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Saudi Arabia, Jeddah
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IPSJ was founded in 1981 as the Philippine School in Saudi Arabia (PSSA) to serve the Filipino community and the Philippine Embassy staff in Jeddah. It began with 16 elementary pupils and fewer than 10 teachers. In 1986 the government granted a permit to operate the secondary level, expanding the program beyond elementary, and the school operated under the Embassy through the Jeddah Consulate. As the network of Philippine schools in the Kingdom grew, the institution was renamed the Philippine School in Jeddah (PSJ). IPSJ received a Permit to Operate as an international school in 1996, and in 1997 it was privatized with parents as owners.
IPSJ is the first and oldest Philippine school in Jeddah, serving a community that includes second- and third-generation Filipino families and non-Filipino learners. The school's student population reflects that diversity, with Filipino and non-Filipino students learning together. IPSJ hosts cultural and community events, such as Buwan ng Wika and National Nutrition Month, with broad participation from students, parents, and staff; the 2019 observance drew about 1,500 attendees. The school also marks occasions like Teachers Day, underscoring its focus on building a connected school community.
IPSJ uses a Parent-Teacher Group (PTG) rather than a traditional PTA. The site includes a PTG Projects section and notes Active PTG Members, indicating ongoing parent involvement. The PTG coordinates community projects and grade-level initiatives, including fundraising and classroom support to enhance learning. Hiraya is a student publication linked to PTG activity, and the PTG supports such publications and related events. The PTG works with families to plan events and activities that strengthen the Filipino expatriate community and collaborates with staff to support school events such as Teachers Day and cultural celebrations.
The International Philippine School in Jeddah (IPSJ) is a historic institution serving the Filipino expatriate community in Saudi Arabia for over four decades. Established to provide continuity of education for Filipino nationals, the school follows the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013 (K-12) curriculum of the Philippines, ensuring seamless reintegration for students returning home. The campus in the Mishrifah District features dedicated facilities for its distinctive programs, including science laboratories for STEM-focused learning and creative spaces for its vibrant performing arts clubs, such as dance and drama. IPSJ is particularly noted for its strong emphasis on cultural preservation and community values, maintaining a bilingual environment where both English and Filipino are central to daily instruction. As the first Philippine international school founded by the Department of Foreign Affairs, it stands as a central pillar for academic and cultural connection in Jeddah.
