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OWIS American Academy has typical class sizes of 24, instruction in English.
Location
OWIS American Academy Riyadh is in the Al Muruj district of Riyadh, with the campus located on Olaya Street and Mann Street. The exact address is Al Muruj, Olaya Street, Mann Street, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It is near Exit 9 on King Khalid Road, providing convenient access to major city routes and public transport. The school sits in a central Riyadh area with straightforward road connections to surrounding neighbourhoods.
Stages
OWIS American Academy Riyadh is described as serving Pre-KG to Grade 5. The campus materials indicate a focus on Early Years through Elementary levels, aligned with an American curriculum. (Pre-KG to Grade 5)
Type
The school operates as a day school. It offers programmes from Pre-KG through at least Grade 5, with daily schedules shown for Pre-KG to Grade 5 and Grade 1 to Grade 9 on related pages. There is no indication of boarding facilities.
Pupil Nationality Mix
The OWIS Global Schools Group notes a diverse student body across its campuses, with about 70 nationalities represented. In addition, Parent Essentials describes a community of students and families from over 50 countries. The exact local-to-international ratio is not published.
Additional learning support
Inclusion is a stated priority, with provisions for academic and non‑academic support to help diverse learners succeed. The school describes reinforcement sessions and inclusive practices as part of its learning environment.
Country affiliation
The academy follows an American curriculum and is part of the Global Schools Group network. It does not cite a formal country-specific affiliation beyond its American curriculum framework.
Religious affiliation
There is no explicit religious affiliation stated. Arabic and Islamic studies are included in the curriculum as required by Saudi Ministry guidelines.
School day structure
Pre-KG–KG2 attend Sunday to Wednesday from 7:30am to 1:00pm and Thursday 7:30am–12:00pm. Grades 1–5 (and beyond in related OWIS materials) run Sunday to Wednesday from 7:30am to 3:00pm and Thursday 7:30am–12:00pm.
Bus service
OWIS Riyadh provides school bus transportation with routes across most major Riyadh residential areas. Transport policies and a dedicated bus service are published, and annual bus fees apply. The current bus fee is SAR 7,000 per year (two-way) with increases to SAR 7,500 for the 2025–26 academic year.
Fees
Annual tuition at OWIS American Academy ranges from SAR 27,800 to SAR 42,200 for 2026/27.
Application and one‑time fees - Application Fee: SAR 500 (one‑time). - Registration Fee: SAR 3,000 (one‑time).
Tuition fees by year group (per term and annual totals) - Pre‑KG - Term 1 (Sep–Dec): SAR 11,120. - Term 2 (Jan–Mar): SAR 8,340. - Term 3 (Apr–Jun): SAR 8,340. - Annual total: SAR 27,800.
- KG 1 - Term 1 (Sep–Dec): SAR 12,200. - Term 2 (Jan–Mar): SAR 9,150. - Term 3 (Apr–Jun): SAR 9,150. - Annual total: SAR 30,500.
- KG 2 - Term 1 (Sep–Dec): SAR 13,280. - Term 2 (Jan–Mar): SAR 9,960. - Term 3 (Apr–Jun): SAR 9,960. - Annual total: SAR 33,200.
- Grades 1–5 - Term 1 (Sep–Dec): SAR 14,520. - Term 2 (Jan–Mar): SAR 10,890. - Term 3 (Apr–Jun): SAR 10,890. - Annual total: SAR 36,300.
Billing schedule and payment terms - The school operates a three‑term academic billing cycle: Term 1 (Sep–Dec), Term 2 (Jan–Mar) and Term 3 (Apr–Jun). - Fees are charged on a term basis and are stated as term‑based, non‑refundable. - The school offers the option to pay annual tuition in three instalments.
Boarding fees - Boarding is not offered for this campus / no boarding fees are listed in the fee schedule for this campus.
Other compulsory and recurring costs - Annual Technology Fee (KG1 to Grade 9 reference): SAR 2,200 per year (technology/device provision). - Bus (transport) fee: SAR 750 per month (bus service is charged separately from tuition). - Uniform fee (examples shown in the schedule vary by year group): - Pre‑KG: SAR 565. - Grades 1–5: amounts shown for those grade bands include uniform fees (example values in the schedule include SAR 652 for Grades 1–5 in parts of the published fee schedule). - Books fee (examples by year group shown in the schedule): - Pre‑KG example: SAR 1,348. - Grades 1–5 examples: SAR values shown in the schedule range (e.g., SAR 1,391–1,435) depending on year group. - Activity fee (example shown): SAR 435.
VAT, discounts and special offers - VAT is applicable to annual fees for resident students, excluding Saudi citizens. - A special offer (discount) is identified in the published fee material (example: a 7.5% tuition discount is listed as an OWIS special offer).
Refund information - Term fees are specified as term‑based and non‑refundable. The published fee schedule marks term charges as non‑refundable.
Fee payment options - Accepted payment modes shown include: Cash, Cheque and Debit Card / Credit Card. - Bank transfer is not listed among the primary payment modes in the published fee information. VAT treatment for resident and non‑resident students is shown separately.
Notes on inclusions - The tuition figures listed above cover tuition only; transport, technology, uniform, books and activity charges are shown separately in the fee schedule.
Academics
OWIS American Academy teaches American Curriculum for students aged 3 to 11.
Curriculum
OWIS American Academy Riyadh offers a launching Pre-KG to Grade 5 program built on an American curriculum centered on California Common Core Standards and the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Arabic and Islamic Studies are provided in line with MOE requirements, with Arabic language instruction available from Pre-KG and more extensive Arabic/Islamic classes from Grade 1. The Primary School operates under an IB PYP framework alongside the American curriculum, emphasizing inquiry-based learning and global-mindedness. In Middle School (Grades 6–8), subjects include English, Math, Science, Digital Literacy, Art, Music, PE, and World Languages (French and Chinese), with MOE Arabic and Islamic Studies and KSA Social Studies also taught. In High School, graduation requires a structured set of credits across English, Math, Science, World Language, Arabic/Islamic Studies or TA/Independent Research, PE, Geography, Visual/Performing Arts, and electives, with a detailed credits breakdown available for core and elective areas. Instruction is in English, with additional language options and MOE-aligned Arabic and Islamic studies; the Riyadh academic year runs January to December.
Wellbeing
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
OWIS American Academy supports Social and Emotional Learning through a values-driven approach that emphasizes kindness, empathy, collaboration, and social responsibility, helping students form positive relationships; this is reinforced by staff through ongoing professional development and Professional Learning Communities.
Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The school does not publicly disclose information regarding Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision.
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
OWIS American Academy provides Language Bridging and Support for English Language Learners within an English-medium program, with Arabic and Islamic Studies taught in Arabic.
Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is supported through a Safe and Secure Environment with safety measures embedded into all aspects of school life and proactive monitoring, reflecting a strong culture of care.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding and child protection are embedded in school life, with safety measures guided by internationally benchmarked protocols.
Admissions
Admissions
1. Submit the online enquiry form with essential details about your child. This initiates the admissions conversation and helps the team understand your requirements. The enquiry collects basic information to begin processing your application. 2. After submitting the enquiry, an application fee of SAR 500 and a registration fee of SAR 3000 apply. The fees are non-refundable, and the registration fee will be adjusted in the tuition. VAT applies to the registration and application fees for non-Saudi students. 3. Submit the required documents: a copy of the child's passport and both parents' passports, the child's birth certificate, three recent passport-sized photos, a sponsorship letter (if applicable), a rental contract or housing ownership document, a medical fitness report, and the previous year's final report plus current year-to-date report for all grades. Foreign students must provide the original report cards for the last two years, certified by the relevant authorities. Documents are reviewed as part of the application. 4. Individual student assessment and evaluation is conducted either face-to-face or online. The assessment supports placement decisions and identifies readiness for the targeted grade. Results inform the provisional admission decision. 5. On successful submission of documents and payment of the registration fee, a provisional admission is granted to secure your child's admission. This provisional status confirms eligibility while final enrollment is completed. Parents receive communications with next steps and timelines. 6. Register your child in the Noor system, the online platform for student registrations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Noor is the official enrollment platform used for SA schools. Final enrollment is completed through Noor after provisional admission.
Waitlist
Admission is based on the applicant's submission and seat availability in the relevant grade. This means spaces may be limited depending on grade and capacity.
FAQs
Where is OWIS American Academy Riyadh located?
OWIS American Academy Riyadh is located in the Al Jazeera district of Riyadh, on District Street Number 11. It is part of the OWIS Riyadh campus network and is associated with Global Schools Group. The head of school is Lisa Herrera.
What age range and grade levels does the school serve?
The school serves students aged 3 to 18 and currently offers programs from Pre-KG to Grade 5. It follows an American curriculum and is a co-educational international day school.
What curriculum does OWIS American Academy Riyadh follow?
The school follows the American Common Core and NGSS for Pre-KG through Grade 5. Instruction is in English with bilingual support in English and Arabic, and Arabic/Islamic Studies are taught in Arabic.
What are the application and registration fees, and how are they applied?
The application fee is SAR 500 and is non-refundable. The registration fee is SAR 3,000 and is credited toward tuition upon enrolment; VAT may apply for non-Saudi students.
How is tuition billed and what are typical annual costs by year group?
Tuition is billed in three term-based installments at the start of each term (Sep–Dec, Jan–Mar, Apr–Jun) and is non-refundable. Typical annual totals are SAR 27,800 for Pre-KG, SAR 30,500 for KG1, SAR 33,200 for KG2, and SAR 36,300 for Grades 1–5.
Are there discounts or scholarships available?
Yes. A referral discount of SAR 500 applies for each successful referral. Founding Family discounts of 10% off tuition and OWIS Special Offers of 7.5% off tuition may apply where eligible.
What is the curriculum and which subjects are included?
The core curriculum is the American Common Core and NGSS for Pre-KG through Grade 5. Core subjects include English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Physical Education, Art, Music, and World Languages (Arabic and Islamic). The program also emphasizes bilingual learning in English and Arabic.
How is learning delivered? Are there any unique programs?
Learning is hands-on, inquiry-based, and project-based, with design thinking embedded into lessons. The ZeroOne Hub provides robotics and STEAM experiences, and classrooms are designed to be collaborative to support active learning.
Do you offer language support for English learners?
Yes. OWIS provides language bridging and support for English learners, complementing bilingual English-Arabic learning and Arabic/Islamic studies taught in Arabic.
What learning facilities does the campus offer?
The campus features cutting-edge STEM labs, creative arts studios, and collaborative classrooms designed to foster creativity and teamwork. There are specialized spaces to support diverse learning needs and styles.
Are there spaces for arts, robotics, and STEAM?
Yes. In addition to STEM labs and art studios, the ZeroOne Hub hosts robotics, coding, and STEAM activities as part of the curriculum.
Do you offer facilities for extracurricular activities or global programs?
The Global Schools Group provides diverse learning experiences, including student exchanges and international events across the network, which complement classroom learning.
What extracurricular activities are available?
Extracurricular opportunities include robotics, coding, and STEAM projects through the ZeroOne Hub, along with other collaborative activities that support project-based learning.
Are there leadership programs or opportunities to engage with the broader OWIS network?
Yes. OWIS is part of Global Schools Group and the One World Schools family, which facilitates international exchanges and network events across campuses.
How does the school approach community service and cultural engagement?
The curriculum emphasizes global citizenship and intercultural understanding through global themes. The school promotes kindness, collaboration, and daily practice to support social development.
How does OWIS American Academy support student wellbeing?
The school fosters a kindness-centered, values-driven culture focused on empathy, respect, and collaboration. Wellbeing is embedded in daily practice with a strong emphasis on social-emotional growth.
Is there language support for English learners (EAL)?
Yes. English language bridging and support are provided to help learners develop proficiency, alongside bilingual English-Arabic learning.
Are Arabic and Islamic studies integrated into the curriculum?
Yes. Arabic and Islamic Studies are taught in Arabic and are part of the core curriculum.
Is there a house system at OWIS American Academy?
Yes. The school uses a House System with Willow, Wisteria, Flame, and Acacia to foster teamwork and resilience.
Is uniforms required?
Yes. Uniforms are mandatory for all students at OWIS American Academy Riyadh.
