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

Shining Star International School

United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi

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 8,630 - 16,930
Ages 4 - 18 years
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Indian Curriculum
Introduction

Shining Star International School is a private, co-educational CBSE-affiliated day school located in Shabiya 12, Musaffah, Abu Dhabi. It follows the Indian (CBSE) curriculum and offers education from kindergarten through Grade 12 (ages 4–18). Instruction is delivered in English; the school's curriculum documents list English as the core language and include Arabic and a choice of second languages (Hindi, French, Urdu, Malayalam, Tamil) as taught subjects. Notable facilities published by the school include a library, two computer laboratories, dedicated science and robotics laboratories, a multipurpose auditorium, an on-site cafeteria and a health clinic, together with GPS-tracked transport. The published curriculum emphasises 21st-century skills and technology (ISTE standards), STEM and robotics, a “farm in school” experiential element, and student-led programmes such as TED-Ed and Model United Nations alongside international projects on the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Musaffah, ME12, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

The Essentials

Shining Star International School has instruction in English.

Location
Shining Star International School is located in Musaffah, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, at Shabiya 12. The campus serves Abu Dhabi's expatriate and local communities and is accessible by multiple bus routes across the city; transport is GPS-tracked. Coordinates: 24.321046, 54.53379.

Stages
The school runs KG1 to Grade 12, with a Sixth Form for Grades 11–12.

Type
Private day school that follows the CBSE Indian curriculum.

Pupil Nationality Mix
SSIS hosts a diverse international student body. The exact number of represented nationalities is not published, but the school emphasises diversity and serves the expatriate community of Abu Dhabi.

Additional learning support
SSIS is inclusive and provides support for students of determination, including Individualized Educational Plans, learning support assistants, and extra academic support as needed; modifications to papers/exams are available.

Country affiliation
CBSE (India) affiliation; the school is fully accredited with CBSE and follows the Indian NCERT curriculum (CBSE affiliation No. 6630075).

Religious affiliation
There is an on-campus mosque and an in-house Imam to lead prayers for the Muslim community; no formal religious affiliation is stated.

School day structure
KG sessions run 7:30 AM–12:00 PM; Grades I–XII run 7:30 AM–2:00 PM; school days are Sunday to Thursday.

Bus service
School transport operates with GPS tracking; there are 30+ routes, and buses have GPS trackers and female attendants.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
Uniform is required for all students. The annual uniform fee varies by grade: 519 AED for KG1-KG2 and up to 880 AED for Grades 9-12, according to the 2025-2026 fee schedule.

Food Options
There is an on-site cafeteria that serves fresh, hygienic and nutritious food for students and staff. The cafeteria offers an assortment of cuisines at affordable prices.

Governance and Ownership
SSIS is governed by an executive leadership team led by the principal, with a chairperson (Sudha Gupta) noted in the site's governance materials. The school is CBSE-accredited, and there is no public indication that it is part of a larger school group.
Fees

Annual tuition at Shining Star International School ranges from AED 8,630 to AED 16,930 for 2026/27.

Application / registration fee

- A registration/application fee must be paid before an application is processed and before any assessment is scheduled.

Tuition fees — per grade (annual and term breakdown)

- KG1: Annual tuition AED 7,900 — Term 1 AED 2,370; Term 2 AED 2,370; Term 3 AED 3,160; Books AED 495; Yearly fee AED 8,791.
- KG2: Annual tuition AED 7,900 — Term 1 AED 2,370; Term 2 AED 2,370; Term 3 AED 3,160; Books AED 495; Yearly fee AED 8,791.
- Grade 1: Annual tuition AED 8,800 — Term 1 AED 2,640; Term 2 AED 2,640; Term 3 AED 3,520; Books AED 594; Yearly fee AED 9,818.
- Grade 2: Annual tuition AED 9,300 — Term 1 AED 2,790; Term 2 AED 2,790; Term 3 AED 3,720; Books AED 594; Yearly fee AED 10,318.
- Grade 3: Annual tuition AED 10,300 — Term 1 AED 3,090; Term 2 AED 3,090; Term 3 AED 4,120; Books AED 644; Yearly fee AED 11,368.
- Grade 4: Annual tuition AED 10,500 — Term 1 AED 3,150; Term 2 AED 3,150; Term 3 AED 4,200; Books AED 660; Yearly fee AED 11,584.
- Grade 5: Annual tuition AED 12,500 — Term 1 AED 3,750; Term 2 AED 3,750; Term 3 AED 5,000; Books AED 660; Yearly fee AED 13,584.
- Grade 6: Annual tuition AED 12,500 — Term 1 AED 3,750; Term 2 AED 3,750; Term 3 AED 5,000; Books AED 715; Yearly fee AED 13,639.
- Grade 7: Annual tuition AED 13,500 — Term 1 AED 4,050; Term 2 AED 4,050; Term 3 AED 5,400; Books AED 798; Yearly fee AED 14,733.
- Grade 8: Annual tuition AED 13,500 — Term 1 AED 4,050; Term 2 AED 4,050; Term 3 AED 5,400; Books AED 798; Yearly fee AED 14,733.
- Grade 9: Annual tuition AED 14,500 — Term 1 AED 4,350; Term 2 AED 4,350; Term 3 AED 5,800; Books AED 880; Yearly fee AED 15,815.
- Grade 10: Annual tuition AED 14,500 — Term 1 AED 4,350; Term 2 AED 4,350; Term 3 AED 5,800; Books AED 880; Yearly fee AED 15,815.
- Grade 11: Annual tuition AED 15,500 — Term 1 AED 4,650; Term 2 AED 4,650; Term 3 AED 6,200; Books AED 880; Yearly fee AED 16,815.
- Grade 12: Annual tuition AED 15,500 — Term 1 AED 4,650; Term 2 AED 4,650; Term 3 AED 6,200; Books AED 880; Yearly fee AED 16,815.

Transport and boarding fees

- School transport (bus) is published as AED 4,420 (single standard amount shown).
- Boarding / board fees are listed by grade for secondary levels: Grade IX AED 375; Grade X AED 750; Grade XI AED 375; Grade XII AED 900.

Other fees and one-off costs

- Uniform charges are shown per grade in the published fee schedule (examples: AED 519 for KG levels; AED 640–880 for higher grades) and are charged separately to tuition.
- Textbook / book charges are shown per grade (examples above under each grade).
- A yearly / miscellaneous fee is applied per student (figures shown under "Yearly fee" in the published schedule).

Discounts and fee reductions

- Sibling discounts: second child 7% and third (and subsequent) children 10% (published sibling discount scale is applied).
- A one-time annual payment discount is available (5%); combined one-time payment plus sibling discounts may increase the effective discount (published scheme). Additional referral and achievement discounts are published.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Fees are payable in a minimum of three equal instalments for the academic year. Parents may also make a one-time full payment.
- Accepted payment methods: cash, card (debit/credit; bank charges may apply) and cheque. When paying the first term by cash or card, parents are requested to submit post-dated cheques for the 2nd and 3rd terms; cheque payment requires three cheques. The school publishes standard cheque dates for term payments in its payment instructions.

Refund and cancellation policy (fees and items)

- The school may retain a portion of tuition where a student attends part of a term: examples in the published policy include retention ranges from the value of one month up to the full-term fee depending on the length of attendance within a term. Textbook and uniform fees that have not been used are refundable. Transportation fees are refunded on the same prorated basis as tuition. Registration or re-registration fees may be retained where a student attends part of the first week or does not show up without prior written notice.

Notes on payment handling

- Card payments are accepted but bank charges may apply. Cheques should be made payable to "Shining Star International School" and post-dated cheques are required for subsequent instalments when the first instalment is paid in cash or by card. Specific cheque dates and document requirements for cheque submission are included in the school's payment instructions.
Academics

Shining Star International School teaches Indian Curriculum for students aged 4 to 18.

Curriculum
Shining Star International School in Abu Dhabi follows the CBSE curriculum using NCERT textbooks, with the academic year running from April to March. Early Years (Kindergarten) emphasizes social-emotional development and language skills through Global Phonics and the RAZ A-Z program, with Arabic, Islamic studies and additional language options introduced in Term 3. The Primary program is CBSE-based, aligned with the National Curriculum Framework and NEP 2020, guided by the ADEK Student Competency Framework, and includes Global SDG projects, ISTE standards, a Farm in School curriculum, and second-language options (Hindi, French, Urdu, Malayalam, Tamil) along with Robotics and a TED-Ed Club from Grade 3. In Middle and Secondary, the curriculum continues under CBSE guidelines with ISTE standards and a focus on 21st-century skills, offering English, a second language, Arabic, Environment Studies, Mathematics, Moral Education, Islamic Studies or Moral Science, UAE Social Studies, Computer Science, Robotics, Global Citizenship, Art and Library. Senior Secondary follows CBSE at the senior level, based on the National Curriculum Framework-2005, with subjects including Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Business Studies, Accountancy, Economics, Informative Practices, English and Arabic as a second language, along with mock examinations and career/higher education guidance.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Shining Star International School follows ADEK's Well-Being Policy to support students' emotional, social, physical, and academic well-being. Counseling services are available to provide one‑to‑one and group support, and the school implements mindfulness and stress‑reduction programs to aid emotional regulation. Anti‑bullying initiatives, social skills workshops, and peer mentoring are in place to foster healthy peer relationships. A Well‑Being Committee oversees well‑being initiatives, with staff professional development on student well‑being and regular parental engagement to support well‑being at home and in school. The school emphasises a holistic approach to student wellbeing across these domains.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Shining Star International School is described as an inclusive school and provides SEN support within the mainstream setting. It offers Individualized Educational Plans (IEPs) for students of determination, extra academic support, and Learning Support Assistants to ensure safety and academic help. Modifications to classwork and exams, plus modified papers, are provided based on individual needs, with a Learning Support Team monitoring activities to ensure access to learning and extracurriculars. The Inclusion Policy defines accommodations and modifications to teaching and assessments, adaptive teaching, assistive technology, and a range of supports for Additional Learning Needs, including multilingual learners and twice‑exceptional students. In short, SSIS supports a spectrum of needs within a mainstream framework rather than being a specialist SEN institution.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Multilingual Learners are specifically recognised as students who are acquiring the language of instruction and require additional language support to access and attain with their peers. The Inclusion Policy outlines that accommodations and modifications to teaching and assessments, adaptive teaching, and assistive technologies are used to support these learners. The school's inclusion structure includes a Head of Inclusion, Inclusion Teachers, and an Inclusion Team to coordinate language and learning support, including documentation such as Learning Plans (IEP/ISP/ILP) where appropriate. The policy also emphasises Universal Design for Learning and equitable access to education for language learners within mainstream classrooms.

Mental Wellbeing
SSIS promotes mental wellbeing through its Well‑Being Policy, aligned with ADEK's framework, covering emotional, social, physical, and intellectual well‑being. It provides access to counselors for individual and group support and runs regular workshops on mental health, resilience, and emotional regulation. Physical and social wellbeing programs, including anti‑bullying campaigns and peer mentoring, are part of the school's well‑being initiatives. The Pastoral Care Policy emphasises PERMA‑influenced, relationship‑based approaches and mentoring to support students' welfare, with form tutors and counselors playing key roles in monitoring and supporting well‑being. Collaboration with external agencies is planned for specialist mental health support when needed.

Safeguarding
Shining Star International School has a Child Protection Policy and a Safeguarding Policy that underscore the welfare of children as paramount. A Child Protection Committee (CPC) is established to manage safeguarding with defined leadership levels and clear preventive, reporting, and responsive processes; staff are oriented on recognizing signs of abuse and must report concerns via designated channels. The policies set out awareness, prevention, reporting, and responding steps, including training, incident reporting procedures, and safeguarding in curriculum delivery. Recruitment and ongoing safeguarding practices include safe recruitment, supervision, and collaboration with external agencies (e.g., Child Protection Services, police, or ADEK) as required. The safeguarding framework is complemented by a separate Safeguarding Policy detailing procedures and compliance requirements.
Parent Experience

History
Shining Star International School was established in 2014 in Musaffah, Abu Dhabi. It is led by Chairperson Sudha Gupta. The school serves the local and international expatriate community and follows the CBSE curriculum. In 2024 SSIS celebrated a decade of operation and earned a Good rating from ADEK. By 2025 the school had grown to over 2,000 students.

Community
SSIS serves a diverse expatriate community in Abu Dhabi. A flash mob event was held at Dalma Mall Abu Dhabi to express gratitude to UAE leadership and promote peace, tolerance and coexistence among residents. Open houses and other community engagements are held regularly to involve parents. The school emphasizes SDG-aligned initiatives and global partnerships as part of its community engagement.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
SSIS maintains an active PTA that conducts regular meetings and open houses to encourage parental involvement. Parents are described as an integral part of the school's teaching methodology, with ongoing updates provided through a digital campus. The PTA supports groups and activities such as the Duke of Edinburgh Program, First Responders, Toastmasters and Gavel Clubs. There are partnerships and outreach efforts coordinated by the PTA, including collaborations with schools in Africa and the USA. Regular events and volunteer opportunities are organized through the PTA to support student learning and community engagement.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Shining Star International School sits on a 10-acre campus comprising the original school block and a newer building that houses science and computer labs. The grounds include running tracks, football grounds, cricket pitches, and courts for badminton and basketball. The library holds 24,000+ books and magazines to support study and reading. An 800-seat multipurpose auditorium serves as a venue for events and indoor sports. The campus also includes a kitchen garden, greenhouse, medicinal herb garden, and a vegetable garden, and there is an on-site health clinic and a mosque with an in-house imam.

Sports Facilities
Sports facilities include astro turf running tracks, volleyball, football and badminton courts, and a cricket pitch. Outdoor spaces also feature a greenhouse, kitchen garden, medicinal herb garden, and a vegetable garden that support additional learning experiences.

Academic Facilities
Technology-integrated classrooms number 72 and are equipped with the latest OHPs and smart boards. Computer labs with high-speed internet support IT-enabled learning across grade levels. The school provides biology, chemistry and math laboratories for hands-on experiments. A robotics laboratory offers building and programming experiences. The library is a purpose-built space with 24,000+ books for research and study.

Extra Curricular Facilities
An 800+ seat multipurpose auditorium is used for workshops, events, and indoor sports. There is an on-site cafeteria serving fresh, hygienic, and nutritious food. The health clinic is staffed by a qualified nurse for medical needs during school hours. The campus also includes a mosque with an in-house imam for the Muslim community.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
SSIS focuses on academics, robotics, sports, and arts & crafts. Students gain hands-on experience in robotics through a Robotics Lab that develops technical, logical, and AI skills. Technology-integrated classrooms and computer and science laboratories support STEM learning. A massive library with over 24,000 books supports independent study and research.

Arts & Creative
Multipurpose Auditorium is available for performances, workshops, and events. Arts and crafts are among SSIS's focus areas. The School Song expresses creativity and teamwork, reflecting a culture of artistic and collaborative activity.

Cultural & Language
SSIS serves the expatriate community in Abu Dhabi and follows the CBSE curriculum. Student Council includes Cultural Secretary roles for both girls and boys. The school welcomes students from all cultural backgrounds.

Social & Hobbies
SSIS offers extracurricular activities through the Student Council and climate action projects. The Student Council includes leadership roles such as Head Boy/Girl, Deputy Head Boy/Girl, and House Captains. Cultural Secretary roles are part of the Student Council. The school participates in community events, such as flash mobs.

Community & Service
SSIS engages with the wider Abu Dhabi community through events, including flash mobs at public venues. The principal is an SDG ambassador and the school is SDG-aligned. The school welcomes students from all cultural backgrounds.

Leadership & Professional
Student leadership opportunities exist through the Student Council, with positions such as Head Boy/Girl, Deputy Head Boy/Girl, and House Captains. The principal serves as an SDG ambassador. Senior leadership roles include House Captains and Senior Prefects within the student body.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The school has an in-house clinic with a HAAD-qualified nurse available during school hours. Sports facilities include astro turf running tracks, volleyball, football and badminton courts, and a cricket pitch. The grounds feature a greenhouse, kitchen garden, medicinal herb, and a vegetable garden. Transport is equipped with GPS tracking.
Languages

Language Provision
English is taught as a core subject within the CBSE curriculum. Second languages offered include Hindi, French, Urdu, Tamil, and Malayalam. Arabic is taught as a subject. The Early Years program develops language and communication skills through Global Phonics and speaking platforms.
Admissions

Admissions
The school is currently accepting applications for the 2026–2027 academic year. Pre-admission procedure: Parents can complete the online registration form for 2026–2027, ensuring that all requested details are completely filled out; an auto generated email is sent once the application is received by the school. Checklist for Admission: A list of documents required during admission is provided. Post-Admission procedure: After the admission has been processed, an admission slip containing the Admission reference No with the Class & Division will be handed over to the parent. Apply for Admission: The school provides an 'Apply for Admission' option and a 'Register Now' button for online enrollment. Open Days: Open Days are held for prospective parents and students from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM every Thursday and Saturday (excluding public and school holidays); to schedule a visit, click 'Book a Visit'. Online Enrolment: Online enrolment is available at ssis.ethdigitalcampus.com.
School Events
The school has not added events
Compare Shining Star International School with
vs GEMS United Indian School Abu Dhabi vs International Indian School Abu Dhabi vs Bright Riders School Abu Dhabi
Search for more schools
Search schools in United Arab Emirates View all schools in Abu Dhabi View all schools in United arab emirates Open days & tours in Abu Dhabi View all schools Search all schools