Education and Schools in Saudi Arabia
The state education system in Saudi Arabia is for the large part weak and poorly administered when compared with that of the Western world. Furthermore, only locals and naturalised Arabs are allowed to send their children to these Saudi schools; expat children in Saudi Arabia do not have the option to enrol.
Alternatively, there are several international schools in Saudi Arabia that offer diverse curricula and are capable of catering to a variety of needs based on numerous education systems across the globe.
A portion of the Saudi Arabian international schools are governed by embassies while others are privately organised and host multiple curricula under a single roof. It is not necessary for expat children to attend the school sponsored by their country of origin, though the logistical transition between the old and new education systems tend to be the easiest in this situation.
For the most part, the international schools are not selective, but in some cases, embassy run institutions do give preference to their respective nationalities as a priority. The American and British schools both adhere to this principle.
The ever increasing expat community in Saudi Arabia ensures demand for these schools is very high, thus it is best to make application for registration as early as possible to obtain a suitable slot. All schools will charge a non-refundable registration fee for this service.
Expat families in Saudi Arabia should aptly consider cost, curriculum and convenience when weighing the advantages and liabilities of schools in their city of choice.
Tuition can range from the frighteningly expensive American and British international schools (SAR 50,000 – SAR 70,000 per annum) to the cheap, small sub-par organisations (SAR 8,000 per annum). Keep in mind that the general level of acceptable admission for an adequate education lies between SAR 15,000 – SAR 25,000 per annum.
That being said, the high turnover rate and general shortage of suitably qualified teachers leaves something to be desired in the standard of secondary school education students receive. A lack of qualified, experienced and professional teachers also creates an absence in the ability to understand child psychology which can lead to poor administration and thus a struggling academic environment.
It is recommended that parents should expect to pay for additional tutoring to make up for deficits in their children's schooling. Local headmasters can make great tutor recommendations, or alternatively, it is advised to create postings in the classified sections of English publications. The normal price range for tutors is SAR 100 to SAR 200 hourly.
Alternatively, there are several international schools in Saudi Arabia that offer diverse curricula and are capable of catering to a variety of needs based on numerous education systems across the globe.
A portion of the Saudi Arabian international schools are governed by embassies while others are privately organised and host multiple curricula under a single roof. It is not necessary for expat children to attend the school sponsored by their country of origin, though the logistical transition between the old and new education systems tend to be the easiest in this situation.
For the most part, the international schools are not selective, but in some cases, embassy run institutions do give preference to their respective nationalities as a priority. The American and British schools both adhere to this principle.
The ever increasing expat community in Saudi Arabia ensures demand for these schools is very high, thus it is best to make application for registration as early as possible to obtain a suitable slot. All schools will charge a non-refundable registration fee for this service.
Expat families in Saudi Arabia should aptly consider cost, curriculum and convenience when weighing the advantages and liabilities of schools in their city of choice.
Tuition can range from the frighteningly expensive American and British international schools (SAR 50,000 – SAR 70,000 per annum) to the cheap, small sub-par organisations (SAR 8,000 per annum). Keep in mind that the general level of acceptable admission for an adequate education lies between SAR 15,000 – SAR 25,000 per annum.
That being said, the high turnover rate and general shortage of suitably qualified teachers leaves something to be desired in the standard of secondary school education students receive. A lack of qualified, experienced and professional teachers also creates an absence in the ability to understand child psychology which can lead to poor administration and thus a struggling academic environment.
It is recommended that parents should expect to pay for additional tutoring to make up for deficits in their children's schooling. Local headmasters can make great tutor recommendations, or alternatively, it is advised to create postings in the classified sections of English publications. The normal price range for tutors is SAR 100 to SAR 200 hourly.
