If you are new to Jeddah, choose a nursery that is close to home, clear about its language approach, and open about how it communicates with parents. Start your search a few months before you need a place, visit in person and ask how the school supports children who are new to Arabic. Kawkab Al-Tifl Al-Hurr in Al Faisaliyyah welcomes children aged 2 to 5 and teaches in Arabic and English.
Start with language
For many expat families the first question is language. Ask how much English a nursery uses in daily routines, how much Arabic, and how children who speak only one language are supported. A good setting uses both languages every day, introduces the second gently and does not expect a child to be fluent before starting. Young children usually pick up the sounds and rhythms of a new language faster than adults expect.
Our programme combines the Montessori method with Modern Standard Arabic, English and Quran. You can read how this works in our guide to Arabic and English kindergarten in Jeddah.
Check the practicalities
- Location and drive time. Jeddah traffic is part of the decision. Try the real drive at drop-off time before you commit.
- Hours. Our morning runs Sunday to Thursday, 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM, with hourly care available if you need extra time. Ask each school what its week looks like, as the working week here runs Sunday to Thursday.
- Age ranges. Schools differ, so confirm which stage your child would join. At our nursery, Pre-KG covers ages 2 to 3, KG1 ages 3 to 4 and KG2 ages 4 to 5.
- Fees. Ask how fees are calculated, since they usually depend on your child's age, the days and the hours attended.
- Calendar. Ask when the school year starts and how mid-year joining works if you arrive part-way through.
Ask about communication
When you are new to a city, clear communication matters even more. Ask how teachers update parents, which language messages are sent in, and how you will see your child's day. We use a parent app for attendance, photos and messages with teachers, so parents who cannot visit every day still feel connected.
Look at safety and care
- Is the building secure, and are children supervised at all times?
- Are there CCTV cameras? We use CCTV and constant supervision.
- How do teachers handle a child who is upset or homesick?
- How are allergies, snacks and rest handled?
Settling a child who is new to the city
A move can be unsettling for a young child, so a gentle start matters. Keep routines at home as steady as you can, visit the nursery together first and keep goodbyes short and cheerful. Tell the teachers about any language, health or comfort needs from the start. Our guide to settling in at nursery gives practical tips.
Make friends and build a routine
A nursery is also a way into a community. You will meet other parents at drop-off and pick-up, which helps if you have just arrived and are building a network. Keep a steady morning routine, prepare a bag the night before and keep weekends calm so your child has time to rest. Many families find that after the first few weeks, the nursery becomes the most settled part of the week.
A short list of questions for your visit
- How are Arabic and English used through the day?
- How do you support a child who speaks neither fluently yet?
- What does a typical morning look like?
- How will I be updated, and in which language?
- How do you handle separation anxiety in the first weeks?
- What are your hours, and is there flexible care?
The best way to decide is to see a classroom. Message us on WhatsApp to book a tour, available Sunday to Thursday between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM.