Riyadh International Schools, usually shortened to RIS, is the international stream within the Riyadh Schools group, a large Saudi private education provider in Riyadh. It teaches an American curriculum built on California standards in the core subjects while keeping the Saudi national programme in Arabic, Islamic education and social studies. As a local group with an international track it is more affordable than the dedicated international schools, which is why it features in our guide to the cheapest international schools in Riyadh.
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At a glance
| Detail | Summary |
|---|---|
| Curriculum and exam boards | American curriculum aligned to California standards in English, mathematics and science, with the Saudi national subjects |
| Stage range | Through to grade 12, boys and girls, with arrangements by stage |
| Founded | Not published for the international stream |
| Accreditation | Accredited through Cognia, formerly AdvancED |
| Fee band | Lower to mid part of the Riyadh range |
| Campus area | Riyadh; the group runs several campuses, so confirm the relevant one with the school |
Curriculum and academics
The international stream follows an American curriculum aligned to California standards, with English as the medium of instruction in the core subjects and progress measured through standardised assessments such as MAP. Pupils also study the Saudi national subjects, so they keep their Arabic, Islamic education and social studies alongside the international programme. The group describes its approach around twenty first century skills and college readiness.
Accreditation runs through Cognia, the body formerly known as AdvancED, which is a recognised US accreditor and supports a standard transcript for university applications. Because Riyadh Schools operates several campuses across the city, provision and facilities vary by site, so families should confirm which campus runs the international stream for their child's stage. The Riyadh city hub sets the group beside the city's British, IB and dedicated international options.
Comparing RIS with other Riyadh schools?
Put it side by side with up to two other schools on fees, curriculum and stage range with our compare tool, or let the school finder shortlist three options for your child.
Riyadh International Schools fees
As a large Saudi private group with an international stream, RIS sits towards the lower to mid part of the Riyadh market, below the dedicated international schools that fill the upper and premium tiers. Our Riyadh international school fees guide shows where the budget and mid bands fall in SAR, and a local group offering an American track typically lands there, which is the practical draw for many families.
Alongside tuition, budget for a registration or assessment fee, a deposit, and optional school bus transport, which adds several thousand riyals a year. Materials and assessment costs can apply higher up the school. Because fees vary by campus and year group and are revised annually, confirm the current schedule for the international stream directly with the school and model the full outlay using the fees guide.
Admissions
The main intake is at the start of the academic year in August or September, with applications assessed on a rolling basis as places allow. Entry to the international stream usually involves a placement assessment in English and mathematics and a review of recent school reports, since pupils need to be ready for English medium study. Families should ask early about the specific campus and year group they need, as availability differs across the group. Confirm the documents required and the current window with the admissions office.
Location and who goes there
Riyadh Schools operates across several parts of the capital, so RIS serves families in different districts depending on the campus. The international stream draws Saudi families who want an English medium American route and returning or international families who value keeping the national subjects alongside it. It is a mixed community rather than a single nationality.
The stream suits parents who want a recognised American pathway at a local group price rather than the cost of a dedicated international school. To weigh it against the fuller international options, start with the Riyadh city hub, which links through to each curriculum and to the city fees picture.
Riyadh International Schools reviews
We do not yet hold verified parent reviews for Riyadh International Schools. GlobalSchoolGuide is independent and no school pays to be listed, so we publish a rating only once we can confirm reviews come from real families.
If your child attends or has attended the international stream, your first hand account of the teaching, the facilities and value for money would help the next family. Share it through our school reviews hub.
Frequently asked questions
What curriculum does Riyadh International Schools follow?
The international stream of the Riyadh Schools group teaches an American curriculum aligned to California standards in English, mathematics and science, alongside the Saudi national subjects in Arabic, Islamic education and social studies.
Is Riyadh International Schools accredited?
The international stream is accredited through Cognia, formerly AdvancED. Confirm the current scope and any additional accreditation with the school.
How much are Riyadh International Schools fees?
As a large Saudi private group with an international stream, RIS sits towards the lower to mid part of the Riyadh range, below the dedicated international schools. Confirm current rates by year group with the school.
Does Riyadh International Schools teach boys and girls?
Yes. The group teaches both boys and girls, with arrangements by stage in line with local requirements. Confirm the structure for your child's year with the school.
When do Riyadh International Schools applications open?
The main intake is at the start of the academic year in August or September, with rolling admissions through the year. Apply early as the group is in steady demand.
