Best International Schools in Jeddah: 2026 Guide for Families

Quick answer: Which are the best international schools in Jeddah? Expat families in Jeddah usually shortlist Daraah International School, the American International School of Jeddah, the British International School of Jeddah, Jeddah Prep and Grammar School and the French international school. Annual fees range roughly from 20,000 to 110,000 riyals, and most schools sit in the northern districts.

Last reviewed: October 2026 by David from ISA. Fee ranges are indicative; always confirm with the school.

Jeddah is Saudi Arabia's commercial port and its most cosmopolitan city, and Vision 2030 projects have brought a new wave of international families. Choosing among the best international schools in Jeddah means comparing IB, American, British and French schools, most of them in the northern districts close to the compounds and the Corniche. This guide covers five schools listed on International School Advisor and what families should know in 2026.

Why Jeddah, and where families live

Jeddah's economy runs on trade, logistics, tourism and the gateway role it plays for Makkah. New developments along the Red Sea coast and in the north of the city have increased demand for international education. Most expatriate families live on compounds or in the northern districts such as Al Shati, Al Rawdah, Al Zahra, Obhur and Al Muhammadiyah, where many international schools are located.

Distances are large and the city is built around the car. Many schools run buses to the main compounds, so check routes and pick-up times before choosing where to live.

Curricula available in Jeddah

International Baccalaureate: offered by several schools, at least for the Diploma years.
American: US-style curriculum with AP courses and an American high school diploma.
British: English National Curriculum with IGCSE and A Levels.
French: the French national curriculum leading to the baccalauréat.
National and community schools: Indian, Pakistani and other curricula serving large expat communities.

Five international schools to shortlist

Daraah International School (SEK Education Group)

Daraah International School belongs to the SEK Education Group, which runs IB schools in Spain and other countries. It brings an IB-oriented, bilingual approach to Jeddah, with English as the main language of instruction and a modern campus. Its verified profile lists a monthly cost of roughly 2,000 to 4,000 US dollars, and the school is actively answering families on our platform.

American International School of Jeddah

AISJ is one of the city's longest-established international schools, with an American curriculum and university preparation geared towards North American and global universities. It is a strong option for families following a US pathway and for those who value a large, diverse community.

British International School of Jeddah

Known locally as the Continental School, BISJ follows a British curriculum and offers IGCSE and the IB Diploma. It has a long history in Jeddah and is a frequent first choice for British and Commonwealth families.

Jeddah Prep and Grammar School

JPGS is a British school with a traditional prep and grammar structure, from the early years through IGCSE and A Levels. Families value its clear academic standards and its close links with UK curricula.

École Française Internationale de Jeddah

The French international school follows the French national curriculum and serves French-speaking families and others who want continuity within the French system. It is smaller than the big English-language schools, which some families see as an advantage.

Fees in Jeddah for 2026

Fees are quoted in Saudi riyals (SAR). As a rough guide for 2026:

Community and smaller international schools: roughly 20,000 to 40,000 riyals per year.
British and French schools: roughly 40,000 to 80,000 riyals per year.
Premium American and IB schools: roughly 60,000 to 110,000 riyals per year, highest in the senior years.

Extras to budget for:

Application, assessment and one-off registration fees.
Bus service, uniforms, books and devices.
Exam fees for IGCSE, A Levels, AP or the IB Diploma.

A hard fact for your budget: Saudi Arabia raised VAT from 5% to 15% on 1 July 2020. Private education for Saudi nationals is effectively relieved by the state, but expatriate families generally pay VAT on tuition and related services, so check whether the fees you are quoted include it.

Practical tips before you choose

Ask your employer about education allowances. Many packages in Saudi Arabia include a school allowance with a cap. Knowing the cap early helps you focus on the right schools.

Apply as early as possible. The most popular schools have waiting lists, especially in the early years. Have passports, residency documents, school reports and vaccination records ready.

Visit at drop-off time. Seeing traffic, bus arrivals and the atmosphere at the gate tells you a lot about daily life at a school in a city built around the car.

Choosing by age and stage

Early years (3 to 5): most international schools in Jeddah take children from age three, and the early years classes are the first to fill. Look at the language environment, the amount of outdoor shade and indoor play space, and whether Arabic is introduced at this stage.

Primary (6 to 11): British schools follow the English National Curriculum, American schools use US standards and the French school follows its national programme. Ask how Arabic and Islamic studies fit into the timetable, since Saudi regulations require certain subjects for some students and schools organise this differently.

Secondary (11 to 16): compare IGCSE, the IB Middle Years approach and American middle school. Pay attention to subject choices, science facilities and how the school manages students who join mid-way through a programme.

Final two years (16 to 18): the IB Diploma, A Levels and an American diploma with AP courses all lead to universities worldwide. Ask for university destinations, counselling support and whether the school has experience with Saudi university admissions if relevant.

Many schools in Jeddah separate boys and girls in the older grades or for some activities, in line with local practice. Ask each school how classes and sports are organised so you know what to expect.

Before you decide, ask each school on your shortlist for the full fee schedule for the next three years, a sample timetable for your child's grade and the contact of a parent who arrived recently. Talking to a family with a similar background, ideally from your own country or company, tells you more about language support, homework and friendships than any brochure, and most Jeddah schools are happy to arrange it.

See the full ranking

For a wider comparison, see our ranking of the best international schools in the Makkah region, which includes the Jeddah schools we list with verified data and reviews.

More guides to schools in Jeddah

Frequently asked questions

How much do international schools in Jeddah cost?

In 2026, international schools in Jeddah charge roughly 20,000 to 110,000 riyals a year. British and French schools usually sit in the middle of that range, while premium American and IB schools are at the top. Check whether the quoted fees include 15% VAT.

Is there an IB school in Jeddah?

Yes. Daraah International School, part of the SEK Education Group, follows an IB-oriented approach, and the British International School of Jeddah offers the IB Diploma after IGCSE. Ask each school which IB programmes it is authorised to teach, since this varies between campuses.

Where do expat families live in Jeddah?

Most expatriate families live on residential compounds or in the northern districts, such as Al Shati, Al Rawdah, Al Zahra and Obhur. These areas are close to many international schools and to the Corniche. Many schools run buses to the main compounds.