Kuwait Schools Reopen: Essential Guide For 481,511 Students
Kuwait's public and private Arabic schools officially commenced the 2026–2027 academic year on Sunday, 13 September 2026, introducing a staggered start schedule and unified school hours. The transition affects a total of 481,511 students, comprising 391,604 in government schools, 86,762 in private Arabic schools, and 3,145 in religious education.
- Staggered start schedule and unified school hours introduced for 481,511 students.
- New school timings authorized by Education Undersecretary Dr. Khaled Al-Rasheed on 9 September.
- Ministry of Interior deployed 870 security and traffic patrols to manage morning traffic.
Academic Schedule By Grade
The academic schedule for the new term is staggered by grade level: Grade 1 students began classes on 13 September, while remaining primary, intermediate, and secondary students are scheduled to start on Monday, 14 September. Kindergarten students will begin their classes on Wednesday, 16 September.
Newly Approved School Timings
Newly approved school timings, authorized by Education Undersecretary Dr. Khaled Al-Rasheed on 9 September, are as follows: Kindergarten operates from 7:15 am to 12:05 pm; Primary from 7:15 am to 1:25 pm; Intermediate from 7:30 am to 1:40 pm; Secondary from 7:45 am to 1:55 pm; and Secondary courses (Masarat) from 7:30 am to 2:15 pm.
Traffic Management And Safety
To manage the morning traffic surge, the Ministry of Interior has deployed 870 security and traffic patrols, including 520 from security directorates, 200 from traffic units, and 150 from emergency police. Additionally, authorities are utilizing 338 traffic cameras and 258 intersection cameras to monitor major roads and school zones. The public is advised to contact the 112 emergency hotline for assistance. Parents are encouraged to utilize designated pedestrian crossings and allow extra travel time for drop-offs. While these regulations apply to public and Arabic schools, officials noted that international and private English-medium schools may operate under different calendars, and families are advised to verify individual school schedules. Sources for this update include the Kuwait Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Interior, the Kuwait Times, and the Arab Times.