Best Female-Only International Schools in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is home to a thriving international education sector, and female-only international schools remain a popular choice for families seeking world-class academics in a single-gender environment. Whether you’re an expat family or a Saudi national, choosing the right girls’ school can shape your daughter’s academic future and university pathway.

In this comprehensive guide, we cover the best female-only international schools in Saudi Arabia across Riyadh, Jeddah, and the Eastern Province — including curriculum options, fees, facilities, and admission requirements.

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Why Parents Choose Female-Only Schools in Saudi Arabia

Single-gender education has a long tradition in Saudi Arabia, and many families actively prefer all-girls schools for several reasons:

• Cultural alignment — Female-only schools respect local customs and Islamic values while delivering international curricula.
• Academic focus — Research consistently shows that girls in single-gender settings often demonstrate higher confidence in STEM subjects, greater class participation, and stronger academic outcomes.
• Safe and supportive environment — All-girls schools create spaces where young women can develop leadership skills without gender-based social pressures.
• Tailored teaching approaches — Educators can adapt teaching strategies to suit the learning styles and developmental needs of female students.
• Strong university outcomes — Many top girls’ schools in Saudi Arabia boast excellent university placement records, including admissions to leading institutions in the UK, US, Canada, and Australia.

With Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 placing heavy emphasis on female empowerment and education, the quality and variety of girls’ international schools has grown significantly in recent years.

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Top Female-Only International Schools in Riyadh

Riyadh, the capital city, offers the widest selection of girls’ international schools in the Kingdom. Here are some of the most respected options:

1. Dar Al-Fikr Schools — Girls’ Section (Riyadh)

• Curriculum: National + International track (Cambridge IGCSE pathway)
• Grades: KG through Grade 12
• Highlights: One of Saudi Arabia’s most established private school brands, Dar Al-Fikr is known for academic excellence and strong moral education. The girls’ section offers dedicated STEM labs, a well-stocked library, and extracurricular programmes in arts and sports.
• Fees: Approximately SAR 25,000–45,000 per year depending on grade level
• Website: dar-alfikr.edu.sa

2. British International School of Riyadh (BISR) — Girls’ Campus

• Curriculum: British (IGCSE and A-Levels)
• Grades: Foundation Stage through Year 13
• Highlights: BISR is one of the most prestigious British schools in the Kingdom. The girls’ campus provides a full British education leading to IGCSE and A-Level qualifications. Facilities include science laboratories, ICT suites, sports halls, and dedicated art studios.
• Fees: Approximately SAR 40,000–75,000 per year
• Accreditation: BSO (British Schools Overseas) inspected

3. Riyadh Schools (Al Madaress Al Riyadh) — Girls’ Division

• Curriculum: National + Cambridge IGCSE
• Grades: KG through Grade 12
• Highlights: A long-standing institution in Riyadh, Al Madaress Al Riyadh offers a bilingual programme combining the Saudi national curriculum with Cambridge qualifications. The girls’ division features modern classrooms, a swimming pool, and active student council.
• Fees: SAR 20,000–35,000 per year

4. Al Faris International School — Girls’ Section

• Curriculum: American Diploma + AP courses
• Grades: Pre-K through Grade 12
• Highlights: Al Faris follows an American-style curriculum with Advanced Placement (AP) courses available in the senior years. The school has strong university counselling services and prepares students for SAT and AP examinations.
• Fees: SAR 30,000–55,000 per year

5. Riyadh Najd International Schools — Girls’ Campus

• Curriculum: American + IB Diploma Programme
• Grades: KG through Grade 12
• Highlights: One of the few schools in Riyadh offering the IB Diploma Programme alongside an American curriculum. The girls’ campus features excellent science facilities, a dedicated innovation lab, and a strong CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) programme.
• Fees: SAR 45,000–80,000 per year
• Accreditation: IB World School, NEASC accredited

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Top Girls’ International Schools in Jeddah

Jeddah, as Saudi Arabia’s commercial hub on the Red Sea coast, has a vibrant international school community with excellent options for girls.

6. Dar Al-Fikr Schools — Girls’ Section (Jeddah)

• Curriculum: Cambridge IGCSE + National
• Grades: KG through Grade 12
• Highlights: The Jeddah branch of Dar Al-Fikr maintains the same high academic standards as the Riyadh campus. Known for outstanding results in Cambridge examinations and a strong alumni network.
• Fees: SAR 25,000–50,000 per year

7. Jeddah Knowledge International School (JKS) — Girls’ Division

• Curriculum: American + AP courses
• Grades: Pre-K through Grade 12
• Highlights: JKS is one of Jeddah’s most well-regarded international schools. The girls’ division offers extensive extracurricular activities, including robotics, debate, and Model United Nations. The school has strong university placement to US and UK universities.
• Fees: SAR 35,000–65,000 per year

8. Al-Andalus Private Schools — Girls’ Section (Jeddah)

• Curriculum: British (IGCSE, AS & A-Levels)
• Grades: KG through Year 13
• Highlights: Al-Andalus is a well-established Jeddah school offering a full British curriculum pathway. The girls’ section features modern science labs, dedicated PE facilities, and a comprehensive careers guidance programme.
• Fees: SAR 28,000–50,000 per year

9. Jeddah International School (JIS) — Girls’ Campus

• Curriculum: IB (PYP, MYP, DP)
• Grades: Pre-K through Grade 12
• Highlights: As a full IB continuum school, JIS provides the Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme, and Diploma Programme. The girls’ campus is known for inquiry-based learning, strong pastoral care, and excellent IB results.
• Fees: SAR 50,000–85,000 per year
• Accreditation: IB World School, CIS accredited

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Top Girls’ Schools in Dammam & the Eastern Province

The Eastern Province, including Dammam, Al Khobar, and Dhahran, serves a large expat community linked to the oil and energy sector.

10. Al Hussan International School — Girls’ Section (Al Khobar)

• Curriculum: American + Cambridge IGCSE
• Grades: KG through Grade 12
• Highlights: Al Hussan is one of the most respected school groups in the Eastern Province. The girls’ section offers a blended American-Cambridge curriculum, strong ICT integration, and extensive sports facilities.
• Fees: SAR 25,000–45,000 per year

11. Dhahran British Grammar School (DBGS) — Girls’ Division

• Curriculum: British (IGCSE and A-Levels)
• Grades: Foundation Stage through Year 13
• Highlights: DBGS is a leading British school in the Eastern Province with a dedicated girls’ division. Students benefit from experienced British-trained teachers, excellent science and technology facilities, and a strong track record of A-Level results.
• Fees: SAR 35,000–60,000 per year

12. International Schools Group (ISG) — Dhahran

• Curriculum: American + IB Diploma Programme
• Grades: Pre-K through Grade 12
• Highlights: ISG is one of the oldest and most established international schools in Saudi Arabia. While ISG is co-educational, it maintains separate sections and facilities in accordance with local regulations. The school offers the IB Diploma and has outstanding university placement rates worldwide.
• Fees: SAR 50,000–90,000 per year
• Accreditation: IB World School, MSA accredited

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Curricula Available at Girls’ Schools in Saudi Arabia

When choosing a female-only international school in Saudi Arabia, understanding the curriculum options is essential:

Curriculum	Key Qualifications	Best For
British	IGCSE, AS-Level, A-Level	Students targeting UK universities
American	High School Diploma, AP, SAT	Students targeting US/Canadian universities
IB (International Baccalaureate)	IB Diploma Programme	Students seeking a globally recognised, holistic qualification
Cambridge	Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A-Level	Students wanting internationally portable qualifications

Many girls’ schools in Saudi Arabia offer bilingual programmes combining the Saudi national curriculum with an international track, giving students the flexibility to pursue higher education both locally and abroad.

Related: IGCSE Exam Preparation Guide | IB Diploma Programme Guide | A-Level Preparation Tips

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Admission Requirements for Girls’ International Schools

While requirements vary by school, most female-only international schools in Saudi Arabia follow a similar admissions process:

1. Application form — Completed online or in person, usually with a non-refundable application fee (SAR 500–2,000).
2. Previous school records — Transcripts and report cards from the last 2–3 years.
3. Entrance assessment — Many schools require English and Mathematics placement tests, especially for secondary-level entry.
4. Interview — Some schools conduct student and/or parent interviews.
5. Documentation — Copies of the student’s passport, Iqama (residency permit), vaccination records, and passport-size photographs.
6. Language proficiency — For schools using English as the medium of instruction, an English language assessment may be required for non-native speakers.

Top tip: Start the admission process early — popular girls’ schools in Riyadh and Jeddah often have waiting lists, especially for entry at KG and Grade 1 levels.

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Facilities to Look For

The best female-only schools in Saudi Arabia typically offer:

• Modern science laboratories for Biology, Chemistry, and Physics
• Dedicated ICT and computer labs
• Well-equipped libraries and media centres
• Indoor sports halls and swimming pools (with privacy maintained)
• Art, music, and drama studios
• Cafeterias with healthy meal options
• Counselling and careers guidance offices
• Prayer rooms and ablution facilities
• Secure transportation services

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How Tutopiya Can Help Your Daughter Excel

Choosing the right school is just the first step. To help your daughter thrive in her IGCSE, IB, or A-Level studies, expert tutoring support can make all the difference.

Tutopiya offers:

• One-on-one online tutoring with experienced teachers specialising in IGCSE, IB, and A-Level curricula
• Personalised study plans tailored to your daughter’s specific syllabus and learning pace
• Exam preparation support for Cambridge IGCSE, IB Diploma, A-Levels, SAT, and AP exams
• Flexible scheduling — lessons available evenings and weekends to suit Saudi school timings
• Progress tracking so parents can monitor improvement over time

Whether your daughter is preparing for her IGCSE mock exams, working through challenging IB Higher Level subjects, or aiming for top A-Level grades for university admission, Tutopiya’s experienced tutors provide the targeted support she needs.

👉 Book a FREE Trial Lesson with Tutopiya Today

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are all international schools in Saudi Arabia single-gender?

Not all, but many international schools in Saudi Arabia operate separate boys’ and girls’ sections or campuses, in line with local regulations. Some newer schools and those in compounds may offer co-educational settings, particularly at the primary level.

What is the average cost of a girls’ international school in Saudi Arabia?

Fees typically range from SAR 20,000 to SAR 90,000 per year, depending on the school’s reputation, curriculum, location, and grade level. IB and British curriculum schools tend to be at the higher end.

Can expat girls attend Saudi national curriculum schools?

While most expat families choose international schools, some private schools offering the Saudi national curriculum do accept expat students. However, instruction is primarily in Arabic.

Which curriculum is best for university admission abroad?

The IB Diploma Programme and British A-Levels are widely recognised by universities worldwide. The American curriculum with AP courses is ideal for students targeting US universities. Tutopiya’s curriculum guides can help you decide.

How can online tutoring help alongside school?

Many students in Saudi Arabia’s international schools benefit from additional tutoring support, especially for challenging subjects like Mathematics, Sciences, and English. Tutopiya’s online tutoring provides flexible, one-on-one lessons aligned with your daughter’s school curriculum.

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Final Thoughts

Saudi Arabia offers an excellent range of female-only international schools that combine world-class academics with culturally appropriate learning environments. Whether you’re in Riyadh, Jeddah, or the Eastern Province, there are outstanding options across British, American, IB, and Cambridge curricula.

The key is to start your research early, visit schools where possible, and consider the curriculum pathway that best suits your daughter’s strengths and university aspirations.

And when she needs that extra academic boost, Tutopiya is here to help — with expert online tutoring for every major international curriculum.

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Looking for more school guides? Check out our articles on best international schools in Singapore, IGCSE exam tips, and IB study strategies.