A kid’s education is the most important aspect of their lives, as it puts them on the right track towards being independent, successful, and skillful. That’s why every parent should put their kid’s education as a priority and work hard to ensure the little ones get proper guidance into adult life.
Being the capital and one of the most modern cities in Saudi Arabia. Riyadh certainly doesn’t lack good education options for kids. It has some of the best international schools in the country, which parents appreciate, as international schools are more welcoming to diverse cultures and nationalities.
Not to mention, their curriculums focus on the development of kids in all fields and are suitable for expats who don’t want their kids’ education to be all Arabic, like national Saudi Arabia schools.
While choosing a school is a critical decision that only parents should get to take, this article will help guide you toward the best schools for your kids. We’ve compiled a list of international schools in Riyadh and their curriculums, so keep on reading!
List of International Schools in Riyadh
Here’s a compilation of the best international schools in Riyadh for your kids. Note that they aren’t listed in order.
- Saud International School
- SEK International School Riyadh
- American International School Riyadh
- British International School Riyadh
- Al Faris International School
- Downe House Riyadh
- Reigate Grammar School Riyadh
- The Learning Caravan International School
- Makers Learning School International
- Dome International School
- Al Forsan International School
- One World International School
- Advanced Learning School
- Qimam El-Hayat International School
- Aldenham Prep Riyadh
- Al-Yasmin International School
- Khaled International School
- Al-Rowad International School
- King’s College Riyadh
- École Française Internationale de Riyad
1. Saud International School
Saud International School is among the most elite schools in Riyadh, and it provides a healthy and encouraging environment for little kids and guides them in all fields of life. Its curriculum is British starting from Grade 6, but before that, kids learn some subjects the American way.
The school provides many utilities for kids and ensures their safety with around-the-clock surveillance and security members. It also boasts air-conditioned rooms, playgrounds, science and computer labs, and libraries.
- Curriculum: British
- Language of Instruction: English
- Ages: 3-18
- School Fees: 20K to 32K Saudi Riyals annually
- Location: Saud International School Hamdan Street, Sulaimaniyah, Riyadh Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
2. SEK International School Riyadh
With over 100 years of experience in the educational field and multiple branches around the world, SEK International School ranks high among other schools in Riyadh. It follows the IB curriculum, which teaches kids according to worldwide standards and facilitates transfers from one international school to another, making the school a top choice for expats who move a lot.
The school campus has many luxurious facilities like sports halls, learning hubs, creativity hubs, atriums, and play areas.
- Curriculum: International Baccalaureate
- Language of Instruction: English
- Ages: 3-13
- School Fees: 46K to 71K Saudi Riyals annually
- Location: Al Toq, Ar Rabi, Riyadh 13315
3. American International School Riyadh
American International School Riyadh encourages kids to be independent and strong and work on changing their society for the better. It focuses on communication between different communities to cultivate open-minded and sociable graduates, making it ideal for kids from different nationalities or cultural backgrounds.
The school teaches two curriculums, IB and American, in over 130 classes. Our favorite part about it is that it educates kids from the age of 3 to 18, making it a suitable choice for people who want to settle in Riyadh for a lifetime.
- Curriculum: American and IB
- Language of Instruction: English
- Ages: 3-18
- School Fees: 43K to 108K Saudi Riyals annually
- Location: Prince Saud Ibn Abdullah Ibn Jalawi, Al Arid, Riyadh 13332
4. British International School Riyadh
British International School Riyadh guarantees its students high-quality learning by sending teachers to train on the curriculum in the UK. On top of that, aside from its British curriculum that meets the highest standards of schools in the UK, it provides kids with fun extracurricular activities to help them develop their characters.
The school is home to more than 1,000 students from over 50 nationalities around the world, and it has multiple campuses to accommodate kids’ needs.
- Curriculum: British
- Language of Instruction: English
- Ages: 3-18
- School Fees: 46K to 104K Saudi Riyals annually
- Location: 2786 Ibrahim Mubarak Said Ad Dusari، 7693, Riyadh 13241
5. Al Faris International School
Al Faris International School has a main mission to nurture kids in a healthy and ethical environment and to help them develop in all fields of life. It teaches American and IB curriculums from ages 4 to 18, and it’s home to more than 20 nationalities.
The school includes a playground, library, cafeteria, spacious classrooms, well-prepared science labs, computer labs, and a large swimming pool.
- Curriculum: American and IB
- Language of Instruction: English
- Ages: 4-18
- School Fees: 37K to 45K Saudi Riyals annually
- Location: Abi Saad Ibn Muhammad, At Taawun, At Taawun, Riyadh 12476
6. Downe House Riyadh
Downe House Riyadh has one mission, to give students access to the most acclaimed universities around the world through high-quality education and preparation. It provides education for girls and boys till year 4. After that, it accepts girls only, making it an ideal choice for people with religious and cultural backgrounds.
The school is home to several libraries, science labs, atriums, music studios, and a swimming pool. It teaches the British curriculum, and all subjects are taught in English.
- Curriculum: British
- Language of Instruction: English
- Ages: 3-18
- School Fees: 52K to 92K Saudi Riyals annually
- Location: Abi Alhasan Alhsry, Al Aqiq, Riyadh 13511
7. Reigate Grammar School Riyadh
Reigate Grammar School Riyadh prepares students both academically and personally and helps them develop sociable, intellectual, and open-minded characters. The school accepts boys and girls and teaches the British curriculum according to international standards.
Each class takes a maximum of 23 students to ensure a healthy and calm environment for learning. Besides classes, the school has equipped science labs, language rooms, various sports courts, a library, and a spacious eating area.
- Curriculum: British
- Language of Instruction: English
- Ages: 3-18
- School Fees: 39K to 71K Saudi Riyals annually
- Location: 2641 Abdulrahman Ibn Tahir, Ghirnatah, 7863, Riyadh 13242
8. The Learning Caravan International School
The Learning Caravan International School is an elite primary school that teaches the British curriculum. It provides a healthy and caring environment for kids to learn and encourages them to have positive relationships with their teachers.
One issue about The Learning Caravan is that it doesn’t provide buses for kids, so you’ll have to be responsible for their transportation if you choose to enroll them in it.
- Curriculum: British
- Language of Instruction: English
- Ages: 4-10
- School Fees: Not disclosed
- Location: Al Khawarzami St, Al Olaya, Riyadh 12311
9. Makers Learning School International
Makers Learning School International is one of the best elementary schools in Riyadh. It nurtures kids academically, emotionally, physically, and socially and guarantees their safety and mental well-being by training teachers in brain-researched programs.
The school teaches American and International curriculums and provides a myriad of extracurricular activities like cooking, STEM, sports, languages, and more. It boasts spacious classrooms, a gym, a cafeteria, a prayer room, a music room, an art room, and more.
- Curriculum: American and International
- Language of Instruction: English
- Ages: 2-14
- School Fees: Not disclosed
- Location: Darin Street, Al Raed, Riyadh 11442
10. Dome International School
Considering it’s an IELTS examination center and one of the largest international schools in Riyadh, Dome International School takes a worthy place on our list. It teaches both American and British curricula, following strict and high standards for both.
The school enhances kids’ educational experiences by incorporating technologies into the learning process. It has more than 1,500 students of 26 nationalities and provides extracurricular activities to keep the little ones entertained.
- Curriculum: American and British
- Language of Instruction: English
- Ages: 3-18
- School Fees: 25K to 40K Saudi Riyals annually
- Location: Exit 5 Alqenai Street, Almasiaf, Riyadh
11. Al Forsan International School
Al Forsan International School exposes students to American and International curricula through advanced educating methods but encourages them to stay committed to their cultural backgrounds. It prepares students for adult life and helps them meet the high standards set by universities worldwide.
The school boasts spacious classrooms that take a maximum of 24 students, a playground for kids, and a swimming pool.
- Curriculum: American and International
- Language of Instruction: English
- Ages: 3-18
- School Fees: 23K to 32K Saudi Riyals annually
- Location: Ibn Mashal, Al Izdihar, Riyadh 12485
12. One World International School
One World International School is an IB PYP candidate school that hires native English-speaking teachers and ensures students a fruitful learning experience. It offers a discount for siblings and encourages equality among students, building a safe environment for kids coming from different cultures.
The school boasts a myriad of facilities like art labs, science labs, atriums, a library, an art studio, a soccer field, and a running track.
- Curriculum: American and IB
- Language of Instruction: English
- Ages: 3-10
- School Fees: 36K to 55K Saudi Riyals annually
- Location: Building No 2517, Al Muruj, Olaya St. Maan St. Riyadh
13. Advanced Learning School
Advanced Learning School is a private school that teaches the IB curriculum in a way that encourages kids to become skillful and analytical thinkers. It also commits to Islamic values and provides a safe and nurturing environment for Muslim students from all around the world.
The school is home to a myriad of spacious classrooms, an ICT lab, a medical clinic, a library, and more facilities to meet all kids’ needs.
- Curriculum: IB
- Language of Instruction: English
- Ages: 4-18
- School Fees: Not disclosed
- Location: Jabal Al Karmil, An Nakheel, Riyadh 12395
14. Qimam El-Hayat International School
Qimam El-Hayat International School guarantees students fruitful learning experiences by hiring qualified teachers. It teaches the American curriculum in classrooms that don’t exceed 25 students to give the little ones a chance to communicate with each other and their teachers.
The school is one of the most affordable on our list, and it provides a bus for transportation and multiple facilities to accommodate students’ needs.
- Curriculum: American
- Language of Instruction: English
- Ages: 3-18
- School Fees: 12K to 16K Saudi Riyals annually
- Location: Saleh Al Shatri, Al Fatah, Riyadh 12632
15. Aldenham Prep Riyadh
Aldenham Prep Riyadh mirrors its sister school in the UK, Aldenham UK School, providing students with educational connections from the United Kingdom. It teaches the British curriculum to girls and boys and aspires to build a warm and safe community of students and teachers.
The school offers extracurricular activities for students, like hockey, basketball, football, netball, and more. It also boasts large playgrounds and classrooms that take a maximum of 20 students.
- Curriculum: British
- Language of Instruction: English
- Ages: 3-11
- School Fees: 46K to 63K Saudi Riyals annually
- Location: Al Noura, As Sahafah, Riyadh 13321
16. Al-Yasmin International School
Al-Yasmin International School was established in 1999 with one goal in mind, to help expat Indian kids get a high-quality education. It teaches the Indian curriculum in English and provides extracurricular activities like the Yasmin Sports Academy, Eco Club, Student Enrichment Program, Yasmin Youth Festival, and more.
The school provides buses for transportation and is one of the most affordable international schools in Riyadh.
- Curriculum: Indian
- Language of Instruction: English
- Ages: 3-18
- School Fees: 6K to 7K Saudi Riyals annually
- Location: Ibn Fares, Street، Riyadh 12836
17. Khaled International School
Khaled International School provides American education for both boys and girls on separate campuses and raises them to be open-minded and ethical by teaching them in a multicultural environment. It’s a leading educational institute that guarantees your kids high-quality education and a safe environment to grow and thrive.
The school has a myriad of facilities to meet students’ needs, like libraries, ICT labs, sports facilities, art rooms, theaters, and more.
- Curriculum: American
- Language of Instruction: English
- Ages: 3-18
- School Fees: 20K to 29K Saudi Riyals annually
- Location: Prince Fawaz Ben Abdel Aziz Street, Nahda Road, Riyadh 12813
18. Al-Rowad International School
Al-Rowad International School is one of the best international Islamic schools in Riyadh. It raises students to respect religious backgrounds and stay committed to their upbringing. Aside from that, it offers SAT and IGCSE exams for Arabic and English speakers.
The school provides a bus service that passes by 72 neighborhoods in the city and provides libraries, atriums, sports facilities, and spacious classrooms for kids.
- Curriculum: British, American, and Islamic
- Language of Instruction: English
- Ages: 3-18
- School Fees: 21K to 30K Saudi Riyals annually
- Location: Nuzha, Abi Sufian Abi Ben Harb, Riyadh 11673
19. King’s College Riyadh
King’s College Riyadh is one of the most prestigious schools in Riyadh. It teaches the British curriculum in a way that meets Middle Eastern and International standards, and it’s a private school that opened in 2021 and currently aims to raise world leaders, innovators, and analytical thinkers.
The school offers extracurricular activities like arts and sports and is one of few schools in the city that allows boys and girls to stay in co-educational classes.
- Curriculum: British
- Language of Instruction: English
- Ages: 3-9
- School Fees: 48K to 65K Saudi Riyals annually
- Location: Al Khalidiyah, Ad Diriyah 13713, Riyadh
20. École Française Internationale de Riyad
École Française Internationale de Riyad is one of few schools around Saudi Arabia that teaches the French curriculum. It offers additional languages for students, like English and Arabic, but all the subjects are taught in French.
The school has a spacious and elegant campus that makes kids excited about going to school. On top of that, it provides fun extracurricular activities like yoga, gymnastics, chess, table tennis, judo, dancing, and more.
- Curriculum: French
- Language of Instruction: French
- Ages: 3-18
- School Fees: 32K to 35K Saudi Riyals annually
- Location: Al Qalam, An Nada, Riyadh 13317
Closing Thoughts on International Schools in Riyadh
As you can see, Riyadh doesn’t lack prestigious international schools that provide a safe environment for ex-pats and natives to learn. Each school shines in its own way, but in the end, they’re all suitable choices.
You can choose one according to the curriculum you want your kids to learn, the annual fees, the facilities available on campus, or the extracurricular activities the school provides. You should also consider whether the school has a bus for transportation or not since you might not be able to provide a safe transportation method for your kids on your own.
So consider these factors, check our list, and choose the right school for your little ones!
Frequently Asked Questions on International Schools in Riyadh
How many international schools are in Riyadh?
Riyadh has 43 international schools that teach diverse curriculums and languages. These include British, American, Indian, Islamic, and more.
How much does international school cost in Riyadh?
The average cost for an international school in Riyadh is 12K to 50K Saudi Riyals per year. This cost typically includes tuition fees, meals, and school facilities; however, it doesn’t include bus fees, textbooks, etc. The inclusive costs may differ from one school to another, though.
What curricula do international schools in Riyadh follow?
International schools in Riyadh may follow various curricula, including the British, American, IB, or a combination of curricula. It’s essential to choose a school that aligns with your child’s educational goals and future plans.
Are international schools in Riyadh accredited?
Many international schools in Riyadh seek accreditation from recognized accrediting bodies. Examples include the Council of International Schools (CIS), the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), and the International Baccalaureate Organization. Accreditation ensures that the school meets certain educational standards.
What languages are used in international schools in Riyadh?
English is commonly the primary language of instruction in international schools in Riyadh. However, some schools may offer bilingual programs or additional language options to accommodate the diverse student population.
