Comparing 2 schools side by side in USD.
The campus is located in Mohammed Bin Salman Nonprofit City in the Irqah district of Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The site covers about 21 hectares and comprises nine school buildings for both male and female students aged 4 to 18. This campus is the central Misk Schools site within the city's nonprofit campus development.
From Kindergarten (KG1–KG3, ages 3–6) through Grade 12, the school is organised into five bands: Kindergarten, Lower Primary (Grades 1–3), Upper Primary (Grades 4–6), Middle Schools (Grades 7–8), and Senior Schools (Grades 9–12). Each band uses gender arrangements with mixed KG and separate Boys' and Girls' schools at the other levels.
The school operates as a day school. Kindergarten is mixed for boys and girls, while Lower Primary, Upper Primary, Middle, and Senior years are offered in separate Boys' and Girls' campuses.
Public information about the exact number of nationalities is not disclosed. The school's profile indicates a predominantly Saudi student body, with Saudi nationals making up about 98% of the local student population and Saudi as the most common nationality.
Safeguarding and well-being are prioritized, with a Safeguarding Pledge and a designated safeguarding lead and safeguarding team. Well-being services and High Performance Learning (HPL) approaches are part of the student support framework.
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (the campus is in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia).
Religious affiliation is not stated in MISK's official materials. External sources note that Islamic Studies are part of the Saudi identity curriculum for Saudi students.
The school week runs Sunday to Thursday, with working hours from 08:00 to 17:00.
No publicly published information about a school bus service is available from MISK's official materials; inquiries about transport should be directed to Admissions or General Enquiries.
Uniform is required for all students. Uniform is included in the annual fees.
Food is provided on site through catering partners who offer well-balanced snacks and lunches. Lunch is served daily in the dining hall, and teaching staff join students for lunch to model healthy eating. Daily lunch and healthy snacks are included in the school fees.
Students are assigned to one of three Houses: Safa, Marwa and Arafat. Houses earn points for positive behaviour and participate in a range of House competitions.
Governance is carried out by a Board of Directors that provides strategic direction and policy oversight, and the board includes members such as HE Dr Mohammad Al Hayaza (Chair). Misk Schools is part of the Misk Foundation, a nonprofit foundation established by Mohammed bin Salman.
The curriculum at Misk Schools is Cambridge International-based from Kindergarten through Senior School, with Cambridge accreditation guiding learning at each stage; Grade 10 students sit IGCSEs, followed by an A‑level or BTEC pathway in Grades 11–12, and AP remains available for US university applications. The Misk Schools Diploma is a four-component curriculum—Academic, Internship, National Identity, and Leadership—delivered under the High Performance Learning framework. Lower Primary (Grades 1–3) is Cambridge International-accredited and offers English, Arabic, Mathematics, Science, Islamic Studies, Music, Art and Design, Computing, Chinese, and Physical Education. Upper Primary (Grades 4–6) covers core subjects (English, Arabic, Mathematics, Science) plus National Identity subjects (Islamic Studies and Social Studies) and specialist subjects including Computing, Art and Design, Music, Physical Education, and Chinese. Senior School (Grades 9–12) includes IGCSEs in Grade 10, three A‑levels or BTEC Level 3 Extended Diplomas in Grades 11–12, with EPQ and CMI Level 4 options, and an optional AP pathway; National Identity subjects remain part of the curriculum and English is the language of instruction. Cambridge International and Pearson Edexcel examination-centre status is held, and the school supports university admissions testing including SATs and IELTS as part of its broader higher-education readiness framework.
Misk Schools supports social and emotional learning (SEL) through its Well-being Programme, developed in the context of Vision 2030's values-based education. The programme emphasises social and emotional care and aims to develop character, empathy, teamwork and leadership. The Homeroom Teacher or Tutor is the first point of contact for wellbeing issues, with clearly defined escalation layers to ensure timely support. The Well-being Programme includes a positive behaviour policy that aligns with the Ministry of Education's Code of School Discipline to guide conduct both inside and outside the classroom. The Houses system (Safa, Marwa, and Arafat) fosters belonging, identity, teamwork, leadership and personal responsibility within the student community.
The school publicly discloses a Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion Policy and an Identifying and Fostering gifted, distinguished students policy. However, explicit details about a dedicated SEN department or specific SEND provision are not published. Public materials do not specify the kinds of Special Educational Needs the school can support or any specialist SEN staff beyond inclusion policies. The policies indicate an inclusive approach and recognition of gifted students within that framework. Consequently, there is no publicly disclosed, comprehensive SEN program described.
Misk Schools provides English as a Second Language (ESL) support through staff roles. Virginia Sutton, Junior Schools Principal, is described as an English as a Second Language (ESL) in the Mainstream Trainer, indicating ESL training for mainstream teaching. Nada Alhegali is described as Learning Support Teacher specializing in English as a second language, indicating a dedicated ESL learning support role. These postings show that EAL support is integrated into the school's leadership and learning-support structure. There is no separate EAL department page published, but ESL roles are evident in staff profiles.
Mental wellbeing is a core component of the Well-being framework at Misk Schools. Well-being is defined as supporting students' physical, emotional and mental health by promoting healthy habits, providing personalised support and development services, and fostering a positive and inclusive school culture. The Well-being Programme is positioned within Vision 2030's values-based educational approach to character development. The programme emphasizes healthy lifestyle and individualized support as part of daily school life. The Homeroom Teacher or Tutor serves as the first point of contact for wellbeing concerns, with escalation processes for more complex needs.
Safeguarding is a core duty of care at Misk Schools, with a Designated Safeguarding Lead overseeing safeguarding and child protection and a team of ten Safeguarding Officers. The school partners with The Safeguarding Alliance to undertake regular audits ensuring safeguarding systems and processes are effective. A Safeguarding Pledge outlines staff, children and family responsibilities to protect from maltreatment and to promote safe, healthy outcomes. Safeguarding measures are implemented through policies, procedures, staff training and awareness-raising, as described in the safeguarding and wellbeing materials.
Applications are submitted online by clicking Apply Now, which redirects to the application form where you enter basic information. After submission, you receive a digital checklist in the portal that includes Parents Information, scanned copies of all previous school reports (required for Grade 1 and above; if available for KG), a letter of recommendation from the student's teacher, and a letter of recommendation from the previous school's principal/head/counsellor. After completing the required checklist items, a Misk Schools Admissions representative will contact you to schedule an in-person interview.
AIS-R is located in North Riyadh, adjacent to the Al Bustan Village Compound (Exit 5). The campus is connected to Al Bustan by an internal gate, allowing residents to walk or bike to school in about 10 minutes. It is roughly 20 minutes from Riyadh's airport and the downtown area.
AIS-R serves students from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12, organized into Elementary (Pre-K to Grade 5), Middle School (Grades 6–8), and High School (Grades 9–12).
AIS-R is an independent, non-profit, co-educational day school. It offers an enriched American curriculum and is IB Diploma Programme authorized; it is NEASC and CIS accredited.
AIS-R represents students from more than 60 countries; the top nationalities are American, Saudi Arabian, and Canadian. The school reports over 65 nationalities represented in its student body, with local Saudi students forming a minority of the student body (local ~12%, international ~88%).
AIS-R provides a school-wide Student Success framework with Learning Support teachers, English as an Additional Language (ELL) staff, and counselors operating in a tiered model. The admissions process notes that AIS-R does not provide a formal Special Needs program for significant learning needs, though support is provided within the program parameters.
The school follows an American curriculum and is an IB World School; it is accredited by NEASC and CIS.
No religious affiliation is stated; AIS-R operates as a secular international school.
AIS-R follows a North American-type school year, starting in August and finishing in early June. Administrative offices run 8:10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Sunday to Wednesday and 8:10 a.m.–4:00 p.m. on Thursdays; there is a winter holiday around New Year, a fall break in October, and a spring break in February. The first day of the 2025-26 school year was August 19, 2025.
AIS-R does not offer bus transportation. Parents are responsible for providing transportation for their children; campus access is controlled by AIS-R IDs for safety.
AIS-R uses a school-wide dress code that includes a school polo shirt as part of the daily uniform. High school dress requirements indicate a AIS-R polo shirt and long pants may be required for attire; a PE uniform is required for physical education. The on-campus Eagle's Nest store sells Middle School PE uniforms and other uniform items, and houses-specific attire such as house shirts may be available for purchase on campus.
Dining Hall services are available for snack breaks and lunch. Lunches and snacks are purchased using funds loaded to the student ID via a cashless system, with supervision in the dining area; AIS-R is not allergen-free due to outsourced caterers, so dietary accommodations may be limited.
AIS-R operates a house system; middle school students have house shirts, and some house-based dress items are available through the Eagle's Nest store on campus.
AIS-R is an independent, non-profit school licensed to operate by the Saudi Ministry of Education. It is governed by a seven-member self-perpetuating Board of Trustees, which selects a Superintendent to manage day-to-day operations. The AIS-R Association includes registered parents and community members, and the board governs strategic policy and long-term viability.
The American International School - Riyadh offers an enriched American curriculum for Pre-K through Grade 12. The campus is purpose-built in North Riyadh. The school is accredited by NEASC and CIS and is authorized to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in Grades 11–12. The curriculum is modeled on the US State Department Standards (AERO), Common Core State Standards, and selected National Association Standards. The academic year runs from September to June with 176 instructional days.
The school reports over 300 university acceptances. It represents more than 65 nationalities and had over 140 graduates in the 2024–2025 school year.
AIS-R does not provide a Special Needs Program for significant learning needs nor a gifted and talented program.
AIS-R supports social and emotional learning (SEL) through a school-wide counseling program; high school counselors support students' academic, social and personal development, and a Guidance curriculum guides relationships, planning, and life skills across grade levels.
AIS-R offers Learning Support for mild to moderate learning needs, but there is no dedicated Special Needs Program, and AIS-R is not a specialist SEN institution.
AIS-R provides an English as an Additional Language (EAL) program for qualified Elementary School students (KG2–Grade 5); EAL focuses on listening, speaking, reading and writing, with EAL teachers co-teaching with homeroom teachers and partnering with families.
AIS-R maintains a Mental Health Protocol as part of its Child Safeguarding framework, with staff training and counselors providing mental health support to students.
AIS-R has a comprehensive Child Safeguarding Policy based on international law, Council of International Schools standards, and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child; the policy is complemented by a Child Safeguarding Education Program with staff training and parent education sessions, and maltreatment reporting is defined and acted upon.
1. Start the online application. AIS-R uses rolling admissions and accepts applicants throughout the current school year; the application period for the following year begins August 1. Begin by completing the online application, paying the non-refundable application fee, and uploading required documents. Required documents include the student's passport photo page, both parents' passport photo pages, iqama, immunization record, all records from previous schools in English (including the final report card and the current year-to-date report card), standardized test records if requesting an entrance test exemption (required for applicants in Grades 3-12 not residing in Saudi Arabia), and, if applicable, special education/IEP/504 records. If the student is a Saudi national, provide the Family Book and the Ministry of Education approval letter.
2. File review. After the application is fully submitted with the fee, the AIS-R Admissions Office reviews the applicant file. A file will not be approved for testing if the application or records are incomplete, or if prior information indicates a significant concern. The applicant is notified by the Admissions Office when the review is complete.
3. Admissions testing and English language assessment. Applicants proceed to admissions testing as part of the process; testing may be exempt for some applicants in Grades 3–12 who have MAP/PSAT/SAT results. English language proficiency is evaluated as part of placement for all applicants.
4. Final review and grade placement. After testing, the final application review determines grade placement, with consideration of English language needs and course requests for Grades 9–12. AIS-R aims to place students in appropriate levels and programs aligned with policy and space availability. Families are notified of placement decisions.
5. Mid-year enrollment and next steps. AIS-R supports mid-year enrollment with applicable procedures and calendar alignment.
6. Wait pool and enrollment decisions. Admissions decisions are subject to academic entrance requirements and class size limits set by the Board of Trustees. AIS-R reserves the right to limit enrollment and to deny an application if it does not align with admissions policy; decisions are made on a case-by-case basis. The applicant wait pool is used to manage opportunities as spaces become available.
7. Next steps and contact. Apply online, book a campus tour, and coordinate with the Admissions Office for scheduling and next steps.
8. Additional notes. The admissions process includes consideration of English language proficiency, mid-year enrollment feasibility, and course requests for upper grades, with final decisions communicated to families as soon as they are ready.
Citations: AIS-R Admissions page; AIS-R contact and admissions information; AIS-R Community/About pages.
AIS-R awards scholarships; over $5.5 million in scholarships have been awarded.
AIS-R uses a rolling admissions process with a applicant wait pool to manage placements as spaces become available. Decisions follow class size limits and admissions policies, and applicants may be notified of changes in status as vacancies arise.
