The Guide
Sat, 16 May 2026

Cities / Riyadh / The Manarat Schools — Riyadh

The Manarat Schools — Riyadh

Maarif network school. G9-12 SAR 42,900/year.


Curriculum
British, American
Fees, annual
SAR 27–43k
Ages
3 to 18
Pupils
~6,000
Founded
1971

Fee Age Type Amount
KG1-KG2 3 Annual SAR 26,500
KG3 5 Annual SAR 28,350
Grades 1-6 6 Annual SAR 33,600
Grades 7-8 12 Annual SAR 39,250
Grades 9-12 14 Annual SAR 42,900

  • Parent and former-student comments are sharply mixed. Supporters praise strong Islamic grounding, supportive teachers, exam preparation and a multicultural environment.
  • Critical comments focus on teaching quality, heavy assessment, limited guidance for older students, weak administration and rough day-to-day conditions.
  • The school appears best suited to families who value results and religious grounding, but the negative signal around consistency and student support is substantial.

Head of school

Mr. Paul O'Donnell

Mr. Paul O'Donnell is the Superintendent of Manarat Al-Riyadh International School, having joined in August 2024. With over twenty years of experience in international education leadership, he previously served as Executive Principal at MADAC Academy in Madinah. His international career includes roles as Director of Primary Schools at Institut Florimont in Geneva and Principal of the International School at Institut Montana in Zug, Switzerland. He holds a master’s degree in educational leadership and management from the University of Bath, UK, and is a certified administrator and educator with the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO).

Accreditations

  • Cognia 01

  • SAT Reasoning 2019 30 students achieved 700+
  • SAT Subject Tests 2019 46 students achieved 700+
  • CAIE Awards June 2019 13 positions including 1 Top in World and 2 Top in Country.

Manarat Kindergarten روضة منارات الرياض, Al Janadil, Stret, Riyadh 12488, Saudi Arabia

School website