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American International School Riyadh has 1,550 pupils, typical class sizes of 24, instruction in English.
Location
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.
Stages
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).
Type
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.
Pupil Nationality Mix
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%).
Additional learning support
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.
Country affiliation
The school follows an American curriculum and is an IB World School; it is accredited by NEASC and CIS.
Religious affiliation
No religious affiliation is stated; AIS-R operates as a secular international school.
School day structure
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.
Bus service
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.
Fees
Annual tuition at American International School Riyadh ranges from SAR 63,164 to SAR 117,812 for 2026/27.
Annual tuition — 2025–2026 (by grade band, Saudi Riyal) - Early Years (base tuition): SAR 54,925.00. VAT (15%): SAR 8,238.75. Total annual tuition (incl. VAT): SAR 63,163.75. First semester (incl. VAT): SAR 32,731.88. Second semester (incl. VAT): SAR 30,431.88. First semester (0% VAT): SAR 28,462.50. Second semester (0% VAT): SAR 26,462.50. - KG II – Grade 5 (base tuition): SAR 90,347.00. VAT (15%): SAR 13,552.05. Total annual tuition (incl. VAT): SAR 103,899.05. First semester (incl. VAT): SAR 53,099.53. Second semester (incl. VAT): SAR 50,799.53. First semester (0% VAT): SAR 46,173.50. Second semester (0% VAT): SAR 44,173.50. - Grades 6–8 (base tuition): SAR 93,454.00. VAT (15%): SAR 14,018.10. Total annual tuition (incl. VAT): SAR 107,472.10. First semester (incl. VAT): SAR 54,886.05. Second semester (incl. VAT): SAR 52,586.05. First semester (0% VAT): SAR 47,727.00. Second semester (0% VAT): SAR 45,727.00. - Grades 9–12 (base tuition): SAR 102,445.00. VAT (15%): SAR 15,366.75. Total annual tuition (incl. VAT): SAR 117,811.75. First semester (incl. VAT): SAR 60,055.30. Second semester (incl. VAT): SAR 57,756.45. First semester (0% VAT): SAR 52,222.00. Second semester (0% VAT): SAR 50,223.00.
Application, capital and registration fees (new students) - Application Fee (non-refundable, non-transferable): SAR 4,903.60 (includes 15% VAT) or SAR 4,264 (0% VAT). This fee is required for each child at every grade level and must be paid when submitting application documents. - Capital Fee (one-time, non-refundable): PreK–Grade 8: SAR 17,776.70 (incl. 15% VAT) / SAR 15,458 (0% VAT). Grade 9–12: SAR 25,745.05 (incl. 15% VAT) / SAR 22,387 (0% VAT). These fees are applied at initial enrollment to support campus maintenance and technology. - Registration Fee (one-time, non-refundable): SAR 16,550.80 (includes 15% VAT) / SAR 14,392 (0% VAT). This covers costs related to adding and maintaining a new student in school systems.
Seat deposit and re-enrolment rules - Seat Deposit (to secure a place): SAR 12,450 plus 15% VAT (SAR 1,867.50) for non-Saudi nationals; 0% VAT applies for Saudi nationals when National ID is provided. The seat deposit is credited toward first-semester tuition. The seat deposit is refundable only until April 27, 2025 and non-refundable thereafter for the 2025–26 enrolment process; unclaimed guaranteed seats will revert to the wait pool and the student withdrawal process may begin April 3, 2025. - Re-enrolling students may have reduced or adjusted capital/registration charges depending on how recently they were enrolled (details and timing adjustments apply).
Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition is billed in two semesters. Enrollment-date billing (quarter system) for the 2025–26 school year specifies required payment percentages depending on when the student is enrolled into the school term: - 1st Quarter (Aug 19–Oct 23): 100% of first and second semester tuition payment due. - 2nd Quarter (Nov 2–Jan 15): 65% of first semester and 100% of second semester tuition payment due. - 3rd Quarter (Jan 18–Apr 2): 100% of first semester tuition payment due. - 4th Quarter (Apr 5–Jun 1): 65% of first semester tuition payment due. - Tuition and fees are payable in Saudi Riyal (SAR) only. Parents remain ultimately responsible for payment regardless of employer arrangements.
Potential additional fees and examples - Test rescheduling fee (applicant): SAR 937.25 (includes 15% VAT) / SAR 815.00 (0% VAT). - Learning Strategies (LS) Fee (when additional learning support is required): Elementary SAR 10,390.25 (incl. VAT) / Middle & High SAR 10,746.75 (incl. VAT). - English Language Learners (ELL) Fee (when required): Elementary SAR 10,390.25 (incl. VAT) / Middle & High SAR 10,746.75 (incl. VAT). - ALPS (optional after-school Arabic program) Fee: SAR 7,503.75 (incl. 15% VAT). - IB Diploma Programme assessment fees: 92 Euros per IB course (Euro equivalent in SAR charged; non‑Saudi students also assessed 15% VAT). - Miscellaneous program costs may apply (examples: Week Without Walls trips, sports trips, PE uniforms, IB exams, dining hall services, remote testing proctoring, yearbook, etc.).
Refunds and refund conditions - Tuition refunds are allowed only when all of the following apply: 1) written withdrawal notice is provided to the school prior to the stated deadline; 2) the student did not attend school at any time during the semester; and 3) the student has already paid some or all of the tuition due for that semester. - Seat deposit is refundable only up to the deadline stated above for the 2025–26 cycle (April 27, 2025); tuition for semester one (due Aug 4th) was refundable, minus seat deposit (and VAT), until August 19, 2025 (first day of classes) and non-refundable thereafter for that enrolment period. The school's policy also specifies there will be no refunds, discounts, or partial payment arrangements if the government orders distance or hybrid learning during the school year.
Boarding - Boarding is not listed or charged on the school's tuition and fees schedule; AIS-R operates as a day school for the 2025–26 tuition schedule. No boarding fees are published.
Fee payment options and banking details - Preferred payment method: direct wire transfer to the school's bank account. School fees are payable in SAR only. Debit and credit card payments are not accepted. Bank account details are provided to families for application fee and other fee payments, and each family receives a unique IBAN on invoices to help with allocation. All bank processing charges are the payer's responsibility; parents should quote the student's name and invoice number when making payments.
Academics
American International School Riyadh teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), American Curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.
Curriculum
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.
Higher Education Progression
The school reports over 300 university acceptances. It represents more than 65 nationalities and had over 140 graduates in the 2024–2025 school year.
Gifted and Talented
AIS-R does not provide a Special Needs Program for significant learning needs nor a gifted and talented program.
Wellbeing
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
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.
Special Educational Needs (SEN)
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.
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
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.
Mental Wellbeing
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.
Safeguarding
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.
Admissions
Admissions
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.
AIS-R awards scholarships; over $5.5 million in scholarships have been awarded.
Waitlist
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.
FAQs
Where is American International School Riyadh (AIS-R) located?
AIS-R sits on a purpose-built campus in North Riyadh, next to Al Bustan Village Compound (Prince Saud Ibn Abdullah Ibn Jalawi, Riyadh 11421). The campus is conveniently near landmarks such as the airport, Riyadh Park, and Riyadh Front, with an internal gate connecting nearby residents to the AIS-R campus.
What age range and levels does AIS-R serve?
AIS-R is a day, co-educational K–12 school serving students from age 3 up to 18, with Elementary, Middle, and High School divisions on a single campus.
What curriculum framework does AIS-R follow, and what is the language of instruction?
AIS-R's curriculum is based on US national standards, including Common Core for English Language Arts and Mathematics, NGSS for Science, NCAS for Fine and Performing Arts, C3 for Social Studies, and AERO Common Core+ for other specialist courses. It is also an IB World School offering the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme for Grades 11–12, and the language of instruction is English.
How much is the application fee for new students?
For new students, the application fee is SAR 4,903.60 for non-Saudis and SAR 4,264.00 for Saudi nationals.
When is the seat deposit due and what does it cover?
The seat deposit is due April 9, 2026. It is credited toward Semester 1 tuition and is refundable until April 30, 2026; after that date it becomes non-refundable. Deposit amounts vary by grade and nationality and include VAT where applicable.
Are scholarships available at AIS-R?
Yes. AIS-R has awarded more than SAR equivalents of $5.5 million in scholarships to students.
How does AIS-R handle admissions testing and waitlists?
AIS-R uses a rolling admissions process. Testing may occur on-site or at a remote location, and a wait pool is maintained for any grade that is full. Acceptance requires tuition payment within two business days to secure the seat.
What exams or diploma options do AIS-R students pursue?
AIS-R administers MAP tests for growth in Grades 1–10 in fall and spring, and offers College Board PSAT/SAT and IB Diploma Programme exams in High School. As an IB World School, AIS-R provides the DP with core requirements such as Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay, and CAS.
Where do AIS-R graduates typically matriculate after graduation?
AIS-R graduates matriculate to universities worldwide: about 58% to the United States, 28% to the United Kingdom, 10% to Canada, 2% to the Middle East, and 2% elsewhere.
Does AIS-R offer a Gifted and Talented program?
AIS-R does not provide a formal Gifted and Talented program.
What facilities and spaces does AIS-R offer on campus?
AIS-R operates on a single, purpose-built campus in North Riyadh with spaces for Pre-K through Grade 12. The campus is designed for learning and is showcased in a video tour highlighting learning spaces and facilities.
Is there food service or a dining facility at AIS-R?
Yes. AIS-R offers a lunch program: KG2–Grade 5 eat in the K-5 Dining Hall, with options for students to bring lunch or purchase hot lunch in Grades 1–12.
Are there after-school activities or athletic facilities?
AIS-R runs athletics and activities through the ASA program, with sign-ups via PowerSchool, competitive teams, and seasons typically 8–10 weeks. The school participates in local and regional leagues and offers Week Without Walls trips.
What kinds of clubs or leadership programs exist beyond the classroom?
AIS-R offers leadership and service clubs such as Student Council, Model United Nations, TED, and Eagle Ambassadors. Week Without Walls provides Grade 11 internships and leadership development experiences.
What opportunities exist for language and cultural learning beyond core subjects?
Arabic language and culture are taught in multiple stages (Arabic offered KG2–Grade 5; Grades 6–8; Grades 9–12 may choose Arabic, French, or Spanish in various configurations). Saudi national students also study Islamic studies weekly.
What are the after-school and weekend learning options like?
In addition to ASA programs, AIS-R offers Week Without Walls activities, service learning, and international trips as part of its extracurricular framework.
What wellbeing and support services does AIS-R provide?
AIS-R provides social-emotional learning and counseling across divisions to support students' academic, social, and personal wellbeing. There is an English Language Learners (ELL) program available for an additional fee, and Learning Supports with ILPs are offered where appropriate.
Does AIS-R have provisions for special education needs (SEN)?
AIS-R does not operate a formal Special Needs Program for students with significant learning needs.
How is safeguarding handled at AIS-R?
AIS-R has a Child Safeguarding policy focused on recognizing, responding to, and reporting cases of child maltreatment, with safeguarding integrated into teaching and learning, including during virtual learning.
