It is the oldest international school in town and still today is a hidden treasure among other international schools. The Italian School of Jeddah was founded in 1966 as a private, non-profit institution in order to meet the needs of numerous Italian families present in the Kingdom at that time. Today the school has students from many countries of the Mediterranean area. It prides itself on the excellence of results achieved by its students when moving back to their own countries as well as to major schools in Italy, UK and US.

This excellence doesn’t happen by chance: it is the direct result of the school’s teaching approach, where in a very family-oriented environment, the small number of children per class allows the teachers to enrich the program and also tailor it to each child’s full potential and aspirations.

Great attention is given to identify and support pupils’ individual strengths. The school aims to foster education from within by connecting with each child.

The school promotes an international culture based on the values of understanding and respect. While still following the programs and instructions of the Italian Ministry of Education, it operates autonomously within the framework of freedom of teaching provided by the Italian Constitution. Curricula are flexed to include elements of all diverse cultures of the Mediterranean area.

Children exit the school with an outstanding, second-to-none academic preparation; with self-confidence, curiosity and love for discovering the truth, trust, respect for others and other cultures.

The parents are encouraged to take part in the school life and communication with the teachers and the school happens daily and informally as well as in more formal events. Extra curricular activities are organized depending on parents’ requests each year.

The school has three levels of education: Kindergarten (3-5 years), primary school (6-10 years), secondary school 1* degree  (11-13 years). Subjects are taught in Italian and English with Arabic as third language.

The school is sustained by the Italian community with the help of Italian companies, and the support of Italian residents and the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It is managed by a board of directors, which includes a representative of the Consulate General of Italy, members of the largest contributor companies and the pupils’ parents. Since 1981, the Italian school is located in one of the most beautiful district of the city on the Corniche and it is able to accommodate up to 200 students. The Italian and Saudi authorities recognize the school.