MORE than 80 per cent of students affected by the closure of a private school in Hidd have already been transferred to other schools, with the remaining students expected to complete the move smoothly, it has been revealed.
Strategic Thinking Bloc spokesman MP Khalid Bu Onk welcomed the Education Ministry’s decision to terminate the licence of the American Creativity Academy (ACA Bahrain), saying the move was taken to protect students and parents from greater disruption.
The school, as reported exclusively in the GDN this week, closed following a request from its investors because of financial difficulties. It offered American and International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes, and shut its doors suddenly ahead of the start of the new academic year ( 2026-2027).
MP Bu Onk said the Strategic Thinking Bloc was closely following up and monitoring the situation, stressing that the ministry’s decision was ‘sound and appropriate’ and came in the best interests of students and their parents. He said the school had not commenced full operations for the new academic year, with fewer than 200 students registered.
The American Creativity Academy in Hidd
According to Mr Bu Onk, the investors sought closure after encountering financial difficulties and were required by the Education Ministry to first refund all fees collected from families.
He explained that the ministry also required the school to close before the beginning of the new academic year, rather than leaving students and parents facing uncertainty after classes had started.
“The ministry’s decision was taken to protect the interests of students and parents and to prevent them from being left in a difficult situation in the middle of the academic year,” explained Mr Bu Onk.
He revealed that after the investors complied with the ministry’s conditions, the closure process was completed and arrangements were made to transfer students to alternative private schools. “Around 80 per cent of the students have already been transferred to other private schools, while work is continuing to complete the transfer of the remaining students smoothly and without problems,” he said.
Its sudden closure caused concern among families who had paid fees as instructed and had made arrangements for their children to attend by buying uniforms, books and arranging transportation. “It was shocking,” one father told the GDN, “my son was really looking forward to meeting up with all his school friends as well as the teaching staff.
“Fortunately, we have got him into another school where he at least knows one other child from out-of-school activities, so, hopefully, it will not feel so daunting.”
As reported, several private schools stepped in to accommodate affected students, with at least one school offering payment facilities to families facing difficulties meeting new admission-related costs after having already paid the closed academy.
Area councillor Mohammed Al Meghawi has called for clearer legislation governing the closure of private educational institutions, arguing that families and employees should not be exposed to uncertainty when schools encounter financial difficulties.
As well as the pupils, he was very concerned about the welfare of the teachers and support staff suddenly finding themselves out of work.
Mr Al Meghawi said the latest case demonstrated the need for a proactive framework setting out the procedures that must be followed before a private educational institution closes.
“There must be a clear mechanism for protecting students and employees, particularly Bahraini employees, and ensuring that the closure of any educational institution does not suddenly disrupt their lives,” he said.
He called for a structured process for transferring students to alternative schools, while ensuring parents receive adequate notice and clear information about fees, refunds and other financial obligations immediately.
“The stability of students and employees must remain a priority. Families should have a clear and swift pathway to transfer their children without disrupting their education, while employees should have their rights protected under the applicable legislation,” Mr Al Meghawi said.
Mr Bu Onk, however, rejected suggestions that additional legislation was needed. He pointed out that Parliament had already passed legislation governing private educational institutions during the previous legislative term, giving the Education Ministry wider powers and access to detailed information about schools’ financial positions.
“There is no need for additional legislation in this regard. The existing law is comprehensive, and it has enabled the ministry to obtain detailed reports on the financial situation of educational institutions and take the appropriate decisions within its powers,” he said.
Mr Bu Onk praised Education Minister Dr Mohammed Mubarak Juma and ministry officials for their handling of the case, saying the priority had been to protect students and ensure their education continued with the least possible disruption.
A misleading screenshot from the ACA Bahrain’s website yesterday
The Industry and Commerce Ministry has confirmed that ACA Bahrain’s commercial registration remains valid, pending submission of a request for liquidation.
ACA Bahrain was established this year as an international school serving students from Pre-Nursery to Grade 12. Its annual fees ranged from BD1,688 to BD5,118. It replaced Beacon Private School and was described on its website as being part of Kuwait-based Sama Educational Company.
The GDN has offered the school, its board of governors and its owners the opportunity to comment.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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