doris
doris
Find Schools
Events
Saved schools
My account
Parent Guide Parent testimonials Community Transparency Charter About For Schools
Currency
A

American School of Dubai

United Arab Emirates, Dubai

Save school
Share
Navigate

· Reviewed by · B2C Marketing Manager

Independently researched by doris.
Not yet claimed by the school
Claim your profile
The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees AED 60,571 - 102,303
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 2072
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum American Curriculum
Typical class size 22
Introduction

The American School of Dubai (ASD) is an independent, not‑for‑profit U.S. curriculum PreK–12 international school located in Al Barsha, Dubai. ASD provides a standards‑based American programme from an on‑campus Early Learning Centre (PreK, K1, K2) through Elementary, Middle and High School, and awards an American high‑school diploma; Advanced Placement courses are offered in Grades 10–12. English is the language of instruction and students who are not yet fluent undertake English as an Additional Language screening; Arabic is taught across stages (including Arabic Language Arts aligned with UAE Ministry standards) and a range of world‑language options appear in the course catalogues. The purpose‑built Al Barsha campus (noted as a 23‑acre site) houses multiple libraries and media centres, performance spaces, a swimming pool and comprehensive athletic facilities. ASD publishes admissions and age‑placement policies aligned with KHDA requirements and operates as one of the not‑for‑profit schools in Dubai, reinvesting tuition into school programmes and facilities.

Al Barsha 1, Hessa St, First Al Khail St, Opposite Saudi German Hospital, Al Barsha First, Al Barsha, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The Essentials

American School of Dubai has 2,072 pupils, typical class sizes of 22, instruction in English.

Location
The American School of Dubai is located in Al Barsha, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The campus sits at the intersection of First Al Khail Street and Hessa Street, opposite the Saudi German Hospital, in Al Barsha 1. The 23-acre, purpose-built Al Barsha campus offers extensive facilities including libraries, performing arts spaces, athletics venues, and aquatic facilities.

Stages
ASD is an all-through PreK–12 school. It comprises Early Learning (PreK 3, K1, K2), Elementary School, Middle School, and High School, with a progression from foundational years through to college-preparatory programs.

Type
The school is co-educational and operates as a day, not-for-profit institution.

Pupil Nationality Mix
ASD enrolls around 2,000 students from more than 80 countries. The student body represents about 87 nationalities, with the most represented group holding North American passports (over 70%). Official materials do not publish a precise local-to-international ratio; external sources estimate local students form a small minority in the overall mix.

Additional learning support
ASD provides a learning support program and enrolls a managed number of students needing additional learning support under an Individualized Service Agreement (ISA). A Special Education service is available for eligible students, with a separate facility fee in addition to tuition (AED 51,300 for those requiring services, as specified in the ISA).

Country affiliation
ASD follows a United States curriculum and describes itself as an international, not-for-profit school; it is not formally affiliated with a specific country.

Religious affiliation
None; ASD has no religious affiliation.

School day structure
Classrooms open at 8:10 a.m. and learning begins at 8:20 a.m. On Monday–Thursday, PreK dismisses at 1:00 p.m., K1 at 2:00 p.m., and K2–G12 at 3:20 p.m. On Fridays, all students finish at 12:00 p.m.

Bus service
ASD's official bus provider is School Transportation Services (STS). STS offers GPS tracking, electronic attendance, seat belts, centralized operations, and a campus liaison; there are multiple daily departures from campus to numerous Dubai neighborhoods. Specific routes and pricing are arranged through ASD's Admissions Office.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
Uniforms are worn by all students from PreK to 12. The uniform design respects UAE host country culture and reinforces the school's core values of compassion, excellence, integrity, respect, and responsibility. Uniforms are purchased through designated local vendors, and there are no uniforms sold on campus; P.E. kits (red shirt and black athletic shorts) are purchased on campus at the ASD school store.

Food Options
Through MasterCook as the food services provider, ASD offers pre-plated, pre-ordered healthy hot and cold lunches for elementary students, and a 3-course menu for middle and high school with four meal choices per day, including vegan and vegetarian options. There are additional snacks and beverages from two on-campus cafés and the Falcon's Nest kiosk; the campus is allergen-aware with labeling and a nutrition education framework.

Governance and Ownership
ASD is a not-for-profit independent school governed by a Board of Trustees. The Cultural Foundation operates ASD, having been established by Royal Decree in 2004 as a not-for-profit foundation dedicated to operating the school.
Fees

Annual tuition at American School of Dubai ranges from AED 60,571 to AED 102,303 for 2026/27.

Application & Registration Fees
- There is no fee to submit an application.
- Once a place is offered, a non-refundable registration fee of AED 1,000 is invoiced with the first tuition payment.

Seat reservation / tuition deposit
- After a place is offered, a non-refundable seat reservation (tuition deposit) is required to secure the seat; the seat reservation is credited against the total school fees. The school's payment terms treat the seat reservation as non‑refundable for new students.

Tuition & Facility Fees (Academic year shown on the school's published fee schedule)
- PreK (Pre‑Kindergarten): Tuition AED 60,571 per year.
- K1: Tuition AED 64,092 per year.
- K2: Tuition AED 69,961 per year; Facility Fee AED 12,984 per year (applies K2–G12 for non‑corporate seat holders).
- Grades 1–12: Tuition AED 89,319 per year; Facility Fee AED 12,984 per year (applies K2–G12 for non‑corporate seat holders).
- Currency note: the school publishes a USD conversion rate used for reference.

Special‑education / Students of Determination
- For students who require Special Education Services (as specified in an Individualized Service Agreement), an additional fee of AED 51,300 applies in addition to the standard school fees for the year shown.

One‑time and capital fees
- Capital Fee (one‑time for new non‑corporate seat holders or for current students no longer holding corporate seats): AED 22,000.
- The Capital Fee may be paid in three annual instalments (the school publishes an instalment option).

Other routine or optional costs
- Facility Fee: AED 12,984 per year for K2–G12 (non‑corporate seat holders).
- Uniforms: Students are required to wear a school uniform; uniforms (including PE kit) are available from an official local vendor or the school store and represent an additional family cost.
- Personal technology and supplies: Families should budget for personal laptops for Grades 6–12 and standard school supplies.
- Learning experiences and trips: Required and optional program costs (examples include Week Without Walls for Middle School, INSPIRE global trips for High School, and other school trips or activities) are charged in addition to tuition.
- Transport: School bus service is available through the school's transport provider; transport incurs a separate fee. The published school pages describe the bus service but do not publish a fixed transport tariff on the main fee summary.

Refunds and withdrawal charges
- The registration fee and the Capital Fee are non‑refundable. Seat reservations are non‑refundable for new students and non‑refundable for returning students after the published deadline.
- Refunds of tuition and facility fees are calculated on a term basis and depend on the date of the official withdrawal request; rules specify minimum non‑refundable amounts depending on the length of enrolment (for example: students enrolled two weeks or less — one month's Tuition & Facility fees are not refundable; more than a month — the full term's Tuition & Facility fees may not be refundable).
- Fees paid prior to the beginning of the academic year are refundable subject to deduction of the Seat Reservation and Registration fees.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Re‑enrolment and key payment timing: the school's re‑enrolment process requires on‑time payment obligations (the published re‑enrollment note references a June 1 payment requirement and the need to supply post‑dated checks or direct debit for re‑enrollment). Failure to meet the June 1 payment or to provide required post‑dated checks/direct debit means the seat is forfeited.
- Payment methods accepted: bank transfers (corporate and individual), cash, local check, wire transfer, direct debit, post‑dated checks, and locally issued Visa and MasterCard credit/debit cards for online payments.
- Instalment options: the school publishes instalment arrangements for individuals including an Emirates NBD 0% credit‑card instalment plan, and direct debit monthly or quarterly options; corporate arrangements and other instalment plans are available.

Boarding / residential fees
- Boarding is not applicable. The American School of Dubai operates as a day school and does not list boarding accommodation or boarding fees in its fee schedule.

Fee payment practical notes
- Capital, facility, tuition and any special‑education fees are invoiced as described above; the seat reservation and registration fee are credited or retained according to the payment terms and refund rules.
- For questions about instalment plans, deadlines, or to obtain specific payment schedules and transport charges for a particular grade, the school's business/finance office is identified as the contact point on the school pages.

Summary of the most significant fee items (AED)
- Annual tuition (selected): PreK AED 60,571; K1 AED 64,092; K2 AED 69,961; Grades 1–12 AED 89,319.
- Annual Facility Fee (K2–G12, non‑corporate seat holders): AED 12,984.
- One‑time Capital Fee (new non‑corporate seat holders): AED 22,000.
- Registration fee (invoiced when a place is offered): AED 1,000.
- Additional Special Education charge where applicable: AED 51,300.
Academics

American School of Dubai teaches American Curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
ASD offers an American-style, standards-based curriculum from Pre-K through 12, culminating in an American high school diploma; Advanced Placement courses are offered in Grades 10–12, including AP Capstone, while the school does not offer the IB Diploma. The Middle School is aligned with Common Core State Standards and uses Standards-Based Grading, with Pursuits enrichment and Week Without Walls as signature elements. The High School operates on a two-semester block schedule, provides online learning via Global Online Academy, and offers about 25 AP courses including AP Capstone. Graduation requires 25 total credits across core areas (English 4, Math 3, Science 3, Social Studies 3, World Languages 2) plus Physical Education/Health 2, Visual & Performing Arts 2, Information Technology 0.5, Core Electives 3, and Non-Core Electives 2.5, with Arab passport students required to study Arabic Language Arts under UAE law. ASD Pathways includes Grade 9–12 tracks such as the Business & Entrepreneurship Pathway with courses like Thinking & Engineering, Economics, AP Economics, internships, and GOA online options. Arabic is taught across Elementary through High School as part of the World Language Program, alongside the primary instruction in English.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
ASD supports social and emotional learning through a counseling and support team, including a School Psychologist and Elementary, Middle, and High School Counseling Departments, along with Learning Support Services.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
ASD provides Learning Support as part of the standard school service for a managed number of students with identified learning needs, offering accommodations, small-group instruction, and an Individual Education Plan, with a School Psychologist and a Speech and Language Therapist on related services; ASD is an inclusive program rather than a separate specialist SEN institution.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
EAL screening is required for PreK–Grade 12 applicants to determine appropriate support and placement; ongoing EAL program details are not publicly disclosed.

Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is supported through counseling services and a focus on emotional intelligence and mental health wellness within ASD's Counseling & Support program.

Safeguarding
ASD has adopted a Child Protection Policy guiding student safety and welfare, with a safeguarding framework aligned with international standards and CIS commitments.
Parent Experience

History
ASD was established in 1966 by the Dubai Petroleum Company to provide schooling for the children of its expatriate staff, organized with support from International Schools Services. It began in Deira as a small program and grew into a PreK–12 international school over time. In 2004 a Dubai government decree placed ASD on its own governance, with an officially appointed Board of Trustees overseeing the not-for-profit institution. In 2009 ASD moved to the Al Barsha campus, and in 2020 the campus opened a PreK program and Early Learning Centre. ASD is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and serves about 2,000 students from 87 nationalities.

Community
ASD serves about 2,000 students from 87 nationalities and maintains an active community of parents, alumni, and friends who volunteer on campus. The school offers hundreds of extracurricular activities across the Arts, Athletics, and Service Learning, including more than 40 student organizations and 53 athletics teams. Community life is enriched by arts performances, sports events, service projects, and global experiential trips that involve students and families. Alumni engagement and parent volunteering are integral to campus life, strengthening ties across generations.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
ASD's PTSA stands for the Parent Teacher Student Association and is an automatic, no-fee membership for every ASD parent. The PTSA organizes community-building events for the whole family, including the Fall Harvest Festival, Tree Lighting Event, and Faculty/Staff Appreciation Week. It houses the Falcon Business Network, which connects the ASD community with local businesses for networking and collaboration. CAST (Creative Arts Support Team) provides parent-volunteer support for productions, costumes, tickets, receptions, and master classes. The Booster Club supports Middle and High School athletics, organizing sports awards banquets, team socials, and running the Falcon's Nest concession stand.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
ASD sits on a 23-acre Al Barsha campus that opened in 2010. The campus houses 100 classrooms and two libraries, along with spaces for the performing and visual arts, including a 630-seat theatre and a black box theatre. It provides five art studios, four purpose-built science and computer labs, maker spaces, and a broadcast studio. Outdoor and athletic facilities include indoor and outdoor running tracks, a climbing wall, a dance studio, regulation soccer fields, additional playing fields and play areas, and a fitness center. The campus features two 25-meter swimming pools, six tennis courts, and two cafeterias to support student life, as well as an organic garden for sustainability and outdoor learning.

Sports Facilities
ASD offers extensive athletics facilities on the Al Barsha campus. It includes indoor and outdoor running tracks, a field house, regulation soccer fields, and additional playing fields for a range of sports. The campus has six tennis courts and a fitness center, plus two 25-meter swimming pools for competitive and recreational swimming.

Academic Facilities
The campus features two libraries and four purpose-built science and computer labs to support academic work. It includes five art studios and a broadcast studio, along with maker spaces for hands-on projects. The campus is wireless with high-speed internet, enabling technology-enhanced learning across grade levels.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Creative and performance spaces support extracurricular activities. The 630-seat performing arts theatre and the black box theatre provide venues for student productions, while band and choir rooms and five art studios support arts programs. A student broadcast studio and maker spaces support media and design projects. Outdoor spaces include an organic garden and a dance studio, and the field house and other athletic facilities enable a wide range of clubs and activities; two cafeterias support student life.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
ASD High School provides a challenging college-preparatory program aligned with Common Core State Standards and a standards-based grading system. The minimum graduation credit requirement is 25, with a four-year program offering up to 32 credits; students complete core courses in math, science, social studies, English, and world languages each year. In grades 10–12, students may enroll in Advanced Placement courses, with ASD offering 25 AP courses including the AP Capstone Diploma. AP courses carry a 0.25 weight in GPA, and the AP Capstone Diploma requires four AP courses, a research seminar, and an independent project.

Arts & Creative
ASD supports arts and creative expression through campus life and electives. The High School Course Catalog includes Advanced Dance, Advanced Theatre Production, and opportunities in creative writing and other performing arts offerings.

Cultural & Language
World Languages are part of the curriculum, including Arabic Language Arts as a dedicated World Language track. Arabic Language Arts and other World Languages are available within the High School curriculum.

Social & Hobbies
Campus Life includes Arts, Athletics, Aquatics, Campus Recreation, and Student Organizations, providing a range of extracurricular activities to support student interests.

Community & Service
INSPIRE Global Experiences provide cultural, eco-adventure, or service-learning opportunities; Service Learning is an ASD program that engages students in campus, community, and global sustainability initiatives.

Leadership & Professional
Counseling & Support offers personalized student development and college planning; University Rep Visits contribute to college readiness; INSPIRE Global Experiences fosters leadership and professional development opportunities.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
ASD provides Athletics, Aquatics, and Campus Recreation as part of campus life, supporting physical health and wellbeing alongside wellness programming.
Languages

Language Provision
The school teaches English and Arabic as core subjects. Arabic Language Arts classes align with UAE MOE standards for Arabic as a First Language and are mandatory through Grade 12 for Arab passport holders. The World Languages program offers Arabic, French, and Spanish across Middle and High School with courses ranging from Novice High to Advanced levels, and graduation requires 2 credits in one language.
Reputation

Awards
ASD has received awards and recognitions for sustainability and campus initiatives as part of its broader program and campus developments.

Accreditations
Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools; ASD is an independent not-for-profit school offering a U.S. curriculum from PreK to 12. It enrolls approximately 2,000 students and operates on a 23-acre Al Barsha campus in Dubai, United Arab Emirates with extensive facilities including 100 classrooms, two libraries, a 630-seat performing arts theater, and multiple arts and sports spaces.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Applications for the 2026-2027 school year are now open. Begin your online application through the Nexus portal.

2. Submit the required documents for your child's application. All documents not in English must be translated. You can check the status of requirements in the application portal, and documents are marked complete when received. Requirements vary by grade and can include photos, passport copies, school reports, recommendations, an introductory video, and, where applicable, standardized test scores.

3. Admissions timeline: PreK-K2 deadlines: November 10; decisions December 10. Grades 1-12: February 10 deadline; decisions March 6. Status updates are available in the portal, and admissions decisions are based on multiple criteria including reports, transcripts, recommendations, and assessments.

4. Campus visits and virtual meetings: ASD aims to meet applicants in person when possible. Students who complete applications by the deadline are invited for a campus visit in mid-November. For applicants overseas, a virtual meeting can be scheduled.

5. Waitpool: If a grade is full, the applicant is placed in the waitpool (waitlist). Movement from the waitpool is not determined by date of application.

6. Enrollment after seat offer: If admitted and offered a seat, enrollment documents are required to register with the UAE Ministry of Education. Enrollment with MOE is required to finalize admission.

Scholarships
ASD offers a Financial Assistance Fund to support families experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19; the fund aims to keep families in the ASD community. Interested families submit an online application and provide supporting documents: income statement, asset and liability statement, tax returns (if applicable), bank statements, and salary/benefits letter. The online application is available June 3; the deadline is July 1; decisions are announced July 10-14; the first tuition installment is due July 15.

Waitlist
ASD maintains a waitpool for full grade levels. Movement from the waitpool is not determined by application date. The Admissions team processes completed applications and notifies families.
School Events
The school has not added events
Compare American School of Dubai with
vs GEMS Dubai American Academy vs Universal American School
Search for more schools
Search schools in United Arab Emirates View all schools in Dubai View all schools in United arab emirates American curriculum schools in United Arab Emirates Open days & tours in Dubai What is the American curriculum? View all schools Search all schools