The capital city of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh, can be a cultural surprise for some ex-pats. While many life features are excellent compared to other places in the world, some are unique. You will spend much of your time in the isolation of your “compound” with other ex-pats, and gender segregation will be a regular part of your day. Saudi Arabian schools only offer instruction in Arabic and do not accept other students. Therefore, an international school may be the only viable alternative for your child’s education in Riyadh.
The breakdown of fees is typical of those at other international institutions worldwide. You will be responsible for paying for school uniforms, extracurricular activities, and any additional luxuries, in addition to tuition and kindergarten school admission. Remember to submit your application as soon as possible because there are many international schools with extensive waiting lists.
Here’s the list of top international schools in Riyadh:
| School | Language | Ages | Yearly Fees (in SAR) |
| Aldenham Prep Riyadh | English | 3 – 11 | 46000 – 63250 |
| One World International School, Riyadh | English | 3 – 10 | 36000 – 54700 |
| Downe House Riyadh | English | 3 – 18 | 51750 – 92000 |
| Dome International Schools | English | 3 – 18 | 25125 – 40125 |
| Qimam El-Hayat International School | English | 3 – 18 | 9500 – 14500 |
| Al Forsan International School | English | 3 – 18 | 23000 – 32000 |
| Makers Learning School International | English | 2 – 14 | NA |
| Al Faris International School | English | 4 – 18 | 37000 – 45000 |
| Reigate Grammar School Riyadh | English | 3 – 18 | 38900 – 71400 |
| SEK International School Riyadh | English | 3 – 13 | 46000 – 71300 |
Since Riyadh has a sizable diplomatic community, international schools are rarely separated like their public equivalents, and the student body is highly diverse. Certain schools are under the control of embassies, which might make it challenging for others to get a spot. International schools in Riyadh are the best when it comes to offering world-class education to students.
