The information on this school’s profile is taken from publicly available sources, and has been collated by AI and curated by human moderators. Every effort has been taken to ensure accuracy, but factual inaccuracies are possible. If you would like to report inaccurate information please email support@doris.school
Al Sahafa International School has instruction in English.
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.
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.
Type
Private, day-only, single-sex (female) school.
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.
Additional learning support
There is no publicly published SEN policy or clearly stated SEN provisions on public pages.
Country affiliation
The school is located in Saudi Arabia and is an International Baccalaureate World School in Saudi Arabia.
Religious affiliation
No religious affiliation is listed in public materials.
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.
Bus service
Public pages do not publish details about a school bus service; transport arrangements, if any, should be confirmed directly with the school.
Fees
Annual tuition at Al Sahafa International School ranges from SAR 32,000 to SAR 39,000 for 2026/27.
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.
Academics
Al Sahafa International School teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), American Curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.
Curriculum
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.
Wellbeing
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
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.
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.
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
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.
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.
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.
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.
FAQs
Where is Al Sahafa International School located in Riyadh?
The school is in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: RHMA 3320 As Saffaniyah, 6685 Al Mursalat District, Riyadh 12461, in the Al Mursalat district. It serves as a local and international-style campus with a focus on the IB framework. The head of school is Mrs. Ola Mourad.
What age range does the school serve and what curriculum does it offer?
Al Sahafa International School welcomes students aged 3 to 18. It currently offers the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP) and plans to add the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and Diploma Programme (DP) starting in 2025. The high school curriculum aligns with Common Core standards to prepare students for the SAT.
Is Al Sahafa International School co-educational and part of the IB world?
Yes, Al Sahafa International School is co-educational. It is an IB World School candidate offering the MYP, with plans to become fully authorized for PYP and DP from 2025 onward, and it also serves as an official SAT testing center.
What is the tuition range for 2025–2026, and how is it structured by grade?
Annual tuition ranges from SAR 32,000 for Pre‑School through KG to SAR 39,000 for Grades 11–12, with three installments each year. The first term's fees are due at registration, and VAT at 15% is added to all fees. Books are included up to Grade 9; upper grades may have book charges, and uniforms are included in tuition.
What is the admissions process, and what documents are required?
Prospective families can apply by email, in person, or by phone. For Kindergarten, there is an interview with no academic entry requirement; other grades require entrance tests in Math and English. Required documents include an application form, two passport photos, last three years of school reports, IDs, vaccination and birth certificates, MOE forms, and transfer documents for local or international moves.
Are there any discounts or payment terms I should know about?
There is a sibling discount: 5% for the second child and 10% for the third child onward. Fees are non‑refundable if you withdraw mid‑year, and VAT is added to the listed amounts. Payments can be made by bank transfer, Mada (electronic), or cash, with the first term due at registration.
What IB and AP/SAT opportunities exist at the school?
The school offers the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) and is pursuing authorization for PYP and DP starting in 2025. AP exams have been administered since 2022, with AP courses integrated into electives, and the campus acts as an AP testing center for Riyadh. It is also an official SAT Testing Center (Center #52537.
How do AP and SAT fit into the curriculum here, and what about test results?
SAT testing is available on campus as part of the IB/MYP pathway to college readiness. AP exams are administered on site since 2022, supporting students who take AP courses in electives. The school notes that students consistently achieve high SAT scores, aided by targeted preparation.
Can you share anything about class sizes or student outcomes?
Details on class sizes aren't listed. The school emphasizes SAT readiness and high SAT scores, suggesting a focus on targeted college-prep support, but exact student‑teacher ratios aren't publicly provided.
What facilities and campus features are highlighted for students?
Specific facilities aren't published, but the school promotes a range of extracurriculars, including Athletics, Theater Activities, In‑house Publications, and Week Without Walls. A France Trip for MYP4 and World Arabic Language Day activities are among features that connect learning with experiences.
What kinds of activities exist beyond the classroom?
Beyond academics, students can engage in Athletics, Theater, and In‑house Publications, with a biennial book sale and inter‑school competitions. The school also runs programs like MUN, fall festivals, and leadership events such as HPAIR participation in 2025.
Are there leadership or student‑run activities available?
Yes. The school supports Student Council Elections, MUN, and leadership initiatives. It hosted HPAIR, the Harvard Leadership Program, in December 2025, and runs events like a Fall Festival to foster teamwork and leadership.
What wellbeing and safeguarding provisions exist?
The school promotes wellbeing through a safe, inclusive culture and supports principled, open‑minded, and resilient learners. It emphasizes mental wellbeing, but specific SEN/EAL programs or safeguarding policies aren't detailed in the information provided.
What is the school culture like in terms of boarding, uniform, and weekly schedule?
There is no boarding program published for the school. Uniforms are included in tuition, and the regular school week runs Sunday to Thursday with a start time of 7:30 AM and office hours from 7:30 AM to 2:30 PM.
What accreditations and recognitions does the school hold?
Al Sahafa International School is an IB MYP candidate school aiming for authorization in 2024–2025 and plans to offer DP and PYP starting in 2025. It is an official SAT Testing Center (Center #52537) and a Riyadh AP testing center, with AP exams administered since 2022.
Are there any awards or notable recognitions mentioned?
No specific awards are listed in the information provided. The notable recognitions include IB candidacy, the SAT testing center, and the Riyadh AP testing center.
What languages are taught or available at the school?
Language provision details aren't specified. There is a France Trip for MYP4 that connects language learning to real‑life experience, and World Arabic Language Day is celebrated, indicating emphasis on language study.
Is there any bilingual or immersion program offered?
Bilingual or immersion program details aren't provided in the available information.
Are there language‑related trips or opportunities beyond the classroom?
Yes—there is a France Trip for MYP4 that links Language Acquisition learning to real‑world practice in France, complementing classroom study.
How can families participate in the school community and PTA?
The school has an active Parent‑Teacher Association (PTA) with named members who work to strengthen community and communications between families and the school. Families can engage through PTA activities, Parents Meetings, and school events.
