Dubai National School Al Barsha vs Emirates American School

	D Dubai National School Al Barsha Dubai, United Arab Emirates	E Emirates American School Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year AED 24,172 - 39,665	Fees / year AED 17,020 - 30,025
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type —	Type —
Curriculum	Curriculum American Curriculum	Curriculum American Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 2,336	Pupils 1,893
Typical class size	Typical class size 20	Typical class size 16
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened —	Opened —
Bus service	Bus service —	Bus service —
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location 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.	Location Emirates American School is in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, at Al Falah-6, Al-Qarrayen, near Sharjah National Park (P.O. Box 45683). The campus is located in a residential area with straightforward road access and is served by local transport options in the Sharjah area. You can contact the school at 06-5092727 or +971 50 870 3255 for directions or transport questions.
Stages	Stages 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.	Stages The school operates four levels: Kindergarten, Elementary School, Middle School, and High School. The Kindergarten program serves early years, and the site provides pathways up through high school, as listed in the site's navigation.
School type	School type 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.	School type Emirates American School is a co-educational, day school. In practice, some upper grades operate with gender-segregated sections after the early years, according to external listings that describe a move to single-sex sections in upper grades. The school conducts a daytime schedule with standard school-day hours.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix 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.	Pupil nationality mix Not publicly disclosed. (The school does enroll international students as part of its international program, but specific nationality mix data are not published on official materials.)
Additional learning support	Additional learning support 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.	Additional learning support SEN/learning supports include English as a Second Language (ESL) assistance and Gifted and Talented Programs. The curriculum also features Arabic language support and regular assessments to monitor progress, including MAP and other standardized measures.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation The school follows the American curriculum based on Massachusetts State Standards, aligning with an American/US educational framework.	Country affiliation United Arab Emirates (the school is located in Sharjah, UAE).
Religious affiliation	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.	Religious affiliation No formal religious affiliation is indicated. Islamic Education is part of the curriculum (Islamic Studies), integrating Islamic values within the UAE context.
School day structure	School day structure The school day starts 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.	School day structure School hours are 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM from Monday to Thursday, and 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Fridays. A typical daily routine includes arrival from 7:30–8:00 AM, morning lessons, a mid-morning break, a lunch break, and post-lunch activities until 3:00 PM.
Bus service details	Bus service details 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.	Bus service details Emirates American School provides a school bus service with routes covering a wide area in Sharjah and nearby regions. The service includes route planning, SMS notifications for changes, and a real-time bus-tracking system for parents. Buses are staffed with trained attendants, and safety measures include fingerprint-enabled doors and regular municipal inspections.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details 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.	Fee details Registration / Application fee - Registration fee: AED 500 (this registration fee is deductible from the Term 1 fee at the time of admission). Tuition fees — Kindergarten (Pre‑KG, KG1, KG2) - Term 1: AED 6,808. - Term 2: AED 5,106. - Term 3: AED 5,106. - Total annual tuition: AED 17,020. Tuition fees — Primary (Grade 1 to Grade 5) - Grade 1: Term 1 AED 7,943; Term 2 AED 5,957; Term 3 AED 5,957; Total AED 19,856. - Grade 2: Term 1 AED 7,943; Term 2 AED 5,957; Term 3 AED 5,957; Total AED 19,856. - Grade 3: Term 1 AED 7,748.80; Term 2 AED 5,964; Term 3 AED 5,964; Total AED 19,881. - Grade 4: Term 1 AED 8,390; Term 2 AED 6,293; Term 3 AED 6,293; Total AED 20,976. - Grade 5: Term 1 AED 8,448; Term 2 AED 6,336; Term 3 AED 6,336; Total AED 21,121. Tuition fees — Middle School (Grade 6 to Grade 8) - Grade 6: Term 1 AED 8,840; Term 2 AED 6,630; Term 3 AED 6,630; Total AED 22,101. - Grade 7: Term 1 AED 8,852; Term 2 AED 6,639; Term 3 AED 6,639; Total AED 22,130. - Grade 8: Term 1 AED 8,852; Term 2 AED 6,639; Term 3 AED 6,639; Total AED 22,130. Tuition fees — High School (Grade 9 to Grade 12) - Grade 9: Term 1 AED 9,542; Term 2 AED 7,157; Term 3 AED 7,157; Total AED 23,855. - Grade 10: Term 1 AED 9,554; Term 2 AED 7,166; Term 3 AED 7,166; Total AED 23,885. - Grade 11: Term 1 AED 10,064; Term 2 AED 7,548; Term 3 AED 7,548; Total AED 25,160. - Grade 12: Term 1 AED 11,086; Term 2 AED 8,315; Term 3 AED 8,315; Total AED 27,715. Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition is quoted and billed in UAE Dirhams (AED) and approved by the Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA). - Tuition fees are payable at the beginning of each term and are due before the start of the academic year. Invoices are issued upon admission. - Standard term payment dates (academic year structure): Term 1 due by August 15; Term 2 due by December 15; Term 3 due by March 15. The registration fee of AED 500 is deducted from the Term 1 payment. Other costs and mandatory/one‑off fees - Books (per grade): KG1 & KG2 AED 1,040; Grade 1 AED 1,040; Grades 2–4 AED 1,059; Grade 5 AED 1,059; Grade 6 AED 1,049; Grades 7–8 AED 1,575; Grade 9 AED 2,095; Grade 10 AED 2,305; Grade 11 AED 2,305; Grade 12 AED 2,310. - Uniform (including VAT): Pre‑KG to Grade 6 AED 756; Grades 7–12 AED 844. - Exam and resource fee (including VAT, by grade): KG1 & KG2 AED 342; Grade 1 AED 645; Grades 2 & 3 AED 652; Grade 4 AED 656; Grade 5 AED 653; Grade 6 AED 650; Grades 7 & 8 AED 654; Grade 9 AED 652; Grade 10 AED 654; Grade 11 AED 653; Grade 12 AED 652. - Sibling discount: 5% (applies to all siblings except the eldest child). Boarding - Boarding is not applicable: the school does not list boarding fees or boarding facilities as part of its published offerings. Refunds and cancellations - No published refund schedule or detailed refund policy is included on the school's publicly available fees and admissions pages. The registration fee is shown as a standard charge and is applied to Term 1 at admission. For cases not covered in the published material, refunds and any deductions would need to be handled through the school's admissions/finance office. Fee payment options and invoicing - Invoices are issued upon admission and term invoices are issued for the term payment schedule; specific payment channels (credit card, bank transfer, cheque, etc.) are not specified on the published fee and admissions pages. Payment logistics are handled through the school's invoicing processes and parent portal. For exact available payment channels, contact the school's admissions or finance team using the published contact details. Contact for fee administration - The school's published contact details are provided for admissions and fee administration; parents should use those channels to request official invoices, payment instructions, or clarification of fees, discounts, and any exceptional refund requests.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement Uniform is required. Uniform prices listed in the School Fees schedule are 756 AED for PRE KG to G6 and 844 AED for G7 to G12; VAT included.
Food options	Food options —	Food options A well-equipped cafeteria provides nutritious options during lunch; a mid-morning snack is provided during breaks.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership Dubai National School – Al Barsha is privately owned by H.E. Mr. Marwan Al Ghurair and is governed by a Board of Trustees.	Governance and ownership The school is a member of Global Schools Group, an initiative of the Global Schools Foundation.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details 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.	Curriculum details Emirates American School offers an American-curriculum, K-12 program with Cognia accreditation and is a member of the Global Schools Group, organized into Kindergarten (ages 3-5), Elementary (grades 1-5), Middle School (grades 6-8), and High School (grades 9-12). The Nojooms framework—Academic Excellence, SDGs, Sports Excellence, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Creativity, Diversity and Globalization, Arabic Virtues, and Community Integration—drives the curriculum across all levels. Kindergarten (3-5) uses a play-based approach aligned to the American Common Core, delivering core subjects (English, Math, Science, Arabic) plus Islamic Studies, Art, Music, PE, and Social-Emotional Learning with ongoing assessments. Elementary (grades 1-5) centers on English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and Arabic as core subjects, with NGSS for Science and MOE Arabic guidelines, and integrated MAP testing, STEAM, Digital Learning, and SEL. High School (grades 9-12) offers U.S./UAE MoE-accredited diplomas with flexible pathways (General Diploma, Diploma Plus, Advanced Stream) and an AP program (AP Calculus AB, AP Biology, AP Physics, AP Chemistry), alongside IELTS/SAT/EMSAT prep and university partnerships to support college admissions.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning 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.	Social & emotional learning Emirates American School supports social and emotional learning (SEL) through Life at EAS, which promotes holistic development with student-led clubs, leadership roles, peer mentoring, and campaigns such as Anti-Bullying and Healthy Lifestyle, complemented by the Nojoom Framework and Spark Program.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) 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.	Special educational needs (SEN) SEN and Inclusion support is provided via an Inclusion/SEN Coordinator (Ms. Thanaa) and a School Wellness Team including a SEN/Inclusion Head and Social Workers; the policy describes monitoring vulnerable students and inclusive safeguarding practices.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language English 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.	English as an additional language The ESL program provides tailored instruction to help non-native English speakers improve reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills; ESL teachers use methods to support participation in academic and social life.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing 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.	Mental wellbeing Mental wellbeing is supported through the wellness framework and safeguarding measures; the school maintains a Wellness Committee led by the School Counselor, and student wellbeing is integrated with life activities such as peer mentoring and anti-bullying campaigns.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding 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 Safeguarding and child protection are governed by the Safeguarding Policy, Child Protection Policy, Health & Safety Policy, and E-Safety Policy; there is a designated Safeguarding Lead and a School Wellness Team, with an online safeguarding incident form for reporting.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview 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.	Facilities overview Emirates American School operates on a modern campus designed to support academic, social, and physical development. The infrastructure blends traditional Islamic architectural elements with contemporary design to create a serene and inspiring learning environment. Classrooms are spacious, well-lit, and equipped with interactive whiteboards, projectors, and high-speed internet, enabling flexible learning. Science and computer labs offer hands-on learning with modern apparatus and safety equipment. Libraries provide diverse resources and comfortable study spaces, with librarians who assist students in research. Playgrounds and sports facilities include a football field, basketball courts, and a swimming pool, complemented by art studios and music rooms. The campus prioritizes safety with CCTV, fingerprint-enabled doors, manned entry/exit gates, and a full-time clinic.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities 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.	Sports facilities The school features an indoor stadium equipped for basketball, volleyball, and badminton. Outdoor fields support soccer, cricket, and track and field events. Separate swimming pools accommodate different age groups, and a fitness center supports conditioning and training. Professional coaches guide students in athletic development, and the program includes inter-school competition opportunities.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities 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.	Academic facilities Classrooms are spacious, well-lit, and equipped with interactive whiteboards, projectors, and high-speed internet. Science and computer labs are outfitted with modern equipment and safety provisions. Libraries house a diverse collection of books, periodicals, and digital resources, with dedicated reading areas and study carrels. Librarians assist students with research and information literacy.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities 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.	Extra curricular facilities Art and music programs provide creative opportunities through art studios and music rooms, with activities including painting, drawing, sculpture, wood art, digital art, instrument study, choir, and school performances. Clubs cover STEM, visual arts, music, theatre, coding and programming, entrepreneurship, environmental awareness, Islamic values, and community service. Sports teams include basketball, soccer, volleyball, swimming, track and field, cricket, football, badminton, and athletics. An indoor stadium, outdoor fields, swimming pools, and a fitness center support diverse athletic activities. The school partners with Sharjah Women's Sports to offer specialized opportunities for female students.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History 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.	History Emirates American School (EAS) in Sharjah was established on August 26, 2013 under the Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA). It holds Cognia accreditation and is a member of the Global Schools Group (GSG), linking it to an international network of K-12 schools. As part of GSG, EAS participates in the Nojoom Framework and the Spark Program to align local practice with global standards. The UAE Ministry of Education recognizes the school diploma as approved, attested, and equalised, placing EAS within the MOE framework for private schools. EAS operates within SPEA licensing and MOE recognition, reflecting its compliance with local regulatory and international accreditation frameworks.
Community	Community 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.	Community EAS integrates Arabic heritage with Emirati cultural education, offering Quran and Tajweed classes, Arabic Activity Week, and cultural celebrations such as National Day and Flag Day. The school community participates in regular school events and inter-school activities, including Graduation ceremonies, Cultural Festivals, and Exhibitions and Fairs, as well as events like Al Emaratiya Sports Excellence. Student life features a range of student-led clubs and leadership opportunities, including a Student Council, Charitable Campaigns, Peer Mentoring, an Environmental Club, and Leadership Workshops, all of which emphasize community involvement and personal growth. The broader school culture emphasizes service, leadership, and cultural understanding as part of daily life at EAS.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association 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.	Parent teacher association Parental involvement is a formal element of EAS, with a Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) and various volunteer opportunities to participate in the life of the school. The school provides regular workshops and multiple communication channels to keep parents informed and engaged. A Parent Portal provides direct access for parents to monitor attendance, academic updates, schedules, and notices. Volunteer opportunities exist as part of the PTA ecosystem, with parents able to participate in campaigns and community service initiatives through school channels. The school's approach to family involvement reflects a blend of Arabic values and American educational practices, encouraging families to participate in school events and broader community life.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual 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.	Academic & intellectual The school offers an American-curriculum education with accreditation from Cognia. The program emphasizes global citizenship and 21st-century skills through its Nojooms framework.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Arts opportunities are part of Student Life.	Arts & creative The school includes arts, sports, and technology integration across its programs as part of a holistic education.
Cultural & language	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.	Cultural & language Core subjects include Arabic and English across levels, with Arabic Virtues guiding the cultural component of the education. The school uses Arabic and English as core languages in its curriculum.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies Student Life includes internal and external activities, Athletics, and Arts.	Social & hobbies Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities are part of the curriculum, including programs within the Nojooms framework and Spark Program.
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service The Nojooms include Community Integration, reflecting the school's emphasis on social responsibility and community engagement.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional There is a Student Leadership program with opportunities for leadership development.	Leadership & professional High School offers AP options and university readiness/college-preparation programs to support post-secondary pathways.
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.	Lifestyle & wellbeing The school highlights a safe, value-driven environment and emphasizes growth through structured programs and collaborations with families.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision 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.	Language provision —
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.	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards null
Accreditations	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.	Accreditations Cognia Accreditation
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	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.	Admissions 1. Submit Inquiry. Begin by submitting the online inquiry form with essential details about your child to start the admissions process. The academic year runs from September to June, and admission is possible at any time during the year depending on grade-level availability. The inquiry initiates the school's admissions workflow and guides the next steps. Access to the inquiry form is available in the admissions area. 2. Review Documents. Review documents to ensure the child meets admission criteria before proceeding. A complete document list can be viewed via a link on the admissions page. Prepare and submit the required documents accordingly. 3. Assessment Process. The child will complete a placement test and a brief interview as part of the admissions process. This assessment helps determine the appropriate grade placement and informs subsequent steps. The assessment is described under the “Assessment Process” section of admissions. 4. Registration Fee. A registration fee of AED 500 applies and will be deducted from the Term 1 fee. Complete enrollment formalities after the assessment and document review. 5. Term Payment. Term payments follow a schedule: Term 1 due by August 15; Term 2 due by December 15; Term 3 due by March 15. Ensure timely payments to secure placement for the upcoming term. 6. Start Classes. After completing the above steps and processing, start classes for the new term. The admissions page outlines the sequence and transition to the class schedule.
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