Dubai Schools Corporation L.L.C Albarsha

American curriculum, Al Barsha South First, KG1–Grade 7

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

Wellbeing Dubai focus area

Good

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 7
Gender
Co-educational Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Report wording: Boys and girls
Languages of instruction
English, Arabic
Founded
2021
Extra-curricular activities
Football, confirmed

Students and staff

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

Students, 2024–⁠25
1,492 Source A: KHDA school directory 2024–25
Students of determination
161 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.

Leadership

Principal at the 2023–⁠24 inspection
Anita Jane Stewart Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Appointed 8 Jan 2023, as the report prints it.
Principals since 2023–⁠24
No change of principal Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Anita Jane Stewart, 2023–24

Contact

Address
Al Barsha South First

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

    First rated in 2023–24

  2. WellbeingStudents’ personal development and wellbeing

    Good

    First rated in 2023–24

  3. InclusionProvision for students of determination

    Acceptable

    First rated in 2023–24

  4. LeadershipLeadership and management

    Acceptable

    First rated in 2023–24

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.

AreaKGElementaryMiddle
TeachingTeaching for effective learningAcceptableAcceptableAcceptable
AssessmentAcceptableAcceptableAcceptable
CurriculumCurriculum design and implementationAcceptableAcceptableAcceptable
Adapting the curriculumCurriculum adaptationAcceptableAcceptableAcceptable
SafeguardingHealth and safety, including child protectionGoodGoodGood

Source Source A: Full Inspection Report 2023–24

  1. Back to text, source A

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

Attainment and progress are acceptable in Islamic Education and Arabic, as well as in the Kindergarten (KG). Attainment in English, mathematics, and science is weak in the elementary and middle phases, although progress is acceptable. Students demonstrate positive attitudes towards their learning, especially in KG. However, opportunities for students to develop their critical thinking, problem-solving, and independent learning skills are limited.

Personal and social development

Students demonstrate positive and responsible attitudes and enjoy supportive relationships with one another. They have a secure understanding of healthy lifestyles, and most make appropriate food choices. Students have a secure understanding of Islamic values and Emirati culture and heritage. They are supportive of projects that promote environmental sustainability, including recycling and reusing items, as well as caring for their school environment.

Teaching, curriculum and care

Teachers’ subject knowledge is mostly secure, but their understanding of how students learn an additional language is less well informed. Lesson plans are typically well-structured and linked to curriculum standards. Arrangements for assessment are secure and reliable. However, teachers’ use of data to personalise learning remains inconsistent, and expectations for student achievement are not always high enough.

Wellbeing

The school demonstrates a strong commitment to well-being, led by senior leaders and the well-being committee. Students' well-being is monitored carefully, and support is provided through personalised individual counselling, meetings with parents, and collaboration with external agencies. Pupil progress meetings are conducted regularly to measure the impact of interventions on student learning. An alternative pathway for students who are unable to access the curriculum is in development.

Inclusion

Leaders demonstrate a commitment to inclusion. The school has thorough systems for identifying students with educational needs. Progress is monitored, and data is reviewed to set appropriate targets focusing on reducing barriers to learning. Parents are strong partners in their child's education programme and planning. Teachers’ knowledge of inclusive practices and targeted strategies is still developing.

Leadership and management

Values of trust, respect, collaboration, and inclusion permeate the school. Self-evaluation is systematic and rigorous. Improvement plans are well articulated but lack success criteria. Parents are highly supportive of the school and its leaders. Governors have a realistic understanding of the work that still needs to be done. The school is well-equipped but lacks sufficient teachers and support staff to cater to the large number of students and the high levels of need for those learning English as an additional language.

  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 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).

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 Schools Corporation L.L.C Albarsha

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

SubjectFoundation StagePrimarySecondary
Islamic EducationNot in this reportAcceptableAcceptable
ArabicNot in this reportAcceptableAcceptable
EnglishAcceptableWeakWeak
MathematicsAcceptableWeakWeak
ScienceAcceptableWeakWeak

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 Schools Corporation L.L.C Albarsha

Islamic Education, by inspection report

Rated2023–24
Islamic Education attainmentMiddleAcceptable
Islamic Education attainmentElementaryAcceptable
Islamic Education progressMiddleAcceptable
Islamic Education progressElementaryAcceptable

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 AchievementWeakWeak
Leadership: International and Emirati AchievementGoodNot in this report
D. Teaching and Learning: Improving reading literacyAcceptableAcceptable
Overall school standards in the National Agenda ParameterAcceptableNot in this report

A. Registration Requirements Met Fully

  • No students took the 2021 Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) assessment.
  • Only students in the elementary school took the Measure of Academic Progress (MAP) benchmark test across two years.
  • In English, mathematics and science, and for each of the grades where data are available, all tests show that students’ attainment is weak.
  • Consequently, the improvement in the MAP benchmark test is weak.
  • Current levels of reading in Grades 2 to 6, as measured by the New Group Reading Test (NGRT), show that well over half of the students in each grade are classed as weak readers.
  1. Back to text, source A

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

Also mentioned: poetry reading competitions

Source Source A: Full Inspection Report 2023–24

  1. Back to text, source A

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 by three qualified teachers to all children in KG1 (4 lessons of 35 minutes) and KG2 (4 lessons of 45 minutes).

External examinations

  • MAP benchmark test
  • New Group Reading Test (NGRT)

Support for students of determination and the gifted

  • Systems and procedures to identify and support students of determination are well considered but support in class is still variable. p. 4
  • Targets are outlined in their comprehensive individual education plans (IEPs) and which are focused on reducing barriers to learning. p. 19
  • Students of determination receive support through intervention programs although support from classroom teachers is more variable. p. 18
  • Students with gifts and talents are known but the quality of teaching does not always provide them with sufficient challenge. p. 4

Source Source A: Full Inspection Report 2023–24

  1. Back to text, source A

Fees

Tuition across 9 year groupsNote 1

AED 31,398 to AED 47,885Source A: Fees Fact Sheet 2026–27

KG1 to Grade 7, 2026–27

Year group

Fees for Dubai Schools Corporation L.L.C Albarsha
Compare with

Annual tuition by year group, Dubai Schools Corporation L.L.C Albarsha, 2026–27 compared with 2025–26

Year group2026–27Source A: Fees Fact Sheet 2026–272025–26Source B: Fees Fact Sheet 2025–26Change from 2025–26Note 2
Foundation Stage
KG1AED 31,398AED 30,603AED 795 more
KG2AED 34,024AED 33,161AED 863 more
Primary
Grade 1AED 36,439AED 35,515AED 924 more
Grade 2AED 36,439AED 35,515AED 924 more
Grade 3AED 37,337AED 36,391AED 946 more
Grade 4AED 37,967AED 37,005AED 962 more
Grade 5AED 41,327AED 40,280AED 1,047 more
Grade 6AED 44,735AED 42,271AED 2,464 more
Secondary
Grade 7AED 47,885AED 44,829AED 3,056 more

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 9 year groups.

    Checked 16 September 2026.

  3. Back to text, source B

    Fees Fact Sheet 2025–26

    Tuition for 9 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

8 findings in the last report: 5 strengths, 3 development points.

Group by

Checked 16 September 2026.

Leadership and self-evaluation

Note 1

1 strength, 1 development point

  • Strength

    The vision, commitment, and determination of the Principal and her leadership team.

    Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 3

  • Development required

    Make sure that the school improvement plan is suitably prioritized and includes measurable success criteria which are clearly linked to students’ achievement.

    Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 15

Personal development and wellbeing

2 strengths

  • Strength

    Students’ social and personal development, especially their positive attitudes towards school.

    Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 4

  • Strength

    The care, guidance and support provided by the school to ensure students’ welfare and their wellbeing.

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

Islamic Education

1 strength

  • Strength

    Students’ appreciation of Islamic values and awareness of the heritage and culture of the UAE.

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

Parents and community

1 strength

  • Strength

    The engagement of parents and the school’s extensive partnerships with the community.

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

Teaching

1 development point

  • Development requiredStudents learning English as an additional language

    Improve teaching, learning and assessment to accelerate progress and attainment by ensuring that: - leaders and teachers have full knowledge and understanding of the US curriculum standards, - leaders and teachers effectively meet the needs of students who are learning English as an additional language, - all teachers use assessment information to plan and implement lessons that meet student’s individual learning needs, - students develop the ability to become independent learners, critical thinkers and problem solvers, and - the quality and consistency of marking, feedback and follow-up by students are improved.

    Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 9

Staffing, facilities and resources

1 development point

  • Development requiredStudents learning English as an additional language

    Provide sufficient experienced specialist teachers and support staff to match the large number of students and the high levels of need of those who are learning English as an additional language.

    Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 16

Findings from all 1 reports

  1. Back to text, note 1

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

History

History of Dubai Schools Corporation L.L.C Albarsha
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. 2023–24AcceptableFirst reportFull Inspection Report 2023–24 (opens in a new tab) PDF
  4. 2021–22 and 2022–23No inspection.
  5. Opened in 2021–22. No reports before this year.

Checked 16 September 2026.

Snapshots by year

Students and staff by academic year, Dubai Schools Corporation L.L.C Albarsha

YearStudentsTeachers
2024–251,492Not available
2023–241,23278
2022–23969Not available
2021–22526Not 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.