FAQs

All enrollment requirements must be met in order for a child to attend school. This includes medical, government and financial requirements. In order to prevent delays to your child’s start of school, you should upload all enrollment documents listed in your child’s admissions platform well in advance of the start of the school year. Our admissions, finance and nursing departments require 3-5 business days to review and confirm enrollment requirements are met. Enrollment requirements submitted in the two weeks prior to the start of the school year could lead to delays in your child’s entry date.

Applicants enrolling after October must complete medical and government requirements before their tuition invoice will be issued. In particular, parents are encouraged to complete the medical form, required vaccinations and report card authentication well in advance of their child’s anticipated entry date.

Remote assessments are available under the following conditions:

• The applicant is applying to Grades 2-12 or Years 3-13 for the upcoming school year.
• The applicant is unable to travel to the school for an in-person assessment.
• The admissions team can schedule an assessment that accommodates the applicant’s time zone, or the applicant’s current school is approved to proctor the remote assessment.
• A secure and monitored testing environment can be ensured.

Remote assessments for the current, in-session school year may be granted at the discretion of the Admissions and Enrollment Manager, considering the applicant’s expected arrival date and the family’s travel arrangements. Remote assessments during the school year should be scheduled no more than eight weeks prior to the anticipated school entry date. 

Eligibility Requirements for Remote Assessment

Applicants applying to Grades 2-12 or Years 3-13 may qualify for a remote assessment if they meet the following criteria:

1. Complete Application: A complete application is submitted, including the application fee, required documents and confidential reference(s).
2. Applicant Profile: The application and academic records indicate no behavioral, academic, learning, language, attendance or social-emotional concerns.

Grade 2/Year 3 applicants may only be assessed remotely after March of the school year.

An applicant who completes a remote assessment may still be required to attend an on-site assessment if further information is needed. This may occur if test results are inconclusive, testing conditions are invalid or if additional assessments are warranted due to language, learning or behavioral needs. In such cases, families will be notified, and an on-site appointment will be scheduled. Parent requests for in-person assessment after the parent has opted for a remote assessment will be granted on a case-by-case basis by the Admissions and Enrollment Manager.

For Pre-K–Grade 1 and Foundation Stage 1–Year 2 applicants, the admissions committee will attempt to make admissions decisions based on submitted application materials. If additional information is needed, an in-person assessment will be required.
 

Current ISG students are welcome to apply to another ISG school once admissions open for the next academic year.

Process

To request a transfer between ISG schools:

1. Submit an application to the new school through the ISG admissions portal.
2. Complete the application form and include contact information for your child’s current teacher(s) and counselor.
3. After submitting the application, email [email protected] so the admissions team can transfer your child’s records to the new school’s platform.
4. ISG Admissions will request grade reports and test scores from your child’s current school. If additional documents are needed, we will contact you.
5. Once all materials are received, the new school will review the application and issue a transfer decision by the admissions decision deadline.
6. Transfer decisions may result in acceptance, wait pool placement, or decline, depending on seat availability.

Guidelines

• Transfer applicants in good academic and behavioral standing with complete applications will receive priority consideration in each admissions round.
• Transfer requests follow ISG’s regular admissions and re-enrollment timelines. To receive priority consideration, transfer requests should be submitted by the round deadline.
• Students must attend their current ISG school for a full academic year to be eligible for a transfer.
• Mid-year transfers are not permitted.
• Transfers are not automatic and depend on seat availability at the new school.
• Additional assessments or reports may be required if there are curriculum differences or varying learning/language support needs between schools.
• All government, medical, and financial enrollment requirements must be fulfilled before a transfer can be processed.
• No application fee is required for transfer students; however, families are responsible for any difference in fees between the two schools.

Re-enrollment

• Students who apply for a transfer before the first-round admissions deadline will receive a decision before the re-enrollment period ends.
• Students who apply after the first-round deadline should re-enroll and pay the seat deposit at their current school to secure their ISG seat for the next school year. If the transfer is later approved, the admissions office will coordinate the transfer of enrollment to the new school.

An admissions assessment does not guarantee admission or seat availability, as openings may depend on the withdrawal of current students. If a grade level is full, ISG will maintain a limited wait pool of qualified applicants.

The wait pool is valid for the applying school year only (August–June). When a seat becomes available, the admissions committee reviews all students in the wait pool to determine placement. Each applicant is considered holistically, taking into account, though not limited to, the following factors: academic and behavioral standing, attendance and confidential references, admissions assessment results, siblings currently enrolled, organizational agreements, and/or availability of resources to support the applicant's needs.

In addition, ISG may consider classroom balance, such as gender representation and the range of academic or behavioral needs. Wait pool selection is not based on the date of application, and there is no predefined order for when a seat may be offered. 

If your child requires learning or language support, they may also be placed in the wait pool if no seats are available in the school’s support programs.

Notifications and Next Steps

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

If a seat becomes available, the admissions team will contact the selected applicant by email. Families must respond within two business days to accept the offer, or the seat may be offered to another applicant.

Applicants may be asked to provide updated school records before an offer can be confirmed.

At the end of the school year, families whose children remain in the wait pool will be contacted to confirm their interest in applying again for the following year. To be reconsidered, families must submit updated records and references, pay a new application fee, and complete a new assessment.

Offer Timelines by Grade Level

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

Grade Placement

Pre-K-Grade 1/FS1-Year 2

Applicants to Pre-K, Kindergarten, Foundation Stage, or Year 1 must meet Ministry of Education (MOE) age requirements. These age guidelines are published each spring and may change while an application is in process. If this occurs, your admissions specialist will advise you of your options.

For the 2025-26 school year, applicants must reach the required age by August 25, 2025:

• Pre-K / FS1: 3 years old
• KG1 / FS2: 4 years old
• KG2 / Year 1: 5 years old

Grades 1-12/Years 2-13

After the second semester of Grade 1 / Year 2, the MOE requires students to be placed according to the last completed grade or the grade currently in progress, according to the most recent report card. Report cards and/or leaving certificates must clearly indicate the student’s grade level and whether they have been promoted to the next grade.

Applicants Coming from Southern Hemisphere Schools

The ISG school year runs from mid-August to mid-June. Applicants transferring from schools that follow a southern hemisphere calendar (ending in November or December) should apply to the grade they are currently attending or have most recently completed.

Applicants in Online or Home-Based Learning Programs

Applicants without previous school records will be placed according to chronological age and assessment results. Students who have been homeschooled or enrolled in online programs must provide additional documentation for MOE approval (not applicable to U.S. citizens). Families are encouraged to discuss their specific circumstances with their admissions specialist before submitting the application fee.

The admissions team makes final decisions on grade-level placement after reviewing all application materials, assessments, and individual student needs.

Class Placement

Once a student is enrolled, the school leadership team determines class placement. Classes are designed to provide a balanced mix of genders, nationalities, and a range of language, learning, and behavioral needs. This approach supports an inclusive, well-rounded, and positive learning environment for all students.

You can check your child’s admissions status at any time through the admissions portal. Once the admissions review process is complete, your child’s status will be updated and you will receive an email notification.

Possible Admissions Statuses

Offer: Your child has been accepted for admission to ISG. The email will include information about the next steps to complete enrollment.

Wait Pool: Your child has been accepted, but due to high demand, 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 opens or you request removal from the wait pool. For details, please see the wait pool FAQ.

Declined: Your child has not been accepted at this time. This may be because they did not meet the admissions criteria or ISG is unable to meet their needs.

ISG welcomes applications from students of all nationalities. Please note that Saudi nationals applying to Grades 1-12/Years 2-13 must have Ministry of Education approval to attend ISG schools.

Admissions decisions are made by the review committee, which evaluates each applicant’s records, assessments, and overall potential to ensure a good match with the school’s academic program, mission, and philosophy.

Admissions Criteria

Applicants at all grade levels should demonstrate 

• grade-level academic progress
• positive behaviors that support a productive learning environment

Admissions decisions are based on whether ISG can appropriately support a student’s learning and whether space is available in our support programs. While ISG provides differentiated instruction and short-term, targeted interventions, we cannot offer ongoing, continuous support for students with significant academic or special needs. Due to limited resources, ISG is unable to admit students whose applications indicate substantial behavioral, social, emotional, or academic challenges.

Starting in Grade 2/Year 3, applicants are required to demonstrate a minimum level of English proficiency. Please see our English Language FAQ for minimum English requirements. Applicants in Grades 8-12/Years 9-13 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

• School Readiness – Applicants should demonstrate that they are developmentally ready to attend school. Children at these ages should demonstrate age-appropriate development in physical, cognitive, language, communication, social and self-help skills. 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.
• FS2 and Year 1 Applicants – 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.
• Toilet Training – To support ISG’s child protection policies and maintain a healthy learning environment, all students must be fully toilet-trained. Fully toilet-trained children 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

• General Entry: A minimum of three IGCSE passes at grade 5 (C grade) or higher, and three IGCSE passes at grade 6 (B grade) or higher
• For A level Mathematics, Biology and Chemistry: A minimum of a grade 7 (A grade)
• For A level Physics: A minimum of a grade 7 (A grade) at IGCSE Physics and a minimum of a grade 7 (A grade) at IGCSE Mathematics
• For A level Computer Science: A minimum of a grade 7 (A grade) at IGCSE Computer Science or ICT and a minimum of a grade 7 (A grade) at IGCSE Mathematics.
• For Further Mathematics: A minimum of a grade 8 (A* grade) at IGCSE Mathematics
• For all other A level Subjects not listed above: A minimum of a grade 6 (B grade) at IGCSE is required for the chosen subjects
• Students who did not take the British IGCSE or GCSE curriculum will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

The assessment process varies depending on the grade level your child is eligible to enter. 

Pre-K  to Grade 1 / Foundation Stage 1 to Year 2

Students residing in Saudi Arabia will be invited to an admissions play experience, where they will take part in a range of activities. During this visit, children will engage in a play group as well as a one-on-one assessment. The admissions team will observe and assess each child’s physical, cognitive, academic, and language development, as well as their self-help and social-emotional skills.

Applicants unable to attend a group play session will be scheduled for an individual assessment and a one-hour class visit.

A classroom observation or family interview may be required upon request of the admissions review committee.

Assessments for this age group must be completed in person and cannot be conducted remotely. Families relocating from outside Saudi Arabia will be assessed upon arrival.

Please note that the American and British curriculum requirements differ for this age group. Applicants to the British school are expected to demonstrate age-appropriate skills in phonics, numeracy, and literacy aligned with England’s Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Families may find it helpful to review the resource Development Matters for more information on early childhood learning expectations.

Grades 2-5 / Years 3-6

• Digital reading and math tests (MAP or GL)
• Writing assessment
• Applicant interview

Applicants who do not meet English language proficiency requirements will take an English language proficiency test. A classroom observation or family interview may be required upon request of the admissions review committee.

Grades 6-8 / Years 7-9

• Digital reading and math tests (MAP or GL)
• Writing assessment
• Applicant interview

Applicants who do not meet English language proficiency requirements will take an English language proficiency test. A family interview may be required upon request of the admissions review committee.

Grades 9-12 / Years 10-11

• Digital reading and math tests (MAP or GL)

A family or applicant interview may be required upon request of the admissions review committee.

Year 12

• Digital reading and math tests (MAP or GL)
• Assessments in the applicant's requested subject areas
• Writing assessment
• Applicant interview

Can the assessment requirement be waived?

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

Can assessments be given remotely?

Remote assessments can be given under certain conditions. Only students currently in Grades 2-12/Year 3-13 are eligible for remote assessments. Please contact the admissions office for further details.

Each school has a slightly different start time. Students are expected to arrive between 7:30-7:40 a.m. Classes start between 7:50 and 8:00 a.m. and run until 2:30 p.m. After school activities run throughout the week from 2:30-3:30 p.m.  Sports training for middle school and high school students run on their own schedules during the week and occasionally on the weekends too.

Parents are an important part of our ISG family and we offer a number of ways parents can engage with us.  Each school has a parent volunteer group that helps organize and support larger events throughout the year such as International Day, bake sales and seasonal celebrations. In our elementary classes, teachers often request support from parents for special celebrations during the year. Please see your school’s handbook for information about joining the school’s parent volunteer group.

Yes. Activities include art, programming, mindfulness, yoga, board games, chess, public speaking, Model United Nations, debate, fun with math, dance, zumba and much more. We make sure to include activities that engage students, develop their interests, explore their creativity and learn new skills.

Middle school and high school students also have the option of joining sports that include volleyball, football, badminton, basketball, table tennis, cross country and swimming. Teams go on to participate in competitions against other schools in the district and the Kingdom, with some overseas travel for competitions on occasion.  We have a strong athletic program with world-class facilities on offer. Intra-school and inter-school competition sees many of our students compete in different parts of the GCC region.  ISG offers a range of after-school activities to our students, and we encourage everyone to get involved.

Music, drama and art classes provide ISG students with an outlet to express themselves, with guidance from passionate staff. Arts exhibits, performance opportunities and international exchanges offer growth opportunities away from the classroom, exposing students to cultural and curricular challenges.

ISG students are encouraged to join established clubs or start their own groups that attract similar-minded peers. More information about after-school activities can be found on the schools' pages.

ISG does not offer school transportation. Most residential compounds offer daily transportation to and from school, and some even offer transportation when students have after-school activities. Please check with your employer and compound to see if this is a service they support. Alternatively, parents may arrange private transportation.

The American School Dhahran (ASD) and the British School Dhahran (BSD) have cafeterias that offer daily lunch options including hot meals, salads, soups and vegetarian meals. Lunch on campus is approximately SAR 20. At BSD, students who are in FS1 - Year 2 are asked to bring their lunch each day.

Both ASD and BSD also have a Starbucks vendor on site with drink options available to senior students, parents and staff.

ISG Dammam has a cafeteria that offer daily lunch options including hot meals, salads, soups and vegetarian meals. Lunch on campus is approximately SAR 20, and students have access to a Joffrey’s kiosk that sells snack items.

ISG Jubail offers a daily lunch option including a meal, side and drink. The lunch option is approximately SAR 15. ISG Jubail students also have access to a Joffrey’s kiosk that sells snack items.

Sara Village School students must bring their lunch to school each day.

The ISG dress policy is outlined in our student handbooks and reviewed each year.  Please make sure you are familiar with our current requirements before your child begins the school year.

British School of Dhahran (BSD) and  Sara Village School (SVS) require students to wear a school uniform each day.  BSD school uniforms may be purchased from ZAKS uniform store. SVS uniforms may be purchased at SVS. Please make arrangements to purchase your child’s uniform in advance of their start date. Information about the school's uniform is in the handbook. 

While the American School Dhahran (ASD), ISG Dammam and ISG Jubail do not have uniform requirements, they do have a dress code, which can be found in their school handbooks.

ASD and ISG Dammam students are required to wear school-branded physical education clothing for P.E. classes and competitions. ASD and ISG Dammam PE uniforms can be purchased from ZAKS uniform store. ISG Jubail students must wear athletic clothing during PE class.

Yes. ISG is a proud member of some of the most recognized educational networks and organizations in the world including:

• Near East South Asia Council of Overseas Schools (NESA)
• The Council of International Schools (CIS)
• British Schools of the Middle East (BSME)
• Association of the Advancement of International Education (AAEI)

ISG schools are recognized by the world’s top education accreditation bodies:

• All our ISG schools are accredited by The Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS)
• British School Dhahran and Sara Village School are accredited by British School Overseas (BSO)
• American School Dhahran and ISG Jubail are authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO).

Admissions Rounds 

If you submit a complete application, including all required documents and the application fee, by the first or second-round admissions deadline, you will receive an admissions decision by the published notification date.

Rolling Admissions

Rolling admissions assessments begin in April, with decisions released starting in May. After May, the admissions team aims to provide a decision within ten working days of receiving a complete application and/or completing any required assessments.

British School Dhahran and ISG Dammam accept students starting at 3 years old. American School Dhahran and ISG Jubail accept students starting at 4 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 (MOE) age guidelines.

For the 2026-27 school year, applicants must reach the following ages by August 24:

• Pre-K / FS1: 3 years old
• KG1 / FS2: 4 years old
• KG2 / Year 1: 5 years old