Al Sahafa International School vs Modern Global International Schools - Qortuba

	A Al Sahafa International School Riyadh, Saudi Arabia	M Modern Global International Schools - Qortuba Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year SAR 32,000 - 39,000	Fees / year SAR 30,000 - 56,500
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 1 - 15 years
Type	Type —	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), American Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), American Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils —	Pupils 900
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size 18
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened —	Opened 2017
Bus service	Bus service —	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location The school is located in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, at RHMA 3320 As Saffaniyah, 6685 Al Mursalat District, Riyadh 12461. It sits in the Al Mursalat District, an urban neighbourhood in central Riyadh. The campus is accessible from the Riyadh area via local roads.	Location MGIS operates two campuses in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: Digital City and Qortuba. The Digital City campus is located on Prince Turki Bin Abdulaziz Al Awal Road in the Al Nakheel district, and the Qortuba campus is on Abdallah Ibn Ibrahim Ibn Seif Street in Qortuba. The campuses are centrally positioned in Riyadh with access to major road networks. Transportation is available for students in designated areas via MGIS buses, which include features such as daily rider logs, bus inspections, a female bus nanny, a maximum bus age of five years, licensed drivers, first-aid training, and a parent-tracking app.
Stages	Stages The school serves Kindergarten (3–5 years) and other year groups. Entrance tests in Mathematics and English are used for placement for non-Kindergarten levels. The school is authorized to offer the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) and plans to introduce the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and Diploma Programme (DP) starting in 2025.	Stages MGIS provides education from Nursery through Grade 9. The curriculum combines an American Core Curriculum (US Common Core Standards) with the IB Primary Years Programme framework.
School type	School type Private, day-only, single-sex (female) school.	School type Co-educational; MGIS serves both boys and girls and operates across two campuses in Riyadh.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix Admissions information indicates both local transferees and international transferees, but there is no published breakdown of nationalities or the local/international ratio.	Pupil nationality mix MGIS has a diverse student body with representation from 32 countries.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support There is no publicly published SEN policy or clearly stated SEN provisions on public pages.	Additional learning support MGIS has a Special Educational Needs (SEN) policy that covers early identification, development of Individual Education Plans (IEPs), differentiation and classroom modifications, SENCo leadership, parental involvement, and engagement with external agencies as needed.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation The school is located in Saudi Arabia and is an International Baccalaureate World School in Saudi Arabia.	Country affiliation Saudi Arabia (the school operates in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia).
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation No religious affiliation is listed in public materials.	Religious affiliation No formal religious affiliation is stated; the curriculum includes Arabic and Islamic Studies per the Saudi curriculum guidelines, with Arabic as a second language support for non-native speakers.
School day structure	School day structure The 2025–2026 calendar lists the first day of school as August 24, 2025, and the last day as June 25, 2026. The start of the school day is 7:30 AM, and regular days run Sunday through Thursday. Office hours are 7:30 AM–2:30 PM.	School day structure School days run Sunday to Thursday from 7:30 AM to 2:00 PM; Friday and Saturday are closed.
Bus service details	Bus service details Public pages do not publish details about a school bus service; transport arrangements, if any, should be confirmed directly with the school.	Bus service details MGIS offers transportation buses for students in designated areas. Buses include daily rider logs, daily inspections, a female bus nanny, a maximum bus age of five years, licensed drivers, first-aid trained staff, driver conduct requirements, and a parent-tracking app.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application / Registration fees - No separate, fixed application fee amount is published. A non-refundable portion of the tuition fees for new students is due at the time of registration/acceptance. Tuition fees by year group (Annual and three-installment breakdown) - Pre‑School: SAR 32,000 — 1st instalment SAR 12,000; 2nd instalment SAR 12,000; 3rd instalment SAR 8,000. - KG1: SAR 32,000 — 1st SAR 12,000; 2nd SAR 12,000; 3rd SAR 8,000. - KG2: SAR 32,000 — 1st SAR 12,000; 2nd SAR 12,000; 3rd SAR 8,000. - Grade 1: SAR 33,000 — 1st SAR 12,000; 2nd SAR 12,000; 3rd SAR 9,000. - Grade 2: SAR 33,000 — 1st SAR 12,000; 2nd SAR 12,000; 3rd SAR 9,000. - Grade 3: SAR 34,000 — 1st SAR 12,500; 2nd SAR 12,500; 3rd SAR 9,000. - Grade 4: SAR 34,000 — 1st SAR 12,500; 2nd SAR 12,500; 3rd SAR 9,000. - Grade 5: SAR 34,000 — 1st SAR 12,500; 2nd SAR 12,500; 3rd SAR 9,000. - MYP1 (Grade 6): SAR 36,000 — 1st SAR 13,500; 2nd SAR 13,500; 3rd SAR 9,000. - MYP2 (Grade 7): SAR 36,000 — 1st SAR 13,500; 2nd SAR 13,500; 3rd SAR 9,000. - MYP3 (Grade 8): SAR 36,000 — 1st SAR 13,500; 2nd SAR 13,500; 3rd SAR 9,000. - MYP4 (Grade 9): SAR 38,000 — 1st SAR 14,000; 2nd SAR 14,000; 3rd SAR 10,000. - Grade 10: SAR 38,000 — 1st SAR 14,000; 2nd SAR 14,000; 3rd SAR 10,000. - Grade 11: SAR 39,000 — 1st SAR 14,500; 2nd SAR 14,500; 3rd SAR 10,000. - Grade 12: SAR 39,000 — 1st SAR 14,500; 2nd SAR 14,500; 3rd SAR 10,000. (Annual tuition and instalment amounts are published in the school's 2025–2026 tuition schedule.) Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition is presented in three instalments (1st, 2nd, 3rd) with the amounts shown above for each grade. The first term's fees must be paid in full at registration. VAT at 15% will be added to all fees. E‑book fees are charged separately and are not included in the tuition instalments. Boarding fees - No boarding programme or boarding fees are published in the school's fee schedule. Transport is offered as a separate, optional service (see Bus Transportation Fees below). Other costs and optional fees - Bus transportation (annual): Two‑way SAR 7,000; One‑way SAR 5,500. - Books: Books are included in the tuition for lower grades; published guidance shows books included for most grade levels and specifically notes that books are not included for Grade 11 and Grade 12. Confirmed inclusion/exclusion is shown in the published fee sheet. - Uniform: Tuition fees cover the school uniform for all grade levels (uniform cost is included in the tuition). - E‑books and other digital learning resources: E‑book fees are not included in the tuition. - Any registration/acceptance charge collected at enrolment is non‑refundable and is treated as part of the tuition for new students at the time of registration. Refund information - Fees are non‑refundable if a student withdraws during the school year. A non‑refundable portion of tuition is required from new students at registration/acceptance. Fees of all types cannot be credited to another student. Sibling discount - Published sibling discount policy: the second child (first sibling) receives a 5% discount; the third child (second sibling) and onward receive a 10% discount on tuition. Fee payment options (methods accepted) - Bank transfer / wire transfer to the school's accounts (bank names and account numbers are published in the payment instructions). The fee schedule lists a Saudi National Bank (SNB) account number and an Albilad account number; the admissions page also provides an Albilad IBAN for transfers. - Electronic payment (Mada only). - Cash payment at school. Important notes and payment reminders - VAT (15%) will be added to all published fees. Tuition covers the school uniform. The first term's fees must be paid in full at registration. A non‑refundable registration/acceptance amount is taken from tuition for new students. Fees are not transferable between students.	Fee details Tuition fees (annual and per semester by year group) - Nursery / Pre‑K — SAR 30,000 per year. Per semester: SAR 15,000. - KG 1 — SAR 32,000 per year. Per semester: SAR 16,000. - KG 2 — SAR 34,000 per year. Per semester: SAR 17,000. - KG 3 — SAR 36,500 per year. Per semester: SAR 18,250. - Grade 1 — SAR 40,500 per year. Per semester: SAR 20,250. - Grade 2 — SAR 42,500 per year. Per semester: SAR 21,250. - Grade 3 — SAR 44,500 per year. Per semester: SAR 22,250. - Grade 4 — SAR 46,500 per year. Per semester: SAR 23,250. - Grade 5 — SAR 48,500 per year. Per semester: SAR 24,250. - Grade 6 — SAR 50,500 per year. Per semester: SAR 25,250. - Grade 7 — SAR 52,500 per year. Per semester: SAR 26,250. - Grade 8 — SAR 54,500 per year. Per semester: SAR 27,250. - Grade 9 — SAR 56,500 per year. Per semester: SAR 28,250. Application / reservation fees - Seat reservation fee: SAR 5,000. The seat reservation payment is for the entire academic year and is non‑refundable if withdrawal occurs before the academic year starts. Billing schedule and payment terms - The academic year is split into two semesters and fees for each semester are required to be paid in advance; the reservation payment covers the academic year rather than a single semester. Payments made in full at the start of the academic year (covering both semesters) are eligible for an additional early‑payment discount. Withdrawal charges apply as follows: withdrawal within 30 days of semester start — charge of 50% of the entire current year's fees; withdrawal after the first month of the semester — charge of 100% of the entire current year's fees. The final financial settlement is issued only after all fees are fully paid. VAT is not included in the listed fees and will be charged where applicable. Boarding fees - Boarding is not provided; MGIS operates as a day school serving Nursery through the primary/early secondary grades across its campuses. No boarding fees apply. Other costs and optional services - Books/textbooks: Not included in tuition; charged separately to parents. - Uniforms: Available for purchase through ZAKs at an additional cost. - Lunch meals: Not included in tuition; charged separately. - Transportation (optional): - One‑way: SAR 450 per month or SAR 4,000 per year. - Round‑trip: SAR 900 per month or SAR 7,500 per year. - VAT: All fees listed exclude VAT; VAT will be added where applicable. Refund and withdrawal information - Seat reservation fee (SAR 5,000) is non‑refundable if withdrawal occurs before the academic year starts. If withdrawal occurs within 30 days of the first semester start, 50% of the full year's fees is charged. If withdrawal occurs after the first month of the semester, 100% of the full year's fees is charged. A withdrawal is only official when the school administration has received a written withdrawal letter. Fee payment options and account details - Accepted payment methods: Mada (in person) and bank transfer to the school's account at Riyad Bank. Account number: 2000016449941. IBAN: SA2420000002000016449941. All payments must comply with the school's billing schedule and payment terms. Notes on discounts (applies to fees above) - New student, returning student, long‑term returning student discounts, sibling discounts and an early‑payment discount for full payment at the beginning of the year are available according to the school's published discount eligibility rules. These discounts reduce the tuition amounts listed above when applicable.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement MGIS uses a school uniform. Uniforms and the PE kit can be purchased through ZAKs.
Food options	Food options —	Food options Lunch is available on-site for an additional fee; lunch is not included in tuition.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The school has a Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) with listed members. The principal is Mrs. Ola Mourad.	Governance and ownership MGIS operates as part of Global Educational Excellence (GEE), a multi-campus education group that includes MGIS Riyadh. GEE runs campuses in the United States and internationally, and MGIS is part of this network.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details The school currently offers the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP) as its core curriculum; authorization was granted on 2 June 2025, with English and Arabic as languages of instruction. The MYP comprises eight subject groups—Language and Literature, Language Acquisition, Individuals and Societies, Sciences, Mathematics, Arts, Physical and Health Education, and Design—taught over a five-year cycle with a minimum of 50 hours of teaching per group per year, and students complete the MYP Personal Project in the final year. The programme emphasizes Approaches to Learning (ATL), global contexts, and interdisciplinary units, and culminates in the IB MYP certificate upon successful assessment. For upper secondary, the high school framework is Common Core-aligned with AP elective courses, and the school operates as a College Board SAT testing center (Center #52537), with AP exams administered since 2022. Admissions begin with Kindergarten (3–5 years) having no academic requirements, while entry to other grades requires entrance tests in Math and English to determine placement.	Curriculum details MGIS operates two Riyadh campuses, Qortuba and Digital City, offering Nursery through Grade 9. The Qortuba campus follows an American Curriculum integrated with the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) framework. Curriculum components include English Language Arts and Mathematics aligned to the US Common Core Standards (CSS), and Science aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Arabic and Islamic Studies follow the Ministry of Education (KSA) curriculum, with Arabic as a Second Language offered for non-native speakers. In Grades 7–9, MGIS Middle School uses the US CCSS for English and Mathematics. The curriculum emphasizes transdisciplinary units under the PYP six themes to develop inquiry, literacy, numeracy, and global citizenship.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning The school does not publicly disclose information about Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) programs on its official site. The mission and vision describe a safe, inclusive culture and personal development, but no specific SEL initiatives are named. The Principal's Message emphasizes holistic education and personal growth without detailing SEL activities or staff. IB Middle Years Programme candidacy suggests a broad, holistic approach to learning, not necessarily SEL structures. No dedicated SEL staff or programs are listed on the accessible pages.	Social & emotional learning MGIS emphasizes Diversity, Equity & Inclusion within the IB Primary Years Programme, fostering empathy, open-mindedness, and intercultural understanding through inclusive inquiry-based units and discussions. The school states it seeks to provide equal opportunities for all students to engage, lead, and succeed, developing caring, principled, and internationally minded learners. The DEI approach is described as part of student life and is aligned with a family-style environment intended to support social-emotional growth. Elements of SEL are embedded in the school's inclusive ethos rather than through a named separate SEL program. The inclusion and SEN policies recognize that social, emotional, and mental health challenges can constitute SEN and are addressed through structured support. The school also maintains a Social Worker role to support student welfare and wellbeing, including collaboration with parents and teachers.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) The school does not publicly disclose information about Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision. There is no detail on which kinds of SEN the school can support or whether it is a specialist SEN institution. Admission policy outlines general entry requirements but does not mention SEN eligibility or accommodations. No SEN coordinators, support staff, or inclusion practices are named on the accessible pages. Information about individualized support or referral procedures is not publicly disclosed.	Special educational needs (SEN) MGIS defines SEN as including learning disabilities (e.g., dyslexia, dyscalculia), physical disabilities, sensory impairments (visual/hearing), autism spectrum disorders, speech and language difficulties, and social, emotional, and mental health challenges. A SEN Coordinator (SENCo) leads provision, coordinates identification and assessment, liaises with parents and external agencies, and oversees Individual Education Plans (IEPs). The school uses a Multi-tier Inclusion System (Tier 1 classroom differentiation; Tier 2 with a social worker and support plans; Tier 3 targeted intervention) and may involve external professionals if needed. External agencies such as educational psychologists, speech and language therapists, and counselors can be engaged to support SEN—these arrangements are outlined in the SEN policy. MGIS describes inclusive education rather than operating as a dedicated specialist SEN institution.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language The school does not publicly disclose specific EAL provisions or programs. The International Baccalaureate information shows language of instruction as English and Arabic. The About page states the school provides resources and information in both Arabic and English, indicating bilingual materials. No explicit EAL staffing or targeted language support programs are named on the accessible pages. For families seeking EAL details, no further publicly available guidance is provided on the site.	English as an additional language MGIS publishes English Language Arts as part of its US Common Core Standards-based curriculum, indicating English-medium instruction for ELA. The curriculum also notes that Arabic is offered as a Second Language for all non-native speakers. There is no explicit description of a separate English as an Additional Language (EAL) program in the publicly available materials; the language provisions shown focus on ELA in English and Arabic as a second language for non-native speakers.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing The school does not publicly disclose information about Mental Wellbeing provisions. The site describes a safe, inclusive culture and personal development but does not specify mental health services. IB candidacy suggests a holistic approach but does not provide details about mental health staff or programs. No dedicated mental health counselors or wellbeing initiatives are named on the accessible pages. Additional information about mental wellbeing programs is not publicly disclosed.	Mental wellbeing MGIS provides mental wellbeing support through a dedicated social worker who promotes awareness, maintains confidential records, and collaborates with teachers and parents to develop and monitor support plans. The social worker's role includes attending classes, providing feedback to teachers, and coordinating with external professionals when needed. The SEN policy notes that social, emotional, and mental health challenges can be treated as SEN and may involve external counselors or psychologists. A tiered inclusion system (Tier 1–3) supports wellbeing and learning, with progression monitored and reviewed, and individualized plans created when necessary. Overall, wellbeing support is grounded in inclusive practices and collaboration among staff, students, and families.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding The school does not publicly disclose safeguarding or child protection policies on the accessible pages. There is no explicit safeguarding policy described in the Admission Policy or Home Page. References to IB programs or bilingual education do not provide safeguarding details. No safeguarding staff roles or training requirements are listed on the publicly available pages. If safeguarding information exists, it is not publicly disclosed on the site.	Safeguarding MGIS does not publish a dedicated safeguarding or child protection policy on the site. Safeguarding-related provisions are described within the Inclusion Policy (a confidential system for student records and a MGIS Social Worker) and the SEN Policy (roles, parental involvement, and collaboration with external agencies). The policies emphasize safeguarding-like elements such as confidentiality, staff collaboration, and external professional input to support student welfare. There is no explicit standalone safeguarding page or policy document disclosed in the publicly available MGIS policies.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview —	Facilities overview MGIS operates across two Riyadh campuses, Qortuba and Digital City, serving Nursery through Grade 9. The facilities include classrooms equipped with modern educational tools, a library/research center, science laboratories, ICT/computers labs, and dedicated art and music rooms. Outdoor spaces include playgrounds, a football pitch, a basketball court, and a gym, alongside a modern cafeteria. On-site amenities include a medical clinic and transportation services. A theater and multipurpose room support arts, performances, and community events.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities The school provides a football pitch and a basketball court for team sports and physical education. A gym supports indoor fitness activities. There are indoor and outdoor play areas that support recreation during breaks and PE sessions. The campus design supports physical education, sports clubs, and inter-school activities.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities The school is officially authorized to offer the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP). The MYP provides a broad and balanced education that encourages inquiry, critical thinking, and meaningful connections between learning and the world. The school is an official SAT Testing Center (Center #52537). Since 2022, the school administers College Board AP exams and includes AP courses in its electives program.	Academic facilities Classrooms are equipped with advanced educational tools and technology. The library offers rich, diverse texts for research and reading. Science laboratories enable hands-on experiments across science disciplines. ICT labs and computer labs support digital learning and coding activities. Nursery through Grade 9 facilities are provided on both campuses.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities The school provides a range of extracurriculars, including Week Without Walls, theatre activities, in-house publications, and athletics. Students participate in leadership and events such as Student Council Elections and MUN. Annual celebrations include Foundation Day, Arabic Language Day, Saudi National Day, and Sports Day. Science Fair, Math Day, and other themed activities foster hands-on learning and collaboration.	Extra curricular facilities Arts spaces include an art room and a music room, and a theater with a multipurpose room for performances and events. Outdoor play areas provide space for recreation. The campus includes a modern cafeteria. The school offers an on-site medical clinic to support student wellbeing.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History The school was established in 2023 in Riyadh as a bilingual international school offering instruction in English and Arabic. It is a private international school led by Principal Ola Mourad. The school earned authorization to offer the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme in June 2025, with English and Arabic as the languages of instruction. In the present, the Principal's Message indicates plans to expand to the Primary Years Programme and Diploma Programme and to relocate to a new campus in the coming years. A longer historical narrative appears in the Principal's Message, which mentions beginnings in 2011.	History MGIS was established in 2017 with the inauguration of the Qortuba campus in Riyadh. In 2018, a memorandum of understanding with Global Educational Excellence (GEE) formalized the partnership to establish MGIS. The organization behind MGIS traces to the Mena Company for Education and Development, which began in 2009. In 2021, MGIS expanded to Digital City, opening a second campus in Riyadh funded by BLOMINVEST Education Fund. The MGIS mission aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and the school operates under the broader MENАDEV educational network.
Community	Community The school uses English and Arabic as languages of instruction. The events calendar includes Student Council Elections, Foundation Day, Model United Nations (MUN), Science Fair, World Arabic Language Day, Saudi National Day, Math Day, Crazy Hair Day, New Year Resolution Day, and Sports Day. The school emphasizes community involvement through events and a Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) that supports school activities and fosters parent–school communication.	Community MGIS describes a family environment where students feel safe to grow and explore, emphasizing a welcoming, family-oriented atmosphere. The school explicitly commits to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and intercultural understanding in line with IB PYP goals. Community life is enriched by events such as Movie Day, Mother's Day, and Saudi Foundation Day organized within the Kindergarten–Grade to foster student and family engagement. The school supports ongoing parent-facing communications through a calendar of events and a Yearbook that documents school life and student achievements.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association PTA Members include Mrs. Hanadi Abou Assi, Mrs. Ola Sobhi, Mrs. Rima Ibrahim, Mrs. Rim Altawil, and Mr. Maher Mansour. Email contacts are provided for each member (e.g., hanadi.bassi@gmail.com, olalab@hotmail.com, rimaphr@gmail.com, Rim.tawil@hotmail.com, Manmaher@gmail.com). The PTA's stated purposes are to strengthen the school community, contribute to events and initiatives, and serve as a bridge between the school and parents to foster collaboration and enhance communication. The PTA page lists multiple member emails, indicating active channels for parent involvement. The PTA is described as a vital body that helps support events and initiatives and facilitates collaboration between families and the school.	Parent teacher association MGIS does not publish a dedicated Parent Teacher Association (PTA) page on its site; instead, parent involvement is integrated through family-centered programming and school-led activities. Family engagement is evident in KG activities such as Movie Day, Mother's Day, and Saudi Foundation Day, which involve students and their families. The Yearbook and the school calendar serve as channels for documenting and sharing community events with families. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion programs promote intercultural learning and encourage family participation in inclusive inquiry-based units and activities. The school's mission and values emphasize global citizenship and a culture of partnership with families, rather than a stand-alone PTA governance structure.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual Al Sahafa International School supports intellectual growth through experiential programs and competitions. Week Without Walls extends learning beyond the classroom with outdoor challenges, teamwork, and cultural experiences. Theater Activities and in-house Publications provide opportunities to engage in drama productions, scriptwriting, and publication of student work, including a biennial book sale. The school hosts science- and math-related events such as a Science Fair and Math Day, and runs a Model United Nations conference to develop research, analysis, and debate skills.	Academic & intellectual MGIS provides a range of academic enrichment activities beyond classroom time. In 2024-2025, students participated in a Spelling Bee Competition in Digital City (April 13, 2025) and attended a Book Fair (February 13, 2025). An Arabic language event Celebrating Our Little Thinkers and a Francophonie Event illustrate language and cultural engagement. The calendar also includes an End-of-Year Exhibition (May 21–22, 2025) and The International School Expo 2025 (May 20–22, 2025) to showcase student work and connect with other schools.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Arts and creative activities include Theater Activities, where students participate in school plays, drama competitions, and production workshops. In-house Publications support creative writing, with regularly published school magazines and a biennial book sale. The activities emphasize performing arts and writing as part of student life.	Arts & creative MGIS provides dedicated spaces for arts and performing arts, including an Art Studio, a Music Studio, and a Theater. An Art Room and Music Room support visual arts, music, and drama across Nursery to Grade 9. These facilities are available on both MGIS campuses, enabling regular arts experiences alongside library resources. The presence of theatre and studio spaces supports student performances and exhibitions.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Cultural and language activities include Arabic Language Day, celebrated as World Arabic Language Day with interactive activities, photo sessions, and gifts. The school also runs a Model United Nations conference, providing international affairs exposure and opportunities for leadership and collaboration. The MUN event in February 2025 demonstrates student-led planning and participation.	Cultural & language MGIS emphasizes cultural awareness and multilingual learning through Arabic language instruction and Arabic as a Second Language within its IB PYP framework. Cultural and language events include the Francophonie Event on January 30, 2025 and the Arabic language event Celebrating Our Little Thinkers on May 14, 2025. The Diversity, Equity & Inclusion program supports intercultural understanding and global perspectives within the IB framework.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies Social life at Al Sahafa International School is fostered through a Student Council, with elections that give students a voice in school life. The school participates in Athletics, and Sports Day provides a dedicated day for competitive and cooperative activities. Additional events such as Crazy Hair Day and Math Day foster student engagement and peer connections.	Social & hobbies —
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional Leadership development is supported by the Student Council and by hosting the Model United Nations conference, which showcases student leadership and organizational skills. The Student Council Elections demonstrate opportunities for student governance and initiative. MUN also provides practice in teamwork, research, and public speaking, contributing to personal and professional growth.	Leadership & professional MGIS offers leadership and professional development through events such as Women's Leadership in Education (May 10, 2025). The school also hosts Business Day activities for different grade levels on January 30, 2025 to develop enterprise and presentation skills. External partnerships and visits, including a delegation from Oklahoma State University to MGIS on May 6, 2025, provide exposure to higher education and professional pathways.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Wellbeing is supported through athletics and sports, including participation in inter-school, district, state, and national level competitions. Sports Day is a dedicated event that promotes physical activity, teamwork, and school spirit. Week Without Walls contributes to wellbeing by combining outdoor activities with cultural experiences and collaboration.	Lifestyle & wellbeing MGIS provides facilities for physical activity, including a football pitch, basketball court, and a gym. The campus also includes indoor and outdoor play areas and a medical clinic to support student health and wellbeing. Sports Day is part of the annual calendar, and students participate in outdoor trips such as Snow City and Joyzone as part of experiential learning.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision The school provides information and resources in both Arabic and English. Inquiries and communications can be conducted in either language. Materials related to programs and events are available in both Arabic and English.	Language provision MGIS offers Arabic, English, and French as taught languages. Arabic is taught as a Second Language for all non-native speakers and is integrated within the Arabic & Islamic Studies curriculum following the Ministry of Education (KSA) framework. English Language Arts is taught under the MGIS American Curriculum, aligned to US Common Core Standards, with literacy instruction beginning in nursery and continuing through Grade 9. French is taught as a language, and a French Conversation Club provides opportunities to practice the language.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Inquiries request information about admissions and next steps. The school responds with guidance on how to proceed with enrollment. 2. For Kindergarten (3 to 5 years), there are no academic requirements for acceptance. Applicants at this level are interviewed. They must be toilet-trained and able to speak and follow simple instructions. Admission decisions for this level are based on readiness and the interview. 3. For all other grade levels, prospective students take entrance tests in Math and English to determine if they have attained the minimum standard for each subject. The school then makes final placement decisions. The school can resort to various strategies at its disposal to help bring a student to the required level. 4. Required documents for enrollment of new students include an application form, two passport-size photos, an original school report for the last three years, and a statement from the transferring school listing the last exams taken. These documents support the enrollment decision and placement. 5. The school is located in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Address: RHMA 3320 As Saffaniyah, 6685 Al Mursalat Dist., Riyadh 12461. Phone: (011) 2866631, (011) 2866632.	Admissions 1. Submit online application via the Apply Now form. The form collects the student's Name, Nationality, Date of Birth, Previous name of school, and Grade, and it asks for Guardians' credentials (Father's Name, Mother's Name, Father's Phone, Mother's Phone). You select the campus branch as Digital City or Qortuba, and you can download the registration form from the Apply Now page. 2. The English language ability of the applicant is assessed during the application process. MGIS accommodates non-English speakers and does not require fluency for entry to elementary and primary levels. The language assessment is part of the application process. 3. MGIS offers Nursery through Grade 9, with grade-age alignment that starts at KG1 (about 3 years old) and progresses to Grade 9 (about 14 years old). The program provides high-quality standards from Nursery to Grade 9. 4. If admitted, a seat reservation is involved. A seat reservation fee of 5,000 SAR applies, and withdrawal before the academic year starts makes that fee non-refundable. The academic year is organized into two semesters. 5. Discounts are available on tuition. New Students (2025-2026) receive a 20% discount at Digital City and a 10% discount at Qortuba. Returning Students (enrolled 2021–2025) receive a 20% discount at Digital City and a 15% discount at Qortuba; Long-Term Returning Students receive a 30% discount. 6. In addition, MGIS offers sibling discounts (second sibling 5%, third and subsequent siblings 10%) and other payment incentives, including early payment discounts (5% for full-year payment), a Digital City referral program (500 SAR per referred family), and a Digital City employee discount (30%). Home to two campuses, MGIS provides transportation options in certain areas and uniforms are available through ZAKs. Visits can be scheduled by contacting the campuses, and the registration form can be downloaded from the Apply Now page.
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Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
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