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International Programs School Al Khobar

Saudi Arabia, Dammam

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees SAR 30,900 - 57,680
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 1443
Type Co-educational
Opened 2000
Bus Service Yes
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (DP), American Curriculum
Taught languages Arabic
Strengths Sport, Languages, Academic Enrichment
Clubs Leadership and Professional, Social and Hobbies, Community and Service
Stages Preschool, Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle School, High School
Introduction

The International Programs School (IPS) in Al Khobar opened in 2000 with 19 students and today enrolls more than 1,443 students from over 53 nationalities. IPS offers a North American curriculum and is IB World School authorized to run the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and the Diploma Programme (DP) since 2016–2017, with an American Diploma Pathway in place for older grades. The school is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and licensed by the Saudi Ministry of Education. Classes are conducted in English, with a robust Arabic language program taught by specialist staff. IPS operates as a gender-segregated campus within a large EuroVillage Compound, and provides a wide range of after-school activities, including a Student Council and diverse clubs. The program emphasizes international mindedness and 21st-century skills, supported by a diverse faculty and modern facilities that facilitate learning across Pre-K through Grade 12.

Prince Sultan Road, Qurtoba, Al Khobar 34236, Saudi Arabia

The Essentials

International Programs School Al Khobar has 1,443 pupils, instruction in English.

Location

The International Programs School is located in Al Khobar, in the Qurtoba district of the Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia. The campus address is Al Ameer Sultan Road, Qurtoba, Al Khobar 34236. It is accessible via the main roads in Khobar.

Stages

IPS offers three program levels: Primary Years Programme (Pre-K through Grade 5), Middle School (Grades 6–8), and High School (Grades 9–12). The school also offers International Baccalaureate programs (PYP and DP).

Type

IPS operates as a gender-segregated school with separate campuses for boys and girls. It follows a North American curriculum and is an IB World School offering PYP and DP.

Pupil Nationality Mix

Nationalities represented: 53; Student body: 1,443. The most common nationality and the local-to-international ratio are not publicly disclosed.

Additional learning support

IPS has an Inclusion Policy and a Student Support Team (SST) that provides inclusion services, differentiation, and individualized plans (ISP/IEP) where needed. All students have access to a differentiated curriculum with English-language support; there are no separate classrooms for special education.

Country affiliation

No formal country affiliation is listed. IPS follows a North American curriculum and IB programs.

Religious affiliation

No religious affiliation is listed.

School day structure

The school provides an annual calendar (including 2025–2026) but start/end times for the school day are not publicly published on the site.

Bus service

IPS indicates a school bus service exists (the site's international-school listing notes a School bus entry). Details on routes, providers, and fees are not publicly published; contact IPS for specifics.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement

IPS updated its school uniform for the 2024-2025 academic year. Wearing the uniform is mandatory for all students every day. Uniforms are produced by ZAKS and are available for purchase at ZAKS stores, with availability starting in the last week of July 2024.
Fees

Annual tuition at International Programs School Al Khobar ranges from SAR 30,900 to SAR 57,680 for 2026/27.

Application & testing fees

- Admissions testing fee (per applicant): SAR 750. This testing fee is non-refundable and is payable by bank transfer or Mada card while at school; cash is not accepted.

- New-student enrollment fee (non-refundable) for KG1 through Grade 12: SAR 4,000 per student. This enrollment fee is required to confirm and hold an offered place.

- Falcons' Nest (nursery/early learning) enrollment fee (non-refundable): SAR 2,000 per child.

Tuition fees — annual and installment breakdown

- Falcons' Nest / Nursery (Falcons' Nest program):
- Early learning (age bands shown on program): Enrollment fee SAR 2,000; annual fees and installment schedule shown per age group (examples published include SAR 30,900 or SAR 33,990 annual with two equal installments). Payment is typically split into two installments as shown for each category.

- KG1 (Kindergarten 1):
- Enrollment fee (non-refundable): SAR 4,000.
- Annual tuition: SAR 33,990.
- 1st installment: SAR 16,995 (due on the published first-installment date).
- 2nd installment: SAR 16,995.

- KG2 (Kindergarten 2):
- Enrollment fee (non-refundable): SAR 4,000.
- Annual tuition: SAR 44,290.
- 1st installment: SAR 22,145.
- 2nd installment: SAR 22,145.

- Grades 1–4:
- Enrollment fee (non-refundable): SAR 4,000.
- Annual tuition: SAR 48,410.
- 1st installment: SAR 24,205.
- 2nd installment: SAR 24,205.

- Grades 5–6:
- Enrollment fee (non-refundable): SAR 4,000.
- Annual tuition: SAR 50,470.
- 1st installment: SAR 25,235.
- 2nd installment: SAR 25,235.

- Grades 7–8:
- Enrollment fee (non-refundable): SAR 4,000.
- Annual tuition: SAR 52,530.
- 1st installment: SAR 26,265.
- 2nd installment: SAR 26,265.

- Grades 9–12:
- Enrollment fee (non-refundable): SAR 4,000.
- Annual tuition: SAR 57,680.
- 1st installment: SAR 28,840.
- 2nd installment: SAR 28,840. Note: additional fees apply at Grade 12 for students who sit the IBDP (exam/registration fees).

VAT for non‑Saudi (non‑resident) students

- A 15% VAT is applied to the enrollment fee and to tuition for non‑Saudis. VAT amounts are published alongside the base fees for each grade.

Re-enrollment / seat reservation deposit

- Re-enrollment (seat reservation) deposit: SAR 2,500 (non‑refundable, excluding VAT). This deposit is required to reserve a seat at re‑enrollment and is deducted from the first semesters fees for the following academic year.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Standard tuition installment schedule (published): first installment due on the schools published first-installment date (example shown: due August 3rd) and second installment due in January. Students are permitted to attend only after the first-installment tuition payment has been made.

- Admissions testing is scheduled after a complete application; the testing fee must be paid at the time of testing as noted under enrollment procedures. Failure to complete required payments or to attend within two weeks of enrollment may result in withdrawal of the offered place.

Boarding fees

- Boarding is not offered. All students admitted must live with a parent or an authorized adult guardian; there is no boarding provision.

Other costs and recurring charges

- Uniform: Wearing the school uniform is mandatory. Uniforms are supplied through the contracted vendor ZAKS; uniform availability and vendor contact details are published. Uniform item prices are handled by the vendor and are not included in the tuition figures.

- IBDP exam / registration fees: Grade 12 students who choose the IBDP are responsible for international exam/registration fees in addition to tuition; specific student charges are assessed when registration occurs.

- Textbooks: Tuition fees include the use of books as published in the fee notes.

- Sibling discounts: A published sibling discount structure applies: 25% discount for a third child and 50% discount for a fourth child and beyond (applied as published).

- Falcons' Nest additional services: After‑school care for Falcons' Nest children is published as a separate annual fee (example value shown in program details: SAR 10,000 for after‑school care).

Refund information

- Refunds are not authorised after the first week of each academic term. Separate non‑refundable notes apply to testing, enrollment fees, and the re‑enrollment deposit as published.

Fee payment options and bank details

- Accepted payment methods (published): wire transfer or bank draft for general tuition payments. Personal checks are not accepted. Falcons' Nest materials note that only wire transfers are accepted for that program. The admissions testing fee may be paid by bank transfer or Mada card while at school.

- Bank details published for transfers (use these exact details when remitting tuition by wire transfer or bank draft):
- Account name: International Programs School Co.
- Bank name: Riyad Bank
- Account number: 3160751039940
- IBAN: SA22 2000 0003 1607 5103 9940
- SWIFT: RIBLSARIXXX.
Academics

International Programs School Al Khobar teaches IB (PYP), IB (DP), American Curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum

The International Programs School offers a North American curriculum and is an IB World School providing the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and the Diploma Programme (DP) since the 2016-2017 academic year. The school opened in 2000 with 19 students and now has enrollment of over 1,443 students from more than 53 nationalities. The school is gender-segregated and accredited by the Middle States Association (MSA) and authorized by the Saudi Ministry of Education. The faculty comprises teachers from English-speaking countries and Saudi/Arabic teachers from the Middle East. The school emphasizes international mindedness and a global perspective within its educational approach.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

The Student Support Team (SST) provides inclusion services, differentiation strategies, and assistance for students with social and emotional concerns, with teachers and parents as the first points of contact.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

SEN is supported through the SST with Academic and Learning Support, individualized support plans (ISP) and, when appropriate, individualized educational plans (IEP); IPS does not operate separate SEN classrooms and services are embedded in mainstream classes.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

For English as an Additional Language (EAL), IPS employs staff to support EAL needs and uses the WIDA testing system to identify and support those needs.

Mental Wellbeing

Mental wellbeing is addressed through Counseling Services in both individual and group formats, with a school counselor and a school psychologist as part of the Student Support Team.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding and student protection are covered by the IPS Inclusion Policy, which emphasizes informed consent, confidentiality, and procedures for harm concerns, with SST coordinating referrals to appropriate professionals.
Parent Experience

History

The International Programs School in Al Khobar opened in 2000 with 19 students. It operates as a gender-segregated international school in Saudi Arabia and offers a North American curriculum. IPS is accredited by the Middle States Association (MSA) and authorized by the Saudi Ministry of Education. In 2016–2017 IPS became an IB World School offering the Primary Years Program (PYP) and the Diploma Programme (DP). Enrollment has grown to more than 1,400 students representing over 53 nationalities, and the school is located on Al Ameer Sultan Road in the Qurtoba district of Al Khobar.

Community

IPS describes its mission as building a pioneering educational community in Saudi Arabia, respectful of learners' identities and committed to a global perspective. The school serves a globally diverse student body with students from more than 53 nationalities, reflecting a globally minded environment. IPS engages with the wider Eastern Province community through partnerships such as the AlSharqiya Gets Creative initiative, which included workshops and programs for teachers and students in November 2023. The IPS Student Council provides student leadership and organizes school-wide activities, including events such as the Senior Girls Lock-in, International Day, Manaeesh Monday, and Breast Cancer Awareness Week.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

The IPS Parent Teacher Association is a school-based organization with a mission to make the school a better place for children to learn. The PTA's stated mission is to empower and enrich children's lives within the IPS school community by creating opportunities that promote collaboration and engagement of families. PTA members attend monthly meetings and volunteer for events, and they share ideas with committee members; attendance at meetings or events is not mandatory. IPS provides 3,000 SAR annually to support the PTA's activities and dues of 300 SAR annually for members, with additional funds raised through various fundraising efforts. The IPS PTA Committee includes roles such as President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Publicity Officer, and School Liaison, with elections held annually to fill positions.
Facilities

Facilities Overview

The International Programs School is located on Al Ameer Sultan Road, Qurtoba, Al Khobar 34236. The school is a gender-segregated international school offering a North American curriculum and International Baccalaureate programs. It is accredited by MSA and authorized by the Saudi Ministry of Education. The IPS Library operates with Follett Destiny and provides a library guide. IPS Co-Academic Activities Program (CAP) is part of IPS academics. After-school clubs support extracurricular activities.

Sports Facilities

Athletics are offered with scheduled practices and competitions against other local and international schools. IPS is under the DPSL (Dammam Private Schools League) for both girls and boys since 2018. Athletic seasons include Fall U19 & U16 Volleyball, Winter U19/U16/U14 Football, and Spring U19/U16/U14 Basketball. Other offerings include Mixed Chess and Mixed Tennis. Participation is based on student interest with possible try-outs and coach contact with schedules. An Athletic Handbook is available.

Academic Facilities

The school provides Primary Years Programme (PYP) Pre-K-Grade 5, Middle School Grades 6-8, and High School Grades 9-12. It offers International Baccalaureate (IB) Program and Diploma Programme (DP) for Grades 11-12. IPS Co-Academic Activities Program (CAP) is part of the academic program. The school is accredited by MSA and authorized by the Saudi Ministry of Education. The library uses Follett Destiny and has a library guide. Core courses are aligned with North American standards and the school emphasizes a high-quality classroom environment.

Extra Curricular Facilities

After-school clubs are offered. IPS Co-Academic Activities Program (CAP) is part of academics. The athletics program includes volleyball, football, basketball, Chess, and Tennis with seasonal offerings. The school emphasizes fair play, sportsmanship, teamwork, and scholastic achievement in athletics. Seasons include Fall, Winter, and Spring with multiple teams. An Athletic Handbook is available.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

The school serves Pre-K through Grade 12 within a North American framework. It is accredited by the Middle States Association and authorized by the Saudi Ministry of Education. IPS is an IB World School offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and the Diploma Programme (DP). The faculty includes teachers from English-speaking countries and from the Middle East, and core courses are aligned with North American standards.

Arts & Creative

Art Club is offered as part of Visual Arts. The Creative Media and Literature Club is also available. The After School Clubs program includes Esports Club, Research Club, Financial Literacy Club, and Engineering Club in addition to visual arts and other creative offerings.

Cultural & Language

The school has a diverse student body representing over 53 nationalities. IPS emphasizes international mindedness and a global perspective as part of its mission and vision. The faculty includes both English-speaking teachers and Saudi/Arabic teachers. The school operates in a gender-segregated environment.

Social & Hobbies

The After School Clubs program offers Esports, Research Club, Financial Literacy Club, and Engineering Club. Visual Arts offerings include Art Club and Creative Media and Literature Club. The Student Council provides leadership opportunities and coordinates school-wide activities and social events.

Community & Service

The Student Council focuses on volunteering and community service opportunities and leadership development. It coordinates school-wide events that engage students with the community. Examples of events include Senior Girls Lock-in, International Day, Manaeesh Monday, and Breast Cancer Awareness Week.

Leadership & Professional

The Student Council is a student government organization that provides leadership, planning, and execution of school-wide activities. Volunteering, community service, and leadership opportunities are available for members. The council supports student involvement in organizing school events and initiatives.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Athletics are an integral part of IPS, with scheduled practices and interscholastic competitions. Seasons include volleyball, football, basketball for various age groups (U14/12, U16, U19) for both boys and girls, along with mixed chess and tennis. IPS values include EHSAN (Empathy, Compassion), Respect, Responsibility, and Cooperation, guiding behavior and community life. The aim is mind-body harmony and scholastic achievement.
Languages

Language Provision

The school follows a North American curriculum. The faculty includes teachers from English-speaking countries and Saudi and Arabic teachers from the Middle East.
Reputation

Accreditations

The school is fully accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and is licensed by the Saudi Ministry of Education.
Admissions

Admissions

Admissions Process (Overview and Timeline)
- IPS begins accepting applications in the 2nd week of January; only complete applications are scheduled for assessment. Admission decisions for those tested from the second week of February are communicated within 7 business days. Tests for all applicants are scheduled from the 4th week of February onward, and additional assessments occur in March, April, May, and June on a first-come, first-served basis. If a grade fills, IPS may close applications for that grade and notify scheduled testers, with any monies returned.

Enrollment Application Procedures
- The following documents must be submitted with the application: a fully completed application form with signatures; photocopies of academic report cards for the previous three years in English or Arabic (attested); MOE-grade attestations where applicable; a complete Transcript of Records for high school applicants; current school confidential recommendation letter; photocopies of both parents' and child's passports; a copy of the child's birth certificate in English or Arabic; photocopies of iqama/family I.D. (front and back) or GCC ID (with a residence visa letter if iqama is in process); an employment letter from the parent's company. Admission testing will be scheduled after the forms and documents are complete and will incur a non-refundable testing fee of SAR 750, payable by bank transfer or Mada card.

Acceptance and Enrollment
- After completing the assessment to the required standard and an opening is available, IPS will contact the family to offer a place in the appropriate class. To confirm and hold the seat, the non-refundable enrollment fee must be paid. Enrollment is not official until this step is completed, and failure to begin school within 2 weeks of enrollment may result in withdrawal. There is a waiting list if space is not available at the time of inquiry.

Scholarships

The school does not provide information regarding scholarships being offered.

Waitlist

There may be a wait-list for admissions. When this occurs, the child's name is placed on the list and IPS contacts families if space becomes available.
School Events
The school has not added events