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
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
- KG1–Grade 12
- Languages of instruction
- English
- Founded
- 1985
- External examinations
- AP, SAT, MAP Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Accreditation
- NEASC Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Extra-curricular activities
- Football, Basketball, Volleyball, Swimming and more, 10 confirmed
Students and staff
From KHDA’s 2023–24 inspection report, unless another year is named.
- Students, 2024–25
- 953 Source A: KHDA school directory 2024–25
- Teachers
- 80 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Students of determination
- 225 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Emirati students
- 346 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
- 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
- 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: Acceptable in 12 reports.
WellbeingStudents’ personal development and wellbeing
First rated in 2023–24
InclusionProvision for students of determination
Down from Good Earlier: Good in 1 report.
LeadershipLeadership and management
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.
| 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
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.
- 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 (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).
- 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, Dubai International Private SchoolIslamic Education, by inspection report
| Rated | 2015–16 | 2016–17 | 2017–18 | 2018–19 | 2022–23 | 2023–24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Islamic Education attainmentMiddle | ||||||
| Islamic Education attainmentachievement Elementary | Not in this report | Islamic Education attainment, achievement Elementary: not rated from 2017–18 to 2023–24 | ||||
| Islamic Education attainmentElementary | Not in this report | |||||
| Islamic Education attainmentHigh | ||||||
| Islamic Education progressMiddle | ||||||
| Islamic Education progressachievement Elementary | Not in this report | Islamic Education progress, achievement Elementary: not rated from 2017–18 to 2023–24 | ||||
| Islamic Education progressElementary | Not in this report | |||||
| 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 | ||
| 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 |
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)
- 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.
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
- 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
- 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 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
- «Receive guaranteed placement within 48 hours.» dipschool.ae on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «If your child has learning difficulties and follows an IEP, this must be presented at the time of application.» dipschool.ae on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «Any offer made by the school is subject to being able to meet the individual needs of the child.» dipschool.ae on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «After receiving the acknowledgement e-mail containing your enquiry number, you will be requested to pay an Application Fee of AED525.» dipschool.ae on the school's website, opens in a new tab
School buses
- «It is our pleasure to announce to you that the school has contracted with a specialized and licensed school transportation company: GULHAR PASSENGERS TRANSPORT & RENTED BUSES LLC» dipschool.ae on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «GULHAR designates one staff member from their side who is present on campus during working hours to communicate with parents and follow up on all matters related to registration procedures in the school transport service.» dipschool.ae on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «According to GULHAR policy, it is important to mention that any student who wishes to use the bus service one way will pay for both ways – there is no discount for one-way bus service.» dipschool.ae on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «To register for the school transport service with (GULHAR), kindly visit the school between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm any working day starting Sunday 04/07/2025 in the gymnasium on campus.» dipschool.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 15,051 to AED 23,629Source 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, Dubai International Private 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 15,051 | AED 15,051 |
| KG2 | AED 15,051 | AED 15,051 |
| Primary | ||
| Grade 1 | AED 15,051 | AED 15,051 |
| Grade 2 | AED 15,226 | AED 15,226 |
| Grade 3 | AED 15,400 | AED 15,400 |
| Grade 4 | AED 15,400 | AED 15,400 |
| Grade 5 | AED 15,911 | AED 15,911 |
| Grade 6 | AED 15,911 | AED 15,911 |
| Secondary | ||
| Grade 7 | AED 18,026 | AED 18,026 |
| Grade 8 | AED 18,026 | AED 18,026 |
| Grade 9 | AED 19,602 | AED 19,602 |
| Grade 10 | AED 19,777 | AED 19,777 |
| Post-16 | ||
| Grade 11 | AED 21,701 | AED 21,701 |
| Grade 12 | AED 23,629 | AED 23,629 |
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: 4 strengths, 5 development points, 5 recurring across the last 5 reports.
Personal development and wellbeing
Note 12 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
- 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, 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 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
- 2023–24Same as 2022–23Note 1Full Inspection Report 2023–24 (opens in a new tab)
- 2022–23Same as 2018–19Full Inspection Report 2022–23 (opens in a new tab)
- 2019–20 to 2021–22No inspection.
- 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, Dubai International Private School
| Year | Students | Teachers | Teacher turnover |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024–25 | 953 | Not available | Not available |
| 2023–24 | 1,024 | 80 | Not available |
| 2022–23 | 1,093 | 94 | 30% |
| 2021–22 | 82 | Not available | Not available |
| 2020–21 | 812 | Not available | Not available |
| 2019–20 | 1,825 | Not available | Not available |
| 2018–19 | 2,125 | 142 | 20% |
| 2017–18 | 2,276 | 141 | Not available |
| 2016–17 | 2,376 | Not available | Not available |
| 2015–16 | 2,484 | 143 | 10% |
| 2014–15 | 2,458 | 140 | 11% |
| 2013–14 | 2,556 | Not available | Not available |
| 2012–13 | 2,560 | Not available | Not available |
| 2011–12 | 2,538 | Not available | Not available |
| 2010–11 | 2,495 | 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 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)