American International School vs North American International School

	A American International School Dubai, United Arab Emirates	N North American International School Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year AED 17,490 - 29,066	Fees / year AED 22,923 - 39,896
Age range	Age range 4 - 18 years	Age range 4 - 18 years
Type	Type —	Type —
Curriculum	Curriculum American Curriculum	Curriculum American Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 2,725	Pupils —
Typical class size	Typical class size 18	Typical class size —
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 NAIS is located at Mizhar 1, Al Khawaneej, behind Arabian Center in Dubai. The campus sits in a residential area with easy access from the Mizhar/Al Khawaneej communities. It serves relocating families in northeast Dubai and surrounding neighborhoods.
Stages	Stages KG1 to Grade 12 (Kindergarten through High School), with learning divided into Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle, and High School.	Stages Kindergarten (KG1 and KG2), Elementary (Grades 1-5), Middle School (Grades 6-8), and High School (Grades 9-12).
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 Co-educational.
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 The student body is around 475–502 students. Emirati pupils make up about 32% of the population and international students account for roughly 68%. A detailed nationality breakdown by country is not publicly published.
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 NAIS operates an Inclusion Department and is an inclusive school. It supports a range of learning needs, including students with disabilities (students of determination), English Language Learners, and gifted and talented students.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation No formal country affiliation; the curriculum is based on the American Curriculum.	Country affiliation The school has no formal country affiliation; it operates an American program based on Common Core English/Math and California standards.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation No formal religious affiliation; Islamic values are integrated within the American Education Program.	Religious affiliation The school has no religious affiliation. (Islamic Education is provided as part of UAE Ministry standards where applicable.)
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 school day runs from 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM Monday to Thursday; on Fridays, classes finish at 11:30 AM; Saturdays operate 9:00 AM–1:00 PM; Sundays are closed.
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 NAIS offers a school bus service via Regal Bus Transport. Buses are GPS-tracked and fitted with seat belts and CCTV. Routes cover key areas across Dubai with customized stops. Registration is via the school transport form or by contacting the transport team at anees.k@naischool.ae or 0507520628.
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 and registration fees - Entrance / assessment fee: AED 200 (non-refundable). - Registration fee (one-time, non-refundable): AED 500. - Registration advance / deposit: AED 2,000. This amount is deducted from the first tuition instalment and is non-refundable if the student does not join. - Transfer fee (for transfers from other Dubai schools): AED 120. - Returned cheque fee: AED 200 plus 5% VAT (the school's published policy applies if a cheque is returned). Tuition fees by year group (annual and per-term amounts) - KG1: Annual tuition payable (after listed discount/adjustments) AED 22,873. Per term (equal three-instalment split): approximately AED 7,624 per term. - KG2: Annual tuition payable AED 22,873. Per term: approximately AED 7,624 per term. - Grade 1: Annual tuition payable AED 24,442. Per term: approximately AED 8,147 per term. - Grade 2: Annual tuition payable AED 24,442. Per term: approximately AED 8,147 per term. - Grade 3: Annual tuition payable AED 24,642. Per term: approximately AED 8,214 per term. - Grade 4: Annual tuition payable AED 24,642. Per term: approximately AED 8,214 per term. - Grade 5: Annual tuition payable AED 24,642. Per term: approximately AED 8,214 per term. - Grade 6: Annual tuition payable AED 24,792. Per term: approximately AED 8,264 per term. - Grade 7: Annual tuition payable AED 28,297. Per term: approximately AED 9,432 per term. - Grade 8: Annual tuition payable AED 28,297. Per term: approximately AED 9,432 per term. - Grade 9: Annual tuition payable AED 32,922. Per term: approximately AED 10,974 per term. - Grade 10: Annual tuition payable AED 32,922. Per term: approximately AED 10,974 per term. - Grade 11: Annual tuition payable AED 36,646. Per term: approximately AED 12,215 per term. - Grade 12: Annual tuition payable AED 36,646. Per term: approximately AED 12,215 per term. (Note: the per-term figures above are the annual listed amount divided into three equal instalments; the school structures tuition payment as three instalments and requires the first instalment at acceptance.) Billing schedule and payment terms - Confirmation/payment at enrolment: the non-refundable registration fee and the first term's tuition are required to confirm a place (payment timing is immediate after offer acceptance). The registration advance is deducted from the first instalment. - Instalments: tuition is set up to be paid in three instalments over the academic year. The school applies any advertised sibling discounts to the applicable instalment as published in its fee policy. - VAT: published fee listings are shown excluding VAT where indicated. - Penalties and banking: a returned-cheque charge applies (AED 200 + 5% VAT as published); cheque payment terms and other payment conditions are set by the school. Boarding fees - Boarding is not applicable. North American International School operates as a day school; no boarding fee schedule is published. Other costs and recurring fees - Examination fees (published per grade): examples include KG1 AED 300, KG2 AED 350, Grades 1–2 AED 350, Grades 3–9 between AED 470 and AED 520 for specific grades, and Grades 11–12 AED 370 as published. These examination fees are charged in addition to tuition. - Transport (school bus): published bus fees vary by route and are invoiced by term. Examples of published transport charges by route: Mirdif/Mizhar/Muhaisnah-1 total AED 3,500 (AED 1,400 first term, AED 1,050 second term, AED 1,050 third term); other routes have higher totals (for example, International City / Ras Al Khor total AED 6,000, Bur Dubai / Karama total AED 6,400). Transport is provided via the school's bus service partner and is billed per term as shown. - Uniforms and textbooks: a school uniform is required; uniform and textbook costs are charged separately and are not listed as fixed one-line items in the published tuition table. Additional optional costs (extracurricular activities, trips, meals, insurance or specific subject/material charges) are billed separately as applicable. Refund information - Registration fee: non-refundable. - Registration advance: AED 2,000 is deducted from the first instalment and is non-refundable if the student does not join. - Other refunds and withdrawal terms: the school's published fee policy sets conditions for refunds and withdrawals (examples above reflect the published non-refundable items and returned-cheque penalties). Specific refund calculations for mid-year withdrawals or early contract termination are governed by the school's fee policy and published terms. Fee payment options - Cheque payment is an accepted payment method in published materials; the school publishes a returned-cheque charge (AED 200 + 5% VAT). Other payment channels (bank transfer, credit/debit card, online payment) are commonly used across schools but are not specifically itemised in the published fee table for NAIS; parents should follow the school's invoicing instructions for the available payment channels. Sibling discount - Sibling discount policy (published): 2nd student 7% discount, 3rd student 10% discount, 4th and subsequent students 15% discount. Published notes indicate how and when the discount is applied in the payment schedule.
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 —
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 —
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 —
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 NAIS offers an American program across four stages: Kindergarten (KG1-2), Elementary (Grades 1-5), Middle (Grades 6-8), and High School (Grades 9-12). The English and Mathematics follow the Common Core Standards, while other subjects draw on the California State Standards; Arabic and Islamic Education align with Ministry Standards, with UAE National Education integrated into Social Studies. In Elementary, there are diagnostic tests at the start of each subject and an exit assessment at year-end; the program follows the Carolina National Standards in all subjects. The school maintains an inclusive approach, supporting students with diverse learning needs, including English Language Learners and those who are gifted and talented. In High School, Honors courses are available for Grades 9-10 and AP courses run from Grade 10 through 12, with more than 10 AP options for college credit.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio Not publicly available.
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results Not publicly reported.
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression Not publicly specified.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented NAIS provides inclusive education and supports gifted and talented students through its Inclusion Department.
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 The 2023-2024 KHDA inspection report assesses North American International School's wellbeing provision as weak. The school has two guidance counsellors who provide student support in addition to general pastoral care. Governors and leaders are described as having a limited understanding of wellbeing principles, and there is no cohesive, whole‑school wellbeing vision yet. Data collection and ongoing monitoring of wellbeing are underdeveloped, and wellbeing initiatives are not consistently embedded across the curriculum. Staff and students can access support from teachers and counsellors, but opportunities for student leadership of wellbeing initiatives are limited, and wellbeing is not at the heart of school life. The inspection dates were November 6–10, 2023.
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) As of the 2023-2024 KHDA inspection, 49 students are recorded as students of determination at the school. There are two guidance counsellors listed to support students. A key recommendation is to ensure that all students of determination are fully supported in lessons and that teachers take into account students' individual education plans (IEPs). The DSIB notes care and support for students of determination but highlights variability across phases and calls for stronger ongoing support. The inspection does not describe the school as a specialist SEN institution.
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 KHDA inspection does not publicly disclose information regarding English as an Additional Language (EAL) provision at North American International School. English is the language of instruction at the school. English attainment is described as Acceptable across phases (KG, Elementary, Middle, High). The inspection does not detail a formal, named EAL program or dedicated EAL staff.
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 embedded within the broader wellbeing provisions assessed by KHDA, but the 2023-2024 inspection finds overall wellbeing provision to be weak. There are two guidance counsellors and reported access to counselling staff, yet data collection and monitoring of wellbeing are underdeveloped. The inspection notes limited student and parent engagement in wellbeing initiatives and a lack of a cohesive, school-wide wellbeing strategy. It also highlights that wellbeing is not central to school life, despite some awareness of available support among staff and students. Inspection details: November 6–10, 2023.
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 identified as high priorities in the 2023-2024 KHDA inspection. The school's policies and procedures to ensure safety and security of students are documented and communicated to staff, students, and parents. The inspection notes that safeguarding, child protection and anti-bullying are prioritized, and there are arrangements for health and safety and premises maintenance. The DSIB report also records the presence of a safeguarding and wellbeing team and staff efforts to promote healthy behavior and supervise health needs. Overall, health and safety are rated Good, and safeguarding-related provisions are highlighted as a focus area for ongoing development. Inspection dates: 6–10 November 2023.
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 The campus is located at Mizhar 1, Al Khawaneej, Behind Arabian Centre – Dubai. The school operates a 12-year system.
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 —
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 —
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 —
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 NAIS Dubai was established in 2007 by Mr. and Mrs. Taher, starting with a small number of students. It has grown into a multinational community with around 56 nationalities. The school is located at Mizhar 1, Al Khawaneej, behind the Arabian Center in Dubai. NAIS follows the American program with Common Core Standards for English and Mathematics, and California State Standards for other subjects; Arabic and Islamic Education align with UAE Ministry standards, and French is offered from Grade 5. The school has recently come under new management with a significant change in approach and staff.
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 NAIS Dubai presents a community page featuring parent voices, affirming a sense of community and ongoing engagement. A parent testimonial describes the school as professional, caring, and well organized. The student body is multinational, with around 56 nationalities represented. Parents are encouraged to stay involved through the school portal and regular communications with teachers.
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 NAIS maintains a formal PTA that holds three meetings per year. PTA meetings are integrated into the school calendar to discuss programs and support student learning. Parents are encouraged to stay in touch with teachers through the school portal. An orientation for parents is held in September to guide families on how to support their children's progress. The leadership emphasizes parental involvement as a key component of the NAIS community, with active participation supported by school communications.
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 —
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 —
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 —
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 —
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 —
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 —
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 —
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 —
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 The North American International School (NAIS) in Dubai admits students of any race, religion, color, national or ethnic origin to all rights, privileges, programs and activities generally available to students. The admissions process includes an interview for KG1 with the Principal/Head of Section, and an assessment test in Math and English for KG2 to Grade 12. Applications are reviewed by admissions staff and the Principal's decision is final. After documentation is received, families are notified within a few days whether the applicant meets admission standards. Upon acceptance, a one-time non-refundable registration is due within five days to reserve a place for the following school year, and the first tuition payment must be received prior to the deadline to secure the place. If admission is granted but no place is available, the registration fee can be paid to place the student's name on the waiting list; NAIS will contact the family when a place becomes available. Enrollment is conditional upon the student successfully completing the current school year and submitting final grades; the student file must be complete before the first day of school. NAIS operates a 12‑year program, so applicants should review age requirements before applying. Admission office hours are Saturday–Thursday 8:00 AM–1:00 PM. Documents to submit include four passport-size photos; two birth certificates (KG1–Grade 1); original Transfer Certificate (KG2–Grade 12); progress report; two copies of passports; two copies of residency visas; two copies of Emirates IDs (student and parents); health card copy; vaccination card copy; and a transportation form if required. Transfer certificate requirements depend on where the previous school is located: Dubai schools require a stamp and signature with the TC in Arabic; other emirates require a stamped Arabic TC; schools outside the UAE require an Arabic TC and attestation from the Ministry of Education, UAE Embassy, and related authorities. There are links to Register Here and to the Fee 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 If admission is granted but no place is available, the registration fee can be paid to place the student's name on the waiting list; NAIS will contact the family when a place becomes available.
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