American International School vs Emirates American School

	A American International School Dubai, United Arab Emirates	E Emirates American School Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year AED 17,490 - 29,066	Fees / year AED 17,020 - 30,025
Age range	Age range 4 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type —	Type —
Curriculum	Curriculum American Curriculum	Curriculum American Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 2,725	Pupils 1,893
Typical class size	Typical class size 18	Typical class size 16
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 Emirates American School is in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, at Al Falah-6, Al-Qarrayen, near Sharjah National Park (P.O. Box 45683). The campus is located in a residential area with straightforward road access and is served by local transport options in the Sharjah area. You can contact the school at 06-5092727 or +971 50 870 3255 for directions or transport questions.
Stages	Stages KG1 to Grade 12 (Kindergarten through High School), with learning divided into Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle, and High School.	Stages The school operates four levels: Kindergarten, Elementary School, Middle School, and High School. The Kindergarten program serves early years, and the site provides pathways up through high school, as listed in the site's navigation.
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 Emirates American School is a co-educational, day school. In practice, some upper grades operate with gender-segregated sections after the early years, according to external listings that describe a move to single-sex sections in upper grades. The school conducts a daytime schedule with standard school-day hours.
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 Not publicly disclosed. (The school does enroll international students as part of its international program, but specific nationality mix data are not published on official materials.)
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 SEN/learning supports include English as a Second Language (ESL) assistance and Gifted and Talented Programs. The curriculum also features Arabic language support and regular assessments to monitor progress, including MAP and other standardized measures.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation No formal country affiliation; the curriculum is based on the American Curriculum.	Country affiliation United Arab Emirates (the school is located in Sharjah, UAE).
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation No formal religious affiliation; Islamic values are integrated within the American Education Program.	Religious affiliation No formal religious affiliation is indicated. Islamic Education is part of the curriculum (Islamic Studies), integrating Islamic values within the UAE context.
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 School hours are 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM from Monday to Thursday, and 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Fridays. A typical daily routine includes arrival from 7:30–8:00 AM, morning lessons, a mid-morning break, a lunch break, and post-lunch activities until 3:00 PM.
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 Emirates American School provides a school bus service with routes covering a wide area in Sharjah and nearby regions. The service includes route planning, SMS notifications for changes, and a real-time bus-tracking system for parents. Buses are staffed with trained attendants, and safety measures include fingerprint-enabled doors and regular municipal inspections.
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 Registration / Application fee - Registration fee: AED 500 (this registration fee is deductible from the Term 1 fee at the time of admission). Tuition fees — Kindergarten (Pre‑KG, KG1, KG2) - Term 1: AED 6,808. - Term 2: AED 5,106. - Term 3: AED 5,106. - Total annual tuition: AED 17,020. Tuition fees — Primary (Grade 1 to Grade 5) - Grade 1: Term 1 AED 7,943; Term 2 AED 5,957; Term 3 AED 5,957; Total AED 19,856. - Grade 2: Term 1 AED 7,943; Term 2 AED 5,957; Term 3 AED 5,957; Total AED 19,856. - Grade 3: Term 1 AED 7,748.80; Term 2 AED 5,964; Term 3 AED 5,964; Total AED 19,881. - Grade 4: Term 1 AED 8,390; Term 2 AED 6,293; Term 3 AED 6,293; Total AED 20,976. - Grade 5: Term 1 AED 8,448; Term 2 AED 6,336; Term 3 AED 6,336; Total AED 21,121. Tuition fees — Middle School (Grade 6 to Grade 8) - Grade 6: Term 1 AED 8,840; Term 2 AED 6,630; Term 3 AED 6,630; Total AED 22,101. - Grade 7: Term 1 AED 8,852; Term 2 AED 6,639; Term 3 AED 6,639; Total AED 22,130. - Grade 8: Term 1 AED 8,852; Term 2 AED 6,639; Term 3 AED 6,639; Total AED 22,130. Tuition fees — High School (Grade 9 to Grade 12) - Grade 9: Term 1 AED 9,542; Term 2 AED 7,157; Term 3 AED 7,157; Total AED 23,855. - Grade 10: Term 1 AED 9,554; Term 2 AED 7,166; Term 3 AED 7,166; Total AED 23,885. - Grade 11: Term 1 AED 10,064; Term 2 AED 7,548; Term 3 AED 7,548; Total AED 25,160. - Grade 12: Term 1 AED 11,086; Term 2 AED 8,315; Term 3 AED 8,315; Total AED 27,715. Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition is quoted and billed in UAE Dirhams (AED) and approved by the Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA). - Tuition fees are payable at the beginning of each term and are due before the start of the academic year. Invoices are issued upon admission. - Standard term payment dates (academic year structure): Term 1 due by August 15; Term 2 due by December 15; Term 3 due by March 15. The registration fee of AED 500 is deducted from the Term 1 payment. Other costs and mandatory/one‑off fees - Books (per grade): KG1 & KG2 AED 1,040; Grade 1 AED 1,040; Grades 2–4 AED 1,059; Grade 5 AED 1,059; Grade 6 AED 1,049; Grades 7–8 AED 1,575; Grade 9 AED 2,095; Grade 10 AED 2,305; Grade 11 AED 2,305; Grade 12 AED 2,310. - Uniform (including VAT): Pre‑KG to Grade 6 AED 756; Grades 7–12 AED 844. - Exam and resource fee (including VAT, by grade): KG1 & KG2 AED 342; Grade 1 AED 645; Grades 2 & 3 AED 652; Grade 4 AED 656; Grade 5 AED 653; Grade 6 AED 650; Grades 7 & 8 AED 654; Grade 9 AED 652; Grade 10 AED 654; Grade 11 AED 653; Grade 12 AED 652. - Sibling discount: 5% (applies to all siblings except the eldest child). Boarding - Boarding is not applicable: the school does not list boarding fees or boarding facilities as part of its published offerings. Refunds and cancellations - No published refund schedule or detailed refund policy is included on the school's publicly available fees and admissions pages. The registration fee is shown as a standard charge and is applied to Term 1 at admission. For cases not covered in the published material, refunds and any deductions would need to be handled through the school's admissions/finance office. Fee payment options and invoicing - Invoices are issued upon admission and term invoices are issued for the term payment schedule; specific payment channels (credit card, bank transfer, cheque, etc.) are not specified on the published fee and admissions pages. Payment logistics are handled through the school's invoicing processes and parent portal. For exact available payment channels, contact the school's admissions or finance team using the published contact details. Contact for fee administration - The school's published contact details are provided for admissions and fee administration; parents should use those channels to request official invoices, payment instructions, or clarification of fees, discounts, and any exceptional refund requests.
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 Uniform is required. Uniform prices listed in the School Fees schedule are 756 AED for PRE KG to G6 and 844 AED for G7 to G12; VAT included.
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 A well-equipped cafeteria provides nutritious options during lunch; a mid-morning snack is provided during breaks.
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 The school is a member of Global Schools Group, an initiative of the Global Schools Foundation.
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 Emirates American School offers an American-curriculum, K-12 program with Cognia accreditation and is a member of the Global Schools Group, organized into Kindergarten (ages 3-5), Elementary (grades 1-5), Middle School (grades 6-8), and High School (grades 9-12). The Nojooms framework—Academic Excellence, SDGs, Sports Excellence, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Creativity, Diversity and Globalization, Arabic Virtues, and Community Integration—drives the curriculum across all levels. Kindergarten (3-5) uses a play-based approach aligned to the American Common Core, delivering core subjects (English, Math, Science, Arabic) plus Islamic Studies, Art, Music, PE, and Social-Emotional Learning with ongoing assessments. Elementary (grades 1-5) centers on English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and Arabic as core subjects, with NGSS for Science and MOE Arabic guidelines, and integrated MAP testing, STEAM, Digital Learning, and SEL. High School (grades 9-12) offers U.S./UAE MoE-accredited diplomas with flexible pathways (General Diploma, Diploma Plus, Advanced Stream) and an AP program (AP Calculus AB, AP Biology, AP Physics, AP Chemistry), alongside IELTS/SAT/EMSAT prep and university partnerships to support college admissions.
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 Emirates American School supports social and emotional learning (SEL) through Life at EAS, which promotes holistic development with student-led clubs, leadership roles, peer mentoring, and campaigns such as Anti-Bullying and Healthy Lifestyle, complemented by the Nojoom Framework and Spark Program.
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) SEN and Inclusion support is provided via an Inclusion/SEN Coordinator (Ms. Thanaa) and a School Wellness Team including a SEN/Inclusion Head and Social Workers; the policy describes monitoring vulnerable students and inclusive safeguarding practices.
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 The ESL program provides tailored instruction to help non-native English speakers improve reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills; ESL teachers use methods to support participation in academic and social life.
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 Mental wellbeing is supported through the wellness framework and safeguarding measures; the school maintains a Wellness Committee led by the School Counselor, and student wellbeing is integrated with life activities such as peer mentoring and anti-bullying campaigns.
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 Safeguarding and child protection are governed by the Safeguarding Policy, Child Protection Policy, Health & Safety Policy, and E-Safety Policy; there is a designated Safeguarding Lead and a School Wellness Team, with an online safeguarding incident form for reporting.
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 Emirates American School operates on a modern campus designed to support academic, social, and physical development. The infrastructure blends traditional Islamic architectural elements with contemporary design to create a serene and inspiring learning environment. Classrooms are spacious, well-lit, and equipped with interactive whiteboards, projectors, and high-speed internet, enabling flexible learning. Science and computer labs offer hands-on learning with modern apparatus and safety equipment. Libraries provide diverse resources and comfortable study spaces, with librarians who assist students in research. Playgrounds and sports facilities include a football field, basketball courts, and a swimming pool, complemented by art studios and music rooms. The campus prioritizes safety with CCTV, fingerprint-enabled doors, manned entry/exit gates, and a full-time clinic.
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 The school features an indoor stadium equipped for basketball, volleyball, and badminton. Outdoor fields support soccer, cricket, and track and field events. Separate swimming pools accommodate different age groups, and a fitness center supports conditioning and training. Professional coaches guide students in athletic development, and the program includes inter-school competition opportunities.
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 Classrooms are spacious, well-lit, and equipped with interactive whiteboards, projectors, and high-speed internet. Science and computer labs are outfitted with modern equipment and safety provisions. Libraries house a diverse collection of books, periodicals, and digital resources, with dedicated reading areas and study carrels. Librarians assist students with research and information literacy.
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 Art and music programs provide creative opportunities through art studios and music rooms, with activities including painting, drawing, sculpture, wood art, digital art, instrument study, choir, and school performances. Clubs cover STEM, visual arts, music, theatre, coding and programming, entrepreneurship, environmental awareness, Islamic values, and community service. Sports teams include basketball, soccer, volleyball, swimming, track and field, cricket, football, badminton, and athletics. An indoor stadium, outdoor fields, swimming pools, and a fitness center support diverse athletic activities. The school partners with Sharjah Women's Sports to offer specialized opportunities for female students.
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 Emirates American School (EAS) in Sharjah was established on August 26, 2013 under the Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA). It holds Cognia accreditation and is a member of the Global Schools Group (GSG), linking it to an international network of K-12 schools. As part of GSG, EAS participates in the Nojoom Framework and the Spark Program to align local practice with global standards. The UAE Ministry of Education recognizes the school diploma as approved, attested, and equalised, placing EAS within the MOE framework for private schools. EAS operates within SPEA licensing and MOE recognition, reflecting its compliance with local regulatory and international accreditation frameworks.
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 EAS integrates Arabic heritage with Emirati cultural education, offering Quran and Tajweed classes, Arabic Activity Week, and cultural celebrations such as National Day and Flag Day. The school community participates in regular school events and inter-school activities, including Graduation ceremonies, Cultural Festivals, and Exhibitions and Fairs, as well as events like Al Emaratiya Sports Excellence. Student life features a range of student-led clubs and leadership opportunities, including a Student Council, Charitable Campaigns, Peer Mentoring, an Environmental Club, and Leadership Workshops, all of which emphasize community involvement and personal growth. The broader school culture emphasizes service, leadership, and cultural understanding as part of daily life at EAS.
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 Parental involvement is a formal element of EAS, with a Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) and various volunteer opportunities to participate in the life of the school. The school provides regular workshops and multiple communication channels to keep parents informed and engaged. A Parent Portal provides direct access for parents to monitor attendance, academic updates, schedules, and notices. Volunteer opportunities exist as part of the PTA ecosystem, with parents able to participate in campaigns and community service initiatives through school channels. The school's approach to family involvement reflects a blend of Arabic values and American educational practices, encouraging families to participate in school events and broader community life.
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 The school offers an American-curriculum education with accreditation from Cognia. The program emphasizes global citizenship and 21st-century skills through its Nojooms framework.
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 The school includes arts, sports, and technology integration across its programs as part of a holistic education.
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 Core subjects include Arabic and English across levels, with Arabic Virtues guiding the cultural component of the education. The school uses Arabic and English as core languages in its curriculum.
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 Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities are part of the curriculum, including programs within the Nojooms framework and Spark Program.
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 The Nojooms include Community Integration, reflecting the school's emphasis on social responsibility and community engagement.
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 High School offers AP options and university readiness/college-preparation programs to support post-secondary pathways.
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 The school highlights a safe, value-driven environment and emphasizes growth through structured programs and collaborations with families.
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 —
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 null
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations Cognia Accreditation
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 1. Submit Inquiry. Begin by submitting the online inquiry form with essential details about your child to start the admissions process. The academic year runs from September to June, and admission is possible at any time during the year depending on grade-level availability. The inquiry initiates the school's admissions workflow and guides the next steps. Access to the inquiry form is available in the admissions area. 2. Review Documents. Review documents to ensure the child meets admission criteria before proceeding. A complete document list can be viewed via a link on the admissions page. Prepare and submit the required documents accordingly. 3. Assessment Process. The child will complete a placement test and a brief interview as part of the admissions process. This assessment helps determine the appropriate grade placement and informs subsequent steps. The assessment is described under the “Assessment Process” section of admissions. 4. Registration Fee. A registration fee of AED 500 applies and will be deducted from the Term 1 fee. Complete enrollment formalities after the assessment and document review. 5. Term Payment. Term payments follow a schedule: Term 1 due by August 15; Term 2 due by December 15; Term 3 due by March 15. Ensure timely payments to secure placement for the upcoming term. 6. Start Classes. After completing the above steps and processing, start classes for the new term. The admissions page outlines the sequence and transition to the class schedule.
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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