Rafic Hariri High School - Saida

"Rafic Hariri High School in Saida (Sidon), Lebanon, is a private institution offering an International Baccalaureate education to students across the primary and pre-university years."

Founded in 2016, the school represents a relatively young but purposeful addition to the educational landscape of southern Lebanon, bringing a globally recognized academic framework to a region with deep historical and cultural significance. The school delivers two of the International Baccalaureate's flagship programs: the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and the Diploma Programme (DP). This combination means that families can enroll younger children in the PYP, which emphasizes inquiry-based learning, international-mindedness, and the development of the whole child across academic and social dimensions, and follow a continuous educational pathway through to the DP at the upper secondary level. The IB Diploma Programme is widely respected by universities around the world, making it a particularly attractive option for expat families and mobile professionals whose children may eventually pursue higher education internationally. The through-line between the two programs reflects a coherent educational philosophy focused on developing curious, principled, and academically prepared young people. As an IB World School, Rafic Hariri High School in Saida adheres to the standards and practices set by the International Baccalaureate Organization, ensuring that the quality of teaching and curriculum delivery meets an internationally benchmarked standard. This affiliation is especially meaningful for relocating families who want assurance that their child's education will be recognized and transferable, whether they are arriving in Lebanon or planning an eventual move elsewhere. Situated in Sidon, one of Lebanon's oldest and most storied cities on the Mediterranean coast, the school occupies a location that blends the richness of Lebanese heritage with the outward-looking perspective that the IB ethos encourages. Sidon serves as the main urban center of southern Lebanon and is home to a diverse and established community, offering families a full range of amenities alongside the cultural depth of a city with Phoenician roots. Founded in 2016, the school is named in honor of Rafic Hariri, the late Lebanese Prime Minister whose legacy is closely associated with investment in education and the reconstruction of Lebanon. That namesake carries with it a sense of civic purpose and a commitment to empowering young people through learning. For expat families and relocating professionals considering Sidon as a base, Rafic Hariri High School offers the relatively rare combination of an internationally accredited curriculum in a city outside of the greater Beirut metropolitan area. The availability of both the PYP and DP under one school's umbrella provides continuity across a child's schooling years, reducing the disruption that families in transition often face. Further details about campus facilities, enrollment, language of instruction, and extracurricular offerings can be found by contacting the school directly through their website at rhhs. edu. lb or by phone.