Al Durrah International School vs Nibras Al Iman American Private School
Al Durrah International School and Nibras Al Iman American Private School are both in Sharjah, about 10 km apart. Both schools offer American programmes, and Al Durrah International School also offers Advanced Placement (AP). Published annual fees are AED 16,600 - 26,300 at Al Durrah International School and AED 8,505 - 20,483 at Nibras Al Iman American Private School, which puts Al Durrah International School roughly 48% higher. Al Durrah International School takes pupils from 4 to 18, and Nibras Al Iman American Private School from 3 to 14.
*Application / registration fees* - No separate, school-published one‑time application or registration fee appears on the school's SPEA fee schedule. The authority allows schools to collect a re-enrolment (seat‑reservation) deposit of up to 5% of the approved tuition, not to exceed AED 1,000; such deposits are typically non‑refundable and are offset against Term 1 tuition when charged.
*Annual tuition (Tuition + books) and uniform — by year group (amounts in AED)* - Pre‑KG: Annual tuition (Tuition + Book) AED 8,505. Per‑term split (40% / 30% / 30%): Term 1 = AED 3,402.00; Term 2 = AED 2,551.50; Term 3 = AED 2,551.50. Uniform: AED 480. - KG1: Annual tuition (Tuition + Book) AED 8,708. Per‑term: Term 1 = AED 3,483.20; Term 2 = AED 2,612.40; Term 3 = AED 2,612.40. Uniform: AED 480. - KG2: Annual tuition (Tuition + Book) AED 9,012. Per‑term: Term 1 = AED 3,604.80; Term 2 = AED 2,703.60; Term 3 = AED 2,703.60. Uniform: AED 480. - Grade 1: Annual tuition (Tuition + Book) AED 12,125. Per‑term: Term 1 = AED 4,850.00; Term 2 = AED 3,637.50; Term 3 = AED 3,637.50. Uniform: AED 480. - Grade 2: Annual tuition (Tuition + Book) AED 12,100. Per‑term: Term 1 = AED 4,840.00; Term 2 = AED 3,630.00; Term 3 = AED 3,630.00. Uniform: AED 480. - Grade 3: Annual tuition (Tuition + Book) AED 12,100. Per‑term: Term 1 = AED 4,840.00; Term 2 = AED 3,630.00; Term 3 = AED 3,630.00. Uniform: AED 480. - Grade 4: Annual tuition (Tuition + Book) AED 14,348. Per‑term: Term 1 = AED 5,739.20; Term 2 = AED 4,304.40; Term 3 = AED 4,304.40. Uniform: AED 480. - Grade 5: Annual tuition (Tuition + Book) AED 14,206. Per‑term: Term 1 = AED 5,682.40; Term 2 = AED 4,261.80; Term 3 = AED 4,261.80. Uniform: AED 480. - Grade 6: Annual tuition (Tuition + Book) AED 14,181. Per‑term: Term 1 = AED 5,672.40; Term 2 = AED 4,254.30; Term 3 = AED 4,254.30. Uniform: AED 480. - Grade 7: Annual tuition (Tuition + Book) AED 17,152. Per‑term: Term 1 = AED 6,860.80; Term 2 = AED 5,145.60; Term 3 = AED 5,145.60. Uniform: AED 480. - Grade 8: Annual tuition (Tuition + Book) AED 17,152. Per‑term: Term 1 = AED 6,860.80; Term 2 = AED 5,145.60; Term 3 = AED 5,145.60. Uniform: AED 480. - Grade 9: Annual tuition (Tuition + Book) AED 17,117. Per‑term: Term 1 = AED 6,846.80; Term 2 = AED 5,135.10; Term 3 = AED 5,135.10. Uniform: AED 480. - Grade 10: Annual tuition (Tuition + Book) AED 20,387. Per‑term: Term 1 = AED 8,154.80; Term 2 = AED 6,116.10; Term 3 = AED 6,116.10. Uniform: AED 480. - Grade 11: Annual tuition (Tuition + Book) AED 20,418. Per‑term: Term 1 = AED 8,167.20; Term 2 = AED 6,125.40; Term 3 = AED 6,125.40. Uniform: AED 480. - Grade 12: Annual tuition (Tuition + Book) AED 20,483. Per‑term: Term 1 = AED 8,193.20; Term 2 = AED 6,144.90; Term 3 = AED 6,144.90. Uniform: AED 480.
*Notes on the tuition figures and term splits* - The annual amounts above are shown as "School Fees (Tuition + Book)"; the listed uniform charge is AED 480 per student. - Where a school operates on a September‑start academic year, standard term billing allocation is 40% for Term 1, 30% for Term 2 and 30% for Term 3; schools must allow payment in at least three equal instalments (or offer monthly instalments) and may collect a re‑enrolment seat reservation deposit up to 5% of the approved tuition (capped at AED 1,000). Schools are permitted to collect the first instalment up to one month before the academic year begins.
*Billing schedule and payment terms* - Billing frequency: The school is required to permit payment in at least three instalments at equal intervals over the academic year. Monthly instalment plans are also permitted where offered. The school may request the first instalment up to one month before the school year begins. - Per‑term invoice timing: When the school year follows a September start, terms are typically billed as 40% (Term 1), 30% (Term 2), 30% (Term 3). Use the per‑term amounts listed above for the fee instalment values. - Receipts: The school must issue a receipt for any cash or electronic payment made by a parent.
*Boarding fees* - The school operates as a day school (KG–Grade 12) and does not publish boarding/hostel fees; no boarding fees apply.
*Other costs and optional charges* - Books: The tuition figures above are provided as "Tuition + Book," so book costs are included in the published annual amounts. Uniform: AED 480 per student (annual). - Transport, trips, extracurricular activities, exam fees or other optional charges are not specified in the school's published SPEA fee schedule; optional items may be charged separately under the authority's rules for additional fees. Parents should expect any optional transport or activity fees to be billed separately if the school offers those services.
*Refunds and withdrawal billing (how refunds are calculated)* - Re‑enrolment / seat reservation payments: A seat reservation (re‑enrolment) fee/deposit, if charged, is generally non‑refundable. - Withdrawal during the academic year: Refunds for tuition are calculated as follows once a formal withdrawal request is submitted by the parent: - If the student attended for two weeks or less, the school may retain the equivalent of one month of tuition. - If the student attended for more than two weeks and up to one month, the school may retain the equivalent of two months of tuition. - If the student attended for more than one month, the school may retain the full value of the current term. - Refund calculations are applied on a per‑term basis and based on the date stated in the parent's official withdrawal request.
*Fee payment options and administrative practice* - The school is required to accept instalment payments (minimum three instalments) or monthly payment plans when offered and must provide official receipts for cash or electronic payments. Specific accepted payment instruments (for example: bank transfer, cheque, debit/credit card) are not published in the SPEA fee schedule; payment instruments and the school's cashier procedures are arranged directly with the school's administration.
*Summary for parents* - The published annual fees are shown as "Tuition + Book" for each year group; a uniform charge of AED 480 applies per student. Per‑term amounts are the 40%/30%/30% split shown above for a September‑start year. The school may charge a re‑enrolment/seat‑reservation deposit (up to 5% of tuition, capped at AED 1,000) and may bill optional services (transport, trips, activities) separately. The school must allow at least three instalments (or monthly payments where offered), issue receipts for payments, and apply SPEA's refund rules when a student withdraws mid‑year.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
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Food options
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House system
House system
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House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership
The school is accredited by Cognia, the recognized American accreditation body.
Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
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Curriculum details
The school has a curriculum that balances academic excellence, creativity, critical thinking, and character development.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio
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Exam results
Exam results
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Exam results
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Higher education progression
Higher education progression
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Higher education progression
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Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
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Gifted and talented
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Academic calendar
Academic calendar
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Academic calendar
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Wellbeing & support
Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning
Social & emotional learning
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Social & emotional learning
The school embraces diversity and fosters a welcoming, inclusive environment where students of all backgrounds feel valued and supported. The principal message notes a focus on student support and on developing cross-cultural competency skills to prepare learners for a global economy.
Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
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Special educational needs (SEN)
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English as an additional language
English as an additional language
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English as an additional language
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Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
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Mental wellbeing
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Safeguarding
Safeguarding
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Safeguarding
The school provides a happy and safe environment within which students can access opportunities beyond the classroom so that they can become independent learners and responsible and confident adults.
Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
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Facilities overview
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Sports facilities
Sports facilities
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Sports facilities
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Academic facilities
Academic facilities
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Academic facilities
The school has an American-based curriculum. The school has Cognia accreditation for five years. TIMMS results show the school placed sixth in Sharjah with scores higher than the world average in 2019 in math and science. The school teaches Quran from KG and focuses on cross-cultural competency and a global dimension in education.
Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
Global Day 2025 is an extracurricular event. The school hosts a Holy Quran competition, with a ceremony held in the 2024-2025 academic year.
Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
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History
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Community
Community
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Community
The school embraces diversity and fosters a welcoming, inclusive environment where students of all backgrounds feel valued and supported. There is a partnership between students, parents and staff that supports student success, and the school emphasizes cross-cultural competency and a global dimension in education. Global Day 2025 is observed as part of the school's community life, and a Holy Quran competition ceremony took place in the 2024-2025 academic year. Extra-curricular activities are a core part of student life.
Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
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Parent teacher association
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Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
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Academic & intellectual
The school provides high-quality learning experiences for all students. It combines strong academic foundations with innovative teaching methods to prepare learners for a rapidly changing world. The curriculum balances academic excellence, creativity, critical thinking, and character development. TIMMS results show the school achieved sixth place in Sharjah, with math and science scores above the world average in 2019.
Arts & creative
Arts & creative
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Arts & creative
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Cultural & language
Cultural & language
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Cultural & language
The school emphasizes cross-cultural competency and a global dimension. Global Day 2025 demonstrates international celebration as part of school life.
Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
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Social & hobbies
The school offers extra-curricular opportunities. This supports student success alongside classroom learning. The focus is on developing well-rounded individuals through activities beyond the curriculum.
Community & service
Community & service
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Community & service
Volunteerism is a core value. Islamic values reinforce human values in dialogue, tolerance, peace and volunteerism. The school partners with society in the educational system while being accountable for the performance of students.
Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
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Leadership & professional
The school aims to raise achievement and aspirations and enrich partnerships. It prepares students for leadership in a global economy by developing cross-cultural competency skills. Partnership among students, parents and staff is central to student success.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
The school provides a happy and safe environment. There are opportunities beyond the classroom to help students become independent learners. Students become responsible and confident adults.
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
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Language provision
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Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching
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Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
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Awards
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Accreditations
Accreditations
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Accreditations
Nibras Al Iman American Private School is accredited by Cognia for a five-year period, ensuring alignment with international educational standards.
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
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Admissions
1) If a place is available, the school will contact you and arrange an appointment for your child to sit an assessment. 2) If your child passes the assessment, you will be invited back to complete the school's registration process by completing the 'Application of Admissions' form (the parent/guardian must complete) and visiting the accounts department to arrange payment of school fees. 3) Required documents: six recent passport-size photographs; a copy of the child's passport (with UAE entry stamp or valid Residence Visa if non-Emirati); a copy of the father's/guardian's passport (with UAE entry stamp or valid Residence Visa if non-Emirati); a certified copy of the child's last school report (needs the school stamp); birth certificate; copy of inoculation record; a copy of the child's Emirates ID and the father's/guardian's Emirates ID; school transfer letter. 4) Age by class (as listed on the Age of consent page): 31/8/2019 – 3 years (Pre KG); 31/8/2018 – 4 years (KG1); 31/8/2017 – 5 years (KG2); 31/8/2016 – 6 years (Grade 1); 31/8/2015 – 7 years (Grade 2); 31/8/2014 – 8 years (Grade 3); 31/8/2013 – 9 years (Grade 4); 31/8/2012 – 10 years (Grade 5); 31/8/2011 – 11 years (Grade 6); 31/8/2010 – 12 years (Grade 7); 31/8/2009 – 13 years (Grade 8). 5) Admissions are open for the academic year 2025-2026.
