Leila C. Saad SABIS® School El-Metn

The Lebanese school delivering elite-level learning for marginalised students

Leila C. Saad SABIS® School El-Metn, a kindergarten, primary and secondary tuition-free independent school in El-Metn, Lebanon, is rewriting the futures of disadvantaged students by delivering elite-level learning in a country shaped by prolonged economic collapse, political instability, conflict, and deep educational inequality, giving every child, everywhere, a chance to rise. Located in a remote mountainous region 1,100 metres above sea level, the school serves children from low-income families who often arrive with interrupted schooling, weak literacy and numeracy foundations, little or no English proficiency, and limited support structures at home.

Founded in 2012 as the only fully tuition-free, independent school within the global SABIS network, the school was built on the belief that every child, regardless of circumstance, deserves access to world‑class education and the chance to build a dignified, meaningful future. Through a learning model that combines structured diagnostics, continuous monitoring, targeted intervention, technology-enabled learning, and strong teacher support, students are able to close learning gaps quickly, no matter their circumstances.

Learners are encouraged to take on active leadership and responsibility roles from an early age through the SABIS Student Life Organization (SLO), a student-run structure intentionally designed to mirror the school administration. High-performing students tutor peers during break times, lead academic review sessions, mentor younger learners, and act as academic and discipline prefects to create a culture where learning is highly collaborative, and youngsters can take ownership of their education. Students also help maintain classrooms and shared spaces, while extracurricular science activities and weekly robotics classes expose middle school students to STEM learning opportunities. They can participate in leadership and awareness activities, sporting clubs and teams, and become involved in organisational roles that help build confidence, communication skills, and independence.

Teachers, who are recruited locally, play a highly hands-on role in supporting students academically, emotionally, and personally and continuously monitor individual progress through weekly testing and real-time performance tracking systems that quickly identify any learning gaps. They also provide additional support sessions during the school day to support families who may not be able to offer their children academic help at home.

Staff work closely with families to build an ecosystem of care around students. Parent education sessions focus on nutrition, hygiene, study habits, sleep routines, and positive behaviour management, while the school discreetly provides food, clothing, shoes, and supplies to families in need. During Lebanon’s harsh winters, many students tell staff they feel warmer and safer at school than in their own homes.

SABIS developed technology supports the learning process through interactive whiteboards, recorded lessons, digital platforms, and e-books equipped with audio pronunciation tools that help students develop their English proficiency while teaching them to learn independently. The school provides all textbooks, workbooks, stationery, tablets, and academic materials free of charge, ensuring that no child is excluded from learning because of financial hardship.

Across seven graduating cohorts, 51 students have completed the SABIS programme and Lebanese Baccalaureate examinations with a 100% success rate, many earning honours. All graduates have progressed into higher education, while 77.8% of those attending leading private universities secured scholarships or financial aid. Students are now pursuing fields including medicine, engineering, computer science, architecture, psychology, and data science, careers which have historically been unimaginable.

Today, the model stands as Lebanon’s most compelling roadmap for rescuing public education and has significant potential for scalability and replication across wider public education systems.