So, you're wondering when the kids actually head back to the classroom? Honestly, if you've been living in Saudi Arabia for a few years, you've probably gotten used to the three-semester grind. It was a lot. But things are changing—big time.
The Ministry of Education basically hit the reset button for the 1447 AH academic year. For most of the country, when does school start in Saudi Arabia 2025 is officially August 24, 2025. But wait. If you are in Makkah or Madinah, don't set your alarm just yet. There is a bit of a twist for the holy cities.
The August 2025 Kickoff and the Return to Two Semesters
The biggest news isn't just the date; it's the structure. After four years of trying out the three-term system, the Kingdom is shifting back to the traditional two-semester format for public schools. It’s a move that many parents and teachers are kind of relieved about. It simplifies the year.
The 1447 AH academic calendar officially begins for students on Sunday, August 24, 2025 (which corresponds to 1 Rabi' al-Awwal 1447 AH).
However, the "back to school" vibe starts much earlier for the staff. Administrative folks and supervisors are expected to be at their desks by August 12. Teachers follow them on August 17. It gives them a solid week to get the lesson plans ready before the chaos of the first day hits.
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The Special Case for Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah, and Taif
If you live in Makkah or Madinah, your calendar looks slightly different. Because of the logistical needs and the Hajj season flow, the Ministry often grants these regions extra flexibility. For 2025, students in these specific areas—along with Jeddah and Taif—are scheduled to start classes a week later, on August 31, 2025.
It’s a staggered start. It helps manage the "high student density" in these major hubs. Basically, it’s a little extra summer for the kids out west, but they'll be working just as hard once they get going.
Breaking Down the 2025-2026 Academic Calendar
This year is going to feel different. We're looking at 180 instructional days, which is pretty much the global standard. But the way those days are spaced out involves some new breaks you might not expect.
The Winter Shift and New Breaks
One interesting detail that surfaced recently is the "Winter Shift." Starting November 2, 2025, schools in Riyadh and other major cities will adjust their daily schedules. The morning assembly will move to 6:45 a.m., with the first class starting at 7:00 a.m. It’s all about making use of that natural daylight.
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Here is what the rest of the 2025-2026 stretch looks like:
- Saudi National Day: September 23, 2025. A guaranteed day off for everyone.
- Autumn Break: This is a new one. It’s a 9-day break from November 21 to November 29, 2025. It hits right in the middle of the first semester.
- Mid-Year Break: Once the first semester wraps up, everyone gets a breather from January 9 to January 17, 2026.
- The Second Semester: Classes for the second half of the year start on January 18, 2026.
International and Private School Differences
Don't assume your kid's private school follows the Ministry's calendar to the letter. They have some wiggle room. For example, some British or American schools in Riyadh like BISR or AISR often align their breaks with international holidays like "half-term" or winter holidays in December.
Always check the specific portal for your school. Most international schools in the Kingdom will still start their first term between August 21 and August 27, 2025, but their "spring break" usually aligns with late March or April, potentially overlapping with Eid al-Fitr.
Why the Change Back to Two Semesters Matters
A lot of experts, including those consulted by the Ministry, found that the three-semester system was a bit exhausting for younger students. By moving back to two semesters, the goal is to balance "academic rigor" with "student comfort."
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Basically, the Ministry wants to ensure students don't burn out. You still get the same amount of learning (180 days), but it's packaged in a way that feels a bit more natural. Plus, there is a big push for new subjects this year—don't be surprised to see more AI-related curriculum popping up in the middle and high school levels starting in late 2025.
Important Dates to Remember (At a Glance)
- August 17, 2025: Teachers return (most regions).
- August 24, 2025: Students return (most regions).
- August 31, 2025: Students return (Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah, Taif).
- September 23, 2025: National Day holiday.
- November 21, 2025: Autumn break starts.
- January 9, 2026: Mid-year break starts.
- February 22, 2026: Founding Day holiday.
Honestly, the best thing you can do right now is double-check your school's specific registration dates. For university students, registration usually opens around August 17, just as the faculty returns.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Confirm Your Region: If you're in the Western Province (Makkah/Madinah/Jeddah), mark August 31 as your start date instead of the 24th.
- Check Private School Portals: If your child is in a private or international school, download their specific PDF calendar now, as their mid-term breaks will likely differ from the public school "Autumn Break."
- Prepare for the Winter Shift: Be ready to adjust your morning commute by 15-30 minutes starting in early November when the 7:00 a.m. class starts kick in.