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The Philippine School Abu Dhabi

United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi

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The school at a glance
Fees Fees not listed
Ages Not listed
Pupil numbers 589
Type Co-educational
Opened 2014
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Bespoke Curriculum
Taught languages Filipino, English, Arabic
Typical class size 30
Strengths Languages, Visual and Creative Arts, Academic Enrichment
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Community and Service
Stages Kindergarten, Primary School, Middle School, Secondary School, Senior Secondary School
Introduction

The Philippine School – Abu Dhabi is a K–12 school located in Baniyas East 7, Abu Dhabi. It offers a bespoke Philippine DepEd curriculum for K–12 with Filipino and English as languages of instruction; Arabic is available for Non‑Arabs and Islamic Education is provided for Muslim students in place of Values Education. It also incorporates UAE requirements (Arabic, Moral Education, UAE Social Studies) alongside DepEd Matatag standards for English, Math, and Science. TPS uses Curriculum Packs with I Can statements, weekly plans, assessments, worksheets, and student journals to foster breadth, balance, differentiation, and progression, with emphasis on critical thinking through open-ended questions, projects, and problem solving. ADEK accreditation and permits were issued in 2016–2017. Distinctive features include participation in international competitions such as World Scholars Cup, Painting Wizard in the UAE, and Canvas Painting, and a guidance program with career events including Najah Abu Dhabi Career Fair and Career Day.

Baniyas East 7, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

The Essentials

The Philippine School Abu Dhabi has 589 pupils, typical class sizes of 30.

Location

Baniyas East 7, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Stages

Kindergarten to Grade 12 (Phase 1 KG 1 and KG 2; Phase 2 Grades 1–6; Phase 3 Grades 7–10; Phase 4 Grades 11–12).

Type

Coeducational.

Pupil Nationality Mix

The student body is composed entirely of Filipino learners with diverse backgrounds.

Additional learning support

Additional Learning Needs policy exists with English version and provisions for ALN.

Country affiliation

Philippines.

Religious affiliation

Islamic Education is offered for Muslim students (in place of Values Education).
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement

The school has a uniform for Kindergarten through Senior High. Hair guidelines prohibit undercut and spiked hairstyles for boys; girls' hair should be clipped or tied; accessories should not draw undue attention; colored hair and highlights are not allowed; wearing an improper or incomplete uniform is a minor offense.

Food Options

Lunches and snacks must be brought from home; a color-coding system classifies foods as Red (not allowed), Amber (limited), and Green (encouraged); a refillable water bottle is required; microwaves are not available in classrooms; the policy promotes healthy and sustainable food practices and adherence to ADEK guidelines.

Governance and Ownership

The Philippine School – Abu Dhabi operates under its School Management and holds a permit from the Philippine Department of Education and accreditation and a license from Abu Dhabi's Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK).
Fees
Application / registration fees

- Registration or application fees: no fixed registration/application amount is published. When registration fees are charged they must be deductible from the annual tuition and may not exceed 5% of the annual tuition.

Tuition, transport, book and uniform fees (annual) by year group

- KG 1 — Tuition: AED 6,900; Bus: AED 4,950; Books: AED 440; Uniform: AED 170.
- KG 2 — Tuition: AED 6,900; Bus: AED 4,950; Books: AED 535; Uniform: AED 170.
- Grade 1 — Tuition: AED 6,900; Bus: AED 4,950; Books: AED 875; Uniform: AED 170.
- Grade 2 — Tuition: AED 6,900; Bus: AED 4,950; Books: AED 875; Uniform: AED 170.
- Grade 3 — Tuition: AED 6,980; Bus: AED 4,950; Books: AED 875; Uniform: AED 170. (Standardized assessment fee is included in the tuition for Grades 3–9.)
- Grade 4 — Tuition: AED 7,090; Bus: AED 4,950; Books: AED 865; Uniform: AED 170.
- Grade 5 — Tuition: AED 7,090; Bus: AED 4,950; Books: AED 865; Uniform: AED 170.
- Grade 6 — Tuition: AED 7,090; Bus: AED 4,950; Books: AED 865; Uniform: AED 170.
- Grade 7 — Tuition: AED 7,200; Bus: AED 4,950; Books: AED 840; Uniform: AED 170.
- Grade 8 — Tuition: AED 7,200; Bus: AED 4,950; Books: AED 840; Uniform: AED 170.
- Grade 9 — Tuition: AED 7,200; Bus: AED 4,950; Books: AED 840; Uniform: AED 170. (Standardized assessment fee included for Grades 3–9.)
- Grade 10 — Tuition: AED 7,120; Bus: AED 4,950; Books: AED 840; Uniform: AED 170.
- Grade 11 — Tuition: AED 7,120; Bus: AED 4,950; Books: AED 1,965; Uniform: AED 170.
- Grade 12 — Tuition: AED 7,120; Bus: AED 4,950; Books: AED 1,860; Uniform: AED 170.

Per-term billing and payment terms

- Billing schedule: fees are collected in a minimum of three installments (three payments per academic year minimum).
- Per-term (approximate) tuition installment if split equally into three payments (annual tuition ÷ 3):
- KG1–KG2–Grade1–Grade2: approx. AED 2,300 per installment.
- Grade 3: approx. AED 2,327 per installment.
- Grades 4–6: approx. AED 2,363 per installment.
- Grades 7–9: approx. AED 2,400 per installment.
- Grades 10–12: approx. AED 2,373 per installment.
(The school is required to offer at least three installments; installment timing and exact breakdown are administered by the school. )

Transport (bus) payment terms

- Bus fee: AED 4,950 per year for all grades that use the service. The bus fee is fixed and payable in advance either yearly or quarterly; in case of cancellation the fee is payable in full.

Boarding fees

- Boarding: not applicable. The school operates as a day school and provides bus transport; there are no boarding or residential fees published.

Other costs and optional fees

- Books: variable by grade (see the per-grade book amounts listed above).
- Uniform: AED 170 (single published uniform charge).
- Extracurricular activities: some activities may be fee-based; such activity charges must be ADEK-approved and reasonable.
- Standardized assessment fee: included in the tuition for Grades 3 to 9.

Refunds and deposits

- Registration fees (when charged) must be deductible from annual tuition and cannot exceed 5% of the annual tuition. The school is prohibited from receiving an enrolment financial guarantee or deposit from guardians to secure enrolment. Refunds and any deposit rules are governed by ADEK regulations.

Payment methods and practical notes

- The school's published documents specify that the bus fee must be paid in cash when required and may be paid yearly or quarterly; no other specific universal payment methods (credit card, bank transfer) are detailed in the published fee schedule or student handbook.

Effective academic year

- The fee levels above are the ADEK‑approved schedule for Academic Year 2025–2026 and are operative until superseded by a later ADEK approval.
Academics

The Philippine School Abu Dhabi teaches Bespoke Curriculum.

Curriculum

The Philippine School – Abu Dhabi follows the Philippine Department of Education (DepEd) curriculum for K-12, including all fifteen core subjects and sixteen track subjects for Senior High School. Languages of instruction include Filipino and English; Arabic for Non-Arabs is offered, and Islamic Education is provided for Muslim students in place of Values Education; Moral Education is included as required by the United Arab Emirates. The curriculum incorporates State Standards in Arabic, Islamic Education, Moral Education, and UAE Social Studies, as well as the Matatag (DepEd) standards for English, Math, and Science. The program uses Curriculum Packs with I Can statements and supports learning through weekly plans, assessments, worksheets, and student journals. Learning emphasizes breadth, balance, differentiation, and continuous progression, with opportunities to learn, develop, and apply critical thinking through open-ended questions, projects, and problem-solving tasks, promoting higher-order thinking.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

The school prioritizes the well-being of teachers, staff, and students. Morning assemblies are built around fitness and wellness activities to energize the school community. The guidance program includes well-being talks, student support counseling, and child protection measures. A gauge of room-to-room happiness monitors well-being across classes. Teachers participate in mealtime oversight to help ensure students eat well and stay energized.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

The curriculum is delivered in a bilingual environment, with Filipino and English as core subjects. The subject offerings include Filipino and English, and the curriculum aligns with DepEd standards for English, Math, and Science.

Mental Wellbeing

The school is committed to a nurturing, safe, and supportive environment where mental health is a priority. The policy provides guidelines on how to address mental health and ensures the well-being of students, offering appropriate support when needed. It aims to promote mental health awareness among students, parents, and staff and to establish effective support systems for students experiencing mental health challenges. Early identification and intervention are emphasized, with confidential counseling and referrals as appropriate. The approach supports a proactive and inclusive stance toward mental health and a healthy school-life balance.

Safeguarding

The school maintains a safeguarding policy aligned with ADEK policies. Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility, with a designated safeguarding lead serving as the point of contact. Staff and volunteers receive safeguarding training during induction and annually. Procedures exist for reporting concerns to the designated safeguarding lead, with confidentiality and, if needed, involvement of ADEK or local authorities. The policy includes online safety, a whistleblowing mechanism, and an emphasis on partnership with parents, with annual review and updating as required.
Parent Experience

History

The Philippine School – Abu Dhabi was established on July 21, 2014 and began operation in July 2014. It received a permit from the Philippine Department of Education on March 7, 2016 for the School Management and accreditation and license from the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK). A temporary permit was issued on September 1, 2016, followed by the General license on September 1, 2017. TPS is located in Baniyas East 7, Abu Dhabi. The school's vision is Leader in Academic Excellence and Values Formation, guiding students to become globally competitive leaders who are of service to mankind. The Philippine School participates in international competitions such as the World Scholars Cup, Painting Wizard in the UAE, and Canvas Painting, with students achieving awards and recognition.

Community

TPS maintains community linkages through active participation in events and programs. These include the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX), Emirati Women's Day activities, the 42 Abu Dhabi AI Hackathon Summer Camp, and Build Your Own Coffee Shop Challenge. These activities connect students with local culture, innovation ecosystems, and service opportunities. The school highlights these activities in its community-focused initiatives and student engagement.
Facilities

Facilities Overview

The Philippine School – Abu Dhabi is located at Baniyas East 7, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. It offers Kindergarten to Grade 12 under the Philippine Curriculum with additional subjects to conform to host-country requirements. The school envisions Leader in Academic Excellence and Values Formation and maintains policies aligned with regional regulations. It has accreditation and license from ADEK, including a temporary permit issued on September 1, 2016 and a General License issued on September 1, 2017.

Extra Curricular Facilities

TPS students participate in international competitions such as World Scholars Cup, Painting Wizard in the UAE, and Canvas Painting sponsored by Philippine School Overseas (PSO), with numerous awards and recognitions won. Morning assemblies include fitness and wellness activities; the guidance program provides wellbeing talks, student counseling, and child protection. Career-focused events include Najah Abu Dhabi Career Fair (October 29, 2024) and Career Day (May 8, 2024).
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

TPS assessment policies align with the Department of Education Philippines (DepEd) and ADEK. Assessments are continuous and comprehensive and aim to develop 21st‑century skills, content‑specific knowledge, and personal, social, and emotional learning. Internal assessments include SReYA (Kindergarten readiness), i-Ready diagnostics, MyOn digital library, subject pre- and post-tests, and written outputs and performance tasks. External assessments include GRACE PASS, RASH, ARC, IBT, TIMSS, and GL Assessments; results are shared with teachers, heads of department, and school heads to guide curriculum and interventions.

Arts & Creative

TPS‑AUH offers an Extracurricular Activities program encompassing clubs, competitions, arts, cultural activities, athletics, and philanthropic initiatives. ECA participation is governed by the TPS‑AUH Extra‑Curricular Activities policy, aligned with ADEK standards and requiring formal approval for activities. Some activities may be free, while others require ADEK‑approved fees that are reasonable. Activities respect UAE national identity and cultural values.

Cultural & Language

Core values are Respect, Self‑discipline, Nationalism, and Recognition of religion and cultural diversity. Nationalism and recognition of religion and cultural diversity are emphasized as part of TPS's values. The school conducts its program and student life in a way that respects religion and cultural diversity.

Social & Hobbies

Morning assemblies include fitness or wellness exercises or dance. The guidance program provides well‑being talks, student support counseling, child protection, and a room‑to‑room happiness gauge. Teachers join students during mealtimes to ensure students eat well, and students participate in daily fitness activities to stay healthy and engaged.

Community & Service

TPS engages with the wider community through events and service opportunities, including activities featured in TPS blogs such as the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX), Emirati Women's Day, and other community initiatives.

Leadership & Professional

The Supreme Student Council empowers student voice and leadership. Career exposure is provided through the Najah Abu Dhabi Career Fair and Career Day, helping students explore future pathways. The school frames its leaders today as changemakers tomorrow.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Well‑being is a core focus; morning fitness and wellness routines are part of the daily schedule. The school's guidance program supports physical and mental well‑being, and teachers supervise meals to promote healthy eating. Daily routines emphasize a balanced, holistic approach to student wellness.
Languages

Language Provision

Filipino and English are the core instruction languages throughout the program. Arabic is offered as Arabic for Non-Arabs, and Islamic Education is provided for Muslim students in place of Values Education. The program integrates UAE Social Studies, Arabic for Non-Arabs, and the Matatag (DepEd) standards for English, Mathematics, and Science.

Bilingual Teaching

Filipino and English are the main languages of instruction across Phase 1–Phase 4. Arabic is taught as a language subject (Arabic for Non-Arabs), and Islamic Education is provided for Muslim students in place of Values Education. The curriculum aligns with DepEd standards for English, Mathematics, and Science, and includes Arabic and UAE Social Studies components.
Admissions

Admissions

1. Old students: Updated copy of Visa, Passport, and Emirates ID for both student and parents; Duly accomplished Enrolment, Health, Student's Information Sheet, and Bus Forms. 2. For New Students and Transferees from the Philippines and other countries: Kindergarten 1, 2, and Grade 1 require three recent photos; Original Emirates ID (student and parents); Photocopy of Birth Certificate; Immunization Card (Baby Book) or Health Records of the student; Photocopy of Emirates ID and Passport with valid UAE residence visa (student and sponsor); Duly accomplished Enrolment, Health, Student's Information Sheet and Bus Forms. 3. For Grades 2-12: three recent photos; Original Emirates ID (student and parents); Photocopy of Birth Certificate; Latest Report Card (Form 138); Immunization Card (Baby Book) or Health Records of the student; Photocopy of Emirates ID and Passport with valid UAE residence visa (student and sponsor); Duly accomplished Enrolment Form, Health, Student's Information Sheet, and Bus Forms; Duly accomplished Recommendation Form; Transcript of Records (Form 137) authenticated by the Department of Education, Department of Foreign Affairs, and UAE Embassy in Manila. 4. For Returning Students to TPS: three recent photos; Original Progress Report Card from previous grade/year level; Duly accomplished Enrolment, Health, Student's Information Sheet and Bus Forms. 5. For Transferees (students from other schools in UAE): three recent photos; Photocopy of Birth Certificate; Certificate of Good Moral Standing; Transfer Certificate from the previous school; Transcript of records (Form 137) from the previous school; Immunization Card (Baby Book) or Health Records of the student; Photocopy of Passport with valid UAE residence visa (student and sponsor); Duly accomplished Enrolment, Health, Student's Information Sheet and Bus Forms. 6. For Students with Special Educational Needs: Copy of Birth Certificate; Medical Certificate of the child; Medical Evaluation (if has medical history); Assessment results and other appropriate documents from the Developmental Pediatrician or Medical Specialist; Students who come from a non-Philippine curriculum school must take Filipino and Social Studies (Philippine History) subjects; Students transferring to Grade 12 from any school should take all subjects that were not previously taken; the arrangement of fees and subjects to be taken will be determined by the principal and/or the academic director, through the vice principal for academics. 7. Additional notes: The policy indicates that Filipino and Social Studies are required for non-Philippine curriculum transfers and subject/fee arrangements are decided by school authorities. 8. Reservation/Registration Dates: Reservation for the next school year is announced as early as January of the current school year. Current students have priority to reserve from January to February 15, or until a specified period set by the Office of the Registrar. The reservation of new students is announced at a later date. Only available slots, as determined by the Office of the Registrar, shall be filled, thus the school employs the first-come, first-served policy for new students and transferees. Registration follows the reservation process. Dates for registration are announced through the school website, the student diary, and the school's online social accounts, as well as communications to parents. Students on the waiting list will either wait until a slot becomes available or will be given the option to look for another school.

Waitlist

Waitlist: Students on the waiting list will either wait until a slot becomes available or will be given the option to look for another school.
School Events
The school has not added events