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

Dunecrest American School

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 41,500 - 90,050
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 667
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), American Curriculum
Typical class size 15
Introduction

Dunecrest American School is an American international K–12 school located in Wadi Al Safa 3, Dubai (near Al Barari and Living Legends) serving children aged 3–18. The school's programme combines an American K–12 framework (AERO/Common Core Plus) with International Baccalaureate provision, noting the IB Diploma Programme in Grades 11–12; the school also uses the Creative Curriculum in Pre‑KG and KG1. English is the primary language of instruction; the published language policy confirms taught provision in Arabic, provision for mother‑tongue maintenance and third languages (French/Spanish), and a formal English Language Learner (ELL) programme using WIDA assessments. The purpose‑built, eight‑acre campus features naturally lit classrooms, two libraries, science laboratories and makerspaces (with 3D printers and robotics), hydroponic towers, dedicated art workshops and gallery space, a black‑box theatre, a 1,500 m² gymnasium, a 400 m running track, a shaded six‑lane pool, a full football pitch, tennis courts and a range of outdoor learning spaces. The curriculum emphasises cross‑curricular, project‑based and STEAM learning with inclusion and ELL support.

Wadi Al Safa 3, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The Essentials

Dunecrest American School has 667 pupils, typical class sizes of 15, instruction in English.

Location
Dunecrest American School is located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, in the Al Barari / Living Legends area of Dubailand, just off Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road (E311). The 8‑acre campus features naturally lit classrooms, modern facilities and athletic spaces designed for collaborative, project‑based learning and wellness. It is accessible from residential communities such as Arabian Ranches and Motor City, and many families use the school's point‑to‑point bus services. The campus address is near Al Barari, Wadi Al Safa 3 (next to Al Barari).

Stages
Dunecrest offers a standards‑based American curriculum from Pre‑Kindergarten through Grade 12, with the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme available in Grades 11 and 12. The program is organized into Early Childhood (Pre‑KG, KG1, KG2), Elementary (G1–G5), Middle School (G6–G8) and High School (G9–G12).

Type
Dunecrest is co‑educational and operates as a day school. There are no boarding facilities offered.

Additional learning support
The Inclusion Program uses a multi‑tiered RTI framework (Tier 1 universal instruction, Tier 2 targeted interventions and Tier 3 intensive interventions) to support students with additional learning needs. Independent Learning Support Assistants (ILSA) support Students of Determination within mainstream classrooms, and an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or an Accommodation Plan is developed for included students. The school reports a capacity limit of 10% of a grade's cohort for Inclusion services and engages in regular monitoring and collaboration with parents.

Country affiliation
American international school; accredited by the Middle States Association and an IB World School offering the IB Diploma Programme in Grades 11–12.

Religious affiliation
No formal religious affiliation; the school states it accepts students regardless of religion.

School day structure
The school day is typically from around 7:45 a.m. to about 3:15 p.m. on most days. Administration hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday to Thursday, and 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Fridays. Fridays feature early dismissal for younger divisions (11:50 a.m. for Early Childhood & Elementary; 12:00 p.m. for Middle & High School). Lunch is provided by the school cafeteria, with a daily menu available to view.

Bus service
A point‑to‑point bus service is available, used by many families; transportation details are managed by the school and inquiries should be directed to transport@dunecrest.ae. The school's contact page lists the Transportation department and phone number, and the 360 Virtual Tour notes bus services as common in the area.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
Dunecrest American School operates as a day school with no on-campus boarding facilities. There are no full boarding, weekly boarding, or flexi-boarding options. Students attend school daily and return home after the day ends.

Uniform Requirement
Uniform requirement: The school uses orange polo shirts for Elementary and burgundy polo shirts for Middle and High School. Uniforms include shorts, pants, skorts, or leggings, paired with flat closed-toe shoes (Crocs, sandals and slides are not permitted). On PE days, students may wear the PE uniform for the whole day.

Food Options
The cafeteria offers balanced meals that include fruits, vegetables, protein and other wholesome options, with a focus on nutrition education. The lunchtime environment is designed to be bright and welcoming to support healthy eating habits.

Governance and Ownership
Dunecrest American School is established and operated by Esol Education, the world's largest operator of international American schools. The school is part of the Esol Education network, and its leadership operates the school to maintain high standards in line with MSA, CIS and IB accreditation principles.
Fees

Annual tuition at Dunecrest American School ranges from AED 41,500 to AED 90,050 for 2026/27.

Application / Testing Fee

- Application/testing fee: AED 500, payable when an offer of a space is made.

Registration Deposit (New Students)

- Pre-KG to KG2: AED 3,000.
- Grade 1 to Grade 12: AED 4,500.
- The registration deposit is applied to the first tuition payment and is non-refundable except where the family must relocate outside the Emirate of Dubai before the start of the academic year.

Tuition Fees (annual and per-term breakdown by grade)

- Pre-K: AED 41,500 per year. Term breakdown: Term 1 (40%) AED 16,600; Term 2 (30%) AED 12,450; Term 3 (30%) AED 12,450.
- KG1: AED 48,370 per year. Term breakdown: Term 1 (40%) AED 19,348; Term 2 (30%) AED 14,511; Term 3 (30%) AED 14,511.
- KG2: AED 52,700 per year. Term breakdown: Term 1 (40%) AED 21,080; Term 2 (30%) AED 15,810; Term 3 (30%) AED 15,810.
- Grade 1: AED 72,960 per year. Term breakdown: Term 1 (40%) AED 29,184; Term 2 (30%) AED 21,888; Term 3 (30%) AED 21,888.
- Grade 2: AED 72,960 per year. Term breakdown: Term 1 (40%) AED 29,184; Term 2 (30%) AED 21,888; Term 3 (30%) AED 21,888.
- Grade 3: AED 72,960 per year. Term breakdown: Term 1 (40%) AED 29,184; Term 2 (30%) AED 21,888; Term 3 (30%) AED 21,888.
- Grade 4: AED 72,960 per year. Term breakdown: Term 1 (40%) AED 29,184; Term 2 (30%) AED 21,888; Term 3 (30%) AED 21,888.
- Grade 5: AED 80,550 per year. Term breakdown: Term 1 (40%) AED 32,220; Term 2 (30%) AED 24,165; Term 3 (30%) AED 24,165.
- Grade 6: AED 80,550 per year. Term breakdown: Term 1 (40%) AED 32,220; Term 2 (30%) AED 24,165; Term 3 (30%) AED 24,165.
- Grade 7: AED 80,550 per year. Term breakdown: Term 1 (40%) AED 32,220; Term 2 (30%) AED 24,165; Term 3 (30%) AED 24,165.
- Grade 8: AED 80,550 per year. Term breakdown: Term 1 (40%) AED 32,220; Term 2 (30%) AED 24,165; Term 3 (30%) AED 24,165.
- Grade 9: AED 90,050 per year. Term breakdown: Term 1 (40%) AED 36,020; Term 2 (30%) AED 27,015; Term 3 (30%) AED 27,015.
- Grade 10: AED 90,050 per year. Term breakdown: Term 1 (40%) AED 36,020; Term 2 (30%) AED 27,015; Term 3 (30%) AED 27,015.
- Grade 11: AED 90,050 per year. Term breakdown: Term 1 (40%) AED 36,020; Term 2 (30%) AED 27,015; Term 3 (30%) AED 27,015.
- Grade 12: AED 90,050 per year. Term breakdown: Term 1 (40%) AED 36,020; Term 2 (30%) AED 27,015; Term 3 (30%) AED 27,015.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Annual tuition is split into three instalments: First payment 40% due by August 15; Second payment 30% due by December 15; Third payment 30% due by March 15. Each payment is due in full prior to the first teaching day of the term.
- New-student registration deposit must be paid within five days of the acceptance letter to secure the place; the deposit is applied to the first tuition instalment.
- Returning-student re-enrolment fee: 5% of the annual tuition fee to confirm a returning student's place.
- Parents are asked to make arrangements with the accounts department if full payment cannot be made before the start of a term. AED 250 will be charged for a dishonored check.

Boarding

- The school operates as a day school and does not provide boarding services; therefore there are no boarding fees.

Other costs and optional charges

- Transportation: School transportation is charged separately from tuition; transportation fees and registration are additional. Transportation fees are charged per term and remain payable for the full term even if transportation is withdrawn during that term.
- Cafeteria: Cafeteria services are not included in tuition and are charged separately.
- Uniforms: Uniforms are not included in tuition and are charged separately; a uniform price list is published.
- After-school programs and most extracurricular activities are included in tuition, but some optional activities or services may incur additional charges.
- Sibling discount: 20% discount is applied for the third child and any subsequent children from the same family.

Refund and withdrawal policy

- If a student withdraws during the academic year, tuition charges follow KHDA-compliant rules: if the student attended two weeks or less, a one-month fee is charged; if attendance is more than two weeks and up to one month, two months' fees are charged; if attendance exceeds one month, the full term's fee is charged. Transportation fees are charged for the full term if transport is cancelled during a term. The registration deposit is non-refundable except where the family is required to relocate outside the Emirate of Dubai before term start.

Fee payment options and banking details

- Accepted payment methods: cash, check (drawn in the name of Dunecrest American School L.L.C.), electronic bank transfer / direct deposit.
- Bank details for direct deposit / electronic transfer: Account Name: Dunecrest American School L.L.C; Bank Name: Standard Chartered Bank; Branch: Emaar Square; Account Number: 01-2389328-01; IBAN: AE51 0440 0000 0123 8932 801; SWIFT: SCBLAEAD. Parents are requested to email a scan or screenshot of the payment advice and reference number to accounts@dunecrest.ae once payment is complete. AED 250 fee for dishonored checks applies.
Academics

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

Curriculum
Dunecrest offers a K-12 American curriculum with the option to pursue the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in Grades 11–12. Early Childhood (Pre-KG, KG1, KG2) follows the Creative Curriculum®, a US-based framework, with the KG-12 program then aligned to AERO/Common Core Plus standards through Grade 10. From Grade 1 through Grade 10, the program uses AERO Plus Common Core Plus standards for Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies, with World Languages, Music and Art; Physical Education follows SHAPE, and technology follows ISTE standards. In Grades 11-12, students may follow the American High School Diploma pathway or the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. English is the primary language of instruction; additional languages include Arabic, with French and Spanish offered from Grade 4. The school is fully accredited by the Middle States Association and is an IB World School offering the IB Diploma Programme in Grades 11-12.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Dunecrest American School has a Wellbeing Policy that places student wellbeing at the center of its approach to learning. It implements a comprehensive counseling program offering individual and group counseling for students, staff, and parents, and provides professional development opportunities for staff on mental health and wellbeing. Social-emotional learning is promoted through established programs and workshops, and a peer support system helps students seek help from peers. Wellbeing is integrated into daily routines and timetables, including advisory/moral education and the Second Step Program alongside UAE Moral Education. Data on wellbeing are regularly collected and reviewed using the Komodo platform, student surveys with a wellbeing component, and targeted interventions based on results. The school also runs wellbeing awareness events and collaborates with mental health professionals outside the school to support students.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Dunecrest's Inclusion Program emphasizes inclusive mainstream education, with a philosophy that all students are valued and able to learn in integrated settings. The program uses data to plan and influence learning outcomes, with a focus on narrowing attainment gaps and providing support across the curriculum through collaboration with specialists. Categories of need recognised in practice include communication/interaction (e.g., Autistic spectrum conditions such as Autistic and Asperger's), and specific learning difficulties (e.g., dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia), among others; Additional Language Needs (ALN) are not included within Inclusion. There is an Inclusion Capacity limit of roughly 10% of each grade's cohort, determined by the number of qualified learning support teachers and available hours. The school is not a specialist SEN institution; Inclusion services are delivered within mainstream settings, with planning led by the Student Support Team and coordinated with the IB program when applicable.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Dunecrest provides an English Language Learners (ELL) program designed to support non-native English speakers as they acquire and refine the language skills necessary for academic success. The school describes its language policy as promoting inclusive education and multilingualism, with language diversity viewed as an instructional resource. ELL support is integrated to help students access the curriculum and participate fully in classes from Pre-KG through Grade 12. The program is positioned within the broader language and inclusion framework to facilitate continued language development alongside subject learning. The school explicitly states it admits students with varying language backgrounds and treats language diversity as a strength of the community.

Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing at Dunecrest is guided by the Wellbeing Policy, which outlines a focus on mental and emotional health through multiple channels. A comprehensive counseling program provides individualized support, and staff professional development enhances understanding of mental health and wellbeing. Social-emotional learning is reinforced through planned programs and workshops, alongside a peer support system to encourage help-seeking. Wellbeing initiatives include classroom-level supports via advisory sessions and the UAE Moral Education curriculum, as well as school-wide awareness events and wellness activities. The school uses data (including Komodo wellbeing data, PASS results, and wellbeing surveys) to identify needs and guide interventions, with involvement from school counselors and a wellbeing committee. External mental health professionals are engaged as needed to support the school community.

Safeguarding
Dunecrest maintains a Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy to ensure a child-safe environment for all students. Safeguarding aligns with UAE Federal Law No. 3 of 2016 (Wadeema's Law) and is designed to prevent abuse, neglect, exploitation, and harassment. The policy outlines protective aims to safeguard at-risk children and provide appropriate support to those involved in safeguarding situations. It establishes procedures for reporting concerns and responding to safeguarding issues in a timely and appropriate manner. The policy is part of the school's formal commitments to safeguarding across staff and students.
Parent Experience

History
Dunecrest American School opened in 2018 as ESOL Education's flagship school in Dubai. It is established and operated by ESOL Education, the world's largest operator of international American schools, with a network of sister campuses across the region. The eight-acre campus sits near Al Barari in Dubailand and was designed to support project-based, student-centered learning and wellbeing. Dunecrest offers a standards-based American curriculum with the option of the International Baccalaureate Diploma in Grades 11 and 12 and carries international accreditation aligned with ESOL's standards.

Community
Dunecrest presents itself as a village where teachers, parents, students and the wider community collaborate to foster wellbeing and belonging in a diverse international setting. The school emphasizes inclusion and global citizenship, with a calendar that includes whole-school celebrations and a wide range of student life activities. The campus supports a vibrant culture of communication through Student Life features such as Eagle Express and Get Social, and through regular community events. Parent involvement is organized through the Dunecrest Parent Association, which coordinates volunteers and partnerships to enrich school life.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
Dunecrest Parent Association (DPA) is the formal body for parent involvement at Dunecrest American School. Membership is open to staff and all parents/guardians of students, with one vote per membership; the Chairperson is elected annually to lead the association. The DPA operates under bylaws that cover the name, purpose, membership, fiscal year, and duties of officers, and the bylaws specify how meetings are conducted and how funds are managed. The school provides an initial fund to the DPA each year, and the DPA raises additional funds through activities to support school equipment, facilities, and enrichment experiences. The DPA coordinates a range of activities and celebrations, including Community Quiz Night, Prophet Mohamed's Birthday, UAE National Day, Halloween, Christmas, Ramadan campaigns, Mother's Day and Father's Day, and teacher appreciation events. For information about joining or volunteering, you can email dpa@dunecrest.ae.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The Dunecrest American School campus spans eight acres near Al Barari and Living Legends and is purpose-built for modern learning. Classrooms are naturally lit and open spaces support collaboration and project-based learning. The learning facilities include spacious classrooms, science and technology laboratories, and dedicated spaces for graphic arts, performing arts, and music. Two libraries serve Elementary through High School, complemented by a network of open workspaces and breakout rooms throughout the campus. Outdoor learning spaces, learning support rooms, and counseling areas complete the holistic learning environment.

Sports Facilities
Elementary students have three shaded playgrounds and a multi-purpose hall that also serves as a gym. Middle and High School students have dedicated playgrounds and a 1500-square-meter indoor gym for indoor games. A shaded swimming pool is available, and the soccer field is regulation size with a running track encircling it. The facilities are designed to support a broad range of physical activities and wellness programs across grade levels.

Academic Facilities
The campus includes spacious classrooms, science and technology laboratories, and specialized spaces for graphic arts, performing arts, and music. Open workspaces and breakout rooms are interwoven across the campus to support collaborative teaching and learning. Two libraries serve Elementary through High School. Outdoor learning spaces, learning support rooms, and counseling areas are available. Instructional technology is integrated throughout, with a high-speed network, devices in classrooms, and a 1:1 laptop program for Grades 6–12, with tablets used in Pre-K to Grade 5.

Extra Curricular Facilities
The campus provides dedicated spaces for graphic arts, performing arts, and music to support a wide range of creative extracurricular programs. The technology program supports engineering, design, coding, and robotics, enabling hands-on clubs and projects. The school offers a broad spectrum of clubs and activities, including robotics, coding, MUN, theatre, music, and more. More than 100 clubs and activities are available to students.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school offers STEM Club, Coding, and Robotics as Academic/Other ECAs. These activities extend learning beyond the classroom and develop problem-solving, collaboration, and technical skills. Not all clubs are offered each term.

Arts & Creative
The Fine Arts program provides visual arts in sketching, painting, printmaking, design, crafts and photography, beginning in Elementary School and continuing through High School. The Performing Arts Department offers opportunities in music, theater, and dance, emphasizing craft, discipline, teamwork, individuality, and performance. The program supports whole-school productions that integrate artistic disciplines.

Cultural & Language
Language Circles and Arabic Calligraphy are offered as after-school ECAs, and Quran Memorization is also available as an activity. These options support language learning, cultural appreciation and personal expression. They also foster cross-cultural awareness and international-mindedness.

Social & Hobbies
Mindfulness, Lego Club, Photography, and Chess are among the after-school clubs offered. These activities foster social interaction, teamwork, and the development of personal interests beyond academics. They provide opportunities for peer connections and personal growth.

Community & Service
Outreach and Service Learning fosters compassion through in-class and school-wide service initiatives. Week Without Walls provides service-learning trips abroad, led by student councils, and High School IB CAS hours can be completed through service.

Leadership & Professional
Yearbook and Debate are offered as extracurricular activities. Model United Nations provides opportunities to develop leadership, research, public speaking, and collaboration skills. These programs also involve roles in planning and coordinating school activities.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Athletics offers a broad sports program with activities such as swimming, soccer, basketball, volleyball, and badminton. Facilities include a regulation-sized soccer field, running track, indoor gym, and a swimming pool. After-school activities also include partnerships with external providers for additional fitness and sport options.
Languages

Language Provision
English is the primary language of instruction and communication. The Arabic program runs for Grades 1–12, and Arabic as a Foreign Language is offered for non-Arabic speakers. The school supports mother-tongue development and offers opportunities for mother-tongue literacy and after-school language activities. French and Spanish are offered from Grade 4 onwards, and IB Diploma Programme languages include English (Group 1) and Group 2 options: French B, French Ab Initio, Arabic A and B, Arabic Ab Initio, and Spanish B and Ab Initio.

Immersion Programs
Full immersion in English is used in Pre-KG and KG1. In Pre-KG and KG1, English development is supported through social interaction, play, and English-language instruction in homerooms. The school emphasizes language immersion across the curriculum to support socio-cultural and academic proficiency.
Reputation

Awards
null

Accreditations
Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA); Council of International Schools (CIS); International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) accreditation for the Diploma Programme.
Admissions

Admissions
Dunecrest American School offers education from Pre-KG to Grade 12 with a standards-based US curriculum and IB Diploma options in Grades 11 and 12. The admissions process starts with an online application (Apply Now) that takes about 2–3 minutes to complete. After submission, the admissions team aims to respond within 48 hours for completed applications. Applicants upload documents listed in the Documents Checklist, including the student's passport, report cards from the previous three years in English, and any available recent standardized test scores (MAP or CAT4). Upon acceptance, additional documents are required: birth certificate; parents' passports; student and parents' photos; the final report card; and UAE residency documents (Residence Visa and Emirates ID) for residents; if visa documents are not yet available, they may be submitted later but before the start of the school year. Admissions decisions are final and consider the student's ability to succeed in the programs, as well as social, emotional, and educational needs.
School Events
The school has not added events
Search for more schools
Search schools in United Arab Emirates View all schools in Dubai View all schools in United arab emirates IB curriculum schools in United Arab Emirates Open days & tours in Dubai What is the IB curriculum? View all schools Search all schools