American International School vs Dubai Modern Education School

	A American International School Dubai, United Arab Emirates	D Dubai Modern Education School Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year AED 17,490 - 29,066	Fees / year AED 13,487 - 24,763
Age range	Age range 4 - 18 years	Age range 4 - 18 years
Type	Type —	Type —
Curriculum	Curriculum American Curriculum	Curriculum American Curriculum, UAE Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 2,725	Pupils 2,004
Typical class size	Typical class size 18	Typical class size 6
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened —	Opened —
Bus service	Bus service —	Bus service —
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location American International School Dubai is located in Al Qusais 1, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The mailing address is PO Box 87727, 6th Street, Al Qusais 1. The campus sits in a cosmopolitan northeast Dubai district and serves a multinational student body. The school is part of the Athena Education group.	Location Dubai Modern Education School is located on Algeria Street in Al-Mizhar 1, Dubai, UAE. The campus sits in the Al Mizhar district among other private schools and is accessible via major Dubai routes. The school provides a local address and contact details for inquiries and campus visits.
Stages	Stages KG1 to Grade 12 (Kindergarten through High School), with learning divided into Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle, and High School.	Stages DMES runs two curricula: the US School with the US California State Curriculum (Kindergarten to Grade 12) and the MOE School with the UAE Ministry of Education Curriculum (Grades 1–12). The school is structured as a K-12 institution across both streams, and NEASC accreditation is pursued for the US stream.
School type	School type Private, independent international school. It offers co-education up to Grade 5; from Grade 6, classes are separated by gender.	School type DMES is a private, co-educational day school. There is no publicly listed boarding facility.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix The student body is multinational; most students are Arab nationals, contributing to a cosmopolitan school community.	Pupil nationality mix DMES serves a culturally diverse student body with representation from over 40 nationalities; Emirati students make up a significant portion of the student body, with international students representing the remainder; the school describes its population as academically and culturally diverse.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support AIS Dubai maintains an inclusive approach. It welcomes Students of Determination, students who are gifted and talented, and students who study English as an Additional Language (EAL). An Inclusion Lead coordinates targeted support and works with staff to implement individualized programs where needed.	Additional learning support DMES identifies itself as inclusive and uses differentiated instruction, project-based learning, and inclusive education. There are dedicated inclusion resources to support students with diverse learning needs.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation No formal country affiliation; the curriculum is based on the American Curriculum.	Country affiliation Affiliations: United States (via the US School and US California Curriculum) and United Arab Emirates (via MOE Curriculum).
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation No formal religious affiliation; Islamic values are integrated within the American Education Program.	Religious affiliation No formal religious affiliation is stated.
School day structure	School day structure The school day starts around 7:30 AM and ends around 2:15 PM on Monday–Thursday, with a Friday dismissal at 11:00 AM.	School day structure The regular school day typically runs from about 7:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, with a shorter day around 1:00 p.m. on Fridays; exact times may vary by grade and program.
Bus service details	Bus service details AIS operates its own bus service with four main routes: Sharjah, Deira, New Dubai, and Bur Dubai. Routes cover areas including Al Qusais; yearly transportation fees vary by route (e.g., 7,300 AED two-way for Sharjah, 6,850 AED for Deira, 8,400 AED for New Dubai, 7,300 AED for Bur Dubai).	Bus service details DMES operates 18 buses on multiple routes across Dubai. Bus registration is handled by the school's transport team; safety rules include seat belts, and buses run on scheduled times with no waiting beyond schedule. The Transportation Supervisor is the contact for inquiries.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application and registration fees - New-student registration / application fee: AED 525, non‑refundable and inclusive of VAT. - KHDA fact sheets list an application fee of AED 500 for new students (assessment included). - Enrolment deposit (new students): up to 10% of the annual tuition, non‑refundable and deductible from the first‑term fees. - Re‑enrolment fee (returning students): up to 5% of the tuition fee or AED 500 (whichever is higher), non‑refundable and deductible from the first‑term fees. Tuition fees by year group (annual amounts) - KG1: AED 13,405. - KG2: AED 13,405. - Grade 1: AED 14,314. - Grade 2: AED 14,314. - Grade 3: AED 14,314. - Grade 4: AED 15,422. - Grade 5: AED 15,422. - Grade 6: AED 15,422. - Grade 7: AED 17,919. - Grade 8: AED 17,919. - Grade 9: AED 17,919. - Grade 10: AED 19,520. - Grade 11: AED 20,653. - Grade 12: AED 21,732. Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition is presented as an annual fee; enrolment and re‑enrolment charges are deducted from the first‑term payment. - Enrolment deposit (up to 10% of tuition) and re‑enrolment fees (up to 5% or AED 500) are charged as described above and are non‑refundable. These amounts are applied against the first‑term fees. - The school's published materials state that an approved tuition‑increase percentage has been included in the stated tuition levels. Boarding fees - Boarding is not listed in the school's fees fact sheets; no boarding fees are provided. Boarding is therefore not applicable. Other mandatory and optional costs - Required/supplied items (examples shown by grade): - Uniform: generally AED 625–650 (grade dependent). - Books / required education supplies: amounts vary by grade (examples range from about AED 1,050 up to AED 3,525). - School ID card replacement: AED 150. - Optional services and typical price ranges (charged separately): - Transport: AED 6,850 to AED 8,400 (range shown). - Extracurricular activities: AED 300 to AED 1,700 (per activity or programme, as listed). - Medical fee: AED 225. - Club activities, costumes, trips, camps, enrichment and other optional items: price ranges are published (examples include local trips AED 200–1,200; overseas trips AED 7,500–14,000; enrichment/skill programmes AED 225–1,600; summer/winter camps AED 250–1,250; STEM programme AED 500). - Some grades list specialty items (e.g., robotic device AED 350–750, national test fees, external SEND assessment ranges). Discounts and concessions - Sibling discounts: second sibling 3%; third sibling 5%; fourth sibling 5% (as applicable). - Welcoming discount (where applicable): 10%. School employees may receive discounts (up to 50% stated where applicable). Refunds and non‑refundables - Registration / application fees, enrolment deposit (up to 10% of tuition) and re‑enrolment fees (up to 5% of tuition or AED 500) are non‑refundable. Enrolment and re‑enrolment charges are deducted from the first‑term fees when applicable. Fee payment options and contacts - Online parent portal: the school uses a parent/ERP portal for enrolment and parent services. Payments may be handled through the school's parent portal. - In person: the school records a reception, cashier and accounts contacts for payments at school. - Bank transfer / accounts: the school lists admissions and accounts contacts (phone numbers and email addresses) to obtain payment instructions and bank details from the accounts office. Use the admissions or accounts contact for bank transfer details and to confirm accepted payment methods. Late payment / non‑payment - Re‑enrolment and the requirement to clear outstanding fees are enforced; the fact sheets and admissions pages specify non‑refundability for deposits and that fees are payable according to the school's terms. For account or payment queries contact the accounts office listed above. Notes - The figures above are shown in UAE Dirhams (AED) as published by the school in the school‑level fee fact sheets and fee pages. The fact sheets also list a number of optional charges and supplies by grade; those optional items are billed separately when required.	Fee details Application / Registration fees - New-student application / registration fee: AED 500 (one-time at registration). Tuition fees (annual, by year group) - KG1 (Foundation Stage / Age 4): AED 13,487. - KG2 (Foundation Stage / Age 5): AED 13,487. - Grade 1: AED 17,537. - Grade 2: AED 17,665. - Grade 3: AED 17,789. - Grade 4: AED 19,177. - Grade 5: AED 19,428. - Grade 6: AED 19,617. - Grade 7: AED 22,032. - Grade 8: AED 22,284. - Grade 9: AED 22,410. - Grade 10: AED 24,610. - Grade 11: AED 24,763. - Grade 12: AED 24,911. Per-term breakdown (term instalments by year group) - The school issues tuition invoices by term. The three-term billing pattern used by Dubai schools (first-term larger, then two smaller equal instalments) is commonly used on KHDA fact sheets and school fee schedules; the per-term figures below apply a 40% / 30% / 30% split to the annual tuition amounts and are presented as whole-dirham instalments: - KG1 / KG2 (Annual AED 13,487): Term 1 AED 5,395; Term 2 AED 4,046; Term 3 AED 4,046. - Grade 1 (Annual AED 17,537): Term 1 AED 7,015; Term 2 AED 5,261; Term 3 AED 5,261. - Grade 2 (Annual AED 17,665): Term 1 AED 7,066; Term 2 AED 5,299; Term 3 AED 5,300. - Grade 3 (Annual AED 17,789): Term 1 AED 7,116; Term 2 AED 5,337; Term 3 AED 5,336. - Grade 4 (Annual AED 19,177): Term 1 AED 7,671; Term 2 AED 5,753; Term 3 AED 5,753. - Grade 5 (Annual AED 19,428): Term 1 AED 7,771; Term 2 AED 5,828; Term 3 AED 5,829. - Grade 6 (Annual AED 19,617): Term 1 AED 7,847; Term 2 AED 5,885; Term 3 AED 5,885. - Grade 7 (Annual AED 22,032): Term 1 AED 8,813; Term 2 AED 6,610; Term 3 AED 6,609. - Grade 8 (Annual AED 22,284): Term 1 AED 8,914; Term 2 AED 6,685; Term 3 AED 6,685. - Grade 9 (Annual AED 22,410): Term 1 AED 8,964; Term 2 AED 6,723; Term 3 AED 6,723. - Grade 10 (Annual AED 24,610): Term 1 AED 9,844; Term 2 AED 7,383; Term 3 AED 7,383. - Grade 11 (Annual AED 24,763): Term 1 AED 9,905; Term 2 AED 7,429; Term 3 AED 7,429. - Grade 12 (Annual AED 24,911): Term 1 AED 9,964; Term 2 AED 7,473; Term 3 AED 7,474. Billing schedule and payment terms - All fees must be paid by their due dates to secure a student's place; the school provides bank-transfer details and accepts card payments by appointment at the accounts office. Fees are shown inclusive of book charges where stated by the school. - Bank account for transfers (school account details published for payments): Account number 10582369; IBAN AE870500000000010582369; Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank; Account name Dubai Modern Education School. When transferring, parents must reference the family ID or share the deposit slip as instructed by finance. - Accepted payment methods: credit / debit card (Visa/Mastercard), cash at the office, bank cheque, and bank transfer. Boarding fees - Dubai Modern Education School does not provide a boarding (residential) facility; there are no boarding fees. Other mandatory and optional costs - Books: the published tuition figures note that book charges are included where specified. - Uniform: parents are responsible for school uniform costs; uniform purchase is an additional cost. - Transport: school transport is offered for an additional fee; route and area-based transport charges apply and are billed separately. - Meals / canteen: lunch service for younger pupils may have charges; older pupils may buy meals in the canteen — meal costs are additional where provided. - External examination and activity fees: costs for external exams, internationally recognised tests (e.g., SAT, IELTS, AP where applicable), extra-curricular trips, and some school trips are charged separately. Refunds and withdrawal - Registration / application fees are generally treated as non-refundable by schools; a registration deposit may be deducted from tuition when a place is accepted. Refunds for withdrawals during the academic year are processed according to the applicable Ministry/KHDA rules and the school's parent‑school contract; typical practice in Dubai applies deductions based on the period of attendance and non-refundable items (books, uniforms, some mandatory fees). Specific refund calculations and any notice periods are handled by the school's accounts office. Notes and important points about billing - The annual tuition figures above are the school's published yearly charges per grade. The per-term instalments presented above are calculated using a 40% / 30% / 30% split and shown as whole-dirham instalments for convenience; the school's published fee schedule and billing documents set the official term amounts and due dates. Where to pay and whom to contact in the school for fee queries - Finance / Accounts contacts are published by the school; payments by bank transfer must include the family ID as a reference and deposit slips should be sent to the school finance email when applicable. Accepted methods are card, cash, cheque and bank transfer.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements Boarding is not provided. The American International School in Abu Dhabi operates as a day school. The IB World School profile lists boarding facilities as DAY. Transportation is available via a school bus service for students who require travel to and from campus.	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement There is a school uniform. Uniforms are sold on campus on Monday to Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Parents should purchase uniforms before the first day of school.	Uniform requirement Uniforms are split by level: KG girls wear a yellow shirt with a dark blue skirt; KG boys wear a yellow shirt with dark blue trousers; Grades 1–12 girls wear a navy blue skirt with a sky-blue long-sleeve shirt, and boys wear a sky-blue shirt with navy trousers. The sport uniform is a white sweater with light-green pants for both genders. Girls must tie back long hair and may wear only a black scarf; makeup, flashy jewelry, nail polish, and sandals or slippers are not permitted.
Food options	Food options The canteen is open during the school day; students can purchase meals from the cafeteria or bring their own lunch. The canteen is catered by Food Nation; lunches can be pre-purchased using the Spare app; KG1-G4 must pre-order lunches and students in Grades 5-12 can purchase lunch in the canteen.	Food options The school has a canteen on site. The canteen provides a comprehensive food services program to meet dining and nutritional needs at affordable prices, with healthy menu options and accommodations for dietary requirements.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The American International School in Abu Dhabi is part of Esol Education and is one of ten ESOL Education schools in the Middle East. ESOL Education owns and operates AISA as part of its network.	Governance and ownership DMES is privately owned and operates as a co-educational school. It comprises two on-site schools: the US School and the MOE School, offering US California State Curriculum (Kindergarten to Grade 12) and UAE MOE Curriculum (Grades 1 to 12), respectively. Hamda Lootah is listed as the founder of DMES.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details AIS Dubai delivers a KG-12 program that begins with California Transitional Kindergarten Standards for KG1 and California Common Core Kindergarten Standards for KG2, moving to an American curriculum framework in the upper grades. In Elementary (Grades 1–5), English and Math follow the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) with Science aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), and the program includes Arabic & Islamic Studies, UAE Social Studies under MOE guidelines, plus ICT, French, Art, Music, and Physical Education. Middle School (Grades 6–8) uses the American system with specialist teachers across English, Math, Science, Arabic, Islamic Studies, ICT, Social Studies, Art, Music, French, and PE, and its curriculum is built on CCSS and NGSS with UAE heritage integrated throughout. High School (Grades 9–12) culminates in an American High School Diploma requiring a minimum of 22 credits (up to 27), and offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses with counseling support for course planning. Across the school, curriculum foundations include CCSS for English/Math, NGSS for Science, AERO for Social Studies and World Languages, SHAPE for Physical Education, NCAS for Visual/Performing Arts, and MOE standards for Arabic/Islamic/UAE Social Studies, with AP options in the senior years.	Curriculum details Dubai Modern Education School (DMES) runs two school programs: the US School using the California State Curriculum (Kindergarten to Grade 12) and the MOE School using the UAE Ministry of Education Curriculum (Grades 1 to 12). The DMES MOE curriculum is aligned with UAE MOE standards across core and elective subjects, including Islamic Education, Arabic Language, English Language, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Design, Technology, Creative Design and Innovation, Health Sciences, Visual Arts, Musical Arts, and Arabic for non-native speakers. The US program aligns with California Common Core Standards for English Language Arts and Mathematics, and incorporates NGSS for Science, within the California CCSS framework. DMES describes its curriculum as coherent, flexible and enriched, designed to develop learners' capacities as successful, confident, effective contributors and responsible citizens. Admissions include MAP testing for Grades 3–12 to assess English, Math and Science, with KG to Grade 4 undergoing informal assessments. The campus is located in Al Mizhar 1, Dubai.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning Social and Emotional Learning is supported through the High School Counsellor, the Inclusion Lead who coordinates targeted student supports, and a Safeguarding and Wellbeing team established to address welfare concerns.	Social & emotional learning Dubai Modern Education School frames wellbeing as a core objective of its education. The school states a commitment to supporting and improving the wellbeing, happiness and quality of life of students, and its homeroom program focuses on morals and values. DMES provides a formal counseling program with dedicated Guidance & Career Counseling Rooms to address academic, career, and personal/social development. A Wellbeing & Child Protection Officer oversees safeguarding and student wellbeing, ensuring alignment with school policies. The Inclusion Lead and inclusive practices support diverse learners within a combined US and MOE curriculum framework.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) The school is inclusive and welcomes Students of Determination and English as an Additional Language (EAL); an Inclusion Lead coordinates specialized support programs and liaises with outside agencies as needed.	Special educational needs (SEN) DMES presents inclusive education and does not position itself as a specialist SEN institution. An Inclusion Lead (Mirna Fakhi) coordinates SEN provisions across US & MOE curricula. There are dedicated 'Rooms for Students of Determination' in all school buildings to support SEN learners. An Academic Counselor provides academic and career guidance within the US Curriculum. Inclusion features are integrated within both US and MOE curricula.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language English as an Additional Language (EAL) is explicitly named as a group welcomed and served within the Inclusion Guidelines.	English as an additional language DMES provides English instruction within both its US and MOE curricula. The US Curriculum has a dedicated Head of English & Foreign Languages (Haya Sabri), indicating formal language leadership. The MOE Curriculum standards include English Language (2019), showing English is a formally governed subject. The school does not publicly disclose a dedicated EAL program. Language support appears to be delivered through the regular English and language departments, and leadership structures exist to oversee language education.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Mental wellbeing is supported by the Safeguarding and Wellbeing team and by access to counseling through the school's Counsellor (High School) as part of the Inclusion and Student Care framework.	Mental wellbeing DMES lists student wellbeing as a priority and aims to support wellbeing, happiness, and quality of life. There are dedicated Guidance & Career Counseling Rooms to implement a comprehensive counseling program addressing academic, career, and personal/social development. The school has a Wellbeing & Child Protection Officer (Alia Almheiri) to oversee safeguarding and student welfare. The Child Protection Policy provides a framework for safeguarding and includes a disclosure and reporting process. An integrated approach links mental wellbeing with safeguarding through spaces, roles, and policies across the school.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding Safeguarding and child protection policies include clearly stated roles and reporting procedures, staff training, safe recruitment, and collaboration with outside agencies to safeguard students.	Safeguarding Dubai Modern Education School has adopted a Child Protection Policy to safeguard students. The policy provides a Disclosure and Reporting Flow Chart, and there is a designated Child Protection Officer. There is a Wellbeing & Child Protection Officer responsible for safeguarding and student welfare. The school maintains safeguarding policies and procedures accessible to families and staff. Policies & Procedures are part of the school's overarching governance framework.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview AIS Dubai offers a campus with facilities for academics, sports and the arts for students from Kindergarten through Grade 12. Two auditoriums on campus support performances and assemblies, with capacities of 280 and 150. Academic facilities include dedicated science laboratories: Chemistry Lab, Biology Lab, Physics Lab and Integrated Science Lab, and two computer labs with interactive whiteboards. The library provides print and digital resources, online periodical databases, and computers for student and staff research. Creative spaces include art rooms, music rooms, drama and creative play rooms, and sports facilities with two artificial grass football fields, a basketball court, a throw ball court and a badminton court.	Facilities overview Dubai Modern Education School (DMES) operates two curricula on a single campus in Al Mizhar 1, offering both US and UAE MOE programs. The campus provides separate gym halls and expansive outdoor spaces for physical education, plus a 1000-seat multi-purpose hall for assemblies and events. Academic facilities include dedicated science laboratories for biology, chemistry and physics, along with library/media centers and ICT laboratories to support digital learning. Creative facilities include an art room, innovation spaces, a LEGO lab and robotics labs to support project-based learning and technology activities. Additional amenities include a canteen, a school clinic, outdoor gardens and play areas, with parking available outside the campus.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities Two artificial grass football fields; a basketball court; a throw ball court; and a badminton court are on campus. The kindergarten wing includes an indoor activity room for creative play and outdoor play areas for Kindergarten to Grade 2, with access managed as per KHDA Covid-19 safety rules.	Sports facilities Separate gym halls and spacious outdoor spaces support PE and sports activities. A 1000-seat multi-purpose hall is used for assemblies and other non-curricular events, complemented by on-site courts and outdoor spaces for team sports.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities Academic facilities include dedicated Chemistry Lab, Biology Lab, Physics Lab, and Integrated Science Lab for Middle and High School students; two Computer Labs with desktop computers and interactive whiteboards for ICT instruction; and IT resources with internet access.	Academic facilities Science laboratories for biology, chemistry and physics are provided, along with dedicated library/media centers and ICT laboratories to support classroom learning and digital projects.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Art rooms, music rooms and drama/creative play rooms support arts clubs and performances. The school operates two auditoriums for events and has a kindergarten indoor activity room and outdoor play spaces to support early-years activities, with access during the school weekdays._source: AIS Facilities PDF turn2view0	Extra curricular facilities Creative and maker-type facilities include an art room, LEGO Lab and robotics labs, plus innovation spaces and gardens that support hands-on learning and enrichment outside the classroom.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History AIS Dubai was inaugurated in August 2003 and began welcoming students in September 2003. It is part of Athena Education, based in the UAE, and is located in Al Nahda Quasis-1. The school follows an American international program from KG1 to Grade 12 and now serves a multinational student body with about 2,500 students and roughly 211 staff members. The campus offers KG1 through Grade 12, with co-education up to Grade 5 and gender-segregated classes from Grade 6. This structure supports a U.S.-style high school diploma pathway within a cosmopolitan UAE context.	History Dubai Modern Education School (DMES) was established in 1996 as a private, co-educational institution in Dubai. The campus houses two schools on one site: the US School and the MOE School, delivering the US California State Curriculum and the UAE Ministry of Education Curriculum, from Kindergarten to Grade 12. The founder is Hamda Lootah, and the school emphasizes a family‑oriented, inclusive learning environment with a mission to empower learners to contribute to the global community through innovation, exploration, and citizenship. In 2019, DMES began pursuing NEASC candidacy and has continued its accreditation journey toward international standards. DMES has operated for more than twenty-five years, reflecting its long‑standing commitment to quality education and community service.
Community	Community AIS Dubai serves a multinational community in the UAE and integrates Islamic values within its American education framework. Community life is visible in student leadership initiatives and in School Stories, which document various activities and events. Notable events include Emirati Children's Day and Hag Al Laila celebrations, Mother's Day activities in Kindergarten, a robotics workshop, and an Arabic and Islamic fair, all reflecting a family- and culture-focused campus rhythm. The school maintains accessible parent communications through a Parent Portal and regular newsletters to keep families engaged with campus life.	Community DMES describes itself as a family-oriented, co-educational community serving a diverse student body through US and MOE curricula. The school emphasizes wellbeing and a strong partnership with families, reinforced by an active Parent Council that coordinates family involvement and school celebrations. It serves students from more than 40 nationalities, reflecting Dubai's multicultural setting. The campus maintains an active gallery of events, trips, workshops, and celebrations that illustrate the community's engagement.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association AIS Dubai does not publish a separate PTA page on its site; however, parent involvement is facilitated through formal channels like the Parent Portal and the school's monthly newsletters. Family engagement is further supported by events and activities highlighted in School Stories, including AIS Science Fair, Emirati Children's Day and Hag al Laila celebrations, and Arabic & Islamic fairs, which frequently involve families. The Student Leadership area shows opportunities for student-led activities that commonly engage parents and the wider community. Regular parent communication is enabled through the Parent Portal and the school's newsletters, ensuring families receive event invitations and important information. AIS also invites parental input and participation around campus life via these communications and through school tours and general reach-out channels.	Parent teacher association Dubai Modern Education School runs a Parent Council, a volunteer body that acts as the bridge between the parent community and DMES. The Council was formed to facilitate effective communication between parents and DMES. Parents are welcomed to become members and to participate in school-wide celebrations and events. The Council meets regularly to coordinate various special events and to exchange ideas throughout the year. The Parent Council serves as a channel for parent feedback and involvement in school life, and it helps grow the DMES community by mobilizing volunteers for events and initiatives.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual AIS Dubai offers a broad set of after‑school clubs that extend learning beyond the classroom. High school clubs include Students Council, UNESCO, Health Club, Techno Innovation Club, Art Club, Journalism Club, Career Committee, Social and Moral Club, English Club, French Club, Arabic Club, Choir Club, and Science Club. The school hosts education‑focused events such as a University Fair with over 40 universities and a Study Abroad Virtual Fair. The Student Leadership program provides formal structures for clubs, with elected Presidents and Vice Presidents and opportunities to propose new clubs and lead initiatives.	Academic & intellectual Dubai Modern Education School offers two curricula: the US California State Curriculum and the UAE Ministry of Education Curriculum. The school emphasizes differentiated instruction, project-based learning, and STEM education to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. It provides a broad range of elective courses and maintains student clubs to extend learning beyond the core subjects, including more than 30 elective courses. These academic and co-curricular opportunities are designed to support intellectual growth and prepare students for global citizenship.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Arts and creativity are active components of student life, featuring Art Club and Choir Club as part of the after‑school offerings. The high school clubs list demonstrates multiple creative and performance pathways, alongside language and academic clubs. Students participate in arts‑focused events and showcases through the school's activities program.	Arts & creative Arts and creative activities are part of DMES's learning framework within its co-curricular program. The school emphasizes creativity through project-based learning and provides elective courses and clubs that address the arts. Students have opportunities to engage in creative pursuits as part of their broader development. Creativity is integrated with other disciplines through cross-curricular projects.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Language clubs include English Club, French Club and Arabic Club, with UNESCO Club supporting global and cultural awareness. The school observes cultural events such as UAE Flag Day and UAE National Day, and hosts internationally oriented activities like International Teaches Day. These cultural offerings are complemented by global‑mocused events and clubs that connect students to broader cultural perspectives.	Cultural & language DMES operates within two curricula, offering multilingual courses and language support as part of its program. The school emphasizes global citizenship and cultural awareness, with co-curricular activities that promote cross-cultural understanding. Co-curricular activities include language and cultural awareness components.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies Students engage in social and hobby activities through clubs such as Social and Moral Club, English Club, French Club, Arabic Club, Journalism Club, Art Club, and Choir Club. The Student Council coordinates school events and fosters community, collaboration, and school spirit across departments. These clubs provide avenues for peer interaction, creativity, and personal interests beyond academics.	Social & hobbies Student clubs and the co-curricular program provide social and hobby-based groups for students. An Activity Coordinator manages the activities program, ensuring structured clubs and events throughout the year. The program supports peer collaboration, creative expression, and informal interest-based groups.
Community & service	Community & service The Student Leadership program emphasizes service and community engagement, with leadership roles that enable students to contribute to outreach and school improvement projects. Student Council members may volunteer as needed and participate in community‑oriented initiatives as part of their leadership duties. These opportunities are embedded in the club framework and leadership processes described for AIS Dubai.	Community & service DMES emphasizes community service and outreach as part of its mission. The founder's message references community service as a guiding principle, and the school's policies describe co-curricular opportunities that include volunteering and service projects. Co-curricular offerings include volunteering and service opportunities aligned with social responsibility.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional AIS Dubai places a strong emphasis on leadership and professional development through its Student Leadership program. Each club designates two Presidents and two Vice Presidents (one from the girls' and one from the boys' section), with interviews and a formal appointment process. The Career Counselor/Head of Activities reviews club objectives each year, and student leaders develop time management, delegation, teamwork, communication, inquiry, problem‑solving, and emotional intelligence.	Leadership & professional Leadership development is integrated through student government and leadership programs within the co-curricular program. An Activity Coordinator role indicates structured guidance for student activities and leadership opportunities.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Wellbeing is supported through a comprehensive athletics program and campus recreation. The Athletics program includes Soccer, Tennis, Golf, Basketball, Volleyball, Track & Field, Cross Country, Badminton, and Swimming, with team‑based competition beginning in Elementary and continuing at U14, JV, and Varsity levels; AIS participates in JEAC, EAC, and NESAC leagues. The Campus Recreation program provides after‑school recreation, intramural leagues, and pay‑per‑term offerings with external providers on campus for sport, arts, science, and technology, and also hosts activities for the school community and families.	Lifestyle & wellbeing DMES places a priority on student wellbeing, with a dedicated Wellbeing & Child Protection Officer to support welfare and safeguarding. The school expresses a commitment to wellbeing and the happiness and quality of life of students. The campus provides facilities for sports and physical education to support an active lifestyle.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision English is the language of instruction across Kindergarten through Grade 12, and in Kindergarten language development emphasizes reinforcing the home language while acquiring a second language. Arabic and French are taught as language subjects across the grade levels; Elementary includes Arabic Language and French as specialist subjects, and Middle School includes both languages. In High School, language study is organized under a World Language domain, indicating continued language study through graduation. Non-native English speakers have access to English as an Additional Language (EAL) support through the Inclusion team.	Language provision The school provides English language instruction and foreign language studies.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching English is the language of instruction across Kindergarten through Grade 12, and in Kindergarten language development emphasizes reinforcing the home language while acquiring a second language. In Elementary and secondary grades, Arabic and French are taught as language subjects; Arabic is presented as Arabic Language and Arabic Social Studies, while French is offered as a dedicated language course. A formal bilingual instruction program delivering content in two languages is not described. English is the primary language of instruction throughout the grade levels.	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs AIS Dubai does not advertise formal language immersion programs. English is the language of instruction across the school, with Arabic and French taught as separate language subjects across grade levels. The curriculum descriptions do not indicate any immersion features or outcomes.	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Complete the student enquiry form online or during a walk‑in visit to the school. The process records your contact details and allows the school to begin the admission discussion. The school will contact you if a vacancy exists and outline the next steps. 2. Book a school tour to see the campus and facilities. The tour helps you understand the learning environment and the resources available for your child. After the tour, the school will communicate any further steps if a vacancy is available. 3. The school contacts you if a vacancy is available and schedules the next steps in the admission process. Availability depends on space in the relevant year group and adherence to the admissions policy. You will receive information on required assessments or meetings as part of this communication. 4. Sibling priority is given in the admission process. Priority is stated for siblings who are students at the school. If a vacancy is not immediately available, the school will communicate next steps and potential timelines accordingly. 5. A waiting system is offered in cases where there is no immediate vacancy. The school will contact you as soon as a vacancy arises. This waiting mechanism is part of the placement process outlined in the admissions steps. 6. Placement processes are in line with regulatory requirements and vary by grade. Gatekeeping steps include readiness assessments where applicable and discussions with teachers or the elementary/middle/high school teams. The process for each grade ensures appropriate placement decisions and next steps. 7. Documents for submission include: photos, birth certificate, vaccination card, passport and residence visa copies (for non-UAE citizens), Emirates IDs for parents, medical file, last report card, and transfer certificate where applicable. The school provides guidance on these requirements and how they should be submitted. Certain documents may be required for transfer, online submission options are noted for applicants outside the UAE. 8. Transfer Certificate (TC) process: submit the TC from the current school, pay KHDA‑related fees for attestation, and provide the KHDA‑attested TC as part of the admission package. There are grade‑level specifics for TC submission and attestation depending on the student's current location. The KHDA guidelines govern the transfer procedures and documentation. 9. Inclusion admissions: assessments and supports are designed for students with special needs, including those with English as an Additional Language (EAL) and students of determination. The school follows KHDA guidance for inclusive practices and may request relevant assessments to tailor services.	Admissions Step 1: Inquiry and campus visit. DMES is a private, co-educational school with selective admissions. Parents arrange a visit and tour with the School Executive Principal, the MOE Head of School, and the US Head of School to learn about the program and campus. The visit helps families determine fit before advancing to testing. Step 2: Entrance tests and placement. For Grades 3–12, placement involves an online MAP test in English, Math, and Science, scheduled by the school. For KG to Grade 4, informal assessments may include reading, writing, arithmetic and non-verbal reasoning. These assessments inform placement within DMES programs. Step 3: Registration and deposit. After testing, the student's place is guaranteed upon signing a contract and paying a deposit. The process formalizes admission and secures enrollment ahead of the academic year. Families should follow up with the Admissions & Finance team if they have questions. Step 4: Transfer from another school. Students transferring from another school must provide the most recent school reports outlining academic levels and behavior. This information helps DMES determine whether they can meet the student's educational and pastoral needs. The transfer evaluation is part of the admissions process. Step 5: Application steps. Registration can be submitted online or in person to the registration office. Eligible candidates will be called for an interview, and selected candidates must submit all required documents along with the fee payment. Step 6: Admissions contacts. The Admissions & Finance Office handles queries.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist The school offers a waiting system if there is no immediate vacancy. If no seat is available at the time of inquiry, parents are placed on a waitlist and contacted as soon as a vacancy arises. Priority is given to siblings when vacancies become available.	Waitlist —
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