American School of Creative Science
American curriculum, Nadd Al Shiba Third, Pre-KG–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
Wellbeing Dubai focus area
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
- Pre-KG–Grade 12
- Languages of instruction
- English, Arabic
- Founded
- 2016
- Accreditation
- NEASC Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Extra-curricular activities
- Swimming, Debate & public speaking and more, 2 confirmed
Students and staff
From KHDA’s 2023–24 inspection report, unless another year is named.
- Students, 2024–25
- 1,050 Source A: KHDA school directory 2024–25
- Teachers
- 77 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Students of determination
- 66 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Emirati students
- 419 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Largest nationality group
- Emirati Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- KHDA gives no share. Context only, never used in results.
- Guidance counsellors
- 1 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Leadership
- Principal at the 2023–24 inspection
- Sara Hollis Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Appointed 3 Mar 2021, as the report prints it.
- Principals since 2018–19
- 1 change of principal
- Johnathan Maxwell Letcher, 2018–19 to 2019–20 → Sara Hollis, 2021–22 to 2023–24
Contact
- Address
- Nadd Al Shiba Third
- Phone and email
- +971 4 510 7000Rana.Alden@nas.ascs.sch.ae
- 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
Same as 2022–23 Earlier: Good in 1 report and Acceptable in 4 reports.
WellbeingStudents’ personal development and wellbeing
First rated in 2023–24
InclusionProvision for students of determination
Up from Good Earlier: Good in 2 reports and Acceptable in 1 report.
LeadershipLeadership and management
Same as 2022–23 Earlier: Good in 2 reports.
Checked 16 September 2026.
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
The school has been focusing on improving Islamic education and Arabic.As a result, students are now making good progress in both subjects. Very good English language skills are evident in all phases and the school is working hard to ensure literacy gets even better. Science remains the subject where students perform consistently well. Mathematics is progressing steadily and is again a key focus for teachers this year.
Personal and social development
A calm and reflective atmosphere permeates school life from early morning prayers to admirable recitation of the Holy Qur’an. Students' deep understanding of Islamic values means they are committed to being good citizens and wanting to contribute regularly to improving the life of the wider commnity. Students are punctual and respectful and want to learn. They believe in safe and healthy lifestyles and in making sensible food choices.
Teaching, curriculum and care
Teachers across all phases exhibit strong subject knowledge. In KG, there's a deep understanding of early childhood learning and a focus on nurturing personal growth, with particular emphasis on Arabic, literacy, and numeracy. Upperphase teachers are diligently supporting all students, especially Emirati students, in their academic progress through admirable dedication.
Wellbeing
Well-being initiatives are implemented by a qualified team. Clearly written detailed action plans, based on survey outcomes, outline areas in need of further review and impact. Parents are represented on the governing body, and actively promote well-being initiatives. Students understand well what they should do to optimise their own well-being. Online protocols and digital safety are a priority for the well-being in the school. Students have positive attitudes as evident in their good behaviour and when discussing their experiences.
Inclusion
T h i s a v e r y i n c l u s i v e s c h o o l , w h e r e d i v e r s i t y i s c h e r i s h e d , w e l c o m e d a n d nurtured. Communication with parents is a school priority and parents provide valuable feedback related to their child’s education and support. Parents collaborate closely with the inclusion team and appreciate the quality of support and training offered within the school. Progress is carefully monitored, and data analyzed to set appropriate targets in individual education plans. The school is ensring that students of determination make good progress in their personal development and key life-skills.
Leadership and management
A highly effective and dedicated principal continues to oversee an improving school. The findings of this inspection report, confirm her positive impact and that of her leaders, on improving student' outcomes. Leaders are held in high regard by parents. Governors are open and transparent and hav ensured parents play a full role in key decisions. Leaders and teachers have high expectations of all students in the school. The school’s owner has provided a new, creative and modern school facility.
- 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 · 185 school days
- First midterm break
- 12 Oct 2026 to 16 Oct 20265 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 School of Creative ScienceIslamic Education, by inspection report
| Rated | 2018–19 | 2019–20 | 2021–22 | 2022–23 | 2023–24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Islamic Education attainmentMiddle | |||||
| Islamic Education attainmentElementary | |||||
| Islamic Education attainmentHigh | Islamic Education attainment, High: not rated from 2018–19 to 2021–22 | ||||
| Islamic Education progressMiddle | |||||
| Islamic Education progressElementary | |||||
| Islamic Education progressHigh | Islamic Education progress, High: not rated from 2018–19 to 2021–22 | ||||
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 | ||
| Leadership: International and Emirati Achievement | Not in this report | |
| Teaching and Learning: Improving reading literacy | ||
| Overall school standards in the National Agenda Parameter | Not in this report |
The school meets the registration requirements for the National Agenda Parameter.
- With an average score of 552, the school exceeded its target in the 2021 Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) by a few points.
- Whole school progression in standardized benchmark assessments saw English and science decline to good and very good, mathematics sustained very good progression.
- Emirati students almost matched the whole school progression, except in science and mathematics, where they reached a good standard.
- Leaders understand the subject skills and content aligned to PIRLS proficiency levels and the gaps identified in the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) assessment report.
- The school's most recent profile of reading literacy skills reveals that a large majority of students' reading literacy scores are very good.
- Although Emirati students show some similar achievement within grade levels, their reading literacy scores are only acceptable in Grades 2 and 5.
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: Overall, the school’s progression towards achieving its UAE National Agenda targets — is approaching expectations
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.
Water sports
- Swimming
Debate & strategy
- Debate & public speaking · school debate
Facilities
- Swimming pool
- Sports hall
Mentioned in earlier KHDA reports
- Robotics
Also mentioned: Apollo 13, Student Council, Red Crescent
- 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 to all children in KG by five teachers for 90 minutes daily.
Courses after 16
- Advanced Placement · Advanced Placement (AP) courses
Support for students of determination and the gifted
- Students with gifts and talents are identified and enrolled in online enrichment programs to extend their learning. p. 18
- Teachers make effective use of a variety of assessment procedures to identify students’ learning needs. p. 19
- Progress is carefully monitored, and data are analyzed to set appropriate targets in individual education plans (IEPs). p. 19
- Back to text, source A
Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Page 10
Checked 16 September 2026.
On the school's website
What the school says about itself on ascs.sch.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.
Admissions
- «Admissions to ASCS are conducted on a first come first served basis in a just manner.» ascs.sch.ae on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «Admission is also based on the entrance test for each grade level.» ascs.sch.ae on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «KG admission requires an interview with the student and the parents.» ascs.sch.ae on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «Grades 1-3 are required to take a written admission assessment covering the key subjects, Arabic, English, and Math» ascs.sch.ae on the school's website, opens in a new tab
School buses
- «The American School of Creative Science offers transport facilities for its students.» ascs.sch.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 15 year groupsNote 1
AED 35,822 to AED 72,669Source A: Fees Fact Sheet 2026–27
Pre-KG to Grade 12, 2026–27
Tuition is the same as in 2025–26 for every year group.
Annual tuition by year group, American School of Creative Science, 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 | ||
| Pre-KG | AED 35,822 | AED 35,822 |
| KG1 | AED 35,822 | AED 35,822 |
| KG2 | AED 35,822 | AED 35,822 |
| Primary | ||
| Grade 1 | AED 42,475 | AED 42,475 |
| Grade 2 | AED 42,475 | AED 42,475 |
| Grade 3 | AED 42,475 | AED 42,475 |
| Grade 4 | AED 49,640 | AED 49,640 |
| Grade 5 | AED 49,640 | AED 49,640 |
| Grade 6 | AED 59,875 | AED 59,875 |
| Secondary | ||
| Grade 7 | AED 59,875 | AED 59,875 |
| Grade 8 | AED 59,875 | AED 59,875 |
| Grade 9 | AED 59,875 | AED 59,875 |
| Grade 10 | AED 66,528 | AED 66,528 |
| Post-16 | ||
| Grade 11 | AED 66,528 | AED 66,528 |
| Grade 12 | AED 72,669 | AED 72,669 |
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 15 year groups.
Checked 16 September 2026.
- Back to text, source B
Fees Fact Sheet 2025–26
Tuition for 15 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
7 findings in the last report: 5 strengths, 2 development points, 2 recurring across the last 5 reports.
Early years
Note 11 strength
StrengthKG
The positive classroom climate in KG where personalized teaching enables children to be confident and articulate learners.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 3
Attainment and progress
1 strength
Strength
Students’ good progress in almost all core subjects and phases and their positive attitudes to Islamic values.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 4
Attendance and punctuality
1 strength
Strength
Students’ attendance and punctuality.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 5
Personal development and wellbeing
1 strength
Strength
The personal support that students receive in a safe and secure environment.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 6
Leadership and self-evaluation
1 strength
Strength
The commitment of leaders and governors to inclusive practices and to highly effective wellbeing principles.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 7
Assessment
1 development point
Development required, recurring in 3 of the last 5 reportsNote 2Upper phases
In the upper phases, ensure that teachers make more effective use of assessment data to improve literacy and raise attainment in Arabic, English and mathematics.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 9
Teaching
1 development point
Development required, recurring in 5 of the last 5 reports
Improve the quality of teaching by raising expectations of what students can achieve and by strengthening students’ learning skills.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 10
Findings from 1 of 5 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, 2018–19 to 2023–24. Findings come only from Full Inspection Reports, never from Parent Reports.
History
5 KHDA inspection reports on file, 2018–19 to 2023–24.
History of American School of Creative ScienceOverall 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
- 2023–24Same as 2022–23Note 1Full Inspection Report 2023–24 (opens in a new tab)
- 2022–23Up from AcceptableFull Inspection Report 2022–23 (opens in a new tab)
- 2021–22Same as 2020–21Full Inspection Report 2021–22 (opens in a new tab)
- 2020–21Same as 2019–20Report not online
- 2019–20Same as 2018–19Full Inspection Report 2019–20 (opens in a new tab)
- 2018–19First reportFull Inspection Report 2018–19 (opens in a new tab)
- 2016–17 and 2017–18No inspection.
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 School of Creative Science
| Year | Students | Teachers | Teacher turnover |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024–25 | 1,050 | Not available | Not available |
| 2023–24 | 720 | 77 | Not available |
| 2022–23 | 534 | 64 | 12% |
| 2021–22 | 344 | 49 | 15% |
| 2020–21 | 255 | Not available | Not available |
| 2019–20 | 538 | 55 | 20% |
| 2018–19 | 427 | 47 | 17% |
| 2017–18 | 225 | Not available | Not available |
| 2016–17 | 143 | 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 2021–22 (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)
Not online: the 2020–21 report. The timeline takes that year’s rating from KHDA’s open data.
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)