Dubai Arabian American Private School vs Dubai National School Al Barsha

	D Dubai Arabian American Private School Dubai, United Arab Emirates	D Dubai National School Al Barsha Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year AED 15,134 - 35,411	Fees / year AED 24,172 - 39,665
Age range	Age range 4 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type —	Type —
Curriculum	Curriculum American Curriculum	Curriculum American Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 1,400	Pupils 2,336
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size 20
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened —	Opened —
Bus service	Bus service —	Bus service —
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location The school is located in Muhaisnah 1, Dubai. The campus sits in a residential area in eastern Dubai and is accessible by road; a location map is linked on the site for directions. The school serves over 600 students.	Location Dubai National School is located on First Al Khail Street in Al Barsha 1, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The campus sits in the Al Barsha area and is accessible via major routes such as Al Khail Road and Sheikh Zayed Road. The surrounding area is residential with amenities nearby, including the Mall of the Emirates corridor.
Stages	Stages DAAPS offers KG1 through Grade 12 under a US standards-based curriculum. It is organized into Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle School and High School.	Stages DNS Al Barsha serves students from Pre-K (PK) through Grade 12, i.e., PK-12. The school reports an enrollment of about 2,500 students across 52 nationalities with a full American curriculum. The English language is the medium of instruction across phases.
School type	School type The school is a private day school serving both genders. Public information indicates partial gender separation in upper grades (girls and boys taught separately after Grade 4), with no boarding facilities listed.	School type The school is an independent private day school. It serves both boys and girls, with classes segregated by gender from Grade 4 onward; there is no boarding facility advertised for any year group.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix Nationalities represented include Emirati students who form the majority. External sources estimate about 72% local and 28% international students, reflecting a predominantly Emirati local cohort with international peers.	Pupil nationality mix DNS serves about 2,500 students from 52 nationalities. The school's population is diverse, with Emirati students making up a significant portion of the intake; Emirati backgrounds are reported as the majority in some external profiles of the school.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support The Inclusion Department includes a Head of Inclusion, Learning Support Teachers and Assistants, and Peer Mentors. Students identified as Students of Determination receive an Individual Education Plan, in-class academic support, pull-out support, accommodations during assessments, counseling, and related collaboration with families.	Additional learning support Inclusion is a formal part of DNS, with inclusive education support services that comply with KHDA policies. The school provides provisions for students with special educational needs and disabilities as part of its care and support framework, including wellbeing and safeguarding provisions.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation There is no formal country affiliation; the curriculum is described as a standards-based US program (California standards and NGSS) with MOE alignment.	Country affiliation The school follows the American curriculum based on Massachusetts State Standards, aligning with an American/US educational framework.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation There is no formal religious affiliation; the school emphasizes UAE culture and Islamic values.	Religious affiliation DNS does not have a formal religious affiliation; Islamic Studies is included as part of the Arabic language program within the MOE-mandated curriculum.
School day structure	School day structure A KHDA-approved calendar is published for 2024–25 and 2025–26 with general school-day scheduling (number of school days per year is listed), but exact daily start and end times are not published on the site. The 2024–25 calendar shows 188 total school days.	School day structure The school day starts with gates opening at 7:30 am and the first period beginning at 8:00 am. The schedule includes seven classes on Mondays and Tuesdays, six on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and four on Fridays. End times vary by level: Pre-K, KG1 & KG2 finish at 1:00 pm; Grades 1-3 finish at 2:10 pm; Grades 4-12 finish at 2:30 pm; Friday timings are shortened, with earlier dismissals.
Bus service details	Bus service details No detailed bus service information is published on the official site. For transport arrangements, contact the school at +971 4 288 2222.	Bus service details DNS Al Barsha operates its own transport service with a fleet that serves many Dubai areas. Morning bus pickup is typically at 7:45 am; afternoon drop-offs vary by student level (PreK-G12 1:00 pm; PreK-KG2 1:00 pm; G1-12 2:30 pm). Bus routes include Al Barsha 1-3, Tecom & The Greens, Dubai Marina, JLT, JVC, Ibn Battuta & Discovery Gardens, Umm Suqeim & Jumeirah, Dubai Hills, Arjan, Arjan/Remraam, and other areas, with fees published for 2025-2026 (e.g., 7,000 AED for most routes, 4,200 AED one-way). Enrollment is coordinated through the Transport Supervisor after registration.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application and assessment fees - Application (Assessment) fee: AED 350 (inclusive of VAT). This fee is non-refundable, non-transferable and non-deductible and is payable at the time of application. - New-student Registration (seat reservation) fee: 10% of the annual tuition fee. The registration fee is deductible from the annual tuition and is not refundable except in special circumstances (for example, family relocation out of the country/Emirate or other unforeseen circumstances as defined by the school). Tuition fees and book charges (annual amounts by grade) - KG 1: Tuition AED 14,260; Books AED 874. - KG 2: Tuition AED 15,046; Books AED 874. - Grade 1: Tuition AED 16,093; Books AED 2,122. - Grade 2: Tuition AED 16,876; Books AED 2,122. - Grade 3: Tuition AED 17,661; Books AED 2,122. - Grade 4: Tuition AED 18,446; Books AED 2,122. - Grade 5: Tuition AED 19,231; Books AED 2,122. - Grade 6: Tuition AED 19,887; Books AED 2,122. - Grade 7: Tuition AED 21,325; Books AED 2,872. - Grade 8: Tuition AED 22,765; Books AED 2,872. - Grade 9: Tuition AED 24,334; Books AED 2,872. - Grade 10: Tuition AED 26,558; Books AED 3,621. - Grade 11: Tuition AED 29,174; Books AED 3,621. - Grade 12: Tuition AED 31,790; Books AED 3,621. Per-term amounts (three equal instalments — inferred calculation) - The school presents annual tuition by grade. Dividing the annual tuition into three equal instalments gives the following approximate per-term figures (these are calculated by dividing the annual tuition by three): - KG 1: approx. AED 4,753 per term. - KG 2: approx. AED 5,015 per term. - Grade 1: approx. AED 5,364 per term. - Grade 2: approx. AED 5,625 per term. - Grade 3: approx. AED 5,887 per term. - Grade 4: approx. AED 6,149 per term. - Grade 5: approx. AED 6,410 per term. - Grade 6: approx. AED 6,629 per term. - Grade 7: approx. AED 7,108 per term. - Grade 8: approx. AED 7,588 per term. - Grade 9: approx. AED 8,111 per term. - Grade 10: approx. AED 8,853 per term. - Grade 11: approx. AED 9,725 per term. - Grade 12: approx. AED 10,597 per term. - Note: the per-term figures above are a straight division of the published annual tuition by three (an inferred instalment split for presentation). Parents should treat these as illustrative instalment amounts derived from the school's annual tuition figures. Billing schedule and payment terms - The school provides an online payment portal and accepts bank transfers. Bank details are provided by the school for payments to Dubai Arabian American School at Emirates NBD (account number and IBAN displayed by the school). After a bank transfer, remittance should be sent to finance@daaschool.com. - New students secure a place by paying the New Student Registration fee (10% of annual tuition) at acceptance; that registration amount is deductible from the annual tuition. The application (assessment) fee is payable at application and is non-refundable. Student withdrawal requires written notification; a 30-day notification period is required and the school references its financial policies for withdrawal/refund details. A KHDA administrative fee (AED 120) is charged for issuance of a Transfer Certificate when leaving the school. Boarding / day-school status - Dubai Arabian American Private School operates as a day school; no boarding fees are listed. Transportation is offered as an additional (optional) service at many Dubai day schools; check the school's fee communications for transportation charges. Other costs and optional fees - Books are published per grade on the school's fee page (amounts listed above). - The school directs parents to the KHDA School Fees Fact Sheet for each grade for additional optional fees and required educational supplies; optional charges that commonly appear on KHDA fact sheets include transport, uniforms, extracurricular activities, field trips, exam fees and health/medical charges. - Independent listings and school guides for this school also show additional possible charges such as medical fees and international-exam fees for older grades; these are examples of extra, grade-dependent charges that may apply in addition to published tuition and book charges. Refund information - The application (assessment) fee (AED 350) is non-refundable. The New Student Registration fee (10% of annual tuition) is deductible from the annual tuition and is not refundable except in specified special circumstances such as family relocation out of the Emirate/country or other conditions set by the school. Student withdrawal requires written notice (30 days) and refunds are dealt with under the school's financial policies. The school collects an AED 120 administrative fee for the KHDA transfer certificate when a student leaves. Fee payment options - Online payment via the school's parent/finance portal. - Bank transfer to Emirates NBD using the school's account details and IBAN (parents are asked to send remittance advice to finance@daaschool.com following transfer). Contact for finance queries - Finance Department: Tel +971 4 288 2222 ext 107/109; Email: finance@daaschool.com. (End of fees overview.)	Fee details Annual tuition — fees by year group - Pre‑KG: AED 24,172 per year. - KG1: AED 24,172 per year. - KG2: AED 24,172 per year. - Grade 1: AED 26,420 per year. - Grade 2: AED 26,420 per year. - Grade 3: AED 26,420 per year. - Grade 4: AED 27,936 per year. - Grade 5: AED 28,650 per year. - Grade 6: AED 28,650 per year. - Grade 7: AED 31,929 per year. - Grade 8: AED 31,929 per year. - Grade 9: AED 33,038 per year. - Grade 10: AED 35,119 per year. - Grade 11: AED 39,665 per year. - Grade 12: AED 39,665 per year. Application / registration fees - Application fees and registration deposits follow the UAE/KHDA framework used by private schools: an application charge may be collected (KHDA guidance caps the pre‑offer application fee) and schools commonly collect a registration/re‑registration deposit (often expressed as a percentage of annual tuition). The KHDA framework limits an application fee before an offer to a modest fixed amount and allows a registration deposit (commonly up to 10% in practice). Billing schedule and payment terms - Fees are billed termly; Dubai private‑school frameworks require that annual tuition be collectable in three instalments (term 1, term 2 and term 3) or, alternatively, in 10 equal monthly instalments. The KHDA guidance sets the typical maximum instalment split at up to 40% (first term), 30% (second term) and 30% (third term). The school's published academic calendar shows term start dates that align with standard termly billing points. - School fees do not include the costs listed below (these are charged separately). Parents should expect the tuition figure to be the annual tuition amount and to be billed according to the school's published payment plan. Boarding fees - Dubai National School — Al Barsha operates as a day school; there are no boarding fees. Other costs and mandatory extras - Books, resources, uniforms, transport, lunch and external activities are not included in the tuition figures and are charged separately. - School transport (example ranges published by the school): typical round‑trip bus fees shown by route are in the AED 7,000–7,500 range; one‑way service for many routes is shown around AED 4,200–4,500. Specific route fees vary by pick‑up area. - Other common additional items (charged separately) include textbooks, examination/assessment charges, school ID cards, diaries, technology/resource charges, special activities or trips, and optional after‑school offerings. The tuition page explicitly excludes these items from the published tuition figures. Refunds and withdrawal charges - Refunds and cancellations are administered under the UAE/KHDA/MOE fee frameworks that apply to private schools in Dubai. These frameworks specify how tuition refunds are calculated when a student withdraws during the term (for example, standard guidance sets the amount schools may retain according to how long the student attended: withdrawal within two weeks → charge one month's tuition; between two weeks and one month → charge two months' tuition; beyond one month → charge up to a term's tuition, with monthly values calculated by dividing the annual tuition by 10). Book and uniform charges are typically non‑refundable unless unused. Registration/re‑registration deposits are typically non‑refundable except in specific circumstances provided by regulation. Fee payment options - Private schools in Dubai commonly accept multiple payment methods: online payment portals, bank transfer (wire/telegraphic transfer), debit/credit card, cash and cheques. Schools also commonly accept post‑dated cheques (PDCs) or set up monthly instalment plans where permitted under KHDA rules. Expect the school to offer at least bank transfer and card/online payment facilities. Summary notes for parents (concise) - The figures above are the published annual tuition amounts by grade. - Tuition excludes books, uniforms, transport, lunch and many external activities; transport fees are charged separately and vary by route (round trip examples AED 7,000–7,500). - Fees are billed termly under the standard Dubai practice (three instalments or 10 monthly instalments); the KHDA framework caps the typical term split at 40%/30%/30% where schools use three instalments. Refunds and withdrawal charges follow the UAE/MOE/KHDA refund rules described above.
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 —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership —	Governance and ownership Dubai National School – Al Barsha is privately owned by H.E. Mr. Marwan Al Ghurair and is governed by a Board of Trustees.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Dubai Arabian American Private School offers a comprehensive American curriculum from KG1 to Grade 12. The Early Childhood program (KG1–KG2) develops foundational language skills in English and Arabic, builds early numeracy, and introduces science through hands-on, technology-enabled activities. In Elementary (grades 1–5), reading and writing are developed, math emphasizes real-world applications, science integrates STEM concepts, and learning uses digital platforms such as HMH and Achieve3000, with coding via Sphero/Minecraft Education and Microsoft Office. Middle School (grades 6–8) focuses on English proficiency, introduces pre-algebra, provides integrated science labs, and uses CAT4 and MAP assessments along with internal benchmarks to monitor progress. High School (4-year) requires 26 credits with a minimum 60% in all subjects to earn a US High School Diploma, offers electives aligned with college/career goals, and provides a University and Career Counselor to support admissions and planning, plus opportunities for community service and green living. DAAPS is NEASC-accredited since March 2020.	Curriculum details Dubai National School Al Barsha uses an American curriculum based on Massachusetts State Standards, with English as the medium of instruction and alignment to CCSS and NGSS; AP courses are available at the high school level. The curriculum progresses sequentially from Kindergarten through Grade 12 and is aligned with UAE MOE standards, while integrating Arabic language, Islamic Studies, Social Studies, and Culture. Middle School follows the Massachusetts Frameworks, emphasizing project-based learning with STREAM integration and cross-curricular links to Islamic education, Arabic and social studies. High School uses a Massachusetts-aligned credit system; 25 credits are required to graduate; the program includes core and elective courses, with AP courses implemented to meet UAE MOE equivalency. The program emphasizes standards-aligned resources, ongoing assessment, and the development of global citizenship and Islamic values within the Emirati context.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning DAAPS supports Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) through an Inclusion Department that includes a Head of Inclusion, Learning Support Teachers and Assistants, and Peer Mentors. The department focuses on supporting students who have difficulties in school and on monitoring social-emotional wellbeing, including counseling for academics or social-emotional matters. The Head of Inclusion is May Mina, and the team liaises with teachers, students, and parents to support individual learning and wellbeing.	Social & emotional learning Dubai National School Al Barsha integrates Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) as part of its inclusive education framework. The SEL curriculum covers five competencies: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. It is delivered through day-to-day teaching–learning practices, sports activities, guidance and counseling services, and resource room psycho-educational sessions. The school conducts socio-emotional learning activities and events, including World Mental Health Day activities, stress and anxiety management sessions, and psychological wellbeing presentations for learners and staff. SEL is a core component of the school's approach to supporting student wellbeing within its wellbeing provisions.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) DAAPS is an inclusive school with an Inclusion Department that serves Students of Determination. Students identified as needing additional support are placed on an Individual Education Plan, with services that include academic support in the mainstream, pull-out support, counseling for academics or social-emotional matters, liaison among the academic team and parents, accommodations during assessments, and personal goal planning. The Head of Inclusion is May Mina and the department works collaboratively with families to address each student's needs.	Special educational needs (SEN) Dubai National School Al Barsha describes its approach as inclusive education for learners with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and those who are Able, Gifted and Talented (AGT). An Inclusive Education Action Team (IEAT) coordinates inclusion provisions, learning support interventions, and accommodations across the learning community. Learners with SEND participate in general education groups with differentiated instruction and targeted support designed to remove barriers to learning. The school states its inclusive education provisions comply with KHDA policies (KHDA Inclusive Education Policy Framework, Inclusion Handbook) and related MOE and UNCRPD frameworks. It does not describe itself as a specialist SEN institution or indicate a dedicated SEN unit.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language The school does not publicly disclose information regarding English as an Additional Language (EAL) provisions.	English as an additional language English is the medium of instruction across phases at DNS Al Barsha, but there is no publicly disclosed EAL program on the site. Kindergarten includes Early Literacy in both languages—Arabic and English—suggesting bilingual literacy activities in the early years, but no explicit EAL staff or classroom program is described. No explicit EAL staff, groupings, or dedicated EAL provision are publicly listed in the available materials. Consequently, information on a formal EAL program is not disclosed in the public content.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Mental wellbeing is addressed through counseling for academics or social-emotional matters provided by the Inclusion Department as part of the school's wellbeing and SEL framework. The inclusion team explicitly supports students' emotional wellbeing alongside academic support.	Mental wellbeing DNS Al Barsha offers mental wellbeing support as part of its Health, Happiness, and Wellbeing framework. The Healthy School Program (HSP) guides physical activity, healthy lifestyles, and wellbeing education, with focal areas including increasing activity, providing teacher and learner resources, and integrating health education. Counselors and inclusion specialists are involved to support socio-emotional learning and anxiety management. The wellbeing provisions include counseling, stress and anxiety management sessions, and psychological wellbeing presentations for learners and staff, alongside activities such as World Mental Health Day. These programs reflect a structured approach to student mental health within the school's wellbeing strategy.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding The school does not publicly disclose information regarding safeguarding and child protection policies.	Safeguarding Dubai National School Al Barsha maintains a Child Protection & Safeguarding Policy. The policy notes that safeguarding arrangements are inspected by KHDA under judgments for protection, care, guidance and support of students, and leadership and management. All staff and volunteers are required to read the policy and confirm through emails, school WhatsApp groups, child protection registers, and ISS staff accounts before starting a new academic year. The policy is part of the school's safeguarding portfolio and is accessible through the ISS system and Google Drive. KHDA policy alignment and related international safeguarding frameworks underpin these provisions.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview —	Facilities overview Dubai National School Al Barsha provides a broad range of facilities to support PK-12 learning. Each section has its own labs, ICT rooms, and spacious playgrounds. Classrooms are large and equipped with multimedia projectors and speakers to support e-learning. The campus has extensive sports facilities, including three multipurpose gymnasiums, a full-size soccer field, outdoor basketball courts, and three swimming pools with changing rooms. In addition, there are three libraries, five art rooms, and specialized learning spaces such as Home Economics labs for girls and an Electronics lab for boys.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities The school offers three multipurpose gymnasiums, a full-size soccer field, outdoor basketball courts, and three swimming pools (for girls, boys, and toddlers) with changing rooms.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities The school offers a standards-based US curriculum aligned with California standards, NGSS, and MOE standards, and supports learning through an inclusive learning program for students requiring additional assistance.	Academic facilities Seven computer labs provide networked terminals with Internet access for ICT and other subjects. The middle and high sections have four science laboratories, with a general science lab available for elementary students. Three libraries serve PK-12 students with audio/visual facilities, networked computers, and a broad print collection. All classrooms are spacious and equipped with multimedia projectors and speakers to support e-learning.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities The school offers diverse activities and opportunities for student engagement and empowerment.	Extra curricular facilities Five art rooms support visual arts across grades PK-12. Home Economics labs (two for girls: cooking and sewing) and an Electronics lab (for boys) enable practical learning. The campus includes a dedicated Lecture Hall for meetings, events, and staff development, and there are separated prayer rooms for girls and boys. Two cafeterias, seating over 1,000, provide daily meals and snacks for students and staff.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History DAAPS was established in 2006 as a private K–12 school serving KG1 through Grade 12. It follows a standards-based US curriculum aligned with California standards and MOE standards, and it includes a learning support program to assist students at each grade level. The school operates from Muhaisnah 1 and serves a community that values education while honoring traditional Arabic culture and values. In March 2020, DAAPS received NEASC accreditation, reflecting international standards in its program and operations. The school's approach emphasizes UAE culture and Islamic values within its educational framework.	History Dubai National School- Al Barsha was founded in 1988 as a private American school in Dubai. It is owned by H.E. Mr. Marwan Al Ghurair and is governed by a Board of Trustees responsible for strategic oversight. The campus serves about 2,500 students of 52 nationalities in PK-12, supported by around 360 staff members from 30 Arab and non-Arab nationalities. English is the medium of instruction across subjects, with Arabic Language, Islamic Studies, Social Studies, Moral Education and Culture taught in alignment with MOE mandates. The school has held NEASC accreditation since May 2003, with a 2014 re-accreditation and an NEASC External Review visit conducted in May 2022.
Community	Community DAAPS describes itself as a family and community oriented school that prioritizes high academic standards and global citizenship. UAE culture and Islamic values are integrated into student life and learning. Student engagement is encouraged through diverse activities and opportunities for students to participate in shaping their educational experience. The school promotes collaboration among staff, students, parents, and the wider community.	Community The Dubai National School- Al Barsha community is multinational, with around 2,500 students representing 52 nationalities. The school describes its environment as inclusive, multicultural, and globally minded, with Islamic values emphasized. Student life includes a range of internal activities such as World Students' Day celebrations and International Day for Tolerance performances. The school also engages with the wider Dubai education community, participating in events such as KHDA Education Expo and related outreach.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association Public materials do not list a dedicated PTA page for DAAPS. The school emphasizes a family and community oriented approach, indicating that parent involvement is valued as part of school life. Public sections such as Our Events and News show opportunities for families to participate in school activities. There are no publicly documented PTA committees or meeting schedules on the available pages. Parents can contact the school through the provided channels to inquire about opportunities to engage in school life.	Parent teacher association Dubai National School- Al Barsha does not publish a separately named PTA on public pages. Parent involvement is described as tremendously supportive and plays a role in the school's family atmosphere. Parental engagement is encouraged through formal channels and volunteer opportunities noted on the English-language pages. DNS conducts community service and philanthropy activities in collaboration with Emirates Red Crescent, ONAK Ya Watan, Ghaya Volunteer Team, Environment Friends Society and Dubai Cares. The school also hosts student-parent events such as the DNS Entrepreneurial Marathon, an inter-school competition, and participates in broader events such as Education Expo.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The school offers a comprehensive American curriculum from KG1 to Grade 12 and serves over 600 students. It is located in Muhaisnah 1, Dubai. The school was established in 2006.	Academic & intellectual Dubai National School Al Barsha follows the American curriculum aligned to Massachusetts State Standards. English is the medium of instruction in all subjects across grades, with Arabic Language, Islamic Studies, Social Studies, Moral Education and Culture taught under MOE mandated programs. Graduation requires 28 credits, and the High School offers six AP courses. The school is NEASC-accredited, with initial accreditation in May 2003 and re-accreditations in 2014 and 2022.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative Arts opportunities are part of Student Life.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language In Early Childhood, foundational language skills develop in English and Arabic. In Middle School, English is the focus for reading and language development. The curriculum is aligned with California Common Core Standards and UAE MOE standards, supported by an enriched Arabic, Islamic, Social Studies, and Moral education program.	Cultural & language The student body represents 52 nationalities. Arabic Language and Islamic Studies are taught under MOE mandated programs, with cultural education integrated into the curriculum.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies Student Life includes internal and external activities, Athletics, and Arts.
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional There is a Student Leadership program with opportunities for leadership development.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing Care & Support provides inclusive education and wellbeing services. A clinic and cafeteria are available, and safeguarding and anti-cyberbullying policies are in place.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision The school uses English as the language of instruction as part of its American curriculum. English language development is emphasized across grade levels, with explicit emphasis in Middle School on reading and language skills. Assessments to monitor language progress include CAT4 (grades 1–12) and MAP (grades 2–5 and 6–8). Technology-driven language resources support instruction and literacy development.	Language provision The school teaches in English; Arabic language is taught as part of the curriculum, with MOE mandated programs for Arabic language, Islamic Studies, Social Studies, Moral Education and Culture.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching English is the medium of instruction across all subjects; Arabic is taught as a language subject with a focus on Arabic Language, Islamic Studies, Social Studies, Moral Education and Culture following MOE mandated programs.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards null	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations NEASC accreditation received in March 2020; The Commission on International Education (CIE) is the overseas accrediting arm of NEASC.	Accreditations Dubai National School offers an American curriculum aligned to Massachusetts State Standards, with English as the medium of instruction across all subjects and additional MOE-mandated Arabic/Islamic/Social Studies/Moral Education content. The curriculum is aligned to Massachusetts frameworks incorporating CCSS and NGSS, and Advanced Placement (AP) is offered in high school. AP results include students achieving perfect scores of 5. The school has six AP courses. The program also aligns with UAE MOE standards.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions Step 1 — Contact the Registrar for admissions questions. Step 2 — Complete the online application on the DAAPS portal and remit the AED 350 application/assessment fee (inclusive of VAT). Include these documents with the application: three recent colored passport-size photographs; birth certificate; vaccination card; passport with valid residence visa (for non-UAE citizens); UAE ID card; Family Book (Kholasat Al Qayd); copies of school reports for the last two years; copies of any standardized assessments (MAP, CAT4, etc.); reports of any identified special education needs (IEP/LPs); and the Transfer Certificate from the previous school. The Transfer Certificate (TC) is required by KHDA to register a student in any school in Dubai. Step 3 — An Assessment/Entrance Interview will be scheduled after the application is submitted. KG1 and KG2 students are interviewed by the Early Childhood team and observed in a play environment to assess language, cognitive, social, physical, and emotional development. Grades 1–12 students will take a CAT4 assessment and may be interviewed by the Academic Leadership Team to determine readiness and whether additional Learning Support is required. Step 4 — The Admissions Committee reviews the file and communicates with parents within 48 hours. To secure a seat, pay the New Student Registration Fee equal to 10% of the annual tuition; this fee is deductible from the annual tuition and is non-refundable except for special circumstances such as relocation. Once all documents are submitted and accepted, the student is formally enrolled and the KHDA Parent Contract for DAAPS must be signed. Age placement follows MOE/KHDA guidelines, with age as of August 31 used to place students in the appropriate grade (4 KG1; 5 KG2; 6 Grade 1; 7 Grade 2; 8 Grade 3; 9 Grade 4; 10 Grade 5; 11 Grade 6; 12 Grade 7; 13 Grade 8; 14 Grade 9; 15 Grade 10; 16 Grade 11; 17 Grade 12).	Admissions 1. Parents submit an application with information about the child and contact details. They also complete a health and wellbeing form. This initial step begins the admission process. 2. Students are placed in grade levels based on age, previous academic records, and the results of the admission exam and the personal interview with teachers, counsellors and phase leaders. If needed, a one-to-one evaluation may be conducted to inform placement. The placement criteria ensure alignment with the school's admission standards. 3. For phases 2–4, students sit for three paper-based or online admission exams in English, Arabic, Mathematics and high school Physics; non-native Arabic speakers may take a special Arabic exam in addition to English and Mathematics. These exams provide information to determine placement in the offered programs. 4. Admission exams are scheduled on assigned days and times and do not require prior preparation, as they measure candidates' skills and knowledge needed for the grade level. 5. A decision regarding admission is made within two working days. Placement is determined based on the results of the admission exams, reviews of previous academic records, and the personal interview with teachers, counsellors and phase leaders; the Principal may be involved if required. 6. High school candidates from non-American program schools may be required to obtain equivalency from the UAE Ministry of Education. Admission is granted for early registration, and applicants who have siblings studying at DNS receive priority. 7. Phase 1 (PK, KG1 & KG2) admission procedures involve a face-to-face or online interview with the teacher, counsellor and phase leader to evaluate linguistic abilities and motor skills. The interview lasts 15–30 minutes, though it may extend depending on the child's needs. Interviewers observe pencil grip, recognition of colors, shapes and alphabets, and motor skills. 8. If the child refuses to speak, the parents are asked to speak to the child. If the child still does not speak, a video of the child speaking and playing may be assessed as part of the admission process. The interviewing committee analyzes the child's interaction to detect speech difficulties or learning disabilities. 9. If any speech difficulty or learning disability is detected, the phase leader may require an explanation from the parents and may request medical or therapy reports to establish inclusion provisions for the child. The school complies with inclusive admission practices and related policies. 10. Inclusive admission is aligned with UAE law and KHDA guidelines; after enrollment, the child is monitored and parents' consent is sought to start inclusion provisions such as IEPs and BIPs as needed. The head of inclusion leads the inclusion process and participates in interviews and screenings as required.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
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