Best IB Schools in Riyadh for Expat Families (2026 Guide)
- Sarah Green
- Jul 24, 2025
- 6 min read
Updated: Mar 16
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.
Considering a Move to Riyadh?
If you're researching schools, there’s a good chance you're also weighing up a relocation.
I’m currently building a straight-talking relocation guide for families moving to Riyadh — covering schools, housing, costs, and the everyday realities of expat life.
If you'd like to receive the Riyadh Relocation Checklist and new guides as they’re published, you can join the list below.
What Is the International Baccalaureate (IB)?
The International Baccalaureate consists of three main programmes:
Primary Years Programme (PYP) Ages 3–12, focusing on inquiry-based learning and global perspectives.
Middle Years Programme (MYP) Ages 11–16, encouraging interdisciplinary thinking and analytical skills.
Diploma Programme (DP) Ages 16–19, the most academically rigorous stage and widely recognised by universities worldwide.
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.
IB Schools in Riyadh: Comparison Table (2026)
The schools below include some of the most recognised International Baccalaureate schools in Riyadh, offering programmes such as the IB Diploma Programme (DP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Primary Years Programme (PYP).
Some schools offer the full IB continuum, while others currently provide just one stage of the programme.
For expat families relocating to Riyadh, the IB pathway can be appealing because it is widely recognised by universities worldwide and supports students who may move between countries during their education.
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 an 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
Why Expat Families Choose IB Schools in Riyadh
The IB curriculum appeals to many international families living in Saudi Arabia because it offers:
Global recognition — IB diplomas are accepted by universities worldwide
Strong academic preparation for international university applications
Transferability for families who move countries frequently
Critical thinking and research skills rather than purely exam-driven learning
In Riyadh, many IB schools combine the programme with British, American, or bilingual curricula, giving families a wide range of education styles to choose from.
Are IB Schools in Riyadh Competitive?
Places at the most established international schools can be competitive, particularly for the IB Diploma years (Grades 11–12).
Many schools prioritise students already enrolled in earlier grades, so families relocating to Riyadh may find it easier to join at the Primary or Middle Years stages.
Admissions processes vary, but typically include:
School records
Entrance assessments
English language evaluation
Interviews
Applying early is always recommended.
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.
FAQs About IB Schools in Riyadh
How many IB schools are there in Riyadh?
Riyadh has a growing number of schools offering International Baccalaureate programmes, ranging from established international schools such as ALS and AIS-R to newer campuses introducing IB pathways.
Are IB schools in Riyadh expensive?
Fees vary widely depending on the school and programme. In 2026, most international IB schools charge between 60,000 SAR and 100,000 SAR per year, although some local private schools offering IB programmes may be more affordable.
Do IB schools in Riyadh teach in English?
Most international IB schools in Riyadh teach primarily in English, although many include Arabic language and Saudi cultural studies as part of the curriculum.
Is the IB diploma recognised internationally?
Yes. The IB Diploma Programme (DP) is recognised by universities worldwide and is considered one of the most academically rigorous secondary school qualifications.
Can students transfer into the IB programme mid-way?
It is possible, but it can be challenging, particularly during the Diploma Programme years, as coursework and subject pathways begin earlier.
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:
If you're exploring school options while planning a move, you might also find these guides useful:
Together they give a fuller picture of what relocating to Riyadh really looks like for expat families.
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