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Dubai National School Al Barsha

United Arab Emirates, Dubai

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees AED 24,172 - 39,665
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 2336
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum American Curriculum
Typical class size 20
Introduction

Dubai National School – Al Barsha is a private American school in Al Barsha, Dubai, offering a Massachusetts‑standards‑aligned American curriculum from pre‑kindergarten through Grade 12 (PK–12). The school serves learners from age 3 to 18 and is fully accredited by NEASC. English is the medium of instruction across phases, while Arabic is taught both as a first and additional language and UAE‑mandated subjects such as Islamic Education, Moral Education and UAE Social Studies are provided in line with Ministry of Education requirements. DNS offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses in the high school and promotes project‑based, technology‑rich learning through a dedicated Makerspace Lab. On‑site facilities include multiple science laboratories, seven computer labs, three libraries, five art rooms, three multipurpose gymnasiums, a full‑size football pitch, outdoor courts and three swimming pools (separate pools for boys, girls and toddlers), alongside dedicated KG resources and an on‑site clinic.

First Al Khail St, Al Barsha First, Al Barsha, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The Essentials

Dubai National School Al Barsha has 2,336 pupils, typical class sizes of 20, instruction in English.

Location
Dubai National School is located on First Al Khail Street in Al Barsha 1, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The campus sits in the Al Barsha area and is accessible via major routes such as Al Khail Road and Sheikh Zayed Road. The surrounding area is residential with amenities nearby, including the Mall of the Emirates corridor.

Stages
DNS Al Barsha serves students from Pre-K (PK) through Grade 12, i.e., PK-12. The school reports an enrollment of about 2,500 students across 52 nationalities with a full American curriculum. The English language is the medium of instruction across phases.

Type
The school is an independent private day school. It serves both boys and girls, with classes segregated by gender from Grade 4 onward; there is no boarding facility advertised for any year group.

Pupil Nationality Mix
DNS serves about 2,500 students from 52 nationalities. The school's population is diverse, with Emirati students making up a significant portion of the intake; Emirati backgrounds are reported as the majority in some external profiles of the school.

Additional learning support
Inclusion is a formal part of DNS, with inclusive education support services that comply with KHDA policies. The school provides provisions for students with special educational needs and disabilities as part of its care and support framework, including wellbeing and safeguarding provisions.

Country affiliation
The school follows the American curriculum based on Massachusetts State Standards, aligning with an American/US educational framework.

Religious affiliation
DNS does not have a formal religious affiliation; Islamic Studies is included as part of the Arabic language program within the MOE-mandated curriculum.

School day structure
The school day starts with gates opening at 7:30 am and the first period beginning at 8:00 am. The schedule includes seven classes on Mondays and Tuesdays, six on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and four on Fridays. End times vary by level: Pre-K, KG1 & KG2 finish at 1:00 pm; Grades 1-3 finish at 2:10 pm; Grades 4-12 finish at 2:30 pm; Friday timings are shortened, with earlier dismissals.

Bus service
DNS Al Barsha operates its own transport service with a fleet that serves many Dubai areas. Morning bus pickup is typically at 7:45 am; afternoon drop-offs vary by student level (PreK-G12 1:00 pm; PreK-KG2 1:00 pm; G1-12 2:30 pm). Bus routes include Al Barsha 1-3, Tecom & The Greens, Dubai Marina, JLT, JVC, Ibn Battuta & Discovery Gardens, Umm Suqeim & Jumeirah, Dubai Hills, Arjan, Arjan/Remraam, and other areas, with fees published for 2025-2026 (e.g., 7,000 AED for most routes, 4,200 AED one-way). Enrollment is coordinated through the Transport Supervisor after registration.
Diving Deeper

Governance and Ownership
Dubai National School – Al Barsha is privately owned by H.E. Mr. Marwan Al Ghurair and is governed by a Board of Trustees.
Fees

Annual tuition at Dubai National School Al Barsha ranges from AED 24,172 to AED 39,665 for 2026/27.

Annual tuition — fees by year group
- Pre‑KG: AED 24,172 per year.
- KG1: AED 24,172 per year.
- KG2: AED 24,172 per year.
- Grade 1: AED 26,420 per year.
- Grade 2: AED 26,420 per year.
- Grade 3: AED 26,420 per year.
- Grade 4: AED 27,936 per year.
- Grade 5: AED 28,650 per year.
- Grade 6: AED 28,650 per year.
- Grade 7: AED 31,929 per year.
- Grade 8: AED 31,929 per year.
- Grade 9: AED 33,038 per year.
- Grade 10: AED 35,119 per year.
- Grade 11: AED 39,665 per year.
- Grade 12: AED 39,665 per year.

Application / registration fees
- Application fees and registration deposits follow the UAE/KHDA framework used by private schools: an application charge may be collected (KHDA guidance caps the pre‑offer application fee) and schools commonly collect a registration/re‑registration deposit (often expressed as a percentage of annual tuition). The KHDA framework limits an application fee before an offer to a modest fixed amount and allows a registration deposit (commonly up to 10% in practice).

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Fees are billed termly; Dubai private‑school frameworks require that annual tuition be collectable in three instalments (term 1, term 2 and term 3) or, alternatively, in 10 equal monthly instalments. The KHDA guidance sets the typical maximum instalment split at up to 40% (first term), 30% (second term) and 30% (third term). The school's published academic calendar shows term start dates that align with standard termly billing points.
- School fees do not include the costs listed below (these are charged separately). Parents should expect the tuition figure to be the annual tuition amount and to be billed according to the school's published payment plan.

Boarding fees
- Dubai National School — Al Barsha operates as a day school; there are no boarding fees.

Other costs and mandatory extras
- Books, resources, uniforms, transport, lunch and external activities are not included in the tuition figures and are charged separately.
- School transport (example ranges published by the school): typical round‑trip bus fees shown by route are in the AED 7,000–7,500 range; one‑way service for many routes is shown around AED 4,200–4,500. Specific route fees vary by pick‑up area.
- Other common additional items (charged separately) include textbooks, examination/assessment charges, school ID cards, diaries, technology/resource charges, special activities or trips, and optional after‑school offerings. The tuition page explicitly excludes these items from the published tuition figures.

Refunds and withdrawal charges
- Refunds and cancellations are administered under the UAE/KHDA/MOE fee frameworks that apply to private schools in Dubai. These frameworks specify how tuition refunds are calculated when a student withdraws during the term (for example, standard guidance sets the amount schools may retain according to how long the student attended: withdrawal within two weeks → charge one month's tuition; between two weeks and one month → charge two months' tuition; beyond one month → charge up to a term's tuition, with monthly values calculated by dividing the annual tuition by 10). Book and uniform charges are typically non‑refundable unless unused. Registration/re‑registration deposits are typically non‑refundable except in specific circumstances provided by regulation.

Fee payment options
- Private schools in Dubai commonly accept multiple payment methods: online payment portals, bank transfer (wire/telegraphic transfer), debit/credit card, cash and cheques. Schools also commonly accept post‑dated cheques (PDCs) or set up monthly instalment plans where permitted under KHDA rules. Expect the school to offer at least bank transfer and card/online payment facilities.

Summary notes for parents (concise)
- The figures above are the published annual tuition amounts by grade.
- Tuition excludes books, uniforms, transport, lunch and many external activities; transport fees are charged separately and vary by route (round trip examples AED 7,000–7,500).
- Fees are billed termly under the standard Dubai practice (three instalments or 10 monthly instalments); the KHDA framework caps the typical term split at 40%/30%/30% where schools use three instalments. Refunds and withdrawal charges follow the UAE/MOE/KHDA refund rules described above.
Academics

Dubai National School Al Barsha teaches American Curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
Dubai National School Al Barsha uses an American curriculum based on Massachusetts State Standards, with English as the medium of instruction and alignment to CCSS and NGSS; AP courses are available at the high school level. The curriculum progresses sequentially from Kindergarten through Grade 12 and is aligned with UAE MOE standards, while integrating Arabic language, Islamic Studies, Social Studies, and Culture. Middle School follows the Massachusetts Frameworks, emphasizing project-based learning with STREAM integration and cross-curricular links to Islamic education, Arabic and social studies. High School uses a Massachusetts-aligned credit system; 25 credits are required to graduate; the program includes core and elective courses, with AP courses implemented to meet UAE MOE equivalency. The program emphasizes standards-aligned resources, ongoing assessment, and the development of global citizenship and Islamic values within the Emirati context.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Dubai National School Al Barsha integrates Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) as part of its inclusive education framework. The SEL curriculum covers five competencies: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. It is delivered through day-to-day teaching–learning practices, sports activities, guidance and counseling services, and resource room psycho-educational sessions. The school conducts socio-emotional learning activities and events, including World Mental Health Day activities, stress and anxiety management sessions, and psychological wellbeing presentations for learners and staff. SEL is a core component of the school's approach to supporting student wellbeing within its wellbeing provisions.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Dubai National School Al Barsha describes its approach as inclusive education for learners with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and those who are Able, Gifted and Talented (AGT). An Inclusive Education Action Team (IEAT) coordinates inclusion provisions, learning support interventions, and accommodations across the learning community. Learners with SEND participate in general education groups with differentiated instruction and targeted support designed to remove barriers to learning. The school states its inclusive education provisions comply with KHDA policies (KHDA Inclusive Education Policy Framework, Inclusion Handbook) and related MOE and UNCRPD frameworks. It does not describe itself as a specialist SEN institution or indicate a dedicated SEN unit.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
English is the medium of instruction across phases at DNS Al Barsha, but there is no publicly disclosed EAL program on the site. Kindergarten includes Early Literacy in both languages—Arabic and English—suggesting bilingual literacy activities in the early years, but no explicit EAL staff or classroom program is described. No explicit EAL staff, groupings, or dedicated EAL provision are publicly listed in the available materials. Consequently, information on a formal EAL program is not disclosed in the public content.

Mental Wellbeing
DNS Al Barsha offers mental wellbeing support as part of its Health, Happiness, and Wellbeing framework. The Healthy School Program (HSP) guides physical activity, healthy lifestyles, and wellbeing education, with focal areas including increasing activity, providing teacher and learner resources, and integrating health education. Counselors and inclusion specialists are involved to support socio-emotional learning and anxiety management. The wellbeing provisions include counseling, stress and anxiety management sessions, and psychological wellbeing presentations for learners and staff, alongside activities such as World Mental Health Day. These programs reflect a structured approach to student mental health within the school's wellbeing strategy.

Safeguarding
Dubai National School Al Barsha maintains a Child Protection & Safeguarding Policy. The policy notes that safeguarding arrangements are inspected by KHDA under judgments for protection, care, guidance and support of students, and leadership and management. All staff and volunteers are required to read the policy and confirm through emails, school WhatsApp groups, child protection registers, and ISS staff accounts before starting a new academic year. The policy is part of the school's safeguarding portfolio and is accessible through the ISS system and Google Drive. KHDA policy alignment and related international safeguarding frameworks underpin these provisions.
Parent Experience

History
Dubai National School- Al Barsha was founded in 1988 as a private American school in Dubai. It is owned by H.E. Mr. Marwan Al Ghurair and is governed by a Board of Trustees responsible for strategic oversight. The campus serves about 2,500 students of 52 nationalities in PK-12, supported by around 360 staff members from 30 Arab and non-Arab nationalities. English is the medium of instruction across subjects, with Arabic Language, Islamic Studies, Social Studies, Moral Education and Culture taught in alignment with MOE mandates. The school has held NEASC accreditation since May 2003, with a 2014 re-accreditation and an NEASC External Review visit conducted in May 2022.

Community
The Dubai National School- Al Barsha community is multinational, with around 2,500 students representing 52 nationalities. The school describes its environment as inclusive, multicultural, and globally minded, with Islamic values emphasized. Student life includes a range of internal activities such as World Students' Day celebrations and International Day for Tolerance performances. The school also engages with the wider Dubai education community, participating in events such as KHDA Education Expo and related outreach.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
Dubai National School- Al Barsha does not publish a separately named PTA on public pages. Parent involvement is described as tremendously supportive and plays a role in the school's family atmosphere. Parental engagement is encouraged through formal channels and volunteer opportunities noted on the English-language pages. DNS conducts community service and philanthropy activities in collaboration with Emirates Red Crescent, ONAK Ya Watan, Ghaya Volunteer Team, Environment Friends Society and Dubai Cares. The school also hosts student-parent events such as the DNS Entrepreneurial Marathon, an inter-school competition, and participates in broader events such as Education Expo.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Dubai National School Al Barsha provides a broad range of facilities to support PK-12 learning. Each section has its own labs, ICT rooms, and spacious playgrounds. Classrooms are large and equipped with multimedia projectors and speakers to support e-learning. The campus has extensive sports facilities, including three multipurpose gymnasiums, a full-size soccer field, outdoor basketball courts, and three swimming pools with changing rooms. In addition, there are three libraries, five art rooms, and specialized learning spaces such as Home Economics labs for girls and an Electronics lab for boys.

Sports Facilities
The school offers three multipurpose gymnasiums, a full-size soccer field, outdoor basketball courts, and three swimming pools (for girls, boys, and toddlers) with changing rooms.

Academic Facilities
Seven computer labs provide networked terminals with Internet access for ICT and other subjects. The middle and high sections have four science laboratories, with a general science lab available for elementary students. Three libraries serve PK-12 students with audio/visual facilities, networked computers, and a broad print collection. All classrooms are spacious and equipped with multimedia projectors and speakers to support e-learning.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Five art rooms support visual arts across grades PK-12. Home Economics labs (two for girls: cooking and sewing) and an Electronics lab (for boys) enable practical learning. The campus includes a dedicated Lecture Hall for meetings, events, and staff development, and there are separated prayer rooms for girls and boys. Two cafeterias, seating over 1,000, provide daily meals and snacks for students and staff.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Dubai National School Al Barsha follows the American curriculum aligned to Massachusetts State Standards. English is the medium of instruction in all subjects across grades, with Arabic Language, Islamic Studies, Social Studies, Moral Education and Culture taught under MOE mandated programs. Graduation requires 28 credits, and the High School offers six AP courses. The school is NEASC-accredited, with initial accreditation in May 2003 and re-accreditations in 2014 and 2022.

Arts & Creative
Arts opportunities are part of Student Life.

Cultural & Language
The student body represents 52 nationalities. Arabic Language and Islamic Studies are taught under MOE mandated programs, with cultural education integrated into the curriculum.

Social & Hobbies
Student Life includes internal and external activities, Athletics, and Arts.

Leadership & Professional
There is a Student Leadership program with opportunities for leadership development.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Care & Support provides inclusive education and wellbeing services. A clinic and cafeteria are available, and safeguarding and anti-cyberbullying policies are in place.
Languages

Language Provision
The school teaches in English; Arabic language is taught as part of the curriculum, with MOE mandated programs for Arabic language, Islamic Studies, Social Studies, Moral Education and Culture.

Bilingual Teaching
English is the medium of instruction across all subjects; Arabic is taught as a language subject with a focus on Arabic Language, Islamic Studies, Social Studies, Moral Education and Culture following MOE mandated programs.
Reputation

Accreditations
Dubai National School offers an American curriculum aligned to Massachusetts State Standards, with English as the medium of instruction across all subjects and additional MOE-mandated Arabic/Islamic/Social Studies/Moral Education content. The curriculum is aligned to Massachusetts frameworks incorporating CCSS and NGSS, and Advanced Placement (AP) is offered in high school. AP results include students achieving perfect scores of 5. The school has six AP courses. The program also aligns with UAE MOE standards.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Parents submit an application with information about the child and contact details. They also complete a health and wellbeing form. This initial step begins the admission process.
2. Students are placed in grade levels based on age, previous academic records, and the results of the admission exam and the personal interview with teachers, counsellors and phase leaders. If needed, a one-to-one evaluation may be conducted to inform placement. The placement criteria ensure alignment with the school's admission standards.
3. For phases 2–4, students sit for three paper-based or online admission exams in English, Arabic, Mathematics and high school Physics; non-native Arabic speakers may take a special Arabic exam in addition to English and Mathematics. These exams provide information to determine placement in the offered programs.
4. Admission exams are scheduled on assigned days and times and do not require prior preparation, as they measure candidates' skills and knowledge needed for the grade level.
5. A decision regarding admission is made within two working days. Placement is determined based on the results of the admission exams, reviews of previous academic records, and the personal interview with teachers, counsellors and phase leaders; the Principal may be involved if required.
6. High school candidates from non-American program schools may be required to obtain equivalency from the UAE Ministry of Education. Admission is granted for early registration, and applicants who have siblings studying at DNS receive priority.
7. Phase 1 (PK, KG1 & KG2) admission procedures involve a face-to-face or online interview with the teacher, counsellor and phase leader to evaluate linguistic abilities and motor skills. The interview lasts 15–30 minutes, though it may extend depending on the child's needs. Interviewers observe pencil grip, recognition of colors, shapes and alphabets, and motor skills.
8. If the child refuses to speak, the parents are asked to speak to the child. If the child still does not speak, a video of the child speaking and playing may be assessed as part of the admission process. The interviewing committee analyzes the child's interaction to detect speech difficulties or learning disabilities.
9. If any speech difficulty or learning disability is detected, the phase leader may require an explanation from the parents and may request medical or therapy reports to establish inclusion provisions for the child. The school complies with inclusive admission practices and related policies.
10. Inclusive admission is aligned with UAE law and KHDA guidelines; after enrollment, the child is monitored and parents' consent is sought to start inclusion provisions such as IEPs and BIPs as needed. The head of inclusion leads the inclusion process and participates in interviews and screenings as required.
School Events
The school has not added events
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