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Swiss International Scientific School Dubai

United Arab Emirates, Dubai

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English, French, German
Fees AED 68,868 - 114,268
Ages 3 - 18 years
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Swiss Curriculum, IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)
Introduction

Swiss International Scientific School Dubai (SISD) is an international day and boarding school located in Dubai Healthcare City Phase 2, Al Jaddaf, Dubai. The school delivers the International Baccalaureate continuum — Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP) — alongside the IB Career‑related Programme and BTEC options for students aged 3 to 18; boarding is offered from age 11 to 18. Instruction is founded in English with fully bilingual pathways in English–French and English–German: Early Years and Primary follow English, English–French or English–German streams, while Middle and Secondary students may choose language pathways on a subject‑by‑subject basis, taught by native speakers. The campus includes a 50‑metre Olympic swimming pool, a 400‑metre athletics track, a natural‑grass football pitch, a 600‑seat auditorium, ten science/STEAM laboratories, design and innovation studios, fitness suites and en‑suite boarding accommodation. Distinctive features noted by the school are its Swiss‑inspired bilingual model, a sustainability focus (built to Minergie standards) and external partnerships such as collaboration with MIT for STEAM learning.

Dubai Healthcare City Phase 2, Al Jaddaf, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The Essentials

Swiss International Scientific School Dubai has instruction in English, French, German.

Location

The SISD campus is located in Dubai Healthcare City Phase 2, Al Jaddaf, Dubai. It sits adjacent to Dubai Creek and is near the Creek Metro Station, opposite Festival City. Address: Dubai Healthcare City, Phase 2, Al Jaddaf, Dubai, PO Box 505002 UAE.

Stages

SISD is an all-through day and boarding private school for students aged 3 to 18, providing the IB continuum from Pre-KG through DP/CP. Early Years serves ages 3 to 6, with primary and secondary offerings aligned to the IB framework.

Type

The school is co-educational and offers both day schooling and boarding. Boarding houses are available for students aged 11–17, with full-time, weekly, and flexi-boarding options.

Pupil Nationality Mix

The school represents more than 100 nationalities; the majority of families come from Europe and the United States. The exact local to international student ratio is not published.

Additional learning support

SISD is an inclusive school that welcomes students with a range of learning needs. The Inclusion team oversees provisions, with tailored adjustments to teaching strategies and accommodations for students of determination.

Country affiliation

SISD has Swiss heritage and follows Swiss-inspired education within an international IB framework.

Religious affiliation

There is no formal religious affiliation listed for SISD.

School day structure

The school day runs from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday.

Bus service

SISD contracts Maverick Passenger Transport LLC to operate its school bus service. Buses meet RTA standards, with qualified attendants and drivers; travel time is capped at one hour; a three-check security system is in place after each run. For bus queries, contact transportsisd@maverickrental.com.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements

Boarding is available for students aged 11 to 18 (Grades 6-12). There are three options: full boarding, weekly boarding, and flexi boarding. Boarding houses are on campus and provide en-suite bedrooms with pantries on each floor; older boarders may access a cooker and laundry facilities. The program includes on-site pastoral care and structured evening and weekend activities.

Uniform Requirement

SISD uses a formal uniform. Uniforms are available for purchase at Zaks Uniform Store on Jumeirah Beach Road and must be worn on campus and for off-campus representation unless permission is granted. For Grades 11 and 12, business attire replaces the standard uniform.

Food Options

Meals are prepared by the on-site caterer Swiss Canonica. Students use canteen cards to receive lunches, with meal orders placed via the SPARE app and term meal plans available; dietary needs can be accommodated.

House System

Every student is a member of SISD's Houses, which cultivate community spirit across the age groups. The page does not specify details on house-specific activities or competitions.

Governance and Ownership

SISD Dubai is part of Nord Anglia Education; it joined Nord Anglia Education on July 6, 2023. The school operates within the Nord Anglia Education network of premium international schools.
Fees

Annual tuition at Swiss International Scientific School Dubai ranges from AED 68,868 to AED 114,268 for 2026/27.

Application and Assessment Fees
- Application / assessment fee: AED 525 (inclusive of VAT), payable at the time of assessment.
- Deductible registration fee (non-refundable; deducted from the total tuition fee for the academic year once paid):
- Pre-KG: AED 6,240.
- KG1 - KG2: AED 6,950.
- Grades 1–4: AED 8,000.
- Grade 5: AED 8,250.
- Grades 6–8: AED 8,800.
- Grades 9–10: AED 9,500.
- Grades 11–12: AED 9,900.

Tuition Fees — Day School (annual and per-term amounts)
- All amounts stated in AED. Semester billing is 50% / 50% of the annual tuition (Semester 1 payment = 50% of annual fee; Semester 2 payment = 50% of annual fee). The per-term amounts below reflect that 50% split.

International Baccalaureate (Bilingual) — Fees payable (annual) and per term:
- Pre-KG: Annual AED 68,868 — Per term AED 34,434.
- KG1: Annual AED 76,903 — Per term AED 38,451.50.
- KG2: Annual AED 76,903 — Per term AED 38,451.50.
- Grade 1: Annual AED 91,823 — Per term AED 45,911.50.
- Grade 2: Annual AED 91,823 — Per term AED 45,911.50.
- Grade 3: Annual AED 91,823 — Per term AED 45,911.50.
- Grade 4: Annual AED 91,823 — Per term AED 45,911.50.
- Grade 5: Annual AED 94,692 — Per term AED 47,346.
- Grade 6: Annual AED 100,976 — Per term AED 50,488.
- Grade 7: Annual AED 100,976 — Per term AED 50,488.
- Grade 8: Annual AED 100,976 — Per term AED 50,488.
- Grade 9: Annual AED 109,205 — Per term AED 54,602.50.
- Grade 10: Annual AED 109,205 — Per term AED 54,602.50.
- Grade 11: Annual AED 114,268 — Per term AED 57,134.
- Grade 12: Annual AED 114,268 — Per term AED 57,134.

International Baccalaureate (English+) — Fees payable (annual) and per term:
- Pre-KG: Annual AED 60,834 — Per term AED 30,417.
- KG1: Annual AED 67,579 — Per term AED 33,789.50.
- KG2: Annual AED 67,579 — Per term AED 33,789.50.
- Grade 1: Annual AED 78,111 — Per term AED 39,055.50.
- Grade 2: Annual AED 78,111 — Per term AED 39,055.50.
- Grade 3: Annual AED 78,111 — Per term AED 39,055.50.
- Grade 4: Annual AED 78,111 — Per term AED 39,055.50.
- Grade 5: Annual AED 80,477 — Per term AED 40,238.50.
- Grade 6: Annual AED 100,976 — Per term AED 50,488.
- Grade 7: Annual AED 100,976 — Per term AED 50,488.
- Grade 8: Annual AED 100,976 — Per term AED 50,488.
- Grade 9: Annual AED 109,205 — Per term AED 54,602.50.
- Grade 10: Annual AED 109,205 — Per term AED 54,602.50.
- Grade 11: Annual AED 114,268 — Per term AED 57,134.
- Grade 12: Annual AED 114,268 — Per term AED 57,134.

Billing Schedule and Payment Terms
- Registration fee is payable within 5 days of acceptance; payment of the registration fee and the signed offer reserves the student's place. The registration fee is non-refundable and is deducted from the total tuition fee for the academic year.
- Semester payment structure: Semester 1 — 50% of annual tuition; Semester 2 — 50% of annual tuition. Specific deadline dates published for the academic year include: Semester 1 due 18 August 2025 and Semester 2 due 31 January 2026. Re-enrolment fee date and upfront payment discount deadlines are published for the academic year as well.
- Upfront payment discount: 5% discount on annual fees if the full annual tuition is paid in advance by the published deadline for the academic year.

Boarding Fees and Terms (Full, Weekly, Flexi)
- Full boarding — annual total fees by grade (amounts shown in AED; USD equivalents are published):
- Grades 6–8: AED 237,475 (USD equivalent published).
- Grades 9–10: AED 245,705 (USD equivalent published).
- Grades 11–12: AED 254,968 (USD equivalent published).
- Weekly boarding — annual total fees by grade (amounts shown in AED; USD equivalents are published):
- Grades 6–8: AED 198,625 (USD equivalent published).
- Grades 9–10: AED 208,955 (USD equivalent published).
- Grades 11–12: AED 216,118 (USD equivalent published).
- Flexi boarding: AED 2,500 per 6-night stay; AED 525 (inclusive of VAT) per additional night. Flexi boarding fees cover meals, accommodation, structured homework sessions and evening boarding activities for the nights covered.
- Boarding registration and additional payments: A non-refundable boarding registration payment is required (published amount shown as AED 50,000 equivalent). A deposit of USD 2,725 (AED 10,000) is charged at the start of the semester to fund compulsory external activities and extra weekend activities; any remaining balance of that deposit is refunded at the end of Semester 2. Medical insurance and other specified charges are billed at the start of the semester. Boarding fees are inclusive of the applicable VAT on boarding components.
- Boarding fees include accommodation, meals and snacks, a set number of internal after-school activities, evening activity programmes, books/exam fees (as published per boarding package), student visa where applicable, laundry service (details vary by year group), and use of school facilities. Boarding fees do not include optional social trips, additional uniforms, whole-school trips, personal items, private lessons, stationery/laptop/class materials, ESL/EAL classes, and certain insurance items.

Other Costs and Optional Charges
- Tuition fees generally include books, additional Early Years childcare when available, and internal after-school activities when available. Tuition fees explicitly exclude school trips, transportation, school uniform, food & beverage (where applicable), external after-school activities, and IB/BTEC registration fees.
- Optional charges: school trips, optional social trips for boarders, external after-school activity fees, additional uniforms, private learning (tutoring, music, sports) and personal items are charged separately. Medical insurance for boarders and any other semester-start charges are billed in addition to published tuition/boarding fees. A boarding deposit is charged and partially refundable as noted above.

Refund Information
- The registration fee paid to reserve a place is non-refundable but is deductible from the total annual tuition fee.
- Boarding deposit: the portion of the boarding deposit that remains after funding compulsory external activities and weekend activities is refundable at the end of Semester 2. Other published refund or cancellation terms are set out in the school's terms and conditions and in the KHDA School Fee Fact Sheet referenced by the school.

Fee Payment Options and Payment Allocation
- Recommended payment method: Zenda mobile app (school code SISD) for quick payments. Instructions for setup and one-time verification are provided.
- Alternative payment methods: Bank transfer (bank details are supplied on the invoice); card or cash payments can be accepted at the school payment counter. For bank transfers, payment confirmation should be emailed to accounting@sisd.ae with the child's full name, student ID or invoice number to ensure correct allocation.

Notes
- Sibling discounts are available and applied successively according to the published scale.
- Specific payment dates and deadlines, full terms and conditions, and the KHDA School Fee Fact Sheet are provided by the school as part of the published fee documentation.
Academics

Swiss International Scientific School Dubai teaches Swiss Curriculum, IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP) for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum

Swiss International Scientific School Dubai delivers the International Baccalaureate continuum from early years to post-16, offering PYP, MYP, DP, and CP within a bilingual, Swiss-inspired framework. The Primary Years Programme (Grade 1–5, ages 3–12) is delivered through a bilingual two-stream model (English–French or English–German) with an IB STEAM option, Arabic and additional language study, and culminates in the Grade 5 PYP Exhibition. In the Middle Years Programme (Grades 6–10, ages 11–16), the school offers four language pathways—English–French, English–German, English-language, and a Pre-Swiss Matura route for Grades 6–8—and includes Arabic, with Community Project (Grade 9) and Personal Project (Grade 10) as part of the IB framework. The Diploma Programme (Grades 11–12, ages 16–18) provides the IBDP with six subject groups (Language and Literature, Language Acquisition, Individuals and Societies, Sciences, Mathematics, Creative Arts), three HL and three SL courses, plus TOK, the Extended Essay, and CAS; bilingual or advanced bilingual Diploma options are available. The Career-related Programme (CP) is offered as an alternative pathway for ages 16–19, combining diploma-level subjects with a career-focused component. SISD emphasizes multilingual, all-through IB learning in a Swiss-inspired environment with language offerings in English, French, German, and Arabic, and operates as a day and boarding campus.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

Swiss International Scientific School Dubai integrates Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) through a holistic wellbeing framework with student welfare at its core. The school provides experienced school counsellors, mentors, medical professionals, and teachers who deliver pastoral support across all phases. Wellbeing education emphasizes mental health awareness and ongoing support for every student. Student Wellbeing Councils empower student leaders to plan wellbeing activities and campaigns, including Mindful October and Wellness Wednesdays. Weekly wellbeing surveys help staff tailor support and monitor students' wellbeing.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

Swiss International Scientific School Dubai describes itself as inclusive, welcoming students of determination and those with special educational needs and disabilities. The Inclusion page states SISD provides access to appropriate provisions, resources and curricular options, and that staff build quality relationships to support learning needs. The Inclusion Vision emphasizes educating all students, including those with SEND, in a common learning environment. SISD welcomes a wide variety of learning preferences and adjusts teaching strategies and accommodations to meet diverse needs. The Inclusion policy is published with related guidance to outline provision delivery and parent consultation, and aligns with local policy frameworks such as the Dubai Inclusive Education Policy Framework.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

Qualified English, French and German language specialists provide EAL, FAL and GAL support from KG1 to Grade 9 to help learners access the curriculum when language barriers exist. Automatic enrollment for non-native speakers is offered at admission for declared beginners, with ongoing enrollment possible during the year upon referral. In Primary, language support uses pull-out and push-in formats, with English, French and German support across bilingual streams in Grades 1–5 and English support in the IB pathway; in Secondary, EAL programs continue within bilingual IB pathways or as English EAL programs. Language progress is tracked using CERFL descriptors, with progress monitored and updated through passports and six-weekly reports. The Arabic department offers Arabic A and Arabic B support from Grade 1 to Grade 9, including extra support for learners with no prior Arabic knowledge.

Mental Wellbeing

Wellbeing is a central priority at SISD, with a focus on mental health awareness, wellbeing education, and ongoing support for all students. A team of experienced school counsellors, mentors, medical professionals, and teachers provides pastoral support across all phases. Student Wellbeing Councils empower student leaders to implement wellbeing programs such as Mindful October and Wellness Wednesdays. Weekly wellbeing surveys enable staff to check in with students and tailor support accordingly. Dubai 30x30 and other whole-school wellbeing initiatives are part of SISD's broader mental wellbeing strategy.

Safeguarding

SISD has a Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy with zero tolerance for child abuse and robust systems for identifying and reporting safeguarding concerns. The policy sets out the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child framework, UAE context, and clear procedures for safeguarding and reporting concerns. Responsibilities for safeguarding include a Designated Safeguarding Lead (and deputies), safeguarding training for staff, and a requirement to follow safeguarding policies and to log concerns. CPOMS is used to maintain safeguarding records and coordinate disclosures and reminders. The policy covers safeguarding during trips and for visitors and includes Safer Recruitment procedures and linked safeguarding policies.
Parent Experience

History

Swiss International School Dubai (SISD) was founded in 2015 by Omar Danial, a Swiss entrepreneur who envisioned a Swiss-style bilingual school in Dubai. It opened with about 250 students and has since grown into a sizeable K-12 day and boarding institution. SISD remains under the patronage of the bilingual Swiss Canton of Valais, which provides advisory input and cultural ties to help maintain Swiss standards. The Dubai Healthcare City, Phase 2 campus spans roughly 70,000 square metres and offers extensive facilities for day students and boarders. In 2023, SISD joined Nord Anglia Education, becoming the second Nord Anglia school in Dubai and reinforcing its status as the largest Swiss school outside Switzerland.

Community

The SISD community is international, with more than 2,500 learners from over 100 nationalities. It engages in global citizenship and service initiatives through partnerships with UNICEF and school‑level activities such as Model United Nations, fostering diplomacy and awareness of international issues. The school's social‑purpose activity, under the #SISDGivesBack umbrella, includes events like World Animal Day, Pink October, Jeans for Genes Day, and International Food Day, along with sustainability and health initiatives. Community life is supported by events that invite family participation, performance showcases, and parent involvement as part of a connected, inclusive school culture.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

The SISD Parents Association (PA) is the formal body representing SISD parents and is led by an Executive Committee, operating under an official Terms of Reference that governs its membership and processes in alignment with SISD policies. The PA maintains published information on its structure and elections, including an election list for committees. It actively organises events to foster a sense of community—such as National Day celebrations and new parent socials—and invites parents to attend school celebrations, musical performances, and regular coffee mornings. The PA also supports school initiatives and fundraising activities, aligning with SISD's BEST values and serving as a bridge between families and staff.
Facilities

Facilities Overview

The Swiss International Scientific School Dubai campus spans about 70,000 square metres and is designed to support future-ready learning. It features a 50-metre Olympic swimming pool with an Early Years pool, a 400-metre athletics track, a natural grass football pitch, multiple basketball, tennis and beach volleyball courts, and a multi-use sports hall. Creative and performing arts spaces include a 600-seat auditorium, soundproof music suites, drama rehearsal rooms, and dance studios, along with art spaces. Academic facilities include ten science and innovation labs, science and technology hubs, STEAM labs, and Design & Innovation Studios with university-grade instruments and EdTech resources. The library offers cosy reading corners, extensive outdoor learning areas, and an on-site dining room within Minergie-certified, sustainability-focused design.

Sports Facilities

The campus offers a 50-metre Olympic-sized swimming pool and an Early Years pool, a natural grass football pitch, a 400-metre track, and courts for basketball, tennis and beach volleyball. A multi-use sports hall and a Technogym cardio suite support indoor training and fitness. Coaching staff provide sport-specific guidance for students at varying levels.

Academic Facilities

Ten fully equipped science labs and science and technology hubs support enquiry-based learning and future-ready skill development. STEAM labs and Design & Innovation Studios provide spaces for engineering, coding, and product design. High-tech innovation labs and extensive EdTech resources enable digital learning and maker-style projects. A well-stocked library with cosy reading corners supports literacy and independent study.

Extra Curricular Facilities

The school offers a broad After School Activities (ASA) programme and clubs, including origami, mindfulness, music performance, robotics, and photography. External activities include a simulator pilot programme, coding, ballet, and musical theatre. Boarding facilities on campus provide ensuite rooms, 24/7 care, and dedicated study lounges. On-site dining and library spaces support student life.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

An internal after-school activities (ASA) programme offers a wide range of intellectual opportunities, including robotics. External activities include coding and a simulator pilot programme, along with a career coaching workshop. A collaboration with MIT broadens STEAM experiences for SISD students. These activities complement the IB programmes and bilingual pathways.

Arts & Creative

Arts and creative opportunities are available through the ASA, including clubs in music performance and photography. External activities extend arts offerings to ballet and musical theatre. The campus features a 600-seat auditorium to support performing arts.

Social & Hobbies

An internal after-school activities programme offers a variety of social and hobby clubs, including origami, mindfulness, music, robotics, and photography. These clubs provide opportunities for peer interaction and personal interests to develop after the school day ends. External activities extend these experiences with coding, ballet, and musical theatre.

Community & Service

Service trips to Thailand and Borneo give Secondary students the chance to make a difference and develop a global perspective. These trips form part of SISD's experiential learning approach beyond the classroom.

Leadership & Professional

A career coaching workshop is offered as part of the external activities programme. These experiences support the development of leadership and professional skills for future study and careers.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Sport is a core part of life at SISD, with programmes such as Speedo Swim Academy and Athletics Academy for gifted athletes, plus padel tennis, recreational water polo, and beach volleyball clubs. Mindfulness is among the ASA clubs, and SISD's sports teams are guided by experienced coaches who compete nationally and internationally.
Languages

Language Provision

Languages offered for instruction include English, French, and German. Arabic is part of the multilingual environment. In Early Years, two bilingual streams provide English with French or German; in Middle and Secondary, language for each subject can be chosen with yearly changes.

Bilingual Teaching

The school offers two bilingual streams in Early Years: English–French and English–German. In the IB continuum, immersive bilingual pathways allow learning in French and English, German and English, or English. Learners have authentic exposure to English, French, German, and Arabic. Learning is organised to emphasize language integration rather than isolated language study.

Immersion Programs

Early Years and Primary provide immersive bilingual learning in English–French or English–German. In Middle and Secondary, the bilingual environment remains integral as students study across language streams. The school integrates language development across the curriculum, supporting multilingualism.
Reputation

Accreditations

IB World School; KHDA-aligned; part of Nord Anglia Education
Admissions

Admissions

The Swiss International School Dubai (SISD) is a day and boarding school in Dubai and is part of the Nord Anglia Education family.

Scholarships

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School Events
The school has not added events