Dubai International Private School

American curriculum, Al Garhoud, 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

2023–24

Earlier reports

  1. 12 earlier reports, see all years

Wellbeing Dubai focus area

Acceptable

2023–24

Inclusion Dubai focus area

Acceptable

2023–24

Checked 16 September 2026.

  1. Back to text, source A

    Full Inspection Report 2023–24

    Checked 16 September 2026.

  2. 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.

  3. Back to text, source C

    Fees Fact Sheet 2026–27

    Checked 16 September 2026.

Overview

The school

Curriculum
American
Year groups
KG1–Grade 12
Gender
Co-educational Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Report wording: Boys and girls
Languages of instruction
English
Founded
1985
External examinations
AP, SAT, MAP Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24

Students and staff

From KHDA’s 2023–24 inspection report, unless another year is named.

Students of determination
225 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.

Leadership

Principals since 2011–⁠12
2 changes of principal
Mr. Salah Sharara, 2011–12 → Mr. Nafez Hayek, الحايك نافذ, 2012–13 to 2018–19 → Haleema Karout, 2022–23

Contact

Address
Al Garhoud
Phone and email
+971 4 282 3524superintendent@dischool.comPrincipal: Haleema Karout
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

  1. Back to text, source A

    KHDA school directory 2024–25

    Checked 16 September 2026.

  2. Back to text, source B
  3. 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)

  1. OverallOverall performance

    Acceptable

    Same as 2022–23 Earlier: Acceptable in 12 reports.

  2. WellbeingStudents’ personal development and wellbeing

    Acceptable

    First rated in 2023–24

  3. InclusionProvision for students of determination

    Acceptable

    Down from Good Earlier: Good in 1 report.

  4. LeadershipLeadership and management

    Acceptable

    Down from Good Earlier: Good in 1 report.

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.

AreaKGElementaryMiddleHigh
TeachingTeaching for effective learningAcceptableAcceptableAcceptableGood
AssessmentGoodGoodGoodGood
CurriculumCurriculum design and implementationAcceptableAcceptableAcceptableAcceptable
Adapting the curriculumCurriculum adaptationAcceptableAcceptableAcceptableAcceptable
SafeguardingHealth and safety, including child protectionGoodGoodGoodGood

Source Source A: Full Inspection Report 2023–24

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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

Students demonstrate improvement in Arabic and Islamic Education in the Elementary and High school. At the same time, and across phases, students are working at a lower level of performance in other subjects. Middle school students are best in Arabic and less developed across all other subjects. Kindergarten children are not showing their full potential in lessons. Students want to learn and demonstrate better learning skills in most phases.

Personal and social development

Students have strong personal and social skills. They show concern for others, including the adults around them, and are respectful in their relationships. Students have a sound understanding of Islamic values and Emirati culture. They show in their student-led assemblies an appreciation for how these values shape personal character. They are excited to participate in events on behalf of the school, and in activities in school which celebrate Emirati or world culture..

Teaching, curriculum and care

Teaching quality at the school varies, with some phases experiencing engaging lessons that foster student progress, while others lag behind. High School tends to offer more enriching activities. However, there's a schoolwide issue with not fully utilizing assessment data to enhance student performance. The curriculum meets local and California standards but focuses more on content than on essential skills, especially in younger grades. High School provides some elective options, but there's a need for more emphasis on critical thinking and innovation.

Wellbeing

The school vision for well-being is still being developed. Actions plans based on survey data show areas in need of further attention. The board of trustees has one parent representative from the school. Committee members are beginning to review how well-being is done. The student council shares its views on well-being. Students are aware of their wellb e i n g . T h e y h a v e a p o s i t i v e a t t i t u d e s t o w a r d s w e l l - b e i n g experiences. There is inconsistency in supporting staff with well-being.

Inclusion

The leadership team welcomes applications for students with different learning needs. At present there is not a permanent head of inclusion or inclusion governor. The identification of students of determination has not followed the KHDA categorization framework, resulting in inaccurate identification in many cases. Parents remain at the center of the provision for students of determination. They receive timely information about their children and value this. Classes are not adjusted well enough to meet all students' needs.

Leadership and management

New senior and middle leadership teams are working to develop a strategic direction for school improvement. They share a commitment to advancing students’ academic and personal skills and maintaining a focus on Islamic values. A few leaders have a sound understanding of the American curriculum and assessment. A newly instituted Board of Trustees provides governance with additional perspectives towards school advancement. Some increases to resources are in place, such as laboratories, but more learning resources are needed.

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    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 (MoE Schools)
15 Oct 2026 to 16 Oct 20262 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
Second midterm break (MoE Schools)
8 Feb 2027 to 10 Feb 20273 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).

Source Source A: KHDA school directory 2026–27

  1. Back to text, source A

    KHDA school directory 2026–27

    Checked 16 September 2026.

Academics

Academic outcomes, Dubai International Private School

Attainment by subject and phase, 2023–24KHDA words for each subject in each phase.

SubjectFoundation StagePrimarySecondary
Islamic EducationNot in this reportGoodAcceptable
ArabicNot in this reportGoodGood
EnglishAcceptableAcceptableAcceptable
MathematicsAcceptableAcceptableAcceptable
ScienceAcceptableAcceptableAcceptable

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, Dubai International Private School

Islamic Education, by inspection report

Rated2015–162016–172017–182018–192022–232023–24
Islamic Education attainmentMiddleAcceptableAcceptableAcceptableAcceptableAcceptableAcceptable
Islamic Education attainmentachievement ElementaryNot in this reportGoodIslamic Education attainment, achievement Elementary: not rated from 2017–18 to 2023–24
Islamic Education attainmentElementaryGoodNot in this reportGoodGoodGoodGood
Islamic Education attainmentHighAcceptableAcceptableAcceptableAcceptableAcceptableGood
Islamic Education progressMiddleAcceptableAcceptableAcceptableAcceptableAcceptableAcceptable
Islamic Education progressachievement ElementaryNot in this reportGoodIslamic Education progress, achievement Elementary: not rated from 2017–18 to 2023–24
Islamic Education progressElementaryGoodNot in this reportGoodGoodAcceptableGood
Islamic Education progressHighAcceptableAcceptableAcceptableAcceptableGoodGood

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

AspectWhole schoolEmirati cohort
International and Benchmark AchievementGoodGood
Leadership: International and Emirati AchievementAcceptableNot in this report
Teaching and Learning: Improving reading literacyAcceptableAcceptable
Overall school standards in the National Agenda ParameterAcceptableNot in this report

Registration requirements: Met Fully

  • The results of the Progress in International Literacy Study (PIRLS 2021) show that students have improved their scores from the previous session and exceeded the target set for the school.
  • The Measure of Academic Progress (MAP) data remain below expectations in language usage, reading, science and mathematics.

Earlier reports

  • 2022–23: Overall, the school’s progression to achieve the UAE National Agenda targets — is approaching expectations
  • 2018–19: Overall, the school’s progression to achieve its UAE National Agenda targets — meets 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 in English, mathematics and science
  • 2015–16: no verdict read

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)

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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.

Ball sports

  • Football · football competitions · between the grades which are organized by the PE staff at break times
  • Basketball
  • Volleyball

Water sports

  • Swimming

Racket sports

  • Badminton

Individual sports

  • Yoga & fitness · yoga

Theatre

  • Drama

Art & design

  • Art · Art club · ceramics

Science & technology

  • Robotics

Debate & strategy

  • Chess

Facilities

  • Art studio
  • Music rooms
  • Sports hall
    ·
  • Swimming pool
    ·
  • Makerspace
  • Playing field

Mentioned in earlier KHDA reports

  • Photography & film
  • Debate & public speaking

Also mentioned: Spelling Bee Club

Source Source A: School website, read 2026-09-23

  1. 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 · All children are considered as beginners and taught together. The curriculum aligns with the MoE standards, which ensures a smooth transition to Grade 1. In KG1, the focus is on listening and speaking, the introduction of the alphabet within thematic lessons, and the promotion of oral communication using simple standard Arabic. All four lessons are of 40 minutes each week. In KG2, children learn more vocabulary, reading syllabification and sight words for reading.

Courses after 16

  • Advanced Placement · Advanced Placement (AP) courses

Facilities

  • Laboratories

Support for students of determination and the gifted

  • Learning support assistants (LSA) enable students with more significant needs to learn alongside other students. p. 20
  • Learning pathways for students with complex learning needs are developing. p. 20

Source Source A: Full Inspection Report 2023–24

  1. Back to text, source A

On the school's website

What the school says about itself on dipschool.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

School buses

Source Source A: School website, read 2026-09-22

  1. Back to text, source A

    School website, read 22 September 2026

    Checked 22 September 2026.

Fees

Tuition across 14 year groupsNote 1

AED 15,051 to AED 23,629Source A: Fees Fact Sheet 2026–27

KG1 to Grade 12, 2026–27

Year group

Fees for Dubai International Private School
Compare with

Tuition is the same as in 2025–26 for every year group.

Annual tuition by year group, Dubai International Private School, 2026–27 compared with 2025–26

Year group2026–27Source A: Fees Fact Sheet 2026–272025–26Source B: Fees Fact Sheet 2025–26
Foundation Stage
KG1AED 15,051AED 15,051
KG2AED 15,051AED 15,051
Primary
Grade 1AED 15,051AED 15,051
Grade 2AED 15,226AED 15,226
Grade 3AED 15,400AED 15,400
Grade 4AED 15,400AED 15,400
Grade 5AED 15,911AED 15,911
Grade 6AED 15,911AED 15,911
Secondary
Grade 7AED 18,026AED 18,026
Grade 8AED 18,026AED 18,026
Grade 9AED 19,602AED 19,602
Grade 10AED 19,777AED 19,777
Post-16
Grade 11AED 21,701AED 21,701
Grade 12AED 23,629AED 23,629

Checked 16 September 2026.

  1. 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.

  2. Back to text, source A

    Fees Fact Sheet 2026–27

    Tuition for 14 year groups.

    Checked 16 September 2026.

  3. Back to text, source B

    Fees Fact Sheet 2025–26

    Tuition for 14 year groups.

    Checked 16 September 2026.

  4. 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: 4 strengths, 5 development points, 5 recurring across the last 5 reports.

Group by

Checked 16 September 2026.

Personal development and wellbeing

Note 1

2 strengths

  • Strength

    Students’ very good personal and social development, and their enthusiastic participation in aspects of Emirati culture

    Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 5

  • Strength

    The care and support of students, and relationships between teachers and students

    Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 6

Islamic Education

1 strength

  • Strength

    Improvements in Islamic Education and Arabic

    Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 7

Parents and community

1 strength

  • Strength

    Relationships with parents and links with the wider community

    Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 8

Leadership and self-evaluation

3 development points

  • Development required, recurring in 4 of the last 5 reportsNote 2

    Ensure that governors are better informed of the needs of the school, including the need for effective leaders, teachers and resources.

    Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 10

  • Development required, recurring in 4 of the last 5 reports

    Improve the management skills of middle leaders.

    Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 11

  • Development required, recurring in 4 of the last 5 reports

    Strengthen all aspects of the provision for inclusion, including appropriately qualified leadership.

    Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 12

Teaching

1 development point

  • Development required, recurring in 3 of the last 5 reports

    Improve teaching and learning, especially in English, mathematics and science.

    Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 13

Reading and literacy

1 development point

  • Development required, recurring in 2 of the last 5 reports

    Extend students’ reading skills.

    Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 14

Findings from 1 of 10 reports

  1. Back to text, note 1

    Topics follow the order of the KHDA inspection framework, not how good or bad a finding is.

  2. Back to text, note 2

    Recurring counts the school’s last 5 reports, 2016–17 to 2023–24. Findings come only from Full Inspection Reports, never from Parent Reports.

History

13 KHDA inspection reports on file, 2008–09 to 2023–24.

History of Dubai International Private School
Rating

Overall rating by academic year, newest first

  1. 2026–27Inspections resume this year. No report yet.
  2. 2024–25 and 2025–26KHDA paused full inspections. The 2023–24 rating is still the latest. About the pause
  3. 2023–24AcceptableSame as 2022–23Note 1Full Inspection Report 2023–24 (opens in a new tab) PDF
  4. 2022–23AcceptableSame as 2018–19Full Inspection Report 2022–23 (opens in a new tab) PDF
  5. 2019–20 to 2021–22No inspection.
  6. 2018–19AcceptableSame as 2017–18Full Inspection Report 2018–19 (opens in a new tab) PDF
  7. 2017–18AcceptableSame as 2016–17Full Inspection Report 2017–18 (opens in a new tab) PDF
  8. 2016–17AcceptableSame as 2015–16Full Inspection Report 2016–17 (opens in a new tab) PDF
  9. 2015–16AcceptableSame as 2014–15Full Inspection Report 2015–16 (opens in a new tab) PDF
  10. Six-level scale starts in 2015–16. Earlier reports used four levels.
  11. 2014–15AcceptableSame as 2013–14Full Inspection Report 2014–15 (opens in a new tab) PDF
  12. 2013–14AcceptableSame as 2012–13Full Inspection Report 2013–14 (opens in a new tab) PDF
  13. 2012–13AcceptableSame as 2011–12Full Inspection Report 2012–13 (opens in a new tab) PDF
  14. 2011–12AcceptableSame as 2010–11Full Inspection Report 2011–12 (opens in a new tab) PDF
  15. 2010–11AcceptableSame as 2009–10Full Inspection Report 2010–11 (opens in a new tab) PDF
  16. 2009–10AcceptableSame as 2008–09Full Inspection Report 2009–10 (opens in a new tab) PDF
  17. 2008–09AcceptableFirst reportFull Inspection Report 2008–09 (opens in a new tab) PDF

Checked 16 September 2026.

  1. 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, Dubai International Private School

YearStudentsTeachersTeacher turnover
2024–25953Not availableNot available
2023–241,02480Not available
2022–231,0939430%
2021–2282Not availableNot available
2020–21812Not availableNot available
2019–201,825Not availableNot available
2018–192,12514220%
2017–182,276141Not available
2016–172,376Not availableNot available
2015–162,48414310%
2014–152,45814011%
2013–142,556Not availableNot available
2012–132,560Not availableNot available
2011–122,538Not availableNot available
2010–112,495Not availableNot 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

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)

School website · web page, English