American International School vs School of Modern Skills

	A American International School Dubai, United Arab Emirates	S School of Modern Skills Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year AED 17,490 - 29,066	Fees / year AED 19,212 - 34,391
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 The School of Modern Skills is located at 27th Street, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Rd, Muhaisnah 1, Dubai, UAE. Muhaisnah 1 is a residential area in Dubai with easy access to major roads, including Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311). The school sits within Muhaisnah and serves families in the surrounding communities.
Stages	Stages KG1 to Grade 12 (Kindergarten through High School), with learning divided into Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle, and High School.	Stages SMS is a KG–12 school, providing primary, middle, and high school programs within an American curriculum.
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 SMS operates as a private, neighborhood school. There are separate campuses for boys and girls from Grade 5–12; KG–Grade 4 are 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 —
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 The school offers holistic student support services led by a Director of Student Support Services and a team of specialists. The team includes behaviorists, psychologists, counselors, and learning support assistants, with a focus on social-emotional, academic, and behavioral support and parent collaboration.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation No formal country affiliation; the curriculum is based on the American Curriculum.	Country affiliation No formal country affiliation. The school follows an American curriculum and holds NEASC accreditation while being UAE-based.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation No formal religious affiliation; Islamic values are integrated within the American Education Program.	Religious affiliation No explicit religious affiliation is stated; Islamic Education is delivered as part of the UAE Ministry of Education program alongside Arabic and other subjects.
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 7:30 AM–4:00 PM from Sunday to Thursday; on Fridays, the day ends at 12:15 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 Transportation is coordinated by the school's Transportation Department. For routes and arrangements, contact Muhammed Shaheer at 050-992-7635 or transportation@dubai-sms.com.
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 - Admission test fee: AED 350 (paid at application; covers three subjects). - Seat reservation / non-refundable registration fee: AED 1,500 (payable on offer/registration). - Returning‑student deposit: the school may charge up to 10% of the total fee amount as a payment due within the specified timeframe; this amount is non‑refundable except where the family must move outside the Emirate of Dubai before the start of the academic year; it is deductible from the first term. Tuition fees by year group (annual charges and breakdown for Academic Year 2025–2026) - KG1: Education fee AED 17,491; School uniform AED 461; Books & stationery AED 1,260; Total AED 19,212. - KG2: Education fee AED 18,247; School uniform AED 461; Books & stationery AED 1,260; Total AED 19,968. - Grade 1: Education fee AED 18,876; School uniform AED 461; Books & stationery AED 1,887; Total AED 21,224. - Grade 2: Education fee AED 19,631; School uniform AED 660; Books & stationery AED 1,887; Total AED 22,178. - Grade 3: Education fee AED 20,386; School uniform AED 660; Books & stationery AED 1,887; Total AED 22,933. - Grade 4: Education fee AED 21,140; School uniform AED 660; Books & stationery AED 1,887; Total AED 23,687. - Grade 5: Education fee AED 21,896; School uniform AED 660; Books & stationery AED 1,887; Total AED 24,443. - Grade 6: Education fee AED 22,652; School uniform AED 660; Books & stationery AED 2,255; Total AED 25,567. - Grade 7: Education fee AED 23,406; School uniform AED 728; Books & stationery AED 2,769; Total AED 26,903. - Grade 8: Education fee AED 24,162; School uniform AED 793; Books & stationery AED 2,769; Total AED 27,724. - Grade 9: Education fee AED 24,915; School uniform AED 793; Books & stationery AED 2,769; Total AED 28,477. - Grade 10: Education fee AED 25,671; School uniform AED 793; Books & stationery AED 4,026; Total AED 30,490. - Grade 11: Education fee AED 29,572; School uniform AED 793; Books & stationery AED 4,026; Total AED 34,391. - Grade 12: Education fee AED 29,572; School uniform AED 793; Books & stationery AED 4,026; Total AED 34,391. Per‑term presentation (school requires fees paid before each term; per‑term figures shown are equal thirds of the annual education fee and are a calculated installment example) - The school requires fees to be paid before the start of each term. The education fees above are published as annual amounts. Dividing each annual education fee into three equal installments produces the following illustrative per‑term education amounts (rounded to the nearest dirham): - KG1: AED 5,830 per term. - KG2: AED 6,082 per term. - Grade 1: AED 6,292 per term. - Grade 2: AED 6,544 per term. - Grade 3: AED 6,795 per term. - Grade 4: AED 7,047 per term. - Grade 5: AED 7,299 per term. - Grade 6: AED 7,551 per term. - Grade 7: AED 7,802 per term. - Grade 8: AED 8,054 per term. - Grade 9: AED 8,305 per term. - Grade 10: AED 8,557 per term. - Grade 11: AED 9,857 per term. - Grade 12: AED 9,857 per term. (These per‑term figures are provided as an equal‑installment example because the school states that fees are payable before each term; see billing schedule below.) Billing schedule and payment terms - Fees must be paid before the start of each term. - Published fee‑collection pattern used by the school and shown in public fee guides: a three‑installment schedule (example): 50% of the annual education fee on or around mid‑August, 25% on or around 1 December, and 25% on or around 1 March. This instalment pattern is used in the school's published fee information and third‑party school guides. - VAT is included where indicated in the school's fee notes. - Payment timing: fees are paid in advance and by the dates specified in the school's registration/parent contract. Boarding / hostel - No boarding or hostel programmes are listed; the school is described as a private, neighbourhood day school with separate boys and girls campuses for older grades. Boarding is not applicable. Other costs and optional fees - School uniform and books & stationery: amounts are listed per grade in the sections above and are included in the published totals. - Optional / exam / administration fees: international exam fees (IELTS / SAT) AED 1,200–1,400; AP exam fees are payable separately; extra transcript fee AED 120 per transcript. - Transportation (optional paid service): published third‑party and school notes list paid bus service; example published rates (approximate, for reference) — one‑way Dubai routes AED 3,491; two‑way Dubai routes AED 4,653; two‑way Sharjah routes AED 5,818 (transport costs vary by route). Transportation is charged separately and is optional. - Any additional optional services (after‑school activities, trips, special programmes) are charged when used; specific prices vary by activity and are invoiced separately. Refunds and cancellation - The registration/seat reservation fee (AED 1,500) is non‑refundable on normal withdrawal. The returning‑student deposit (up to 10% of total fees) is non‑refundable except where the family must move outside the Emirate of Dubai before the start of the academic year; in that case the deposit is deductible from the first term and the school may request proof of relocation. - No separate general tuition‑refund schedule is published in the school's admission policy beyond the registration/deposit terms cited above; tuition and other refunds, if any, are handled according to the parent contract and the school's published terms. Fee payment options and contacts - Public guidance and third‑party school information indicate fees are commonly collected by the school in instalments and can be paid by cash or cheque in the instalment pattern shown in published guides; parents use the school's finance office and the parent portal for administration. - Finance department contact: listed school finance contact is available for confirmation of accepted payment methods and to arrange payments. Notes and practical points - The figures above are the school's published charges for the Academic Year 2025–2026. The school has published an early‑payment / early‑bird discount option in some fee listings (e.g., a 20% early‑payment column appears in published fee information for certain grades); available discounts and exact invoice amounts depend on the registration/offer terms and timing. - For questions about transport routes, exact instalment dates, accepted payment channels (bank transfer, card, cheque, cash) or any itemised invoice details, contact the school's finance office or registrar — the finance contact and registrar numbers and emails are published for parents.
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 The school has a uniform; the uniform cost is listed under School Uniform in the 2025–2026 fees.
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 The school is privately owned and operates as part of AlephYa Education.
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 SMS is a private K–12 school in Muhaisnah, Dubai, offering an American curriculum aligned to CCSS for English Language Arts and Mathematics and NGSS for Science. Arabic, Islamic Education and Social Studies follow UAE MoE curricula. The language of instruction is English; Arabic Language Arts and French Language Arts are taught, with French starting in Grade 8. There are separate campuses for boys and girls in Grades 5–12. SMS is NEASC- and KHDA-accredited; NEASC accreditation was granted in 2022, and staff come from 33+ nationalities. The program includes AP courses and readiness for SAT, IELTS and EmSAT, supported by a College & Career Readiness program, ENGAGE Extended Day, and a KG extended day until 2:40 PM.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results SMS offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses and prepares students for standardized assessments, including SAT, AP exams, IELTS and EmSAT. The College & Career Readiness program provides internships, university fairs, and guidance to support college applications.
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression SMS provides a comprehensive career and college guidance program with exposure to leading universities worldwide, internships, and university fairs. The program helps students align coursework with college goals and supports the college application process.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented AP Capstone Program is offered as a two-year credential program, and AP courses are available for advanced students.
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 —
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) —
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 —
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 —
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 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 school has separate male and female campuses for Grades 5-12. It offers specialty laboratories for technology, biology, physics, and chemistry, plus two libraries, a hydroponics garden, a STrEaM activity room, multipurpose halls, a health clinic and canteens. The campuses have been upgraded with state-of-the-art Science and IT labs, Art Rooms and Innovation Hubs, along with a Learning Resource Center (LRC). There are two computer labs, one for boys and one for girls, and an Innovation Hub to support robotics and AI projects. A new cafeteria is being built and will be ready soon.
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 sports facilities include a football field, two gymnasiums, an outdoor basketball court, an indoor basketball court and two swimming pools. SMS offers a wide range of sports including football, basketball, volleyball, handball, badminton, swimming, athletics, gymnastics and table tennis. The school runs structured after-school practice schedules for Girls Campus (Senior Basketball, Junior Basketball, Volleyball) and Boys Campus (Senior Soccer, Junior Soccer, Volleyball, Basketball). The facilities support these activities and enable both team and individual sports. Participation encompasses a broad sports program across the school.
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 School of Modern Skills has separate male and female campuses for Grades 5-12 and offers a range of specialty laboratories including technology, biology, physics and chemistry. The campuses include two libraries, a hydroponics garden, a STrEaM activity room, multipurpose halls, a health clinic and canteens. The facilities have been upgraded to include state-of-the-art Science and IT labs, Art Rooms and Innovation Hubs, as well as a Learning Resource Center (LRC). There are two computer labs, one for boys and one for girls, with the latest technology. An Innovation Hub provides robotics and AI resources, and new Chemistry, Physics and Biology labs with exhaust/aeration booths have been developed. A cafeteria is being built and will be ready soon.
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 ENGAGE Extended Day Program provides after-school enrichment with activities such as arts and crafts, music and movement, storytelling, science experiments, nature exploration, games and group activities, and field trips with guest speakers. The program includes guided learning and focuses on creativity, collaboration and critical thinking. The ENGAGE program runs after school and charges 3600 AED for the year (Semester 1 1200 AED; Semester 2 2400 AED). ASAP (After School Academic Program) offers remediation and targeted support in English and Arabic after school on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM for Grades 1–12, with 10 sessions for 800 AED. Experiential Learning features hands-on activities such as solar oven projects, Guacamole Day, and math skills in 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 Founded in 2006, the School of Modern Skills blends UAE heritage with global education. The school is NEASC-accredited and delivers an American curriculum from KG to Grade 12. It operates separate boys' and girls' campuses and offers top-tier labs, innovation hubs, and sports facilities. The diverse faculty supports students to lead, thrive, and learn in a global society.
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 The school values UAE cultural heritage and prepares students to be confident leaders and global citizens. SMS is NEASC-accredited and delivers an American curriculum, supporting academic achievement and global engagement. Islamic values, cultural awareness, and a community-centered approach are emphasized across grade levels. The middle school program emphasizes student-centered learning, holistic development, and global citizenship.
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 —
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 SMS is a K–12 school with an enhanced American curriculum based on the California Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts and Mathematics. The Next Generation Science Standards are observed for Science. The UAE Ministry of Education program is used for Arabic, Islamic Education, and Social Studies. The school is NEASC-accredited.
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 ENGAGE Extended Day Program offers enrichment activities including arts and crafts, music and movement, storytelling, and science experiments. It provides opportunities for creative expression through art projects, music, drama, and dance. Field trips and guest speakers supplement thematic units that integrate arts with STEM. The program emphasizes social and collaborative skills as part of after-school activities.
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 The school uses English as the language of instruction. The English Language Arts curriculum is taught with a focus on speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Arabic Language Arts follows the UAE Ministry of Education program, and non-Arab students attend special Arabic classes. French Language Arts is introduced as a third language starting in Grade 8.
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 The ENGAGE Extended Day Program provides after-school enrichment with activities including arts, movement, games, and group activities. Learning extensions, field trips, and guest speakers promote teamwork and social skills. The program includes social development opportunities and creative expression.
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 school's career and college readiness program offers internships and community service opportunities.
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 The SMS Career & College Guidance Program provides exposure to universities and the job market. The program includes internships and supports students with university applications, personal statements, and job interviews. SMS hosts annual career and university fairs and maintains a database of leading universities.
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 SMS offers Holistic Student Support Services led by behaviorists, psychologists, counselors, and learning support staff. Social-emotional learning is integrated through explicit instruction, morning meetings, and classroom community building. Wellbeing counselors provide emotional support and individualized guidance.
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 offers an American curriculum (NEASC-accredited).
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 1. Submit the application: Fill out the application form and send it to the school. Follow the admission criteria for the grade level that your child is applying for. The 2026–2027 admissions are open for this academic year. 2. Pay the admission test fee: Pay an admission test fee of AED 350. The fee is part of the admission process. 3. Attend the entrance exam and interview: Attend the entrance exam and the interview with the Student Support Services specialist. The exam and interview evaluate the child's academic level and needs. 4. Receive the admission offer and pay the seat reservation: Receive the admission offer and pay a seat reservation fee of AED 1,500. The offer confirms the child's placement pending formalities. 5. Complete formalities and submit documents: Complete formalities and submit completed documents including the previous year's report card and leaving certificate attested by local education authorities, the Ministry of Education, and the UAE embassy. Submit the medical file to the clinic, confirm transportation registration, and sign an undertaking to submit any pending documents. 6. Pay tuition and collect uniforms: Pay the tuition fees, receive the uniform coupon, and collect the uniform from the vendor. 7. Enroll and join: Join the class once the KHDA portal registration is complete and the KHDA parent contract is signed.
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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