International schools in Riyadh are diverse and offer a range of curricula to cater to the needs of expat children. Some of the most popular international schools in Riyadh are accredited by international organisations such as the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). These accreditations ensure that the school follows a rigorous academic program and maintains high standards of education. Schools also offer a variety of extracurricular activities, such as sports, music and art, to provide a well-rounded education.
In addition to the academic and extracurricular offerings, many international schools in Riyadh also focus on the holistic development of students. They aim to nurture a strong sense of cultural awareness and social responsibility in their students, encouraging them to become global citizens. Schools also promote leadership and teamwork skills among students through various projects and initiatives. Parents can expect that their children will receive an education that not only focuses on academic excellence but also prepares them for their future roles as responsible citizens of the world.
It is important to note that tuition and admission policies can vary significantly among international schools in Riyadh. Some schools may have long waiting lists or may require students to take entrance exams. It is recommended that parents research and contact schools directly to understand their specific policies and requirements.
Here is a list of some of the best international schools Riyadh has to offer:
International schools in Riyadh
American International School
The American International School – Riyadh (AIS-R) offers an enriched American curriculum that integrates global perspectives and caters to students from Pre-K to Grade 12. The school holds accreditations from both NEASC and CIS, ensuring high-quality education. AIS-R is also authorised to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. With over 50 nationalities represented, the school fosters a diverse, inclusive community that inspires students to think critically and communicate effectively. AIS-R graduates are accepted to top colleges and universities worldwide. nterested families are encouraged to check the school's admissions page for further details on the application process and criteria.
Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: American, International Baccalaureate
Ages: 3 to 18
Website: www.aisr.org
Dome International Schools
Dome International Schools, established in 2016, offers a wide range of standardised and recognised programmes and services for the Riyadh community. With a diverse community of students from more than 36 nationalities worldwide, Dome is the largest British Council and College Board Testing Centre partner in Riyadh, and an exclusive IELTS preparation and examination centre. As the largest international school in Riyadh, Dome provides comprehensive curricula for both American and Cambridge education systems, with the language of teaching being English. Incorporating diversity is crucial for Dome's ethos, and its objective is to improve the quality of education by using advanced technologies.
Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: American, Cambridge IGCSE and A-Levels
Ages: 5 to 18
Website: dome.edu.sa
Downe House Riyadh
Downe House, with over 100 years of experience, offers a tailored education combining the best of British education with respect for Saudi Arabia's culture and language. The all-female faculty provides a safe and caring environment for pupils aged 3 to 18. Boys and girls are welcome in Pre-Prep and Lower Prep, while Upper Prep and beyond are reserved for girls. Downe House nurtures children through the core values it calls the Downe House DNA. The school encourages the development of these skills in every aspect of a student's academic and personal life.
Gender: Co-educational in Pre- and Lower Prep, Girls-only from Upper Prep
Curriculum: UK National Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE and A-Levels
Ages: 3 to 18
Website: downehouseriyadh.com
Makers Learning School Riyadh
Makers Learning School (MLS) is an international school in Riyadh that offers early childhood and elementary programmes developed using well-researched American curricula that have proven to be successful. The school focuses on literacy growth, project-based learning, and provides students with resources and support in the areas of social and emotional development. MLS embraces its Arab identity by offering a comprehensive Arabic language and culture programme and prepares its students for success in a global context by providing them with a nurturing and creative learning environment.
Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: American
Ages: 18 months to 10 years
Website: www.mls.com.sa
Reigate Grammar School Riyadh
Formerly known as the Multinational School (MNS), Reigate Grammar School (RGS) Riyadh is a British international school that teaches students from Kindergarten to Year 13. Although RGS Riyadh is relatively new to the city, having opened in September 2020, it is partnered with the renowned Reigate Grammar School in the UK.
Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: National Curriculum for England, Cambridge IGCSE and A-Levels
Ages: 3 to 18
Website: reigategrammar-riyadh.com
SEK International School Riyadh
SEK International School Riyadh is a new member of the prestigious SEK Education Group, which has over 130 years of experience in international education across five countries. SEK-Riyadh welcomes students from Pre-K to Grade 7 and is going through the authorisation process for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) and a candidate-status school for the Middle Years Programme (MYP). The school embraces the SEK Future Learning Model, which focuses on student learning and staff professional development, and provides a welcoming international community with a longstanding track record of providing top-quality international education to its students.
Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: International Baccalaureate
Ages: 3 to 11
Website: sek.sa
Expat Health Insurance
Cigna Global
If you’re thinking about taking out private health insurance, our trusted partner Cigna Global is very aware of all the difficulties that expats can face when it comes to healthcare in a new location, so they have created a range of international health insurance plans specifically designed for expats, which you can tailor exactly to the needs and ensure access to quality care for you and your family.
Moving Companies
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