Admissions FAQs

We encourage you to visit one of our campuses to see our facilities and learn about ISG’s programs.

Weekly tours are available by appointment only. If you are scheduling an in-person visit, you must bring a valid ID to clear security. A visitor's badge will be provided and must be worn visibly during your time with us. 

To schedule a visit, please sign up via the Book a Tour page.

If you are unable to visit in person, please view our virtual tours:

If you are unable to visit in person, please contact [email protected] for more information about our virtual tours.

• American School Dhahran
• British School Dhahran
• ISG Dammam
• ISG Jubail
• Sara Village School

We receive many applications, and space in some grades is limited. ISG reviews applications for the following school year in two rounds, followed by rolling admissions. Submitting your child’s application during the first round of admissions for their grade/year gives them a stronger chance of acceptance, as it will be reviewed alongside the initial group of applicants. Please see our Admissions Process page for specific deadlines for the academic year.

We understand that many families move to KSA outside of the usual admissions period, and we will do our best to support your family’s needs. Pre-K-Grade 8 and FS1-Year 9 applicants may apply for rolling admissions throughout the academic year as long as seats are available and Ministry of Education requirements can be met.

Grade 9-12 and Year 10-13 applicants may be eligible for rolling admissions after the start of the school year depending on seat availability, the academic program they are applying to, and Ministry of Education requirements. Please reach out to the admissions team to see if your child is eligible to apply.

If you apply for your child to join ISG after the start of the school year, you may be required to submit documentation that your child has been enrolled in another school. Due to Ministry of Education and curricular requirements, it is difficult for ISG to accept students who have been out of school for a significant period of time. 

The assessment process varies depending on the grade level your child is eligible to enter. Please note that we are updating our admissions assessment process for those applying for the 2025-26 school year.

2024-25 Applicants

Pre-K - Kindergarten 2 / Foundation Stage 1 - Year 1

Applicants sit a one-on-one, age-appropriate assessment that measures numeracy, language skills, motor skills and conceptual understanding. Applicants in this age group may be invited to attend a classroom visit. A family interview may be required upon request of the admissions committee. Assessments for this age group must be conducted in person. 

Grade 1/ Year 2

Applicants sit a one-on-one, age-standardized assessment in English (reading and writing) and math. Applicants in this age group may be invited to attend a classroom visit. A family interview may be required upon request of the admissions committee. Assessments for this age group must be conducted in person. 

Grades 2-8 / Years 3 - 9

Applicants sit a set of standardized tests (NWEA MAP or GL) in math and English. Additionally, they will complete a writing assessment. A classroom visit or family interview may be required upon request of the admissions committee.

Grades 9-12 / Years 10-13

Applicants submit standardized test scores taken within six months of the application. If no test scores are available, the applicant will sit a set of standardized tests (NWEA MAP or GL) in math and English. A writing sample, student interview or family interview may be required upon request of the admissions committee.

2025-26 Applicants

Pre-K - Kindergarten 2 / Foundation Stage 1 - Year 1

Applicants in this age group submit a play video, and their parents participate in a parent interview. Students residing in KSA will be invited to participate in an admissions play experience, where they will engage in a range of activities. During this visit, the admissions team will assess the applicants' physical, cognitive, academic, and language development, as well as their self-help and social-emotional skills. Applicants who cannot attend a group play session will be scheduled for an individual assessment and a one-hour class visit.

For applicants unable to travel to KSA for an in-person assessment, the admissions review committee will evaluate the application materials to make an initial determination of admissibility. If deemed admissible, remote applicants may receive a one-year conditional offer. However, if further information is required, the child will need to attend an in-person assessment. Please note that assessments for this age group cannot be conducted remotely.

Please note that the American and British school curriculum varies for this age group, and the British school also requires phonics, numeracy, and literacy skills in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum of England. Parents applying for their children to join the Foundation Stage may wish to review Development Matters, a resource that outlines children’s expected development across their early years.

Grade 1/ Year 2 (Terms 1-2)

Applicants sit a one-on-one assessment in reading, writing and math. Applicants in this age group will be invited to attend either a group assessment or a one-hour classroom visit. Parents will also participate in an interview. Assessments for this age group must be conducted in person.

Grades 2-5 / Years 4-6

The applicant will take digital standardized tests (NWEA MAP or GL) in math and reading. Applicants will also complete a writing assessment and family interview. Applicants who do not meet English language proficiency requirements will take an English language proficiency test. A classroom observation may be required upon request of the admissions review committee.

If applicants are able to submit standardized test scores taken within six months of the application, some of the admissions assessment requirements may be waived. Accepted assessments include MAP, GL, CAT4, STAAR, and ITBS.

Remote assessments will be given under certain conditions. Please contact the admissions office for further details.

Grades 6-8 / Years 7-9

The applicant will take digital standardized tests (NWEA MAP, GL or iDAT) in math and reading. Applicants will also complete a writing assessment. Applicants who do not meet English language proficiency requirements will take an English language proficiency test. A family or applicant interview may be required upon request of the admissions review committee.

If applicants are able to submit standardized test scores taken within six months of the application, some of the admissions assessment requirements may be waived. Accepted assessments include MAP, GL, CAT4, STAAR, and ITBS.

Remote assessments will be given under certain conditions. Please contact the admissions office for further details.

Grades 9-12 / Years 10-13

The applicant will take digital standardized tests (NWEA MAP, GL or iDAT) in math and reading. Year 12 applicants will take assessments in English writing and their chosen subject areas. Applicants who do not meet English language proficiency requirements will take an English language proficiency test. A family or applicant interview may be required upon request of the admissions review committee.

If applicants are able to submit standardized test scores taken within six months of the application, some of the admissions assessment requirements may be waived. Accepted assessments include MAP, GL, CAT4, STAAR, ITBS, PSAT and SAT.

Remote assessments will be given under certain conditions. Please contact the admissions office for further details.
 

ISG welcomes applications from students of all nationalities who are able to meet the demands of an academically challenging curriculum. In making admissions decisions, places are offered to those applicants whose experiences and records indicate that they will succeed in our school’s academic program. ISG also seeks to ensure an appropriate match between a prospective student and family and the mission and philosophy of the school.

Admission decisions are made by the admissions review committee. The committee carefully evaluates each applicant’s file and assessment results. Selection is based on a combination of academic qualifications and individual potential, ensuring that decisions serve the best interests of both the applicant and the existing student body.

Students applying to all grade levels are expected to demonstrate grade-level academic skills and positive behavior that supports a productive learning environment for themselves and others.

ISG provides differentiated instructions and targeted interventions, but ISG has limited resources for students with special needs and can only assist students with mild disabilities. ISG is unable to accept students whose applications indicate significant behavioral, social, emotional or academic needs. Admissions decisions are made based on whether we can appropriately support a student's learning and whether there is availability in our support programs.

Starting in Grade 3/Year 4, applicants are required to demonstrate a minimum level of English proficiency. Please see our FAQ on minimum English requirements. Applicants in Grades 9-12/Years 10-13 must exhibit grade-level English skills. Our language and learning support programs have limited availability. When seats or resources are unavailable, applicants may be placed in a wait pool or declined. ISG does not offer a gifted and talented program.

Please note that some academic programs have specific admission requirements.

Pre-K-KG2 / FS1 - Year 1

Applicants should demonstrate that they are developmentally ready to attend school. Because children in these age groups reach developmental milestones at different rates, ISG may decline children who need more time or support to demonstrate school readiness. Children at these ages should demonstrate age-appropriate development in physical, cognitive, communication, social and self-help skills. Applicants to FS2 and Year 1 should also demonstrate an understanding of phonics, literacy and numeracy in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum of England for each year group.

To support ISG’s child protection policies and maintain a healthy learning environment, all applicants must be fully toilet trained. Fully toilet-trained applicants should be able to recognize and communicate their toileting needs, manage their clothing, clean themselves, and wash and dry their hands independently.

British School Dhahran IGCSE Program Requirements

Due to the rigor of the program, IGCSE applicants should demonstrate attainment at or above grade level. Strong study skills and learning behaviors are also necessary for success in this two-year program.

British School Dhahran A Level Program Requirements

The A Level program requires at least six IGCSE passes, including at least three grades of A or 7 and three grades of C or 5. An A or 7 is required for those who wish to enroll in chemistry. An A or 7 in mathematics and an A or 7 in physics are required for those who would like to enroll in physics. For all other subject choices, students must receive a 6 or B IGCSE grade. External students not taking IGCSEs need to undertake and pass admissions examinations in English writing and in their chosen subjects.

You may check your child’s admissions status at any time in your child’s admissions portal.

After the admissions review process is completed, the applicant status will be updated to one of the following statuses, and you will receive a decision notification via email.

Offer: Your child is accepted for admission to ISG. You will be advised of the next steps for enrollment.

Wait Pool: Your child is accepted for admission to ISG. However, due to the high demand for seats, a place is not currently available. If a seat becomes available, you will be notified. Your child will remain in the wait pool until a seat becomes available or until you indicate your child should be removed from the wait pool. Please see the wait pool guidelines.

Declined: Your child has not been accepted for admission to ISG at this time. Either they did not meet the admissions criteria, or ISG is unable to meet their needs

British School Dhahran and ISG Dammam accept students starting from three years old. American School Dhahran and ISG Jubail accept students starting from four years old. If your child is applying to Pre-K, Kindergarten, Foundation Stage, or Year 1, your admissions specialist will confirm the appropriate grade placement based on Ministry of Education age guidelines. For the 2024-25 school year, Pre-K/FS1, KG1/FS2, and KG2/Year 1 applicants must turn 3, 4, or 5, respectively, by August 19 of the school year.

Applicants to Pre-K, Kindergarten, Foundation Stage or Year 1 must meet Ministry of Education (MOE) age requirements. The age guidelines are published each year in the spring and may change while an application is in process. If this occurs, your admissions specialist will advise you of your options. For the 2024-25 school year, Pre-K/FS1, KG1/FS2, and KG2/Year 1 applicants must turn 3, 4, or 5, respectively, by August 19.

After the second semester of Grade 1/Year 2, the MOE requires students to be placed in grades according to their last completed grade or the grade currently in progress. For this reason, your child’s report card and/or leaving certificate must clearly state their grade and whether they have been promoted or passed to the next grade.

The ISG school year begins in mid-August and ends in mid-June. Applicants applying to ISG after the first semester from a school located on a southern hemisphere calendar, where the school year ends in November or December, should apply to the grade in which they are currently enrolled or to the grade they have just completed.

Applicants without previous school records will be placed according to chronological age and assessment results. Applicants who have been homeschooled or who have participated in online schooling must submit additional documentation for MOE approval. Applicants should discuss their individual situation with their admissions specialist before submitting the application fee.

The admissions review committee makes final decisions on grade-level assignments. Decisions are made after careful consideration and based on all application documentation, assessments and individual student needs.

After enrollment, the school leadership team will determine your child’s class placement. Classes are created to ensure a balanced mix of genders and nationalities as well as language, learning and behavioral needs. This approach helps foster a well-rounded, inclusive and supportive classroom environment for all students.

An admissions assessment does not guarantee that a seat is available, nor that your child will be admitted, as availability of seats may be contingent on the withdrawal of current students. If a grade is full, we will maintain a limited wait pool of accepted applicants. The wait pool is maintained for the applying school year only (August-June).

When a seat becomes available, the admissions committee will review all candidates in the wait pool to consider each one in the context of one another for placement, guided by, but not limited to, the following factors: academic and behavioral standing, attendance, confidential references, admissions assessment results, siblings currently in attendance, organizational agreements, and the availability of resources to meet the applicant’s needs. In selecting applicants from the wait pool, ISG may also consider the balance of genders and academic or behavioral needs in the classroom. Wait pool selection is not determined by the date of application, nor is there a predefined order when it comes to when and if an applicant in the wait pool will be offered a seat.

If your child is in need of learning or language support, they may be placed in the wait pool if there are no seats available in the school’s support program.

Applicants applying before the start of the school year will be notified of their wait pool status by the end of the current school year and at least two weeks prior to the start of the school year.

If a seat becomes available, the admissions team will contact the next selected applicant from that grade/year group’s wait pool via email. If you are notified that a seat has become available for your child, you must respond within two business days to accept the seat, or the admissions team may offer the seat to another applicant in the wait pool. Wait pool applicants may be asked to update their school records before a seat can be offered.

At the end of each school year, if your child remains in the wait pool, you will be contacted to determine your interest in applying for the following year. If you wish for your child to be considered for the next academic year, you must update their application with current records and references, submit a new application fee and complete a new assessment.

Pre-K/FS1 through Grade 8/Year 9 applicants may be offered seats up until the last six weeks of school. Grades 9-12 applicants may be offered seats through the first three weeks of each semester. Years 10-13 applicants may be offered seats through the first four weeks of the school year.

We continually invest in resources and professional development to support our diverse student population. However, our language support program has limited services and capacity. Language support is only available at certain grade levels and may be dependent on the staffing available at each school.

We are able to admit early elementary and primary students who are non-English speakers and those who have a basic use of English. However, due to the language demands of the curriculum and the limited support available, it becomes increasingly important that students have a strong use of the English language in the upper elementary and secondary years.

During the application process, applicants from Grades 1-12/Years 2-13 who are non-native English speakers may be assessed to determine whether we have the programs and resources available to support their language development. Applicants in Grades 1-8/Years 2-9 whose English language proficiency is still developing may be placed in an English Language Learners program. Students who do not meet the minimum English level requirements for the grade will not be admitted.

The minimum language requirements are described below. While we are able to accept students at these levels, admission may be dependent on whether a language support program is available at the specific grade level and campus. In addition, the language support program has a limited number of seats available, so students may be placed in the wait pool if there is no availability in the program.

Pre-K-Grade 1/FS1-Year 2: There are no minimum language proficiency requirements.

Grades 2-4/Years 3-5: Applicants must demonstrate a beginning level of English proficiency.

Grades 5-7/Years 6-8: Applicants must demonstrate an expanding level of English proficiency, They should be able to understand familiar topics regularly encountered in school, write basic texts with reasons and explanations and read text at an intermediate level.

Grades 8-12/Years 9-13: Applicants must be proficient users of English. They should be able to communicate in English in new or unfamiliar settings, read independently with considerable fluency, comprehend grade-level texts and produce clear, well-structured texts of differing lengths and degrees of complexity.

If your child requires language support services, we recommend contacting our admissions team to learn more about our minimum entry requirements, services and availability.

At ISG, we are committed to working with families to ensure each child is placed in an educational environment that best meets their needs. We continually invest in resources and professional development to better support our diverse student population. However, our learning support program has limited services and capacity, and we are only equipped to accommodate students with mild learning needs.

Our accommodations are designed for students within general education classrooms. We do not provide one-on-one support, small group or individual special education services, modified curriculum, therapies, or significantly differentiated curriculum. Typically, each division has one learning support teacher who assists multiple students across various grades and classrooms.

If your child requires learning support services, please contact [email protected] before applying. Our admissions team can offer a preliminary review of your child’s needs to determine if our support programs may be a fit. We may ask you to provide educational psychology reports, learning plans, medical documentation, and/or a list of current accommodations or modifications. Based on this information, we will advise if we can support your child and whether we recommend proceeding with the application process.

Please note that a recommendation to proceed is not a guarantee of admission. Final admissions decisions are made by our review team and are based on whether we can appropriately support a child's learning and whether we have capacity within our learning support program.

If you submit a complete application, including all required documents and fees, by the first or second-round admissions deadline, you will receive a decision by the published decision notification date. Rolling admissions assessments will begin in April, with rolling admissions decisions released starting in May. For all rolling admissions after May, the admissions team will aim to provide an admissions decision within ten working days of the complete application and/or assessment.