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
Overall rating
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 7
- 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
- Teachers
- 78 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Students of determination
- 161 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Emirati students
- 1,137 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
- 2 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
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
- Phone and email
- +971 4 584 0401principal@dubaischools-albarsha.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
First rated in 2023–24
WellbeingStudents’ personal development and wellbeing
First rated in 2023–24
InclusionProvision for students of determination
First rated in 2023–24
LeadershipLeadership and management
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.
| Area | KG | Elementary | Middle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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
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.
- 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, Dubai Schools Corporation L.L.C AlbarshaIslamic Education, by inspection report
| Rated | 2023–24 |
|---|---|
| Islamic Education attainmentMiddle | |
| Islamic Education attainmentElementary | |
| Islamic Education progressMiddle | |
| Islamic Education progressElementary |
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 | |
| D. Teaching and Learning: Improving reading literacy | ||
| Overall school standards in the National Agenda Parameter | Not 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.
- 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
Also mentioned: poetry reading competitions
- Back to text, source A
Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Page 15
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.
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
- Back to text, source A
Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Page 4
Checked 16 September 2026.
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
Annual tuition by year group, Dubai Schools Corporation L.L.C Albarsha, 2026–27 compared with 2025–26
| Year group | 2026–27Source A: Fees Fact Sheet 2026–27 | 2025–26Source B: Fees Fact Sheet 2025–26 | Change from 2025–26Note 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foundation Stage | |||
| KG1 | AED 31,398 | AED 30,603 | AED 795 more |
| KG2 | AED 34,024 | AED 33,161 | AED 863 more |
| Primary | |||
| Grade 1 | AED 36,439 | AED 35,515 | AED 924 more |
| Grade 2 | AED 36,439 | AED 35,515 | AED 924 more |
| Grade 3 | AED 37,337 | AED 36,391 | AED 946 more |
| Grade 4 | AED 37,967 | AED 37,005 | AED 962 more |
| Grade 5 | AED 41,327 | AED 40,280 | AED 1,047 more |
| Grade 6 | AED 44,735 | AED 42,271 | AED 2,464 more |
| Secondary | |||
| Grade 7 | AED 47,885 | AED 44,829 | AED 3,056 more |
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 9 year groups.
Checked 16 September 2026.
- Back to text, source B
Fees Fact Sheet 2025–26
Tuition for 9 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
8 findings in the last report: 5 strengths, 3 development points.
Leadership and self-evaluation
Note 11 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
- 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 AlbarshaOverall 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
- 2023–24First reportFull Inspection Report 2023–24 (opens in a new tab)
- 2021–22 and 2022–23No inspection.
- 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
| Year | Students | Teachers |
|---|---|---|
| 2024–25 | 1,492 | Not available |
| 2023–24 | 1,232 | 78 |
| 2022–23 | 969 | Not available |
| 2021–22 | 526 | 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
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)