About us
History & Accreditations
The Italian School of Jeddah was founded in 1966 as a request of the many Italian families residing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at that time.
The School was subsidized by the Italian community, Italian enterprises, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs becoming fully operational as a private non-profit institution, thanks to the agreement with the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Education.
Over time, the Italian demand reduced, while the request of foreign students increased. In 1995 the School started experimenting a bilingual program targeting kindergarten, primary school, and the first grade of secondary school. This experiment revealed positive results allowing the school to continue to operate as a bilingual school, unique in its area, suitable to accommodate students from different cultures.
With the DI 267/3631 of 19/04/2004, the school acquired the recognition and certificates of study issued by the Italian State which are equivalent to those issued to Italian public schools. The school operates autonomously within a framework which encourages the freedom of teaching provided for by the Italian Constitution.
A Board of Administrators, consisting of representatives of parent’s Italian national students and a representative of the Italian Consulate, guide the School.
The Italian Consul General performs the duties that the Italian law assigns to the Provincial Director of Education.
Since 1981 it is located on its present location on the Corniche Road. The building can host up to 200 students and it is equipped with a library & music room, a science laboratory, a computer lab, a gym, and it is surrounded by a large open space used for recreational activities.