Cities / Riyadh / Al Faris International School Riyadh
Al Faris International School Riyadh
A full IB continuum school in At Taawun, one of a small number of Riyadh schools authorised for PYP, MYP and the Diploma, sitting in the upper mid fee tier. Al Faris was founded in 2004, gained IB Diploma authorisation in 2016 and PYP and MYP in 2017, and is COGNIA accredited.
In brief
A full IB continuum school in At Taawun, one of a small number of Riyadh schools authorised for PYP, MYP and the Diploma, sitting in the upper-mid fee tier.
Al Faris was founded in 2004, gained IB Diploma authorisation in 2016 and PYP and MYP in 2017, and is COGNIA-accredited. Around 2,400 students span ages 3 to 18, with fees roughly SAR 42,000 to SAR 50,000. The head is Sahar Al Marzouki.
Opinion among parents is sharply split. The supportive camp credits dedicated teachers, easy day-to-day communication and visible academic progress. The critical camp argues the IB programme is implemented in a way that sits awkwardly with the IB ethos, citing strict gender separation, harsh grade boundaries and a heavy-handed discipline style, and several question whether the senior school feels more like an American diploma operation than a true IB Diploma school. Administration and registration come up as a separate friction point.
Fees
Annual fees
| Year level | Age | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| KG1-KG3 | 3 | SAR 42,000 |
| Grades 1-5 | 6 | SAR 44,000 |
| Grade 6 | 11 | SAR 45,000 |
| Grades 7-9 | 12 | SAR 46,000 |
| Grades 10-12 | 15 | SAR 50,000 |
One-time fees
| Item | Age | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Fee | SAR 3,000 |
Reviews
- Reviews are polarised. One parent rated the school Fantastic and praised easy teacher communication and the IB programme. Two others gave it Average or Terrible ratings.
- One parent said the school is "not exactly a school. Definitely not by realistic Western standards" and described the IB diploma implementation as distorted from genuine IB practice. Another challenged whether it is operating as a real IB school in delivery, despite full PYP, MYP and DP authorisation.
- A 2025 review reported a campus move that left the new site without labs, playgrounds, on-campus internet, or uniforms at the start of term, with limited admin transparency.
- IB results sit above global average (35-point school average in early diploma cohorts).
- Independent reviewers flag no English-language support for non-fluent students, a gap that affects a 40-percent non-Saudi cohort.
- Recurring complaints involve gender segregation policies, strict discipline, and harsh grading boundaries.
Positives
- Academic results. Average IB diploma score above global benchmark.
Considerations
- IB implementation. Multiple parents question whether IB is delivered as authorised, despite formal accreditation.
- Campus and admin. 2025 campus move left facilities incomplete; parents report poor communication during transition.
- Language support. No ESL provision for non-English fluent students despite a diverse intake.
- Discipline and grading. Parents flag strict rules, gender segregation, and harsh grade boundaries.
Leadership
Mrs. Sahar Al Marzouki
On behalf of everyone at Al Faris International School, I extend a very warm welcome to you. We are committed to providing high quality, yet affordable, education at FIS. As a fully authorized IB World School in the PYP, MYP and DP Programs, we take pride in helping our children to grow academically, socially and emotionally. The IB methodology will provide your child with a stimulating inquiry-based and creative learning experience as well as instill the attributes for success in higher education and in the global community.
Accreditations
- Cognia 01
Academic results
- IB Diploma Average 35 pts (Class of 2018)
Location
3025 Al Harith Ibn Amira Street, Al Tawun District, Riyadh 12477, Saudi Arabia