ISG is committed to upholding the highest standards of education and learning across our schools. Accreditation and memberships are voluntary activities initiated by the institution that require a rigorous self-evaluation and an independent, objective appraisal of the overall educational quality by peers. This process emphasizes quality assurance and a commitment to continuous quality enhancement. Please visit the websites of each accreditation or membership association to learn more about the specifics of their programs.
Middle States Association of Colleges & Schools Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools
All ISG schools are accredited by the Middle States Association (MSA).
The U.S. Department of Education describes accredited organizations such as MSA as a “reliable authority as to the quality of education.” Accreditation is an external, objective validation of school quality and student achievement that fosters continuous school improvement.
Profile of a Middle States-Accredited Institution:
- Adheres to the Middle States Standards for Accreditation.
- Uses its mission, beliefs and goals as the basis for daily decision-making.
- Operates in the public interest and in accordance with ethical practice.
- Accepts responsibility for the level of performance of its students.
- Remains committed to continuous improvement in student learning and to its capacity to produce the levels of learning desired and expected by its community.
- Operates in a collegial and collaborative way with all of its stakeholders.
- Sustains its focus on implementing recommendations, addressing monitoring issues and correcting stipulations that may be part of its notification of accreditation and fulfills its maintenance requirements to the Commission.
Council of International Schools
All the ISG schools are members of the Council of International Schools (CIS).
CIS is a membership community working collaboratively to shape international education through professional services to schools, higher education institutions, and individuals. The CIS vision is to inspire the development of global citizens through high quality international education: connecting ideas, cultures, and educators from every corner of the world.
As a global non-profit membership organization, CIS provides services to primary and secondary schools, higher education institutions and individuals that share these ideals:
- A desire to provide students with the knowledge, skills and abilities to pursue their lives as global citizens.
- A commitment to high quality international education.
To achieve this goal, CIS members must infuse their programmes and offerings with international and intercultural perspective so that students can move forward with the attitudes and understanding that will provide them with a solid base wherever their studies or work may take them. Primary and secondary school members must further commit to undertaking an ongoing external quality assurance process to enhance student learning. - “About CIS”, CIS Website, May 22, 2023.
International Baccalaureate Organization
American School Dhahran and ISG Jubail are authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO).
The IB Diploma Programme (DP) is an academically challenging and balanced programme of education with final examinations that prepares students, aged 16 to 19, for success at university and life beyond. It has been designed to address the intellectual, social, emotional and physical well-being of students. The programme has gained recognition and respect from the world’s leading universities.
Any school, or group of schools, wishing to offer one or more International Baccalaureate programmes as an IB World School must first be authorized. The requirements are the same for all schools, and the procedure is designed to ensure that schools are well prepared to implement the programme(s) successfully. All IB World Schools are required to participate in an ongoing process of review and development, using the same programme standards and practices.
As part of its ongoing commitment to the development of a highly skilled global learning community, the IB provides a wide range of high-quality professional development opportunities to help new, experienced and expert school leaders and educators understand, support and successfully deliver IB programmes reflecting IB standards and practices.
British Schools Overseas
British School Dhahran and Sara Village School are accredited by British Schools Overseas (BSO).
British Schools Overseas, may only be used by schools that have been inspected by a team of inspectors approved by the British Department of Education. Our schools have been inspected against a common set of standards, applicable to independent schools in England.
A report is issued and made available to parents and prospective parents that informs of the quality of education and services at the school and how compatible it is with schools in England.
A significant part of the inspection looks at whether the British character is evident in a school’s ethos, curriculum, teaching and care for its students and their achievements. By receiving the accreditation, the school demonstrates that a student will be receiving an education equivalent to a British education in the UK.
British School Dhahran and Sara Village School both successfully passed their last inspection in March 2023.
British Schools in the Middle East
British School Dhahran is a member of British Schools in the Middle East (BSME).
British Schools in the Middle East is a network of British schools in the region. BSME offers support to principals, training for teachers to advance their careers and an annual conference, as well as high caliber academic, athletic and performing arts events and competitions for students.
The network the BSME offers its members is a highly valuable support system as it offers them the opportunity to share good practices, learn from each other and improve their programs.
Council of British International Schools
British School Dhahran is a member of the Council of British International Schools (COBIS).
COBIS is a membership association that represents more than 450 schools and organizations globally. High-quality COBIS schools, which educate over 165,000 students and employ more than 17,000 teachers, can be found in more than 80 countries across Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East and the Americas. COBIS Supporting Associates provide a wide range of services and resources to the international schools sector.
- Representing members and their interests, lobbying on their behalf with Government, education authorities and educational associations.
- Providing quality assurance of the highest standard with our Patron’s Accreditation and Compliance.
- Providing professional learning and CPD courses.
- Facilitating valuable connections, both online and face-to-face, for members based all around the world.
- Hosting opportunities for engaging, educational and inspiring interschool competitions and events for students of all ages.
- Providing valuable resources to promote and maintain excellent child protection and safer recruitment standards.
COBIS supports its members and represents their interests in Britain and overseas, particularly with Government, education authorities and educational associations.
Association of British Schools Overseas
British School Dhahran is a member of the Association of British Schools Overseas (AoBSO).
The Association of British Schools Overseas is a not-for-profit membership association recognised by the United Kingdom Department for Education (DfE). This means that AoBSO has a voice that is listened to on BSO matters within the international education sector and the UK government. AoBSO openly lobbies for the interests of its member schools and those aspiring to BSO accreditation. Operating under a Headteacher-led Board, AoBSO strives to connect the best in educational thinking and practices in schools worldwide. An association led by the leaders of some of the best British schools worldwide, AoBSO is unique in offering an environment in which best pedagogical and leadership practice is shared in order to achieve and maintain the highest educational outcomes for every pupil.