EtonHouse International Education Arabia and RCRC Launch Riyadh’s First Reggio-Inspired International School
EtonHouse International Education Arabia, in collaboration with the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC), has announced the launch of Riyadh’s first Reggio-inspired international school — EtonHouse International School Granada. The new campus is being established under RCRC’s International Schools Attraction Programme, in partnership with the Ministry of Investment and the Ministry of Education, marking a major milestone in the Kingdom’s educational advancement.
Located in Granada, the purpose-built EtonHouse International School Granada will offer a K–12 continuum that integrates the British curriculum, the UK International Primary Curriculum, and Singapore Math, culminating in Cambridge IGCSE and International A-Level qualifications. The school’s model embodies the principles of innovation, inquiry, and lifelong learning, with a strong focus on nurturing children’s potential, elevating teacher quality, and embedding international best practices within Saudi Arabia’s evolving education ecosystem.
A Milestone in Riyadh’s Education Transformation
As part of RCRC’s efforts to attract global education leaders, this collaboration underscores Saudi Arabia’s ongoing commitment to advancing human capability and developing future-ready learners aligned with Vision 2030. The new campus will also serve as a hub for teacher training and educational research, enabling educators to exchange knowledge and adopt globally recognized pedagogical methods.
With a global network of over 100 schools across nine countries, EtonHouse has earned a strong reputation over three decades for its inquiry-led, culturally responsive education. The Riyadh campus will draw from this legacy while tailoring its programs to the local context. As a representative of Reggio Children, EtonHouse brings world-renowned pedagogical expertise that places creativity, collaboration, and curiosity at the center of the learning experience.
Transformative Learning Environment
The EtonHouse International School Granada campus has been designed to provide an enriching environment that nurtures creativity, critical thinking, and community engagement. Its key features include:
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Reggio Emilia–inspired Early Years programme
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Inquiry-based pathways from primary through secondary levels
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Bilingual fluency in Arabic and English
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Rigorous academic programs supporting university readiness
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Future-focused learning spaces including a Future Lab, ateliers, piazzas, visual and performing arts studios, and advanced sports facilities
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Diverse extracurricular programs designed to nurture student interests and talents
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Strong family partnerships, positioning parents as active co-constructors in the learning process
Leadership Insights
Hala Ebrahim Halawani, General Manager of the General Department for Education Development at the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, highlighted the significance of this launch:
“EtonHouse Arabia’s presence in Granada reflects a forward-looking commitment to elevating educational quality across Riyadh. Through this partnership, we are supporting learning environments that nurture critical thinking, creativity, and empathy — principles that align with the Reggio-inspired approach and the objectives of Vision 2030. This initiative will also contribute to teacher development and strengthen early learning in the city.”
Mr. Ng Yi-Xian, Group CEO of EtonHouse, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership’s impact:
“We are incredibly excited to be in Saudi Arabia. This marks the fruition of years of collaboration with RCRC, built on trust and shared purpose. Our entry into Riyadh introduces not only an international K-12 continuum but also a commitment to innovation, teacher excellence, and culturally grounded inquiry. Our school will serve as a regional anchor for research, training, and community engagement, ensuring our model evolves with, and for, the Saudi community.”
Advancing Education Through Global Collaboration
The launch of EtonHouse International School Granada represents a transformative step in bringing international education standards to Riyadh. By combining the Reggio-inspired philosophy with academic rigor and bilingual proficiency, the school aims to nurture a new generation of globally competent, locally rooted learners — reflecting the Kingdom’s vision for a knowledge-based, innovation-driven society.
