Horizon Private School Branch vs Summit International School

	H Horizon Private School Branch Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates	S Summit International School Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year AED 27,660 - 55,110	Fees / year AED 23,000 - 38,126
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 4 - 18 years
Type	Type —	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum American Curriculum	Curriculum American Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 1,547	Pupils 1,740
Typical class size	Typical class size 15	Typical class size 22
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened —	Opened —
Bus service	Bus service —	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Horizon Private School – American Branch is located in Khalifa City A, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The campus sits in the heart of Khalifa City, with convenient access for relocating families and nearby residential areas. The school operates as part of the AlephYa Group and follows an American curriculum.	Location Sector-4, Street 19 in the Madinat Al Zayed Gold Souk & Post Office area, Abu Dhabi. The school sits in a central area of Abu Dhabi City. It comprises four buildings and includes a swimming pool, segregated play areas, a multi-use gymnasium and theater.
Stages	Stages The school provides an inclusive American education for ages 3 to 18, from Pre-KG to Grade 12. It is organized into early years, lower and upper elementary, middle school, and high school.	Stages KG1 to Grade 12. KG1 and KG2 follow an Early Childhood 'learn through play' approach. From KG1-12 the curriculum is aligned with the California Common Core; Grades K-4 are co-educational and Grades 5-12 are gender-separated.
School type	School type The school is co-educational. It is a day school with no on-site boarding facilities indicated.	School type American-curriculum international school. It is co-educational in K-4 and gender-separated in grades 5-12.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix More than 60% of students are Emirati, with the remainder representing 47 countries.	Pupil nationality mix The student body includes 1,740 students representing 51 countries. The school describes a diverse mix of Middle Eastern, Asian, Pacific Rim, and Slavic expatriates.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support The school describes itself as offering inclusive education; specific SEN provisions or facilities are not detailed in public materials.	Additional learning support The Learning Support Department uses a whole-school approach to identify, plan for, implement, and monitor plans to meet the independent needs for specific learning difficulties or disabilities. It provides learning strategies to access the curriculum and collaborates with families to provide home strategies.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation The school is located in the United Arab Emirates and uses an American curriculum under the Horizon Private School – American Branch branding.	Country affiliation United States – the school uses an American curriculum aligned with California Common Core.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation There is no formal religious affiliation; the curriculum includes Arabic and Islamic Studies as part of the program.	Religious affiliation No religious affiliation is stated.
School day structure	School day structure School days run Sunday to Thursday with a Friday half-day. Hours are typically Monday–Thursday 8:00–16:00 and Friday 7:45–12:15; Saturday and Sunday are closed.	School day structure The school day typically starts at 7:30 a.m. and ends around 2:30 p.m. on most weekdays; Friday hours vary and may be shorter (some listings show a half-day or different times). The campus has a canteen where students can buy lunch.
Bus service details	Bus service details A school transportation service is offered. Buses adhere to safety regulations, depart from school no later than 15:15, and require parental notice if a child does not take the bus; misbehavior can result in loss of bus access.	Bus service details The school provides a bus service via a contract with Seven Stars Transportation Company, delivering air-conditioned transport to various parts of Abu Dhabi. Registration is through sevenstarsschoolbus.com. The Bus Coordinator is Ms. Ariane Joy (sis@sevenstars.ae) and the main contact number is +971 2 671 3131 ext. 201-207-206.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Tuition fees (per term) and book fees by year group (amounts in AED) - PRE-KG: Term 1 AED 10,464; Term 2 AED 7,848; Term 3 AED 7,848; Book fees AED 0; Total AED 26,160. - KG1: Term 1 AED 10,464; Term 2 AED 7,848; Term 3 AED 7,848; Book fees AED 1,500; Total AED 27,660. - KG2: Term 1 AED 10,972; Term 2 AED 8,229; Term 3 AED 8,229; Book fees AED 2,000; Total AED 29,430. - Grade 1: Term 1 AED 11,528; Term 2 AED 8,646; Term 3 AED 8,646; Book fees AED 3,000; Total AED 31,820. - Grade 2: Term 1 AED 12,036; Term 2 AED 9,027; Term 3 AED 9,027; Book fees AED 3,000; Total AED 33,090. - Grade 3: Term 1 AED 12,536; Term 2 AED 9,402; Term 3 AED 9,402; Book fees AED 3,000; Total AED 34,340. - Grade 4: Term 1 AED 13,096; Term 2 AED 9,822; Term 3 AED 9,822; Book fees AED 3,500; Total AED 36,240. - Grade 5: Term 1 AED 13,600; Term 2 AED 10,200; Term 3 AED 10,200; Book fees AED 3,500; Total AED 37,500. - Grade 6: Term 1 AED 14,108; Term 2 AED 10,581; Term 3 AED 10,581; Book fees AED 4,500; Total AED 39,770. - Grade 7: Term 1 AED 14,936; Term 2 AED 11,202; Term 3 AED 11,202; Book fees AED 4,500; Total AED 41,840. - Grade 8: Term 1 AED 15,676; Term 2 AED 11,757; Term 3 AED 11,757; Book fees AED 4,500; Total AED 43,690. - Grade 9: Term 1 AED 16,504; Term 2 AED 12,378; Term 3 AED 12,378; Book fees AED 5,000; Total AED 46,260. - Grade 10: Term 1 AED 17,568; Term 2 AED 13,176; Term 3 AED 13,176; Book fees AED 5,000; Total AED 48,920. - Grade 11: Term 1 AED 18,584; Term 2 AED 13,938; Term 3 AED 13,938; Book fees AED 6,000; Total AED 52,460. - Grade 12: Term 1 AED 19,644; Term 2 AED 14,733; Term 3 AED 14,733; Book fees AED 6,000; Total AED 55,110. Application / registration fees - A non-refundable registration fee of AED 500 is required at enrolment. This registration fee is deducted from the total tuition fees. Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition may be paid in full at the start of the academic year or in three instalments (the fee table above is presented as Term 1 / Term 2 / Term 3 amounts). Tuition does not cover uniforms, lunches, or educational trips. - Transportation (bus) is billed as an annual fee of AED 5,000; this transportation fee is divided into three instalments and each instalment is due one month prior to the start of the respective term. - The registration fee (AED 500) is applied against tuition and is non-refundable in normal circumstances. Boarding fees - No boarding provision or boarding fees are listed for the school; boarding is not offered as a published option. Other costs and optional charges - Uniforms: uniform requirements and guidance are published; standard uniform charges are shown in admissions summaries where applicable. Admissions summaries list a uniform fee of AED 700 for most grades and AED 1,000 for some senior grades (for planning purposes include a uniform fee of AED 700–AED 1,000 depending on grade). - Textbooks / book fees: listed per grade above (book fees vary by grade and are shown with each grade). - Transportation: annual AED 5,000 (see billing schedule above). - Advanced Placement (AP) course fees: AED 550 registration fee per AP course; AED 160 late registration/drop fee per AP course. These charges apply per AP course enrolled. - Extracurricular activities, school lunches, and some educational trips are charged separately when provided by external vendors; these are not included in the tuition figures above. Refund information - Refunds are processed in accordance with ADEK regulations. Tuition fee refunds are subject to timelines and conditions with deductions based on the duration of the pupil's enrolment. Registration fees are generally non-refundable and are not transferable to another child or academic year. Fee notes and policy - Fees and the published schedule are subject to change and may require regulatory approval. The school's standard fee policy allows for exceptions at the school's discretion. Fee payment options (published information) - The school's published fee pages and admissions materials list payment schedules and amounts but do not specify detailed payment channels (for example: bank transfer details, in-person card payment, online payment portal) in the publicly listed fee summaries. Parents should use the school's finance contact to obtain invoice and payment instructions.	Fee details Application / registration fee - Registration fee (per student): AED 1,000. Tuition fees by year group (per term and annual totals, Academic Year 2025–26 — amounts in AED) Note: the published fee schedule presents per-term instalments and the corresponding annual totals. Two columns of per-term figures are shown in the school's term schedule (the second set shows the reduced instalment amounts that appear alongside the standard instalments in the published table). The figures below list the primary per-term instalments (left-hand set in the term schedule) and the computed annual tuition (sum of the three term instalments). Registration fee (AED 1,000) is stated separately above. - KG1: Term 1 AED 7,400; Term 2 AED 7,300; Term 3 AED 7,300. Annual tuition (sum of terms) AED 22,000; total including registration AED 23,000. Books AED 0; uniform AED 680; school bus (annual) AED 5,000. - KG2: Term 1 AED 7,800; Term 2 AED 7,600; Term 3 AED 7,600. Annual tuition AED 23,000; total including registration AED 24,000. Books AED 0; uniform AED 680; bus AED 5,000. - Grade 1: Term 1 AED 8,895; Term 2 AED 8,965; Term 3 AED 8,965. Annual tuition AED 26,825; total including registration AED 27,825. Books AED 1,200; uniform AED 680; bus AED 5,000. - Grade 2: Term 1 AED 8,895; Term 2 AED 8,965; Term 3 AED 8,965. Annual tuition AED 26,825; total including registration AED 27,825. Books AED 1,200; uniform AED 680; bus AED 5,000. - Grade 3: Term 1 AED 9,634; Term 2 AED 9,707; Term 3 AED 9,707. Annual tuition AED 29,048; total including registration AED 30,048. Books AED 1,400; uniform AED 680; bus AED 5,000. - Grade 4: Term 1 AED 9,634; Term 2 AED 9,707; Term 3 AED 9,707. Annual tuition AED 29,048; total including registration AED 30,048. Books AED 1,400; uniform AED 680; bus AED 5,000. - Grade 5: Term 1 AED 10,549; Term 2 AED 10,617; Term 3 AED 10,617. Annual tuition AED 31,783; total including registration AED 32,783. Books AED 1,600; uniform AED 680; bus AED 5,000. - Grade 6: Term 1 AED 10,549; Term 2 AED 10,617; Term 3 AED 10,617. Annual tuition AED 31,783; total including registration AED 32,783. Books AED 1,600; uniform AED 680; bus AED 5,000. - Grade 7: Term 1 AED 10,549; Term 2 AED 10,617; Term 3 AED 10,617. Annual tuition AED 31,783; total including registration AED 32,783. Books AED 1,800; uniform AED 680; bus AED 5,000. - Grade 8: Term 1 AED 10,549; Term 2 AED 10,617; Term 3 AED 10,617. Annual tuition AED 31,783; total including registration AED 32,783. Books AED 1,800; uniform AED 680; bus AED 5,000. - Grade 9: Term 1 AED 11,090; Term 2 AED 11,160; Term 3 AED 11,160. Annual tuition AED 33,410; total including registration AED 34,410. Books AED 2,000; uniform AED 680; bus AED 5,000. - Grade 10: Term 1 AED 11,592; Term 2 AED 11,667; Term 3 AED 11,667. Annual tuition AED 34,926; total including registration AED 35,926. Books AED 2,000; uniform AED 680; bus AED 5,000. - Grade 11: Term 1 AED 11,592; Term 2 AED 11,667; Term 3 AED 11,667. Annual tuition AED 34,926; total including registration AED 35,926. Books AED 2,200; uniform AED 680; bus AED 5,000. - Grade 12: Term 1 AED 11,592; Term 2 AED 11,667; Term 3 AED 11,667. Annual tuition AED 34,926; total including registration AED 35,926. Books AED 2,200; uniform AED 680; bus AED 5,000. Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition is scheduled to be payable in three instalments (payments at the beginning of each term). Bus fees are required at the beginning of the school year. The published fee notes state the three-term billing arrangement and that bus fees should be paid at the start of the year. - Discount policy: Grade 1 and above: a one‑student discount is applied (published schedule shows a 7% discount category) and a siblings' discount is published (11%); an additional 2% discount is noted for a single full-year one‑time payment. Kindergarten students are subject to a special kindergarten discount as indicated in the published notes. Boarding fees - Boarding is not offered at the school; boarding fees are not applicable. Summit International School operates KG–Grade 12 as a day school (no dormitory/boarding provision is published). Other costs and routine extras - Books / resources: grade-dependent book/resource fees are published alongside the fee schedule (examples: Books range from AED 0 for KG to AED 2,200 for Grades 11–12). Uniform: AED 680 (published as the uniform amount in the schedule). School bus: AED 5,000 (annual, published). External exam and standardized test fees are listed separately (IELTS, SAT, ACT, AP etc. — individual exam charges apply as published). Refund information - The published fee schedule and parent handbook set out billing instalments and registration requirements but do not present a separate universal tuition‑refund table in the fee schedule itself; fee refunds and related arrangements are subject to the school's policies and ADEK (Abu Dhabi education authority) regulations as applicable. The school's policy documents reference registration and enrolment procedures and ADEK approval of the fee schedule. Parents should note that discounts and timing (e.g., the additional 2% for one‑time payment) are explicitly set out in the published fee documentation. Fee payment options (typical channels and context) - The school's published fee documents show the amounts, billing schedule and ADEK approval. Common payment channels used by schools in Abu Dhabi include bank transfer (IBAN), debit/credit card, cash and cheques; these payment channels are widely used across UAE schools and are the typical mechanisms applied by school finance offices. The school's fee documents do not list a detailed, itemised list of payment methods in the public fee schedule; payments are administered by the school accounts/finance office. External examinations and standardized test fees - External exam fees (published separately) include standard charges for IELTS, SAT, ACT, AP and related optional/add‑on fees; the school's external‑exam fee overview lists those exam core fees and common add‑ons. Example entries from the school's published external exam list: IELTS (approx AED 1,470), SAT and ACT international fees and AP exam fees — see the external exam schedule for the full list of tests and charges.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement The school uses a formal uniform that was redesigned to respect local customs. Wearing the uniform is described as a badge of pride, helping to create a clear school identity and a sense of belonging.	Uniform requirement The school requires all students to wear the school uniform. The policy specifies black leather shoes and dark blue socks; students wearing trousers must wear a black belt. A PE kit is required, and white sports shoes must have white or transparent soles; colored or black soles are not allowed.
Food options	Food options A school canteen is operated for meals, contracted to Ansamble. The day includes a lunch break described as a time of sharing and replenishment, with the canteen providing the food service.	Food options On-site dining is provided via gender-specific cafeterias on campus, indicating there are on-site food facilities. The Cafeterias reference confirms the on-site dining option, though no detailed menu or dietary accommodations are listed on the page.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership Horizon Private School – American Branch is part of the Alephya Group of Schools, which owns and operates a network of schools across the GCC. The principal listed for the American Branch is Christopher Tompkins, with the school described as part of Alephya's group of schools.	Governance and ownership Summit International School is part of Summit International Schools, a UAE-based private education group established in 2013. The group operates multiple campuses and offers a K-12 American curriculum aligned with the California Common Core; in Abu Dhabi, the school is co-educational in grades KG-4 and gender-separated in grades 5-12.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details The school teaches an American Curriculum (Common Core State Standards) for ages 3 to 18 (Pre-KG to Grade 12). The school teaches Arabic, English, and French. The school has a strong foundation in Arabic and Islamic Studies. The school uses blended learning and technology integration to support instruction. The school teaches Advanced Placement (AP) courses that provide college-level work and may earn college credits upon passing the AP exams.	Curriculum details Summit International School Abu Dhabi offers a North American curriculum aligned with the California Common Core from kindergarten through high school, delivered via a blended learning approach that uses online platforms and individualized learning paths supported by adaptive software and Chromebooks. Elementary School (Grades 1–5) follows California Common Core for English, Mathematics, English Social Studies, Health and Physical Education, Visual Arts, Music, and ICT; Science is guided by Next Generation Science Standards, while Moral Education, Arabic, Islamic Studies and Arabic Social Studies align with MOE guidelines under ADEK oversight, with alignment to UAE MOE Cycle 1 and adaptive software to meet grade-level progress. Middle School Curriculum follows California Common Core and is aligned with UAE MOE Cycle 2 requirements to prepare students for High School, with emphasis on English, Arabic, Islamic, Mathematics, Science, Technology, and Humanities; after three years of individualized learning, students complete Middle School. High School Curriculum follows California Common Core with four years of individualized learning; graduates meet California graduation requirements and UAE MOE graduation requirements, and are prepared for exams and postsecondary tests such as PISA, PSAT, AP, ACT, and SAT, with emphasis on Mathematics, Science, Entrepreneurship, Technology and Humanities. The school operates with co-educational classes in KG-4 and gender-separated classes in grades 5-12, and employs a blended learning ecosystem across all stages.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression AP courses prepare students for college and may earn college credits upon passing AP exams.	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 Horizon Private School – Branch is a student-centered community that supports the holistic development of each student. The school focuses on academic rigor, character development, and global readiness. It emphasizes mutual respect, open communication, and a sense of belonging for every child. The school is described as a vibrant, inclusive family where students are supported to grow intellectually, emotionally, and socially. The learner qualities are central to inquiry and learning.	Social & emotional learning The school's counseling program focuses on three domains: social, emotional, and behavioral needs of students. The social domain develops self- and other-understanding, interpersonal communication, and contribution to a caring community; the emotional domain builds mindfulness, decision making, problem solving, goal setting, and critical thinking; and the behavioral domain supports self-awareness, self-identity, and transitions to post-secondary learning. Program delivery includes individual and group counseling, peer mediation, class discussions, Lunch Bunch Sessions, and an anti-bullying program, with parent guidance and collaboration with teachers and tailored action plans. The Student Council Hub and various student-life elements integrate SEL into daily school life. A Mental Health Guide for Parents is available in Arabic and English to support families.,”
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) The school operates a dedicated SEN Department within Summit International School, with an inclusion-focused model that provides individualized, evidence-based support for students of determination and other students with additional learning needs. Identification can be initiated by any staff member; a Pre-Observation Record and formal observations lead to an SEN assessment conducted by the inclusion team, with involvement from the school psychologist and a Behavioral Specialist. Students may be placed on a Wave System (Tier 1–3) with corresponding interventions, including intensive Tier 3 support. Individual Education Plans (IEPs) are developed by a team (SENCO, School Psychologist, Behavioral Specialist, Reading Coach, Student Teachers, and Parents) and include academic, social-emotional, and behavioral goals, accommodations, and progress tracking. The SEN framework also includes an Advanced Learning Plan (ALP) and differentiation guidelines, with ongoing collaboration among staff, students, and families; there is a Learning Support Department within the school to implement these plans. The documents describe an inclusion model rather than a standalone specialist SEN institution.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language The language curriculum includes Arabic, English, and French for Pre-KG through Grade 12. The programs foster fluency and literacy in these three global languages.	English as an additional language The school does not publish documentation describing a dedicated English as an Additional Language (EAL) program. Public information shows an international teaching staff including native Arabic, English, and French speakers, indicating language diversity among staff, but no explicit EAL program or staff dedicated solely to EAL services is listed. Therefore, explicit EAL provisions are not publicly disclosed in the school's materials.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing —	Mental wellbeing Mental health and wellbeing are positioned as core aims of the school, with a policy framework to promote mental wellness, raise awareness, and provide accessible support services. The counseling service offers individual and group sessions, psychoeducation for staff, guidance lessons, and connections with the Head of Inclusion, and is led by the School Counselor; training for staff on mental health awareness and intervention is outlined. The policy emphasizes confidential, safe, and personalized counseling, crisis management planning, and partnerships with external mental health organizations to expand options. Referrals and assessments are described, with clear processes for parental consent and student consent where appropriate. Regular monitoring, training, and evaluation of mental health initiatives are planned, and there is a clear pathway for parental engagement and external referrals when needed.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding A designated safeguarding lead (Principal) and a safeguarding team (including the School Counselor and School Nurses) oversee safeguarding, aligned with Wadeema's Law and UAE safeguarding expectations. The policy outlines the safeguarding team members by name and role, and requires staff training, data confidentiality, and mandatory reporting of safeguarding concerns. Staff and school are required to report suspected abuse or neglect to the appropriate authorities and to the Child Protection Center within 24 hours; the policy provides a flow for reporting and escalation. Roles and responsibilities are detailed for the Principal, staff, and parents, with explicit guidance on maintaining confidentiality and taking immediate action when safeguarding concerns arise. There is also a formal flow chart for reporting safeguarding concerns and Appendices outlining signs of abuse and reporting steps.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy View document
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The school has facilities to support academic, creative, athletics, and technology development. It includes an indoor swimming pool, an indoor basketball gym, two indoor PE rooms, and an outdoor soccer field for sports. There are Junior and Senior Computer Labs, and Junior and Senior Libraries. There are dedicated Music spaces: Junior Music Room, Senior Music Room, and an Art Room. There are two General Science Labs, a Physics Lab, and a Chemistry Lab. A canteen serves meals, and there are outdoor playgrounds for the Kindergarten department and for Grades 3 to 12.	Facilities overview The campus comprises four buildings in Abu Dhabi, including a swimming pool, segregated play areas, a multi-use gymnasium and theater. It features a library and an on-site medical clinic. The campus includes science facilities with Chemistry, Biology and Physics labs, and a Visual Arts Studio, as well as an auditorium. Gender-specific middle and high schools and separate cafeterias and playgrounds are provided, with locker rooms and other supporting spaces.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities Indoor swimming pool; indoor basketball gym; two indoor PE rooms; outdoor soccer field.	Sports facilities Sports facilities include multi-use courts and fields for indoor and outdoor activities, and a swimming pool for aquatic programs. The campus supports athletics through gender-specific spaces and a dedicated gymnasium, enabling team sports and physical education across grade levels.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities Junior and Senior Computer Labs; Junior Library and Senior Library; two General Science Labs; Physics Lab; Chemistry Lab.	Academic facilities Academic facilities include Chemistry labs, Biology labs, Physics labs, a library and e-library, and a Visual Arts Studio. The campus also houses an auditorium and dedicated spaces for collaborative learning and scientific work, plus a medical clinic for on-site health support.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities —	Extra curricular facilities Extra-curricular and co-curricular activities and clubs are extensive. The school supports student leadership through the HS Climbers Pathway and a Student Council Hub, and The Climb Times provides student publication opportunities. The facilities and activities framework underpins a broad program of clubs and activities aligned with UAE education priorities.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History The Horizon Private School – American Branch is a Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi co-educational school serving Pre-KG through Grade 12 with an American curriculum. It is the Khalifa City branch of Horizon Private School. The principal is Mr. Christopher Tompkins. The school emphasizes Arabic and Islamic Studies as part of its foundation and aims to develop global citizens. The school was rated Very Good in the Irtiqaa/ADEK inspection in 2019.	History Summit International School opened in August 2013 as a private international school in Abu Dhabi, operating under an American curriculum aligned to the Virginia Standards of Learning. At its founding, SIS operated as an RFP private international school under the Virginia SOL and has since moved to the advanced track of both the UAE Ministry of Education and the California Common Core. The campus is state-of-the-art and comprises four buildings, including a swimming pool, segregated play areas, and a multi-use gymnasium and theater. Its Climbers population is about 1,400 students representing 51 countries, with a staff base spanning more than 20 nationalities.
Community	Community The school describes itself as a vibrant, inclusive family where every child is supported to grow intellectually, emotionally, and socially. It emphasizes mutual respect, open communication, and a sense of belonging. Dates and events are published on the site, including dates to remember for the academic year. There are posts about student achievements in competitions, such as Petr's outstanding performance and Anastasia's Championship Cup.	Community The school employs an international teaching staff, including native Arabic speakers as well as native English and French speakers. The pastoral care team, counseling services, and learning support create a robust wellbeing and academic support system. Community events documented on the site include the Happiness Project (March 22, 2022) and an Anti-bullying Campaign (November 29, 2021), featuring class discussions, video assignments, and courtyard assemblies. The Climb Times and a dedicated Student Council hub document and coordinate student life and activities.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association There is a Summit Parent Advisory Committee (SPAC) that links parents with school leadership. Through SPAC, regular meetings are held with management, parents and teaching staff. SPAC meetings provide a forum for parents to discuss relevant issues, contribute to solutions and organize activities throughout the academic year. Parents can access school newsletters and the news and events sections for information about activities. The Climb Times and other communications illustrate ongoing parent engagement and information sharing.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual AP courses are offered for high school students. The curriculum follows the American Curriculum (Common Core State Standards) and emphasizes data-informed teaching and global readiness. The school integrates blended learning with a mix of paper-based instruction, self-paced digital learning, ebooks, and educational apps. Arabic and Islamic Studies provide a foundational component of the program.	Academic & intellectual The school follows a K-12 American curriculum aligned with the California Common Core. KG1 and KG2 follow an Early Childhood 'learn through play' approach. Learning resources are primarily online through various platforms. Performance-based assessments are used to measure understanding.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Clubs cover arts and crafts, drama, and other creative activities. Students can participate in outlets such as TV talk shows, artwork projects, and various arts-related pursuits. The program includes clubs like Design your fish, Debate Club, Chess, and Video Editing, among others.	Arts & creative The school has a Visual Arts Studio. An Auditorium is available for performances and events.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Arabic, English, and French are taught as part of the language program. The language program runs from preschool through Grade 12. A French Club is among the school's clubs supporting language and cultural engagement.	Cultural & language The school has an international teaching staff, including native Arabic speakers and native English and French speakers.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies Weekly clubs are scheduled during curriculum hours to explore student interests. The clubs include sports activities such as football and dodgeball, kinesthetic movements with music, and opportunities in debate, drama, chess, and video editing. These activities foster social interaction, teamwork, and creative expression.	Social & hobbies A Student Council Hub supports student leadership. The HS Program is part of Life at SIS. Weekly assemblies and Special Subjects Awards are part of school life. Counseling includes Anti-bullying Ambassadors.
Community & service	Community & service HPS-Branch fully supports the UAE Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The school encourages student groups to undertake community service in the UAE and beyond, supported by CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service), ERC Foundation, and Outdoor Education. Curriculum trips and visits follow leave-no-trace-behind principles to minimize environmental impact.	Community & service Outreach Programs are part of the school's activities.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional Leadership is highlighted as a focus area in Horizon Private School – American Branch. Clubs and activities offer opportunities for leadership roles, including Debate Club. The school maintains a Professional Code of Conduct Policy to guide staff and student behavior.	Leadership & professional Student Council Hub supports leadership development. The HS Program provides leadership and pathway opportunities.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing The school has a Well Being Policy to support student welfare. The sustainability and field-trip practices emphasize responsible planning and environmental consideration. The campus environment is described as an inclusive, supportive community aimed at the intellectual, emotional, and social growth of students.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Well-being is supported through a Well-Being program and anti-bullying initiatives. The Happiness Project is a wellbeing initiative.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision Arabic, English, and French are taught as part of a comprehensive language curriculum. The program serves students from Pre-KG to Grade 12. Arabic language and Islamic Studies are integrated into the curriculum. The school follows an American curriculum aligned with the Common Core State Standards.	Language provision The school uses English for core subjects. The California Common Core is followed for English, Mathematics, English Social Studies, HPE, Visual Arts, Music and ICT, with NGSS for Science; the UAE MOE program guided by ADEK covers Moral Education, Arabic, Islamic and Arabic Social Studies. The school provides a dual MOE and American curricula across grade levels. The library supports both English and Arabic with 6,000 English books and 2,000 Arabic books, and the staff includes native Arabic, English and French speakers.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards null
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations null
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions Step 1 — Application. Complete the online application form. Submit a copy of your child's Emirates ID or Passport along with their latest school report, indicating the grade in which they have been studying (if applicable). Upon receiving the application, the school invites the child for an assessment. Step 2 — Assessment. Assessments are age-appropriate. For Pre-KG, KG1, and KG2, assessments involve observed play. For Grade 1 and above, formal entrance exams are conducted in English, Math, and Arabic. Step 3 — Acceptance. An offer letter is issued for successful applications. Admission decisions are communicated within two working days based on the assessment results and previous academic records. Step 4 — Enrolment. Upon acceptance, the enrolment process is finalized online or by visiting the school to complete the registration documents and pay the registration fees.	Admissions 1. Prospective parents and students are encouraged to tour Summit International School, and an appointment must be made. 2. During the tour, a school representative will show facilities and discuss documents required, year/age requirements, fee structure, and school policies. 3. Priority is given to students who have a sibling at the school. 4. The school is located in Abu Dhabi at Sector-4, Street 19 in the Madinat Al Zayed Gold Souk & Post Office area.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist A waitlist exists, when a space becomes available from the waitlist, the admissions team will contact families to arrange an assessment/interview.
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