Originally known as the Dhahran Academy, and subsequently growing into the Dhahran Elementary and Middle School and the Dhahran High School, the ISG American School Dhahran was first established in 1962. In 2022, 60 years after its foundation, the school has been renamed as part of its transfer to a purpose-built campus in the Aziziyah area of Al Khobar – some 25 km away from its previous location.

The story so far...

American School Dhahran is part of the International Schools Group (ISG), which was founded originally to serve the needs of U.S. Consulate employees. The school started with two teachers and six students and was known for many years as Dhahran Academy. As enrollment grew at the Dhahran campus, the school was divided into Dhahran Elementary Middle School (DEMS) and Dhahran High School (DHS) - the first American curriculum high school in Saudi Arabia.

By 1978, ISG had expanded to include other schools in Saudi Arabia including the ISG British School Dhahran which is co-located with ASD on the new campus in Al Khobar. With the planned change of location, in 2021, the US curriculum schools were merged under the new name of American School Dhahran (ASD).

ASD is a not-for-profit school, licensed by the Ministry of Education in Saudi Arabia. From KG1 to Grade 12, ASD serves approximately 1,102 students who represent 54 nationalities. In 1981, it was the first school in the Middle East to receive accreditation from a U.S. accrediting agency (Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools). In addition to MSA, ASD is also accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the International Baccalaureate Organization for the IB Diploma Program. 

ASD describes itself as “an accredited, not-for profit, K-12 school with an uncompromising commitment to educational excellence. Our dedicated staff ensure optimal student learning in a safe, positive and stimulating environment.”
The school Mission is “We inspire innovation and compassionate action.” Its Core Values are - ‘Respect, acceptance, integrity, responsibility ...with a commitment to act.’

The school is led by Principal Ronnie Caldwell who has been an educator since 2001 and involved in international education since 2006. He began his teaching career at the American Institute of Learning in Austin, Texas and then spent several years working for the Houston Public School District. His career abroad began at the Almaty International School in Kazakhstan, followed by the American International School of Chennai, India and, in 2012, ISG. Ronnie worked as both a teacher and Assistant Principal at Yanbu International School (an ISG-owned school that closed in 2018) before becoming the Assistant Principal at DHS and now the Principal at ASD. Mr. Caldwell holds a master’s degree in educational leadership. 

Although detailed information about the teaching staff is not provided, the school states that it employs only certified teaching staff who are predominantly from North America, but may also come from Europe, South Africa or Australia. 

What about the curriculum?

ASD offers an American standards-based curriculum culminating in either the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program or a wide range of AP courses. Students receive an accredited High School Diploma.  The school offers the US Common Core for Maths and English Language Arts, the C3 Framework for Social Studies, Music/Visual Arts through Core Arts Standards, and ACTFL Standards for global language education.  Elementary students receive teaching from specialists for art, physical education, general music, Arabic and library skills, whilst Middle School students may select art, band, choir and other elective subjects based on the expertise and experience of the Middle School faculty.

The High school offers 60 college-preparatory courses, including 10 courses at the honors level - the Advanced Placement program which offers 20 AP courses; the full IB Diploma Program which offers 28 courses including Theory of Knowledge (TOK) and 12 IB Certificate courses (a 'slimmed down' version of the full IB Diploma program). The AP Capstone program began in 2014 and was developed by the College Board to improve college readiness and critical thinking skills for university-bound students. Students earn an AP Capstone diploma by taking any four AP courses in addition to two required courses, AP Seminar and AP Research.

High school subjects include English, math, science, social studies, global languages, physical education, fine arts, technology, health and electives. Each student must be enrolled in 16 semester classes and have a minimum total credit of 24.0 (recommended 27.5) in order to graduate from ASD. A required one year course in Arabic Culture is taken by all students. 

ASD strives to offer students a well-rounded, balanced learning experience that contributes not only to their intellectual development but also to their personal, social, physical, health, moral and emotional development. The school commits to offer a first class program that allows an abundance of opportunities for students focusing on Activities, Skills, Service, Arts, Activity -Based and Leadership.

The school offers a wide range of After School Activities (54 at the time of writing) and students are also encouraged to involve themselves in community service – a requirement for students participating in the IB Diploma program. ASD contributes annually to the Qatif Charitable Society Orphans Committee to help purchase clothing and food for underprivileged Saudi families in the Qatif area. The school also encourages the younger grade students to develop their own areas for service to the community, helping to develop them as fully rounded, caring individuals.

As would be expected of an American curriculum school, sports (athletics) is a prime focus.  ASD has a total of 35 sports teams and students can take part in a range of sport both as part of the curriculum and in competition across a number of different leagues, including NESAC, SAIKAC and Oasis, with trips to schools in the UAE, Egypt and Qatar as well as within KSA. Additionally, students enter Arts competitions such as Band and Choir and MUN via the membership of NESAC. 

What about support for students with additional learning needs?

The school says it provides academic support to students who need additional help to succeed in the classroom; some of these students have been identified as having a specific learning disability. The school does not provide services for students who need considerable academic support, and the school does not have a special education department.

However, using the WIDA and Common Core State Standards, the Learning Support team for the elementary and middle years does support students “who are culturally and linguistically diverse.”

What about Academic Achievement?

ASD does not appear to produce a High School Profile, but has published its academic results for the 2021-22 academic year, noting that students achieved an average score of 34 points for the IB Diploma (the global average score for 2021-22 was 32 points) and that 92 % AP students achieved scores of 3+.  Unfortunately, the school does not indicate the number of students taking part in each program making it difficult to judge whether the scores are based on a few high achievers or a more broadly inclusive cohort of students.

Before students embark on their final studies, ASD carries out a broad range of assessment, focusing on six fundamental aspects of learning. The first three measure student achievement: what students know, how well students transfer their knowledge to authentic performance tasks and how well students are able to communicate their learning. The subsequent three categories measure student learning behaviors: organization, engagement and collaboration.

ASD offers a range of standardized tests including MAP, SAT 10, PSAT, ACT, SAT I and SAT II.  
All students in Grades 2-10 take the MAP (Measures of Academic Performance) Test in September and May. The data derived from MAP tests is seen as a powerful tool for monitoring student growth over time. Students are tested twice yearly with the September testing session being a 'pre-test' to give teachers information to prepare for the year and the May testing session acting as the 'post-test' to check growth during that year. 

Students in Grades 10 and 11 take the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT). The American College Test (ACT) is offered twice a year to students in their junior or senior years. ACT is a subject-based college entrance exam accepted by many colleges and universities in the United States. SAT exams are offered to students during their junior and senior years and include the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT I) and the subject area Scholastic Aptitude Test II (SAT II). 

ASD students have a long tradition of being accepted into some of the most highly regarded universities including Stanford, Yale, UC Berkeley, MIT, Columbia, London School of Economics, University of Toronto, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

What about the Facilities?

The new school campus, shared with the British School Dhahran, was designed by the award-winning architectural firm of Godwin Austen Johnson, winning a special award in the Cityscape Intelligence KSA Awards in March 2021. Built over an area of 70,000 square meters, the design incorporates the latest aspects of modern architecture with state-of-the-art features. 

Specialist facilities include state-of-the-art science labs and computer rooms, a Music room with designated recording/practice rooms, various blended learning hubs and breakout spaces for small group learning, two libraries including a Senior library and Junior library - open concept with easy access from the classrooms, an Amphitheatre which can double as an assembly and performance area, a Drama blackbox room, and a Cafeteria that opens to outdoor eating area with direct view of the sports field. 

New purpose-built playground areas with modern equipment have been installed, together with an Early years specific outdoor play area with direct classroom access for ease of indoor/outdoor learning. In support of both performing arts and sports, a Multipurpose hall with built-in grandstand, pull out bleachers and sound system offering a full size basketball court, 2 practice basketball courts, 3 volleyball courts and 4 badminton courts. 

A new 25 meter swimming pool, offering six lanes, with regulated timers and tiered outdoor seating for spectators, covered year round and a Learner’s pool for beginner swimmers and younger students have also been included in the design.

An Astroturf sports field equivalent to two full size FIFA soccer pitches, and a 110 meter running track and long jump pit are available for ball sports and athletics.

Further fitness facilities include an Aerobics room, a Weight training room, a MUGA (Multi Use Games Area) with specialized polyurethane surface which includes 2 basketball courts, 3 volleyball courts and 2 tennis courts and there are also two shaded external basketball courts. 

The Buzz

ASD says its recognises that students whose parents are interested in their work do better at school. Therefore, the school views parents as partners in the education and personal growth of their child.  In addition to regular feedback through Parent-Teacher meetings, there are many opportunities for parents to become involved in the life of the school, particularly in the younger years, including becoming a volunteer for events like Saudi National Day or International Day.

The Parent Volunteer Group (PVG) sponsors a number of events throughout the school year, including Hot Dog Day, the annual Walk-a-thon, Dads and Donuts and Moms and Muffins. In the High school years, all parents are members of the PVG and have the opportunity to volunteer throughout the school year. From athletic events to to WOW Courses, there is an opportunity for every parent to get involved and support ASD.

It is evident that ASD is operated very much in line with community schools in the US, with students and their families at the heart of school.

If you are a parent, teacher or student at American School Dhahran, please share your opinions and experience with other potential members of your community and complete our Survey.

What about the fees?

Fees at ASD range from 76,725 SAR for KG1 and KG2, reducing to 66,650 SAR for students in Grades 1 to 5, 65,325 SAR for Grades 6 to 8 and 73,200 SAR for Grades 9 to 12 exclusive of VAT.

Families with three or more children at an ISG school are eligible for a discount on tuition. The discount applies to the third child (and subsequent children) in the youngest grade(s) only. The discount is 20% of that child's tuition. If the installment plan is chosen, the discounted rate will be applied equally to all installment payments.

An application fee of SAR 1,380 (SAR 1,200 plus 15% VAT) must accompany each application. A non-refundable SAR 5,000 seat deposit, per student, is required to reserve a seat for the school year. This is not an additional fee as this amount is credited towards tuition. New students enrolled will be charged a non-refundable New Student Enrollment Fee of SAR 10,000 (excl. VAT). 

ASD offers parents the possibility to pay the annual Tuition and Fees in three (3) installments through the Installment Plan Method. The associated cost for the Installment Plan is SAR 2,000 (excl. VAT) per student per year. For students who will not be in attendance for the whole school year, provided it is declared before the start of the school year, a Partial-Year Enrollment Plan is available at a cost of SAR 2,000 (excl. VAT). 

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