Al-Rowad International Schools

What Al-Rowad International Schools does

Al-Rowad International Schools is a privately held K-12 international school operating from a single campus in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, founded in 1999 by Sheikh Abdullah bin Ibrahim Al-Khalaf. The school serves approximately 6,000 students across Kindergarten through Grade 12 with separate boys' and girls' sections, drawing a student body from more than 60 countries and a faculty from more than 40 countries. It offers a dual curriculum framework combining an American Diploma pathway (Cognia-accredited) and a British Curriculum pathway (Cambridge IGCSE/AS/A-Level, Pearson Edexcel, and AQA), with integrated Quran memorization, Islamic studies, and Arabic language instruction. The institution functions as an authorized international test center for ACT, SAT, AP, IGCSE, and AS/A2 examinations and reports a 100% university acceptance rate among graduates admitted to universities including Toronto, McGill, York, Arizona State, KSU, Alfaisal, and others.

The school's revenue model is overwhelmingly tuition-driven, with annual fees ranging from SAR 21,008 (KG1-KG3) to SAR 31,141 (Grade 12), supplemented by optional transport (~SAR 5,000 round-trip), book packages (SAR 950), and monthly sports-club fees (SAR 350-575). Saudi nationals are VAT-exempt on tuition, and a SAR 5,000 deposit secures continuing-student seats. The technology backbone consists of Google Smart Classrooms deployed school-wide, Schoology as the LMS, PowerSchool as the student information system, and the proprietary MyAIS parent portal with IBAN-based fee payment and a mobile app on iOS and Android. The proprietary Cross-Curricular Program (CCP), designed in partnership with NuvuX, connects sciences, design, technology, arts, and critical thinking through project-based learning.

Al-Rowad's go-to-market is exclusively direct-to-consumer: prospective families register through my.ais.sch.sa, schedule campus tours, or engage via WhatsApp, with no third-party channel partners. Marketing relies on the school's own digital platforms, seven social channels, monthly newsletters, and parent/alumni testimonials. The institution is currently executing "The Al-Rowad Transformation," an 18+ month program spanning facilities redesign, curriculum overhaul, technology upgrades, and staff development, signaling material reinvestment in the existing campus rather than multi-site expansion.

Name

Al-Rowad International Schools

Legal name

AlRowad International Schools

Website

https://ais.sch.sa

Company type

Private

Founded year

1999

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

Al-Rowad International Schools is a Riyadh-based private K-12 international school, founded 1999, serving ~6,000 students from 60+ countries on a dual American/British curriculum integrated with Islamic studies, operating a single campus under Cognia accreditation with 100% university acceptance.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Private K-12 International Education

NAICS

Elementary and Secondary Schools (61111)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

International/Global Curriculum Schools (IB, Cambridge, etc.) (EDAJABAG)

akta.pro secondary industry

Preschool Programs within Private K–12 Schools (EDACABAM)

Keywords

• International K-12 education
• Dual curriculum schools
• Islamic values education
• IGCSE A-Level programs
• American diploma schools

Headquarters

HQ city

Riyadh

HQ country

Saudi Arabia

HQ region

Middle East

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Infrastructure, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Tuition Fees: Annual tuition fees charged per student across grade levels from KG1 through Grade 12. Fees are paid per academic year, with the first semester payment required upon enrollment and the remaining balance due before the school year begins. Saudi nationals are exempt from VAT on tuition.
2. Transportation Services: Optional school bus transport offered for daily round-trip or one-way journeys, charged annually per student.
3. Book Supply: Optional book supply packages offered to students for an additional annual fee.
4. Sports Club & After-School Activities: Fee-based sports programs (football, karate, swimming, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, basketball, archery, and others) offered after school hours. Programs are open to both AIS students and students from other schools.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Al-Rowad International Schools delivers private K-12 international education for students from Kindergarten (KG1) through Grade 12, combining a Cognia-accredited American Diploma pathway with a British curriculum (IGCSE, AS/A-Level) under one roof. The school integrates Quran memorization, Islamic Studies, and Arabic language instruction across all grades, with the entire program delivered at a single campus in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Technology-enabled delivery includes Google Smart Classrooms, Schoology LMS, PowerSchool SIS, and the MyAIS parent portal.

Product overview

Al Rowad International Schools offers a comprehensive K-12 educational platform spanning Kindergarten (KG1-KG3) through Grade 12, combining American and British curricula with Islamic values integration. The school provides dual-pathway high school programs (American Diploma via Cognia accreditation or British Curriculum via Cambridge/IGCSE), with supplementary offerings including SAT preparation, IGCSE preparation, and the Cross-Curricular Program (CCP) in partnership with NuvuX for project-based learning. Technology-enabled learning is delivered through Schoology LMS, Google Smart Classrooms, and the MyAIS parent portal and mobile app. The school operates a Virtual Account system for fee management and offers extensive sports programs through its Sports Club, Sports for All initiative, and co-curricular activities. The institution serves students from over 60 countries across its single Riyadh campus.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Kindergarten Program (KG1-KG3)
• Lower Primary Program (Grades 1-3)
• Upper Primary Program (Grades 4-6)
• Middle School Program (Grades 7-9)
• High School Program (Grades 10-12)
• Cross-Curricular Program (CCP)
• IGCSE Program
• American Diploma Program (Cognia)
• SAT Preparation Program
• Qudurat & Tahsili Test Preparation
• Young Master Speaker Program
• AIS Sports Club
• Sports for All Program
• Co-Curricular Activities
• School Transportation Service
• Optional Books Package

Quantifiable outcome

• 100% university acceptance rate among graduates
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

23 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAl-Rowad is a Cambridge-authorized exam center, delivering the Cambridge IGCSE and AS/A-Level curricula. The school is officially recognized by Cambridge's examination boards, with official school registration numbers for international examinations.
• Pearson EdexcelcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAl-Rowad partners with Pearson Edexcel for International GCSE and A-Level examinations. Students have achieved top marks in Saudi Arabia in Pearson Edexcel examinations.
• AQA (Assessment and Qualifications Alliance)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAl-Rowad partners with AQA as part of its assessment and qualification offerings, providing additional pathways for British curriculum certification.
• Cognia (formerly AdvancED)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAl-Rowad has earned Cognia accreditation, confirming the school's commitment to high educational standards and continuous improvement. Cognia is a global network of progressive educators and institutions.
• NuvuX (Cross-Curricular Program)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerAl-Rowad's Cross-Curricular Program (CCP) is designed in partnership with NuvuX, connecting sciences, design, technology, arts, and critical thinking through real-world, project-based learning experiences.
• Google for EducationcoreTechnology or IntegrationAl-Rowad has deployed Google Smart Classrooms across the entire school, transforming learning through technology integration. All classrooms feature interactive displays and cloud-connected learning environments.
• PowerSchoolcoreTechnology or IntegrationPowerSchool provides the student information system (SIS) infrastructure supporting the school's administrative and academic operations.
• Schoology (LMS)coreTechnology or IntegrationSchoology is the official Learning Management System (LMS) used by Al-Rowad for online learning, assignment management, and parent-student-teacher communication.
• Saudi Rugby FederationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAl-Rowad partnered with the Saudi Rugby Federation to introduce rugby into the PE curriculum. Professional coaches are training PE staff and students, providing skills for participation in competitive sports.
• Saudi Hockey FederationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAl-Rowad PE department members (Manal Mohammed, Rowida Eid, Aya Mohammed, Aya Zidan) completed the Level 1 umpiring course conducted by the Saudi Hockey Federation, with plans to integrate hockey into the PE program.
• Saudi Lacrosse FederationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAl-Rowad's 'Sports for All' after-school program includes lacrosse training in partnership with the Saudi Lacrosse Federation, led by professional international coaches.
• Saudi Frisbee FederationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAl-Rowad's 'Sports for All' after-school program includes frisbee training in partnership with the Saudi Frisbee Federation.
• Nujoom Sports (Stars Swimming Academy)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNuJoom Sports runs the Stars Swimming Academy at Al-Rowad, co-founded by Abdullah Al-Ali Rida (professional triathlete from Jeddah) and Kevin Poole (multiple gold medal-winning Paralympian). The academy redefines school sports and facility management in Saudi Arabia.
• Bank Albilad (Albilad Verse)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAl-Rowad partnered with Bank Albilad for the Albilad Verse program, introducing financial literacy concepts to students through a safe, interactive virtual world, fostering financial awareness and responsibility.
• Alfaisal UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAlfaisal University's medical students visited Al-Rowad for lung cancer awareness sessions, providing educational outreach to students.
• AlmaraiminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAl-Rowad students visited the Almarai dairy factory in Al Kharj, gaining firsthand insight into large-scale business operations and innovative practices that make Almarai a leader in the dairy industry.
• LEAP ConferenceminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAl-Rowad student Youssef Kusibati was invited as the youngest speaker at LEAP 2025, one of the world's largest technology conferences, showcasing the school's talent development.
• NEOM / MaysalwardminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAl-Rowad girls' team won the NEOM Development Challenge organized by Maysalward and NEOM, earning SAR 40,000 for a fully-equipped gaming lab at the school.
• British CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAl-Rowad holds partnership/affiliation with the British Council as part of its international accreditations and educational standards framework.
• Oxford University PressminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAl-Rowad is affiliated with Oxford University Press for educational content and resources supporting the British curriculum.
• Houghton Mifflin HarcourtminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAl-Rowad is affiliated with Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, a major educational publisher supporting the American curriculum.
• Knowledge TowerminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAl-Rowad holds partnership/affiliation with Knowledge Tower as part of its educational ecosystem and resource providers.
• CPHI Middle EastminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAl-Rowad CCP students attended CPHI ME 2024 in Riyadh, exploring biotech and pharma innovations, bridging classroom learning with real-world industry applications.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• GEMS Education: Global K-12 private school operator with multiple campuses in Saudi Arabia and the wider region. Comparable to Al-Rowad as an established international-school operator, but with vastly broader scale and a multi-brand portfolio.
• SABIS International Schools: Global K-12 operator with a presence in Saudi Arabia (e.g., SABIS International School – Yambol and other regional schools). Comparable to Al-Rowad as an international curriculum provider, but with much broader geographic footprint and a proprietary academic system.
• International Schools Group (ISG): Multi-campus K-12 international school operator across Saudi Arabia (Dhahran, Jubail, Yanbu, etc.) offering American and IB programs. Comparable to Al-Rowad in curriculum and audience but operates at greater scale and geographic diversification.

Direct peers

• British International School Riyadh (BISR): Long-established K-12 international school in Riyadh offering a British curriculum track with international accreditation. Directly comparable to Al-Rowad as a competing single-site Riyadh international school targeting Saudi and expatriate families seeking globally benchmarked credentials.
• Manarat Al-Riyadh International Schools: Large K-12 international school in Riyadh serving both Saudi and expatriate families with internationally accredited programs. Closely comparable to Al-Rowad in curriculum positioning, scale, and target demographic.
• American International School of Riyadh (AIS-R): K-12 international school in Riyadh delivering an American curriculum to a multi-national student body. Comparable to Al-Rowad's American Diploma pathway and similar target market of Saudi and expatriate families seeking university-bound international education.
• Misk Schools: K-12 school in Saudi Arabia (associated with the Misk Foundation) targeting high-achieving Saudi students with a future-skills curriculum. Comparable to Al-Rowad in serving Saudi families seeking globally competitive education, with newer brand positioning.
• Al Noor International School: K-12 international school in Riyadh offering internationally accredited programs to Saudi and expatriate families. Comparable to Al-Rowad in customer base, curriculum type, and Riyadh-local competition.
• Riyadh International School: One of the older international schools in Riyadh offering K-12 instruction to a diverse, multi-national student body. Direct peer in curriculum, customer base, and Riyadh market positioning.

Regional players

• British School Al Khubairat (BSAK): Premium British-curriculum K-12 international school in Abu Dhabi serving a similar high-income expatriate and diplomatic family base. Comparable to Al-Rowad as a benchmark for premium GCC international-school positioning, though operating in a different geography.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/RowadIS
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@RowadInternationlSchools
• Facebookfacebook.com/RowadIS
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/rowadis
• Instagraminstagram.com/rowadis

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Al-Rowad International Schools