Al Faris International School vs Modern Global International Schools - Digital City
Al Faris International School and Modern Global International Schools - Digital City are both in Riyadh, about 7 km apart. Both schools offer IB and American programmes. Published annual fees are close, at SAR 42,000 - 50,000 for Al Faris International School and SAR 30,000 - 56,500 for Modern Global International Schools - Digital City. Al Faris International School takes pupils from 4 to 18, and Modern Global International Schools - Digital City from 2 to 15. Al Faris International School is the larger school, with around 2,400 pupils to Modern Global International Schools - Digital City's 900. Typical class sizes are 20 at Al Faris International School and 18 at Modern Global International Schools - Digital City.
Al Faris International School is located in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in the Al-Taawun district near Imam Saud Road and Khan Younes Street. The Riyadh campus has moved to a new location at 3025 Al Harith Ibn Amira Street, Al Taawun District, Riyadh 12477. The surrounding area is a major residential/commercial neighbourhood with straightforward road access.
Location
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Stages
Stages
The school serves students from Pre-K (approximately age 3) through to Grade 12 (age 18). It offers the International Baccalaureate program across the PYP, MYP, and DP, with English as the language of instruction.
Stages
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School type
School type
Al Faris International School is a Co-educational, day school. There is no indication of boarding facilities for any year group.
School type
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Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
A public breakdown of pupil nationalities is not published. The school serves a mix of local and international students, with an approximate pupil body size around 2,400 students.
Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
Public information about Additional Learning Needs (SEN) provisions is not listed on public pages. Families needing SEN support should contact admissions or the school directly for details.
Additional learning support
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Country affiliation
Country affiliation
The school operates in Saudi Arabia and is not tied to a specific country; it is an IB World School offering PYP, MYP, and DP programs.
Country affiliation
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Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
There is no explicit religious affiliation listed for the school.
Religious affiliation
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School day structure
School day structure
The school day commonly starts around 7:30 am and ends around 2:30 pm, based on publicly available schedules.
School day structure
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Bus service details
Bus service details
The school operates its own transportation service. The fleet is maintained to high safety standards and vehicles are driven by trained professionals; rules include assigned bus routes, no guests on buses, and expectations for punctuality and conduct.
Bus service details
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Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Application / Registration Fees - No fixed separate application fee amount is published for new applicants. New students are required to pay a first instalment at registration equal to 50% of the annual tuition (the equivalent of the first term payment for new enrolments).
Tuition fees by year group (annual and per-term breakdown) - Annual tuition is charged by grade. The most current published fee bands are: - Kindergarten (KG2 / KG3): SAR 42,000 per year. - Grades 1–5: SAR 44,000 per year. - Grade 6: SAR 45,000 per year. - Grades 7–9: SAR 46,000 per year. - Grades 10–12: SAR 50,000 per year. - Per-term breakdown: tuition is payable in three equal instalments (three terms). Divide the annual tuition by three to obtain each term amount. For example, for a Grade 1 annual fee of SAR 44,000, each term instalment is SAR 14,666.67. The school requires instalment payments to be made ahead of each term. - Sibling discount: second enrolled child receives a 5% discount on tuition; third and subsequent children receive a 10% discount. - Additional IB Diploma fees: an additional SAR 10,000 is charged for Grade 11 (Year 1) and SAR 10,000 for Grade 12 (Year 2); this charge is applied in the IB diploma years as an extra programme fee.
Billing schedule and payment terms - Standard billing: tuition and transportation fees are billed in three equal instalments per academic year. Instalment amounts are due 15 days before the start of each term. New registrations require the first instalment (50% of the annual tuition) to be paid in full at the time of registration. Failure to pay tuition as scheduled may result in withholding of the student's grades and may affect continued enrolment. VAT is added to tuition and transportation where applicable under Saudi law.
Boarding fees - Boarding is not offered as a published service for Al Faris International School; no boarding fee schedule is listed. The school operates as a day school.
Transportation (bus) fees - Annual bus (transportation) fee published: SAR 8,500 per year for the academic year referenced in the school's admissions information. Transportation is billed separately from tuition and subject to VAT. Transportation fees follow the same instalment and payment timing rules unless otherwise specified by the transportation department.
Other charges and typical additional costs - Common additional charges that may apply (but no standard published amounts found) include: uniforms, books and learning resources, exam fees (external examination or IB exam fees), activity and extracurricular fees, and ad hoc trip or materials charges. Specific fixed amounts for uniforms, books, technology or activity fees are not published in the school's public fee summary.
Refund information - No comprehensive public refund schedule or detailed refund table for tuition, registration, transportation or other fees was located in the school's published admissions/fee summary. The school's published material notes that fees are subject to change and that non-payment has academic consequences, but a specific refund policy (timelines, prorated refunds, refundable deposits) is not listed in the publicly available fee summary.
Fee payment options - Bank transfer (wire) is accepted. Published bank details for transfers list: ARAB NATIONAL BANK, IBAN: SA9030400108056443360011, beneficiary name shown as AL FARIS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL. VAT applies where required. - No explicit public listing of credit-card payment acceptance or online card payment portal was found in the school's fee summary; parents should assume bank transfer is the primary published method unless otherwise instructed by admissions/finance.
Notes on enforcement and changes - The school states that fees are subject to change under school policy and that late or missed payments can lead to withholding of grades or other administrative actions. VAT is applied to tuition and transport in accordance with Saudi regulations. Instalment timing and enforcement are published as part of the admissions/fee information.
Fee details
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Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
All students from PreK to Grade 12 must wear the full school uniform daily. Female students in Grades 8–12 are required to wear an abaya when entering and leaving the school.
Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
Lunch is available in the school's cafeterias. Students may bring a healthy meal from home or purchase from the canteen, which offers a variety of nutritious snacks and drinks.
Food options
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House system
House system
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House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
The school is privately owned by Mrs. Sahar Al Marzouki, who serves as owner and director. It operates within the Al Faris International Schools network, which has campuses in Riyadh and AlUla.
Governance and ownership
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Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
Al Faris International School operates campuses in Riyadh and AlUla, offering international curricula under the Al Faris umbrella. [sources: turn1search0] The Riyadh campus is an IB World School delivering the full IB continuum (PYP, MYP, DP) with the option to pursue an American diploma pathway alongside the DP (SAT readiness subject to placement). [sources: turn1search2; turn1search9] The AlUla campus provides a Primary Years Programme for Grades 1–5, anchored in American CCSS in Math, English and Social Studies and NGSS in Science, with Arabic as a mother tongue and French introduced; the program also includes computer studies, robotics, art, and physical education. [sources: turn0search6; turn0search10] Across Al Faris, Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills are emphasized and instruction is differentiated to foster international-mindedness and real-world connections. [sources: turn0search2; turn0search6] At Grade 11, students may choose between IB DP, IB Course Certificate, or continue on the American pathway toward a U.S.-style diploma, with CAS and other DP components integrated into the Diploma Programme. [sources: turn0search5; turn1search11]
Curriculum details
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Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio
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Exam results
Exam results
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Exam results
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Higher education progression
Higher education progression
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Higher education progression
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Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
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Gifted and talented
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Academic calendar
Academic calendar
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Academic calendar
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Wellbeing & support
Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning
Social & emotional learning
The school supports Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) through a Student Council that pursues initiatives aimed at engagement, teamwork, and student wellbeing. The council explicitly focuses on promoting a positive school environment and student wellbeing as part of its mission. The school also emphasizes a safe and supportive learning environment as a foundational right and responsibility for students. Policies address respectful behavior, safeguarding, and anti-bullying to foster SEL across the community. Overall, wellbeing is integrated into student life via student leadership and formal policies that support safe, respectful interactions. sources: turn5search1, turn4search6, turn5search2, turn6search6
Social & emotional learning
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Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
The school clinic is staffed by registered nurses and provides care for minor illnesses and injuries, and direct services for students with special needs. Anti-bullying measures and safeguarding guidelines are in place to support inclusive education. The publicly disclosed information does not specify which kinds of Special Educational Needs the school can support, nor whether it operates as a specialist SEN institution. The policies indicate an aim to support diverse learning needs within a safe environment. The school does not publicly disclose information regarding being a specialist SEN institution. sources: turn5search3, turn6search6, turn4search6
Special educational needs (SEN)
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English as an additional language
English as an additional language
The primary language of instruction is English, with Arabic taught as the mother tongue and French introduced as a supplementary language. Publicly disclosed information does not describe a dedicated EAL programme or staff specifically for English as an Additional Language. The AlUla campus materials reinforce English as the main language of instruction and present a multilingual approach with Arabic and French. There is no detailed public description of separate EAL provisions. language policy notes include multilingual elements but do not specify an EAL department. sources: turn6search0, turn6search7
English as an additional language
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Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is referenced through the Student Council's mission to promote wellbeing and a supportive environment. The Rights and Responsibilities emphasize a safe and supportive learning environment for student growth. Attendance guidance notes that the school is attentive to the health and wellbeing of students. The clinic provides care for minor illnesses and direct services for students with special needs, contributing to overall student wellbeing. These elements collectively show explicit attention to mental and emotional wellbeing within school practices. sources: turn5search1, turn4search6, turn5search2, turn5search3
Mental wellbeing
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Safeguarding
Safeguarding
Safeguarding and safe conduct are articulated through a Code of Conduct that references a Safe School Policy and measures against cyber misconduct. Policies also address harassment, bullying, and respectful behavior to protect students. The school's safeguarding framework is further supported by anti-bullying measures and general policies on safety and conduct. The clinic and health policies also support safeguarding by ensuring proper care and notification in medical situations. Overall, safeguarding is established through formal conduct codes, health provisions, and behavior policies. sources: turn4search0, turn6search6, turn5search3
Safeguarding
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Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
Al Faris International School has a dedicated physical education and arts complex that includes a gymnasium, an outdoor soccer field, an inner sports courtyard, two indoor swimming pools, and gymnastics/ballet rooms for physical education and after-school activities. The Al Faris Academy offers classes in swimming, basketball, gymnastics, karate, and soccer. The campus participates in inter-school competition through the International Schools Sports League in Riyadh (ISSL-R). Facilities are used for physical education, school sports competitions, and after-school activities. The overall layout supports holistic development with spaces for training, practice, and events.
Facilities overview
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Sports facilities
Sports facilities
The school's sports facilities include a gymnasium, an outdoor soccer field, an inner sports courtyard, two indoor swimming pools, and gymnastics/ballet rooms for training and PE. Al Faris International School participates in inter-school competitions through ISSL-R, with teams in volleyball, soccer, table tennis, basketball, swimming, track and field, and badminton. These spaces support after-school programs and school-level competitions. The Extracurricular program includes swimming, karate, soccer, gymnastics, ballet, drawing/arts and crafts, and Holy Qur'an classes to complement athletic activities.
Sports facilities
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Academic facilities
Academic facilities
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Academic facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
After-school offerings include swimming, karate, soccer, gymnastics, ballet, drawing/arts and crafts, and Holy Qur'an classes. Students regularly participate in both school and inter-school sports tournaments through the ISSL-R network.
Extra curricular facilities
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Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
Al Faris International School was established in 2004. It is an IB World School authorized to offer the PYP, MYP and DP programs. The Riyadh campus was moved to 3025 Al Harith Ibn Amira Street in the Al Taawun District, Riyadh 12477. The school is part of a broader Al Faris network that includes campuses such as Al Faris International School in Al Ula. The owner and director is Mrs. Sahar Al Marzouki.
History
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Community
Community
Al Faris International School describes itself as fostering a diverse and inclusive community with a global perspective. The school provides multilingual education with English as the main language and Arabic and French as part of its language offerings. Community engagement includes alumni networks and other programs that extend beyond the classroom, as seen on its Al Ula campus materials. Parent participation is encouraged as part of the school's mission to build mutual trust and collaboration between staff, students, and families.
Community
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Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
Publicly available information shows the school uses formal channels for parent engagement, including a dedicated parent portal and a student management system. Parents can receive school messages, view marks, and arrange meetings via the mobile app and portal, and semester-based parent–teacher meetings are scheduled to discuss student progress. Enrollment and admissions require parent accounts in the system, reinforcing ongoing parent involvement. The school emphasizes parent participation as part of its mission to foster mutual trust and collaboration between staff, students, and families. A standalone PTA page is not publicly visible in the available materials, and engagement is primarily facilitated through the parent portal, the student management system, and scheduled meetings.
Parent teacher association
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Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
Model United Nations (MUN) is offered for Grades 9-12 and launched in 2018-19, providing a forum for students to research global issues, debate, and develop public speaking and diplomatic skills. The CAS program, part of the IB Diploma Programme core, emphasizes Creativity, Activity, and Service, enabling students to gain skills and address community needs through activities such as reading initiatives, health awareness campaigns, hospital visits, and tutoring. The school promotes intellectual growth through reading initiatives (including a used book sale) and participation in school and inter-school competitions, alongside the student-run FIS Pulse newsletter.
Academic & intellectual
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Arts & creative
Arts & creative
The after-school program includes drawing, arts and crafts and other creative activities. The cinematography club focuses on storytelling through light and involves creating short films, event skits, and edits. CAS initiatives include creating an art gallery in the school basement and ongoing art-focused projects that foster creativity.
Arts & creative
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Cultural & language
Cultural & language
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Cultural & language
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Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
Clubs include a crochet club, tutoring club, sports club, and cinematography club. The after-school program includes drawing/arts and crafts, providing creative outlets and social engagement opportunities for students. These clubs foster teamwork, collaboration, and peer connection within the school community.
Social & hobbies
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Community & service
Community & service
Community service and outreach are central to CAS, with initiatives including aiding Azraq refugees, health awareness campaigns, cancer campaigns, and ongoing community engagement. Students participate in visits to hospitals and community centers for children and the elderly, supporting vulnerable groups. Additional service activities include tutoring younger students and organizing reading initiatives to benefit the broader community.
Community & service
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Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
Model United Nations provides a platform for debate, diplomacy, and leadership development, helping students build research, negotiation, and public speaking skills. Participation in MUN enhances global awareness and collaborative leadership abilities. CAS participation and school-led initiatives such as the FIS Pulse newsletter offer opportunities for student leadership and initiative in school life.
Leadership & professional
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
The athletics program includes soccer, volleyball, basketball, swimming, karate, handball, table tennis, gymnastics, and dance. Facilities include a gymnasium, outdoor soccer field, inner sports courtyard, two indoor swimming pools, and dedicated spaces for gymnastics and ballet. The school is a member of the International Schools Sports League in Riyadh (ISSL-R), competing in middle school, junior varsity, and varsity tournaments. The after-school program offers swimming, karate, soccer, gymnastics, and ballet as part of promoting physical health and well-being.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Arabic language instruction is strong; Islamic studies and regional History and Geography are included in the curriculum; The curriculum is based on American Common Core State Standards and the school is fully authorized in IB PYP, MYP, and DP.
Language provision
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Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching
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Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
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Awards
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Accreditations
Accreditations
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Accreditations
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Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
1. Connect. Fill out the information form and the Student Affairs Office will contact you. Inquiries by telephone and email are welcome, and you can visit the school Sunday through Thursday from 8:00 am until 1:30 pm. Appointments are not required, except for school tours which must be scheduled in advance. 2. Evaluation. All applicants complete the admissions assessment to evaluate English language proficiency, mathematics, and knowledge of basic sciences. For KGI and KGII applicants, developmentally appropriate tests are provided. Passing the assessment is required for admission, and results are forwarded to the deputy principal for the final decision. Prospective students also participate in an interview with the school counselor and department head or program coordinator, and the school conducts interviews with parents. 3. Registration. Upon acceptance, parents create a Parent Portal account and are directed to the student information system. Use the temporary credentials (email as username and a password you create) to register the student online. Save the four-digit registration number for the registrar. Note the required documents if transferring from another region in Saudi Arabia or from abroad.
