Horizon International School - Riyadh vs Modern Global International Schools - Qortuba

	H Horizon International School - Riyadh Riyadh, Saudi Arabia	M Modern Global International Schools - Qortuba Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year SAR 14,175 - 32,750	Fees / year SAR 30,000 - 56,500
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 1 - 15 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum American Curriculum, British Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), American Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils —	Pupils 900
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size 18
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1999	Opened 2017
Bus service	Bus service —	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location —	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 —	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 —	School type Co-educational; MGIS serves both boys and girls and operates across two campuses in Riyadh.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix MGIS has a diverse student body with representation from 32 countries.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support —	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 —	Country affiliation Saudi Arabia (the school operates in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia).
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	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 —	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 —	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 —	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 —	Uniform requirement MGIS uses a school uniform. Uniforms and the PE kit can be purchased through ZAKs.
Food options	Food options —	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 —	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 Horizon International School Educational experiences Register students Parents School staff welcome to Horizon International School We are an international school with a strong academic curriculum in all subjects while maintaining our Arab and Islamic identity. American British Curriculum AdvancED, WASC, and AIAA accreditations More Founded 1999 latest news 10 8 - 2024 Dear Parents , Due to the intensity of registration , our school gates will be open for student registration starting from next week according to the schedule below . 30 7 - 2024 American British Curricula 30 7 - 2024 parents memo for parents 30 7 - 2024 Parents / Teachers Meeting Our schools mobile application Various services School Achievements News Archive Video albums Photo albums	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 American British Curriculum AdvancED, WASC, and AIAA accreditations More Founded 1999 latest news 10 8 - 2024 Dear Parents , Due to the intensity of registration , our school gates will be open for student registration starting from next week according to the schedule below .	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results 30 7 - 2024 American British Curricula 30 7 - 2024 parents memo for parents 30 7 - 2024 Parents / Teachers Meeting Our schools mobile application Various services School Achievements News Archive Video albums Photo albums	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented American British Curriculum AdvancED, WASC, and AIAA accreditations More Founded 1999 latest news 10 8 - 2024 Dear Parents , Due to the intensity of registration , our school gates will be open for student registration starting from next week according to the schedule below .	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning The school maintains students' physical and mental health as part of its wellbeing focus. A health care policy ensures a healthy atmosphere conducive to learning. The school relies on a student supervisor to manage nursing duties when there is no full-time nurse, and this supervisor holds a first aid certificate. In emergencies, students are transported by school bus to hospital, and parents are informed immediately. Hygiene is prioritized with daily cleaning of classrooms, corridors, and bathrooms, and the provision of soap and cleaners.	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 treats students equitably, including those with disabilities or other special needs, and meets the individual learning needs of students.	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 —	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 recognized as a vital component of student health; the health care policy emphasizes a healthy, supportive environment for learning.	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 The school effectively manages and implements programs for child protection and student welfare; staff undertake ongoing professional development and comply with government and school policies to safeguard students.	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 —	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 —	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 —	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 American British Curriculum AdvancED, WASC, and AIAA accreditations More Founded 1999 latest news 10 8 - 2024 Dear Parents , Due to the intensity of registration , our school gates will be open for student registration starting from next week according to the schedule below .	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 —	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 —	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 Tech Mentoring is offered as an extracurricular activity. Tech Mentoring is listed among the activity options in Horizon International School's extracurricular section. Fine Arts (visual arts, art appreciation, drama, poetry) and Service are listed as other activity options.	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 Fine Arts (visual arts, art appreciation, drama, poetry) is available as an extracurricular activity. It is listed as one of the activity options. The program includes experiences in visual arts, drama, and poetry. These activities are part of the school's extracurricular offerings.	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 Football, volleyball, basketball, and table tennis are offered as extracurricular activities. The activities involve interactions with students from other schools. Athletics are provided for both boys and girls. Horizon International School provides organized sports for boys and girls.	Social & hobbies —
Community & service	Community & service Service is listed as an extracurricular activity. It is included among the activity options. Participation in service activities is part of Horizon International School's extracurricular program. The available options include Fine Arts, Tech Mentoring, Service, and Athletics.	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	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 Athletics are part of the extracurricular program. Horizon International School provides organized sports for boys and girls. Football, volleyball, basketball, and table tennis are available. These activities support physical activity 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 English is the language of instruction. An English-only policy is enforced on campus, with Arabic lessons forming part of the curriculum. Students are expected to speak English at all times during school and school-related activities to support English language development. Arabic lessons are included in the curriculum.	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 American British Curriculum AdvancED, WASC, and AIAA accreditations More Founded 1999 latest news 10 8 - 2024 Dear Parents , Due to the intensity of registration , our school gates will be open for student registration starting from next week according to the schedule below .	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions Horizon International School boys girls kg Join us! Horizon International School Educational experiences Register Join us! Horizon International School Educational experiences Register students Parents School staff welcome to Horizon International School We are an international school with a strong academic curriculum in all subjects while maintaining our Arab and Islamic identity. American British Curriculum AdvancED, WASC, and AIAA accreditations More Founded 1999 latest news 10 8 - 2024 Dear Parents , Due to the intensity of registration , our school gates will be open for student registration starting from next week according to the schedule below . 30 7 - 2024 American British Curricula 30 7 - 2024 parents memo for parents 30 7 - 2024 Parents / Teachers Meeting Our schools mobile application Various services School Achievements News Archive Video albums Photo albums	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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