Cities / Riyadh / Riyadh Najed Schools
Riyadh Najed Schools
A long-established Saudi private group founded in 1995, running a national track and an international American Diploma stream from kindergarten to grade 12 in Al-Hamra district.
In brief
A long-established Saudi private group founded in 1995, running a national track and an international American Diploma stream from kindergarten to grade 12 in Al-Hamra district.
Riyadh Najed has graduated more than 9,000 students across three decades and offers families a choice between the national curriculum and an international track using the Pearson American programme, ending in an American Diploma. Accreditations include COGNIA, AIAA and NESA, and the school has held ISO certification since 2000. Facilities cover modern science labs, a library, and sports provision, with separate boys and girls divisions in line with most local private schools.
Tuition runs roughly SAR 23,000 to SAR 40,000, putting it in the mid market rather than the premium expat tier, and graded fees by year mean kindergarten and elementary land notably cheaper than high school. Independent parent voice in English-language sources is thin, so a campus visit and a frank conversation with current families matter more than usual. A practical, locally rooted choice for Saudi families who want an American Diploma route without paying premium international school fees.
Fees
Annual fees
| Year level | Age | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| American Diploma KG1-KG2 | 4 | SAR 26,000 |
| National Diploma KG1-KG3 | 5 | SAR 23,000 |
| American Diploma KG3 | 5 | SAR 27,000 |
| National Diploma Elementary G1-3 | 6 | SAR 25,000 |
| American Diploma Elementary G1-3 | 6 | SAR 31,000 |
| National Diploma Elementary G4-6 | 9 | SAR 27,000 |
| American Diploma Elementary G4-6 | 9 | SAR 34,000 |
| National Diploma Middle School | 12 | SAR 28,500 |
| American Diploma Middle School | 12 | SAR 36,000 |
| National Diploma High School | 14 | SAR 30,000 |
| American Diploma High School | 14 | SAR 40,000 |
Reviews
- The school runs a National track and an American Diploma track with AP. Online discussion centres on the Diploma section as a recognisable Riyadh option for SAT and AP candidates.
- Recurring student threads describe SAT score-release problems specific to Riyadh Najed cohorts, including reports of cancelled scores in some test sittings.
- One former student described the elementary years as inconsistent. "From 1st to 4th or 5th grade everything was a mess", with stronger teaching reported later in the school.
- Branding and marketing lean heavily on accreditation badges (ISO 9001, Cognia, NESA). Independent parent commentary online is thin.
Positives
- Diploma and AP track. Recognised locally as a Riyadh option offering AP and the American Diploma alongside the National track
Considerations
- SAT administration. Repeated student reports of score-release issues and at least one cancellation episode
- Early-years consistency. One former student described the early grades as messy before things settled
- Independent parent signal. Most online material is school-marketing; little candid parent discussion surfaces
Leadership
Dhari Ibrahim Alagil
Mr. Alagil founded Riyadh Najed Schools in 1995 with a clear educational vision. As the school's leader, he emphasizes that education is more than a process; it is a promise. He focuses on preparing learners who are academically strong, morally grounded, and globally aware, inspired by Saudi Vision 2030. He serves as Superintendent and President (CEO) of the institution, leading its growth as an Official AP and SAT International Testing Center.
Accreditations
- Cognia 01
Location
Imam Abdullah Ibn Saud Ibn Abdulaziz Rd, Al Hamra, Riyadh 13216, Saudi Arabia