The KAUST School

The school is guided by a mission to ignite curiosity, inspire creativity, and investigate solutions within a nurturing environment. Its core values include adaptability, innovation, diversity, inclusivity, and responsibility, which are intended to empower learners to contribute to a complex world. The Early Years division is specifically inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, emphasizing play and structured inquiry.

The school offers the full continuum of the International Baccalaureate (IB) program from Early Years through Grade 12. In the high school, students complete the TKS Diploma, with many also pursuing the full IB Diploma or a customized combination of courses. The curriculum is supported by 114 unique courses and includes specialized focus areas such as music, arts, and STEM.

The school reports significant academic success, including $10 million in scholarship offers received by students in 2024. High school students have the opportunity to participate in internships at KAUST University, with 87 students having completed such placements. Graduates are prepared for university through a diverse academic program and the option to pursue the full IB Diploma.

Learning support is available for students with mild-to-moderate learning needs, including access to speech and language pathology and occupational therapy. English language support is provided for students from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 5, with an expectation that students demonstrate proficiency in English by Grade 6. For students requiring services beyond the standard level of support, the school may require families to fund additional costs associated with specialized staff and resources.

Enrollment is exclusive to children of the KAUST community who reside on the university campus. The admissions process involves a review of academic records, including report cards, transcripts, and standardized test results, and may include on-site or online assessments. Applications are accepted throughout the year, with a final entry date of March 31, and priority is given to students already residing on campus.

The school operates on a semester-based system, with new students encouraged to join at the start of each semester. The academic year typically begins in August, and the school maintains specific divisional calendars for Early Years, Elementary, Middle, and High School, as well as a dedicated calendar for activities and athletics. Applications for August start dates are encouraged by May 15, while January start dates are encouraged by November 15.

The school operates across two main campuses: one dedicated to Early Years and another for Elementary, Middle, and High School students. The campus features modern, innovative learning environments, including indoor and outdoor spaces, specialized labs, and maker-spaces for design technology and robotics. All students from Grade 6 to 12 are provided with IT hardware and software, and the school maintains a 1:1 connected campus environment.

The school offers an inclusive activities and athletics program designed to foster well-rounded, adaptable students. Students have access to a wide range of opportunities in music, arts, and STEM, which are integrated into the school experience to encourage the pursuit of passions and the development of lifelong skills. These programs are supported by state-of-the-art facilities, including specialized labs and maker-spaces.