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International Philippine School in Al-Khobar

Saudi Arabia, Al Khobar

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English, Filipino
Fees Fees not listed
Ages 3 - 18 years
Type Co-educational
Opened 1988
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Bespoke Curriculum
Taught languages English, Filipino, Arabic
Strengths STEM, Performing Arts, Academic Enrichment
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Leadership and Professional
Stages Preschool, Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle School, Secondary School, Senior Secondary School
Introduction

International Philippine School in Al-Khobar (IPSA) serves learners from ages 3 to 18 in Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia. The school is affiliated with the Philippines and uses a bespoke curriculum while following the standard Philippine Education Curriculum. IPSA is located in the Al-Janubiyah District, Building 2552, and provides facilities to support a broad K–12 program. Core academic spaces include Computer, Science, and TLE/EPP laboratories. The Learning Resource Center Library offers books, magazines, journals, newspapers, PCs, software, internet access, and a printer, with library hours from 7:45 am to 4:30 pm. The campus also houses a Bookstore, Photocopying Service, a canteen, transport and clinic services, and security and administrative offices. IPSA originated as the Philippine Embassy School in 1988 and was renamed IPSA in 1995; it is a member of the Saudi Arabian International Schools. The school runs extensive clubs in robotics, music, and public speaking across grade levels. It supports leadership development.

Bldg. No. 2552, Al‑Khobar, Al Janubiyah District, Unit No. 1, Al‑Khobar 34611‑7946, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

The Essentials

International Philippine School in Al-Khobar has instruction in English, Filipino.

Location
The school is located at Bldg. No. 2552, Al-Khobar, Al-Janubiyah District, Unit No. 1, Al-Khobar 34611-7946, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It sits in Al-Khobar in the Eastern Province. Office hours are Sunday–Thursday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Stages
Pre-school Education (Nursery, Kindergarten 1 and Kindergarten 2); Grade School; Junior High School (Grades 7–10); Senior High School (Grades 11–12).

Country affiliation
Philippines

Bus service
Yes. Transportation services are provided through a private contracting company on designated routes with standard fees.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
IPSA requires a school uniform for all students, and school IDs are considered part of the uniform. The Boys' uniform is a plain white IPSA polo with a patch and navy bottoms (shorts for Preschool to Grade 2, long pants from Grade 3 up), with black shoes and white socks; the Girls' uniform is grade-dependent (Preschool pink dress with IPSA patch; Grade School white blouse with gray jumper; Junior High white blouse with gray skirt and gray tie) plus a gray PE kit. Every Thursday, civilian clothes may be worn with restrictions, and winter clothes may be worn during winter months when announced.

Food Options
IPSA provides a School Canteen through a concessionaire to cater food services to Pupils/Students, Faculty, Staff and Parents during school days.

Governance and Ownership
IPSA is a private, non-stock and non-profit Foreign School established for the Filipino Community. The School Governing Board (SGB) consists of seven members elected by IPSA parents and appointed/approved by the Saudi Ministry of Education. The representative from the Saudi MOE has supervisory function over the SGB, while the Philippine Ambassador to Saudi Arabia has an advisory function.
Fees
Application fees
- No public, fixed application or enrollment fee amount is listed in the school's admission/enrolment materials for the 2026/2027 or 2025/2026 school year; parents complete the online admission form and submit required documents as part of the application process.

Tuition fees by year group
- The school's publicly available enrollment materials do not publish specific tuition amounts by year group or per term for SY 2026/2027 or SY 2025/2026. Tuition is referenced as an account obligation that must be paid according to the chosen payment frequency (see Billing schedule and payment terms).

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Accepted payment frequencies: annual, quarterly, or monthly payment options are available. Parents may select the frequency when settling tuition.
- Enrollment periods and deadlines are published in the admission notices (for example: Early Enrollment and Enrollment Proper dates for the new school year), and parents are required to settle fees as part of enrollment. Payment receipts and proof of payment must be emailed to the school as part of the enrolment validation process.
- Miscellaneous fees (non-tuition items) are payable in full at the time of enrollment.

Boarding fees (if applicable)
- Boarding is not listed as a provided service in the school's student services and handbook materials; IPSA operates as a day school with transportation (school bus) service but no boarding program.

Other costs and fees (uniforms, transport, clubs, textbooks, etc.)
- Uniforms: A school uniform is prescribed for all pupils/students; the handbook lists required uniform items by level. Specific uniform prices are not published in the publicly available materials.
- School bus / transport: Bus service is charged at standard route fees. Bus payment requires one month's advance payment; bus contracts are payable over 10 months; a SR 50 surcharge applies for every cancellation or change of schedule. Fractional months are charged in full.
- Clubs and extracurriculars: Club membership carries a membership fee payable to the Finance Office. Cancellation/withdrawal of a club within one month allows a 50% refund of the club fee.
- Textbooks and supplies: Instructional materials and textbooks are managed through the school bookstore and textbook reservation procedures; any charges for textbooks or materials are treated as part of miscellaneous or materials fees at enrollment (specific amounts are not published).

Refund information
- Withdrawal of enrollment and tuition: the handbook sets withdrawal/proration rules by timing: if a student withdraws in writing within the start of classes, the school applies the following charge to the total amount due for the term — 10% if withdrawal occurs within the first week; 30% if within the third week; 50% if within a later period specified in the policy. These percentages are applied to determine amounts withheld vs. refunded when parents withdraw a student early in the term. Miscellaneous club refunds follow separate rules (50% refund if canceled within one month).

Fee payment options and billing instructions
- Bank transfer (online bank payment): Al Rajhi Bank — Account Name: International Philippine School in Al-Khobar; Account Number: 302608010062227; IBAN: SA02 8000 0302 6080 1006 2227; SWIFT: RJHISARI; Branch Code: 302 (Al-Khobar, Al-Janubiyah Branch). Parents are instructed to email the deposit slip/proof of payment to the school's collection/cashier emails and cc finance for validation.
- Mobile wallet / STC Pay: the school provides procedures for payment through STC Pay (app-based payment); parents follow the published STC Pay payment steps and submit proof of payment for validation.
- Cash payments: cash payment is accepted through the Finance Office; parents are given a school finance mobile number and office times for cash transactions.
- Payment processing and receipts: parents must email bank remittance slips/proof of payment along with student name, student number, amount and payment breakdown to the school's collection/cashier/finance email addresses for issuance of official receipts. The school issues financial clearances and official receipts through the Finance Office.

Additional notes on financial assistance and special charges
- The school runs an Educational Assistance Program that has provided tuition credits (example: SR 2,000 tuition-credit grants to qualified applicants in a recent assistance round); details, eligibility and mechanics are administered by the school.

Contact details for fee-related enquiries (use when preparing payments or requesting official billing statements): Finance Office mobile and emails are published in the school resources and admission materials for payment submission and validation.
Academics

International Philippine School in Al-Khobar teaches Bespoke Curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
The school would follow the standard Philippine Education Curriculum.

Higher Education Progression
IPSANS are skilled and prepared for college and beyond, equipping students for higher education.

Gifted and Talented
Talent development and skill development are part of student development programs.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Guidance Counselor provides guidance and counseling to pupils and students to promote better understanding of one's self, of other people and of social norms in general. The Guidance Counselor, through the Student and Community Affairs Office, offers services for academic or behavioral concerns, including individual and group counseling, group guidance, testing and evaluation, follow-up and information, career guidance, and certificates of good moral character. Access to services follows a referral-based process via the Class Adviser or the Student and Community Affairs Head; sessions are confidential and scheduled during school hours. Parents may visit the Guidance Office by appointment. The Counseling program supports social and emotional development as part of IPSA's holistic approach to student well-being.

Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is supported through the Guidance Counselor, who provides individual and group counseling and group guidance to help students cope with personal and social challenges. The counseling program includes testing and evaluation, follow-up and information, and career guidance as part of the services offered. Access is via referrals from the Class Adviser or the Student and Community Affairs Head, with confidentiality maintained. The School Clinic provides registered nurses and a range of health services during operating hours to support students' well-being. In emergencies, staff contact the parent/guardian and transfer the student to the nearest hospital when necessary; parents must ensure residence permit (Iqama) and medical insurance when seeking hospital care.

Safeguarding
Safeguarding is supported by the Student and Community Affairs Office and the Guidance Counselor, with confidentiality in counseling. A Board of Discipline handles minor and major offenses with due process, as described in IPSA's disciplinary policies. The Office of the Registrar, the School Clinic, and the Academic Supervisors coordinate to protect student welfare and safety. Emergency medical safeguarding is supported by the School Clinic, with procedures for contacting parents and hospital transfer when needed. Parents are required to ensure the child has a valid Residence Permit (Iqama) and medical insurance for hospital treatment.
Parent Experience

History
The International Philippine School in Al-Khobar originated as the Philippine Embassy School in Al-Khobar (PESA) and was founded in September 1988 by a group of Filipino parents. It began academic operations in June 1989 under Temporary Permit No. 001 s. 1989 issued by the Philippine Department of Education, Culture and Sports. In 1995, PESA received DECS Recognition No. 01 s. 1995 (signed January 31, 1995) and a Saudi host license to operate on May 8, 1995 (Saudi Permit No. 2/1937). In the 1995-1996 school year, PESA was renamed International Philippine School in Al-Khobar (IPSA); IPSA is a member of the Saudi Arabian International Schools.

Community
IPSA maintains a School Calendar that covers Preschool, Grade School, and Junior High School. The School Club page lists School Interest and Sports Clubs with a tentative schedule of activities. IPSA publishes the IPSA Gazette as the official school publication. The Family Handbook is available in Resources for families.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
IPSA has a School Governing Board that oversees school governance. The 13th School Governing Board serves 2022–2025. The Board includes MB Enrique M. Piguing as Chairman and MB Narciso G. Mapalo as Vice Chairman. A Committee on Parents and Government Affairs is part of the governance structure. Parents participate in IPSA governance through this committee.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
IPSA provides a campus with dedicated learning facilities. School Laboratories include Computer, Science, and TLE/EPP Laboratories as part of the standard curriculum. The Library and Learning Resource Center offer a broad collection and digital resources, including books, magazines, journals, newspapers, PCs, software, educational CDs, Internet access, a printer, and VHS tapes, with library hours from 7:45 am to 4:30 pm. The Learning Resource Center is managed by the Learning Resource In-Charge to ensure instructional materials are available and accessible to teachers and learners. IPSA also operates a Books & Supplies Store, a Photocopying Service in the Library, a School Canteen, and offers transport and clinic services, with campus security to support student welfare. The campus includes various administrative and support offices to aid operations.

Academic Facilities
School Laboratories include Computer Laboratory, Science Laboratory, and TLE/EPP Laboratory, offered as part of the standard curriculum. The Library (Learning Resource Center) provides instructional materials to complement teaching and learning, with holdings that include books, magazines, journals, newspapers, PC units, software, educational CDs, Internet facility, a printer, VHS tapes, and other information materials. The Library is open on school days, from 7:45 am to 4:30 pm, and uses the Dewey Decimal Classification System. The Learning Resource In-Charge oversees the management of the Library and Learning Resource Centers to ensure materials are available and accessible to students and teachers. The Library is listed among School Services alongside other facilities such as the Bookstore, Photocopying, and Clinic services.

Extra Curricular Facilities
IPSA offers a broad spectrum of school clubs across preschool to grade 12. Preschool clubs include Dance & Hip-Hop and Ballet. Grade School clubs include Dance & Hip-Hop, Gymnastics and Ballet. Grade 4-6 clubs include Robotics, Taekwondo, Volleyball, Lawn Tennis, Badminton, Basketball, Chess, Music, Papyrus (Reading), and Dance & Hip-Hop. Grades 7-12 clubs include Gavel (Public Speaking), Music, Robotics, Taekwondo, Volleyball, Lawn Tennis, Badminton, Basketball (Girls and Boys), Chess, Darts, Papyrus (Reading).
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Robotics Club is offered for Grade 4-6 and Grade 7-12. Chess Club is offered for Grade 4-6 and Grade 7-12. Papyrus (Reading) Club is offered for Grade 4-6 and Grade 7-12.

Arts & Creative
Music Club (Instrument & Vocal) is offered for Grade 4-6 and Grade 7-12. Dance & Hip-Hop is offered for Preschool, Grade School, and Grade 4-6. Ballet is offered for Preschool and Grade School.

Social & Hobbies
Darts Club is offered for Grade 7-12. Chess Club is offered for Grade 4-6 and Grade 7-12. Papyrus (Reading) Club is offered for Grade 4-6 and Grade 7-12.

Leadership & Professional
Gavel (Public Speaking) Club is offered for Grade 7-12.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Volleyball Club (Boys & Girls) is offered for Grade 4-6 and Grade 7-12. Lawn Tennis Club, Badminton Club, and Basketball Club (Boys & Girls) are offered for Grade 4-6 and Grade 7-12. Taekwondo Club and Gymnastics are offered for Grade 4-6 and Grade 7-12.
Languages

Language Provision
English is the language of instruction and all students develop proficiency in English. Arabic is the host-country language and a graduation requirement; it is taught across grade levels (Arabic A for native/proficient and Arabic B for non-native). French is offered as a third language in Middle and High School with available resources. ELL services use the WIDA framework to support students' English development, and the library provides extensive resources in English and Arabic, with materials for French as well.

Bilingual Teaching
English is the language of communication at IPSA. Arabic is the host-country language and a graduation requirement, with Arabic A for native/proficient students and Arabic B for non-native students. French is offered as an elective in Middle and High School. New students are assessed and placed into Arabic A or Arabic B groups, and bilingualism across English, Arabic, and French is encouraged.

Immersion Programs
KG1 and KG2 students are immersed in the mainstream classroom. Grade 1 uses an English Language Learner pull-out model; Grades 2–5 use a cluster approach with ELL support; high school levels include ELL support as needed. The ELL approach integrates language development with the curriculum, and there is ongoing support to help students access learning in English and Arabic.
Reputation

Awards
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Accreditations
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Admissions

Admissions
1. Online Admission Form and Requirements: All student-applicants fill out an Online Admission Form and submit the requirements to gc@ipsa.edu.sa. Filipino Students must provide: latest Report Card or SF9; passport copies for student, father, and mother; digital Iqama for student, father, and mother; PSA birth certificate; Certificate of Good Moral Character; vaccination certificate (Kindergarten 1 to Grade 1); digital 2x2 ID photo. Original documents may be presented for verification upon request. Kindergarten age requirements are 3 years old for Kindergarten 1 by October 2026, 4 years old for Kindergarten 2 by October 2026, and 5 years old for Kindergarten 3 by October 2026.

2. Assessment: The assessment is conducted as per schedule issued by the School Guidance Counselor. For Kindergarten 1, a Child Development Checklist is used to assess readiness (attention span/readiness for tasks). For Kindergarten 2 to Grade 12, tests and interviews are used for assessment. The assessment results are used to determine admission readiness and suitability; the schedule is issued by the School Guidance Counselor.

3. Application Results: Application results are released seven (7) working days after the assessment and are emailed to the parents indicating PASSED or Did not meet the required minimum competencies. Details of the actual test/assessment results shall remain confidential and are not released over the phone. The school reserves the right to determine whether the Educational Program of the School will be suitable and beneficial to the student-applicant.

4. Enrollment: Enrollment occurs after notification of results. Enrollment information is provided in a separate circular. Early Enrolment is from January 4 to April 30, 2026 and Enrolment Proper is from May 1 to July 4, 2026. Late enrolment may be considered depending on the availability of slots and only within two weeks after the start of classes. Section assignments for Kindergarten are on a first-come-first-served basis; Elementary and High School assignments are by Class Advisers and Academic Supervisor with the approval of the School Principal; Section Assignments are posted on the Main Campus Bulletin Board during Parents' Orientation.

Scholarships
IPSA Educational Assistance Program provides SR 2,000.00 (Two thousand Saudi Riyals) tuition fee credits deductible to the actual matriculation for the school year. No cash disbursements are released; the grant is paid directly to the Finance office and debited to the recipient's account. The grant is effective for one school year and may be re-applied to subsequent years if the same requirements are met. Eligibility requires: the applicant is officially enrolled at IPSA; holds a Dependent Visa; has a General Average not lower than 85% in the previous school year; family monthly gross income not exceeding SR 5,000; family of at least four members; at least one sibling enrolled in IPSA; the applicant is not a recipient of any other scholarship or educational assistance; only for Grade 4 to Grade 12; new students (transfers) are not eligible; students due for repatriation are not eligible; misrepresentation may cancel or recall the grant. For more details on application forms and pre-qualification assessment, refer to the IPSA Student and Community Affairs Office.
School Events
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