What’s changing?
Beginning in August 2024, the provision for K1 in KAUST will be delivered by Daycare, rather than through The KAUST School (TKS).
Why is it changing?
Like all organizations, we need to optimize our operations in line with changing costs and growing demands. Enrollment at TKS continues to grow and currently many classes and facilities are at capacity. Benchmark studies have been conducted and this change allows TKS to remain aligned to those benchmarks with regard to staffing ratios and facility utilization. This change will allow the TKS faculty and space to be reassigned and repurposed to meet the growing needs from K2 through grade 12. We highly value all of the programs that we run at TKS and there are very few that can be provided in a different manner or in a different location at KAUST. The program for learning for children aged 3-4 is something that can be provided by the Daycare and we are committed to partnering with leadership at the Daycare to ensure a smooth transition for children when they enter TKS in K2.
Future Direction
Great care has been taken to not cut teaching positions in this shift. Instead, we will use attrition to repurpose and restructure. With this shift, grade 1 will move to being housed on the Harbor Campus. By moving grade 1, we will gain capacity on the Gardens Campus, providing the children and teachers the space they need at all grade levels to run an outstanding program. The PYP curriculum, our learning, and specialized programs will remain the same for grade 1 as they are now; they will simply be in a new location.
The current Harbor Campus will house Pre-Kindergarten (age 4-5), Kindergarten (age 5-6), and grade 1. The Gardens Campus will continue to house grades 2-5, Middle School (grades 6-8) and High School (grades 9-12).
FAQs
Is there capacity in the Daycare to manage the increase in enrollment there?
Yes there is capacity. The Daycare Team is very excited about this opportunity and more details on the K1 Program along with the registration will be provided in January 2024.
Will there be a cost to attend the Daycare in K1?
Yes, currently many families enroll their K1 children in Daycare for the afternoon. The current half day cost is 1650 SAR per month. The program details and costs for the 2024/2025 academic year will be shared in January 2024.
Is attendance in Daycare for K1 age group is required for admission into K2 at TKS?
No. There is no requirement for schooling prior to K2 in order to apply for admission to TKS.
How do I register for a place in Daycare for my child?
Full details of the program and how to register will be shared in January 2024.
Why doesn’t TKS simply manage enrollment by limiting new student admissions?
The growth at TKS is unique because it is due to the large enrollment in younger year groups moving into higher grades each year. Because the growth isn’t solely through admissions of new students, we can not control growth through admissions alone.
Won’t the new building accommodate the necessary growth?
The Gardens Campus is currently over capacity and the new building will help to address this as well as some future growth. However, without this shift of grade 1 into the Harbor campus, TKS would likely be at capacity in a short period of time due to the rate of growth in the Middle School and High School based on current projections.
Will the program be the same for K1 in the Daycare as it is currently at TKS?
TKS will be working closely with the Daycare in this transition to support delivery of a high quality program for the 3-4 year old students. It is important for TKS and the Daycare that the programs support a smooth transition for all students.
Does this change affect TKS’ accreditation or authorization status with the IB?
No. It is common for schools to start at age 4, and the IB and our accrediting agencies support varying models that begin at different age levels.
Will there be any changes of locations and programs this current school year 2023-24?
No. These are changes that will take place beginning August 2024. We are making this announcement now in order to provide ample time to plan for a successful transition.
2 comments
Have you considered using ECC 3 again?
In the past, it was K1, and it is next to the Garden School.
This could be a good way to increase the capacity.
Is the Building Blocks capable of delivering the same level of education as TKS? Asking more precisely: do they have teachers with the same qualifications for educating K1 level?