Clarion School vs Rushmore American School

	C Clarion School Dubai, United Arab Emirates	R Rushmore American School Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year AED 45,106 - 100,336	Fees / year AED 28,000 - 63,000
Age range	Age range 3 - 17 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum American Curriculum	Curriculum American Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 293	Pupils —
Typical class size	Typical class size 22	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened —	Opened 2025
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location —	Location Rushmore American School is located in Al Suyouh, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. The campus sits in a residential area with access to major highways, supporting commutes from across Sharjah and neighboring emirates. The neighbourhood includes family-friendly amenities, parks, and nearby shopping options such as Sahara Centre.
Stages	Stages —	Stages Rushmore American School provides a K-12 program. The school includes a Pre-KG/KG section, an Elementary School, a Middle School, and a High School. The Pre-K section is on the ground floor, while middle and high school facilities are on the first floor, including laboratories and music rooms.
School type	School type —	School type The school operates as a co-educational environment for students up to Grade 4. Beginning in Grade 5, learning is segregated by gender.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support —	Additional learning support Rushmore American School includes provisions for students with Special Educational Needs (SEN). The admissions policies state an inclusive approach and that SEN students are integrated into regular classes with appropriate support. The campus includes dedicated spaces for Special Education.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation —	Country affiliation The curriculum is American-based, aligned with Massachusetts standards.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation No formal religious affiliation is indicated in official materials.
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure School timings run Monday through Thursday. Pre-KG to KG2 operate 7:30am–1:50pm; Grades 1–7 operate 7:30am–2:50pm. A Breakfast Club option starts at 7:00am.
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details Rushmore American School announced partnerships to deliver quality uniforms, transport, and catering ahead of its September 2025 opening, with transport arrangements to be confirmed.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details —	Fee details Application and Registration Fees - Application fee: AED 500 due at the time of submitting the application. This fee is refundable if the school does not offer a place; it is non-refundable if the school offers a place and the family chooses not to accept it; it is not deductible from total tuition if a place is accepted. - Registration deposit: AED 500 payable after accepting an offer to secure a place. This deposit is non-refundable and is adjustable against the first term's tuition. Tuition fees (annual and per-term amounts by year group) - Pre-K: Annual AED 35,000 (SPEA approved). Founding-family rate: Annual AED 26,000 — Per term (annual ÷ 3): AED 8,666 Per term (SPEA approved ÷ 3): AED 11,666. - KG 1: Annual AED 38,000 (SPEA approved). Founding-family rate: Annual AED 30,000 — Per term: AED 10,000. Per term (SPEA approved ÷ 3): AED 12,666. - KG 2: Annual AED 38,000 (SPEA approved). Founding-family rate: Annual AED 30,000 — Per term: AED 10,000. Per term (SPEA approved ÷ 3): AED 12,666. - Grade 1: Annual AED 45,000 (SPEA approved). Founding-family rate: Annual AED 39,600 — Per term: AED 13,200. Per term (SPEA approved ÷ 3): AED 15,000. - Grade 2: Annual AED 45,000 (SPEA approved). Founding-family rate: Annual AED 39,600 — Per term: AED 13,200. Per term (SPEA approved ÷ 3): AED 15,000. - Grade 3: Annual AED 45,000 (SPEA approved). Founding-family rate: Annual AED 39,600 — Per term: AED 13,200. Per term (SPEA approved ÷ 3): AED 15,000. - Grade 4: Annual AED 45,000 (SPEA approved). Founding-family rate: Annual AED 39,600 — Per term: AED 13,200. Per term (SPEA approved ÷ 3): AED 15,000. - Grade 5: Annual AED 45,000 (SPEA approved). Founding-family rate: Annual AED 39,600 — Per term: AED 13,200. Per term (SPEA approved ÷ 3): AED 15,000. - Grade 6: Annual AED 55,000 (SPEA approved). Founding-family rate: Annual AED 48,400 — Per term: AED 16,133. Per term (SPEA approved ÷ 3): AED 18,333. - Grade 7: Annual AED 55,000 (SPEA approved). Founding-family rate: Annual AED 48,400 — Per term: AED 16,133. Per term (SPEA approved ÷ 3): AED 18,333. - Grade 8: Annual AED 55,000 (SPEA approved). Founding-family rate: Annual AED 52,250 — Per term: AED 17,416. Per term (SPEA approved ÷ 3): AED 18,333. - Grade 9: Annual AED 55,000 (SPEA approved). Founding-family rate: Annual AED 55,000 — Per term: AED 18,333. Per term (SPEA approved ÷ 3): AED 18,333. - Grade 10: Annual AED 63,000 (SPEA approved). Founding-family rate: Annual AED 63,000 — Per term: AED 21,000. Per term (SPEA approved ÷ 3): AED 21,000. - Grade 11: Annual AED 63,000 (SPEA approved). Founding-family rate: Annual AED 63,000 — Per term: AED 21,000. Per term (SPEA approved ÷ 3): AED 21,000. - Grade 12: Annual AED 63,000 (SPEA approved). Founding-family rate: Annual AED 63,000 — Per term: AED 21,000. Per term (SPEA approved ÷ 3): AED 21,000. Billing schedule and payment terms - Application fee is payable at application submission; registration deposit is payable after accepting an offer and is adjustable against the first term's tuition. All published fees are stated as annual amounts; the school's fee notes reference the first term specifically. All fees are subject to 5% VAT. Early-payment and sibling discounts are published (5% early-payment discount for tuition paid in full; sibling discounts of 5%, 10% and 15% for second, third and fourth-or-more children respectively). Other costs and additional fees - Uniforms, transportation (school bus) and optional extra-curricular activities are treated as separate charges and may incur additional fees; specific amounts for these items are not published in the school's fee schedule. Exam, consumable or specialist-program costs may also be charged separately. Refunds and adjustments - Application fee: refundable only if the school does not offer a place; non-refundable if a place is offered and declined. Registration deposit: non-refundable but adjustable against the first term's tuition. Other refund terms specific to tuition instalments or late withdrawals are not published in the fee summary.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options —	Food options —
House system	House system —	House system Rushmore American School divides students into houses, each with a unique name, colors, and symbols. House leadership includes House Captains and Vice Captains, and students compete in inter-house activities across academics, sports, arts, and community service, with the House Cup awarded to the winning house. Regular house meetings foster belonging and leadership across grade levels.
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership —	Governance and ownership Rushmore American School is governed by a Board of Governors. The founders are His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Ahmad bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Shaban Abousido, Samer Sayegh, and Murad Al Otaibi. Mayfair Education provides comprehensive leadership and management services to the school.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details —	Curriculum details The school offers a K-12 American curriculum located in Sharjah's Al Suyoh. The elementary program uses a Massachusetts-based curriculum that emphasizes hands-on learning. The broader program is technology-driven and learner-centered, with emphasis on STEM, ethics, and cultural understanding. The school employs a technology-rich environment with Chromebooks and Google's suite to support personalized learning and digital citizenship. The high school program is university-preparatory and emphasizes leadership and intellectual growth.
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 The Emirati Stars Program identifies and nurtures Emirati talents across academics, arts, and sports.
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning —	Social & emotional learning Rushmore American School supports Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) through a holistic, learner‑centered approach that emphasizes personal growth, collaboration, and ethics. The Student Council represents student interests, promotes welfare, and enhances the school experience with leadership development, community building, service and outreach, and student‑driven initiatives. The House System fosters a sense of belonging and leadership across grade levels and supports cultural appreciation and teamwork. Life at Rushmore describes a holistic educational journey that develops students academically, socially, and emotionally. The Achievement Program states the school provides high‑quality pastoral care, support and guidance by listening to the concerns of children and parents, contributing to a safe, value‑based environment for learners.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) There are dedicated rooms for Special Education on campus. The Achievement Program explains a duty to provide appropriate SEN provision, make reasonable adjustments for disabled students and medical conditions, and ensure access to a broad and balanced curriculum. It also emphasizes inclusive classrooms where students with SEN are integrated rather than routinely segregated. The program notes that facilities support disabled students and that inclusion is a key aim, with adaptations to ensure equal access to resources. Overall, the school describes adaptive curricula and targeted SEN provision to meet diverse needs.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language The site emphasizes linguistic and cultural diversity, including the Arabic language and Islamic education. A dedicated EAL program or staff is not publicly disclosed on the site. The information publicly available does not describe a separate or explicit English as an Additional Language provision beyond general inclusive practices.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing —	Mental wellbeing Recreation facilities and vibrant social spaces are designed to support students' mental and physical well‑being, including ample spaces for physical activity and social interaction. The Achievement Program notes high‑quality pastoral care, with ongoing support and guidance, listening to concerns of children and parents to help students feel valued and secure. Life at Rushmore reinforces a holistic focus on emotional, social, and academic development within a learner‑centered framework. The House System and Student Council further contribute to a sense of belonging and peer support, which underpin positive mental wellbeing.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding Pastoral care and a safe environment are highlighted as core safeguarding features in the Achievement Program, which describes providing a safe, healthy school with high‑quality pastoral support and listening to concerns of children and parents. The program also describes duties to provide appropriate SEN provision and to make reasonable adjustments to support disabled students and medical conditions. Inclusive classrooms and accessible facilities for students with disabilities are emphasized as part of safeguarding and welfare. Together, these elements indicate safeguarding and child‑protection considerations are addressed through holistic wellbeing, inclusion, and student support policies.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview —	Facilities overview Rushmore American School has Pre-K through High School facilities designed for flexible, technology-enabled learning. The Pre-K area includes classrooms with indoor play areas, dedicated toilet and changing rooms, sleeping areas, and a fully equipped kitchen. The kindergarten area provides classrooms, breakout spaces, and shaded outdoor learning areas. Elementary spaces are on the ground floor, with accessible outdoor play and learning spaces, while middle and high school facilities are on the first floor and include laboratories and music rooms. The school also provides dedicated rooms for Music, Art, Special Education, and libraries for both elementary and middle/high school students. Multipurpose halls, a gym, a swimming pool, and outdoor learning spaces support a wide range of activities, all within safe, attractive, and environmentally friendly facilities.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities Two versatile multipurpose halls and a spacious gym serve physical education, performances, and indoor recreation. The gym can be sectioned to accommodate multiple groups, and it includes built-in seating, storage, and changing rooms, along with offices and toilets for staff and students. A swimming pool supports aquatic activities, while outdoor spaces provide additional learning and recreation opportunities.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities —	Academic facilities Middle and high school facilities include laboratories on the first floor, and there are dedicated rooms for Music and Art, as well as Special Education and libraries for both elementary and middle/high school students. The campus emphasizes 21st-century skills with technology-rich classrooms and digital learning resources.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities —	Extra curricular facilities Rushmore supports extracurricular engagement through a House System that fosters leadership and teamwork. The Emirati Stars Program identifies and nurtures talents across academics, arts, and sports. The school offers sports programs and arts activities as part of its global-citizenship focus.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History —	History Rushmore American School was founded in 2025 by a group of co-founders: His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Ahmad bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Shaban Abousido, Samer Sayegh, and Murad Al Otaibi. The school announced plans to open in September 2025 and established its base in Al Suyoh, Sharjah. A Governing Body with a Board of Governors provides strategic direction and policy oversight for the institution. Emma Baker was named Founding Principal in 2025, and the school held an official grand opening in November 2025. The first day of operation for the initial term occurred in January 2026.
Community	Community —	Community Rushmore American School is located in Al Suyoh, Sharjah, and emphasizes a learner-centered, technology-enhanced education. It operates a House System that divides students into houses with leaders and inter-house competitions to foster belonging and leadership. The Emirati Stars Program identifies Emirati talent for targeted mentorship and enrichment. The November 2025 inauguration featured UAE national performances and a facilities tour, reflecting active community engagement and national identity.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association Rushmore American School's Parent Council serves as the formal parent-teacher association, focusing on collaboration between families and the school to enhance the educational environment. It supports collaborative decision-making, improved communication, and parent involvement initiatives, including events, workshops, and social gatherings. The council promotes advocacy for student success and works to build a connected school community. Parents are encouraged to participate in open forums and committees to inform policies and practices, and to provide feedback and suggestions for ongoing improvement.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual —	Academic & intellectual The school offers a K-12 American curriculum. The curriculum is technology-driven and learner-centered, with emphasis on STEM, ethics, and cultural understanding. In elementary grades, the program follows a Massachusetts-based curriculum. In high school, the curriculum is university-preparatory and emphasizes leadership and intellectual growth.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative The school offers a comprehensive arts curriculum aligned with Massachusetts standards to enhance creativity, critical thinking, and cultural awareness. The arts program spans from early learning through high school, fostering expressive development.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language Language Clubs offer Spanish, French, and Mandarin. There is a Cultural Exchange Club and an International Film Club that promote cultural understanding. Global citizenship and creative writing are part of the program.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies Co-curricular activities include school council, sports teams, math clubs, science clubs, chess clubs, talent shows, spelling bees, writing competitions, debates, school newspapers, drama productions, musical performances, and art shows.
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional There is a Student Council. The House System fosters leadership and team spirit. The Emirati Stars Program identifies and nurtures Emirati talents across academics, arts, and sports.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing Sports programs and activities promote lifelong health, resilience, and personal growth. Wellness offerings include yoga and mindfulness, nutrition and cooking, fitness clubs, mental health awareness, and outdoor adventure.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision —	Language provision Arabic language is emphasized as part of the Rushmore Learner program. Islamic education is included as part of the UAE context. The school uses an American curriculum with state standards and Massachusetts standards referenced in Arts. The school implements 21st-century learning, digital literacy, and future skills, with technology integrated through Chromebooks and Google's suite.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards null
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations Rushmore American School is pursuing accreditation from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions —	Admissions The school is located in Sharjah, Al Suyoh, and offers a K-12 American curriculum focused on learner growth, creativity, and technology-enhanced learning. It emphasises ethical conduct, cultural understanding, and preparing students to become compassionate global citizens in a technology-rich environment.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships Fees start from AED 26,000 for the inaugural year, with an application fee of AED 500. Founding family fees for 2026/27 are published by grade level.
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist The school is opening in September 2025, with enrolment planned for Pre-K through Grade 7 in its inaugural year and expansion to Grades 8–12 in a future year.
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