CompareSaved

Dubai Modern Education School

MOE, American curriculum, Al Mizhar 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

Acceptable

Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 8

2023–24

Earlier reports

  1. 12 earlier reports, see all years

Wellbeing Dubai focus area

Good

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
MOE, American
Year groups
KG1–Grade 12
Gender
Not available
The report’s wording “US/MoE: Boys and girls” is not one KHDA uses for gender; needs checking.
Languages of instruction
English, Arabic
Founded
1996
External examinations
US: APMoE: IBT Source D: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Accreditation
US: NEASCMoE: Not applicable Source D: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Extra-curricular activities
Drama, Art, Debate & public speaking, Model United Nations and more, 4 confirmed

Students and staff

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

Students, 2024–⁠25
2,012 Source A: KHDA school directory 2024–25
Teachers, 2016–⁠17
219 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2016–17
Largest nationality group
Emirati and Arab Source D: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
KHDA gives no share. Context only, never used in results.

Leadership

Principal at the 2023–⁠24 inspection
Dr. Robert R. Fielder Source D: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Appointed 1 May 2026, as the report prints it. The current principal is under Contact.
Principals since 2011–⁠12
5 changes of principal Source D: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Dr. Farouq Ghanem, 2011–12 to 2012–13 → Hind Mohammed Lootah, 2013–14 to 2015–16 → Mr. Michael Cipriano, 2016–17 to 2017–18 → Dr. Lara Nabil Abdallah, 2018–19 to 2022–23 → Dr. Robert R. Fielder, 2023–24 → Michael S Bartlett, in KHDA's directory on 2026-09-18

Contact

Address
Al Mizhar First
Phone and email
+971 4 288 5115dmes@emirates.net.aePrincipal: Michael S Bartlett
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

to Dubai Modern Education School (opens Google Maps in a new tab)Directions (opens in a new tab)
  1. Back to text, source A

    KHDA school directory 2024–25

    Checked 16 September 2026.

  2. Back to text, source B

    Full Inspection Report 2016–17

    Page 3

    Checked 16 September 2026.

  3. Back to text, source C

    KHDA school directory 2026–27

    Checked 16 September 2026.

  4. Back to text, source D

    Full Inspection Report 2023–24

    Page 3

    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. TeachingTeaching for effective learning

    Not available

    2023–24

  3. AssessmentAssessment

    Not available

    2023–24

  4. CurriculumCurriculum

    Not available

    2023–24

  5. WellbeingStudents’ personal development and wellbeing

    Good

    First rated in 2023–24

  6. InclusionProvision for students of determination

    Not available

    2023–24

  7. SafeguardingHealth, safety and safeguarding

    Not available

    2023–24

  8. LeadershipLeadership and management

    Not available

    2023–24

Checked 16 September 2026.

  1. Back to text, source A

    Full Inspection Report 2023–24

    Page 8

    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

Children in Kindergarten and students across Elementary, Middle and High generally achieve at an acceptable standard with some good achievement in Islamic education and Arabic, particularly in Elementary and High. In English, mathematics and science, poor literacy levels and low expectations are hindering student performance, across all phases. Their learning skills, including problem solving, critical thinking and use of technology are acceptable and strongest in high school.

Personal and social development

Behavior is positive because students show high levels of self-discipline and respect. In high school, levels of mutual respect and engagement with learning are key strengths. High school students have a deep understanding of how Islamic values influence their lives. In Kindergarten (KG), Elementary and High, students have a very good understanding and appreciation of UAE heritage and culture. Students have a broad awareness of environmental issues.

Teaching, curriculum and care

Teaching is strongest in the Ministry of Education (MoE) section, attributed to teachers' better subject expertise and their greater understanding of student learning processes. Conversely, in the US section, the approach to teaching in Kindergarten, elementary, and middle school is overly directive, with lessons progressing at a pace that scarcely allows students sufficient time to engage in activities independently.

Wellbeing

The school fosters an environment where students feel nurtured and secure, serving as well-being ambassadors across different phases. The strong connections between students and their teachers and counselors stand out as a notable asset, creating a foundation of trust. Furthermore, the wide array of extracurricular clubs, initiatives, and activities—many of which have been advocated for by students and parents alike—are considered crucial for supporting both physical and mental well-being.

Inclusion

The school’s inclusive ethos is fully supported by the new principal and governing board. Admission procedures ensure a diverse school population. Parents are involved in their children's education and are happy with the provision. They attend planning meetings and receive helpful progress reports and welcome advice. Student progress in academic and non-academic areas is measured and tracked. A majority of students make better than expected progress.

Leadership and management

The school appointed a new principal in the weeks leading up to the inspection. With the support of a newly established governing board, he is conducting an extensive review and thorough evaluation of school provision and outcomes. The principal is well aware of the school's strengths and areas for development. Leaders and governors are presently working on action planning that seeks to prioritize well-being, full transparency, higher levels of accountability and better outcomes for all students.

  1. 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 14 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
Second midterm break
11 Feb 2027 to 12 Feb 20272 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 Modern Education School

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

SubjectFoundation StagePrimarySecondaryPost-16
Islamic EducationNot in this reportGoodAcceptableGood
ArabicNot in this reportAcceptableAcceptableGood
EnglishAcceptableAcceptableAcceptableGood
MathematicsAcceptableAcceptableAcceptableGood
ScienceAcceptableAcceptableAcceptableGood

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 Modern Education School

Islamic Education, by inspection report

Rated2015–162016–172018–192022–232023–24
Islamic Education attainmentMiddleAcceptableAcceptableAcceptableAcceptableAcceptable
Islamic Education attainmentCycle 1GoodGoodGoodGoodGood
Islamic Education attainmentCycle 2AcceptableAcceptableAcceptableGoodGood
Islamic Education attainmentCycle 3AcceptableAcceptableGoodGoodGood
Islamic Education attainmentElementaryGoodGoodGoodGoodGood
Islamic Education attainmentHighAcceptableAcceptableAcceptableAcceptableAcceptable
Islamic Education progressMiddleAcceptableAcceptableAcceptableAcceptableAcceptable
Islamic Education progressCycle 1GoodGoodGoodGoodGood
Islamic Education progressCycle 2AcceptableAcceptableGoodGoodGood
Islamic Education progressCycle 3AcceptableGoodGoodVery goodVery good
Islamic Education progressElementaryGoodGoodGoodGoodGood
Islamic Education progressHighAcceptableAcceptableAcceptableAcceptableGood

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 AchievementVery goodAcceptable
Leadership: International and Emirati AchievementAcceptableNot in this report
Teaching and Learning: Improving reading literacyAcceptableAcceptable
Overall school standards in the National Agenda ParameterGoodNot in this report
Registration RequirementsPartially MetNot in this report

Registration requirements: Met Fully

  • In the 2021 Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) assessment, the school achieved its target.
  • The school has improved its performance between two PIRLS cycles and is now performing at the intermediate international benchmark.
  • Nevertheless, the school’s performance is still significantly lower than the PIRLS centre point.
  • Over two cycles of the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) assessments, students in Grade 4 improved their performance and exceeded the school’s target.
  • The school has exceeded the PIRLS centre point and is now performing at intermediate international benchmark level.
  • The school uses the New Group Reading Test (NGRT) to identify gaps in reading provision and has begun to use the outcomes to align students’ reading ability to appropriate reading materials.

Earlier reports

  • 2022–23: Overall (US), 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 its National Agenda targets — below expectations
  • 2016–17: Students’ attainment, as judged against the National Agenda Parameter — is below expectations
  • 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 curricula, the student needs:

  • UAE Ministry of Education curriculum: students sit the national Grade 12 exam. No equivalency is needed.
  • 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)

  1. Back to text, source A

    Full Inspection Report 2023–24

    Page 8

    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.

Theatre

  • Drama

Art & design

  • Art · art and design work

Debate & strategy

  • Debate & public speaking · English and Arabic debates · debating club
  • Model United Nations

Mentioned in earlier KHDA reports

  • Robotics
  • Science & engineering club

Also mentioned: entrepreneurial competitions, hydroponics projects, poetry events, Holy Qur’an competitions

Source Source A: Full Inspection Report 2023–24

  1. Back to text, source A

    Full Inspection Report 2023–24

    Page 5

    Checked 16 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.

Courses after 16

  • Advanced Placement · Advanced Placement (AP) options

External examinations

  • AP

Facilities

  • Library
  • English language laboratory
  • Sport and play areas
  • Learning center

Support for students of determination and the gifted

  • Personal counselling is provided by a team of social workers. p. 5
  • Academic counsellors support students in their career and future education choices. p. 5
  • Personal counseling is provided by a team of social workers. p. 31
  • Academic counselors support students in their career and future education choices. p. 31
  • The school has thorough systems which ensure the early identification of students of determination and the provision of effective support to promote personal and academic progress. p. 31
  • Students who are gifted or talented are identified and supported but not always challenged sufficiently in lessons. p. 31

Source Source A: Full Inspection Report 2023–24

  1. 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 dmes.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

  • «Category 1 الفئة 1 ↔ 2-Ways ذهاب وعودة 7,100 AED / درهم → One-Way ذهاب فقط 4,260 AED / درهم» dmes.ae on the school's website, opens in a new tab
  • «Category 2 الفئة 2 ↔ 2-Ways ذهاب وعودة 7,350 AED / درهم → One-Way ذهاب فقط 4,410 AED / درهم» dmes.ae on the school's website, opens in a new tab
  • «Category 3 الفئة 3 ↔ 2-Ways ذهاب وعودة 7,750 AED / درهم → One-Way ذهاب فقط 4,650 AED / درهم» dmes.ae on the school's website, opens in a new tab
  • «Category 1 الفئة 1 Al Muhaisnah 1 المحيصنة 1 Al Mizhar 1 المزهر 1 Al Mizhar 2 المزهر 2 Shorooq Mirdif شروق مردف Ghoroob Mirdif غروب مردف Mirdif St 47 شارع مردف 47 Mirdif St 71 شارع مردف 71 Al Nahda 1 النهضة 1 Al Nahda 2 النهضة 2 Al Qusais 1 القصيص 1 Al Qusais القصيص Al Tawar 1, 2, 3 الطوار 1، 2، 3 Al Rashidiya الراشدية Nad Al Hamar ند الحمر Oud Al Muteena / Local Police عود المطينة / الشرطة Oud Al Muteena 2, 3, 4 عود المطينة 2، 3، 4 Al Khawaneej 1 الخوانيج 1 Al Khawaneej 2 الخوانيج 2 Al Warqaa 1, 2, 3, 4 الورقاء 1، 2، 3، 4» dmes.ae on the school's website, opens in a new tab

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 11,956 to AED 18,624Source A: Fees Fact Sheet 2026–27

KG1 to Grade 12, 2026–27

Year group

Fees for Dubai Modern Education School
Compare with

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

Annual tuition by year group, Dubai Modern Education 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 11,956AED 11,956
KG2AED 11,956AED 11,956
Primary
Grade 1AED 13,086AED 13,086
Grade 2AED 13,214AED 13,214
Grade 3AED 13,338AED 13,338
Grade 4AED 14,095AED 14,095
Grade 5AED 14,346AED 14,346
Grade 6AED 14,470AED 14,470
Secondary
Grade 7AED 16,108AED 16,108
Grade 8AED 16,360AED 16,360
Grade 9AED 16,486AED 16,486
Grade 10AED 18,373AED 18,373
Post-16
Grade 11AED 18,499AED 18,499
Grade 12AED 18,624AED 18,624

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

15 findings in the last report: 6 strengths, 9 development points, 5 recurring across the last 5 reports.

Group by

Checked 16 September 2026.

Islamic Education

Note 1

1 strength

  • Strength

    Students’ commitment to Islamic Education and Arabic

    Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 6, paragraph 9Also said in 2023–24.

Personal development and wellbeing

2 strengths, 2 development points

  • Strength

    Students’ positive attitudes, behavior and deep appreciation of Emirati heritage and culture

    Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 6, paragraph 10

  • Strength

    Students’ positive attitudes, behaviour and deep appreciation of Emirati heritage and culture

    Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 6, paragraph 15

  • Development required

    Consider re-aligning the counseling department to ensure a balance between pastoral and career guidance, including pathways to university and other workplace options.

    Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 7, paragraph 8

Parents and community

1 strength

  • Strength

    The engagement and support of parents in their children’s education

    Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 6, paragraph 11Also said in 2023–24.

Inclusion of students of determination

1 strength

  • Strength

    The inclusive education that students experience across all phases

    Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 6, paragraph 12

Teaching

1 strength, 1 development point

  • Strength

    Good teaching and learning in all phases

    Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 6, paragraph 16

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

    Review the curriculum and improve teaching, learning and assessment as a priority of the school's strategic plan.

    Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 7, paragraph 7Also said in 2023–24.

Leadership and self-evaluation

4 development points

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

    Ensure that governors and leaders engage in systematic self-evaluation and prioritize levels of accountability and transparency across all areas of the school.

    Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 7, paragraph 4

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

    Ensure that governors and leaders emphasize, in both short-and long-term planning, staff wellbeing, their appraisal and professional development.

    Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 7, paragraph 6

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

    Ensure that owners, governors and leaders engage in systematic self-evaluation and prioritise high levels of accountability and full transparency in terms of valid assessment data, across all areas of the school.

    Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 7, paragraph 10

Staffing, facilities and resources

2 development points

  • Development required

    Urgently review and update the roles and responsibilities of all teaching, and operational staff so that they focus on the smooth running of the school and improving students’ outcomes.

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

  • Development required

    Urgently review and update the roles and responsibilities of all leaders, teaching, administrative and operational staff so that their primary focus is on the smooth running of the school and improving students’ outcomes.

    Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 7, paragraph 11

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 Modern Education 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 Modern Education School

YearStudentsTeachersTeacher turnover
2024–252,012Not availableNot available
2023–241,983Not availableNot available
2022–231,862Not availableNot available
2021–221,657Not availableNot available
2020–211,702Not availableNot available
2019–202,203Not availableNot available
2018–192,339Not availableNot available
2017–182,392Not availableNot available
2016–172,50421930%
2015–162,75919430%
2014–152,66816619%
2013–142,453Not availableNot available
2012–132,451Not availableNot available
2011–122,462Not availableNot available
2010–112,455Not 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)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)

School website · web page, English