Al Waha International School is one of the most reputable private international schools in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. It is a licensed, accredited, and English-medium institution serving students from Kindergarten 1 (KG1) all the way through to Grade 12.

The school first opened its doors on July 4, 1992, under the name Jeddah Montessori School. Over time, it grew into a full-scale international institution. Today, Al Waha stands as a symbol of academic excellence, strong values, and genuine service to the community.

Clearly, the school has come a long way. It now serves more than 1,600 students representing 25 different nationalities. This diversity makes it one of the most multicultural schools in Jeddah.

Al Waha draws its guiding philosophy from its motto: “O Lord, Increase My Knowledge.” This phrase comes directly from the Holy Quran. It captures the school’s deep commitment to lifelong learning and spiritual growth.

The school’s mission is to provide a unique combination of quality international education and Islamic values. Also, it welcomes students of all nationalities and religions. We treat every child with dignity and given the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Furthermore, the vision of Al Waha is to promote the holistic development of every student. This means growing intellectually, morally, socially, emotionally, and physically. The school believes that education must go beyond textbooks.

Core Values at Al Waha:

Respect for every person’s dignity
Truthfulness and honesty in all actions
The habit of regular prayer and gratitude
A sincere quest for knowledge
Justice, courage, and compassion
Humility and service to others

1. Accreditation, Affiliations, and Recognition

Al Waha International School holds significant international accreditations. Thus, these credentials confirm the school’s commitment to world-class academic standards.

Key Accreditations and Affiliations:

Cognia (formerly AdvancED): Accredited three times at 5-year intervals by the US-based Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement
Cambridge International: Associate school preparing students for globally recognised qualifications
British Council (Jeddah): Attached examination centre for IGCSE and A-Level registrations
Council of International Schools (CIS): Regular member of this European-based global network

Most importantly, these accreditations are not just titles. They reflect the school’s ongoing effort to improve teaching quality, student outcomes, and institutional performance. In addition, professional development for teachers is a key part of this commitment.

2. Curriculum and Academic Programs

Al Waha follows the National Curriculum of England and Wales. This curriculum forms the backbone of academic delivery across all grade levels. Moreover, it is known globally for building strong analytical and critical thinking skills.

KG1 and KG2: Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)

The youngest learners follow a curriculum that blends Montessori principles with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) guidelines of the Cambridge Curriculum. Therefore, the focus is on play-based learning, independence, and building curiosity.

School hours for KG1 and KG2 are from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

KG3 to Grade 8: Junior and Middle School

Junior and middle school students study core subjects including English, Mathematics, Science, History, and Geography. All subjects align with the key stage attainment targets of the English National Curriculum.

Additionally, Arabic is a compulsory subject at all grade levels, in line with the Ministry of Education requirements in Saudi Arabia. Saudi culture, history, and geography are also taught across grade levels through lessons, quizzes, and field trips.

Grades 9 to 12: IGCSE and A-Level Senior School

Senior school students from Grades 9 to 12 prepare for two globally recognised qualifications. These are the Cambridge IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) and the GCE A-Level (General Certificate of Education, Advanced Level).

Notably, Al Waha serves as an attached centre of the British Council in Jeddah. This means students sit their IGCSE and A-Level examinations directly through the British Council. Therefore, these qualifications are accepted by universities worldwide.

Available Facilities:

Well-equipped scientific laboratories for hands-on science learning
A comprehensive school library with a wide range of resources
High-quality sports facilities and physical education spaces
Separate sections for boys and girls (Grades 4 and above)
Safe and positive classroom environments designed for focused learning

Beyond classrooms, the school also provides transportation services, food services, and school uniforms. These are offered as additional services. Parents can contact the administrative team for details on availability and pricing.

3. Student Life, Clubs, and Extracurricular Activities

Education at Al Waha goes far beyond the classroom. The school believes in the all-round development of every child. To support this, a range of clubs and extracurricular activities are offered throughout the academic year.

Student Clubs and Activities Include:

STEM Club (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)
Media Club for creative communication and digital skills
Community Service Club to build social responsibility
Debate clubs for critical thinking and public speaking
Sports teams and physical education programs
Art and music programs to encourage creative expression
Field trips and educational excursions for real-world learning
International Day celebrations that honour global cultures

In addition, the school regularly organises events such as Science Fairs, Friendship Day, Pajama Day, Jobs Day, and cultural competitions. These activities help students express themselves, discover their talents, and build lifelong skills.

Equally important, the school takes student wellbeing seriously. Anti-bullying awareness is actively promoted. Every student is expected to feel safe and respected within the school community.

4. Special Education Needs (SEN) Support

Al Waha International School is committed to inclusive education. The school has a dedicated Special Education Needs (SEN) team. This team supports students of determination and those with special gifts and talents.

Accordingly, every child receives the attention they need. The school ensures that no student is left behind, regardless of their individual learning needs or abilities.

5. Admissions Process and Requirements

Admissions at Al Waha are open to students of all nationalities. The process is structured and straightforward. Parents are encouraged to apply early, as the school operates near full capacity.

Required Documents for Admission:

Copy of the student’s birth certificate
Two recent passport-sized photographs of the student
Copy of the student’s immunisation record
Valid student Iqama (residency permit)
Valid student passport copy
Valid parent passport copy
Valid parent Iqama (residency permit) copy

Admission Fee and Process:

A one-time, non-refundable admission fee of SAR 1,150 (inclusive of VAT) is payable in cash to confirm a student’s seat. We make admission decisions by the Admissions Committee based on available places, interview results, and test performance. Priority is given to siblings of current students and children of school staff.

6. School Fees and Affordability

Everyone know Al Waha International School for offering quality education at reasonable fees. Annual tuition ranges from approximately SAR 16,905 to SAR 28,405 depending on the grade level. This positions the school as one of the more affordable international schools in Jeddah.

The school is deeply aware of its social responsibility. Consequently, it keeps fees accessible to serve a broad segment of the expatriate community without compromising academic standards. Tuition is due before the start of each term.

7. Parent Engagement and Community

Al Waha places great importance on a strong relationship between school and home. Regular parent meetings are scheduled throughout the year. The school believes that open communication between teachers and parents plays a vital role in each student’s success.

We describe the school community as a closely knit group of teachers, students, and parents. Together, they move forward hand in hand. By the same token, this sense of belonging is one of the most valued aspects of life at Al Waha.

8. Academic Performance and Student Achievements

Al Waha International School has a strong academic track record. Students consistently perform well in IGCSE and A-Level examinations. Therefore, the school has maintained a 100% pass rate in these external examinations.

Beyond academics, students have earned individual and team medals in sports and extracurricular competitions. Notably, one Al Waha student achieved first place in Africa in the Foil Fencing Championship, a remarkable international accomplishment.

Evidently, the combination of strong academics, dedicated teachers, and a supportive environment produces students who are both knowledgeable and confident.