Gulf International School (GIS) is a co-educational private school in Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia, founded in 2005. Licensed by the Saudi Ministry of Education and affiliated with the University of Cambridge, GIS serves over 1,000 students from KG through Grade 12. The school implements the British curriculum alongside the Ministry's Arabic and Islamic Studies programme, and is accredited by AdvancED NCA CASI. GIS fosters a nurturing, inclusive environment focused on emotional intelligence, creativity and critical thinking.
Location
Nairyah Street, Al Hamra, Al Khobar, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia. Also referenced in the Iskan district area.
Stages
Kindergarten (KG1-KG3, ages 3-5) through Grade 12 (age 18), covering early years, primary (Grades 1-6), middle school (Grades 7-9) and high school (Grades 10-12).
Type
Private, co-educational international day school.
Pupil Nationality Mix
Primarily expatriate students, with Saudi nationals also accepted. The school is MOE-approved for expatriate education.
Additional learning support
The school provides a nurturing and inclusive environment. Contact the school for details on specific learning support programmes.
Country affiliation
United Kingdom (Cambridge affiliated) and Saudi Arabia (Ministry Arabic and Islamic Studies curriculum).
Religious affiliation
Islamic Studies is taught as part of the Saudi Ministry curriculum for all students.
School day structure
Regular school day with structured lessons. English is the main language of instruction for international subjects, with Arabic and Islamic Studies provided as per Ministry requirements.
Bus service
Contact the school for information on transportation services.
Boarding Arrangements
GIS is a day school only. No boarding facilities are available.
Uniform Requirement
Contact the school for information on uniform requirements.
Food Options
Contact the school for details on canteen and meal arrangements.
House System
Contact the school for details on house or pastoral systems.
Governance and Ownership
Privately owned school directed by Dr. Brenda Mathis. Licensed by the Saudi Ministry of Education. Founded in 2005 in Al Khobar's Eastern Province.
Annual tuition ranges from 21,000 SAR (KG) to 25,000 SAR (Grades 10-12), making GIS one of the more affordable international schools in Al Khobar.
Curriculum
GIS implements a British curriculum affiliated with the University of Cambridge. The curriculum has been gradually upgraded over the years. Arabic and Islamic Studies are taught as per the Saudi Ministry of Education requirements. Students prepare for Cambridge assessments and examinations.
Student Teacher Ratio
Contact the school for details on class sizes and student-teacher ratios. The school serves over 1,000 students.
Exam Results
Students prepare for Cambridge examinations. The school is accredited by AdvancED NCA CASI and affiliated with the University of Cambridge. Contact the school for examination results.
Higher Education Progression
Cambridge qualifications are internationally recognised for university entry. The school focuses on developing lifelong learning skills for higher education and beyond.
Gifted and Talented
The school promotes creativity and critical thinking as core educational outcomes.
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school prioritises emotional intelligence development and effective communication as core outcomes.
Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The school emphasises inclusivity. Contact the school for details on specific SEN provision.
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
English proficiency is required as the language of instruction. Entrance exams assess English ability. Contact the school for EAL support details.
Mental Wellbeing
The school provides a nurturing, inclusive and safe environment for all students.
Safeguarding
The school maintains safety and hygiene standards as part of its commitment to a secure learning environment.
Admissions
GIS is a selective school. Students must take an entrance exam and participate in an interview, as the language of instruction is English. Admission to each grade is based on age following MOE guidelines. KG students must be toilet trained. The school accepts both expatriate and Saudi national students.
Scholarships
Contact the school for details on any scholarship or financial aid opportunities.
Waitlist
Contact the school for information on availability and waiting lists.
The Lycee Francais International d'Al Khobar (LFIK) is the only French international school in the eastern province of Saudi Arabia. Founded in 1983 under the patronage of the French Embassy, it serves around 580 students of 22 nationalities from age 3 to 18. Part of the Mission Laique Francaise (MLF) network of 119 schools in 41 countries, LFIK follows the French National Curriculum and prepares students for the Brevet and Baccalaureate examinations. The school's motto is "Two cultures, three languages."
Location
Nesma Village compound, P.O. Box 3542, 34434 Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia. The school occupies a modern multi-storey building with outdoor space within the secure compound.
Stages
Maternelle / Kindergarten (age 3, from Toute Petite Section) through Terminale / Year 13 (age 18). The school covers Cycle 1 (Maternelle), Cycles 2-3 (Elementary), College (Grades 6-9) and Lycee (Grades 10-12).
Type
Private, co-educational French international day school.
Pupil Nationality Mix
22 nationalities represented among approximately 580 students. The school is open to students of all nationalities.
Additional learning support
French Language of Schooling (FLSco) support is available for students who need to strengthen their French. The school is open to students of all nationalities, whether French-speaking or not.
Country affiliation
France. The school follows the French National Curriculum and is part of the Mission Laique Francaise (MLF) network.
Religious affiliation
Secular (laique). LFIK follows the French principle of secularism in education.
School day structure
The school year runs from September to July, with Ramadan schedule adjustments. Childcare (garderie) is available for extended hours.
Bus service
Contact the school for information on transportation arrangements.
Boarding Arrangements
LFIK is a day school only. No boarding facilities are available.
Uniform Requirement
Contact the school for information on uniform requirements.
Food Options
The school has a cafeteria with weekly menus available. Meal options are provided for students during the school day.
House System
The school follows the French educational structure with distinct cycles rather than a traditional house system.
Governance and Ownership
LFIK is managed by Mission Laique Francaise (MLF), a French non-profit organisation operating 119 schools in 41 countries. The school was founded in 1983 under the patronage of the French Embassy in Saudi Arabia. Principal: Mr. Omar Habchi.
Annual fees range from approximately 31,355 SAR (Toute Petite Section) to 51,190 SAR (Terminale), inclusive of VAT. The average annual fee is around 44,500 SAR. School scholarships are available.
Curriculum
LFIK follows the French National Curriculum as set by the French Ministry of National Education. Students prepare for the Brevet examination at the end of College (3eme) and the Baccalaureate at the end of Terminale. The school emphasises expression, responsible citizenship and critical thinking within its "two cultures, three languages" framework.
Student Teacher Ratio
With 581 students across 26 classes (5 kindergarten, 10 primary, 7 college, 4 lycee), average class sizes are approximately 22 students.
Exam Results
Students sit the Brevet (end of 3eme/Grade 9) and the French Baccalaureate (end of Terminale/Grade 12). Published results are not currently available.
Higher Education Progression
The French Baccalaureate is internationally recognised for university entry in France, Europe and worldwide. Career guidance is provided through the "Parcours d'avenir" programme.
Gifted and Talented
Academic enrichment through scientific workshops, competitions (Kermesse Scientifique), career forums and discovery programmes.
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school runs empathy development programmes and wellbeing initiatives. The CESC (Committee on Education for Health and Citizenship) oversees student welfare.
Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Contact the school for details on SEN provision and support.
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Not applicable as French is the language of instruction. FLSco (French Language of Schooling) support is available for non-francophone students.
Mental Wellbeing
Wellbeing and stress management initiatives are in place. The school has dedicated programmes for student mental health and empathy development.
Safeguarding
The school is located within the secure Nesma Village compound. Internal regulations govern student safety and conduct.
Admissions
The school accepts students of all nationalities, whether French-speaking or not. FLSco support is available for non-francophone students. Applications can be made through the school website. Reinscription for returning students is also managed online.
Scholarships
School scholarships (bourses scolaires) are available. The 2026-2027 scholarship campaign is currently open. Contact the school for eligibility criteria and application details.
Waitlist
Contact the school for information on availability and waiting lists for specific grade levels.