Universal College-Aley

Universal College - Aley (UCA) has served families in Lebanon since 1907, making it one of the country's longest-established international schools. UCA joined the Esol Education network in 1992 and offers an American curriculum from Early Childhood through Grade 12.

Founded in 1907 on the slopes of Mount Lebanon, Universal College - Aley has more than a century of history. Esol founder Walid Abushakra served as Director from 1969 to 1975, before establishing the first Esol Education school in Kuwait. After closing during the Lebanese Civil War, UCA was restored and reopened by Esol in 2000.

UCA serves a close-knit community in Aley, with generations of families connected to the school and a strong sense of continuity between its heritage, values and learning environment.

Situated in the hillside town of Aley, UCA serves students from Kindergarten through Grade 12. Its dual curriculum, the American Diploma and the Lebanese Baccalaureate, gives families the flexibility to choose the pathway that best suits their educational goals. UCA is the only school in the Aley Region approved to offer an American Diploma program.

UCA is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA), most recently reaccredited in 2025, and licensed by the Lebanese Ministry of Education.

CONTACT DETAILS

Aley, Mount Lebanon
T: +961 5 556 665
E: uca@universalcollege.edu.lb
www.universalcollege.edu.lb

Key Facts

Connection to Esol: From 1969 | Reopened as Esol school: 2000

Founded: 1907

Location: Aley, Lebanon

Curriculum: American Diploma | Lebanese Baccalaureate

Grades: KG-12

Accreditations: MSA (reaccredited 2025) | Lebanese Ministry of Education licensed

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