American International School
American curriculum, Al Qusais First, KG1–Grade 12
Latest documents: Full Inspection Report 2023–24Source A: Full Inspection Report 2023–24, Parent Report 2023–24Source B: Parent Report 2023–24, summary only, Fees Fact Sheet 2026–27Source C: Fees Fact Sheet 2026–27
Overall rating
Earlier reports
Inclusion Dubai focus area
Checked 16 September 2026.
- Back to text, source A
Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Checked 16 September 2026.
- Back to text, source B
Parent Report 2023–24
Summary only
Checked 16 September 2026.
Found only in the summary for parents. Answers do not use it as evidence.
- Back to text, source C
Fees Fact Sheet 2026–27
Checked 16 September 2026.
Overview
The school
- Curriculum
- American
- Year groups
- KG1–Grade 12
- Languages of instruction
- English
- Founded
- 2003
- External examinations
- California Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Accreditation
- NEASC Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Extra-curricular activities
- Choir & singing, Art, Robotics, Coding and more, 5 confirmed
Students and staff
From KHDA’s 2023–24 inspection report, unless another year is named.
- Students, 2024–25
- 2,809 Source A: KHDA school directory 2024–25
- Teachers
- 151 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Students of determination
- 197 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Emirati students
- 86 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Largest nationality group
- Arab Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- KHDA gives no share. Context only, never used in results.
- Guidance counsellors
- 2 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Leadership
- Principal at the 2023–24 inspection
- Layne Barry Hunt Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Appointed 1 Aug 2023, as the report prints it.
- Principals since 2011–12
- 3 changes of principal Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- <sup>عثمان حلمي عبدالبار</sup> ي, OTHMAN ABDALBARI, 2011–12 to 2017–18 → Tiffany Brooks, 2018–19 to 2019–20 → Dr Layne Hunt-Acting, 2022–23 → Layne Barry Hunt, 2023–24
Contact
- Address
- Al Qusais First
- Phone and email
- +971 4 254 0509principal@aisschool.net
- As KHDA's directory listed it on 2026-09-18. Source C: KHDA school directory 2026–27
Around the school
The map shows the streets and places around the school. The same places are counted in «Within 1 km» below.
© OpenStreetMap contributors
- Back to text, source A
KHDA school directory 2024–25
Checked 16 September 2026.
- Back to text, source B
Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Page 3
Checked 16 September 2026.
- Back to text, source C
KHDA school directory 2026–27
Checked 16 September 2026.
Quality
KHDA ratings in the Full Inspection Report 2023–24. Source A: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
KHDA visits schools again from 2026–27. A full inspection gives a new rating; a shorter monitoring visit does not.Source KHDA, 3 June 2026 (opens in a new tab)
OverallOverall performance
Up from Acceptable Earlier: Acceptable in 13 reports.
WellbeingStudents’ personal development and wellbeing
Not available2023–24
InclusionProvision for students of determination
Up from Acceptable Earlier: Acceptable in 2 reports.
LeadershipLeadership and management
Up from Acceptable Earlier: Acceptable in 1 report.
Checked 16 September 2026.
Wellbeing, 2022–23 report: Moderate
«The quality of wellbeing provision and outcome is at a moderate level.» p. 9
In 2021-22 and 2022-23 KHDA judged wellbeing on its own scale — Very high, High, Moderate, Low — not the six inspection words, so it is shown in its own words and not compared with them.
Ratings by phase, 2023–24KHDA rates these in each phase, with no single rating for the whole school. Phases are named as the report names them.
| Area | KG | Elementary | Middle | High |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TeachingTeaching for effective learning | ||||
| Assessment | ||||
| CurriculumCurriculum design and implementation | ||||
| Adapting the curriculumCurriculum adaptation | ||||
| SafeguardingHealth and safety, including child protection |
- Back to text, source A
Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Page 6
Checked 16 September 2026.
KHDA in brief
KHDA’s own one-page summary of its 2023–24 inspection, written for parents, word for word. The full inspection report remains the reference. Source A: Parent Report 2023–24, summary only
Students’ achievement
In the Kindergarten, children continue to demonstrate good achievement, with improvements seen in Elementary School English and mathematics. However student progress in Islamic education and mathematics at the Middle and High School levels is not as strong as other curriculum areas. Additionally, the learning skills of Kindergarten children are steadily improving.
Personal and social development
Overall, the school sets high standards for student behaviour and they respond positively, displaying good manners and respect towards both peers and adults. While there has been a slight improvement in attendance and punctuality this year, these aspects remain areas for further enhancement, as a significant number of students still arrive late at the beginning of the school day. Middle and High School students exhibit a strong understanding of entrepreneurship, with some already engaged in business enterprises and many undertaking innovative projects.
Teaching, curriculum and care
Questioning is a relatively strong aspect of teaching across all subjects, often leading to sophisticated, insightful discussions, particularly evident in High School English. However, there is inconsistency in internal assessment processes within the school, spanning across subjects and grade levels. School leaders are actively working on improving their skills in analysing assessment data and tracking individual student progress over time.
Wellbeing
Pupils enjoy immediate access to counsellors, with each assigned a peer buddy and a staff member for personal support, fostering a nurturing environment that promotes positive outcomes through safety, empowerment, and care. Educators are deeply committed to the well-being vision, actively engaging in its realisation. The provision of thorough induction, information, and guidance enhances staff well-being and performance. Teachers significantly impact students' achievements, behaviour, and personal development, with the majority expressing contentment with the supportive work atmosphere.
Inclusion
School leaders champion inclusivity, guided by an experienced inclusion team and a strategic plan rooted in self-assessment. Additional support teachers are essential for further progress. Early, collaborative assessments pinpoint student needs, resulting in bespoke support via Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for those with pronounced needs. Learning support teachers are instrumental in delivering targeted interventions, ensuring education is personalised and accessible for every pupil.
Leadership and management
School leaders cultivate a dedicated learning community within a supportive environment that emphasises well-being. Under their direction, teachers have improved classroom dynamics and behaviour management. The Corporate Governance representative ensures senior leaders are held accountable by frequently reviewing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that span the entire spectrum of the school's performance. Additionally, there's a recognised and immediate need for significant updates to the school's infrastructure.
- Back to text, source A
Parent Report 2023–24
Summary only
Page 1
Checked 16 September 2026.
Found only in the summary for parents. Answers do not use it as evidence.
School year
31 Aug 2026 to 2 Jul 2027 · 187 school days
- First midterm break
- 14 Oct 2026 to 16 Oct 20263 days
- National Day
- 2 Dec 2026 to 3 Dec 20262 days
- Winter break includes New year’s day
- 14 Dec 2026 to 1 Jan 202719 days
- Eid al-Fitr
- 8 Mar 2027 to 11 Mar 20274 daysexpected, subject to moon sighting
- Spring break
- 5 Apr 2027 to 9 Apr 20275 days
- Eid al-Adha
- 17 May 2027 to 18 May 20272 daysexpected, subject to moon sighting
Public holidays are tentative and subject to official government announcements (KHDA).
- Back to text, source A
KHDA school directory 2026–27
Checked 16 September 2026.
Academics
Attainment by subject and phase, 2023–24KHDA words for each subject in each phase.
| Subject | Foundation Stage | Primary | Secondary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Islamic Education | Not in this report | ||
| Arabic | Not in this report | ||
| English | |||
| Mathematics | |||
| Science |
Source Source A: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Arabic at every school in Dubai: at least 4 lessons a week from Year 2 to Year 10 for a child of non-Arab nationality. Arab children have 4 to 6 lessons to Year 13; Muslim children also study Islamic Education.Source KHDA, Guidelines on National Mandatory Subjects, page 14 (opens in a new tab)
Subjects over the years
KHDA's words in every Full Inspection Report since 2015–16, each row and phase as the reports print them.
Subjects over the years, American International SchoolIslamic Education, by inspection report
| Rated | 2015–16 | 2016–17 | 2017–18 | 2018–19 | 2019–20 | 2022–23 | 2023–24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Islamic Education attainmentMiddle | |||||||
| Islamic Education attainmentElementary | |||||||
| Islamic Education attainmentHigh | |||||||
| Islamic Education progressMiddle | |||||||
| Islamic Education progressElementary | |||||||
| Islamic Education progressHigh |
International and benchmark tests
The National Agenda section of each Full Inspection Report since 2015–16: the school's results in PISA, TIMSS, PIRLS and benchmark tests against KHDA's targets. The only results in the reports that are not an inspector's judgement.
KHDA's verdicts, 2023–24
| Aspect | Whole school | Emirati cohort |
|---|---|---|
| International and Benchmark Achievement | Not applicable | |
| Leadership: International and Emirati Achievement | Not in this report | |
| Teaching and Learning: Improving reading literacy | Not applicable | |
| Overall school standards in the National Agenda Parameter | Not in this report |
Registration requirements: Met Fully
- The school surpassed its 2021 Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) target by 88 points.
- The 2016 PIRLS score of 451, was below the international benchmark.
- In 2021, the Grade 4 students score of 539 was significantly above the school target.
- Emirati students made a gain of 40 points.
- However, the external benchmark assessments in English, mathematics and science showed many weak judgements, particularly in Middle.
Earlier reports
- 2022–23: Overall, the school’s progression to achieve the UAE National Agenda targets — meets expectations
- 2019–20: Overall, the school’s progression to achieve the UAE National Agenda targets — meets expectations
- 2018–19: Impact of Leadership — is approaching expectations
- 2017–18: Overall, the school's provision for achieving National Agenda targets — is below expectations
- 2016–17: Attainment based on the National Agenda Parameter benchmarks — is below expectations
- 2015–16: Progress towards meeting the National Agenda targets — as expected
Recognised by UAE universities?
UAE universities ask for the Ministry of Education’s equivalency of the Grade 12 certificate. For this school’s curriculum, the student needs:
- American: five approved subjects a year in Grades 10 to 12 (D or 60%), an English score (EmSAT 1100, IELTS 5.0 or TOEFL iBT 61) and a maths score (EmSAT 500 or SAT 450). Without the scores, the equivalency is limited.
Arab students also need Arabic, and Muslim students Islamic Studies, in each of the last three years.
KHDA attests the certificate first. Ask the school which body accredits it.Source Ministry of Education, equivalency service, read 24 September 2026 (opens in a new tab)
- Back to text, source A
Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Page 6
Checked 16 September 2026.
School life
Sports and activities
What the school lists on its own website and what KHDA’s inspectors mention in their reports. An activity missing here may still be offered.
Music
- Choir & singing · Choir Club
Art & design
- Art · Art Club
Science & technology
- Robotics
- Coding · developing apps
- Science & engineering club · Biology Club · Physics Club
·
Facilities
- Sports hall
Mentioned in earlier KHDA reports
- Debate & public speaking
- Swimming
- Drama
Also mentioned: Emirati club, Human Rights Club, Journalism, Journalism Club, Career Committee, Mad Science, Techno Innovation Club, Social and Moral Club, English club, Health club, French Club, Arabic Club
- Back to text, source A
School website, read 23 September 2026
Checked 23 September 2026.
What the school offers
As the 2023–24 inspection report mentions them. Inspectors name these in passing, so this is not the school's full list: something not named here may still be offered. A line's page opens the report's sentence.
Languages besides English
- Arabic · Arabic is taught in KG1 and KG2 for 250 minutes a week divided into five lessons, with both Arab and non-Arab children taught together.
Courses after 16
- Advanced Placement · Advanced Placement (AP)
External examinations
- California
Facilities
- Elementary library
Support for students of determination and the gifted
- A well-established process ensures the early identification of students’ needs and informs the planning of interventions and accommodations. p. 18
- The identification of gifted and talented students has improved, and support is now available to them. p. 18
- A qualified and experienced teacher heads the inclusion team of learning support teachers and assistants. p. 19
- Students with significant needs have individual education plans (IEPs) or behavior intervention plans (BIP) which guide personalized support and accommodations in lessons. p. 19
- Learning support teachers (LSAs) deliver relevant and supportive interventions. p. 19
- Back to text, source A
Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Page 3
Checked 16 September 2026.
On the school's website
What the school says about itself on aisch.ae, read on 22 September 2026. The school's own words, not checked by KHDA; a figure here is the school's own count. The site's name beside a line opens that page.
Where leavers go
- «Simon Fraser University Canada» aisch.ae on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «Medical University Of Varna Bulgaria» aisch.ae on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «Ajman University UAE» aisch.ae on the school's website, opens in a new tab
Admissions
- «We are an inclusive school, and we admit students throughout the year subject to the availability of places.» aisch.ae on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «We welcome students of determination, students who are gifted and talented, high achievers, students who study English as an Additional Language (EAL) and those who have been studying other curricula.» aisch.ae on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «We also value diversity and multi-culturalism and admit students of all nationalities and ethnicities.» aisch.ae on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «We accept applications for admission at all times during the school year, provided that we have the space in the year group and as per the admissions policy.» aisch.ae on the school's website, opens in a new tab
School buses
- «Sharjah | Al Nahda,Al Tawoon,Al Khan,Al Mamzar,Abu Shagara, Al Sharq, Al Qasimia, Rolla,Jamal Abdulnasser, Buhairah. | 7,450» aisch.ae on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «Deira Dubai | Al Muraqqabat, Al Rigga, Al Ras, Al Raffa, Naif, Baniyas Square, Al Murar, Salah Al Din, Deira Clocktower, Garhoud, Al Qusais, Al Twar, Al Rashidiya, Muhaisnah, Oud Al Muteena, Mirdif, Al Warqa, Abu Hail, HorAl Anz, Al Mamzar, NaddAl Hamar, Al Jaddaf | 7,000» aisch.ae on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «New Dubai | World Trade Centre, Downtown Dubai, Business Bay, Al Quoz, Al Barsha 1/2/3, Discovery Gardens, Dubai Silicon Oasis, International City, The Villas, Liwan, Warsan1/2/3/4, Falcon City, Dubai Marina, Mall of the Emirates | 8,550» aisch.ae on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «Bur Dubai | Al Karama, Al Mankhool, Al Jaffiliya, Zabeel, Umm Hurair, Al Mina, Al Bada’a, Al Satwa, Al Hudaiba, Al Diyafah street | 7,450» aisch.ae on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- Back to text, source A
School website, read 22 September 2026
Checked 22 September 2026.
Fees
Tuition across 14 year groupsNote 1
AED 13,405 to AED 21,732Source A: Fees Fact Sheet 2026–27
KG1 to Grade 12, 2026–27
Tuition is the same as in 2025–26 for every year group.
Annual tuition by year group, American International School, 2026–27 compared with 2025–26
| Year group | 2026–27Source A: Fees Fact Sheet 2026–27 | 2025–26Source B: Fees Fact Sheet 2025–26 |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation Stage | ||
| KG1 | AED 13,405 | AED 13,405 |
| KG2 | AED 13,405 | AED 13,405 |
| Primary | ||
| Grade 1 | AED 14,314 | AED 14,314 |
| Grade 2 | AED 14,314 | AED 14,314 |
| Grade 3 | AED 14,314 | AED 14,314 |
| Grade 4 | AED 15,422 | AED 15,422 |
| Grade 5 | AED 15,422 | AED 15,422 |
| Grade 6 | AED 15,422 | AED 15,422 |
| Secondary | ||
| Grade 7 | AED 17,919 | AED 17,919 |
| Grade 8 | AED 17,919 | AED 17,919 |
| Grade 9 | AED 17,919 | AED 17,919 |
| Grade 10 | AED 19,520 | AED 19,520 |
| Post-16 | ||
| Grade 11 | AED 20,653 | AED 20,653 |
| Grade 12 | AED 21,732 | AED 21,732 |
Checked 16 September 2026.
- Back to text, note 1
The range names the lowest and highest tuition on one Fees Fact Sheet. Fees are never averaged across year groups.
- Back to text, source A
Fees Fact Sheet 2026–27
Tuition for 14 year groups.
Checked 16 September 2026.
- Back to text, source B
Fees Fact Sheet 2025–26
Tuition for 14 year groups.
Checked 16 September 2026.
- Back to text, note 2
Change compares the same year group in the two fact sheets. Fees are never averaged across year groups.
What a year costs, 2026–27
Choose a year group above to see KHDA's total for it, what the school requires you to buy, and the services you can add.
Findings
9 findings in the last report: 5 strengths, 4 development points, 2 recurring across the last 5 reports.
Early years
Note 11 strength
StrengthKG
Children’s good achievement in KG
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 3
Personal development and wellbeing
2 strengths
Strength
Students’ very good personal development and awareness of Islamic values
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 4
StrengthMiddle and High
Excellent opportunities for student leadership in Middle and High
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 5
Parents and community
1 strength
Strength
The positive partnerships with parents
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 6
Teaching
1 strength
Strength
The good teaching across all phases
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 7
Attainment and progress
1 development point
Development required, recurring in 2 of the last 5 reportsNote 2
Raise students’ performance in external benchmark assessments.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 9
Staffing, facilities and resources
1 development point
Development required
Improve the staffing, resources and facilities by: - ensuring adequate provision for science, music, art and design, digital learning and sport, - recruiting suitably US experienced and qualified staff, and - ensuring that teaching spaces are conducive to active learning.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 10
Assessment
1 development point
Development required
Ensure all assessment processes provide accurate measures of students’ progress and attainment.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 14
Leadership and self-evaluation
1 development point
Development required, recurring in 4 of the last 5 reports
Improve the school’s self-evaluation by ensuring that all judgements of its performance are accurate and form a reliable base for improvement planning
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 15
Findings from 1 of 11 reports
- Back to text, note 1
Topics follow the order of the KHDA inspection framework, not how good or bad a finding is.
- Back to text, note 2
Recurring counts the school’s last 5 reports, 2017–18 to 2023–24. Findings come only from Full Inspection Reports, never from Parent Reports.
History
14 KHDA inspection reports on file, 2008–09 to 2023–24.
History of American International SchoolOverall rating by academic year, newest first
- 2026–27Inspections resume this year. No report yet.
- 2024–25 and 2025–26KHDA paused full inspections. The 2023–24 rating is still the latest. About the pause
- 2023–24Up from AcceptableNote 1Full Inspection Report 2023–24 (opens in a new tab)
- 2022–23Same as 2019–20Full Inspection Report 2022–23 (opens in a new tab)
- 2020–21 and 2021–22No inspection.
- 2019–20Same as 2018–19Full Inspection Report 2019–20 (opens in a new tab)
- 2018–19Same as 2017–18Full Inspection Report 2018–19 (opens in a new tab)
- 2017–18Same as 2016–17Full Inspection Report 2017–18 (opens in a new tab)
- 2016–17Same as 2015–16Full Inspection Report 2016–17 (opens in a new tab)
- 2015–16Same as 2014–15Full Inspection Report 2015–16 (opens in a new tab)
- Six-level scale starts in 2015–16. Earlier reports used four levels.
- 2014–15Same as 2013–14Full Inspection Report 2014–15 (opens in a new tab)
- 2013–14Same as 2012–13Full Inspection Report 2013–14 (opens in a new tab)
- 2012–13Same as 2011–12Full Inspection Report 2012–13 (opens in a new tab)
- 2011–12Same as 2010–11Full Inspection Report 2011–12 (opens in a new tab)
- 2010–11Same as 2009–10Full Inspection Report 2010–11 (opens in a new tab)
- 2009–10Same as 2008–09Full Inspection Report 2009–10 (opens in a new tab)
- 2008–09First reportFull Inspection Report 2008–09 (opens in a new tab)
Checked 16 September 2026.
- Back to text, note 1
Change compares each report with the school’s previous report. Years with no inspection are skipped, never counted as a change.
Snapshots by year
Students and staff by academic year, American International School
| Year | Students | Teachers | Teacher turnover |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024–25 | 2,809 | Not available | Not available |
| 2023–24 | 2,744 | 151 | Not available |
| 2022–23 | 2,437 | 151 | 17% |
| 2021–22 | 2,343 | Not available | Not available |
| 2020–21 | 2,314 | Not available | Not available |
| 2019–20 | 2,696 | 172 | 31% |
| 2018–19 | 2,473 | 172 | 33% |
| 2017–18 | 2,450 | 172 | 31% |
| 2016–17 | 2,598 | 174 | Not available |
| 2015–16 | 2,485 | 170 | 42% |
| 2014–15 | 2,349 | 143 | 37% |
| 2013–14 | 2,301 | Not available | Not available |
| 2012–13 | 2,251 | Not available | Not available |
| 2011–12 | 1,794 | Not available | Not available |
| 2010–11 | 1,865 | Not available | Not available |
Not available: KHDA did not publish that figure for the year.
Sources
Every document behind this page. Official documents open on the KHDA site in a new tab.
Full Inspection Reports · PDF, English
- Full Inspection Report 2023–24 (opens in a new tab)
- Full Inspection Report 2022–23 (opens in a new tab)
- Full Inspection Report 2019–20 (opens in a new tab)
- Full Inspection Report 2018–19 (opens in a new tab)
- Full Inspection Report 2017–18 (opens in a new tab)
- Full Inspection Report 2016–17 (opens in a new tab)
- Full Inspection Report 2015–16 (opens in a new tab)
- Full Inspection Report 2014–15 (opens in a new tab)
- Full Inspection Report 2013–14 (opens in a new tab)
- Full Inspection Report 2012–13 (opens in a new tab)
- Full Inspection Report 2011–12 (opens in a new tab)
- Full Inspection Report 2010–11 (opens in a new tab)
- Full Inspection Report 2009–10 (opens in a new tab)
- Full Inspection Report 2008–09 (opens in a new tab)
Parent Reports · PDF, English
A shorter summary for parents. Findings and answers use the Full Inspection Report.
Fees Fact Sheets · web page, English
KHDA school directory · web page, English
KHDA school directory 2026–27 (opens in a new tab)KHDA school directory 2024–25 (opens in a new tab)KHDA school directory 2023–24 (opens in a new tab)KHDA school directory 2022–23 (opens in a new tab)KHDA school directory 2021–22 (opens in a new tab)KHDA school directory 2020–21 (opens in a new tab)KHDA school directory 2019–20 (opens in a new tab)KHDA school directory 2018–19 (opens in a new tab)KHDA school directory 2017–18 (opens in a new tab)KHDA school directory 2016–17 (opens in a new tab)KHDA school directory 2015–16 (opens in a new tab)KHDA school directory 2014–15 (opens in a new tab)KHDA school directory 2013–14 (opens in a new tab)KHDA school directory 2012–13 (opens in a new tab)KHDA school directory 2011–12 (opens in a new tab)