Top IB Schools in Riyadh for Expat Families (2025 Guide)

Sarah Green
Jul 24, 2025
4 min read

Updated: Oct 16, 2025

Choosing the right school for your teen in Saudi Arabia — from someone who’s done the research.

Our School Search Story

When we relocated to Riyadh, school choice was the big decision looming over everything else. As a British family, we opted for the British curriculum route in the end — but I’ve got friends with teens in the IB system, and I’ve always been curious about how it works and whether it really lives up to the hype.

This year, I decided to dig deeper and get the full picture. I’ve spoken to several schools directly, chatted with IB parents as a sounding board, and pulled together the key facts for anyone considering the IB path. Whether you're looking for sporty, academic, bilingual, or something brand-new and innovative, there’s a school here that fits.

This guide is based on publicly available information and parent conversations as of June 2025. Think of it as a springboard — not a verdict. School offerings in Riyadh can evolve quickly, so please use this as a starting point and double-check the details directly with each school.

To help you along the way, I’ve also created a free downloadable comparison table that you can print out, scribble on, and take to school tours. Click below to download the file...

You don’t need all the answers — just the right questions to start with.

What is the IB and Why Do Families Choose It?

If you’re new to the International Baccalaureate (IB), here’s the cheat sheet:

PYP: Primary Years Programme (Ages 3–12)

MYP: Middle Years Programme (Ages 11–16)

DP: Diploma Programme (Ages 16–19)

Some schools offer the Full IB Continuum (PYP–MYP–DP), while others offer just one or two stages.

Why do expat families love the IB?

Global Recognition: Ideal for families who move countries
Critical Thinking: Encourages analysis, not just rote learning
Flexibility: Pairs well with different national systems (British, American, etc.)

✅ All IB authorisations in this blog were last verified in June 2025 via the IB’s Official School Search tool.

Top IB Schools in Riyadh (2025 Update)

Explore the most trusted IB schools in Riyadh for 2025. These options cater to families seeking international education with global standards:

School	IB Programmes	Fees (SAR)	Size	Co-ed Model	Full IB?	Accreditation	Key Differentiation
AIS-R	DP only	90,000	~1,400	Fully co-ed	✖	NEASC/CIS	Oldest US curriculum school
BISR DQ	DP (new)	70k–100k	~3,000	Fully co-ed	✖	COBIS/CIS	A-Level/IB choice since 2024
King Faisal School	PYP/MYP/DP	60,000	–	Gender-separated	✔	MoE	Bilingual Arabic/IB blend
ALS	PYP/MYP/DP	75,000	~1,200	Partial separation	✔	CIS	20% Arabic curriculum
SEK Riyadh	PYP (MYP/DP candidate)	85,000	Growing	Fully co-ed	⚠️	NEASC cand	Cutting-edge campus
MLS	PYP only	45,000	–	Fully co-ed	✖	Cognia	Newest IB school (2025 auth)
OWIS Riyadh	PYP	65,000	–	Fully co-ed	✖	Cognia	Kindness-focused, tech-rich campus
Beech Hall	DP only	95,000	–	Fully co-ed	✖	BSME	Inclusive, creative, wellness-led
Al Faris International	PYP/MYP/DP	55,000	–	Fully co-ed	✔	MoE	Long-standing, community-led IB school
Al Hussan	DP only	18k–34k	–	Partial separation	✖	MoE	Budget-friendly option
LOINS	PYP (MYP candidate)	50,000	–	Fully co-ed	⚠️	Cognia	Arabic-track PYP offering

⚠️ Candidate status means the school is seeking authorisation and may not yet offer the full IB programme. Always confirm directly with the school for the year your child would enrol.

How to Choose the Right IB School in Riyadh

Programme Continuity

Want a seamless path from middle school to graduation? Choose ✔ Full IB schools like ALS, King Faisal, or Al Faris.

Be cautious with ⚠️ Candidate schools like SEK or LOINS — great ambition, but still in progress.

Language Priorities

Bilingual? Look at KFS, ALS, or LOINS.

Western university prep? AIS-R, BISR, or Beech Hall are strong options.

Campus Culture

Established schools: AIS-R, BISR, ALS (large networks, experienced staff)

Creative innovators: OWIS, Beech Hall, SEK (smaller, values-led environments)

SEN Support & Enrichment

Best known for strong support: AIS-R, BISR

Gifted programmes or high achievers: King Faisal, ALS

Best facilities for athletes: BISR, Beech Hall (indoor pool)

Budget Ranges

Premium (85k+): AIS-R, Beech Hall, SEK Riyadh, BISR

Mid-Range (60k–75k): ALS, King Faisal, OWIS

Value (Under 55k): Al Faris, MLS, Al Hussan

Tips for Visiting and Applying to IB Schools in Riyadh

Book early: Tour slots fill quickly, especially at high-demand schools.
Speak to parents: Facebook groups are goldmines of current insights.
Ask about transitions: If you’re joining in MYP or DP years, how does the school support mid-stream entry?
Check the vibe: It’s not just about the glossy brochure. Your gut matters.

For candidate schools (⚠️), ask for written confirmation of when they expect full IB authorisation and how it will impact your child's pathway.

Final Thoughts on the Best IB Schools in Riyadh

Choosing a school abroad is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make. It’s emotional, it’s practical, and it’s deeply personal. For us, the British curriculum was the right fit — but exploring the IB landscape in Riyadh has been fascinating and honestly, really reassuring. There are some brilliant options out there.

My best advice? Do the tours, ask the questions, and trust your instincts. You know your child better than anyone.

Want the full table and toolkit? Click below to download the 2025 IB School Comparison PDF... — it includes a printable comparison chart and a Parent Research Toolkit with smart questions to ask on tours, plus a note space to stay organised.

Got questions or updates? Drop a comment or DM me on Instagram (@thegogogreens). If you’ve recently visited one of these schools or have fresh info to add, I’d love to hear from you — this guide grows stronger with your insights.

And if you’re in the thick of decision-making: you’ve got this. There’s no one perfect answer — just the one that works for your family right now.

Useful Links: