Quick summary of key school information
School details
| Number of students |
2, 226 |
| Number of nationalities represented in the school |
26 |
| Most common nationality |
Saudi |
| Ratio of local students to international students |
Approximately 60% of our students are Saudi nationals (3:2) |
| Native English speaking teachers |
Yes. Al Faris International School has a global staff including teachers from the Middle East region, South Africa,the United Kingdom and the United States. |
| Language support for students not fluent in English |
No |
| Additional language classes offered by the school |
Arabic
|
| Max. number of students per class |
23 |
| Average number of students per class |
18 |
| Does the school employ teaching assistants? |
PreK and KG classes have teaching assistants |
| Use of technology in the classroom |
All primary students are required to bring a tablet to school daily which is used for interactive learning activities, access to online reading materials, and student research. Classrooms are equipped with interactive whiteboards or “smartboards” which allow the teacher to integrate multi- media presentations, video/audio and website content into his/her teaching, thus providing a stimulating learning experience. |
| Is the school ready to use virtual classrooms when needed? (e.g. teaching lessons online if the school is closed, e.g. during COVID-19 closures) |
Yes. Each student is assigned a school Microsoft Teams account upon registration. Students use Teams on a daily basis for class resources and to communicate with teachers. They are well-prepared and familiar with the platform if there is a need to conduct classes online. |
| Do students practice religion at the school? What religion? |
We are under the direction of the Saudi Ministry of Education. All Muslim students are required to take Islamic Studies. Prayer rooms are available on site for any student who wishes to voluntarily complete his/her daily prayers. |
| How does the school accommodate non-religious students or students of a different religion? |
A cornerstone of the IB curriculum is open-mindedness and respect for different beliefs and points of view, and therefore a cornerstone of our school policies. Students of all backgrounds and all faiths are welcome. |
| External examinations or assessments available |
Required external examinations through the IB Organization are only for those opting for the IB Diploma
|
| Results in these examinations |
The following statistics were results for IB Diploma Students 2017-18 Average points obtained by candidates who passed the diploma: 35
|
| Do teachers assign homework to their students? |
Yes |
| Approximate hours of homework given |
45 min-1 hour |
| Percentage of students who pursue further education post-graduation |
95% |
| Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs |
We have a specialized program for reading skills in the lower primary grades. |
| Learning support offered |
We offer reading classes with specialized reading teachers for Grade 1-3 students who require extra reading support. |
| The school supports gifted, able and talented students |
The IB program is well-suited to gifted and talented students as it allows them to express opinions, direct lines of inquiry, explore their interests and expand their creativity |
| Student access to education psychologist |
Our staff includes two Child Protection & Wellbeing Leads and an occupational therapist. |
| Entry evaluation for students |
All students are required to complete an entrance exam. This is usually conducted in person unless there are extenuating circumstances. |
| Brief description of entry evaluation required |
Students will be tested on English, math and science knowledge. Study guides per grade level are available on our website. |
| Waiting list |
Usually not, except in cases of full classes. |
| Deadline for registration (new academic year) |
No specific deadline. Entrance exams for the following academic year will begin in March. |
| Students can join after academic year begins |
Yes, depending on space availability. |
| School start time |
7:15 am |
| School finish time |
1:30 pm for PreK and KG classes
|
| Supervised care before/after school |
Our KG Department offers an after school activities program for PreK-KG students from 1:30-2:30 at extra cost |
| School bus service available |
Yes |
| School provided lunches |
Most students bring a packed lunch from home. We have a canteen that offers healthy snacks. |
| Food alternatives for special dietary needs (ie. vegan, kosher, halal etc) |
All food served at the school is halal. We have a strict healthy foods policy and do not offer chips, sweets, sugared drinks, etc. Students are expected to adhere to this policy also with lunches brought from home. |
| Uniform required |
Yes |
| Extracurricular activities or clubs offered |
After school sports
|
| Sports activities included |
Regular PE classes KG - Grade 12
|
| Sports teams or sport competitions available for students |
Al Faris offers extra-curricular sports competitions for middle and high school students as part of our affiliation with the International Schools Sports League in Riyadh. |
| Sports facilities at the school |
Two swimming pools, soccer field, two gymnasiums, ballet and gymnastics rooms. |
| Qualities and characteristics best defining the school |
Al Faris International School aims to foster an understanding, intercultural and highly effective learning environment that inspires students to become compassionate, knowledgeable, ethical and socially successful global citizens in a world of differences. |
| Teaching approach of the school |
Al Faris is a fully certified IB World School and follows the philosophy and teaching methodology of the IB Programme, which centers on inquiry-based learning whereby students actively guide the learning process through inquiry and discovery, reflect on their learning and translate knowledge into action. |
Contact the admissions team at Al Faris International School
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