The Saudi school system resembles that of the U.S., with the academic year running from September to June. Children start at the age of six and have twelve years until they graduate from high school, at which time the options are university education, training or vocational school. The curriculum places emphasis on Islamic studies, while encompassing the full range of academic subjects as well as sports and fine arts. Education is free to citizens through university. English is taught in government schools, and most Saudis, especially those engaged in business, can speak it readily.
Some private schools offer a second foreign language, usually French.
Currently, there are about 3,000 Saudis attending U.S. colleges and universities, mainly for postgraduate work. In the early 1980s, the number included many undergraduates, and reached a high of more than 15,000. With the expansion of local universities in the Kingdom, there is now less need to send students abroad.