The KAUST School

"The KAUST School is a private international school located on the campus of King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia, offering a world-class education rooted in the values of inquiry, international-mindedness, and academic excellence."

Serving the unique community that surrounds one of the region's most ambitious research universities, the school provides a learning environment that is genuinely unlike almost anywhere else in the world — a place where the children of scientists, engineers, researchers, and academics from across the globe come together to learn and grow. Founded in 2010 to serve the families of the KAUST community, The KAUST School was established alongside the university itself, reflecting a foundational commitment to supporting the whole lives of the talented professionals drawn to this remarkable institution. From its earliest days, the school has been designed to meet the needs of a highly mobile, internationally diverse population, providing continuity and quality that families can rely on as they relocate from virtually every corner of the world. The school delivers the full continuum of International Baccalaureate programmes, offering the Primary Years Programme for younger students, the Middle Years Programme for those in the intermediate grades, and the prestigious Diploma Programme for students in the final years of secondary school. This seamless IB pathway ensures that students develop consistent habits of mind — critical thinking, open-mindedness, and a genuine love of learning — from their earliest years through to university preparation. The IB Diploma in particular is widely recognized by leading universities worldwide, making it an excellent foundation for students who may go on to study in the United States, Europe, Asia, or beyond. English serves as the primary language of instruction, which provides important consistency for families arriving from diverse linguistic backgrounds. This common academic language, combined with the internationally recognized IB framework, means that students transitioning into the school — whether from another IB institution or from a different system entirely — can find their footing quickly and confidently. The campus is situated within the KAUST community on the Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia, a purpose-built environment that combines world-class research facilities with residential neighborhoods, open green spaces, and exceptional amenities. For families relocating to the region, the self-contained nature of the KAUST community offers a welcoming and well-resourced setting, and The KAUST School sits at the heart of that community life. The proximity to one of the world's leading research universities creates a genuinely stimulating intellectual atmosphere that permeates school culture, with students growing up surrounded by groundbreaking ideas and globally minded professionals. What truly sets The KAUST School apart is the extraordinary community it serves and reflects. Students here are the children of some of the world's most accomplished researchers and innovators, drawn from dozens of nationalities, and the school embraces that diversity as one of its greatest strengths. For expat families and relocating professionals seeking an internationally recognized curriculum delivered with warmth, rigor, and genuine global perspective, The KAUST School offers a rare and compelling option in the heart of Saudi Arabia.