Al Faris International School vs Modern Global International Schools - Qortuba

	A Al Faris International School Riyadh, Saudi Arabia	M Modern Global International Schools - Qortuba Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year SAR 42,000 - 50,000	Fees / year SAR 30,000 - 56,500
Age range	Age range 4 - 18 years	Age range 1 - 15 years
Type	Type —	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), American Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), American Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 2,400	Pupils 900
Typical class size	Typical class size 20	Typical class size 18
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened —	Opened 2017
Bus service	Bus service —	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Al Faris International School is located in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in the Al-Taawun district near Imam Saud Road and Khan Younes Street. The Riyadh campus has moved to a new location at 3025 Al Harith Ibn Amira Street, Al Taawun District, Riyadh 12477. The surrounding area is a major residential/commercial neighbourhood with straightforward road access.	Location MGIS operates two campuses in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: Digital City and Qortuba. The Digital City campus is located on Prince Turki Bin Abdulaziz Al Awal Road in the Al Nakheel district, and the Qortuba campus is on Abdallah Ibn Ibrahim Ibn Seif Street in Qortuba. The campuses are centrally positioned in Riyadh with access to major road networks. Transportation is available for students in designated areas via MGIS buses, which include features such as daily rider logs, bus inspections, a female bus nanny, a maximum bus age of five years, licensed drivers, first-aid training, and a parent-tracking app.
Stages	Stages The school serves students from Pre-K (approximately age 3) through to Grade 12 (age 18). It offers the International Baccalaureate program across the PYP, MYP, and DP, with English as the language of instruction.	Stages MGIS provides education from Nursery through Grade 9. The curriculum combines an American Core Curriculum (US Common Core Standards) with the IB Primary Years Programme framework.
School type	School type Al Faris International School is a Co-educational, day school. There is no indication of boarding facilities for any year group.	School type Co-educational; MGIS serves both boys and girls and operates across two campuses in Riyadh.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix A public breakdown of pupil nationalities is not published. The school serves a mix of local and international students, with an approximate pupil body size around 2,400 students.	Pupil nationality mix MGIS has a diverse student body with representation from 32 countries.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Public information about Additional Learning Needs (SEN) provisions is not listed on public pages. Families needing SEN support should contact admissions or the school directly for details.	Additional learning support MGIS has a Special Educational Needs (SEN) policy that covers early identification, development of Individual Education Plans (IEPs), differentiation and classroom modifications, SENCo leadership, parental involvement, and engagement with external agencies as needed.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation The school operates in Saudi Arabia and is not tied to a specific country; it is an IB World School offering PYP, MYP, and DP programs.	Country affiliation Saudi Arabia (the school operates in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia).
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation There is no explicit religious affiliation listed for the school.	Religious affiliation No formal religious affiliation is stated; the curriculum includes Arabic and Islamic Studies per the Saudi curriculum guidelines, with Arabic as a second language support for non-native speakers.
School day structure	School day structure The school day commonly starts around 7:30 am and ends around 2:30 pm, based on publicly available schedules.	School day structure School days run Sunday to Thursday from 7:30 AM to 2:00 PM; Friday and Saturday are closed.
Bus service details	Bus service details The school operates its own transportation service. The fleet is maintained to high safety standards and vehicles are driven by trained professionals; rules include assigned bus routes, no guests on buses, and expectations for punctuality and conduct.	Bus service details MGIS offers transportation buses for students in designated areas. Buses include daily rider logs, daily inspections, a female bus nanny, a maximum bus age of five years, licensed drivers, first-aid trained staff, driver conduct requirements, and a parent-tracking app.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application / Registration Fees - No fixed separate application fee amount is published for new applicants. New students are required to pay a first instalment at registration equal to 50% of the annual tuition (the equivalent of the first term payment for new enrolments). Tuition fees by year group (annual and per-term breakdown) - Annual tuition is charged by grade. The most current published fee bands are: - Kindergarten (KG2 / KG3): SAR 42,000 per year. - Grades 1–5: SAR 44,000 per year. - Grade 6: SAR 45,000 per year. - Grades 7–9: SAR 46,000 per year. - Grades 10–12: SAR 50,000 per year. - Per-term breakdown: tuition is payable in three equal instalments (three terms). Divide the annual tuition by three to obtain each term amount. For example, for a Grade 1 annual fee of SAR 44,000, each term instalment is SAR 14,666.67. The school requires instalment payments to be made ahead of each term. - Sibling discount: second enrolled child receives a 5% discount on tuition; third and subsequent children receive a 10% discount. - Additional IB Diploma fees: an additional SAR 10,000 is charged for Grade 11 (Year 1) and SAR 10,000 for Grade 12 (Year 2); this charge is applied in the IB diploma years as an extra programme fee. Billing schedule and payment terms - Standard billing: tuition and transportation fees are billed in three equal instalments per academic year. Instalment amounts are due 15 days before the start of each term. New registrations require the first instalment (50% of the annual tuition) to be paid in full at the time of registration. Failure to pay tuition as scheduled may result in withholding of the student's grades and may affect continued enrolment. VAT is added to tuition and transportation where applicable under Saudi law. Boarding fees - Boarding is not offered as a published service for Al Faris International School; no boarding fee schedule is listed. The school operates as a day school. Transportation (bus) fees - Annual bus (transportation) fee published: SAR 8,500 per year for the academic year referenced in the school's admissions information. Transportation is billed separately from tuition and subject to VAT. Transportation fees follow the same instalment and payment timing rules unless otherwise specified by the transportation department. Other charges and typical additional costs - Common additional charges that may apply (but no standard published amounts found) include: uniforms, books and learning resources, exam fees (external examination or IB exam fees), activity and extracurricular fees, and ad hoc trip or materials charges. Specific fixed amounts for uniforms, books, technology or activity fees are not published in the school's public fee summary. Refund information - No comprehensive public refund schedule or detailed refund table for tuition, registration, transportation or other fees was located in the school's published admissions/fee summary. The school's published material notes that fees are subject to change and that non-payment has academic consequences, but a specific refund policy (timelines, prorated refunds, refundable deposits) is not listed in the publicly available fee summary. Fee payment options - Bank transfer (wire) is accepted. Published bank details for transfers list: ARAB NATIONAL BANK, IBAN: SA9030400108056443360011, beneficiary name shown as AL FARIS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL. VAT applies where required. - No explicit public listing of credit-card payment acceptance or online card payment portal was found in the school's fee summary; parents should assume bank transfer is the primary published method unless otherwise instructed by admissions/finance. Notes on enforcement and changes - The school states that fees are subject to change under school policy and that late or missed payments can lead to withholding of grades or other administrative actions. VAT is applied to tuition and transport in accordance with Saudi regulations. Instalment timing and enforcement are published as part of the admissions/fee information.	Fee details Tuition fees (annual and per semester by year group) - Nursery / Pre‑K — SAR 30,000 per year. Per semester: SAR 15,000. - KG 1 — SAR 32,000 per year. Per semester: SAR 16,000. - KG 2 — SAR 34,000 per year. Per semester: SAR 17,000. - KG 3 — SAR 36,500 per year. Per semester: SAR 18,250. - Grade 1 — SAR 40,500 per year. Per semester: SAR 20,250. - Grade 2 — SAR 42,500 per year. Per semester: SAR 21,250. - Grade 3 — SAR 44,500 per year. Per semester: SAR 22,250. - Grade 4 — SAR 46,500 per year. Per semester: SAR 23,250. - Grade 5 — SAR 48,500 per year. Per semester: SAR 24,250. - Grade 6 — SAR 50,500 per year. Per semester: SAR 25,250. - Grade 7 — SAR 52,500 per year. Per semester: SAR 26,250. - Grade 8 — SAR 54,500 per year. Per semester: SAR 27,250. - Grade 9 — SAR 56,500 per year. Per semester: SAR 28,250. Application / reservation fees - Seat reservation fee: SAR 5,000. The seat reservation payment is for the entire academic year and is non‑refundable if withdrawal occurs before the academic year starts. Billing schedule and payment terms - The academic year is split into two semesters and fees for each semester are required to be paid in advance; the reservation payment covers the academic year rather than a single semester. Payments made in full at the start of the academic year (covering both semesters) are eligible for an additional early‑payment discount. Withdrawal charges apply as follows: withdrawal within 30 days of semester start — charge of 50% of the entire current year's fees; withdrawal after the first month of the semester — charge of 100% of the entire current year's fees. The final financial settlement is issued only after all fees are fully paid. VAT is not included in the listed fees and will be charged where applicable. Boarding fees - Boarding is not provided; MGIS operates as a day school serving Nursery through the primary/early secondary grades across its campuses. No boarding fees apply. Other costs and optional services - Books/textbooks: Not included in tuition; charged separately to parents. - Uniforms: Available for purchase through ZAKs at an additional cost. - Lunch meals: Not included in tuition; charged separately. - Transportation (optional): - One‑way: SAR 450 per month or SAR 4,000 per year. - Round‑trip: SAR 900 per month or SAR 7,500 per year. - VAT: All fees listed exclude VAT; VAT will be added where applicable. Refund and withdrawal information - Seat reservation fee (SAR 5,000) is non‑refundable if withdrawal occurs before the academic year starts. If withdrawal occurs within 30 days of the first semester start, 50% of the full year's fees is charged. If withdrawal occurs after the first month of the semester, 100% of the full year's fees is charged. A withdrawal is only official when the school administration has received a written withdrawal letter. Fee payment options and account details - Accepted payment methods: Mada (in person) and bank transfer to the school's account at Riyad Bank. Account number: 2000016449941. IBAN: SA2420000002000016449941. All payments must comply with the school's billing schedule and payment terms. Notes on discounts (applies to fees above) - New student, returning student, long‑term returning student discounts, sibling discounts and an early‑payment discount for full payment at the beginning of the year are available according to the school's published discount eligibility rules. These discounts reduce the tuition amounts listed above when applicable.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement All students from PreK to Grade 12 must wear the full school uniform daily. Female students in Grades 8–12 are required to wear an abaya when entering and leaving the school.	Uniform requirement MGIS uses a school uniform. Uniforms and the PE kit can be purchased through ZAKs.
Food options	Food options Lunch is available in the school's cafeterias. Students may bring a healthy meal from home or purchase from the canteen, which offers a variety of nutritious snacks and drinks.	Food options Lunch is available on-site for an additional fee; lunch is not included in tuition.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The school is privately owned by Mrs. Sahar Al Marzouki, who serves as owner and director. It operates within the Al Faris International Schools network, which has campuses in Riyadh and AlUla.	Governance and ownership MGIS operates as part of Global Educational Excellence (GEE), a multi-campus education group that includes MGIS Riyadh. GEE runs campuses in the United States and internationally, and MGIS is part of this network.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Al Faris International School operates campuses in Riyadh and AlUla, offering international curricula under the Al Faris umbrella. [sources: turn1search0] The Riyadh campus is an IB World School delivering the full IB continuum (PYP, MYP, DP) with the option to pursue an American diploma pathway alongside the DP (SAT readiness subject to placement). [sources: turn1search2; turn1search9] The AlUla campus provides a Primary Years Programme for Grades 1–5, anchored in American CCSS in Math, English and Social Studies and NGSS in Science, with Arabic as a mother tongue and French introduced; the program also includes computer studies, robotics, art, and physical education. [sources: turn0search6; turn0search10] Across Al Faris, Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills are emphasized and instruction is differentiated to foster international-mindedness and real-world connections. [sources: turn0search2; turn0search6] At Grade 11, students may choose between IB DP, IB Course Certificate, or continue on the American pathway toward a U.S.-style diploma, with CAS and other DP components integrated into the Diploma Programme. [sources: turn0search5; turn1search11]	Curriculum details MGIS operates two Riyadh campuses, Qortuba and Digital City, offering Nursery through Grade 9. The Qortuba campus follows an American Curriculum integrated with the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) framework. Curriculum components include English Language Arts and Mathematics aligned to the US Common Core Standards (CSS), and Science aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Arabic and Islamic Studies follow the Ministry of Education (KSA) curriculum, with Arabic as a Second Language offered for non-native speakers. In Grades 7–9, MGIS Middle School uses the US CCSS for English and Mathematics. The curriculum emphasizes transdisciplinary units under the PYP six themes to develop inquiry, literacy, numeracy, and global citizenship.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning The school supports Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) through a Student Council that pursues initiatives aimed at engagement, teamwork, and student wellbeing. The council explicitly focuses on promoting a positive school environment and student wellbeing as part of its mission. The school also emphasizes a safe and supportive learning environment as a foundational right and responsibility for students. Policies address respectful behavior, safeguarding, and anti-bullying to foster SEL across the community. Overall, wellbeing is integrated into student life via student leadership and formal policies that support safe, respectful interactions. sources: turn5search1, turn4search6, turn5search2, turn6search6	Social & emotional learning MGIS emphasizes Diversity, Equity & Inclusion within the IB Primary Years Programme, fostering empathy, open-mindedness, and intercultural understanding through inclusive inquiry-based units and discussions. The school states it seeks to provide equal opportunities for all students to engage, lead, and succeed, developing caring, principled, and internationally minded learners. The DEI approach is described as part of student life and is aligned with a family-style environment intended to support social-emotional growth. Elements of SEL are embedded in the school's inclusive ethos rather than through a named separate SEL program. The inclusion and SEN policies recognize that social, emotional, and mental health challenges can constitute SEN and are addressed through structured support. The school also maintains a Social Worker role to support student welfare and wellbeing, including collaboration with parents and teachers.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) The school clinic is staffed by registered nurses and provides care for minor illnesses and injuries, and direct services for students with special needs. Anti-bullying measures and safeguarding guidelines are in place to support inclusive education. The publicly disclosed information does not specify which kinds of Special Educational Needs the school can support, nor whether it operates as a specialist SEN institution. The policies indicate an aim to support diverse learning needs within a safe environment. The school does not publicly disclose information regarding being a specialist SEN institution. sources: turn5search3, turn6search6, turn4search6	Special educational needs (SEN) MGIS defines SEN as including learning disabilities (e.g., dyslexia, dyscalculia), physical disabilities, sensory impairments (visual/hearing), autism spectrum disorders, speech and language difficulties, and social, emotional, and mental health challenges. A SEN Coordinator (SENCo) leads provision, coordinates identification and assessment, liaises with parents and external agencies, and oversees Individual Education Plans (IEPs). The school uses a Multi-tier Inclusion System (Tier 1 classroom differentiation; Tier 2 with a social worker and support plans; Tier 3 targeted intervention) and may involve external professionals if needed. External agencies such as educational psychologists, speech and language therapists, and counselors can be engaged to support SEN—these arrangements are outlined in the SEN policy. MGIS describes inclusive education rather than operating as a dedicated specialist SEN institution.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language The primary language of instruction is English, with Arabic taught as the mother tongue and French introduced as a supplementary language. Publicly disclosed information does not describe a dedicated EAL programme or staff specifically for English as an Additional Language. The AlUla campus materials reinforce English as the main language of instruction and present a multilingual approach with Arabic and French. There is no detailed public description of separate EAL provisions. language policy notes include multilingual elements but do not specify an EAL department. sources: turn6search0, turn6search7	English as an additional language MGIS publishes English Language Arts as part of its US Common Core Standards-based curriculum, indicating English-medium instruction for ELA. The curriculum also notes that Arabic is offered as a Second Language for all non-native speakers. There is no explicit description of a separate English as an Additional Language (EAL) program in the publicly available materials; the language provisions shown focus on ELA in English and Arabic as a second language for non-native speakers.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Mental wellbeing is referenced through the Student Council's mission to promote wellbeing and a supportive environment. The Rights and Responsibilities emphasize a safe and supportive learning environment for student growth. Attendance guidance notes that the school is attentive to the health and wellbeing of students. The clinic provides care for minor illnesses and direct services for students with special needs, contributing to overall student wellbeing. These elements collectively show explicit attention to mental and emotional wellbeing within school practices. sources: turn5search1, turn4search6, turn5search2, turn5search3	Mental wellbeing MGIS provides mental wellbeing support through a dedicated social worker who promotes awareness, maintains confidential records, and collaborates with teachers and parents to develop and monitor support plans. The social worker's role includes attending classes, providing feedback to teachers, and coordinating with external professionals when needed. The SEN policy notes that social, emotional, and mental health challenges can be treated as SEN and may involve external counselors or psychologists. A tiered inclusion system (Tier 1–3) supports wellbeing and learning, with progression monitored and reviewed, and individualized plans created when necessary. Overall, wellbeing support is grounded in inclusive practices and collaboration among staff, students, and families.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding Safeguarding and safe conduct are articulated through a Code of Conduct that references a Safe School Policy and measures against cyber misconduct. Policies also address harassment, bullying, and respectful behavior to protect students. The school's safeguarding framework is further supported by anti-bullying measures and general policies on safety and conduct. The clinic and health policies also support safeguarding by ensuring proper care and notification in medical situations. Overall, safeguarding is established through formal conduct codes, health provisions, and behavior policies. sources: turn4search0, turn6search6, turn5search3	Safeguarding MGIS does not publish a dedicated safeguarding or child protection policy on the site. Safeguarding-related provisions are described within the Inclusion Policy (a confidential system for student records and a MGIS Social Worker) and the SEN Policy (roles, parental involvement, and collaboration with external agencies). The policies emphasize safeguarding-like elements such as confidentiality, staff collaboration, and external professional input to support student welfare. There is no explicit standalone safeguarding page or policy document disclosed in the publicly available MGIS policies.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview Al Faris International School has a dedicated physical education and arts complex that includes a gymnasium, an outdoor soccer field, an inner sports courtyard, two indoor swimming pools, and gymnastics/ballet rooms for physical education and after-school activities. The Al Faris Academy offers classes in swimming, basketball, gymnastics, karate, and soccer. The campus participates in inter-school competition through the International Schools Sports League in Riyadh (ISSL-R). Facilities are used for physical education, school sports competitions, and after-school activities. The overall layout supports holistic development with spaces for training, practice, and events.	Facilities overview MGIS operates across two Riyadh campuses, Qortuba and Digital City, serving Nursery through Grade 9. The facilities include classrooms equipped with modern educational tools, a library/research center, science laboratories, ICT/computers labs, and dedicated art and music rooms. Outdoor spaces include playgrounds, a football pitch, a basketball court, and a gym, alongside a modern cafeteria. On-site amenities include a medical clinic and transportation services. A theater and multipurpose room support arts, performances, and community events.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities The school's sports facilities include a gymnasium, an outdoor soccer field, an inner sports courtyard, two indoor swimming pools, and gymnastics/ballet rooms for training and PE. Al Faris International School participates in inter-school competitions through ISSL-R, with teams in volleyball, soccer, table tennis, basketball, swimming, track and field, and badminton. These spaces support after-school programs and school-level competitions. The Extracurricular program includes swimming, karate, soccer, gymnastics, ballet, drawing/arts and crafts, and Holy Qur'an classes to complement athletic activities.	Sports facilities The school provides a football pitch and a basketball court for team sports and physical education. A gym supports indoor fitness activities. There are indoor and outdoor play areas that support recreation during breaks and PE sessions. The campus design supports physical education, sports clubs, and inter-school activities.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities —	Academic facilities Classrooms are equipped with advanced educational tools and technology. The library offers rich, diverse texts for research and reading. Science laboratories enable hands-on experiments across science disciplines. ICT labs and computer labs support digital learning and coding activities. Nursery through Grade 9 facilities are provided on both campuses.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities After-school offerings include swimming, karate, soccer, gymnastics, ballet, drawing/arts and crafts, and Holy Qur'an classes. Students regularly participate in both school and inter-school sports tournaments through the ISSL-R network.	Extra curricular facilities Arts spaces include an art room and a music room, and a theater with a multipurpose room for performances and events. Outdoor play areas provide space for recreation. The campus includes a modern cafeteria. The school offers an on-site medical clinic to support student wellbeing.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Al Faris International School was established in 2004. It is an IB World School authorized to offer the PYP, MYP and DP programs. The Riyadh campus was moved to 3025 Al Harith Ibn Amira Street in the Al Taawun District, Riyadh 12477. The school is part of a broader Al Faris network that includes campuses such as Al Faris International School in Al Ula. The owner and director is Mrs. Sahar Al Marzouki.	History MGIS was established in 2017 with the inauguration of the Qortuba campus in Riyadh. In 2018, a memorandum of understanding with Global Educational Excellence (GEE) formalized the partnership to establish MGIS. The organization behind MGIS traces to the Mena Company for Education and Development, which began in 2009. In 2021, MGIS expanded to Digital City, opening a second campus in Riyadh funded by BLOMINVEST Education Fund. The MGIS mission aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and the school operates under the broader MENАDEV educational network.
Community	Community Al Faris International School describes itself as fostering a diverse and inclusive community with a global perspective. The school provides multilingual education with English as the main language and Arabic and French as part of its language offerings. Community engagement includes alumni networks and other programs that extend beyond the classroom, as seen on its Al Ula campus materials. Parent participation is encouraged as part of the school's mission to build mutual trust and collaboration between staff, students, and families.	Community MGIS describes a family environment where students feel safe to grow and explore, emphasizing a welcoming, family-oriented atmosphere. The school explicitly commits to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and intercultural understanding in line with IB PYP goals. Community life is enriched by events such as Movie Day, Mother's Day, and Saudi Foundation Day organized within the Kindergarten–Grade to foster student and family engagement. The school supports ongoing parent-facing communications through a calendar of events and a Yearbook that documents school life and student achievements.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association Publicly available information shows the school uses formal channels for parent engagement, including a dedicated parent portal and a student management system. Parents can receive school messages, view marks, and arrange meetings via the mobile app and portal, and semester-based parent–teacher meetings are scheduled to discuss student progress. Enrollment and admissions require parent accounts in the system, reinforcing ongoing parent involvement. The school emphasizes parent participation as part of its mission to foster mutual trust and collaboration between staff, students, and families. A standalone PTA page is not publicly visible in the available materials, and engagement is primarily facilitated through the parent portal, the student management system, and scheduled meetings.	Parent teacher association MGIS does not publish a dedicated Parent Teacher Association (PTA) page on its site; instead, parent involvement is integrated through family-centered programming and school-led activities. Family engagement is evident in KG activities such as Movie Day, Mother's Day, and Saudi Foundation Day, which involve students and their families. The Yearbook and the school calendar serve as channels for documenting and sharing community events with families. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion programs promote intercultural learning and encourage family participation in inclusive inquiry-based units and activities. The school's mission and values emphasize global citizenship and a culture of partnership with families, rather than a stand-alone PTA governance structure.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual Model United Nations (MUN) is offered for Grades 9-12 and launched in 2018-19, providing a forum for students to research global issues, debate, and develop public speaking and diplomatic skills. The CAS program, part of the IB Diploma Programme core, emphasizes Creativity, Activity, and Service, enabling students to gain skills and address community needs through activities such as reading initiatives, health awareness campaigns, hospital visits, and tutoring. The school promotes intellectual growth through reading initiatives (including a used book sale) and participation in school and inter-school competitions, alongside the student-run FIS Pulse newsletter.	Academic & intellectual MGIS provides a range of academic enrichment activities beyond classroom time. In 2024-2025, students participated in a Spelling Bee Competition in Digital City (April 13, 2025) and attended a Book Fair (February 13, 2025). An Arabic language event Celebrating Our Little Thinkers and a Francophonie Event illustrate language and cultural engagement. The calendar also includes an End-of-Year Exhibition (May 21–22, 2025) and The International School Expo 2025 (May 20–22, 2025) to showcase student work and connect with other schools.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative The after-school program includes drawing, arts and crafts and other creative activities. The cinematography club focuses on storytelling through light and involves creating short films, event skits, and edits. CAS initiatives include creating an art gallery in the school basement and ongoing art-focused projects that foster creativity.	Arts & creative MGIS provides dedicated spaces for arts and performing arts, including an Art Studio, a Music Studio, and a Theater. An Art Room and Music Room support visual arts, music, and drama across Nursery to Grade 9. These facilities are available on both MGIS campuses, enabling regular arts experiences alongside library resources. The presence of theatre and studio spaces supports student performances and exhibitions.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language MGIS emphasizes cultural awareness and multilingual learning through Arabic language instruction and Arabic as a Second Language within its IB PYP framework. Cultural and language events include the Francophonie Event on January 30, 2025 and the Arabic language event Celebrating Our Little Thinkers on May 14, 2025. The Diversity, Equity & Inclusion program supports intercultural understanding and global perspectives within the IB framework.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies Clubs include a crochet club, tutoring club, sports club, and cinematography club. The after-school program includes drawing/arts and crafts, providing creative outlets and social engagement opportunities for students. These clubs foster teamwork, collaboration, and peer connection within the school community.	Social & hobbies —
Community & service	Community & service Community service and outreach are central to CAS, with initiatives including aiding Azraq refugees, health awareness campaigns, cancer campaigns, and ongoing community engagement. Students participate in visits to hospitals and community centers for children and the elderly, supporting vulnerable groups. Additional service activities include tutoring younger students and organizing reading initiatives to benefit the broader community.	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional Model United Nations provides a platform for debate, diplomacy, and leadership development, helping students build research, negotiation, and public speaking skills. Participation in MUN enhances global awareness and collaborative leadership abilities. CAS participation and school-led initiatives such as the FIS Pulse newsletter offer opportunities for student leadership and initiative in school life.	Leadership & professional MGIS offers leadership and professional development through events such as Women's Leadership in Education (May 10, 2025). The school also hosts Business Day activities for different grade levels on January 30, 2025 to develop enterprise and presentation skills. External partnerships and visits, including a delegation from Oklahoma State University to MGIS on May 6, 2025, provide exposure to higher education and professional pathways.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing The athletics program includes soccer, volleyball, basketball, swimming, karate, handball, table tennis, gymnastics, and dance. Facilities include a gymnasium, outdoor soccer field, inner sports courtyard, two indoor swimming pools, and dedicated spaces for gymnastics and ballet. The school is a member of the International Schools Sports League in Riyadh (ISSL-R), competing in middle school, junior varsity, and varsity tournaments. The after-school program offers swimming, karate, soccer, gymnastics, and ballet as part of promoting physical health and well-being.	Lifestyle & wellbeing MGIS provides facilities for physical activity, including a football pitch, basketball court, and a gym. The campus also includes indoor and outdoor play areas and a medical clinic to support student health and wellbeing. Sports Day is part of the annual calendar, and students participate in outdoor trips such as Snow City and Joyzone as part of experiential learning.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision Arabic language instruction is strong; Islamic studies and regional History and Geography are included in the curriculum; The curriculum is based on American Common Core State Standards and the school is fully authorized in IB PYP, MYP, and DP.	Language provision MGIS offers Arabic, English, and French as taught languages. Arabic is taught as a Second Language for all non-native speakers and is integrated within the Arabic & Islamic Studies curriculum following the Ministry of Education (KSA) framework. English Language Arts is taught under the MGIS American Curriculum, aligned to US Common Core Standards, with literacy instruction beginning in nursery and continuing through Grade 9. French is taught as a language, and a French Conversation Club provides opportunities to practice the language.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Connect. Fill out the information form and the Student Affairs Office will contact you. Inquiries by telephone and email are welcome, and you can visit the school Sunday through Thursday from 8:00 am until 1:30 pm. Appointments are not required, except for school tours which must be scheduled in advance. 2. Evaluation. All applicants complete the admissions assessment to evaluate English language proficiency, mathematics, and knowledge of basic sciences. For KGI and KGII applicants, developmentally appropriate tests are provided. Passing the assessment is required for admission, and results are forwarded to the deputy principal for the final decision. Prospective students also participate in an interview with the school counselor and department head or program coordinator, and the school conducts interviews with parents. 3. Registration. Upon acceptance, parents create a Parent Portal account and are directed to the student information system. Use the temporary credentials (email as username and a password you create) to register the student online. Save the four-digit registration number for the registrar. Note the required documents if transferring from another region in Saudi Arabia or from abroad.	Admissions 1. Submit online application via the Apply Now form. The form collects the student's Name, Nationality, Date of Birth, Previous name of school, and Grade, and it asks for Guardians' credentials (Father's Name, Mother's Name, Father's Phone, Mother's Phone). You select the campus branch as Digital City or Qortuba, and you can download the registration form from the Apply Now page. 2. The English language ability of the applicant is assessed during the application process. MGIS accommodates non-English speakers and does not require fluency for entry to elementary and primary levels. The language assessment is part of the application process. 3. MGIS offers Nursery through Grade 9, with grade-age alignment that starts at KG1 (about 3 years old) and progresses to Grade 9 (about 14 years old). The program provides high-quality standards from Nursery to Grade 9. 4. If admitted, a seat reservation is involved. A seat reservation fee of 5,000 SAR applies, and withdrawal before the academic year starts makes that fee non-refundable. The academic year is organized into two semesters. 5. Discounts are available on tuition. New Students (2025-2026) receive a 20% discount at Digital City and a 10% discount at Qortuba. Returning Students (enrolled 2021–2025) receive a 20% discount at Digital City and a 15% discount at Qortuba; Long-Term Returning Students receive a 30% discount. 6. In addition, MGIS offers sibling discounts (second sibling 5%, third and subsequent siblings 10%) and other payment incentives, including early payment discounts (5% for full-year payment), a Digital City referral program (500 SAR per referred family), and a Digital City employee discount (30%). Home to two campuses, MGIS provides transportation options in certain areas and uniforms are available through ZAKs. Visits can be scheduled by contacting the campuses, and the registration form can be downloaded from the Apply Now page.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
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