Shannon Pipes
Principal
At OWIS Riyadh we believe in educating students to be lifelong learners and well informed and productive community members who are active, engaged, and responsible citizens for both the local and global community.
Our students and staff at OWIS set high standards every day, not only for academic success but also social, emotional, and behaviour success as well. Parent and community commitment is key to our success at OWIS Riyadh and we welcome your feedback and involvement throughout the school year. My door is always open. Welcome to the OWIS Riyadh family.
| Number of nationalities represented in the school |
We have over 35 different nationalities represented at OWIS Riyadh |
| Most common nationality |
Our top three nationalities are Saudi students, Indian students, and Jordanian students |
| Ratio of local students to international students |
We have 35% local students and 65% international students. |
| Native English speaking teachers |
Educators at OWIS are native speakers of English and/or Arabic language. |
| Language support for students not fluent in English |
At OWIS additional support will be provided to all students based on their language proficiency. |
| Additional language classes offered by the school |
We offer Arabic and French. |
| Max. number of students per class |
The maximum number of students in each classroom is 24. |
| Average number of students per class |
The average number of students will not exceed 24 students. |
| Does the school employ teaching assistants? |
There will be teaching assistants in all kindergarten classes as per need |
| Use of technology in the classroom |
We are an Apple-powered school |
| 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) |
If the Ministry of Education makes an official announcement pushing schools to online learning in times of emergencies, our teachers will be fully prepared to run online learning. |
| Do students practice religion at the school? What religion? |
OWIS is a multicultural school promoting inclusivity despite nationality, religion, race and ethnicity however; Islamic classes are taught in Grades 1 and above per the Ministry of Education requirements for our Muslim students. |
| How does the school accommodate non-religious students or students of a different religion? |
When practicing Muslim students are taking their Islamic classes, our non-religious students or students of a different religion have the opportunity to take our Global Mindfulness class. |
| External examinations or assessments available |
Students from G3 and above sit the NWEA Map Testing three times a year that gauges their strengths and areas for improvement against the expected grade level learning outcomes based on the American Common Core and Next Generation Science Standards. All students from G1 and above have internal assessments for spelling, as well as ongoing formative and summative assessments tied to their PYP units of inquiry. |
| Results in these examinations |
Vary per student |
| Do teachers assign homework to their students? |
Learning at home opportunities are shared with the parents through our Toddle app on a weekly basis directly from each homeroom/subject specialist teacher. |
| Approximate hours of homework given |
Depending on the grade level of the students, learning at home opportunities/engagements should take 15-30 minutes per day. |
| Percentage of students who pursue further education post-graduation |
Almost all students who attend pursue higher education opportunities at distinguished universities around the world. |
| Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs |
OWIS Riyadh is an all inclusive school and therefore, we do have an Inclusion Lead who supports and runs programs for children with special learning needs. |
| Learning support offered |
If needed, the Inclusion Lead will inform parents of the need of shadow teachers. Students will also have learning support from the Inclusion Lead through push in and pull out classes as needed. |
| The school supports gifted, able and talented students |
Our Inclusion Lead as well as other OWIS teachers observe students and always seek to identify gifted and talented students. Once these students are identified and evaluated, we provide extra curricular opportunities for them to continue to pursue their high interests/abilities. |
| Student access to education psychologist |
Yes |
| Entry evaluation for students |
Yes. |
| Brief description of entry evaluation required |
For our PreKG-KG2 students we have oral interviews/initial screenings on numeracy and phonics. For our G1 and above, we have students sit a math, reading and writing assessment. |
| Waiting list |
We currently do not have a wait list. Please contact our admissions offices for more information. |
| Deadline for registration (new academic year) |
At OWIS Riyadh, our registrations are on-going throughout the school year. |
| Students can join after academic year begins |
At OWIS, we have made swift arrangements for mid-year admissions under the guidelines of the Ministry of Education. |
| School start time |
PreKG-KG2 Sunday-Wednesday 7:30am-1:00pm, Thursday 7:30am-12:00pm (One ASA per week is incorporated into the timetable so all students participate). Grade 1-Grade 5 Sunday-Wednesday 7:30am-3:00pm, Thursday 7:30am-12:00pm (Two ASA per week are incorporated into the timetable so all students participate). |
| School finish time |
PreKG-KG2 Sunday-Wednesday 7:30am-1:00pm, Thursday 7:30am-12:00pm (One ASA per week is incorporated into the timetable so all students participate). Grade 1-Grade 5 Sunday-Wednesday 7:30am-3:00pm, Thursday 7:30am-12:00pm (Two ASA per week are incorporated into the timetable so all students participate). |
| Supervised care before/after school |
We offer after school activities three times a week for students. Our school gate opens only 30 minutes before the start of school and students are supervised all the time. |
| School bus service available |
Our OWIS Riyadh campus does provide school bus service to students. |
| School provided lunches |
We do not have an on-site canteen. We do expect students to bring their own healthy snacks, lunches, and drinks from home keeping in mind that OWIS Riyadh is a nut-free school. |
| Uniform required |
Yes, students are required to wear the OWIS branded uniforms. |
| Extracurricular activities or clubs offered |
Kids Yoga, Football Academy, Art Workshop, Bakerspace Club, Robotics Club, Ballet, Gymnastics, Readers' Theatre, Choir, French Club, and many more. |
| Sports activities included |
Soccer, Basketball, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball, Badminton, etc. |
| Sports teams or sport competitions available for students |
Currently our school only has internal sports competitions. When we open the middle school and high school in the coming years, then we will have sports teams and opportunities for sport competitions with other schools. |
| Facilities at the school |
Library, Food and Design Technology Lab, Music studio, Art and Design studio, Black box, Atriums, Science labs, Makerspace, Performing Arts studio, etc. |
| Sports facilities at the school |
Soccer field, basketball court, tennis court, and running track. |
| Qualities and characteristics best defining the school |
OWIS is an American international/IB PYP candidate school ensuring a well-rounded education, with an emphasis on multiculturalism, that prepares students to be lifelong learners. |
| Teaching approach of the school |
As an IB PYP candidate school that offers a curriculum integrated with the American Common Core and NGSS, we focus on providing students with authentic learning opportunities. Our teaching approach provides a curriculum that is broad, balanced, conceptual, and connected. We strive for students' to show agency over their own learning and to develop skills that reflect the IB learner's profile. |
Our quality Inquiry-based American education prioritizes excellence in academics as well as character development by teaching students timeless values in a safe environment.
• Our curricula are designed to provide students with the academic framework they need to succeed in a global economy.
• Many students who come from other countries are able to easily adapt to our curricula because it is offered at many of the other top international schools around the globe.
• Our curricula emphasize the need for inquiry-led, skills and value-based learning.
An important facilitator for better learning among students is the right balance activities provided by the school. The campus facilities allow a right balance of indoor and outdoor activities which will allow students to have a well-balanced physical and cognitive development.
We’re delighted that you’re considering One World International School, Riyadh for your child’s education.
Please call or email our Admissions team, with any questions.
We’re looking forward to answering all of your questions and welcoming your family to our school.
