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How to choose an international school in Riyadh

Ten questions to ask any international school in Riyadh, what to look for in each answer, and how Saud International Schools answers them.

Choosing a school is easier when every school you look at answers the same questions. Here are ten we suggest putting to any international school in Riyadh, with what to look for in each answer, and how Saud International Schools answers it.

  1. Which curriculum does the school teach, and who accredits it?

    Look for the curriculum named precisely, and the body that accredits it or sets its exams.

    At SIS: the American pathway, KG 1 to Grade 12, is accredited by Cognia. The British pathway, Grade 7 to Grade 12, takes exams with Cambridge, Pearson Edexcel and OxfordAQA.

  2. What qualification will my child finish with?

    Look for the final certificate by name, and how the school helps students move on to university.

    At SIS: the American High School Diploma, with Advanced Placement (AP) courses, or IGCSE followed by AS and A Level. Counsellors help each student prepare applications through UCAS, the Common App and other systems. University guidance

  3. When do we have to choose between curricula?

    Look for a clear point of choice, and what happens before it.

    At SIS: every child follows the American pathway up to Grade 6. From Grade 7, a student follows either the American or the British pathway.

  4. How are classes organised at each age?

    Look for how much time a young child spends with one teacher, and when subject specialists take over.

    At SIS: from KG 1 to Grade 5, one homeroom teacher leads each class. From Grade 6, each subject has its own specialist teacher.

  5. Are boys and girls taught together?

    At SIS: together up to Grade 5, and in separate sections from Grade 6.

  6. Are the fees published in full?

    Look for a fee list for the coming year, by grade, that says whether VAT is included.

    At SIS: annual tuition is published by grade, before VAT, and is the same for both pathways. School fees

  7. How are Arabic and Islamic Studies taught?

    At SIS: in line with Ministry of Education requirements, at every stage.

  8. Which external exams can students sit?

    Look for the exam boards by name, and which exams are taken at the school.

    At SIS: British pathway students sit Cambridge Checkpoint in Grade 8, then IGCSE and AS and A Level exams. The school is a College Board SAT test centre.

  9. What facilities will my child actually use?

    Look past the brochure: ask which spaces your child's year uses, and see them on a visit.

    At SIS: Al Awael Hall, a theatre with about 370 seats; the Academic Innovation Labs, with computer, chemistry, physics, robotics and life skills labs and a music studio; the Sports and Wellness Complex, with two swimming pools, two basketball courts and two football fields with FIFA Quality turf; and The Hive and The Canvas. Facilities

  10. Can we visit before we apply?

    Look for a visit during the school day, and a clear way to apply.

    At SIS: book a visit online, and start your application online when you are ready. The admissions team is on 920002877 and enquiries@sis.edu.sa.

Still have questions? Read the frequently asked questions, send an enquiry or request a call back.