to Al-Bassam Schools after the first six weeks of school must demonstrate that they have been enrolled elsewhere during the current academic year. For more information about our admissions process, contact the Admission office on info@albassamschools.com
2. What does Al-Bassam Schools Assessment include?
The entrance assessment evaluates grade readiness and is age appropriate. Pre-K applicants will meet with the Early Childhood personnel for an interview style assessment which will last approximately 30 minutes. KG1 and KG2 students are assessed using Developmental Indicators for the Assessment of Learning. This interview assessment will last approximately 1 hour. Grade 1 to 8 students are assessed using Measure of Academic Progress (MAP), while Grade 9 to 12 students are assessed using Stanford 10. Both of these assessments are an untimed computer generated progress assessment. The assessments include sections on science, language usage and mathematics.
- Do Al-Bassam Schools offer discounted tuition for some nationalities?
Al-Bassam Schools do not offer discounted tuition or fees to any nationalities. All nationalities pay the same tuition and fees based upon the grade level they are entering.
- What is the class size at Al-Bassam Schools?
The class size in our schools is no more than 20 students.
5. What are the nationalities of Al-Bassam Schools teachers?
There are more than 17 different nationalities of Al-Bassam Schools Teachers.
6. Do Al-Bassam Schools provide school bus transportation?
Al-Bassam Schools offer bus transportation for most districts in Dammam and Khobar and ensure student safety. For more information, contact us on bschools@bassamgroup.com
7. What are Al-Bassam Schools hours?
Administrative offices are open from 07:00 AM to 2:00 PM Sunday through Thursday. For school timings for students please contact our admissions office.
8. Do Al-Bassam Schools students wear school uniforms?
Al-Bassam Schools have a student “dress code.” We believe that students need to feel comfortable and confident at school in order to do their best. Accordingly, students should dress with modesty and decorum in order to avoid making other students feel uncomfortable, and in keeping with the traditions and customs of Saudi Arabia. Please contact us for specific guidelines regarding dress code and required Wellness, Health and Fitness Uniforms (sport clothes) for KG2 to Grade 12.
9. Do Al-Bassam Schools offer extra-curricular activities?
Al-Bassam Schools students have the opportunity to be involved in a wide variety of activities through the “After School Activities” (ASA) program. Students may enroll in activities in a variety of subjects such as athletics, computers and arts, etc. In addition, there are a wide variety of clubs that offer service opportunities and develop leadership skills including Student Councils, Model United Nation clubs, and science club. Finally, we have an extensive sport program, giving students a myriad of opportunities to travel and play sports.
- What qualifications are teachers required to possess?
Typically, we recruit teachers who have a valid teaching certificate and at least two years of teaching experience. Beyond that, we are looking for teachers who are highly motivated and well-qualified, are interested in expanding their own learning as well as that of their students, and are willing to take on important responsibilities outside of the classroom to improve the educational experience of our community. Further, we ask our teachers to model the characteristics of a global citizen as they interact with our community.
- When do new teachers begin work?
Teachers work according to annual contract, with new teachers arriving in August to participate in an orientation program. They are set aside for professional learning and classroom preparation before students return in the beginning of the first semester. Some changes to this schedule can be expected due to Islamic holidays and other scheduling conflicts.