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American International School Riyadh

Saudi Arabia, Riyadh

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees SAR 63,164 - 117,812
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 1550
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), American Curriculum
Typical class size 24
Introduction

The American International School‑Riyadh (AIS‑R) is a co‑educational day school on a purpose‑built campus in Al Aarid, Riyadh, organised into Elementary (KG2–Grade 5), Middle (Grades 6–8) and High School (Grades 9–12). Instruction is in English; the school offers a US standards‑based, college‑preparatory curriculum (Common Core/AERO, NGSS and related standards) across lower grades and provides the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in Grades 11–12. World languages taught include Arabic (with regular Arabic classes in the elementary years and Arabic language/culture through middle school), French and Spanish, with ab initio options offered in the DP. The campus features a gymnasium, auditorium/theatre, libraries, multiple computer and science labs, outdoor track and playgrounds and an ‘Eagle Eco Centre' used in Early Years. The programme emphasises inquiry‑based and experiential learning (including Week Without Walls and the DP's CAS requirement), and provides English Language Learner and tiered student‑support services.

Prince Saud Ibn Abdullah Ibn Jalawi, Al Aarid, Riyadh 13332, Saudi Arabia

The Essentials

American International School Riyadh has 1,550 pupils, typical class sizes of 24, instruction in English.

Location
AIS-R is located in North Riyadh, adjacent to the Al Bustan Village Compound (Exit 5). The campus is connected to Al Bustan by an internal gate, allowing residents to walk or bike to school in about 10 minutes. It is roughly 20 minutes from Riyadh's airport and the downtown area.

Stages
AIS-R serves students from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12, organized into Elementary (Pre-K to Grade 5), Middle School (Grades 6–8), and High School (Grades 9–12).

Type
AIS-R is an independent, non-profit, co-educational day school. It offers an enriched American curriculum and is IB Diploma Programme authorized; it is NEASC and CIS accredited.

Pupil Nationality Mix
AIS-R represents students from more than 60 countries; the top nationalities are American, Saudi Arabian, and Canadian. The school reports over 65 nationalities represented in its student body, with local Saudi students forming a minority of the student body (local ~12%, international ~88%).

Additional learning support
AIS-R provides a school-wide Student Success framework with Learning Support teachers, English as an Additional Language (ELL) staff, and counselors operating in a tiered model. The admissions process notes that AIS-R does not provide a formal Special Needs program for significant learning needs, though support is provided within the program parameters.

Country affiliation
The school follows an American curriculum and is an IB World School; it is accredited by NEASC and CIS.

Religious affiliation
No religious affiliation is stated; AIS-R operates as a secular international school.

School day structure
AIS-R follows a North American-type school year, starting in August and finishing in early June. Administrative offices run 8:10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Sunday to Wednesday and 8:10 a.m.–4:00 p.m. on Thursdays; there is a winter holiday around New Year, a fall break in October, and a spring break in February. The first day of the 2025-26 school year was August 19, 2025.

Bus service
AIS-R does not offer bus transportation. Parents are responsible for providing transportation for their children; campus access is controlled by AIS-R IDs for safety.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
AIS-R uses a school-wide dress code that includes a school polo shirt as part of the daily uniform. High school dress requirements indicate a AIS-R polo shirt and long pants may be required for attire; a PE uniform is required for physical education. The on-campus Eagle's Nest store sells Middle School PE uniforms and other uniform items, and houses-specific attire such as house shirts may be available for purchase on campus.

Food Options
Dining Hall services are available for snack breaks and lunch. Lunches and snacks are purchased using funds loaded to the student ID via a cashless system, with supervision in the dining area; AIS-R is not allergen-free due to outsourced caterers, so dietary accommodations may be limited.

House System
AIS-R operates a house system; middle school students have house shirts, and some house-based dress items are available through the Eagle's Nest store on campus.

Governance and Ownership
AIS-R is an independent, non-profit school licensed to operate by the Saudi Ministry of Education. It is governed by a seven-member self-perpetuating Board of Trustees, which selects a Superintendent to manage day-to-day operations. The AIS-R Association includes registered parents and community members, and the board governs strategic policy and long-term viability.
Fees

Annual tuition at American International School Riyadh ranges from SAR 63,164 to SAR 117,812 for 2026/27.

Annual tuition — 2025–2026 (by grade band, Saudi Riyal)
- Early Years (base tuition): SAR 54,925.00. VAT (15%): SAR 8,238.75. Total annual tuition (incl. VAT): SAR 63,163.75. First semester (incl. VAT): SAR 32,731.88. Second semester (incl. VAT): SAR 30,431.88. First semester (0% VAT): SAR 28,462.50. Second semester (0% VAT): SAR 26,462.50.
- KG II – Grade 5 (base tuition): SAR 90,347.00. VAT (15%): SAR 13,552.05. Total annual tuition (incl. VAT): SAR 103,899.05. First semester (incl. VAT): SAR 53,099.53. Second semester (incl. VAT): SAR 50,799.53. First semester (0% VAT): SAR 46,173.50. Second semester (0% VAT): SAR 44,173.50.
- Grades 6–8 (base tuition): SAR 93,454.00. VAT (15%): SAR 14,018.10. Total annual tuition (incl. VAT): SAR 107,472.10. First semester (incl. VAT): SAR 54,886.05. Second semester (incl. VAT): SAR 52,586.05. First semester (0% VAT): SAR 47,727.00. Second semester (0% VAT): SAR 45,727.00.
- Grades 9–12 (base tuition): SAR 102,445.00. VAT (15%): SAR 15,366.75. Total annual tuition (incl. VAT): SAR 117,811.75. First semester (incl. VAT): SAR 60,055.30. Second semester (incl. VAT): SAR 57,756.45. First semester (0% VAT): SAR 52,222.00. Second semester (0% VAT): SAR 50,223.00.

Application, capital and registration fees (new students)
- Application Fee (non-refundable, non-transferable): SAR 4,903.60 (includes 15% VAT) or SAR 4,264 (0% VAT). This fee is required for each child at every grade level and must be paid when submitting application documents.
- Capital Fee (one-time, non-refundable): PreK–Grade 8: SAR 17,776.70 (incl. 15% VAT) / SAR 15,458 (0% VAT). Grade 9–12: SAR 25,745.05 (incl. 15% VAT) / SAR 22,387 (0% VAT). These fees are applied at initial enrollment to support campus maintenance and technology.
- Registration Fee (one-time, non-refundable): SAR 16,550.80 (includes 15% VAT) / SAR 14,392 (0% VAT). This covers costs related to adding and maintaining a new student in school systems.

Seat deposit and re-enrolment rules
- Seat Deposit (to secure a place): SAR 12,450 plus 15% VAT (SAR 1,867.50) for non-Saudi nationals; 0% VAT applies for Saudi nationals when National ID is provided. The seat deposit is credited toward first-semester tuition. The seat deposit is refundable only until April 27, 2025 and non-refundable thereafter for the 2025–26 enrolment process; unclaimed guaranteed seats will revert to the wait pool and the student withdrawal process may begin April 3, 2025.
- Re-enrolling students may have reduced or adjusted capital/registration charges depending on how recently they were enrolled (details and timing adjustments apply).

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Tuition is billed in two semesters. Enrollment-date billing (quarter system) for the 2025–26 school year specifies required payment percentages depending on when the student is enrolled into the school term:
- 1st Quarter (Aug 19–Oct 23): 100% of first and second semester tuition payment due.
- 2nd Quarter (Nov 2–Jan 15): 65% of first semester and 100% of second semester tuition payment due.
- 3rd Quarter (Jan 18–Apr 2): 100% of first semester tuition payment due.
- 4th Quarter (Apr 5–Jun 1): 65% of first semester tuition payment due.
- Tuition and fees are payable in Saudi Riyal (SAR) only. Parents remain ultimately responsible for payment regardless of employer arrangements.

Potential additional fees and examples
- Test rescheduling fee (applicant): SAR 937.25 (includes 15% VAT) / SAR 815.00 (0% VAT).
- Learning Strategies (LS) Fee (when additional learning support is required): Elementary SAR 10,390.25 (incl. VAT) / Middle & High SAR 10,746.75 (incl. VAT).
- English Language Learners (ELL) Fee (when required): Elementary SAR 10,390.25 (incl. VAT) / Middle & High SAR 10,746.75 (incl. VAT).
- ALPS (optional after-school Arabic program) Fee: SAR 7,503.75 (incl. 15% VAT).
- IB Diploma Programme assessment fees: 92 Euros per IB course (Euro equivalent in SAR charged; non‑Saudi students also assessed 15% VAT).
- Miscellaneous program costs may apply (examples: Week Without Walls trips, sports trips, PE uniforms, IB exams, dining hall services, remote testing proctoring, yearbook, etc.).

Refunds and refund conditions
- Tuition refunds are allowed only when all of the following apply:
1) written withdrawal notice is provided to the school prior to the stated deadline;
2) the student did not attend school at any time during the semester; and
3) the student has already paid some or all of the tuition due for that semester.
- Seat deposit is refundable only up to the deadline stated above for the 2025–26 cycle (April 27, 2025); tuition for semester one (due Aug 4th) was refundable, minus seat deposit (and VAT), until August 19, 2025 (first day of classes) and non-refundable thereafter for that enrolment period. The school's policy also specifies there will be no refunds, discounts, or partial payment arrangements if the government orders distance or hybrid learning during the school year.

Boarding
- Boarding is not listed or charged on the school's tuition and fees schedule; AIS-R operates as a day school for the 2025–26 tuition schedule. No boarding fees are published.

Fee payment options and banking details
- Preferred payment method: direct wire transfer to the school's bank account. School fees are payable in SAR only. Debit and credit card payments are not accepted. Bank account details are provided to families for application fee and other fee payments, and each family receives a unique IBAN on invoices to help with allocation. All bank processing charges are the payer's responsibility; parents should quote the student's name and invoice number when making payments.
Academics

American International School Riyadh teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), American Curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
The American International School - Riyadh offers an enriched American curriculum for Pre-K through Grade 12. The campus is purpose-built in North Riyadh. The school is accredited by NEASC and CIS and is authorized to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in Grades 11–12. The curriculum is modeled on the US State Department Standards (AERO), Common Core State Standards, and selected National Association Standards. The academic year runs from September to June with 176 instructional days.

Higher Education Progression
The school reports over 300 university acceptances. It represents more than 65 nationalities and had over 140 graduates in the 2024–2025 school year.

Gifted and Talented
AIS-R does not provide a Special Needs Program for significant learning needs nor a gifted and talented program.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
AIS-R supports social and emotional learning (SEL) through a school-wide counseling program; high school counselors support students' academic, social and personal development, and a Guidance curriculum guides relationships, planning, and life skills across grade levels.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
AIS-R offers Learning Support for mild to moderate learning needs, but there is no dedicated Special Needs Program, and AIS-R is not a specialist SEN institution.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
AIS-R provides an English as an Additional Language (EAL) program for qualified Elementary School students (KG2–Grade 5); EAL focuses on listening, speaking, reading and writing, with EAL teachers co-teaching with homeroom teachers and partnering with families.

Mental Wellbeing
AIS-R maintains a Mental Health Protocol as part of its Child Safeguarding framework, with staff training and counselors providing mental health support to students.

Safeguarding
AIS-R has a comprehensive Child Safeguarding Policy based on international law, Council of International Schools standards, and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child; the policy is complemented by a Child Safeguarding Education Program with staff training and parent education sessions, and maltreatment reporting is defined and acted upon.
Parent Experience

History
AIS-R was founded in 1963 in Riyadh to provide an American-oriented international education. In 2023, AIS-R celebrated its 60th anniversary, marking six decades of operation and growth. The school operates on a purpose-built campus in the north of Riyadh. It is accredited by NEASC and CIS and is an IB World School authorized to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. AIS-R earned CIS Global Citizenship Certification for its intercultural learning initiatives and global-minded curriculum.

Community
AIS-R's community includes students, parents, faculty, and staff from more than 50 nationalities. It is governed by a Board of Trustees and emphasizes intercultural understanding, reflected in the 'Where We Belong' theme and CIS Global Citizenship Certification. Regular community forums and gatherings, including the Eagle Community Exchange, invite feedback from the AIS-R Association. The Social Committee and intercultural activities offer opportunities for cultural and social engagement across the school year.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
AIS-R's parent involvement centers on the AIS-R Association and the Parent-Teacher-Student Organization (PTSO) that coordinate family engagement and activities. The AIS-R Association comprises registered community members—parents, educators, and Board members—serving to support the school and providing a channel for feedback and updates, including annual presentations at the Eagle Community Exchange. The PTSO organizes two major events each year: Family Fun Day and the Intercultural Festival, bringing together students, families, and staff across grade levels. The Social Committee runs events such as fun runs, cultural celebrations, movie nights, souq visits, scavenger hunts, and live music to promote community and intercultural exchange. Parents participate in regular Coffees and other forums, enabling dialogue with teachers and administrators. The AIS-R Foundation supports family involvement by funding initiatives that enhance campus life and learning environments.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
AIS-R's campus is built for learning and is state-of-the-art. It includes ultramodern STEM facilities, robotics and science labs; spaces for music, arts, and language learning; grass playing fields for sports; and a 700-seat performing arts theater.

Sports Facilities
Sports are played on grass fields on campus.

Academic Facilities
AIS-R offers an enriched American curriculum. The school is NEASC and CIS accredited and IB authorized. It offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in Grades 11 and 12. The curriculum is modeled on the US State Department Standards (AERO), Common Core Standards, and selected National Association Standards. The Diploma Programme core includes Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay, and a Creativity, Activity, and Service program; DP students study six subjects across groups.

Extra Curricular Facilities
AIS-R provides a generous range of extracurricular opportunities that nurture growth beyond the classroom. After-school activities broaden experiences and promote values such as responsibility, honesty, perseverance, and teamwork. The Diploma Programme emphasizes CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) as part of its core. Week Without Walls is part of AIS-R's activity program.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school offers an enriched American curriculum with an international perspective for students from pre-kindergarten to grade 12. The academic year runs from September to June with 176 instructional days. The school is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) and the Council of International Schools (CIS). The school is authorized to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.

Arts & Creative
AIS-R has a 700-seat performing arts theater on campus. The school emphasizes music, arts, and language opportunities as part of its comprehensive program. Students engage in drama and visual arts as part of their learning experiences.

Cultural & Language
AIS-R provides an intercultural learning environment with a diverse student body. The Circle of Nations area on campus highlights international perspectives. AIS-R has Global Citizenship Certification awarded by CIS. The school is an IB World School authorized to offer the IB Diploma Programme.

Social & Hobbies
AIS-R offers a wide variety of after-school activities and athletics. Sign-ups are conducted through Powerschool, and activities run in 8- to 10-week seasons with opportunities to travel for competitions. The school participates in local, GCC, and international tournaments and conferences.

Community & Service
The Social Committee organizes events such as cultural celebrations and family activities, and the PTSO hosts major events each year. Counseling services and social-emotional learning are provided across all divisions. AIS-R Foundation supports the school's mission and community initiatives.

Leadership & Professional
AIS-R is governed by a seven-member Board of Trustees and led by a Superintendent and an AIS-R Leadership Team. The school operates as an independent, non-profit institution licensed by the Saudi Ministry of Education. It maintains NEASC and CIS accreditation and IB authorization.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Counseling services and social-emotional learning are provided across divisions. Athletics and after-school activities are considered integral to student well-being. The campus includes facilities such as a 700-seat performing arts theater to support student wellness and enrichment.
Languages

Language Provision
AIS-R has a World Languages program aligned to ACTFL standards. World Languages is integrated as a formal part of the curriculum. The school uses an enriched American curriculum and offers the IB Diploma Programme in Grades 11-12.
Reputation

Awards
N/A

Accreditations
The school is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) and the Council of International Schools (CIS), and it is authorized to offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma. The school has also been awarded CIS's Global Citizenship Certification.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Start the online application. AIS-R uses rolling admissions and accepts applicants throughout the current school year; the application period for the following year begins August 1. Begin by completing the online application, paying the non-refundable application fee, and uploading required documents. Required documents include the student's passport photo page, both parents' passport photo pages, iqama, immunization record, all records from previous schools in English (including the final report card and the current year-to-date report card), standardized test records if requesting an entrance test exemption (required for applicants in Grades 3-12 not residing in Saudi Arabia), and, if applicable, special education/IEP/504 records. If the student is a Saudi national, provide the Family Book and the Ministry of Education approval letter.

2. File review. After the application is fully submitted with the fee, the AIS-R Admissions Office reviews the applicant file. A file will not be approved for testing if the application or records are incomplete, or if prior information indicates a significant concern. The applicant is notified by the Admissions Office when the review is complete.

3. Admissions testing and English language assessment. Applicants proceed to admissions testing as part of the process; testing may be exempt for some applicants in Grades 3–12 who have MAP/PSAT/SAT results. English language proficiency is evaluated as part of placement for all applicants.

4. Final review and grade placement. After testing, the final application review determines grade placement, with consideration of English language needs and course requests for Grades 9–12. AIS-R aims to place students in appropriate levels and programs aligned with policy and space availability. Families are notified of placement decisions.

5. Mid-year enrollment and next steps. AIS-R supports mid-year enrollment with applicable procedures and calendar alignment.

6. Wait pool and enrollment decisions. Admissions decisions are subject to academic entrance requirements and class size limits set by the Board of Trustees. AIS-R reserves the right to limit enrollment and to deny an application if it does not align with admissions policy; decisions are made on a case-by-case basis. The applicant wait pool is used to manage opportunities as spaces become available.

7. Next steps and contact. Apply online, book a campus tour, and coordinate with the Admissions Office for scheduling and next steps.

8. Additional notes. The admissions process includes consideration of English language proficiency, mid-year enrollment feasibility, and course requests for upper grades, with final decisions communicated to families as soon as they are ready.

Citations: AIS-R Admissions page; AIS-R contact and admissions information; AIS-R Community/About pages.

Scholarships
AIS-R awards scholarships; over $5.5 million in scholarships have been awarded.

Waitlist
AIS-R uses a rolling admissions process with a applicant wait pool to manage placements as spaces become available. Decisions follow class size limits and admissions policies, and applicants may be notified of changes in status as vacancies arise.
School Events
The school has not added events
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