Things to Know About Education & Schools in Saudi Arabia

1. Things to Know About Education & Schools in Saudi Arabia…. The state education system in Saudi Arabia is rapidly improving by Western standards. There are locals and naturalized Arabs who have access to Saudi public schools. These schools follow an international curriculum and high in standard. Many expats are there in the country, live with their family for years for business or for other reasons. One of the important decisions to make as an expat is where to admit your children. This is the same in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as anywhere else. There is a lot to consider in the time deciding if to school your child in public or private schools in Saudi Arabia. Top Class Schools in Saudi Arabia Education in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Generally, international schools in Saudi Arabia offer diverse curricula. Expats living in the country either admit their children to a private international school or send them to boarding school back in their home country. But the picture has started changing. Education is now considered one of the pillars of development by the Saudi Arabian government. In the past, education was not considered, and only the rich and super rich family could educate their children to university level. The reality has started changing, and these days a number of schools in Saudi Arabia enjoy top tier teaching amenities, qualified and skilled staff as well as an international curriculum that matches global standards. www.alhussan.edu.sa Page 1

2. Types of Schools in Saudi Arabia Schools in Saudi Arabia are public, government-funded institutions and privately owned academic institutions. Both private, as well as public schools, aim at meeting the educational standards of the Western world, and qualifications from most Saudi schools are recognized outside the country. High Standard Schools in Saudi Arabia Public Schools Most public schools in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are funded by the government. Their curricula are very comprehensive. The curricula also include plenty of co-curricular activities and different types of exchange programs. Despite this, the great numbers of expats shy away from public schools for their kids, for many different reasons. To begin with, high standard public schools in Saudi Arabia teach their curriculum entirely in Arabic, which is quite difficult for people coming and living from other countries. They face difficulties because their mother language is not Arabic. All subjects, even mathematics, are taught in Arabic, and English is taught as an optional foreign language. Neither English is taught as a first language nor as a second language. These schools also tend to be boys or girls, so not ideal for an expat family with sons and daughters. Private Schools www.alhussan.edu.sa Page 2

3. Luckily, Saudi Arabia has countless private schools which enrol expat students from all over the world. You can expect to find private schools that cater to British, German, French, Japanese, Pakistani, Indian, Filipino and Egyptian students to name a few. Private schools in Saudi Arabia are sometimes run by international organizations from English speaking countries. The private school curriculum is not as strict as that of public schools. Additionally, students in private schools can freely communicate with their teachers, adding to a favourable learning environment. The dress codes in many private schools are relaxed, and most of these private schools are co-educational as well. The curriculum is taught in English in general. International Schools in Saudi Arabia Choosing a School The first thing to know and to consider in the time you choose a school, either public or private school in Saudi Arabia for your children is how long you are staying in this country. If your work contract is temporary, then you should choose a good private school. And, if you are staying in Saudi Arabia for a longer period of time you may have to juggle between internal schools or public schools and private schools though depending on your budget. Last, but certainly not the least, do a little research before enrolling your child in any public or international school or in a private school in the country. If there is a particular school www.alhussan.edu.sa Page 3

4. you are considering, how long has it been around in the country? Does the school have a great reputation in terms of curriculum and other activities? Does the school favour a specific nationality of students over other schools? Are the school examinations or passed certificates accepted globally? These are a few questions you need to know. Educating your children in Saudi Arabia is beyond doubt a long-term commitment. Therefore, it is one of the most essential tasks to think through the fine details prior to choosing a school in Saudi Arabia for your children. Al-Hussan Education started the Arab Cultural Institute for Adult Education. They have international schools in Khobar, Jubail International School in Jubail Industrial City, Orbit International School and Al-Hussan International Grammar School. If you are looking for high standard international schools for your children, choose one of the schools for your children for a bright future. www.alhussan.edu.sa Page 4