the expat’s guide to education & schools in dubai · nursery schools ... the expat’s guide...
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THE EXPAT’S GUIDE TOEDUCATION & SCHOOLS IN DUBAI
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THE EXPAT’S GUIDE TOEDUCATION & SCHOOLS IN DUBAI
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INDEX PAGEIntroduction ................................................................................................................................................ 03Private Schools In Dubai ............................................................................................................................. 04Admissions And Enrolment ......................................................................................................................... 04Tuition And Fees ......................................................................................................................................... 05School Term And School Day ....................................................................................................................... 06Logistics: School Uniforms, Bus Services And Textbooks .............................................................................. 06Homeschooling ........................................................................................................................................... 07Nursery Schools .......................................................................................................................................... 07Tertiary Education ....................................................................................................................................... 07Tips For Choosing A School For Your Child ................................................................................................... 08The Experiential Element ............................................................................................................................ 08Curriculum .................................................................................................................................................. 08Teachers And Class Sizes .............................................................................................................................. 09Proximity .................................................................................................................................................... 09Nursery Schools .......................................................................................................................................... 10 AlphabetStreetNursery .......................................................................................................................... 10 BritishOrchardNursery ........................................................................................................................... 10 Children’sOasisNursery .......................................................................................................................... 11 EmiratesBritishNursery .......................................................................................................................... 11 EmeraldCityNursery ............................................................................................................................... 12 LittleLandNursery&MontessoriCentre ................................................................................................ 12 JebelAliNursery ..................................................................................................................................... 13 JumeirahInternationalNurserySchool ................................................................................................... 13 KangarooKidsNursery ............................................................................................................................ 14 KidsCottageNursery ............................................................................................................................... 14 KidsIslandNursery&CocoonNursery .................................................................................................... 15 SuperKidsNursery ................................................................................................................................... 16 WonderYearsNursery ............................................................................................................................. 16 YellowBrickRoadNursery ....................................................................................................................... 17Primary* And Secondary Schools ............................................................................................................... 18 AmericanSchoolofDubai ....................................................................................................................... 18 BradentonPreparatoryAcademy,Dubai ................................................................................................. 20 DeiraInternationalSchool ....................................................................................................................... 22 DubaiBritishSchool(Taaleem) ................................................................................................................ 24 DubaiCollege .......................................................................................................................................... 25 DubaiEnglishSpeakingSchool ................................................................................................................ 27 EmiratesInternationalSchool-Jumeirah(AlHabtoorGroup) ................................................................ 29 EnglishCollegeDubai .............................................................................................................................. 31 GEMSCambridgeInternationalSchool-Dubai ....................................................................................... 33 GEMSDubaiAmericanAcademy ............................................................................................................. 34 JumeirahCollege ..................................................................................................................................... 36 TheMillenniumSchool ........................................................................................................................... 38 GEMSRoyalDubaiSchool ....................................................................................................................... 40 TheWestminsterSchool ......................................................................................................................... 41 GEMSWellingtonInternationalSchool ................................................................................................... 43 TheWinchesterSchool ........................................................................................................................... 45 GEMSWorldAcademy,Dubai ................................................................................................................. 46 JumeirahEnglishSpeakingSchool(JESS-Jumeirah) ............................................................................... 48 RafflesInternationalSchool .................................................................................................................... 50 RegentInternationalSchool .................................................................................................................... 52 ReptonSchoolDubai .............................................................................................................................. 53
*NotethatmanyPrimaryschoolsalsohaveaKindergarten.
THE EXPAT’S GUIDE TOEDUCATION & SCHOOLS IN DUBAI
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INTRODUCTION
Dubaiisthesecondlargeststateor‘emirate’intheUnitedArabEmiratesafterAbuDhabi,butwasonceconsidereda
barrenlandscapeintheoil-richGulf.Thesedaysthecityisathrivingmetropolis,attractingthousandsofnewresidents
toitsshoreseachmonth.ForthelastdecadeexpatshavebeenmovingtoDubaiinlargenumbers,oftenluredbythe
promiseoftax-freewealthandluxuryliving.
Suchmassiveinternationalappealislargelyduetothevisionaryleadership
ofthecurrentruler,SheikhMohammedbinRashidAl-Maktoum,under
whosedirectionmanyoftheEmirate’sbestknownlandmarksandprojects
havebeenconstructed.Inaprogressiveaction,expatscannowbothbuy
propertyandownlandinDubai,alegalrightotherwiselimitedinmost
otherpartsoftheMiddleEastthatcertainlyservestoenticeinternational
investment.
ThereareanumberofinternationalschoolsinDubaithatcatertothe
largeexpatcommunitythatnowcallstheemiratehome.Manyfollowthe
EnglishschoolsystemandofferKS,GCSEandALevelcurricula,whileothers
followtheUS,IndianorUAEpublicschoolsyllabus.Thereisalocalsyllabus
requirementevenforinternationalschoolsintheUAE,soexpatkidswill
studyArabicandinsomecasestheIslamicreligionandUAEsocialstudies.
Forthemostpart,schoolsinDubaiadheretohighstandards,soexpatsmust
considerwhatkindoflearningenvironmentwillbestbenefittheirchildand
whatprioritiestheyhaveinchoosinganinstitution.
Schoolfeeshaveseenasharpriseinthelastthreeyears–somuchsothatmanyexpatparentsarenowchoosingto
homeschooltheirchildrenorsendthembacktotheirhomecountrytogainaneducation.TheBritish,Americanand
InternationalBaccalaureateschoolstendtobethemostexpensive,withthemostexorbitantfeespeakingatover
150,000dirhamsayear.Expatpackageswithschoolallowancesarelesscommonthantheyusedtobe,somakesure
yoursalaryislargeenoughtocovercosts.Forthoseongoodsalariesorwitheducationallowancesthereisnoshortage
ofschoolstochoosefrom.Thatsaid,theonechallengethatyouwilllikelyhavethemostdifficultyovercomingis
securingaspotforyourlittleoneintheschoolofyourchoice.
CurrentlysomeofthemostpopularchoicesforexpatprimaryeducationincludetheDubaiEnglishSpeakingSchool
andtheJumeirahEnglishSpeakingSchool,whileWellingtonInternationalSchooltopsthelistofsecondaryschools.
Forthoseexpatswithkidsintendingtostudyattertiarylevel,thereareseveralinternationaluniversitieswhohave
campusesinDubaiofferingdegree-levelstudies.
TheExpatArrivalsSchoolsGuideforDubaiisintendedtoshedsomelightonthemysteryoftheschoolsystemandto
giveyoutheall-importantinsightyouneedtomakeyourtransitionabroadassmoothandseamlessaspossible.
No matter where you’re moving,
few tasks can feel more daunting
than selecting the best place for
your student to continue their
education, and the questions can
feel endless: What curriculum
is best? Will my child get the
attention he needs? Will she be able
to integrate back into our home
system? Will he be best prepared
for college entrance exams? Will
she be safe? Can I afford it? Will
he make friends easily? Will she
overcome the language barrier?
And more.
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PRIVATE SCHOOLS IN ABU DHABI
Expatparentswillfindtheyhavesomeexcellenteducationoptionsfortheirchildwhileabroad,aslongastheygetin
early.
Thereareover130privateschoolsadheringtoatleastoneof13differentcurriculainDubai–slightlylessthanmore
family-friendlyAbuDhabi.Suchanintimidatingrangeofoptionscaterstoamushroomingexpatcommunitythathas
limitedaccesstothepublicschoolsystem.
Thequalityoffacilities,theteachingstyleandphilosophy,thecurriculum,thedemographicsandtheteaching
languagevaryimmenselyfromoneschooltoanother;andwhilemostexpatparentswillchooseaninstitutionthat
mirrorsthecharacteristicsfoundintheirhomecountryschools,it’snonethelessimportanttoconductafairamountof
researchbeforehand.
WhileitwouldbeimpossibletosaythatallprivateschoolsinDubaiadheretoaspecificstandard,itwouldnotbe
unfairtosaythatcertainpremiumschoolsintheemirateofferabrandofeducationthatcanlandstudentsattop-level
universitiesanywhereintheworld.
Althoughnostandardisedtestresultsallowparentstocompareandcontrastthequalityofaschool,theDubaiSchools
InspectionBureau,underauthorityoftheDubaiKnowledgeandHumanDevelopmentAuthority(KHDA),ischarged
withevaluatingallschoolsandwithincreasingstudentaccesstohighqualityprivateeducationintheemirate.Justless
thanhalfofschoolsrated‘good’or‘outstanding’bytheInspectionBureauin2010/2011wereprivateschools.
School-goingageforchildreninDubaistartsatthree,goingonfour;however,schoolsusuallyalsoacceptfirstyear
applicationsforkidswhoarefour,goingonfive.StudentsfinishtheirfinalyearofschoolinDubaiat18,atwhichpoint
theycanopttoapplytotertiaryinstitutions.
ADMISSIONS AND ENROLMENT
Evenafteryou’vegonetogreatlengthstonarrowdownthefewinstitutions
thatyoufeelwouldbeworthyofyourchild,Dubaiisinfamousforseat
shortagesandwaitinglists.Insometopschoolsthewaitinglistisashighas
1,000students,whileatotherskindergartenseatsarebookedforthenext
fouryears.Itisnotuncommonfortopschoolstoadviseparentstoplace
childrenonwaitinglistsbeforethey’reevenborn.
SchooladmissionsgenerallyopeninJanuary,andphysicalsign-updays
areusuallyhostedinthefirstweekofFebruary–althoughthedateswill
naturallyvarydependingontheinstitution.Rumourshaveitthatinsome
casesqueueshaveevenstartedthedaybeforeadmissionopens,but
regardlessofwhetherthere’struthtothisstatement,plantogetinlineas
earlyaspossible.
In the last three years more schools
have been built, but seat scarcity
is still a common complaint of
most new arrivals, especially for
those trying to find a place for a
student between the ages of three
and six. We advise that parents
make any and all attempts to
settle the school situation first and
foremost, preferably well before
the move.
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Forthemostpart,schoolsmakeitstraightforwardforparentstofindoutwhenandhowtheyneedtoapply.It’s
merelyamatterofconsultingtherespectivewebsite,orifinneedofmoreinformation,ofdirectlycontactingthe
admissionssecretary.
Whenitcomestoenrolment,someschoolsareveryselective,whileothersarenot.Someschoolsgivepreferenceto
studentsofaparticularnationality,somerequirethatstudentspassanentranceexam,andinothercases,employing
companiesmayevenreservespacesincertainschoolsinadvance.
Ingeneralthough,you’llwanttomakesureyouhavethefollowingdocumentsonhandinordertoapplyforadmission
totheschoolofyourchoice:
• Eightrecentpassport-sizedphotographs
• Copyofyourchild’spassportandUAEvisa
• Copyofbothparents’passportsandUAEvisas(ifvisashaveyettobegranted,aletterfromyour
employerstatingtheyarebeingprocessed)
• Originalandcopyofyourchild’sbirthcertificate
• Originalsandcopiesofyourchild’sreportcardsfromtheircurrentschoolfortheircurrentschoolyear
• Originalsandcopiesofyourchild’sreportcardsfromtheprevioustwoyears
• Immunisationrecordsandmedicalhistory
• Anoriginalreferenceletterfromyourchild’scurrentschooladvisingoftheiracademicperformanceand
behaviour,completewithschoolstampandofficialsignature
• Anoriginaltransfercertificate(tobecompletedbythechild’scurrentschool)includingdateof
enrolment,yearofplacement,datethechildlefttheschool,theschoolstampandanofficialsignature.
Notethatifthestudent’scurrentschoolisnotintheUSA,Europe,Canada,AustraliaortheUAE,thetransfercertificate
andmostrecentreportwillneedtobeattestedbytheMinistryofEducation,MinistryofForeignAffairsandUAE
embassyinthatcountry.
Someschoolsonlygrantadmissionduringthedesignatedperiod,whileothershaverollingadmissionspolicies–
grantingentrancewheneverspacebecomesavailablethroughouttheyear.So,evenifyoucan’tinitiallyfindaseatfor
yourchildinyourpreferredschool,keeppositive.Afterall,Dubaiisanincrediblytransientplace,andspotscanopen
upjustasquicklyastheycanclose.
Thatsaid,it’scrucialthatexpatsapplytomorethanoneschoolsothattheirchildatleasthasaseatsomewhereatthe
startoftheyear,evenifitmeanslosingmoneytoadmissionsfees.
Expatswhofindthemselvesinabind,wheretheyhavetomakethemovetotheemiratewithnoslotfortheirstudent,
shouldkeepinconstantcontactwithschooladministrators–youneverknowwhenafamilyhastorepatriateatthe
dropofahat.Also,theyshouldputthewordoutonexpatforumsandnetworksandutiliseanycompanycontactsthat
canfacilitatetheprocess.
TUITION AND FEES
AnnualtuitionforaprivateschoolinDubaiisexpensive.Costswillvaryfromoneinstitutiontothenext,andtendto
increaseasyourstudentages.
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Additionally,parentsareusuallyrequiredtopayanenrolmentfee(usuallynomorethan3,000AED),partofwhichis
usuallyrefundable.Don’tforgetyou’llalsoneedtoforkoutforsupplementarymateriallikeuniforms,thebusservice,
stationeryandtextbooks.
It’sessentialyoufactorinallcostsinyourannualbudget,especiallyasmore
andmoreoftentheconceptofa‘lucrativeexpatpackage’isbecominga
thingofthepast.Somecompaniesstillprovideaneducationallowancefor
familieswithkids,andotherswillgrantagenerallivingallowancethat’s
inflatedtocoverschoolexpenses,butmanycompanieswillnot–inwhich
caseyourbasicsalarywillneedtobelargeenoughtocoverthecosts.Don’t
beafraidtofightforthisallowance,however.Theworstyouremployercan
doissay‘no’.
Privateschoolsusuallyrequirepaymentininstalmentsbeforethebeginningofeachschoolterm,althoughitcan
happenthattheyear’sfeeswillneedtobepaidupfront.
SCHOOL TERM AND SCHOOL DAY
Startingin2011,allschoolsinDubaiwereorderedtocomplywithauniformschoolcalendar,madeupofthree
terms.Forthe2012/2013schoolyearthesewillbe:
• FromSeptember9toDecember16
• FromJanuary3toMarch31
• FromApril14toJuly7
Thankfully,thischangestillleavesagapforthoseexpatswholiketoescapetheemirateintheheatofsummer
(August),andthoseaccustomedtotimeoffattheendoftheyear.
Mostschoolshaveon-sitecafeteriaswherestudentscaneatlunchbroughtfromhome,orwheretheycan
purchaseacookedmealincash.Studentsaregenerallynotallowedtoleaveschoolpremisesduringthis
time.Arabicisarequiredcourseatallschools,thoughusuallystudentsaremerelyrequiredtoachievebasic
proficiency.
LOGISTICS:SCHOOL UNIFORMS, BUS SERVICES AND TEXTBOOKS
Eveniftheschoolyou’veselectedforyourchildupholdsthesamecurriculum,teachinglanguageandphilosophyof
educationthatfoundinyourhomecountry,chancesaretherewillbeafewnuancesthatwilltakesomegettingused
to.Forone,allschoolsinDubairequirestudentstowearuniforms,whichareusuallyavailableforpurchaseataschool
shoporatcertaindesignatedschooluniformstores.Manyschoolsfrownuponunhealthysnacksandsomewon’tallow
fizzydrinksorsweetsontothecampusatall.
Additionally,parentsmayneedtopurchasesomeofthematerialsthatarenoteasilycomebyintheUAE,butwhich
In general, the British, American
and International Baccalaureate
schools tend to be the most
expensive, with the most exorbitant
fees peaking at over 150,000 AED
per year.
THE EXPAT’S GUIDE TOEDUCATION & SCHOOLS IN DUBAI
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arenecessaryforthechild’seducation.
Finally,someschoolsmayofferabusserviceatanextracharge,whilemanywillnot–leavingexpatmumsanddadsto
maketheirwaythroughtheheavytraffic,congestionandpoordrivingpracticestotheschoolparkinglotdaily.
HOMESCHOOLING
ThoughuntilrecentlyhomeschoolingwasvirtuallyunheardofintheMiddleEast,Dubaiincluded,thereisanetworkof
parentsinthecitywhohavedecidedtoeducatetheirchildrenathomewiththehelpofonlineacademicsystemsand
supportgroups.
Thatsaid,homeschoolingshouldnotbeseenasanalternativeforparentsstilltryingtogainadmissionfortheir
childrenintotheschooloftheirchoice.TheMinistryofEducation’sstanceonhomeschoolingstillvacillates,andin
somecasesthebodywillrecogniseachild’stimeschooledathome,andinothercasestheywon’t–meaningthatkids
oftenneedtorepeatgradesiftheyofficiallyenrolinaUAEprivateschool.
ParentsconsideringhomeschoolingtheirchildinDubaishouldcarefullyweightheprosandconsoftheirdecision,and
shouldconsultwiththeDubaiandNorthernEmiratesHomeschoolAssociation(uaehomeschool.wordpress.com),an
organisationcreatedtooffersupportandadviceforparentswhochoosenottoeducatetheirchildrenconventionally
intheemirate.
NURSERY SCHOOLS
Expatparentswithlittleonestooyoungtostartprimaryschoolorkindergartenwillfindplentyofoptionsfornursery
schoolsinDubai(there’sevenacoupleofMontessorinurseryschools),butbepreparedtopayalmostasmuchforthe
morepopularnurseriesasyouwouldforaregularschool.
Nurseriesacceptchildrenfromasyoungasthreemonthstoasoldasfiveyears.Checkwiththeindividualinstitutions,
aseachwillhaveitsownagerequirements.Generally,mostwillopenforfourtofivehoursinthemorningandcloseat
lunchtime.However,manynurseriesallowyoutochoosehowmanydaysyourchildwillstayattheinstitution,allow
earlydrop-offs,providelunches,orhaveoptionalafternoonprogrammesforworkingparents.Again,you’llneedto
checkwiththeindividualschools.
Alternatively,ifyoudodecidetokeepyourlittleonesathomewithyou,beawarethatmostoftheplaygroupsare
moresuitedtoyoungertoddlers.Thereareplentyofotherparentsinthesameboat,however,andmanyactivitiesyou
canenjoytogether.Aparent-runplaygroupisagoodwaytomakefriendsandensureyourchildisoccupied.
TERTIARY EDUCATION
Expatsarecertainlyentitledtoapplytoandpaytoattendoneoftheseveraltertiaryinstitutionsintheemirate.Usually
expatparentsopttosendtheirkidsbackhomewhenthey’vefinishedschool,butagrowingnumberarechoosingto
sendthemtoinstitutionsinDubai.Thereisagrowingnumberofcollegesanduniversitiesofferingforeign-accredited
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coursesinthearts,technology,engineering,sciences,businessandmanagement.ThenewlybuiltDubaiInternational
Citycomplexhosts27academicinstitutions,morethanhalfofthetotalavailableintheUAE,whichcombinedoffer
over300programmes(www.diacedu.ae).Thesmaller,moreestablishedDubaiKnowledgeVillage(www.kv.ae)inthe
heartofNewDubaialsohousesanumberoftertiaryinstitutions.
TherehasbeenanincreaseddemandfordedicatedbusinessschoolsofferingMBAsandothercoursesaimedat
professionals,includingexpatprofessionals.SeveralLondon-basedinstitutionshaveMBAprogrammesinDubai,
includingtheLondonBusinessSchool(www.london.edu)andtheWarwickBusinessSchool(www.wbs.ac.uk),in
additiontomanyDubai-basedschoolsliketheCBLDubaiBusinessSchool(www.dubai-business-school.com).
Forthoselookingtobuildabasicskillsetonasmallbudget,you’llbegladtohearthatinDecember2011theUAE
governmentannouncedplanstoset-upachainoflow-costcommunitycollegesthatcatersspecificallyforforeign
nationals.TheagreementwasengineeredbyaregionalgovernmentinIndia,buttheschoolwillbeopentoall
nationalities.
TIPS FOR CHOOSING A SCHOOL FOR YOUR CHILD
Whetheryou’reaseasonedexpatwho’shadtosiftthroughcountlessschoolchoices,oryou’reafirst-timeassignee
who’sneverhadtodomorethanpackyourchild’slunchandmakesuretheyboardthebuswithoutanyproblems,it’s
alwaysagoodideatothinkaboutsomekeyprincipleswhenmakingdecisionsaboutyourstudent’seducation.
Untilrecently,thepublicsysteminDubaiwasnotanoption,soyoucouldeliminatethatvariablefromtheequation.
Thereisavastassortmentofchoicewhenitcomestothingslikecurriculum,teachingphilosophy,extracurricular
preferencesandgeneralexperienceinprivateschools.Wefindit’shelpfultokeepthefollowinginmindwhendoing
yourpreliminaryresearch.
THE EXPERIENTIAL ELEMENT
Thisisnottypicallythefirstthingonanexpatparent’smind,butnonetheless,it’sanimportantelementthat’sworth
someseriousconsideration.Relocationcanbechallengingforstudents,andit’snotstrangetobeaskingyourself,
“HaveIjustruinedbychild’slife?”
It’sanormalanxietythatmanyexpatparentsdealwith,andobviouslythebestwaytodobattleagainstitistothink
carefullyaboutyourchild’spreparednessforanewschoolcontextandyourchild’sabilitytoenjoy,succeedandgrow.
Anythingradicallydifferentfromachild’spreviousexperiencemustbeconsideredwithgreatcare.Evaluateyourchild’s
needs,andtrytofindaschoolinDubaithatbestalignswithhisorherpriorities.Ifyourchildhasspecialneeds,make
suretheschoolcanmeetthem;andifyourchildhasacertaininterest,makesuretheschoolofferscoursesoractivities
thatwilldrawoutandfosterthisinterest.
CURRICULUM
Thispointiscentraltothedecision-makingprocess,especiallyifyouhavekidsinsecondaryschoolapproachingthe
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timewhenthecollegeapplicationprocessbegins.
Mostexpatparentstendtochooseacurriculumthatalignswiththatoftheirhomecountry,butnonetheless,you’ll
wanttomakesurethecurriculumischallengingenoughforyourstudent.Forthosewitholderkids,findoutwhat
standardisedtestthecurriculumisgearedtoward,andfindoutwhatdiplomasaregrantedupongraduation.It’sworth
notingthattheInternationalBaccalaureatecurriculumisacceptedinmanycountries.
Besidesthesefundamentals,you’llalsowanttohaveacloselookatthekindsofextra-curricularoptionsaschool
offers.Doestheinstitutionhavegoodsportsprogrammes,doesitencouragekidstopartakeincommunityactivities,
doesitofferartandmusiccourses,andarethereclubsthatallowstudentstodevelopcertainskills,likeleadershipand
debate?
TEACHERS AND CLASS SIZES
Aschoolisonlyasgoodastheteacherswithinit,andarguably,thedeterminingfactorthatinfluencesachild’s
educationanddevelopmentisagoodinstructor.Thoughitcanseem“impossible”tofindouthow“good”ateacher
maybe,therearesomebasicquestionsthatparentscanasktodrawsomegeneralconclusions.Findoutiftheschool
requiresteacherstohaveanycertificationsoradvanceddegrees,findoutiftheschoolencouragesemployeestotake
partinprofessionaldevelopmentcourses,findoutaboutaverageteacherturnover,andaboveallelse,findoutabout
averageclasssize.Eventhebestteacherscanbecomeswallowedbyagiantseaofeagerstudents.Lastly,visitthe
schoolandmeettheteachers.Aretheyfriendly?Enthusiastic?Knowledgeableaboutthecurriculumandconfident
abouttheschool?
PROXIMITY
It’sessentialforexpatparentstoconsidergeographicproximityandtraveltimetoandfromschool.Thoughtrafficand
congestionaren’tnearlyasthickandhardtohandleasindestinationslikeBangkokandBeijing,theystillexist,and
there’snothingworsethanalongcommutewithlittleonesinthebackseat.
DubaiisconsideredthemostcongestedcityintheMiddleEast,andit’snotunusualforprofessionalstospendhours
everydaycommutingtoandfromwork.Furthermore,DubaidriversarenotoriousforemulatingFormulaOneracers,
evenwhengoingthroughroundabouts.Thickfogcanregularlycreate15-carpile-upsonthefreeway,andavoiding
suchroutesandspendingaslittletimebehindthewheelaspossiblecanreducetonsoftension.
Iflivingfarawayfromyourchosenschoolisunavoidable,it’simportanttomakesuretheschoolhasabustransport
systemwithroutespastyourresidence.Rememberthatthesebusesusuallycostextra.
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NURSERY SCHOOLS
ALPHABET STREET NURSERY
Address UmSuqeim2,AlManaraStr.Road8AVilla11P.O.Box75460,Dubai,UAE
Website www.alphabetstreetnursery.com
Email [email protected]
Telephone (+971)43485991/9488
Fax (+971)43485992
Gender Co-educational
TeachingLanguage English
SchoolHours 8am-1.30pm/3pm/5.30pm3-5daysaweekdependingonindividualneeds.Earlymorningdrop-offavailable.
AlphabetNurseryisdividedintothreeagegroups,includingToddlers(14months-2years),Nursery(2-3years)and
Foundation(3-4+years),eachwithage-appropriateclassroomsthatpromotechildren’screativeinteractionwith
theirsurroundingsandteachers.ThisisatrulyinternationalnurserywhichembracesamixofMontessoriandEarly
Years(British)curriculumeducationprogrammestoencouragepositive,stimulatinggrowthanddevelopment,free
expressionandhealthycommunicationskills.AllstaffmembersarequalifiedinFirstAid.Thereisalsoaschoolbuswith
well-trained,responsiblestaff.Parentsareencouragedtovisitthenurseryatanytime.
BRITISH ORCHARD NURSERY
Address Street6B,Jumeirah
Website www.britishorchardnursery.com
Email [email protected]@britishorchardnursery.com
Telephone (+971)43953570
Fax (+971)43953540
Gender Co-educational
TeachingLanguage English
SchoolHours 8am-12.30pm,Earlydrop-off,7.30amAfter-schoolclubuntil5pm
TheBritishOrchardNurseryisrunbyUK-educatedstaffandisawell-equippedfacilitycompletewithsandpit,baby
ballroom,musicandmovementroom,library,swimmingpool,indoorandoutdoorplayareas,themedclassrooms,
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andevenagymandfitnesscentre.There’salsoaCCTVtoallowparentstobepartoftheirlittleones’schoolday
fromhome.Childrenaredividedintofiveagegroupsfrom6monthsto4years,withclassesbasedontheEnglish
curriculum’sFoundationStage.Activitiesarebasedontheunderstandingthatkidslearnthroughplay,sotheschool
dayisfunandmulti-modal.
CHILDREN’S OASIS NURSERY
Address POBox51952,Dubai,UAE
Website www.childrensoasisnursery.com
Email [email protected]
Telephone (+971)43488981
Fax (+971)43488982
Gender Co-educational
TeachingLanguage English
SchoolHours 8am-5pmPart-timeoptionsavailable
Children’sOasisNurseryopenedin2002inUmmSuqeim,withtwoadditionalbranchesnowopeninBurjDubaiand
PalmJumeirah.Theschoolacceptschildrenfrom3monthsupto4yearsold.Childrenaredividedintofourage-specific
agegroups.Theschoolaimstoencouragechildrentobelieveinthemselvesandgrowintoconfident,caringindividuals.
Dailyactivitiesareaimedatstimulatingeachchild’sphysical,emotional,socialandintellectualgrowthwhileremaining
funandexciting.
EMIRATES BRITISH NURSERY
Address POBox78260,Dubai,UAE
Website www.emiratesbritishnursery.com
Email [email protected][email protected][email protected]
Telephone (+971)42889222UmmSequim:(+971)43489996
Fax (+971)42886911UmmSequim:(+971)43489990
Gender Co-educational
TeachingLanguage English
SchoolHours 8am-12.30After-schoolprogrammeuntil3pm
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TheEmiratesBritishNurseryisapopularnurseryforchildrenaged3monthsto3+years,withseparatebranches
inMirdifandUmmSequim.TheschoolfollowstheBritishcurriculum’sEarlyYearsprogrammeandaimstoprovide
aholisticapproachtoteachingandlearningwhereeachchild’stalentsandpotentialarerecognisedandnurtured.
Teachingstaffaremulti-lingualandthereisanin-housenurse.Childrenaredividedintofourthemedage-specific
groups,eachwithitsownlearningareaandage-specificequipmentandfacilities.
EMERALD CITY NURSERY
Address P.O.Box120724,Dubai,UAE
Website www.emeraldcitynursery.com
Email [email protected]
Telephone (+971)43490848
Fax (+971)43490849
Gender Co-educational
TeachingLanguage EnglishandArabic
SchoolHours 7am-3pm
After-schooloptionsuntil6pm
ThispopularnurseryintheJumeirah2areaispartoftheBeautifulMindNurseriesgroup,whichhasfourother
nurseriesinDubai.ThecurriculumisacombinationoftheBritishEarlyYearsFoundationStage,theNewZealandEarly
LearningprogrammeandMontessoriteachingmethods.Theschoolacceptschildrenfrom2monthsto4yearsold.
TeachersarealltrainedinFirstAidandarehighlyqualified.ThereisalsoaCCTVforparentstomonitortheirlittleones
fromhome.
LITTLE LAND NURSERY & MONTESSORI CENTRE
Address P.O.Box53619,Dubai,UAE
Website www.littlelandnursery.com
Email [email protected]
Telephone (+971)43944471
Fax (+971)43944320
Gender Co-educational
TeachingLanguage English
SchoolHours 8am-12.30pmEarlydropofffrom7.30amLateclassuntil2pm,2-5daysaweek
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Establishedin1994,LittleLandiscentrallysituatedonJumeirahRoadneartheDubaiMunicipalitybuilding.Theschool
hasthreeNurseryschoolclassesforchildrenfrom14monthsold,andthreeMontessoriclassesforchildrenfrom2½
yearsoldto4yearsold.Theownerandnurseryco-ordinatorarebothqualifiednursesandallteachersholdpre-school
teachingqualifications.Facilitiesincludeasandpit,waterplayarea,shadedplayareas,andawideselectionoftoys
andmaterials.
JEBEL ALI NURSERY
Address POBox53951,Dubai,UAE
Website www.jebelalinursery.com
Email [email protected]
Telephone (+971)43486720
Fax (+971)44249790
Gender Co-educational
TeachingLanguage English
SchoolHours 8am-12pmAfter-schooloptionsavailableuntil5pm
TheJebelAliNurseryGroupwasestablishedin1976,makingitoneoftheoldestBritishNurseriesinDubaiandwell-
lovedbyexpatparents.Theschoolpridesitselfonbeingafriendlyfamilynurserywithgoodfacilitiesandbeautiful
settings–withbranchesinMarinaVillage,MeadowsVillage,UmmSequeim,DubaiHealthcareCity,LakesVillage
andArabianRanchesVillage.ThroughtheBritishEarlyYearscurriculum,theschoolaimstoallowchildrentogrowin
knowledgeandconfidenceandtofulfiltheirpotential.
JUMEIRAH INTERNATIONAL NURSERY SCHOOL
Address POBox24857,Dubai,UAE
Website www.jinspire.com
Email [email protected]@jinspire.com
Telephone (+971)43945567
Fax (+971)43946222
Gender Co-educational
TeachingLanguage English
SchoolHours 8am-12.30pmEarlydrop-offfrom7.30amAfter-schoolprogrammeuntil5pm
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AttheJumeirahInternationalNurserySchool,teachingisbasedontheBritishEarlyYearsFoundationStageofthe
EnglishNationalCurriculum.Theschoolacceptschildrenasyoungas6weeksto4yearsoldandtherearefourage-
specificgroups.Theschool’sexcellentfacilitiesarecustom-designedtobestimulatingandfunforyoungchildrenand
includebrightclassrooms,abiketrack,awaterplayarea,softballpitandalibrary.Thereisalsoatransportsystem
availableforchildrenupwardsof3yearsold.
KANGAROO KIDS NURSERY
Address Residences1,Tower4,LowerGroundfloor(BehindSpineys&BootsPharmacy),Villa#49,21stStreet,UmmSuqeim1,Dubai,UAE
Website www.kangarookids.ae
Email [email protected]
Telephone BurjDubai:(+971)44205250UmmSuqeim:(+971)43955518
Fax BurjDubai:(+971)44205251UmmSuqeim:(+971)43944799
Gender Co-educational
TeachingLanguage EnglishandArabic
SchoolHours 8am-12.30pm/2.30pm/5pm
3-5daysaweek
WithbranchesinBurjDubaiandUmmSuqeim,KangarooKidsNurseryfocusesoncustomisedlearningtofulfileach
child’spotential,recognisingthateachchildisunique.Thecurriculumisbasedontheknowledgethatchildrenlearn
throughplay,socialinteractionandhands-onactivities,includingfieldtrips,gamesandsongs.Thenurserycampuses
arewellequippedwithstimulatingclassrooms,shadedareas,alibrarywithcomputers,indoorgym,heatedswimming
poolandaCCTVsoparentscanwatchtheirlittleonesfromhome.
KIDS COTTAGE NURSERY
Address P.O.Box123492,Dubai,UAE
Website www.kidscottagenursery.com
Email [email protected]
Telephone (+971)43942145
Fax (+971)43942145
Gender Co-educational
TeachingLanguage English
SchoolHours Earlydropofffrom7.30amAfter-schooluntil4pm
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KidsCottageNurseryacceptschildrenfrom2monthsto4yearsold.Theschool’seducationalapproachisbasedon
theEarlyYearsFoundationStage,developedtofosterindependence,confidence,self-esteemandaloveforlearning.
Theschool’sexperiencedandwell-trainedteachersprovideafun,stimulatingenvironmentwhereart,musicand
movementareintegratedintothedailyroutine.Theschoolisaspacious,custom-designedfacilityintheheartof
Jumeirah,withseparate,well-litandwell-equippedclassrooms,aphysicaleducationroomandalargeoutdoorplay
areawithAstroturf,grassandasandpit.
KIDS ISLAND NURSERY& COCOON NURSERY
Address P.O.Box118186,Dubai,UAE
Website www.kidsislandnursery.comwww.cocoonnursery.com
Email [email protected]
Telephone (+971)43942578
Fax (+971)43942579
Gender Co-educational
TeachingLanguage EnglishandArabic
SchoolHours 8am-12.30pm
Earlydropofffrom7:30am
After-schooluntil2:15pm
2-5daysaweek
TheschoolfollowstheEarlyYearsFoundationStageprogrammeoftheBritishcurriculumandacceptschildrenfrom
9monthstill4yearsold.Kid’sIslandSchoolandit’ssisterschool,CocoonNursery,areonseparatecampusesbut
bothareinwalkingdistanceofeachotherinDubai’sUmmSuqeimarea.Thecampusesarecustom-built,brightand
spaciousandincludeagym,outdoorplayareas,activityroom,libraryandplayrooms.Theschoolalsohostsfunholiday
campsduringvacations,whichfollowthesamescheduleastheschoolterm.
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SUPERKIDS NURSERY
Address P.O.Box34153,Dubai,UAE
Website www.superkidsnursery.com
Email [email protected]
Telephone (+971)42881949
Fax (+971)42881959
Gender Co-educational
TeachingLanguage English
SchoolHours Earlydropofffrom7.30After-schoolclassuntil5pm
SuperKidsNurseryinMirdifaimstoprovideacomfortable“homefromhome”forlittleones.Theschool’sapproach
offersabalancebetweenartisticandpracticalactivitiestoencouragerapidearlydevelopmentandhelpchildren
overcomeanydisadvantage,basedintheFoundationStageoftheEnglishcurriculum.Theschoolhasfivebright
classroomsintowhichchildrenaredividedbyage,from11monthupwardsto4yearsold.Theoutdoorplayareais
wellequippedwithplayhouses,awaterplayarea,slidesandbicycles.Thereisalsoagymandamusicroom.Thereis
alsoatransportsystemandoptionalhotlunches.
WONDER YEARS NURSERY
Address POBox454959,Dubai,UAE
Website www.wonderyearsnursery.com
Email [email protected]
Telephone (+971)567449930
Gender Co-educational
TeachingLanguage English
SchoolHours 8am-2pmEarlydrop-offfrom7.30amAfternoonclubtill6pm
WonderYearsNurseryfollowstheBritishEarlyYearscurriculumandacceptschildrenfrom18monthsuptothree
yearsold.Theschoolhasabrand-new,purpose-builtfacilityinDubaiSportsCitythatprovidesanatural,stimulating
environmenttoallowchildrentoexploretheworldaroundthem,bothindoorsandoutdoors,attheirownpace.The
school’sapproachisplay-centredandthematic,andseekstounlockthechild’spotentialbystimulatingallfivesenses.
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YELLOW BRICK ROAD NURSERY
Address P.O.Box34239,Dubai,UAE
Website www.yellowbrickroad.ws
Email [email protected]
Telephone (+971)42828290
Fax (+971)42828214
Gender Co-educational
TeachingLanguage EnglishandArabic
SchoolHours 8am-12.30pmEarlydropofffrom7.30amAfter-schooluntil5pm
YellowBrickRoadNurseryisaverypopularnurseryinAlGarhoudthatopenedin2001.Theschoolacceptschildren
from2monthstill4yearsoldandcombinestheEarlyYearsFoundationStageprogrammeoftheBritishcurriculum
withtheNewZealandcurriculum,asdoesitssisterschool,EmeraldCityNursery.Facilitiesareexcellentwithafully
equippedmusicroom,library,playareasandnurserydiningarea.Thespaciousoutdoorplayareasincludeavegetable
gardenandswimmingpool.
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PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS
AMERICAN SCHOOL OF DUBAI
Address POBox71188,Dubai,UAE
Website www.asdubai.org
Email [email protected]
Telephone (+971)43950005
Gender Co-educational
Curriculum American
BACKGROUND:
TheAmericanSchoolofDubai(ASD),previouslytheJumeirahAmericanSchool,relocatedfromJumeirahtoanew
locationinAlBarshain2010.Foundedin1966tomeettheneedsoftheNorthAmericanexpatriatecommunity,the
firstofitskind,theschoolhasbecomeoneofthemostwell-knownAmericanschoolsintheEmirates.Itcurrently
hassome1,600studentsonroll.Thesprawlingnewcampuscoversanareaalmosttwicethesizeoftheoldcampus
andincludesbeautifullandscapedgardens,waterfeatures,modernbuildings,andstate-of-the-artfacilitiesincluding
wirelessconnectivity,twolibraries,anauditorium,atheatre,musicrooms,athletictracks,asoccerfield,other
largeplayingfields,separateelementaryandsecondarygyms,twoswimmingpools,elementaryplayareasandtwo
cafeterias.
WHAT THE SCHOOL SAYS:
The American School of Dubai, an independent, non-profit organization, offers what is best about American
education in order to provide an educational experience designed to promote the maximum potential of its
students. The school will challenge and assist students to become intellectually adept, thoughtful, and ethical contributors
to a global society.
WHAT THE INSPECTORS SAY:
The school’s ethos was one of its main strengths, with outstanding behaviour of students at all grade levels, and
with caring and supportive interactions observed between students and adults throughout the school. Students
and teachers used the outstanding information and communication technology (ICT) resources creatively to extend
and support their teaching and learning. The large facility provided opportunities for students to engage in numerous
academic, creative, and athletic activities.
DubaiSchoolsInspectionBureau,May2012.
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CURRICULUM:
TheAmericanSchoolofDubaifollowsacurriculumcomprisedofaprogrammeofcorerequiredsubjectstoprepare
studentsforentranceintoUScolleges.Studentsalsotakeanumberofelectiveswhicharedesignedtoenhancethe
coreprogrammeandallowthemtodiscoverandnurturetheiruniqueabilitiesandinterests.
FEES:
Annualfeesfor2012/2013are45,000dirhams($12,251or£7,630)forKindergarten1,48,400dirhams($13,177or
£8,206)forKindergarten2and59,700dirhams($16,253or£10,410)forGrade1-12.FromKindergarten2upwards,
thereisanadditional“seat-rentalfee”of11,020dirhams($3,000or£1,868)ayear,unlessyourcompanyhas
alreadyreservedaseatforyourchild.Thereisalsoaonce-offdepositof29,850dirhams($8,126or£5,061),whichis
refundablewhenyourchildleavestheschool.
LOCATION:
TheschoolislocatedattheintersectionofAlMafraqRoad(316thStreet)andHessaStreet(331stStreet),oppositethe
SaudiGermanHospitalinAlBarsha.
FROM THE HEAD TEACHER:
The American School of Dubai was established over forty years ago to serve the needs of the North American
families and other expatriate populations of Dubai. ASD was the first American curriculum school established in
Dubai and to this day, we are still the only non-profit American school located in the emirate. All resources, tuition and
endowments go directly towards the benefit and education of our children. ASD is fully accredited in the United States
by Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges. Our mission is clear; we challenge and assist students to become
intellectually adept, thoughtful and ethical contributors to society.
DrHaroldFleetham,Superintendent
QUOTES FROM THE PARENTS:
The American School of Dubai is definitely one of the most expensive schools in Dubai but it does have an
excellent reputation and the long waiting lists attest to the high demand it has from American parents. Get your
name down early if you want a place!
ParentwithadaughterinYear10
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BRADENTON PREPARATORY ACADEMY, DUBAI
Address POBox:111123,Dubai,UAE
Website www.bradentonprepdubai.com
Email [email protected]
Telephone (+971)44493600
Gender Co-educational
Curriculum American
BACKGROUND:
BradentonPreparatoryAcademy,foundedinSeptember2009,isagrowingschoolwithsmallclasssizes(amaximum
of15studentsinPre-KindergartentoKindergarten2and23studentsfromGrade1up).Theschoolismanaged
byMosaicaEducation,andoffersanAmericancurriculumbasedontheCommonCoreStandards.Bradenton’s
experiencedteacherscomefromtheUAE,USA,BritainandCanada,whilethestudentpopulationiscomprisedof
manynationalities.Theteachersofferanarrayofafter-schoolactivities,rangingfromsportsteamsandyearbook
tophotographyandArabic.Theseactivitieschangeeachtermtogivevarietyandtomeettherequirementsforthe
varioussportsteams.Therearealsoawidevarietyofpaid-foractivitiessuchasfootball,cricketandgolf,whichtake
advantageoftheexcellentfacilitiesatDubaiSportsCity.
WHAT THE SCHOOL SAYS:
Bradenton Preparatory Academy is now managed by Mosaica Education. The school, located at Dubai Sports
City, offers a university preparatory curriculum from pre-KG to Grade 12 which helps students to reach their
potential. Mosaica schools feature an innovative curriculum (based on the American Common Core standards), integrated
technology and a high degree of personalized attention. Our students receive a progressive education with a classical
foundation resulting in an outstanding record of academic success and the development of skills needed to become
critical thinkers and independent life-long learners able to access higher education anywhere in the world.
WHAT THE INSPECTORS SAY:
The curriculum was of a good quality. Students’ attitudes and behaviours, Islamic understanding and
environmental understanding were at good levels. Health and safety arrangements were outstanding and
the quality of support for students was good. Staffing facilities and resources were outstanding. All staff were
properly certified and supported by an effective professional development model and teachers reported a positive,
professional learning environment. The ethos of the school was caring and supportive and noted as a strength by
parents and staff.
DubaiSchoolsInspectionBureau,2011
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CURRICULUM:
TheschoolfollowsanAmericancurriculum(basedontheCommonCorestandards)fromkindergartenuptoGrade12.
SeniorstudentsgraduatewiththeAmericanHighSchoolDiploma.
FEES:
Feesforthe2011/2012yearrangefrom30,000dirhams($8,168or£5,315)ayearforpre-kindergartenupto70,790
dirhams($19,273or£12,542.)ayearinGrade12.Thefeesarepayablebeforethestartofeachofthethreeschool
termsinunequalinstalments.
LOCATION:
BradentonPreparatoryAcademyisinDubaiSportsCityonEmiratesRoad.ItisclosetoVictoryHeights,MotorCityand
ArabianRanches.
FROM THE HEAD TEACHER:
We believe in the American educational model and that school is more than knowledge. It also serves to develop
individual interests and talents. Our students are critical thinkers and problem solvers. They are creative and
have a keen sense of social responsibility, fair play and integrity.
Dr.MichaelGemma,Headofschool
QUOTES FROM THE PARENTS:
I have met a few mums in VH who have children in Bradenton or children enrolled to start at Bradenton and they
have only said positive things.
CommentonExpatWomanforum,2011
We were slightly apprehensive sending our boy to Bradenton as it was a relatively new, unproven school but we
are now delighted with our choice and only have good things to say about the school.
CommentonExpatArrivals.com,2012
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DEIRA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
Address P.O.Box79043,Dubai,UAE
Website www.disdubai.ae
Email [email protected]
Telephone (+971)42325552
Gender Co-educational
Curriculum British
BACKGROUND:
DeiraInternationalSchoolisaprivate,not-for-profitschoolinDubaiFestivalCity,foundedin2005.Ithasadiverse
studentbodywith75nationalitiesrepresentedandabout1,200pupils.Itaimstoprovideahigh-qualityinternational
educationwhichremainssensitivetoUAEcultureandtradition.Theprimaryandsecondaryschoolseachhasitsown
well-equippedbuildingwithalibrary,artblock,musicrooms,andcomputerandsciencelaboratories.Theschoolalso
hasagym,abusinessstudiescentreandagrasssportsfield.There’sawidevarietyofco-curricularandextra-curricular
activitiesavailableattheschool.Studentscantakeclassesindrumming,chess,philosophy,photographyandwriting,
aswellasinter-schoolsportslikerugby,football,basketball,netball,cricket,swimmingandathleticsaswellaskarate,
danceandgolf.
WHAT THE SCHOOL SAYS:
Deira International School is committed to providing an excellent education for all students enabling them
to enjoy and achieve high levels of learning. We address the diverse needs and aspirations of our students,
offering an excellent foundation in all aspects of learning, to challenge and prepare them for a successful future. Our
students will be equipped to study at the most prestigious universities in the world. Deira International School actively
promotes respect and tolerance as well as environmental and social awareness. We encourage our students to make a
positive contribution and become committed and valued members of our school and, by supporting internationalism, be
responsible citizens of the world.
WHAT THE INSPECTORS SAY:
Deira International School provided a good quality of education, an improvement since the last inspection.
There was a strong drive for improvement, with the leadership team and teaching staff sharing the vision and
determination to ensure all students did as well as they could. Parents held the school in high regard and were especially
pleased with the school’s welcoming ethos and its inclusive, international nature. Students’ behaviour and attitudes to
learning were outstanding.
DubaiSchoolsInspectionBureau,May2012
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CURRICULUM:
TheschoolbroadlyfollowstheNationalCurriculumforEngland,theIGSCEprogrammeinYear10-11andthe
InternationalBaccalaureateDiplomaProgramme(IBDP)aswellasthepilotIBCareer-RelatedCertificate(IBCC)inYears
12-13.
FEES:
Yearlyfeesrangefrom28,995dirhams($7,894or£4,939)forFoundationStage1upto58,420dirhams($15,905or
£9,950)forYear13.Thereisalsoanon-refundableregistrationfeeof3,000dirhams($817or£511).Feesarepayable
beforethestartofeachofthethreeschoolterms.
LOCATION:
TheschoolislocatedinDubaiFestivalCity,inAlGarhoud,nearAlBadiaResidence.
FROM THE HEAD TEACHER:
We believe in placing the student at the centre of their own education and that learning is a life-long
experience, hence our school motto ‘Forever learning, forever achieving’. Students are encouraged to take
some responsibility for their own learning and to support others in their efforts. We expect teachers to lead by example
and demonstrate that they are reflective practitioners. We have an inclusive community approach to education. We
encourage parents to play their part in our educational partnership and we keep them informed of progress and
concerns. Students, teachers and parents are given the opportunity to play their part in the decision making processes
at appropriate times. We are proud of our established community partnerships and the community spirit that you will
sense when you visit the school.
JeffSmith,Director
QUOTES FROM THE PARENTS:
The children have made friends easily and they like their teachers.
CommentonExpatWomanforum,2011
The school certainly had some teething problems but under the new headteacher standards have improved
tremendously.
CommentonExpatArrivals.com,2012
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DUBAI BRITISH SCHOOL (TAALEEM)
Address POBox37828,Springs3,EmiratesHills,Dubai,UAE
Website www.dubaibritishschool.ae
Email [email protected]
Telephone (+971)43619361
Gender Co-educational
Curriculum British
BACKGROUND:
DubaiBritishSchoolisathrivingschoolofover1,000students,situatedintheSpringsareaofEmiratesHillsinDubai.
Itisfairlynew,havingopenedin2005aspartoftheTaaleemeducationalgroup,whichhasanumberofschoolsin
Dubai.Theschoolaimstoencouragestudentstoparticipateinawidevarietyofacademic,sportandculturalpursuits
tobroadentheirknowledgeandhonetheirskillsandtalents.There’sagreatvarietyofafter-schoolsportsandcultural
activitiesofferedbytheschool.Sportsincludediving,rugby,basketball,dance,yoga,cricketandtabletennis.The
schoolhasagoodfootballteam.Culturalactivitiesincludesketching,scrapbooking,drama,jazzband,languageclubs
andevenkaraoke!
WHAT THE SCHOOL SAYS:
Although the majority of the student population is British, DBS caters for over 40 different nationalities and
celebrates the diversity of its student body. Graduates are placed mainly in UK universities, while also attending
leading American, Australian and other centres of tertiary education around the world. Staff are recruited mainly from
the UK or from international schools worldwide.
WHAT THE INSPECTORS SAY:
Dubai British School provided a good quality of education, with some significant strengths. These included
outstanding attainment and progress at Foundation Stage and good or better attainment and progress in
English, mathematics and science in the other phases. There were outstanding teaching, learning and assessment at
Foundation Stage and broadly good practice in other phases and an outstanding curriculum in all phases.
DubaiSchoolsInspectionBureau,May2012
CURRICULUM:
TheschoolfollowstheNationalCurriculumforEnglandincludingtheGCSEandGCEAlevelprogrammesfromYear9to
Year13.Theschoolofferssupporttoalimitednumberofchildrenwithmoderatelearningdifficulties,whiletheGifted
andAbleProgrammechallengesstudentstoextendtheirachievementinacademic,sportingandculturalspheres.
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FEES:
Annualfeesfor2012/2013rangefrom36,993dirhams($10,071or£6,451)intheFoundationStage,Year1andYear2
upto55,460dirhams($15,099or£9,671)inYear12-13.Thereisalsoanon-refundableapplicationfeeof500dirhams,
andaregistrationfeeof500dirhams($136or£85),deductiblefromthefirstterm’sfees.Feesarepayableinthree
instalmentsbeforethestartofeachterm.
LOCATION:
TheschoolissituatedinEmiratesHills,onMeadowsDrive,nexttotheDEWABuilding.
FROM THE HEAD TEACHER:
We celebrate a musical solo as warmly as we celebrate a student gaining an A*, a wonderful painting as happily
as a top A level score. We stress to all of our young people that what really matters is not gaining qualifications
for their own sake but learning - always being open to personal growth, having a mindset that welcomes and tackles
problems, being resilient when times get tough. We strive to ensure that our young people leave Dubai British School
with a set of values and a perspective on life that leads them to succeed in whatever they wish to do.
MarkFord,Principal
QUOTES FROM THE PARENTS:
My children have been in Dubai British School since we moved to Dubai three years ago and we are all
very happy with the school. The teachers always keep us informed on what is happening and the kids love
it, they participate in a lot of sport events and my daughter loves art which they focus a lot on. I would definitely
recommend it.
CommentonExpatArrivals.com,May2012
DUBAI COLLEGE
Address POBox837,Dubai,UAE
Website www.dubaicollege.org
Email General:[email protected]:[email protected]
Telephone (+971)43999111
Gender Co-educational
Curriculum British
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BACKGROUND:
DubaiCollegeopenedin1978tomeettheeducationalneedsoftheexpatcommunityasanindependent,non-profit
school.SituatedintheheartoftheNewDubaidistrict,todaytheschoolenjoysanenviablereputationwithexpat
parents,andwasrated“outstanding”bytheDubaiSchoolsInspectionBureauin2011and2012.Theschoolhasa
capacityforabout800students.Thecampuscovers19acresandfacilitiesinclude13sciencelaboratories,three
designandtechnologysuites,fivecomputersuites,fourartstudios,amusiccentre,12practiceroomsandarecording
studio.Therearealsothreedramastudios,alibrary,adedicatedSixthFormCentreandastate-of-the-art,900-seat
auditorium.Sportplaysacentralroleintheextracurricularlifeoftheschool,withastrongtraditionofinter-andintra-
schoolcompetition,andmuchsportingsuccessacrossDubaiandtheUAE.
WHAT THE SCHOOL SAYS:
Dubai College has, in the last thirty years, built up a tradition of excellence and can rightly claim to be amongst
the very best UK curriculum schools within an international setting. We can point to many things from our past to
demonstrate clearly why we have, for so many Dubai parents, been the secondary school of choice for so long. During this
time we have built a community where students, staff, parents and alumni can look back on the past with pride, enjoy the
present and look forward to a promising and exciting future.
WHAT THE INSPECTORS SAY:
Dubai College provided an outstanding quality of education. Its main features were the high standards
of attainment in English, mathematics and science. In almost all other areas of the work of the school, its
performance was of a very high quality. Teaching, learning and assessment were outstanding at all stages. The school’s
ethos, its curriculum and its arrangements to look after and support students were all outstanding. Leadership and
management were also outstanding at all levels.
DubaiSchoolsInspectionBureau,May2012
CURRICULUM:
Theschool’scurriculumdrawsonthebestelementsoftheEnglishNationalCurriculum,withadditionalsubjects
appropriatetoaselectiveschool.Thereisanemphasisontheindividual’seducationaldevelopment.StudentsinYear
10-11areexpectedtotake9GCSEs.MostgoontostudyforASandALevelsinYear12and13.Theschoolisalsoan
overseascentrefortheAssociatedBoardoftheRoyalSchoolsofMusic(ABRSM).
FEES:
Acrossallyears,feesare20,106dirhams($5,475or£3,430)perterm,amountingto60,318dirhams($16,422or
£10,293)ayear.Feesareduebeforethehalf-termpointoftheprecedingterm.ThereisalsoaSixthFormsupplement
of2,661dirhams($724or£454)perterm.Privatemusiclessonsincuranadditionalfee.
LOCATION:
DubaiCollegeislocatedinSheikhZayedRoad,veryneartoThePalmJumeira.
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FROM THE HEAD TEACHER:
Dubai College has a tradition of academic success. But DC is about much, much more than ‘A’ level and
GCSE results. The co-curriculum is an essential, core element of life in the school and students are as
determined and ambitious on the sports field, performing on stage or supporting a plethora of community projects
as they are studying history, science or music. Active participation in the extensive activities programme is the key
to success in the classroom.
PeterHill,Headmaster
QUOTES FROM THE PARENTS:
Dubai College is one of the more expensive schools in Dubai and its facilities and campus reflect this. It also
consistently scores well academically. This is due to it being selective in its application process.
CommentonExpatArrivals.comforum,2012
DUBAI ENGLISH SPEAKING SCHOOL
Address P.O.Box2002,Dubai,UAE
Website www.dessdubai.com
Email [email protected]
Telephone (+971)43371457
Gender Co-educational
Curriculum British
BACKGROUND:
Startedin1963,DESSisastalwartoftheEnglish-speakingprivateschoolsceneinDubai.Theschoolhasaround
800pupilsandhasbeenupgradedtoincludemodernfacilities.Theschoolhasanexcellentreputationamongexpat
parentsandagoodtrackrecordinsports,theperformingartsandacademicachievement.TheoldestschoolinDubai,
DESShasstrongsportingtraditionsandthereforeawidevarietyofsportsandextra-curricularactivitiestochoose
from.Theseincludeballet,gymnastics,dance,horseriding,netball,football,gleeclub,fencing,crochetclub,karate,
basketballandlanguageclubs.Itsswimmingtrackrecordisparticularlygood.Theschoolacceptspupilsfromthe
FoundationStageuptoYear6.
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WHAT THE SCHOOL SAYS:
Dubai English Speaking School enables a child to develop as a lifelong, independent learner, providing a balanced
and structured curriculum in which the needs of the individual and his/her potential are paramount. High self-
esteem is developed in a caring, nurturing and cooperative environment in order to foster the leadership and interpersonal
skills needed to be a citizen in a modern and changing society.
WHAT THE SCHOOL SAYS:
Dubai English Speaking School provided a good quality of education for students. It had several outstanding
features, notably the high level of students’ attainment, their attitudes and behaviour, as well as the close and
productive partnership with parents. Students made good progress throughout the school because of the quality of
teaching which challenged and motivated students well, especially in English, mathematics and science.
DubaiSchoolsInspectionBureau,May2012
CURRICULUM:
PupilsfollowtheEarlyYearsFoundationStage,theEarlyYearscomponentoftheNationalCurriculumforEngland.They
followtheNationalCurriculumforEnglandfromYear1toYear6.SubjectsaredividedintothecoresubjectsofEnglish,
mathematicsandscienceandthefoundationsubjectsofhistory,geography,art,designtechnology,musicandphysical
education.
FEES:
Yearlyfeesare34,360dirhams($9,354or£5,940),payableinthreetermlyinstalmentsof11,454dirhamsThereis
anon-refundableapplicationfeeof300dirhams($81or£51).Aregistrationfeeof2,000dirhams($545or£340),
deductiblefromthefirstterm’sfees,ispayabletoreserveaplace.
LOCATION:
TheschoolislocatedonOudMethaRoad,betweenKaramaandthewesternshoreoftheDubaiCreek.
FROM THE HEAD TEACHER:
Academic success is important but we believe in the development of creative thinkers, problem solvers and
children who know how to learn in an environment of mutual respect, enthusiasm and commitment. The children
are given a wide range of opportunities to have as many experiences as possible in order that the whole child is developed.
We believe in success for all not just academically but in the many other areas of a child’s development.
DavidHammond,Headteacher
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QUOTES FROM THE PARENTS:
My daughter is at her second year at this school. She’s been exposed to different languages, visual arts, music,
drama, social studies and just about every other subject that a child could absorb and retain. I have found the
teachers to be terrific and will continue to recommend the school to other parents.
Parentcommentonedarabia.com
EMIRATES INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL,JUMEIRAH (AL HABTOOR GROUP)
Address POBox6446,Dubai,UAE
Website www.eischools.ae
Email [email protected]
Telephone (+971)43489804
Gender Co-educational
Curriculum BritishandIB
BACKGROUND:
TheEmiratesInternationalSchoolHighSchoolbecameanIBWorldSchoolin1992.It’salargeschoolwithover1,800
pupilsintheprimaryandsecondaryschoolscombined.Thecampusissituatedinaprestigious,well-developed
residentialareaina12-acrecomplexcompletewithgreenspaces,shadetreesandwalkways.Theschooliscomprised
oflow-risebuildingsandexcellentfacilities,includingfivecomputerlaboratories,11sciencelabs,dramaandmusic
studios,twolibraries,atheatre,swimmingpool,multi-purposesportshall,fully-equippedgymandasportspitch.
There’sarangeofextra-curricularactivitiesavailable.Manyarefree,suchasathletics,tabletennis,rugby,latindance,
origami,rockclimbingandmanymore.Others,suchasmartialartsandcookingclasses,costextra,dependingonthe
class.
WHAT THE SCHOOL SAYS:
We offer a broad international education, in English, designed for local and expatriate students, that promotes
excellence in all academic activities. It is our mission to enhance the educational, social and physical development
of our students encouraging them to think analytically and creatively in preparation for the next stage of their education.
EIS-Jumeirah provides a safe yet challenging environment that develops in students an inter-cultural sensitivity and
responsibility towards the people and environment of our local and global community.
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WHAT THE INSPECTORS SAY:
Emirates International School – Jumeirah provided a good quality of education, with some strong features.
Attainment and progress in the key subjects across most phases of the school were good. The quality of
students’ personal and social education was good.
DubaiSchoolsInspectionBureau,May2012
CURRICULUM:
TheschooloffersaholisticinternationalprogrammewithafullrangeofsubjectslinkedthroughtheInternational
Baccalaureate(IB)Diploma.TheMiddleYearsProgramme(MYP)isofferedinGrade7-9.Since2010theschoolhasalso
offeredthePrimaryYearsProgramme(PYP)curriculumcomponentoftheIBDiplomaforthejunioryears.Studentsin
Grade10-11studytowardtheGCSEandIGCSEexaminations.InGrade12-13studentscanalsochoosetoachieveaEIS
–JumeirahHighSchoolGraduationDiplomainsteadoftheIBDiploma.
FEES:
Thereisanadmissionfeeof2,000dirhams($545or£340).Yearlyfeesforthe2012/2013yearrangefrom30,140
dirhams($8,205or£5,255)forKindergarten1upto63,870dirhams($13,390or£11,138)forGrade12-13.
LOCATION:
TheschoolislocatedattherightsideofSheikhZayedRoadinthedirectionofAbuDhabi,inAlThanyaRoad,opposite
totheEmaratGasStation.
FROM THE HEAD TEACHER:
The student body reflects the local community. There are approximately 985 students in the Primary School
with over 80 different nationalities being represented. Similarly, the teaching faculty is representative of over 20
different nationalities, a feature unique to schools in Dubai. All faculty hold university degrees and/or teaching certificates
and the majority have previous experience in teaching overseas. The school and every member of the staff plays a part
in the student’s academic, social and personal development.
LynleyMarwick,PrimaryPrincipal
QUOTES FROM THE PARENTS:
This school has 94 different nationalities registered. It is truly an international school where an international
or mixed race child will not feel out of place. Race, culture and religion are not an issue here - the school
teaches tolerance and acceptance and succeeds. The primary and junior schools have an excellent reputation
although more work needs to be done in the higher grades. Teacher’s salaries need to increase for there to be
continuity of staff and higher staff morale. All in all a good school with an approachable staff and ‘open door’
policy. We were very happy there.
Parent,ExpatExchange.comforum
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ENGLISH COLLEGE DUBAI
Address POBox11812,Dubai,UAE
Website www.englishcollege.ac.ae
Email [email protected]
Telephone (+971)43943465
Gender Co-educational
Curriculum British
BACKGROUND:
TheEnglishCollegeDubai(EC)openeditsdoorsin1992,althoughtheseparateprimaryschoolwasbuiltonlyin2004.
Theschoolhasabout1,000studentsinthetwocampusescombined.EChasagoodreputationamoungexpatparents
inDubai.Thefacilitiesaregoodandincludealargegym,swimmingpool,soccerfield,amusicroom,dramastudio,arts
room,scienceroomandtwocomputerlabs.Thereisabroadprogrammeofco-curricularandextra-curricularactivities
onoffer,includingsportssuchasbasketball,iceskating,swimming,scubadivingandaerobics,amoungothers,aswell
asarangeofculturalactivitiesfromscreenprintingandcookingtodebating.Ahousesystemformsthebasisfora
rangeofinter-houseactivities.
WHAT THE SCHOOL SAYS:
The aim of The English College, Dubai is to offer the best elements of the British education system supplemented
by modern international educational practice, based upon our students achieving high academic standards,
making sound judgements and having clearly defined moral values. We hope to provide a firm foundation for our
students to succeed in an ever-changing multicultural world and develop into successful learners, confident individuals
and good citizens.
WHAT THE INSPECTORS SAY:
The school had a very strong ethos based on the core set of values. Students and teachers worked very
effectively together in a calm and respectful manner. The overall attitudes and behaviour of almost all students
was a particularly strong feature of the school. Teaching was at least good overall and outstanding in Foundation
Stage and post-16.
DubaiSchoolsInspectionBureau,May2012.
CURRICULUM:
TheEnglishCollegeDubaifollowstheEnglishNationalCurriculumfromtheFoundationStagetoYear13.Thisincludes
theEarlyYearsProgrammewithafocusonliteracyandnumeracyandanemphasisonICTacrossallsubjects,theGSCE
examinationsinYear10-11,andanexcellentrangeofASandA-levelcoursesinYear12-13.
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FEES:
Feesarepayableinthreeinstalmentsbeforethestartofeachterm.Feesrangefrom7,540dirhams($2,053or£1,281)
aterminFS1to16,940dirhams($4,612or£2,878)aterminYear13.Thereisalsoanapplicationfeeof500dirhams
($136or£85),atuitiondeposit(deductedfromthefirstterm’sfees)of3,000dirhams($817or£510)forFS1-Year6or
4,000dirhams($1,090or£680)forYear7-13,andarefundablejoiningdepositof1,000dirhams($272or£170).
LOCATION:
TheCollegeislocatedonSheikhZayedRoad,oppositethenewOasisCentre.
FROM THE HEAD TEACHER:
Our teaching approaches reflect the best of current UK practice in that our classroom organisation and planning
ensure stimulating, purposeful, working environments. The English College Primary School creates a warm and
caring atmosphere for your child because we believe a happy child learns well. We aim to ensure that excellence is
pursued and valued, that lessons are challenging and have pace and direction and the way children are taught, for
example, individually, in groups or as part of a whole class, matches their individual needs. The curriculum, enriched
through a variety of carefully planned activities including fieldwork and visits, is broad and challenging.
WilliamJohnston,HeadTeacher,PrimarySchool
I am very proud of The English College and I am delighted with the unique way we currently provide for some
650 students in secondary and approximately 400 students in primary. I am pleased to work alongside the Head
of Primary, Mr Johnston, and the Board of the College, to ensure necessary levels of investment and development of
buildings, facilities and resources are maintained, as well as prioritising staff training opportunities and competitive
terms and conditions to ensure we attract the best available teachers out there. I look forward to welcoming you at some
point in the future if you are new to the ‘EC concept’.
AllanForbes,HeadTeacher,SecondarySchool
QUOTES FROM THE PARENTS:
Thestudentsseemveryhappyandveryproudoftheirschool…andthefacilitiesaregreatforthefeesthey
charge.
CommentsontheExpatWomanforum,2011
English College is a wonderful academic institution. I graduated here and had such a great experience that 8
years later we decided to get our daughter enrolled.
Commentonedarabia.com
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GEMS CAMBRIDGE INTERNATIONALSCHOOL, DUBAI
Address POBox60835,Dubai,UAE
Website www.gemscis-dubai.com/home.php
Email [email protected]
Telephone (+971)42824646
Gender Co-educational
Curriculum British
BACKGROUND:
CIS-Dubaihasastudentbodyof2,300representingover70nationalities.Thespaciouscampusisdividedintotwo:
theprimaryschool(kindergartentoYear6)andthesecondaryschool(Year7to13).ThisUK-curriculumschool’s
combinationofgoodfacilitiesandexcellentteachingstaffmeanthatstudentsconsistentlyachieveresultswellabove
theUKnationalaverage.Facilitiesincludealarge,coveredswimmingpool,cricketnetsandplayingfields,anindoor
sportsarena,multi-purposehall,separate,well-equipped,grassedplayingareaforkindergartenandearlyprimary
schoolaswellaswell-equippedmusic,artandsciencefacilities.Theschoolhasastrongsportingtraditionwith
inter-houseandinter-schooleventsheldthroughouttheyear.Fieldtripshaveanoutdoorfocusandincluderafting,
mountainbiking,camping,rockclimbing,canoeinganddivingtrips.
WHAT THE SCHOOL SAYS:
We aim to provide students with a thorough preparation to face the modern world. The school has high
expectations for every child, as they are encouraged to take pride in personal achievement through hard work.
Whilst academic success is of primary importance, there is also a firm belief in developing social, sporting and artistic
skills through both curricular and extra-curricular activities. We cater to the wide range of abilities and talents of all
the students by providing them opportunities to develop their potential, enabling them to make a positive contribution
to society.
WHAT THE INSPECTORS SAY
Cambridge International School provided a good quality of education for its students. It had some outstanding
features that included the curriculum in the Post-16 phase, the excellent behaviour in the Foundation Stage and
the quality of partnerships with parents and the broader community. Parents and teachers commented that students
enjoyed coming to school. The executive school leadership team had a strong vision for the school and this was evident
in school information materials and in discussion with parents and staff.
Dubai Schools Inspection Bureau, May 2012
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CURRICULUM:
TheschoolfollowstheNationalCurriculumforEnglandfromtheFoundationStagetoYear13.StudentstaketheIGCSE
inYear10and11andALevelsinYear12and13.TheschoolhasalsointroducedBusinessandTechnologyEducation
Council(BTEC)level2and3vocationalqualifications.
FEES:
Feesforthe2011/2012yearrangefrom14,667dirhams($3,993or£2,547)ayearforFoundationStage1upto19,914
dirhams($5,421or£3,458)ayearinYear13.Thefeesarepayablebeforethestartofeachofthethreeschoolterms
inunequalinstalments.Additionalfeesincludea200dirhamregistrationfee,a500dirhamadmissionfee,andan
additionalannualfacilityusefeeofbetween350and950dirhams.
LOCATION:
TheschoolislocatedinAlGarhoud,offAlRebatStreet.
FROM THE HEADMASTER:
AtCambridgeInternationalSchool,Dubaiwebelieveinprovidinghighquality,excellentvalueeducationina
supportive, friendly anddynamic learning environment.Weareoneof the longest established andhighest
achievingschoolsinDubai.Teachers,supportstaffandleadersatCIS-Dubaiareamongthemostimaginativeandcreative
talentsthatanyschoolintheworldcouldwishtohave.Thatisourreputation.Thatiswhyparentswanttheirchildren
togotoCIS-Dubai.
DavidMcLaughlin,Principal
GEMS DUBAI AMERICAN ACADEMY
Address P.O.Box32762,AlBarsha,Dubai,UAE
Website www.gemsaa-dubai.com/home.php
Email [email protected]
Telephone (+971)43479222
Gender Co-educational
Curriculum English
BACKGROUND:
TheDubaiAmericanAcademyhasanenviablereputationamoungexpatparentsinDubai.It’salargeschoolcomprised
ofawiderangeofnationalities,withabout2,300studentsfrompre-kindergartenuptoGrade12.Theschoolfollows
anAmericancurriculum,withseniorstudentshavingtheoptionofstudyingtowardstheInternationalBaccalaureate
Diploma(IBDip).Theschoolalsohasexcellent,state-of-the-artacademic,co-curricularandsportsfacilitiesanda
richco-curricularandextra-curricularprogrammewherestudentsareencouragedtofindnewinterestsanddevelop
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theirtalents.ActivitiesarevariedandincludelanguageclassesinDutch,Swedish,FinnishandNorwegian,newspaper,
drama,knittingandmanyothers.Sportsrangefromrugbytokaratetoultimatefrisbee.Thereisalsoastudentcouncil.
WHAT THE SCHOOL SAYS:
Dubai American Academy provides a challenging college-preparatory program in the English language to
students from around the world. Success is not only measured by academic achievement, but also by the mark
that each student makes on the lives of others. Our staff inspires excellence in academics and life-long learning skills by
continually reviewing and building an enriched American curriculum, promoting student achievement, and modelling
integrity and kindness.
WHAT THE INSPECTORS SAY:
The Dubai American Academy provided an outstanding quality of education; its strengths included attainment
and progress in English, mathematics and science in all phases. The quality of teaching for effective learning
was outstanding in kindergarten, elementary and middle school. Strong teacher subject knowledge in almost all subjects
permitted teachers to address, effectively, students’ learning needs. The ethos of the school was outstanding, supported
by the outstanding curriculum and the very effective quality of support.
DubaiSchoolsInspectionBureau,May2012
CURRICULUM:
Theschooloffersan“enrichedAmericancurriculumwithaninternationalperspective”forstudentsinpre-kindergarten
uptoGrade12.ThecurriculumisbasedonUSnationalstandards.Seniorstudentsalsohavetheoptionofstudying
towardtheIBDiploma.
FEES:
Feesrangefrom15,740dirhams($4,312or£2,682)inpre-kindergartento17,630($4,830or£3,004)inKindergarten
1and46,300dirhams($12,685or£7,890)inKindergarten2.ThereafteryearlyfeesarethesameforGrade1-12:
currently65,270dirhams(about$17,882or£11,122).
LOCATION:
TheschoolislocatedinAlBarsha,anemergingareaofDubai,closetothenewDubaiInternetandMediaCities.
FROM THE HEAD TEACHER:
GEMS American Academy, Abu Dhabi is a young international school but already recognised as a great place for
children. Set against the ever-transforming skyline of the United Arab Emirates, Dubai American Academy is a
flourishing world-class American International School. Having celebrated its 10th Anniversary as a college preparatory
school in 2008, DAA has built a solid reputation for its high academic standards, cutting-edge practices and wide range of
THE EXPAT’S GUIDE TOEDUCATION & SCHOOLS IN DUBAI
36
exceptional co-curricular programs. We are a proud community of learners, immersed in an ethos of shared core values,
kindness, achievement, celebration and fun. I encourage you to visit us and to experience first hand our welcoming staff
and outstanding teaching faculty.
Mrs.RobinAppleby,Superintendent
QUOTES FROM THE PARENTS:
We came from the Canadian system and had to put our son into Grade 10 when we arrived. He absolutely loved
it. Academically his grades went up and so did his self-esteem and confidence. He was able to play varsity soccer
and travel which was great for him. He made some wonderful friends with whom he is now in contact having started
University back home. He got to the University he wanted to go to in Canada and told me if it wasn’t for his school he
wouldn’t have done as well. Our experience was very positive - the school has great school spirit at the high school level -
the kids seem to be very inclusive and helpful to new students. I highly recommend.
Parent,ExpatWomanforum,2011
DAA has become the best school in Dubai and I am proud to have a child attending it.
Parent,ExpatExchange.comforum
JUMEIRAH COLLEGE
Address POBox74856,Dubai,UAE
Website www.gemsjc.com/home.php
Email General:[email protected]:[email protected]
Telephone (+971)43955524
Gender Co-educational
Curriculum British
BACKGROUND:
Foundedin1999,JumeirahCollegeisawell-establishedandrespectedschoolwithagoodreputationamoungexpat
parentsandanexcellentacademictrackrecord.TheCollegehasover1,000studentsofabout60nationalities.The
campusisabeautiful,well-equippedfacilityintheheartoftheprestigioussuburbofJumeirah.Itsexcellentfacilities
includeinteractivewhiteboardsineveryclassroom,wirelessinternet,anextensivelibraryandinformationcentre,
threeartstudios,musicrooms,dramastudios,sevensciencelaboratoriesandindoorandoutdoorsportsfacilities.
Extra-curricularactivitiesrangefromtraditionalsportslikerugbyandfootballtoskiingandsailing,aswellascultural
clubslikedrama,photographyandtextiles.Theschoolhasavibrantmusicdepartmentwithachoirandwindensemble
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andlessonsinvariousinstrumentsoffered.
WHAT THE SCHOOL SAYS:
Jumeirah College recognises the value of creating an inspired and motivational atmosphere that nurtures the
development of each student. Strong partnerships with parents are an integral part of the school’s philosophy
and parents play an important role in the school’s consultation process. A GEMS school, Jumeirah College benefits from
over 47 years of success proven expertise in education. GEMS understands that each child is precious and is committed to
delivering education of the highest standard; education that equips children with the skills, ethics and confidence to face
the challenges of a brilliant future.
WHAT THE INSPECTORS SAY:
Jumeirah College continued to provide an outstanding quality of education for its students. The highly effective
leaders were ambitious in seeking further improvements. They placed a strong emphasis on excellence in
academics and in students’ personal development. In both of these, the College had a long track record of success
which was praised by the parent body.
DubaiSchoolsInspectionBureau,May2012
CURRICULUM:
JumeirahCollegebroadlyfollowstheNationalCurriculumforEnglandandoffersavariedprogrammeofGCSEandA
levelcourses.StudentsareexpectedtotakeanumberofcoresubjectsincludingEnglish,Mathematics,Scienceand
Arabicandsupplementthesewithelectivecourses.
FEES:
Thereisanon-refundableregistrationfeeof500dirhams($136or£85).Annualfeesrangefrom55,228dirhams
($15,036or£9,382)ayearinYear7to69,035($18,795or£11,728)dirhamsayearinYear13,payableinthreeunequal
instalments.
LOCATION:
JumeirahCollegeislocatedinAlSafa,justoffAlWaslroad,inStreet19nearthe‘ParknShop’complex.
FROM THE HEAD TEACHER:
At the College, we pride ourselves on the balance that we achieve for each individual student as we promote
academic excellence and development of the person, all in an established, friendly and supportive environment.
Our students tell us that they enjoy their education and this is reflected in their positive attitudes to learning.
They tend to be confident, friendly, well-motivated and lively in their outlook and approach to all that they do. They
learn to challenge in a positive and constructive manner, but more importantly, they learn to ask the questions that will
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38
develop them as citizens of a global community.
Fiona Cottam, Principal/CEO
QUOTES FROM THE PARENTS:
Our family experience of JC is good, our child did far better than anticipated in GCSE’s / A Levels based on
prediction when they joined the school at year 10. Hoping my youngest will go there in the not too distant future.
The head at JC is good, honest with an open door policy and is liked by the students too.
Parent,ExpatWomanForum,2012
THE MILLENNIUM SCHOOL
Address P.O.Box32446,Dubai,UAE
Website www.gemsmillenniumschool.com
Email [email protected]
Telephone (+971)42988567
Gender Co-educational
Curriculum Indian
BACKGROUND:
Asthenamesuggests,theMillenniumSchoolwasstartedin2000andaspirestobe“theschooloftheMillennium.”
Theschoolhasabout2,800studentsonrole,withastudentbodymadeupcompletelyofexpatstudents,andis
currentlyintheprocessofintroducinganinternationalversionoftheCBSE(Indiannationalcurriculum).Theexcellent
on-campusfacilitiesincludeanauditorium,twobasketballcourts,atenniscourt,afootballfieldandtwoswimming
pools,andthesportingfacilitiesincludeaseparatecoveredactivityareaforprimaryschoolstudents.Extra-curricular
arevariedandincludeclaymodelling,robotics,moderndance,yogaandkarate,amongothers.
WHAT THE SCHOOL SAYS:
The Millennium School is a school with a real difference. Along with a Day Boarding programme that provides
holistic growth and state-of-the-art facilities, the school has an extremely child-centred and child friendly
ambience. Education at The Millennium School transcends the confines of the classroom walls and the pages of the
textbook. “Learning” is a joyous process where the teacher and the students are partners at every step. The Millennium
School aspires to be the school of the Millennium.
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WHAT THE INSPECTORS SAY:
The Millennium School provided a good quality of education. It had several outstanding features, which included
outstanding behaviour and understanding of Islam, excellent science in all phases, students’ attainment and
progress in mathematics in the upper stages of the school, students’ high quality speaking and presentation skills and
the opportunities provided to develop gifted students’ skills and talents. Another positive feature of the school was its
excellent caring ethos, safe and happy environment. The quality of teaching was good throughout the school.
DubaiSchoolsInspectionBureau,February2012
CURRICULUM:
TheschoolfollowstheCBSE(Indian)curriculumandisintheprocessofintroducingtheCBSEInternationalCurriculum
(CBSE-I)uptoYear10.Thecurriculumprovidesstudentswithtransferableskillsandthereforetheopportunitytogain
accesstoreputablecollegesworldwide.
FEES:
Feesforthe2012/2013yearrangefrom14,045dirhams($3,824or£2,440)ayearforKindergarten1upto20,654
dirhams($5,623or£3,586)ayearinYear13.Thefeesarepayablebeforethestartofeachofthethreeschooltermsin
unequalinstalments.
LOCATION:
TheschoolislocatedattheintersectionofBaghdadStreetandAmmanStreetinAlQusais,neartheDubai
InternationalAirport.
FROM THE HEAD TEACHER:
Founded on principles and values that are the basis of the GEMS schools, the Millennium School is committed to
partnering parents in raising the next generation of leaders. It is my privilege to be able to continue to guide the
development of the Millennium School in its 11th year.
MrMichaelGuzder,Principal/CEO
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GEMS ROYAL DUBAI SCHOOL
Address POBox121310,Dubai,UAE
Website www.royaldubaischool.com
Email [email protected]
Telephone (+971)42886499
Gender Co-educational
Curriculum British
BACKGROUND:
Havingopenedin2005asaprimaryandsecondaryschool,theschoolrevertedtobeaprimaryschoolonlyin2010.
Withlessthan800studentsonrole,theschoolformsaclose-knitcommunitywithstudents,teachersandparentsof
over60nationalities.TheschoolisaGEMSCentreofExcellenceforICTtoEnhanceLearning,andteachingspacesat
GEMSRoyalDubaiSchoolareoutfittedwithdigitalwhiteboardsandfullInternetconnectivity.Theever-growinglistof
extra-curricularactivitiesrangesfromballet,karate,football,swimming,tennisandartonthepremisestohorseriding
atanearbystables.
WHAT THE SCHOOL SAYS:
The GEMS Royal Dubai School offers a holistic education that extends beyond the English National Curriculum and
the focus is on meeting the needs of each and every one of our learners so that they are equipped with the learning
skills and life-long learning dispositions necessary to be able to accept and embrace the challenges of an ever changing
world. This means equipping students with a wide range of traditional academic and technological skills and developing a
range of learning dispositions and critical thinking skills that will promote creativity and solve problems.
WHAT THE INSPECTORS SAY:
GEMS Royal Dubai School provided overall a good quality of education. It had a number of important strengths
with outstanding progress being made in mathematics at the later stages. The quality of teaching for effective
learning was good at both Foundation and primary stages [...] The facilities were outstanding.
DubaiSchoolsInspectionBureau,May2012
CURRICULUM:
TheGEMSRoyalDubaiSchooloffersTheNationalCurriculumforEnglandwhichplacesemphasisonthecoresubjects
andcarefulmonitoringofprogresstoensurearecordofacademicsuccess.ThestaffincludesUK-trainedteachers.
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FEES:
Feesforthe2011/2012yearrangefrom30,084dirhams($8,190or£5,225)ayearforFoundationStage1upto37,932
dirhams($10,326or£6,587)ayearinYear6.Thefeesarepayablebeforethestartofeachofthethreeschooltermsin
unequalinstalments.
LOCATION:
TheschoolislocatedintheresidentialsuburbofAlMizhar1(nearMirdif)at11AStreet,justoffAirportRoad.Itis
behindtheArabianCentre.
FROM THE HEAD TEACHER:
When you join GEMS Royal Dubai School you become part of an extended family which has common goals
and a shared commitment to achieve something very special. We aim to excel in what we have chosen to do
and the only route to success lies in the classroom and in the day to day endeavour of our teachers and children. These
principles of teaching and learning provide the essential framework in which that ‘something special’ will occur. I hope
you will be able to visit us and look forward to welcoming you to our school where your child can begin or continue his
or her learning journey.
JarlathMadine,Principal/CEO
QUOTES FROM THE PARENTS:
Our daughter is at Royal Dubai and we rate the staff and the standard of teaching very highly. She has made
great progress – the only disappointment is that they do not have a senior school.
CommentonExpatArrivals.com,2012
THE WESTMINSTER SCHOOL
Address P.O.Box27016,Dubai,UAE
Website www.gemsws-ghusais.com
Email [email protected]
Telephone (+971)42988333
Gender Co-educational
Curriculum British
BACKGROUND:
TheWestminsterSchoolisoneofthelargestschoolsintheregion,withastudentbodyofalmost5,000pupils
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comprisedof72nationalities.Facilitiesinclude180purpose-builtclassroomsforallacademicsubjects,amulti-purpose
auditorium,awell-equippedlibrary,sixsciencelaboratories,musicandartandcraftrooms,fivecomputerlaboratories
andaschoolcafeteria.Theschoolemphasisesall-rounddevelopmentthroughabalancedprogrammeofco-curricular
activitiesthatencourageteamspirit,explorationandthedevelopmentofeachstudent’spotential,includingfieldtrips,
projectsandleadershipcamps.Inter-Housecompetitionsareheldinsports,publicspeaking,dance,quizzes,art,music
andessaywriting.After-schoolactivitiesincludeeverythingfromdramaanddebatingtoelocutionandcooking.Sports
includebasketball,tabletennis,badminton,football,hockeyandchess,amoungothers.
WHAT THE SCHOOL SAYS:
The Westminster School, part of the GEMS network, is one of the largest international schools in the GCC
region offering a British curriculum to over 72 different nationalities. Our curriculum is founded on the four
core values of Leadership Qualities, Universal Values, Forward Thinking and World Citizenship, which brings a breadth
of vision to the educational program and extra curricular activities offered at The Westminster School. They learn to
take their decisions independently, solve problems effectively, and interact positively with others, irrespective of the
society they are placed in.
WHAT THE INSPECTORS SAY:
The Westminster School provided overall an acceptable quality of education, but with some significant strengths.
These included the very good examination results at senior level in English, mathematics and science, students’
attitudes and behaviour and the school’s very good focus of their personal and social development.
DubaiSchoolsInspectionBureau,May2012
CURRICULUM:
TheschoolfollowstheEnglishNationalCurriculumfromtheFoundationStageuptoYear13,preparingstudents
totaketheIGCSEcourseandtheAdvancedSubsidiary(AS)andALevelExaminations.TheIGCSEcurriculumisan
internationallyrecognisedcurriculumusedinover150countriesacrosstheworld.Inadditiontodevelopmentof
specificskillsandcompetencies,thecurriculumemphasisesthinkingskills,enquiry,creativity,planningandotherskills
neededtomeetthechallengesofthefuture.
FEES:
Feesforthe2011/2012yearrangefrom5,235dirhams($1,425or£908)ayearforKindergarten1upto10,178
dirhams($2,770or£1,765)ayearinYear13.Feesaredueintenmonthlyinstalments.Therearealsoanumberof
additionalregistration,admissionandyearlyfacilityfeesamountingtosome1,000dirhams($272or£173).
LOCATION:
TheschoolislocatedinAlGhusais,between10thStreetandBaghdadStreet,neartheMetrostations.
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FROM THE HEAD TEACHER:
The Westminster School has a successful academic track record with a Global Alumni in universities all over the
world. The school prepares students well for the challenges of the future, equipping them to confidently face
the challenges of the 21st century both socially and academically. You are welcome to visit our school and get better
acquainted with our staff, students and the school itself. However, if this is not possible, take a tour of our website. I
believe you will be impressed with both staff and students as we work together for a better future.
NevilleSherman,Principal
GEMS WELLINGTON INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
Address P.O.Box37486,Dubai,UAE
Website www.wellingtoninternationalschool.com/home.php
Email [email protected]
Telephone (+971)43484999
Gender Co-educational
Curriculum BritishandIB
BACKGROUND:
Anewcomertothescene,havingonlyopenedin2005,theWellingtonInternationalSchoolisoneofonlyahandfulof
schoolsrated“outstanding”bytheDubaiSchoolsInspectionBureauin2011.ThisexcellentEnglish-curriculumschool
acceptsstudentsfromtheFoundationStage(3yearsold)uptoYear13.AspartoftheGEMSeducationgroup,itisa
privateprofit-makingschool.Ithasfantasticstate-of-the-artfacilitiesincludingfullyinteractivewhiteboards,wireless
connectivityandlaptops,awell-equippedlibrary,dancestudio,dramastudio,café,threeartstudios,gym,Astroturf
field,anindoorandoutdoorswimmingpools,varioussport-specificcourtsandfieldsandevenitsowntelevisionand
radiostudio.
WHAT THE SCHOOL SAYS:
The GEMS Wellington International School is a truly ground-breaking learning environment that provides
exceptionally high standards of education to all the students. The school, spanning an area of eight acres,
offers a spectrum of facilities and resources that combines a world class education with distinctive, state-of-the-art
infrastructure. As students enter the school they will be presented with the latest technology-based learning resources
that will stimulate their senses. On entering the concourse they see the Creation Garden featuring exotic plant life and
flora, creating an ambiance rarely seen in schools.
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WHAT THE INSPECTORS SAY:
GEMS Wellington International School provided an outstanding quality of education. It had a very strong
commitment to developing each individual academically and also as a person. [...] At almost all levels, the quality
of teaching, learning and assessment were outstanding, with a commendable focus on developing a wide range of
learning skills through the school’s focus on students’ learning.
DubaiSchoolsInspectionBureau,May2012
CURRICULUM:
WellingtonInternationalSchoolofferstheNationalCurriculumofEnglandandtheInternationalBaccalaureateDiploma
ProgrammeinYears12and13.TheNationalCurriculumforEnglandisabroadandbalancedcurriculumusedacross
theworld.Itemphasisesthedevelopmentofspecificskillsandcompetencies.
FEES:
Feesforthe2011/2012yearrangefrom33,249dirhams($9,052or£5,652)ayearforFoundationStage1upto72,335
dirhams($19,694or£12,296)ayearinYear13.Thefeesarepayablebeforethestartofeachofthethreeschoolterms
inunequalinstalments.
LOCATION:
GEMSWellingtonInternationalSchoolisinthePalmJumeirah.
FROM THE HEAD TEACHER:
At Wellington International School we aim to develop a number of personal qualities ‘The qualities of mind’
– curiosity, courage, investigation, experimentation, imagination, reasoning, sociability and reflection. We
want our students to cope confidently with difficulty and uncertainty – to be powerful real-life learners. Wellington
International School provides a vibrant, supportive and creative learning environment that encourages challenge,
curiosity and choice.
MelCurtis,Principal/CEO
QUOTES FROM THE PARENTS:
I have friends with children at Wellington International and have only heard good reports about the school. The
children seem to be happy there, the facilities are very good and the standard of teaching is very high.
CommentonExpatArrivals.com
My kids are at Wellington, one in primary and one in secondary. Both are very happy and doing well academically.
Both have made great progress already this year. There’s a great atmosphere at the school and the admin staff
have been great.
Parent,ExpatWomanforum,2011
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THE WINCHESTER SCHOOL
Address POBox38058,TheGardens,JebelAli,Dubai,UAE
Website www.thewinchesterschool.com
Email [email protected][email protected]
Telephone (+971)48820444
Gender Co-educational
Curriculum British
BACKGROUND:
TheWinchesterSchoolaimstoprovideaffordable,good-qualityBritish-curriculumeducation.Theschoolhasa
3,300-strongstudentbodyrepresenting90nationalitiesandamulti-nationalstaff.Facilitiesaregoodandinclude
aspacious,multi-purposeauditorium,anumberofsportsfields,well-equippedartandmusicroomsandscience
laboratories,multi-mediacomputerlaboratoriesandtwowell-resourcedlibraries.There’sawiderangeofextra-
curricularactivitiesforanextrafee,includingeverythingfromclaymodellingtobadmintonandbasketball.Anumber
ofco-curricularactivitiesandevents–suchasspellingbees,debates,poetrycompetitionsandfieldtripsabroad–are
heldannually.
WHAT THE SCHOOL SAYS:
The Winchester School is situated in the heart of the tranquil residential community, ‘The Gardens’ in Jebel
Ali Village, Dubai. It is an international school teaching The National Curriculum for England. The school
started in 2003 and currently operates Year groups from Foundation Stage to Year 13. The school provides high
quality, affordable education to students of all nationalities. The elegant, spacious campus features aesthetically
designed domes, arches and pyramids and high ceilings to create the perfect ambience for a multi-cultural setting
that is conducive to learning.
WHAT THE INSPECTORS SAY:
The Winchester School provided a good level of education and had improved. The school focused on educating
the whole child, providing knowledge for life-long skills. Attitudes and behaviour were good across the school,
and relationships between staff and students were a key strength.
Dubai Schools Inspection Bureau, May 2012
CURRICULUM:
TheWinchesterSchoolofferstheNationalCurriculumforEnglandfromtheFoundationStagetoYear13,including
theIGCSEinYear10and11,aswellasALevelsandASLevelsinYear12and13.TheNationalCurriculumforEngland
THE EXPAT’S GUIDE TOEDUCATION & SCHOOLS IN DUBAI
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isabroadandbalancedcurriculumusedacrosstheworld.Itemphasisesthedevelopmentofspecificskillsand
competencies.
FEES:
Feesforthe2011/2012yearrangefrom9,104dirhams($2,478or£1,581)ayearforFoundationStage1upto20,307
dirhams($5,530or£3,527)ayearinYear13.Thefeesarepayablein10monthlyinstalments.
LOCATION:
OffSheikZayedRoadinJebelAliVillage,about30minutesfromthePalmJumeirah.
FROM THE HEAD TEACHER:
Frequently I am asked what makes Winchester so special. My answer is quite simple – people. Children,
who enhance and stimulate the environment, staff who really care and the lovely parents who support their
children and the school. I welcome you to contact us, visit the school, meet with us and be part of the school where
‘Every Child Matters’.
RanjuAnand,Principal
GEMS WORLD ACADEMY, DUBAI
Address POBox126260,AlBarshaSouth,Dubai,UAE
Website www.gemsworldacademy-dubai.com
Email [email protected]
Telephone (+971)43736373
Gender Co-educational
Curriculum International
BACKGROUND:
GEMSWorldAcademyhasamulti-nationalstudentbodywithover1,000studentsonrole,10percentofwhomare
American.Havingopenedin2007,theschoolhasgonefromstrengthtostrength.Theexcellent,state-of-the-art
facilitiesincludeaplanetarium,roof-topPeaceGarden,spaciousandICT-richclassrooms,andaSymphonyCentrefor
theperformingarts.After-schoolactivitieschangeeverysemester,andincludeeverythingfromrockclimbingand
tennistonewspapersandpublicspeaking,inadditiontosomeadditionpaid-foractivitiesheldoffsite,suchasgolf
andskiing.Theschool’skindergartenfacilitiesareparticularlygood.There’sanafter-schoolcareprogrammeforpre-
kindergartenandkindergartenstudentsthatrunstill3:30pmeachday.
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WHAT THE SCHOOL SAYS:
GEMS World Academy - Dubai is an expatriate international school for young world citizens; a school where
students benefit from an education beyond the more traditional national curricula a student has usually
experienced before. GWA-Dubai provides an outstanding IBO program delivery for students aged 3 – 18, with the
integration of family values unlike any other school in the region. The principles of caring, contributing, and citizenship
within the school community life prevails.
WHAT THE INSPECTORS SAY:
The school’s arrangements for the health, safety and support of students remained outstanding. The facilities
and resources were also of outstanding quality. Outstanding leadership had informed school improvements and
growth, and leaders showed the capacity to make further developments.
DubaiSchoolsInspectionBureau,May2012
CURRICULUM:
GEMSWorldAcademy-DubaihasafullIBWorldSchoolcurriculumprogrammeforGradesK-12.Attheseniorlevelthe
schooloffersboththeDiplomaProgramme(IBDP)andastandardinternationalhighschooldiploma.TheGWA-Dubai
philosophyisinternationalandeclectic,seekingoutgoodpracticefromAmericanschools,theSingaporeanscience
andmathscurriculum,andEuropeaninternationalschools.
FEES:
Annualfeesforthe2012/2013schoolyearrangefrom55,386dirhams(about$15,080or£9,602)upto96,140dirhams
(about$26,174or£16,668)inGrade12.
LOCATION:
GWAislocatedinAlBarshasouth,offAlKhailroad.Theschoolis20minutesfromthePalmJumeira10minutesfrom
theArabianRanches.
FROM THE HEAD TEACHER:
Ourvisionistoprovideaschoolinwhichstudentsbenefitfromaninternationaleducationdesignedforyoung
worldcitizens,basedonbestpractice,research,andaccreditationagencyendorsements.Thisisaplacethat
supportsgoodlearningandstudentachievements.Mostimportantisthatwegenuinelybelievethateachstudentis
uniqueandspecial.Therefore,personalizedlearningwithindividualtargetsandlearningskillsareparamount.Wework
inpartnershipwithfamilies.TeacherswillbesupportedwithIB,GEMS,andongoingprofessionaldevelopmenttoensure
studentsareassuccessfulaspossible.
DanE.Young,HeadofSchool/CEO
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QUOTES FROM THE PARENTS:
GWA is a fantastic school. I have 2 children in Secondary there. I moved my children from another school after a
prolonged period of bullying. We’ve had no bullying problems at all at GWA. Academics are great, my children
actually say that they’re learning so much more now than they did at previous schools. I would recommend GWA to anyone.
I have friends with kids in elementary and they are all very happy too.
Parent,ExpatWomanforum,May2012
JUMEIRAH ENGLISH SPEAKING SCHOOL (JESS - JUMEIRAH)
Address POBox24942,Dubai,UAE
Website www.jess.sch.ae/Home.aspx
Email [email protected]
Telephone (+971)43945515
Gender Co-educational
Curriculum British
BACKGROUND:
Thisexcellentnon-profitschoolwasopenedin1975andhasabout700pupils.Itwasrated‘outstanding’bytheDubai
SchoolsInspectionBureauin2011and2012.Theschoolalsohasacomprehensivestafftrainingprogrammeand
strivesforexcellenceinteaching.JESShasaverygoodreputationamoungexpatparentsinDubaiforitsbonafide
opendoorpolicyandhighstandards.Ithasfantasticfacilitiesincludingtwotemperature-controlledswimmingpools,
sport-specificfieldsandcourtsandawell-equippedmusiccentrewithpracticerooms.Thereareextra-curricularclubs
forallkindsofsports,fromwater-polotohockey,aswellasnumerousmusicandperformingartsopportunities.Some
clubs,suchasskiing,horseridingandrockclimbing,takeplaceoffsite.
WHAT THE SCHOOL SAYS:
JESS Jumeirah is a very well established and well known school in Dubai. We have 690 students on roll ranging
from 3-11 years. The school has been in operation for over 30 years and during that time has built an excellent
reputation as a high achieving school academically as well as in the areas of music, sport and performing arts.
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WHAT THE SCHOOL SAYS:
The school continued to provide an outstanding quality of education within an ethos of continuous
improvement and shared responsibility. The quality of leadership of the school was outstanding, with all
leaders pursuing excellent outcomes for the students. Student leadership was a common feature of lessons and
activities with high levels of independence and initiative shown by students of all ages.
DubaiSchoolsInspectionBureau,May2012
CURRICULUM:
Pupilsfollowthetwo-yearEarlyYearsFoundationStage,aUKEarlyYearscurriculumbasedonapractical,hands-on
approach,andbegintheNationalCurriculumforEnglandinYear1-6.TheNationalCurriculumsubjectsaredividedinto
thecoresubjectsoflanguage,mathematicsandscienceandthefoundationsubjectsofhistory,geography,art,design
technology,music,physicaleducation.Inaddition,pupilslearnArabicfromYear1andFrenchfromYear5.ICTisan
integralpartofthecurriculumandisusedacrossallsubjectareas.
FEES:
Annualfeesrangeforthe2011/2012yearare28,791dirhams($7,838or£4,904)intheFoundationStage,36,087
dirhams($9,824or£6,147)inPrimarySchool,61,944dirhams($16,864or£10,550)inSecondarySchooland70,746
dirhams($19,261or£12,050)intheSixthForm.Thereisalsoaregistrationfeeof300dirhamsandanacceptancefee
of500dirhams,bothnon-refundable.
LOCATION:
JESSJumeirahislocatedoffAlWaslRoadintheJumeirah2area,nearSheikZayedRoad.
FROM THE HEAD TEACHER:
The atmosphere at JESS is happy, child focused and one based on community. Pupils and adults of all ages
cooperate and function in a collegiate way, giving our school a unique and friendly feel. Pupils have a tangible
pride in their school and are encouraged to take on roles and responsibility within the school. Independence is fostered
within the children from an early age as it is a key skill in the development of life long learners.
JumeirahSeniorManagementTeam:MrsJacquiParr,MrDarrenCoulsonandMrsRuthBurke(HeadTeacher)
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RAFFLES INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
Address POBox122900,Dubai,UAE
Website www.rafflesis.com
Email [email protected]
Telephone SouthCampus:+971(0)44271200WestCampus:+971(0)44271351/52
Gender Co-educational
Curriculum British
BACKGROUND:
RafflesInternationalSchoolisopenedin2007,andhassincegrowntoconsistoftwocampusesandseveralnurseries.
Thetwocampuseshaveacombinedcapacityfor1,500pupils–SouthCampuscatersforkindergartentoGrade
8,whileWestCampuscatersfromkindergartentoGrade12.Facilitiesincludeclassroomsequippedwithlatest
instructionalaudio-visualfacilities,tutorialrooms,atheatre,artrooms,adancestudio,musicrooms,scienceand
computerlaboratories,asoccerfield,asportshall,swimmingpools,aswellasbasketball,badmintonandtennis
courts.Inadditiontoawidevarietyofsports,theco-curricularprogrammeincludesaprogrammeinmusic,dance,
dramaandtheatretodevelopconfidenceandcommunicationskills,whileinfinearts,studentslearnpainting,pottery
andceramics.Pupilsareallowedtotakeonefreeextra-curricularclassaweek,orasmanypaidclassesastheywish.
Thesevarywidelyandincludejazzballet,fencing,yogaandlanguagesamoungothers.
WHAT THE SCHOOL SAYS:
At Raffles, we take our responsibility for the education, care and welfare of each child very seriously as we help
establish the cornerstones that support the growth of life-long learners and ultimately, future strong, positive
and productive contributors to the communities in which they live in. Established in 2007, Raffles International School
now stands with 2 campuses and 9 nurseries. With students and staff from all over the world comprising of over 70
different nationalities, we have a truly international mix. All our academic staff is vastly experienced, highly qualified and
extensively trained.
WHAT THE INSPECTORS SAY:
The overall performance of Raffles International School - South Campus was good. Improvements had occurred
in several aspects of the school’s work. Leadership was good because there had been significant effort and
success in developing a cohesive team focused on improvement.
Raffles International School West had improved markedly since the previous inspection and now provided a good education
for its students. The good teaching throughout the school meant that students’ learning and progress were mostly good.
The positive ethos within classrooms stemmed from teachers’ confidence in their subjects and their respectful rapport
with students.
DubaiSchoolsInspectionBureau,May2012
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CURRICULUM:
SouthCampus:Kindergarten1followstheMontessoricurriculum,whileKindergarten2combinesthiswiththe
IntegratedCambridgePrimarycurriculum.InGrades1-5,theessentialsubjectsarebasedontheCambridgePrimary.In
MiddleSchool(Grades6-8),theframeworkistheCambridgeSecondary1(CS1).Itensuresthatstudentsharnesstheir
fullpotentialandeffectivelyapplyknowledge,skillsandabilitiestoeachandeverysubjectarea.
WestCampus:RISWaimstogainauthorizationasanIBWorldSchool.TheschoolfollowstheIBPrimaryYearsProgram
(PYP)fromkindergartentoGrade5,thentheCambridgeLowerSecondaryProgrammeinGrades6–8,theCambridge
IGCSEExaminationProgrammeinGrades9-10,andfinishingwiththeIBDiplomaProgrammeinGrades11and12.
FEES:
Annualfeesfor2011/2012rangefrom25,000dirhams($6,806or£4,266)inKindergarten1upto70,000dirhams
($19,057or£11,945)forGrade12.Notethatfornewstudentsthereisalsoanon-refundableassessmentfeeof1000
dirhams($272or£170),andforallstudentayearlyregistrationfeeof500dirhams($136or£85)deductedfromthe
firstinstalment.AnnualfeesarepaidintwounequalinstalmentsinSeptemberandFebruary.
LOCATION:
RafflesInternationalSchoolcampusesarelocatedintheNewDubaiarea,betweenUmmSuqeimRoadand302
JumeirahRoad.SouthCampusissituatedon20thStreetandWestCampuson7thStreet.
FROM THE HEAD TEACHER:
As parents, you are encouraged to join in activities that help build the school community. The diversity of
our population may be recognized through the celebrating of events and holidays for each child’s home
country. You are urged to bring along artifacts of your country that may be shown to the students. Additionally,
many students have spent time living in other countries and these too may be talked about through special events.
We are all eager to know more about each other and through parents participating and supporting their children we
all can gain the knowledge.
DonavonReinsmoen,Superintendent-SouthCampus
Our ethos, philosophy and approach to learning and everything we do is totally international. The diversity of our
population is always considered such a positive attribute, and the attributes and attitudes from the IB Learner
Profile are such an important component of the school’s routine. We do encourage you to join in all of the activities of
the school. The success of any school is due to the partnership between parents, students and teachers and the wider
community. I do look forward to meeting you all.
BrianJ.Marquand,Principal-WestCampus
QUOTES FROM THE PARENTS:
I’mreallyhappywithRafflesnursery!TeachersarefabandDSislearningsomuch!
Parent,ExpatWomanforum,2010
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My son is at Raffles West Campus. While the last year was a disaster for the school, this year has been really
good. The new principal is doing a great job, and we are very happy with the organisation and communication
we are now getting from them. Both last year and this year my son has had awesome teachers and I’m pretty fussy so
that’s high praise indeed.
Parent,ExpatWomanforum,2010
REGENT INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
Address P.O.Box24857,Dubai,UAE
Website www.risdubai.com
Email [email protected]
Telephone (+971)43608830
Gender Co-educational
Curriculum British
BACKGROUND:
RegentInternationalSchoolisaninternational,UK-curriculumdayschoolforpupilsinYear1to12.Theschool
providesagood-quality,holisticeducationinasafeandnurturingenvironment.RIShasastate-of-the-art,purpose-
builtcampuswithover40classrooms,ICTtechnologythroughoutthecampus,multi-mediazonesandanetworked
library,fully-equippedscience,art,designandtechnology,musicandICTfacilities,outdoorplaygrounds,aswimming
pool,age-appropriateplaystructuresandanmulti-purposehall.Thereisawiderangeofextra-curricularactivities,
dependingonthegradelevel,includingeverythingfromskippingclubtoLegoclubforjuniorpupilstostringensemble,
schoolnewspaper,languageclubsandtraditionalsportsforolderstudents.
WHAT THE SCHOOL SAYS:
At RIS we are committed to the pursuit of excellence and leadership in our educational services and practices. We
provide students a high quality academically rigorous education within a caring and personalised setting. Our
curriculum is balanced by a range of extra-curricular and sports activities, and is enriched through the integration of a holistic
“Education in Human Values” (EHV) program which develops academic and emotional intelligence. We challenge our students
to become successful learners, confident individuals, responsible citizens and effective contributors to society.
WHAT THE INSPECTORS SAY:
Regent International School continued to provide a good quality holistic education for its students. There
was an extremely safe, caring and challenging environment for students. Students’ behaviour, self-discipline,
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consideration for others and attitudes to learning were outstanding. The curriculum was broad and balanced, but there
was scope for improved attainment in Islamic Education, Arabic as a first language and secondary science. In other key
subjects, students’ attainment and progress were good. The school maintained its outstanding levels of support for
students, as well as its good provision for their health and safety, its links with parents and its overall leadership.
DubaiSchoolsInspectionBureau,May2012
CURRICULUM:
TheschoolofferstheNationalCurriculumforEnglandfromYear1to12,includingIGCSEandA/ASlevelsatthe
secondarylevel.
FEES:
Yearlyfeesrangefrom35,000dirhams($3,950or£2,538)inYear1to70,000dirhams($7,901or£5,076)inYear12.
LOCATION:
TheschoolissituatedinTheGreens,whichispartoftheEmiratesLivingCommunity,nexttotheEmiratesGolfClub.
FROM THE HEAD TEACHER:
What is the difference between one school and the next? The answer is the ethos of the school which defines
how the education is delivered and the how the learning environment is created. At Regent International
School, we impart an education anchored on three foundations: Enriched Content, Effective Curriculum Delivery and
Assessment for Learning. We aim to offer parents complete peace of mind assuring that we will not only prepare your
child academically but also emotionally in readiness to meet life’s challenges.
RISSeniorManagementTeam
REPTON SCHOOL DUBAI
Address P.O.Box300331,Dubai,UAE
Website www.reptondubai.org
Email [email protected]
Telephone (+971)44269393
Gender Co-educational
Curriculum British
BACKGROUND:
Althoughonlyopenedin2009,ReptonSchoolhasalreadymadeitsmarkasatopBritish-curriculumschoolinDubai.
ModelledonanestablishedEnglishboardingschool,Reptonplacesanemphasisonacademicachievementaswellas
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astrongsportingculture.Theschoolhasstate-of-the-art,modernfacilitiesona1.3-millionsquarefootcampusinNad
AlShebawithover1,700pupils.NeverthelessReptonbelievesthateachchildhasindividualneedstobecherished
andnurtured.Thereisanexcellentvarietyofafter-schoolactivitiescateringforindividualtalentsandteamwork.
Theseincludeweighttraining,documentaryclub,astronomyclub,scubadivingandyoga,amoungmanyothers.Sport
istakenseriouslywithanumberofinter-schoolandinter-housesportingfixturesduringtheyear.Mainsportsinclude
rugby,football,cricketandswimmingforboysandnetball,football,roundersandswimmingforgirls.
WHAT THE SCHOOL SAYS:
Repton Dubai is one of the most exciting and leading educational communities in the world. It is a truly international
school firmly based in the UAE with a very distinctive British flavour in which, because of its boarding provision,
a vibrant multi-cultural learning community is developing. Welcoming families from all nationalities, Repton School in
Dubai offers the very best in British education for children aged between 3 and 18, within the context of an international
boarding community, and epitomised by the school’s philosophy of ‘the best for every child’.
WHAT THE INSPECTORS SAY:
Repton School provided a good quality of education, with several important strengths. Attainment and progress,
curriculum and quality of teaching, learning and assessment were outstanding at Foundation Stage. At other
phases of the school, attainment in English, mathematics and science was good and acceptable in Islamic Education and
Arabic. Students’ personal and social development was good.
DubaiSchoolsInspectionBureau,May2012
CURRICULUM:
TheschoolfollowstheEnglishNationalCurriculumfromtheEarlyYearsFoundationStageuptoIGSCEinYear10-11
andASandALevelsinYear12-13.ReptonisalsoanIBWorldSchoolofferingtheInternationalBaccalaureateDiploma
inYear12-13.
FEES:
Feesarepayableinfourinstalments;aninitialfeeof10,000dirhams($2,722or£1,619)followedbythreeinstalments
atthestartofeachterm.2012/2013fees(includingtheinitialfee)rangefrom42,500dirhams($11,571or£7,187)in
theNurseryandReceptionyearsupto85,000dirhamsforYear13($23,141or£14,375).Annualboardingfees(Year
6-13only)rangefrom109,000dirhams($26,946or£18,434)upto145,000dirhams($39,477or£24,523),depending
onwhetherthechildisaweeklyorfullboarder.Therearealsoregistrationandassessmentfeesamountingto1,500
dirhams,adepositof50,000dirhams,andextrafeesforschoollunches.
LOCATION:
ReptonSchoolisjustoffEmiratesRoadinNadAlSheba3.
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FROM THE HEAD TEACHER:
We are proud of both our 21st century international nature and of the traditions and core values which have been
derived from our strong links with the culture of the Emirates and our partnership with Repton in Derbyshire,
England. Repton School’s 450 year history has enabled it to develop a mature and clearly effective school which has
been able to mould and bring out the true potential of its pupils. We are fortunate to have been able to draw on the
educational knowledge and expertise from our sister school and thus combine the very best of the new with the very best
of the British educational system. I am delighted that our links with Repton are so strong and that these will continue to
grow in the years to come.
JonathanHughesD’Aeth,Headmaster
QUOTES FROM THE PARENTS:
In my opinion, very few schools in Dubai can match Repton. As challenging as it might be, they seem to maintain a
profoundly strong balance between academics, athletics and extra-curricular activities for pupils. Their location is
quite ideal too, secluded and easy to reach from Emirates and Al Khail Roads. The only drawback are their high fees.
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