High School

Welcome to High School

Dr.Robert Blanchard

High School Principal

Message from the Principal

Welcome to TKS High School, home of the Sharks. We are an international school with over 330 high school students of 45 nationalities. A closely connected and unique community, we draw on our diversity as one of our greatest strengths while creating a safe context for students to collaborate and take the right kinds of risks as learners. Building on the foundation and traditions of the secondary school model, we are pleased to announce the launch of the TKS High School in the 2023-24 school year.

TKS students select from a wide range of academic options, using our guide to high school academic programs and guidance from school staff. We set high expectations and aim to challenge each student while supporting personalized pathways and emphasizing well-being. Our experienced and dedicated staff work hard to design purposeful and consequential learning experiences within a caring, respectful, and nurturing climate.

It is vital that students, staff, and parents alike feel connected and a sense of belonging at TKS. We share weekly updates with stakeholders, host events for parents, celebrate successes, and welcome feedback to maintain a strong partnership and sense of community. I feel privileged to work and lead at TKS, serve this unique community, and support all the care and work that goes into preparing your students for the responsibilities of the future. My door is open, and our team is here to support all students at TKS.

General Overview

The High School program aligns with and extends our Middle School program, supporting KAUST by providing a quality high school education for children of our university community. High School encompasses grades 9 through 12, with students typically in the 14-19 age range.

The high school experience at TKS offers choices for students, including American-accredited high school courses as well as the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) and Middle Years Programme (MYP). The overall aim is for all high school students at TKS to receive a great education and to graduate with the well-regarded TKS diploma, a high school diploma accredited through the Middle States Association.

Many students and families choose to also pursue an IB diploma, a rigorous two-year program spanning grades 11 and 12 (ages 16-19), meaning that students at TKS can graduate with up to two high school credentials. Some students follow a modified curriculum and pursue alternative pathways.

TKS is an international school that applies an inclusive approach to support all enrolled learners. Students pursue rigorous courses of study that align with personal interests, abilities and aspirations. Excellent teachers and specialist staff are in place to teach, advise families and guide students on their path through high school.

A culture of excellence, comprehensive resources, and state-of-the-art facilities create the right kind of environment for students to tackle complex problems, achieve course objectives, build confidence, and find success. Our focus on inquiry-based learning, content standards, and conceptual understanding provide coherence across the various academic programs.

Students also engage in social-emotional learning through an advisory program and personal growth through a wide range of activities, athletics, and experiential learning opportunities. The university provides a unique opportunity for high schoolers at TKS, with great opportunities such as internships in place.

Our school culture is built on established traditions, respectful interaction, and meaningful innovation that allow high school students to explore, discover, and grow as learners and people who will positively impact humanity.