18 New Independent Schools to open in 2007-08

Advancing the cause of comprehensive education reform, the Supreme Education Council will open 19 new independent schools in the academic year 2007-08, bringing the total number to 65. At a press conference held on Wednesday February 14, 2007, the Education Institute Director, Sabah Al-Haidous announced the names of all the new operators and group IV independent schools scheduled to begin operation in September 2007.

The number of the independent schools currently in operation reached 46, covering all K-12 stages - from kindergarten to secondary school. The first group of independent schools began operation in the academic year 2004-05 and included 12 schools. The second group of schools opened in the academic year 2005-06 and included 21 schools. In the current academic year 2006-07, the third group of independent schools began with 13 schools. Group IV independent schools are scheduled to begin operation in the academic year 2007-08.