Moving to Riyadh with kids, or already living here and rethinking your school choice, is one of those situations where the number of options can feel more overwhelming than helpful. There are over 100 international schools in the city, covering British, American, IB, CBSE, French, and more. And the question every parent actually wants answered is not “which schools exist” but “which one is right for my child.” This guide is here to help with exactly that. We have broken down the best schools in Riyadh by curriculum, with honest notes on fees, what each school is known for, and who it tends to suit best.
First, a Few Things Worth Knowing Before You Start
Public schools in Saudi Arabia teach exclusively in Arabic and do not admit non-Saudi nationals. So if you are an expat family, an international private school is your only real option. The good news is that Riyadh’s international school scene is strong, well-regulated, and growing.
Most top schools in Riyadh have waiting lists, particularly at the primary level, so applying well before your intended start date is not just recommended, it is essential. Also, fees listed here are based on publicly available 2025/2026 data. Always verify directly with the school before making any decisions, as costs can and do change year to year.
British Curriculum Schools in Riyadh
British International School Riyadh (BISR)
BISR is the name that comes up first in almost every conversation about British education in Riyadh, and for good reason. With seven campuses across the Kingdom and over 45 years of history, it is one of the most established international schools in the country. It was also named in the Top 100 Independent Schools in the World list in the 2025 Spear’s Schools Index, which is not a small thing.
The school follows the British national curriculum, offering IGCSEs at secondary level and A-Levels at sixth form. Students come from over 90 nationalities, giving it a diverse community feel. BISR also offers the IB Diploma Programme at its Diplomatic Quarter campus for families who want that pathway.
Fee: Fees for 2025/2026 sit roughly between SAR 60,000 and SAR 90,000 per year for primary, rising to SAR 85,000 to SAR 135,000 for secondary and sixth form. One-time registration and capital development fees apply at enrollment. Admissions are competitive and a waiting list is common.
Best for: Embassy families, long-term expats, and parents who value academic rigour with strong pastoral care.
Website: bisr.com.sa
Reigate Grammar School Riyadh (RGSR)
A newer addition to Riyadh’s school landscape, RGSR operates under the partnership of Reigate Grammar School in the UK, a school founded in 1675 with a well-regarded reputation. It offers the British international curriculum for students from nursery through to Year 13 and is accredited by Cambridge Assessment International Education. It is described by those who know it as warm, values-driven, and academically ambitious without being high-pressure. A good fit for families who want British education with a community-oriented feel.
Fee: Tuition fee ranges from approximately SAR 42,400 to SAR 71,400+ per year.
Best for: Families who want British curriculum with a nurturing, smaller-school atmosphere.
Website: https://reigategrammar-riyadh.com/
Downe House Riyadh
Riyadh’s first premium British all-girls school, Downe House brings over 100 years of UK heritage to the Saudi capital. It caters to girls aged 2 to 18 and combines British academic standards with respect for Saudi culture. Known for its focus on female leadership and confidence-building, it has carved out a distinctive identity among Riyadh’s international schools.
Fee: Not publicly available, but schools in the same category charge around SAR 90,000 to SAR 150,000+ per year.
Best for: Families looking for a premium all-girls British education.
Website: https://downehouseriyadh.com/
American Curriculum Schools in Riyadh
American International School Riyadh (AIS-R)
AIS-R is one of the oldest and most respected international schools in Saudi Arabia, founded in 1963 and now entering its 63rd year. It offers an enriched American curriculum from Pre-K to Grade 12 and is also authorized to offer the IB Diploma Programme, giving high school students two strong university pathway options.
The school’s student body represents more than 60 nationalities, and it boasts modern facilities including theatres, science labs, Makerspaces, and a full sports complex. Graduates are accepted to universities worldwide.
Fee: For 2025/2026, annual fees range from SAR 63,164 for Pre-KG to SAR 117,812 for upper grades.
Best for: American families, families planning to move to the US for university, and those who want a well-resourced, globally minded campus.
Website: aisr.org
Dome International Schools
Dome is the largest international school in Riyadh and offers both the American and British Cambridge systems under one roof, teaching entirely in English. Established in 2016, it has grown quickly and is now Riyadh’s largest British Council and College Board Testing Centre partner. With students from over 35 nationalities and a strong emphasis on technology in education, it appeals to families who want flexibility across two major curricula.
Fee: Ranging between 18,000 to 45,000+ per year.
Best for: Families undecided between British and American systems, or those who may relocate again and want curriculum flexibility.
Website: dome.edu.sa
IB Schools in Riyadh
SEK International School Riyadh
SEK has a long history dating back to 1892 and brings its IB-focused multilingual approach to the Al Rabieh district of Riyadh. It is a co-educational school serving students from ages 2 to 17 and teaches through English.
Fee: Annual fees for 2025/2026 range from SAR 35,190 to SAR 82,225, making it one of the more accessible IB options in the city.
Best for: Families who want IB from an early age with a multilingual environment and a mid-range fee structure.
Website: https://sek.sa/
King Faisal School
King Faisal School is well regarded locally and internationally for its IB programme and also offers the American curriculum. It is one of the few schools in Riyadh that offers boarding, making it relevant for families in more unique situations. It runs from Grade 1 through Grade 12 and has a long-standing reputation in Riyadh’s education community.
Fee: SAR 49,000 to SAR 65,000 per year.
Best for: Families wanting IB with the option of boarding, and those looking for a school with strong roots in the local community.
Website: https://www.kfs.sch.sa/
CBSE and Indian Curriculum Schools in Riyadh
Indian International School Riyadh (IISR)
IISR is the largest CBSE school in Riyadh and one of the most affordable international school options in the city. It runs separate boys and girls sections and campuses, catering to students from kindergarten through Grade 12. It has a long-established community feel and is particularly popular among Indian expat families who want continuity with the Indian education system.
Fee: SAR 345 to SAR 488 per month. Annual fees are among the most budget-friendly in the international school space, with term-based fees making it accessible for a wider range of families.
Best for: Indian expat families on a budget who want a large, established CBSE community.
Website: https://www.iisriyadh.com/
Al Yasmin International School
Founded in 1999 and affiliated with CBSE New Delhi, Al Yasmin is one of Riyadh’s most established Indian curriculum schools. Located in Al Malaz, it is known for its all-round approach to education, with robotics, a mobile science lab, digital classrooms, and extracurriculars alongside solid academics.
Fee: Fees range from approximately SAR 6,944 to SAR 8,448 per year, making it excellent value.
Best for: Indian families seeking academic quality and modern facilities at a reasonable fee.
Website: alyasmin.edu.sa
Yara International School
Yara takes a more modern, tech-enabled approach to CBSE education, with smart classrooms, well-equipped labs, and a student-centered teaching philosophy. It is centrally located and has built a reputation for strong board results and supportive teaching staff. A good choice for families who want the CBSE framework delivered with a more contemporary approach.
Fee: Quarterly fee ranges from SAR 1260 to SAR 1740.
Best for: Families who want modern CBSE with a focus on teaching quality and outcomes.
Website: yaraschool.net
So, How Do You Actually Choose?
If curriculum continuity matters, go with what your child already knows. If university destination is your priority, American and IB schools offer the clearest pathways to US and global universities, while British schools are strong for UK admissions. And if budget is a deciding factor, CBSE schools offer significantly lower fees, often a third to a fifth of what premium international schools charge, without sacrificing academic quality.
Whatever you decide, apply early. The best schools in Riyadh fill up fast, and waiting lists are real. Most admissions open between February and April, so if you are planning ahead for the 2026/2027 academic year, now is a good time to start making calls.
FAQs
What are the best international schools in Riyadh for expats in 2026?
Some of the top international schools in Riyadh for expats include British International School Riyadh (BISR) for British curriculum, American International School Riyadh (AIS-R) for American and IB pathways, SEK International School for IB from an early age, and Dome International Schools for families who want both British and American options.
How much do international schools in Riyadh cost in 2026?
Fees vary widely by curriculum and school. CBSE schools like Al Yasmin and IISR start from around SAR 7,000 to SAR 16,000 per year, making them the most affordable option.
Are there good CBSE schools in Riyadh for Indian expat families?
Yes. Riyadh has several well-regarded CBSE schools including Indian International School Riyadh (IISR), which is the largest and most affordable, Al Yasmin International School, known for its academic quality and modern facilities.
What is the admission process for international schools in Riyadh?
Most international schools in Riyadh require an online application, previous school records, passport and Iqama copies, and in some cases an entrance assessment or interview.
Which Riyadh schools offer the IB Diploma Programme?
Several schools in Riyadh offer the IB Diploma Programme including AIS-R (which offers both American curriculum and IBDP), BISR’s Diplomatic Quarter campus, SEK International School, and King Faisal School.
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