Best schools in Riyadh
Education in Riyadh
Myriad international schools in Riyadh boast diverse educational philosophies and curricula. Schools here frequently align with global curricula such as the British or American curriculum or the International Baccalaureate (IB). International schools in Saudi Arabia offer Arabic as part of their curriculum; however, the level of Arabic instruction may differ between schools. Some schools have Arabic language classes as a compulsory near-native level subject while some will only offer basic Arabic lessons as part of their language programme to provide students with an understanding of the local language and culture. Many schools do a mixture of both.
Non-Saudi students are able to enrol in the local state schools; however, the curriculum is taught in Arabic and is focused on meeting the demands of the local population rather than those students who will move abroad for higher education.
Choosing a school in Riyadh
Choosing the right international school in Riyadh can be a daunting task due to the large array of options. Factors such as curriculum alignment, language offerings, extracurricular activities and the school’s ethos play pivotal roles in the decision-making process. Riyadh is a huge city so the school’s location, transportation options and daily schedule also need to be factored in.
While Riyadh reigns as the capital and primary economic hub of Saudi Arabia, Dammam (alongside its satellite cities of Dhahran and Al Khobar) and Jeddah also draw numerous expat families. Each holds its appeal within the kingdom.
Dammam, Dhahran and Al Khobar stand out as prominent cities within the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, making substantial contributions to the region’s economy.
Dammam, the capital of the Eastern Province, is the main industrial city in the region. Dhahran houses the headquarters of Saudi Aramco, the world’s largest oil company. Aramco has its own residential camp, complete with international schools, cinemas, shops and a hospital. It can house over 11,000 residents, both locals and expats. Al Khobar, as well as being the main residential area in the Eastern Province, is also home to the region’s main business district and again has a choice of good international schools.
As a result of its proximity to Mecca, Jeddah is the oldest and most multicultural city in Saudi Arabia. Jeddah Islamic Port is Saudi Arabia’s busiest port, making Jeddah an economic centre that attracts a varied mix of expats and visitors.
Special education needs in Riyadh
Many of the international schools in Riyadh can cater to the needs of students with mild learning difficulties. Reigate Grammar School Riyadh addresses a broad spectrum of additional needs, encompassing autism (mild to moderate), Down’s Syndrome, global developmental delay, cognitive delay, cerebral palsy and ADHD.
Pre-schools, kindergarten and nurseries in Riyadh
Riyadh is home to a variety of pre-schools and nurseries, with options based on where you live, waiting lists (which can be long) and whether your preference is for a small pre-school or the nursery section of a larger international school. Some of the main residential compounds in Riyadh, such as Ishbilia and Al Nakhla, house their own pre-schools, with the former following the Montessori curriculum.
