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Collegiate International School

United Arab Emirates, Dubai

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees AED 39,478 - 70,630
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 50
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), American Curriculum
Typical class size 10
Introduction

Collegiate International School is an American international day school in Umm Suqeim 2, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, serving children from age 3 through to Grade 12 (ages 3–18). The school delivers an American programme mapped to New York State standards alongside the IB continuum (Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma Programmes) and offers the NEASC‑accredited US High School Diploma with options for Advanced Placement courses or the full IB Diploma in senior years. English is the language of instruction; modern languages taught include Arabic, French and Spanish. The campus facilities published by the school include a sports hall, swimming pools (including an Early Years pool), tennis courts, basketball courts and outdoor pitches; STEM and science laboratories, computing and design technology suites, an Early Years Discovery Centre, dance and music studios, libraries, a lecture hall and medical/therapy rooms. The school states it aligns New York State Standards with IB pedagogies to provide multiple, personalised graduation pathways and is a member of the Innoventures Education group with NEASC and IB authorisations.

50 Al Maydar Street, Umm Suqeim Second, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The Essentials

Collegiate International School has 50 pupils, typical class sizes of 10, instruction in English.

Location

The school is located at 50 Al Maydar Street, Umm Suqeim 2, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It sits between Al Wasl Road and Jumeirah Beach Road and offers views of the Burj Al Arab. The campus includes facilities such as a multi-purpose sports hall, two swimming pools, a STEM/Innovation lab, an Early Years Discovery Centre, a dance studio, a lecture hall, basketball and tennis courts, a well-resourced library, and dedicated science, computing and design technology labs.

Stages

From Pre-K to Grade 12, CIS offers a continuous program. The elementary years incorporate the IB Primary Years Programme with NY State standards, Grades 6-8 use the IB Middle Years Programme, and Grades 11-12 may pursue the IB Diploma Programme, AP, or a US High School Diploma pathway.

Type

Collegiate International School is a co-educational day school.

Pupil Nationality Mix

750+ students represent over 70 nationalities. The most common nationality and the local-to-international student ratio are not publicly published.

Additional learning support

CIS provides English Language Learning (ELL) support for students with limited English; learning support for students with learning differences; a GATEWay program for academically gifted students; and emotional, career and college counseling.

Country affiliation

The school is an American international school with curricula aligned to US standards and IB programmes. It offers a US High School Diploma pathway and IB options, with NEASC accreditation cited for its American diploma pathway.

Religious affiliation

There is no formal religious affiliation stated; Islamic Studies is offered as part of UAE MOE requirements for Muslim students.

School day structure

School hours are 7:40 am to 2:00 pm for PKG and KG, and 7:40 am to 2:50 pm for Grades KG2–12; on Fridays, hours end at 12:00 pm.

Bus service

Collegiate International School works with Arab Falcon Bus Rental LLC for its transportation service. Seats are allocated based on availability and route; families should submit a transport request and contact the Arab Falcon coordinator for arrangements.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements

Boarding is not provided. The school operates as a day school for all grades, with no on-site boarding facilities or weekly/flexi-boarding arrangements. The IB World School profile for CIS lists Boarding facilities: DAY, confirming that the provision is day-only.

Uniform Requirement

Uniforms are compulsory and must be worn in full during school hours. The school recommends at least two complete sets of uniform and requires clothing to be clearly labelled with the student's name and grade. Uniforms can be purchased from ZAKS at Oasis Mall; store hours are 10:00 to 20:00, Saturday to Thursday (Friday closed).

Food Options

The school cafeteria is operated by Kalo Hospitality. Offerings include a live egg station, smoothies, freshly baked bakery items, salads and sandwiches, and a nutritious lunch with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Primary students can order pre-packaged meals delivered to classrooms, with a mobile app used for registration, payments, and menu viewing.

House System

All students are assigned to one of four House Teams: Lions, Tigers, Jaguars, or Leopards. There are monthly House Challenges and Events, and house points are awarded for academic achievement and participation in learning opportunities. House Captains track points and recognise the Top House each month.

Governance and Ownership

Collegiate International School is part of Innoventures Education Group. Governance is conducted by a Board of Directors (the owners plus an independent member) and an Advisory Council that includes parents and Innoventures group management; the Advisory Council meets three to four times a year to provide input. This governance framework and the school's leadership have KHDA/NEASC/IB recognition of governance contributions.
Fees

Annual tuition at Collegiate International School ranges from AED 39,478 to AED 70,630 for 2026/27.

Application, assessment and enrolment fees

- Application fee (new students): AED 500 (assessment included).
- Entrance/Test fee (new students): AED 525 (includes 5% VAT). This is a one‑off, non‑refundable payment; it is collected prior to the test and is adjustable against Term 1 tuition where applicable.
- Enrolment fee (new admissions): up to 10% of the tuition fee, non‑refundable and deductible from Term 1 fees.
- Re‑enrollment fee (existing students): up to 5% of the tuition fee or AED 500 (whichever is higher), non‑refundable and deductible from Term 1 fees.

Tuition fees — Academic year 2025–2026 (existing students, Schedule A)
(Annual fee and the term instalments shown in AED)


- Pre KG (age 3+): Annual AED 39,478 — Term 1 AED 15,792; Term 2 AED 11,843; Term 3 AED 11,843.
- KG 1 (age 4+): Annual AED 39,478 — Advance payment AED 1,975; Term 1 AED 13,817; Term 2 AED 11,843; Term 3 AED 11,843.
- KG 2 (age 5+): Annual AED 43,373 — Advance payment AED 2,170; Term 1 AED 15,179; Term 2 AED 13,012; Term 3 AED 13,012.
- Grade 1 (age 6+): Annual AED 48,240 — Advance payment AED 2,410; Term 1 AED 16,886; Term 2 AED 14,472; Term 3 AED 14,472.
- Grade 2 (age 7+): Annual AED 48,240 — Advance payment AED 2,410; Term 1 AED 16,886; Term 2 AED 14,472; Term 3 AED 14,472.
- Grade 3 (age 8+): Annual AED 52,999 — Advance payment AED 2,650; Term 1 AED 18,549; Term 2 AED 15,900; Term 3 AED 15,900.
- Grade 4 (age 9+): Annual AED 52,999 — Advance payment AED 2,650; Term 1 AED 18,549; Term 2 AED 15,900; Term 3 AED 15,900.
- Grade 5 (age 10+): Annual AED 52,999 — Advance payment AED 2,650; Term 1 AED 18,549; Term 2 AED 15,900; Term 3 AED 15,900.
- Grade 6 (age 11+): Annual AED 59,597 — Advance payment AED 2,980; Term 1 AED 20,859; Term 2 AED 17,879; Term 3 AED 17,879.
- Grade 7 (age 12+): Annual AED 59,597 — Advance payment AED 2,980; Term 1 AED 20,859; Term 2 AED 17,879; Term 3 AED 17,879.
- Grade 8 (age 13+): Annual AED 59,597 — Advance payment AED 2,980; Term 1 AED 20,859; Term 2 AED 17,879; Term 3 AED 17,879.
- Grade 9 (age 14+): Annual AED 65,979 — Advance payment AED 3,300; Term 1 AED 23,091; Term 2 AED 19,794; Term 3 AED 19,794.
- Grade 10 (age 15+): Annual AED 65,979 — Advance payment AED 3,300; Term 1 AED 23,091; Term 2 AED 19,794; Term 3 AED 19,794.
- Grade 11 (age 16+): Annual AED 70,630 — Advance payment AED 3,530; Term 1 AED 24,722; Term 2 AED 21,189; Term 3 AED 21,189.
- Grade 12 (age 17+): Annual AED 70,630 — Advance payment AED 3,530; Term 1 AED 24,722; Term 2 AED 21,189; Term 3 AED 21,189.

Tuition fees — Academic year 2025–2026 (new students, Schedule B)
(Annual fee and the instalments shown in AED)


- Pre KG (age 3+): Annual AED 39,478 — Advance payment AED 3,950; Term 1 AED 11,842; Term 2 AED 11,843; Term 3 AED 11,843.
- KG 1 (age 4+): Annual AED 39,478 — Advance payment AED 3,950; Term 1 AED 11,842; Term 2 AED 11,843; Term 3 AED 11,843.
- KG 2 (age 5+): Annual AED 43,373 — Advance payment AED 4,335; Term 1 AED 13,014; Term 2 AED 13,012; Term 3 AED 13,012.
- Grade 1 (age 6+): Annual AED 48,240 — Advance payment AED 4,825; Term 1 AED 14,471; Term 2 AED 14,472; Term 3 AED 14,472.
- Grade 2 (age 7+): Annual AED 48,240 — Advance payment AED 4,825; Term 1 AED 14,471; Term 2 AED 14,472; Term 3 AED 14,472.
- Grade 3 (age 8+): Annual AED 52,999 — Advance payment AED 5,300; Term 1 AED 15,899; Term 2 AED 15,900; Term 3 AED 15,900.
- Grade 4 (age 9+): Annual AED 52,999 — Advance payment AED 5,300; Term 1 AED 15,899; Term 2 AED 15,900; Term 3 AED 15,900.
- Grade 5 (age 10+): Annual AED 52,999 — Advance payment AED 5,300; Term 1 AED 15,899; Term 2 AED 15,900; Term 3 AED 15,900.
- Grade 6 (age 11+): Annual AED 59,597 — Advance payment AED 5,960; Term 1 AED 17,879; Term 2 AED 17,879; Term 3 AED 17,879.
- Grade 7 (age 12+): Annual AED 59,597 — Advance payment AED 5,960; Term 1 AED 17,879; Term 2 AED 17,879; Term 3 AED 17,879.
- Grade 8 (age 13+): Annual AED 59,597 — Advance payment AED 5,960; Term 1 AED 17,879; Term 2 AED 17,879; Term 3 AED 17,879.
- Grade 9 (age 14+): Annual AED 65,979 — Advance payment AED 6,600; Term 1 AED 19,791; Term 2 AED 19,794; Term 3 AED 19,794.
- Grade 10 (age 15+): Annual AED 65,979 — Advance payment AED 6,600; Term 1 AED 19,791; Term 2 AED 19,794; Term 3 AED 19,794.
- Grade 11 (age 16+): Annual AED 70,630 — Advance payment AED 7,065; Term 1 AED 21,187; Term 2 AED 21,189; Term 3 AED 21,189.
- Grade 12 (age 17+): Annual AED 70,630 — Advance payment AED 7,065; Term 1 AED 21,187; Term 2 AED 21,189; Term 3 AED 21,189.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- The school publishes a term instalment schedule for the 2025–2026 academic year: discounted annual payment and term dates appear on the 2025–26 fee schedules (examples: Discounted annual payment due 4 April 2025 for Schedule A; Term 1 payable 22 August 2025; Term 2 payable 5 January 2026; Term 3 payable 27 March 2026). Specific due dates for new admissions follow the Schedule B dates shown.
- The school accepts post‑dated cheques for Term 2 and Term 3 where applicable.
- The school's tuition increase for 2025–2026 is shown in its fee documentation as a 2.35% adjustment under the KHDA fee framework and is included in the published totals.

Boarding

- Boarding is not offered; the school operates as a day school.

Other costs and optional charges

- Uniforms: AED 800 to AED 3,000 (estimated range).
- Transport: AED 9,000 to AED 10,000 (annual, estimated ranges shown).
- Extracurricular activities, clubs and enrichment: ranges from AED 100 up to AED 15,000 depending on activity.
- School trips and overnight camps: AED 50 up to AED 22,000 (trip dependent); overnight camp ranges shown in the fact sheet.
- External examination charges, textbooks, meals, stationery and specialist support (e.g., special needs support, language immersion) are additional and billed as applicable; some items are supplied by external vendors and subject to those suppliers' refund terms. Estimated ranges for several items are provided in the school's fees fact sheet (for example: special needs support AED 18,000 to AED 48,000).

Refunds and non‑refundable items

- Entrance/test fee (AED 525) is non‑refundable. Enrolment fees (up to 10% of tuition) and re‑enrollment fees (up to 5% or AED 500) are stated as non‑refundable.
- Optional services and third‑party purchases (for example, uniforms bought from external suppliers, independent trip suppliers) are subject to the refund policies of the respective suppliers as noted in the fees documentation.

Discounts and concessions

- Sibling discounts apply: 10% for the third and fourth child; 15% for the fifth child; 20% from the sixth child onwards (details and application subject to the school's policy).
- Other discounts noted in the fee documentation include staff/school employee discounts (up to 100% in some cases for employees), corporate discounts, scholarships, and an early payment discount (up to 3%) where applicable.

Fee payment methods (accepted)

- Online payment via the Zenda payments portal/app (school‑registered mobile or email login).
- By cheque (payable to Collegiate International School) — cheques may be handed into the Accounts Office or deposited in the cheque drop boxes; post‑dated cheques for Term 2 and Term 3 are accepted.
- By credit card at the school premises.
- Bank transfer. Bank details published by the school are: Account Name: Collegiate International School; Account No.: 010496848711; IBAN: AE670330000010496848711; Swift: BOMLAEAD; Bank: Mashreq Bank, DIC branch, Dubai, U.A.E. Parents are requested to include the child's ID, name and school name with transfers and to send remittance advice to Accounts.
- Cash payments are accepted in person (receipts will be issued).

Notes

- The figures above are presented as published in the school's 2025–2026 fee schedules and the official fees fact sheet for that academic year. Specific instalment amounts and any applicable discounts or surcharges relevant to an individual application are applied according to the school's published fee schedules and payment terms.
Academics

Collegiate International School teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), American Curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum

Collegiate International School is an American International School delivering both US and IB curricula through world-class international pedagogies. The language of instruction is English. The curriculum is mapped to New York State Standards. From Pre-K to Grade 5, students follow the IB Primary Years Programme aligned with NYS standards. In Grades 6–8, NYS standards are delivered through the IB Middle Years Programme. Grades 9–12 prepare students for the US High School Diploma, with AP courses, the IB Diploma Programme, the IB Career-related Programme, or the full IB Diploma as options; all students are on track to complete a NEASC-accredited US High School Diploma.

Exam Results

The school reports a 100% graduation rate. Over 30% of students graduate with Honors. The High School Profile shows 328 students in grades 9–12, 80 nationalities represented, and 85 graduates in the class of 2024.

Higher Education Progression

Graduates have gained college acceptances to universities in the USA, UAE, UK, Europe, and Asia, including New York University Abu Dhabi, Emirates Aviation University, American University of Sharjah, Georgia Tech, University of Washington, Temple University, Cardiff University, University of Sussex, Newcastle University, and the University of St Andrews, among others.

Gifted and Talented

Advanced coursework options include AP courses, the IB Diploma Programme, and the IB Career-related Programme; honors courses are available (e.g., Honors English 11 & 12).
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

Student well-being is an integral part of life at CIS and profoundly impacts development and learning. The wellbeing framework identifies six pillars: Safety and Security, Healthy Body, Happy Mind, Friends and Connections, Finding Purpose, and Balance. Staff and leadership collaborate to promote wellbeing and to provide a safe, supportive environment where students feel valued. The wellbeing program includes student counsellors and pastoral care addressing social and emotional needs. Regular communication with families supports resilience, empathy and positive relationships.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

CIS provides a holistic student support program to help students progress and succeed in their learning. Academic Success is supported through individualized instruction, targeted interventions, and academic resources. Emotional Well-being is addressed by our student counsellors and leadership team to build resilience and a growth mindset. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion ensures equity of access to opportunities. Personalized Learning includes Early Intervention and Transition Support, with Parent Engagement as part of the approach.

Mental Wellbeing

Mental wellbeing is prioritized as part of the CIS wellbeing model and is supported by the Happy Mind pillar. Emotional health is supported by counselors and a safe, supportive school environment. Students learn to understand and express their feelings, manage stress, and develop coping strategies to build resilience. The program promotes emotional literacy and well-being through pastoral care and guidance. A balanced approach to academics and activities supports student mental health.

Safeguarding

Safety and Security are core to CIS's wellbeing framework, ensuring students feel safe both physically and emotionally. The school provides a secure environment and prioritizes emotional safety through supportive staff relationships. Safeguarding is reinforced by pastoral care and collaborative approaches across the school community. Regular communication with families supports safeguarding and well-being. The safeguarding approach is integrated with student support to create a safe, respectful school community.
Parent Experience

History

The school is an American international school in Dubai offering US and IB curricula from Pre-K through Grade 12. The curriculum is mapped to New York State Standards and delivered through international pedagogies, with the Younger years following the IB Primary Years Programme and the Middle Years Programme in the middle grades, and the US High School Diploma in Grades 9–12, with AP and IB options available for 11–12. Governance comprises a Board of Directors and an Advisory Council, with Founding Partners on the Board. The school operates within Innoventures Education and is located at 50 Al Maydar Street, Umm Suqeim 2, Dubai.

Community

The CIS community is described as warm and nurturing, with a values-driven program emphasizing achievement, innovation, integrity, respect, responsibility and collaboration, and a strong Wildcat spirit. The school highlights a diverse international community with more than 70 nationalities. The Vision is Community, Innovation and Success, and the school promotes a balanced and varied experience with all students participating in activities and encouraged to undertake at least one Co-Curricular Activity. The campus provides facilities including a multi-purpose sports hall, two swimming pools, a STEM/Innovation lab, an Early Years Discovery Centre, a dance studio, a lecture hall, and a well-resourced library.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

PUMA is the Collegiate International School Parent Association and was founded in 2011. PUMA arranges and promotes events, represents the school to prospective and new families, promotes the school in the wider community, and works with school leadership on initiatives to raise standards and support students. PUMA supports educational and humanitarian projects on campus, such as Breast Cancer Awareness, Autism Awareness, Room to Read, Movember Bake Sale, UAE National Day and International Day. Annually key team members are recruited, including president, vice president, marketing/sponsorship, secretary and core committee and grade-level representatives.
Facilities

Facilities Overview

Collegiate International School is located in Umm Suqeim 2, Dubai, with prime facilities supporting a nurturing and holistic education. The campus includes a sports hall, swimming pools (older and early years), tennis courts, gymnasiums, a soccer field, outdoor play areas for early years and elementary, a multipurpose outdoor playground for MS/HS, and a Sand Kitten Learning Center. The Sand Kitten Learning Center provides an early years outdoor exploratory area. Science and technology facilities include a STEM Laboratory, a Mini STEM Lab for early years, Science Laboratories, an Elementary Science and STEM Room, and Computer Laboratories with WiFi connectivity across the campus. Art, literature and music spaces include an Art Gallery, Art Studios, Music Rooms, a Dance Studio, and Libraries, while General Facilities include a Lecture Hall, Conference Rooms, Cafeteria, Prayer Rooms, Medical Clinic, a Therapy Room with an External Provider, and a Discovery Room.

Sports Facilities

The school has a dedicated sports hall, a swimming pool for older students and an early years swimming pool. Tennis courts, gymnasiums, a soccer field, and a multipurpose outdoor playground for MS/HS support a wide range of PE activities. Outdoor play areas are provided for early childhood and elementary students, and a Sand Kitten Learning Center offers an outdoor exploratory space. These facilities enable both indoor and outdoor sports and movement-based learning.

Academic Facilities

Collegiate International School offers dedicated facilities for science, technology and computing. There is a STEM Laboratory and a Mini STEM Lab for the early years, plus Science Laboratories and an Elementary Science and STEM Room. Computer Laboratories support computing, and WiFi connectivity is excellent across the campus. Libraries, Art Galleries and Music Rooms support literacy, creativity and the performing arts.

Extra Curricular Facilities

The school offers a Co-Curricular Activities (CCA) program with teacher-led and paid activities. Information about CCAs is published on the CIS NewsCAST and CCA pages, and new students should contact the CCA Coordinator to sign up. CCA emphasizes participation in a balanced and varied range of activities to develop well-rounded CIS Wildcats, and each student is encouraged to undertake at least one CCA. Activities run after school with timings: Pre-KG and KG1 from 2:00pm to 3:00pm, and KG2 to Grade 12 from 2:50pm to 3:50pm. Buses are provided after teacher-led activities; PKG and KG groups may not have bus service, and parents arrange transportation. House Teams are Lions, Tigers, Jaguars, and Leopards, supporting a sense of belonging and school spirit.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

Collegiate International School is an American International School with US and IB curricula delivered through world-class international pedagogies, leading to a range of graduation pathways for students from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12.

Arts & Creative

The school provides a broad program that integrates core academics with co-curricular opportunities as part of its holistic education model.

Cultural & Language

The school's IB framework includes exposure to multiple languages and global perspectives as part of its curricula, aligned with international standards.

Social & Hobbies

Student life emphasizes collaboration, leadership, and service through a range of programs and activities linked to the IB and US curricula.

Community & Service

Service learning and community engagement are embedded in the school experience, particularly within Middle and High School IB programs.

Leadership & Professional

High School pathways include university counseling, career guidance, and exposure to AP and IB options to support college and career readiness.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

The school emphasizes a balanced, inquiry-based approach to learning with opportunities for physical, creative, and social development across all grade levels.
Languages

Language Provision

Languages taught are Arabic, French, and Spanish. Arabic is taught from Early Years (Kindergarten 2). French or Spanish is offered as a Modern Foreign Language from Grade 2 onward (Grade 2-Grade 5 in Elementary). The curriculum integrates Modern Languages with core subjects, including English Language Arts, within the IB PYP framework.
Admissions

Admissions

Collegiate International School is an American International School offering US and IB curricula, with graduation pathways that include the US High School Diploma, Advanced Placement courses, and the IB Diploma. The school is part of Innoventures Education and operates with open enrollment, with places available for all grades from Pre‑Kindergarten through Grade 12. The admissions process is managed by the central admissions office in collaboration with school principals and consists of eight steps: 1. application; 2) student placed on registration; 3) invitation to assessment and collection of documents; 4) assessment (on site or online) and documentation; 5) decision to admit, reject, place on waiting list, or invite for an interview; 6) offer letter and preparation of the student file; 7) any further documentation from parents; and 8) enrollment. Selection criteria include an entrance test in English and Mathematics; readiness assessment for KG1/KG2/FS2 and Year 1; age appropriateness; Transfer Certificate from the previous school; KHDA requirements; priority for siblings; and, for Grades 9–12, a credit analysis to ensure graduation feasibility. Assessments are conducted Monday to Friday during school hours; local assessments occur at the school, while overseas assessments can be arranged. There is a non‑refundable assessment fee (AED 525) which is offset if the student is accepted. Documents required for assessment include two copies of birth certificates, passports/visas/Emirates IDs for both student and parents, the latest two years of school reports, a Transfer Certificate (attested for overseas transfers), immunisation records, and two passport photos. For local transfers KHDA transfer procedures apply; for overseas transfers the Transfer Certificate must be attested. After admission is approved and KHDA registration is completed, the Parent School Contract must be signed. The school aims to complete the admission process promptly, with service standards that include a 1–2 day response time, 3 days to provide test results, and 5 days to communicate the outcome from the test date. Offers require a response within 7 days to secure the place.

Scholarships

Scholarships at Innoventures Education are available for Collegiate International School in the 2025–2026 academic year. The scholarship categories are Emirati Distinction, Academic Excellence, Young Women of Excellence, and Sports. Applications are submitted via online forms linked to each program. Scholarships cannot be used in conjunction with an existing fee remission.

Waitlist

The admissions process includes the possibility of placing a candidate on a waiting list if spaces are not immediately available. The assessment and admission decision may result in placement on a waiting list or an invitation for interview. If a place becomes available, CIS will contact the family. The term ‘accepted on hold' may be used to indicate a provisional hold on offer status while a space opens up.
School Events
The school has not added events