I still remember the knot in my stomach during Emma's first week at Little Learners Academy. She was clinging to my leg every morning, and I genuinely wondered if we'd made a terrible mistake choosing this center. Now, almost two years later, I can say with absolute certainty that those difficult first weeks were worth every tear — both hers and mine.
How We Found This Place
We arrived in Riyadh in March 2022, which is basically the worst time to look for childcare spots. Most quality centers had filled their slots for the academic year back in February. I spent two weeks calling every center I could find online, and most responses were the same: "Sorry, we're full. Try again in November for next year."
Little Learners was actually the seventh center I called. They had one spot opening up in April because a family was relocating. Luck? Maybe. But I'll take it.
The Adjustment Period Nobody Warns You About
Here's what I wish someone had told me: the Montessori-inspired approach they use requires a genuine adjustment period. Emma had been in a traditional nursery back in the UK, where the day was very structured with clear adult direction. At Little Learners, children are encouraged to choose their own activities within prepared environments.
For the first month, Emma was completely overwhelmed by the freedom. She'd stand in the middle of the classroom, unsure what to do. The teachers — particularly Miss Fatima, who became Emma's favorite — were patient but didn't force her into activities.
"Give her three months," Miss Fatima told me during one of my anxious parent-teacher check-ins. "Some children need longer to understand that they're in control of their learning here. It's unfamiliar, but it's working even when it doesn't look like it."
She was right. Around week ten, something clicked. Emma started going straight to the practical life area every morning — pouring water, arranging flowers, buttoning frames. Her confidence grew from there.
What Actually Impressed Me
The Arabic Integration
One thing that genuinely surprised me was how naturally they incorporated Arabic into the curriculum. Emma picked up basic Arabic vocabulary without any formal "Arabic lessons." The classroom labels are bilingual, songs switch between languages, and there's always at least one Arabic-speaking teacher in each room.
By month six, Emma was counting to twenty in Arabic and knew colors, animals, and basic greetings. For an expat family, this felt like a real bonus — she was absorbing the local language organically.
The Outdoor Facilities
Riyadh summers are brutal. I was worried Emma would be stuck indoors for months. Little Learners addressed this with covered outdoor areas and an indoor gross motor room. During peak summer (June-August), outdoor time shifts to early morning, and they have excellent air-conditioned play spaces.
Communication with Parents
They use an app called Transparent Classroom that shows daily observations, photos, and progress notes. At first, I was checking it obsessively. Now I look forward to the weekly summaries that actually tell me something meaningful about what Emma's working on.
The Honest Challenges
The Commute
We lived in the DQ area, and the center is in Olaya. During morning traffic, that 12km drive could take anywhere from 25 minutes to over an hour. This was exhausting, especially during Ramadan when traffic patterns became unpredictable. If you're considering this center, I'd strongly suggest finding housing nearby.
Staff Changes
In 18 months, Emma had three different lead teachers. The first left after six months (moved back to Egypt), the second after four months (visa issues). Miss Fatima, the third, has been there since and hopefully stays. Each transition was hard on Emma, and on us.
I asked the director about this during our last meeting. She was honest that teacher retention is challenging in KSA across the sector, not just at their center. International teachers face visa complications, and local teachers sometimes leave for better-paying positions at international schools.
Fees
Let's be direct: it's expensive. The annual fee (as of 2025) is around SAR 45,000, not including registration, uniforms, and extra activities. There's also a SAR 5,000 deposit that's theoretically refundable but comes with several conditions.
Practical Information
- Hours: 7:30 AM - 2:00 PM (extended care available until 4:00 PM for additional fee)
- Curriculum: Montessori-inspired with elements of British EYFS
- Languages: English primary, Arabic integrated
- Meals: Snacks provided, lunch can be brought from home or ordered through the center
- Class sizes: Maximum 12 children with 2 teachers per class
Would I Recommend It?
Yes, with caveats. If your child thrives in structured environments with clear adult direction, the adjustment period might be longer and more challenging. If you're looking for a center that genuinely prioritizes child-led learning and you can be patient through the initial months, Little Learners delivered real results for our family.
Emma went from a shy toddler who needed constant reassurance to a confident four-year-old who greets her classmates in Arabic and spends focused 30-minute stretches on activities she's chosen herself. That transformation didn't happen overnight, but it happened.
For more information about Montessori education principles, the Association Montessori Internationale has excellent resources. And if you're researching early childhood education standards in Saudi Arabia, the Saudi Ministry of Education website provides official guidelines.