Best Schools in Saudi Arabia Guide to Leading International and Private Education

A comprehensive overview of the top international and private schools in Saudi Arabia offers valuable guidance for families planning a move to the Kingdom or considering relocation within the country.

For those preparing to relocate to Saudi Arabia, the information below brings together key insights on different places to live, international and private schools including high schools, as well as property options, relocation support services, and other essential considerations to help ensure a smooth transition.

Living in Saudi Arabia

Offering some of the best living anywhere in West Asia, Saudi Arabia’s major cities include Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Madinah Al Munawwarah and Mecca. The country provides a wide range of high quality housing options, from luxury apartments and villas to family townhouses and modern developments, making it an attractive destination for expatriates and residents alike.

Saudi Arabia has a great choice of high quality private international schools and high schools, along with a wide range of activities and strong community infrastructure.

“Wonders are abundant in Saudi Arabia, from echoes of TE Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia) along the Hejaz Railway to the sculpted red dunes of romantic deserts. Fascinating Riyadh is a showpiece for modern Saudi Arabia, while Jeddah’s World Heritage coral architecture whisks you back to the history of this bustling pilgrim port. The pristine, azure waters of the Red Sea ache to be explored and in the south, the jewel in the Kingdom’s crown, Asir, reveals breathtaking mountain scenery where mysterious and spectacular villages wait to be discovered.” Lonely Planet

Saudi Arabia is a vast country that almost completely covers the Arabian Peninsula. It has coastlines along the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea and shares borders with Yemen, Oman, the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq and Jordan.

Saudi Arabia is also home to the tallest fountain in the world. The King Fahd Fountain sprays up to 312 metres high, reaching speeds of 250 kmh.

Exploring Top International Schools

Families are encouraged to explore upcoming school open days and events, where they can find the latest dates and timings for visits to prospective schools. These events provide useful insights for those considering different education options.

Attending open days is highly recommended, as they offer a valuable opportunity to experience the school environment first hand and assess whether it is the right fit. Private tours can also be arranged directly with schools for a more personalised visit.

For those planning a move to Saudi Arabia or already living in the country and considering relocation, there is a wide selection of high quality international and private schools to choose from. Many of these institutions are recognised among the leading schools in the country.

The private education sector in Saudi Arabia offers a diverse range of options, including day and boarding schools, single sex and co educational settings, as well as nurseries, primary schools, secondary schools and high schools.

Finding the Right School

With decades of development behind modern school search platforms, families today have access to comprehensive tools that make it easier to compare and select the right school.

You can explore international and private schools with strong reputations across Saudi Arabia by reviewing detailed profiles that include photos, videos and key information about each institution.

Advanced search features allow families to filter options based on school type, boarding availability, gender, age range, curriculum, fees and scholarship opportunities. Searches can also be tailored to focus on junior schools, senior schools or all through education providers, helping families find the best fit for their needs.

Featured School Misk Schools

Misk Schools, located in Mohammed Bin Salman Nonprofit City in Riyadh, is a pioneering private K to 12 co educational day school for students aged 3 to 18 years.

Founded in 2016 by HRH Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, the school is dedicated to preparing future leaders by equipping students with the knowledge, values and skills needed to succeed.

Misk Schools supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 through an innovative approach to education that fosters analytical thinking, curiosity and leadership. The school holds multiple accreditations including the Education and Training Evaluation Commission, the Council of British International Schools, the Council of International Schools, the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, and the Educational Collaborative for International Schools.

Students follow a dual pathway of international and national qualifications, including international GCSEs, A levels and the Extended Project Qualification, alongside Saudi Arabia’s Tahsili and Qudrat examinations. Graduates receive the Misk Schools Diploma, validated by Cambridge University Press and Assessment.

The school was recognised among the top 150 private schools globally and the top 15 in the Middle East by The Schools Index 2024, published by Carfax Education.

Leading Schools Across Saudi Arabia

Some of the best international schools and private schools and colleges in Saudi Arabia providing world class education for boys and girls include:

Al Hussan International School
British International School of Al Khobar
Dhahran British Grammar School
Dhahran Elementary Middle School
Dhahran High School
ISG Dammam
ISG Jubail
Yanbu International School
Saudi Aramco Schools
Ecole Francaise d Al Khobar
Al Waha International School
American International School of Jeddah
British International School of Jeddah
British Dutch International School of Jeddah
Dar Al Fikr School
Jeddah Japanese School
L Ecole Francaise de Djeddah
Saudi Arabian International School
Saudia SAIS
Jubail International School
Jubail Academy
Abdulaziz International School Riyadh
American International School Riyadh
British School Riyadh SAIS
Ecole Francaise de Riyad
King Faisal School
International School of Yanbu