Finding the right school in Oman can be tricky. The standard of public education and schools in Oman has improved due to increased government spending and ongoing reforms. Nevertheless, language and cultural barriers lead most expat parents to send their children to a private international school in Oman.
Public schools in Oman
There are many public schools in Oman, and education in these schools is free of charge until the end of secondary education. Basic education is separated into two levels.
- The first cycle covers Grades 1 to 4 (ages 6 to 10) with co-educational options
- Then cycle two of Grades 5 to 10 (ages 11 to 16) is single-sex, with boys and girls attending separate schools
- Following these cycles, the post-basic or secondary school level covers Grades 11 and 12 (ages 17 and 18)
At the secondary level, students can develop both a core specialisation in an area of study, such as science, and have some electives for subjects of interest. Alternatively, vocational training programmes are available.
Government schools largely cater to Omani nationals. Classes are taught in Arabic and follow an Islamic curriculum.
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Private schools in Oman
Private-sector education remains relatively small, both in terms of schools and students, with most Omanis attending public schools. That said, private schooling is largely preferred by expats. Private schools have flexibility when selecting their curriculum and resources, but they must be approved by the Ministry of Education.
Some private bilingual schools offer both Arabic and English but, despite this, most expats opt for private international schools.
International schools in Oman
Several international schools in Oman cater to a variety of nationalities and languages. These schools offer foreign or globally taught curricula, such as that of the UK, the US, or the International Baccalaureate.
Unlike government schools in Oman, international schools are usually co-educational. The majority of these schools are based in the capital, Muscat, and generally offer a high standard of education and modern facilities. As such, many wealthy Omani nationals also send their children to international schools.
The cost of tuition at international schools is high, and expats should ensure that they make provision for this in their contract negotiations when moving to Oman with children. Most schools require fees to be paid upfront, before the first day of term, and there may also be a deposit and administrative fees.
Due to the large expat community in Oman, demand for places at international schools is high and space is limited. Expat parents need to consider their options carefully and plan well ahead of time.
Read International Schools in Oman for more on international education in the country.
Homeschooling in Oman
Where formal schooling isn't ideal or the tuition fees are too high, many families opt for homeschooling. This gives families an alternative, finding their curriculum and teaching style, often giving real-world lessons while equipping their children with skills and knowledge for growth and development.
The Ministry of Education in Oman only allows homeschooling under specific circumstances. The official rules, legalities and regulations around homeschooling are complicated, and expats should contact their embassy for more on how to go about it. Expats can find additional support and information through social media such as Facebook groups, which also have the potential for networking, to meet people and make friends.
Special educational needs in Oman
Oman is working towards improving special needs education. While integration is limited in formal schools, there are increasing numbers of inclusive programmes that incorporate services to support teachers and students.
Private international schools may offer a greater level of support than public schools, with inclusive programmes catering for a variety of needs. It’s important to check what level of support each school can provide before enrolling.
Tutors in Oman
Like with homeschooling, the legalities of private tutoring in Oman are complicated, as teachers in formal schools are not allowed to take up extra private classes. Still, tutors can be found through online platforms such as University Tutor.
Adults hoping to learn Arabic, for instance, will discover that it is relatively easy to find a tutor and there is a wealth of e-learning opportunities with tutors all over the world.