American International School Riyadh is a not for profit, mixed American curriculum day school founded in 1963, which makes it one of the longest established Riyadh international schools. It teaches an enriched American programme from Pre Kindergarten to Grade 12 and adds the International Baccalaureate Diploma in Grades 11 and 12, and it holds accreditation from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and the Council of International Schools.
This profile sets out the curriculum, the fee level, the admissions calendar and the community around the school. GlobalSchoolGuide is independent and no school pays to be listed, so what follows is an editorial reference rather than a prospectus. It features in our shortlist of the best American schools in Riyadh, where families compare the American campuses on fees and pathways.
American International School Riyadh (AIS-R) at a glance
| Curriculum and exam boards | American curriculum modelled on AERO, Common Core and national subject standards, with the International Baccalaureate Diploma offered in Grades 11 and 12 |
|---|---|
| Stage range | Pre Kindergarten to Grade 12, roughly ages 3 to 18 |
| Founded | 1963 |
| Accreditation | Accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) and the Council of International Schools (CIS); International Baccalaureate authorised |
| Fee band | Premium tier for Riyadh (see Riyadh fees guide) |
| Campus area | Al Aarid, northern Riyadh |
Curriculum and academics
The school follows an American curriculum built on the AERO standards used by US State Department schools, the Common Core and selected national subject standards, which gives students a programme that transfers cleanly to schools and universities in the United States. The elementary and middle years lead into a US high school diploma, and strong students can layer Advanced Placement courses and the full International Baccalaureate Diploma on top in Grades 11 and 12.
The presence of the IB Diploma alongside the American high school diploma is the distinguishing academic feature, since it lets families choose between a broad American pathway and the more prescribed IB route within one school. Instruction is in English, the school has earned Global Citizenship Certification from CIS, and as a long established campus it can point to a track record of university placement that newer schools cannot yet match.
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American International School Riyadh fees
The school sits in the premium tier of the Riyadh market, towards the top of the range for the city, reflecting its long history, accreditation and dual American and IB offer. Its position is mapped in our Riyadh school fees guide, which sets out where the premium American, British and IB schools sit in Saudi riyals. The school publishes its current schedule, so confirm the exact figure for your child's grade directly, as rates change each year.
Plan for the costs that sit above headline tuition. Expect a registration or application fee, a deposit to secure a place, and separate charges for transport, lunches, technology and examination entry in the Advanced Placement and Diploma years. The fees guide also tracks the annual inflation that premium Riyadh schools have applied in recent years, which is worth building into a multi year budget.
Admissions and intake
The academic year runs from August, and the school admits across year groups subject to availability, with Pre Kindergarten and the start of high school the most natural entry points. Admission is based on prior school records and age appropriate assessment, with evidence that a student can access an English medium American programme.
Because the school is long established and well regarded, demand for places in popular grades is high, so apply early once a move to the city is confirmed. Applications are made through the school and require recent reports, passport and residency documentation and, for transfers, a leaving record from the previous school.
Location and who goes there
The campus is in the Al Aarid area of northern Riyadh, close to the residential districts and compounds favoured by diplomatic and corporate families. As a day school the commute is a real factor, so weigh the location against your likely neighbourhood and place of work before committing.
The community is broad and internationally mobile, with families drawn from the embassies, multinational employers and the wider expatriate population. For the wider picture of how the American, British and IB schools sit across the city, including fee tiers and neighbourhoods, see the Riyadh schools hub.
American International School Riyadh (AIS-R) reviews
No verified parent reviews of American International School Riyadh have been submitted to GlobalSchoolGuide yet. We hold back from publishing a star rating until we have enough verified first hand accounts to represent the school fairly, and we never fabricate ratings. If your family attends or has attended the school, please consider sharing your experience through our school reviews page to help other relocating families.
Frequently asked questions
How much are American International School Riyadh fees?
The school sits in the premium tier of the Riyadh market, towards the top of the range for the city. It publishes its current schedule, so confirm the figure for your child's grade directly and budget separately for registration, a deposit, transport and examination entry in the Advanced Placement and Diploma years.
Is American International School Riyadh a good school?
The school is a long established not for profit school accredited by NEASC and CIS and authorised for the IB Diploma, which signals externally checked standards. Whether it suits your family depends on whether the American pathway and a large established campus fit your child. Confirm current results and university destinations directly with the school.
What curriculum does American International School Riyadh follow?
The school teaches an American curriculum built on the AERO and Common Core standards from Pre Kindergarten to Grade 12, leading to a US high school diploma, with Advanced Placement courses and the International Baccalaureate Diploma available in Grades 11 and 12.
When do American International School Riyadh applications open?
The school year starts in August and the school admits across year groups subject to availability. Demand for popular grades is high given its standing, so apply early once a move to Riyadh is confirmed.
Where is American International School Riyadh located?
The school is in the Al Aarid area of northern Riyadh, close to the residential districts and compounds favoured by diplomatic and corporate families.
