Greenwood International School vs North American International School

	G Greenwood International School Dubai, United Arab Emirates	N North American International School Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year AED 20,124 - 30,860	Fees / year AED 22,923 - 39,896
Age range	Age range 4 - 18 years	Age range 4 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational, Day School	Type —
Curriculum	Curriculum American Curriculum	Curriculum American Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 1,260	Pupils —
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2006	Opened —
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service —
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Schools Complex, Muhaisnah 1, Dubai, UAE	Location NAIS is located at Mizhar 1, Al Khawaneej, behind Arabian Center in Dubai. The campus sits in a residential area with easy access from the Mizhar/Al Khawaneej communities. It serves relocating families in northeast Dubai and surrounding neighborhoods.
Stages	Stages KG1-KG2, Grades 1-12	Stages Kindergarten (KG1 and KG2), Elementary (Grades 1-5), Middle School (Grades 6-8), and High School (Grades 9-12).
School type	School type Co-educational Day School	School type Co-educational.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix Diverse international student body	Pupil nationality mix The student body is around 475–502 students. Emirati pupils make up about 32% of the population and international students account for roughly 68%. A detailed nationality breakdown by country is not publicly published.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support —	Additional learning support NAIS operates an Inclusion Department and is an inclusive school. It supports a range of learning needs, including students with disabilities (students of determination), English Language Learners, and gifted and talented students.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation —	Country affiliation The school has no formal country affiliation; it operates an American program based on Common Core English/Math and California standards.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation The school has no religious affiliation. (Islamic Education is provided as part of UAE Ministry standards where applicable.)
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure The school day runs from 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM Monday to Thursday; on Fridays, classes finish at 11:30 AM; Saturdays operate 9:00 AM–1:00 PM; Sundays are closed.
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details NAIS offers a school bus service via Regal Bus Transport. Buses are GPS-tracked and fitted with seat belts and CCTV. Routes cover key areas across Dubai with customized stops. Registration is via the school transport form or by contacting the transport team at anees.k@naischool.ae or 0507520628.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details —	Fee details Application and registration fees - Entrance / assessment fee: AED 200 (non-refundable). - Registration fee (one-time, non-refundable): AED 500. - Registration advance / deposit: AED 2,000. This amount is deducted from the first tuition instalment and is non-refundable if the student does not join. - Transfer fee (for transfers from other Dubai schools): AED 120. - Returned cheque fee: AED 200 plus 5% VAT (the school's published policy applies if a cheque is returned). Tuition fees by year group (annual and per-term amounts) - KG1: Annual tuition payable (after listed discount/adjustments) AED 22,873. Per term (equal three-instalment split): approximately AED 7,624 per term. - KG2: Annual tuition payable AED 22,873. Per term: approximately AED 7,624 per term. - Grade 1: Annual tuition payable AED 24,442. Per term: approximately AED 8,147 per term. - Grade 2: Annual tuition payable AED 24,442. Per term: approximately AED 8,147 per term. - Grade 3: Annual tuition payable AED 24,642. Per term: approximately AED 8,214 per term. - Grade 4: Annual tuition payable AED 24,642. Per term: approximately AED 8,214 per term. - Grade 5: Annual tuition payable AED 24,642. Per term: approximately AED 8,214 per term. - Grade 6: Annual tuition payable AED 24,792. Per term: approximately AED 8,264 per term. - Grade 7: Annual tuition payable AED 28,297. Per term: approximately AED 9,432 per term. - Grade 8: Annual tuition payable AED 28,297. Per term: approximately AED 9,432 per term. - Grade 9: Annual tuition payable AED 32,922. Per term: approximately AED 10,974 per term. - Grade 10: Annual tuition payable AED 32,922. Per term: approximately AED 10,974 per term. - Grade 11: Annual tuition payable AED 36,646. Per term: approximately AED 12,215 per term. - Grade 12: Annual tuition payable AED 36,646. Per term: approximately AED 12,215 per term. (Note: the per-term figures above are the annual listed amount divided into three equal instalments; the school structures tuition payment as three instalments and requires the first instalment at acceptance.) Billing schedule and payment terms - Confirmation/payment at enrolment: the non-refundable registration fee and the first term's tuition are required to confirm a place (payment timing is immediate after offer acceptance). The registration advance is deducted from the first instalment. - Instalments: tuition is set up to be paid in three instalments over the academic year. The school applies any advertised sibling discounts to the applicable instalment as published in its fee policy. - VAT: published fee listings are shown excluding VAT where indicated. - Penalties and banking: a returned-cheque charge applies (AED 200 + 5% VAT as published); cheque payment terms and other payment conditions are set by the school. Boarding fees - Boarding is not applicable. North American International School operates as a day school; no boarding fee schedule is published. Other costs and recurring fees - Examination fees (published per grade): examples include KG1 AED 300, KG2 AED 350, Grades 1–2 AED 350, Grades 3–9 between AED 470 and AED 520 for specific grades, and Grades 11–12 AED 370 as published. These examination fees are charged in addition to tuition. - Transport (school bus): published bus fees vary by route and are invoiced by term. Examples of published transport charges by route: Mirdif/Mizhar/Muhaisnah-1 total AED 3,500 (AED 1,400 first term, AED 1,050 second term, AED 1,050 third term); other routes have higher totals (for example, International City / Ras Al Khor total AED 6,000, Bur Dubai / Karama total AED 6,400). Transport is provided via the school's bus service partner and is billed per term as shown. - Uniforms and textbooks: a school uniform is required; uniform and textbook costs are charged separately and are not listed as fixed one-line items in the published tuition table. Additional optional costs (extracurricular activities, trips, meals, insurance or specific subject/material charges) are billed separately as applicable. Refund information - Registration fee: non-refundable. - Registration advance: AED 2,000 is deducted from the first instalment and is non-refundable if the student does not join. - Other refunds and withdrawal terms: the school's published fee policy sets conditions for refunds and withdrawals (examples above reflect the published non-refundable items and returned-cheque penalties). Specific refund calculations for mid-year withdrawals or early contract termination are governed by the school's fee policy and published terms. Fee payment options - Cheque payment is an accepted payment method in published materials; the school publishes a returned-cheque charge (AED 200 + 5% VAT). Other payment channels (bank transfer, credit/debit card, online payment) are commonly used across schools but are not specifically itemised in the published fee table for NAIS; parents should follow the school's invoicing instructions for the available payment channels. Sibling discount - Sibling discount policy (published): 2nd student 7% discount, 3rd student 10% discount, 4th and subsequent students 15% discount. Published notes indicate how and when the discount is applied in the payment schedule.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding 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 —
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details American curriculum aligned with Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and Michigan state standards, plus UAE MOE requirements	Curriculum details NAIS offers an American program across four stages: Kindergarten (KG1-2), Elementary (Grades 1-5), Middle (Grades 6-8), and High School (Grades 9-12). The English and Mathematics follow the Common Core Standards, while other subjects draw on the California State Standards; Arabic and Islamic Education align with Ministry Standards, with UAE National Education integrated into Social Studies. In Elementary, there are diagnostic tests at the start of each subject and an exit assessment at year-end; the program follows the Carolina National Standards in all subjects. The school maintains an inclusive approach, supporting students with diverse learning needs, including English Language Learners and those who are gifted and talented. In High School, Honors courses are available for Grades 9-10 and AP courses run from Grade 10 through 12, with more than 10 AP options for college credit.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio Not publicly available.
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results Not publicly reported.
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression Not publicly specified.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented NAIS provides inclusive education and supports gifted and talented students through its Inclusion Department.
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning —	Social & emotional learning The 2023-2024 KHDA inspection report assesses North American International School's wellbeing provision as weak. The school has two guidance counsellors who provide student support in addition to general pastoral care. Governors and leaders are described as having a limited understanding of wellbeing principles, and there is no cohesive, whole‑school wellbeing vision yet. Data collection and ongoing monitoring of wellbeing are underdeveloped, and wellbeing initiatives are not consistently embedded across the curriculum. Staff and students can access support from teachers and counsellors, but opportunities for student leadership of wellbeing initiatives are limited, and wellbeing is not at the heart of school life. The inspection dates were November 6–10, 2023.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) As of the 2023-2024 KHDA inspection, 49 students are recorded as students of determination at the school. There are two guidance counsellors listed to support students. A key recommendation is to ensure that all students of determination are fully supported in lessons and that teachers take into account students' individual education plans (IEPs). The DSIB notes care and support for students of determination but highlights variability across phases and calls for stronger ongoing support. The inspection does not describe the school as a specialist SEN institution.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language The KHDA inspection does not publicly disclose information regarding English as an Additional Language (EAL) provision at North American International School. English is the language of instruction at the school. English attainment is described as Acceptable across phases (KG, Elementary, Middle, High). The inspection does not detail a formal, named EAL program or dedicated EAL staff.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing —	Mental wellbeing Mental wellbeing is embedded within the broader wellbeing provisions assessed by KHDA, but the 2023-2024 inspection finds overall wellbeing provision to be weak. There are two guidance counsellors and reported access to counselling staff, yet data collection and monitoring of wellbeing are underdeveloped. The inspection notes limited student and parent engagement in wellbeing initiatives and a lack of a cohesive, school-wide wellbeing strategy. It also highlights that wellbeing is not central to school life, despite some awareness of available support among staff and students. Inspection details: November 6–10, 2023.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding Safeguarding and child protection are identified as high priorities in the 2023-2024 KHDA inspection. The school's policies and procedures to ensure safety and security of students are documented and communicated to staff, students, and parents. The inspection notes that safeguarding, child protection and anti-bullying are prioritized, and there are arrangements for health and safety and premises maintenance. The DSIB report also records the presence of a safeguarding and wellbeing team and staff efforts to promote healthy behavior and supervise health needs. Overall, health and safety are rated Good, and safeguarding-related provisions are highlighted as a focus area for ongoing development. Inspection dates: 6–10 November 2023.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The school operates across two campuses (Nakhleh and Sidr) and features STEM rooms, ICT labs, libraries, and gymnasiums.	Facilities overview The campus is located at Mizhar 1, Al Khawaneej, Behind Arabian Centre – Dubai. The school operates a 12-year system.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities STEM rooms, ICT labs, and libraries support academic learning across the curriculum.	Academic facilities —
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities —	Extra curricular facilities —
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History —	History NAIS Dubai was established in 2007 by Mr. and Mrs. Taher, starting with a small number of students. It has grown into a multinational community with around 56 nationalities. The school is located at Mizhar 1, Al Khawaneej, behind the Arabian Center in Dubai. NAIS follows the American program with Common Core Standards for English and Mathematics, and California State Standards for other subjects; Arabic and Islamic Education align with UAE Ministry standards, and French is offered from Grade 5. The school has recently come under new management with a significant change in approach and staff.
Community	Community —	Community NAIS Dubai presents a community page featuring parent voices, affirming a sense of community and ongoing engagement. A parent testimonial describes the school as professional, caring, and well organized. The student body is multinational, with around 56 nationalities represented. Parents are encouraged to stay involved through the school portal and regular communications with teachers.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association NAIS maintains a formal PTA that holds three meetings per year. PTA meetings are integrated into the school calendar to discuss programs and support student learning. Parents are encouraged to stay in touch with teachers through the school portal. An orientation for parents is held in September to guide families on how to support their children's progress. The leadership emphasizes parental involvement as a key component of the NAIS community, with active participation supported by school communications.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual —	Academic & intellectual —
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative —
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language —
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies —
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing —
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision —	Language provision —
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations 10-year Good rating from KHDA	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions —	Admissions The North American International School (NAIS) in Dubai admits students of any race, religion, color, national or ethnic origin to all rights, privileges, programs and activities generally available to students. The admissions process includes an interview for KG1 with the Principal/Head of Section, and an assessment test in Math and English for KG2 to Grade 12. Applications are reviewed by admissions staff and the Principal's decision is final. After documentation is received, families are notified within a few days whether the applicant meets admission standards. Upon acceptance, a one-time non-refundable registration is due within five days to reserve a place for the following school year, and the first tuition payment must be received prior to the deadline to secure the place. If admission is granted but no place is available, the registration fee can be paid to place the student's name on the waiting list; NAIS will contact the family when a place becomes available. Enrollment is conditional upon the student successfully completing the current school year and submitting final grades; the student file must be complete before the first day of school. NAIS operates a 12‑year program, so applicants should review age requirements before applying. Admission office hours are Saturday–Thursday 8:00 AM–1:00 PM. Documents to submit include four passport-size photos; two birth certificates (KG1–Grade 1); original Transfer Certificate (KG2–Grade 12); progress report; two copies of passports; two copies of residency visas; two copies of Emirates IDs (student and parents); health card copy; vaccination card copy; and a transportation form if required. Transfer certificate requirements depend on where the previous school is located: Dubai schools require a stamp and signature with the TC in Arabic; other emirates require a stamped Arabic TC; schools outside the UAE require an Arabic TC and attestation from the Ministry of Education, UAE Embassy, and related authorities. There are links to Register Here and to the Fee Schedule.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist If admission is granted but no place is available, the registration fee can be paid to place the student's name on the waiting list; NAIS will contact the family when a place becomes available.
	View full profile →	View full profile →