1.  When does AIS-R accept applications?  Does AIS-R accept students during the school year?

Students may enter AIS-R at any time during the year; however, students coming to AIS-R after the first semester from a school on a southern hemisphere calendar (i.e. the school year ends in November or December) may only apply to the same grade level they have just finished.  Students applying to AIS-R after the first six weeks of school must demonstrate that they have been enrolled elsewhere during the current academic year.  Please select the following link for more information about our admissions process:

Admissions Information

2.  What are the 2012-2013 tuition and fees at AIS-R?

The AIS-R Board of Trustees sets the tuition each April for the following school year (see Question #4). Please select the link below to access AIS-R’s 2012-2013 Tuition and Fee Schedule:

2012-2013 Tuition and Fees Schedule

3. What are the tuition and fees like at other non-profit American International Schools?

4. When and how are tuition and fees set for the following year?

Each year the AIS-R Board Finance Committee carefully considers the budget for the following year based on the current and projected enrollment, program and facility requirements, and faculty and staff needs.  From January to March, the Board committee researches, drafts and submits a proposed annual budget to the entire Board for approval, which is based upon specific tuition-generated revenues to cover the required expenses of the proposed budget. This process includes an extensive analysis of comparative international American schools, both in the NESA region and beyond. By March, the entire Board meets to consider carefully the proposed budget and fee proposals, and a decision is reached and shared with the AIS-R community by May 1 of each year.

5.  What is the Seat Deposit?  Does AIS-R guarantee or reserve seats?

Each spring AIS-R students who wish to return the following year are required to pay a seat deposit in order to guarantee that their seats are held for them.  This deposit is not a fee as it is credited toward the next semester’s tuition payment, but it is vitally important for informing AIS-R of available seats and instructional needs for the following year.  Students newly admitted each spring and summer for the following year also pay this deposit, along with the Capital and Registration Fees, within two days of their acceptance in order to guarantee their seats.  As with returning students, this deposit will be credited toward the first tuition installment, but since it is part of the seat guarantee, it is not refundable should the student decide not to attend AIS-R (after specified dates).

It should be noted, however, that these new and returning student seat guarantees will be forfeited if the first tuition payment is not made by the end of the first week of school.  For the 2012-2013 school year this due date is Wednesday, August 29^th.  Students who do not pay the first installment of tuition by this date will lose their seats in addition to all previously paid fees, which are non-refundable. In such instances, students must re-apply at the Admissions Office to enquire about seat availability.

AIS-R does not guarantee or reserve spaces for applicants (i.e. students who have applied for admission but have not yet been admitted because they are not in the country yet) unless the full year's tuition is paid in advance (non-refundable) and all admissions criteria have been met.

2012-2013 Tuition and Fees Schedule

6.  Does AIS-R offer a sibling discount?

In an effort to keep tuition as low as possible, AIS-R does not offer sibling discounts.  If it did, this loss in revenue would have to be made up by increasing regular tuition.

7.  What is the AIS-R Assessment Fee and what is it used for?

The Assessment Fee is applied to all applicants and is used to cover the costs of the admissions assessments utilized to determine if applicants are ready to enter AIS-R.  AIS-R uses the DIAL in grades PK-2, the MAP online assessment in grades 3-8, and the Stanford Online for grades 9-12 alongside an evaluation of previous student records.  In addition to covering the costs of these assessments, this fee also covers the grading and interpretation of them, as well as the processing of each application.  This fee has been set at SR 800 for applicants to the 2012-2013 school year.

2012-2013 Tuition and Fees Schedule

8.  What is a “Capital Fee” and what is it used for?

The Capital Fee is a non-refundable, one-time fee that is applied to each newly admitted student (including siblings), which is used to continuously meet campus maintenance and technology needs.  For the 2012-2013 school year, this fee has been set at SR 5,000 for new students entering grades Pre-K to 8 and SR 10,000 for new students entering grades 9 to 12.  For the 2012-2013 school year only, this fee will be waived for the siblings of current AIS-R students if entering Pre-K through KG II. All other admitted students—including new and re-enrolling students—are required to pay this fee, as well as the Registration Fee and Seat Deposit, within two days of acceptance in order to obtain their seat guarantee.  Students may not enter classes before payment of all fees, including tuition. Please note that this fee also applies to all re-enrolling students, regardless of the time they have been away from AIS-R.

2012-2013 Tuition and Fees Schedule

9.  Why is the Capital Fee higher in the High School?

The Capital Fee increases in the High School because of the additional costs associated with facilities, science labs, activities and technology required at the higher grade levels.  The High School and IB Diploma Programs, for example, require that AIS-R provide science labs with specialized equipment and technology that is not required at the Elementary and Middle School levels.

10.  What is the Registration Fee and what is it used for?

The Registration Fee is a non-refundable, one-time fee that is applied to each newly admitted student that is used to cover the costs related to adding and maintaining new students in AIS-R’s systems, such as Skyward, Moodle, Destiny and our ID card system for students, parents and drivers.  This fee also covers costs associated with withdrawals, including college matriculation, graduation, transcripts and college counseling.  This fee has been set at SR 9,000 for the 2012-2013 school year.  Newly admitted students are required to pay this fee, as well as the Capital Fee and Seat Deposit, within two days of acceptance in order to obtain their seat guarantee.  This fee is also assessed on all re-enrolling students when more than one year has elapsed since the student’s withdrawal from AIS-R (i.e. when a student has not been enrolled at AIS-R for two or more consecutive semesters).  Students who have only been away from AIS-R for one semester will be assessed 50% of this fee.

2012-2013 Tuition and Fees Schedule

11.  What if I attended AIS-R previously?

Students who wish to return to AIS-R are invited to undergo a re-admissions process but should note that all new student fees will still apply, with the exception of a reduction of the Registration Fee if the student has been away from AIS-R for less than a year (i.e. has not missed two or more consecutive semesters).  In such cases where a student has only been away for one semester, there will be a 50% reduction of the Registration Fee.

12.  When are fees due for students who enter AIS-R during the school year?

As described above, the non-refundable Seat Deposit, Registration Fee and Capital Fee are due within two days of being accepted to AIS-R.  The first installment of tuition is due prior to the student’s first day of attendance.  A student may not attend classes until all fees and the first tuition installment have been paid.  Please note the following tuition fee table for students entering during the school year.

13.  Does AIS-R offer discounted tuition for some nationalities?

AIS-R does not offer discounted tuition or fees to any nationalities.  All nationalities pay the same tuition and fees based upon the grade level they are entering.

14.  What are the class sizes at AIS-R?

*As per policy, AIS-R does not “cap” classes.  However, the above table represents class size guidelines.  AIS-R reserves the right to slightly increase a class size in exceptional circumstances.

15.  What are the nationalities of AIS-R students?

AIS-R has over 58 different nationalities represented by its student body.  Among its students, approximately 30% are American, 12% Saudi Arabian, and 11% Canadian.  The remainder of our student body is comprised of the following nationalities, each less than ten percent of our total population: Koreans, Pakistani, Lebanese, Egyptians, South Africans, Indians, Jordanians, Australians, Turkish, German, British, Swedish, Indonesians, Belgians, French, New Zealanders, Dutch, Chinese, Sudanese, Filipinos, Swiss, Syrians, Algerians, Eritreans, Italians, Japanese, Malaysians, Sri Lankans, Venezuelans, Czech, Danish, Finnish, Irish, Kuwaiti, Mexicans, Palestinians, Singaporean, Taiwanese, Tunisians, Uzbekistani, Yemeni, Argentinians, Austrians, Bangladeshi, Greeks, Iraqi, Kenyans, Macedonians, Moroccans, Norwegians, Portuguese, Romanians, Kittitians, Serbians, and Spanish.

16.  What are the nationalities of AIS-R teachers?

Over 70% of our teachers are American or Canadian with the remainder hailing from the following nationalities, each less than five percent of our teaching staff:  New Zealanders, Belgians, South Africans, French, Australians, Saudi Arabians, Jordanians, British, Koreans, Lebanese, Colombians, Venezuelans and Moroccans.

17.  Where is AIS-R located?

We are located in the Al-Rawabi district near the Eastern Ring Road, Exit 14.  Please contact the school for more information.

18.  Does AIS-R provide school bus transportation?

AIS-R does not offer bus transportation.  Parents are responsible for providing transportation for their children.  To ensure student safety, compound buses or private vehicles are only permitted to enter the campus parking area upon presentation of a valid AIS-R identity card or vehicle sticker.

19.  What are AIS-R's school hours?

Pre-K and KG I students attend school Saturday through Wednesday from 7:40am - 12:30pm.

KG-II – Grade 12 students attend school Saturday through Wednesday from 7:40am - 2:45pm.

After school activities (ASA's) take place from 2:45pm - 3:55pm on Saturdays, Sundays and Tuesdays.

Administrative offices are open Saturday through Wednesday from 7:20am - 4:00pm.

Gate Schedule:

20.  What is the start date and end date at AIS-R?

Traditionally, school begins in mid-August; however, due to the holy month of Ramadan, the school calendar has been adjusted to start a little later in August or mid-September.  The first day of classes for the 2012-2013 school year is August 27, 2012.  You will find that the AIS-R calendar consists of a similar number of instructional days as private US schools and other American International Schools world-wide, but the calendar is extended to accommodate the required local holidays as well as some of the major US holidays.  The last day of school for the 2012-2013 school year is scheduled for Wednesday, June 12, 2013.

School Calendar

21.  Do AIS-R students wear school uniforms?

AIS-R does not require students to wear uniforms but does have a student “dress code.”  AIS-R believes that students need to feel comfortable and confident at school in order to do their best.  Accordingly, students should dress with modesty and decorum in order to avoid making other students feel uncomfortable, and in keeping with the traditions and customs of our host country.   Please see the student-parent handbooks for specific guidelines regarding dress code.

Elementary School Student-Parent Handbook

Middle School Student-Parent Handbook

High School Student-Parent Handbook

22.  Are hot lunches available?

Yes.  All students are welcome to purchase their lunch at our dining halls, or they may choose to bring their own.  A diverse daily menu is available that includes a hot lunch, a selection of Arabic and Western foods, and a selection of beverages. All students use a cashless payment system to make food purchases with their school ID cards/number.

Elementary School Dining Hall

Middle and High School Dining Hall

23.  What amount of homework should AIS-R students expect?

Homework is an essential part of the educational process at AIS-R.  It encourages personal discipline, reinforces daily lessons and enables teachers, parents and students to assess progress and understanding.  The amount of homework assigned is set according to grade level and increases as students progress from Elementary to Middle to High School.  Please see the student-parent handbooks for more information about homework.

Elementary School Student-Parent Handbook

Middle School Student-Parent Handbook

High School Student-Parent Handbook

24.  What type of curriculum does AIS-R offer?

AIS-R provides an enriched American curriculum with an international perspective for students in Pre-Kindergarten through grade 12.  In most programs the curriculum is developed in alignment with the American Education Reaches Out (AERO) Standards, while other programs are based on the United States national association standards, (e.g., National Association of Teachers of Mathematics). AIS-R also offers the International Baccalaureate Organization's Diploma Program in grades 11 and 12, and an English Language Learners (ELL) program to qualifying students in grades 1 to 8.  English, science, mathematics and social studies form the core academic areas.  In addition, elementary students receive instruction in physical education, computer, technology, music, art, Saudi Arabian history, Arab culture and Arabic language (KG-II through grade 5).  Middle and High School students continue their education in the core areas and choose from a variety of electives including world languages, fine and performing arts and computer technology.

Instructional objectives are clearly defined in all areas, and learning activities are developed to both support and challenge individual student needs.  Instruction in all areas encourages students to think creatively, reason critically, and communicate effectively.  Technology, utilizing our campus-wide wireless internet access, is integrated throughout our program.  Both academically and socially, AIS-R prepares its students to meet the challenges of a university education.  In conjunction with academics, AIS-R strives to instill in all its students a positive attitude, a desire for lifelong learning, an appreciation of cultural diversity, and the skills necessary to be successful in all future endeavors.

25.  Does AIS-R offer extra-curricular activities?

Yes, AIS-R students have the opportunity to be involved in a wide variety of activities through the “After School Activities” (ASA) program.  Students may enroll in activities in many areas such as athletics, computers, music, fine arts, and many other teacher-developed activities.  In addition, there are a wide variety of clubs that offer service opportunities and develop leadership skills.  Each division has its own student council.  The middle school has a Model United Nations and a National Junior Honor Society club, in addition to the NESA Virtual Science Fair Club, a Math Club and many more.  The high school has a wide variety of clubs including Model United Nations, National Honor Society, Aspiring Doctors club and many more.  AIS-R also boasts a rich fine and performing arts program with choir, band, orchestra, student written and directed performances, all-school plays, grade level assembly performances and art shows.  And finally, AIS-R has an extensive athletics program, participating in SAIKAC, ISSLR and ISAC tournaments, giving students a myriad of opportunities to travel and play sports.

Elementary School After School Activities Program

Middle School Activities and Athletics

High School Activities and Athletics

26.  What are the technology requirements at home?

AIS-R is dedicated to equipping our students with the 21^st Century Skills and knowledge they will need in order to be successful global citizens.  As a result, AIS-R has a rich and cutting-edge technology program for all students from Kindergarten through Grade 12.  An important component of this program is our online learning platform, Moodle, which teachers utilize to extend the learning environment beyond the classroom.  Student access to Moodle at home is essential for students to check and complete homework assignments, receive teacher feedback, and learn what they missed in their classes after absences.  Parents can also use Moodle to check assignments and learn what is being covered in their children’s classes.

With this in mind, AIS-R parents should ensure that their children have access to technology at home.  Specifically, students in grades 3-12 should have sufficient access to the following:

A computer purchased within the past three years, with the following software:
-MS Office or equivalent Office suite
-Firefox or similar Internet Browser
-A PDF reader
-Internet access (minimum 2MB connection recommended)
-A digital camera
-A printer

Please feel free to contact our Technology Services Department at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it if you have any further questions regarding these requirements.

27.  What are some of the facilities that AIS-R has to offer?

AIS-R's campus is a colorful and inviting place for children to learn, socialize and play.  Our campus is a home away from home for our students and the entire community.  We take great pride in our campus which includes the following facilities:

-180 classrooms complete with Smart Boards and mobile laptop carts
-11 science laboratories
-eight computer labs
-campus-wide wireless internet coverage
-two vibrant libraries with a combined collection of 46,000 volumes
-dedicated Early Childhood Education Activity Center
-570 seat performing arts theater (known as the "Larkin Theater")
-Performing Arts Center including rooms for Music instruction, (Band, Orchestra, Choir, Keyboard and General Music) and two Black Box Theaters for drama instruction
-Fine Arts classrooms
-two dining halls (one for elementary students, one for middle and high school students) with a full service kitchen
-two nurse’s stations with two full-time nurses (one for elementary students, one for middle and high school students)
-purpose-built outdoor play areas
-shaded areas and fountains for reading and relaxation
-sports facilities: covered and open basketball courts, air-conditioned gymnasium with four courts for basketball, volleyball, badminton and physical education classes, state-of-the-art weight room with cardiovascular equipment, gymnastics room, two tennis courts, -sports fields for soccer, softball and cricket, and a 400m running track with high jump, pole vault and shot-put circle.

28.  Which colleges and universities have accepted AIS-R graduates?

AIS-R students attend some of the best universities in the world.  Students have been accepted to universities in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe and the Middle East.

University Matriculation

29.  How does AIS-R help my child successfully enter college or university?

There are three full-time college counselors in the high school who work closely with students throughout the college application process.  They assist students and families in selecting appropriate schools to apply to, they monitor the application process to ensure that students meet deadlines and provide all necessary materials, and they write recommendations for students to send with their applications.  In addition, the High School Counseling Office holds informational evenings for parents and students to provide important guidance relating to standardized testing, college applications, and college preparedness.

High School Counseling Center