International Academic School
American curriculum, Al Warqa First, Pre-KG–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
- Pre-KG–Grade 12
- Languages of instruction
- English, Arabic
- Founded
- 2006
- External examinations
- US Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Accreditation
- US Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Extra-curricular activities
- Robotics, Coding and more, 2 confirmed
Students and staff
From KHDA’s 2023–24 inspection report, unless another year is named.
- Students, 2024–25
- 1,506 Source A: KHDA school directory 2024–25
- Teachers
- 85 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Students of determination
- 51 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Emirati students
- 381 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
- 1 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Leadership
- Principal at the 2023–24 inspection
- Acting: Jennifer Miller Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Appointed 11 Jan 2023, as the report prints it. The current principal is under Contact.
- Principals since 2011–12
- 5 changes of principal Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Ms Marah Qadoura, 2011–12 → Miss Marah Qadourah, 2012–13 to 2014–15 → Haleema Karout, 2017–18 to 2018–19 → Suhair Salah Hussein, 2022–23 → Acting: Jennifer Miller, 2023–24 → Susanna Patricia Gabrielle Thomas, in KHDA's directory on 2026-09-18
Contact
- Address
- Al Warqa First
- Phone and email
- +971 4 280 0993principal@ias-dubai.aePrincipal: Susanna Patricia Gabrielle Thomas
- 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 10 reports and Weak in 2 reports.
WellbeingStudents’ personal development and wellbeing
First rated in 2023–24
InclusionProvision for students of determination
Same as 2022–23 Earlier: Acceptable in 1 report.
LeadershipLeadership and management
Same as 2022–23 Earlier: Acceptable 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
In Kindergarten (KG), children show good achievement in English, mathematics, and progress in science. There is progress in students' performance in the Ministry of Education (MoE) subjects, reaching an acceptable level except for middle school, where Arabic as an additional language remains weak. Arabic progress in middle school has improved to an acceptable level. However, high school students' mathematics achievement has declined to an acceptable level. Apart from KG, students' learning skills lack a solid foundation for better outcomes.
Personal and social development
Students demonstrate self-discipline and positive behavior, fostering a supportive environment with rare occurrences of bullying. They understand and respect others' needs, fostering positive relationships with peers and staff. Additionally, students show a good understanding of health and safety practices and actively participate in physical activities. However, punctuality remains a challenge for some students, impacting the learning environment. They also exhibit responsibility and leadership qualities, although entrepreneurial skills require further development, especially in elementary and middle school phases.
Teaching, curriculum and care
Teachers generally possess strong subject knowledge but lacks the consistency to foster independent learning and effective differentiation. Kindergarten students actively engage in lessons, applying learning creatively, though engagement varies in science and Arabic. Teacher skills in questioning vary considerably, too often lacking depth. Assessment processes are consistent, with kindergarten assessment particularly effective. However, alignment between internal and external assessments remains a challenge, affecting accurate student evaluation.
Wellbeing
Led by an experienced counsellor, the school's well-being team actively promotes student and teacher well-being through various initiatives and a dedicated website. Their vision and commitment are evident in school policies and actions. Surveys show a positive impact, with students feeling cared for and trusting teachers. Teachers monitor and intervene in student issues, supported by the counsellor. However, involvement of governors and parents in the promotion of well-being promotion is scant.
Inclusion
The school fosters inclusivity under capable leadership, ensuring students' diverse needs are met. Though most students have individual plans, teacher skill gaps hamper differentiated instruction. Parents lack support in understanding their children's special needs. Progress monitoring, utilizing various data sources, suggests most students are progressing as expected, despite challenges. Continued efforts to address teacher training and parental support are needed for further improvement.
Leadership and management
The acting principal and senior leadership prioritize inclusive education and wellbeing. Stakeholders’ engagement in the school’s self-evaluation is limited and improvement plans prioritize task completion over measurable students’ outcomes. Parental engagement is mostly successful. Governance lacks effective engagement, with high turnover in teaching staff impacting against curriculum delivery and students’ outcomes.
- 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 includes Other school holidays
- 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, International Academic 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
- In the recent Progress in Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) test, the progression of the school, as a whole, was very good because targets were exceeded.
- The Emirati cohort did not achieve their target but did show some improvement against the previous test.
- Progression on the National Agenda Parameter tests, for the whole school and for Emiratis, in English, mathematics and science, remains weak.
Earlier reports
- 2022–23: Progress in international assessments — is below expectations
- 2018–19: Overall, the school’s progression to achieve the UAE National Agenda targets — is approaching expectations
- 2017–18: Overall, the school's provision for achieving National Agenda targets — meets expectations
- 2016–17: Attainment on the National Agenda Parameter tests — is below expectations for Arabic, 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.
Science & technology
- Robotics
- Coding · Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Facilities
- Makerspace
- Playing field
· - Sports hall
- Swimming pool
· - Art studio
Mentioned in earlier KHDA reports
- Science & engineering club
- Art
Also mentioned: environmental 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 · as an additional language remains weak
Courses after 16
- Advanced Placement · Advanced Placement (AP) options
External examinations
- US
Support for students of determination and the gifted
- Established processes at admissions ensure the accurate identification of abilities, needs and barriers to learning. p. 19
- Most students of determination have individual education plans (IEPs) or behavior plans. p. 19
- While there are five school learning support assistants (LSAs), there is only one qualified support teacher. p. 19
- The procedures for identifying and supporting those who are academically gifted or talented has improved. p. 18
- 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 ias-dubai.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
- «We are an inclusive school and we admit students throughout the year subject to the availability of places.» ias-dubai.ae on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «We welcome students of determination, students who are gifted and talented, high achievers, students who study English as an Additional Language (EAL), and those who have been studying other curricula.» ias-dubai.ae on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «We also value diversity and multi-culturalism and admit students of all nationalities and ethnicities.» ias-dubai.ae on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «We accept applications for admission at all times during the school year, provided that we have the space in the year group and as per the admissions policy.» ias-dubai.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 14,992 to AED 28,112Source 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, International Academic 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 14,992 | AED 14,992 |
| KG2 | AED 14,992 | AED 14,992 |
| Primary | ||
| Grade 1 | AED 16,713 | AED 16,713 |
| Grade 2 | AED 16,713 | AED 16,713 |
| Grade 3 | AED 16,713 | AED 16,713 |
| Grade 4 | AED 17,120 | AED 17,120 |
| Grade 5 | AED 17,120 | AED 17,120 |
| Grade 6 | AED 17,120 | AED 17,120 |
| Secondary | ||
| Grade 7 | AED 19,053 | AED 19,053 |
| Grade 8 | AED 20,305 | AED 20,305 |
| Grade 9 | AED 21,865 | AED 21,865 |
| Grade 10 | AED 24,991 | AED 24,991 |
| Post-16 | ||
| Grade 11 | AED 26,551 | AED 26,551 |
| Grade 12 | AED 28,112 | AED 28,112 |
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
8 findings in the last report: 3 strengths, 5 development points, 5 recurring across the last 5 reports.
English
Note 11 strength
StrengthKG
Achievement in English, mathematics and science in the KG as a result of effective teaching and learning
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 3
Personal development and wellbeing
1 strength
Strength
Student’s personal development and awareness of Islamic values and Emirati culture
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 4
Health, safety and safeguarding
1 strength
Strength
Health and safety, including arrangements for child protection and safeguarding
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 5
Governance
1 development point
Development required, recurring in 2 of the last 5 reportsNote 2
Ensure governors fulfil their statutory obligations by: - appointing a permanent school principal and recruit teachers of high quality.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 7
Teaching
1 development point
Development required, recurring in 3 of the last 5 reports
Improve the quality of teaching and learning in all subject areas.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 9
Assessment
1 development point
Development required, recurring in 2 of the last 5 reports
Use assessment information to plan and implement lessons that challenge all students.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 10
Leadership and self-evaluation
2 development points
Development required, recurring in 3 of the last 5 reports
Improve leaders’ capacity to address potential barriers associated with the school's demographic intake, drive improvement and contribute to sustained student outcomes.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 11
Development required, recurring in 3 of the last 5 reports
Improve the self-evaluation process by developing leaders’ capacity to bring about improvement.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 12
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 International Academic 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)
- 2017–18Up from WeakFull Inspection Report 2017–18 (opens in a new tab)
- 2016–17Same as 2015–16Full Inspection Report 2016–17 (opens in a new tab)
- 2015–16Down from AcceptableFull 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, International Academic School
| Year | Students | Teachers | Teacher turnover |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024–25 | 1,506 | Not available | Not available |
| 2023–24 | 1,256 | 85 | Not available |
| 2022–23 | 429 | 82 | 50% |
| 2021–22 | 323 | Not available | Not available |
| 2020–21 | 691 | Not available | Not available |
| 2019–20 | 1,079 | Not available | Not available |
| 2018–19 | 1,006 | 96 | 50% |
| 2017–18 | 1,016 | 83 | 65% |
| 2016–17 | 1,143 | 102 | 31% |
| 2015–16 | 1,115 | 104 | 40% |
| 2014–15 | 987 | 89 | 8% |
| 2013–14 | 1,017 | Not available | Not available |
| 2012–13 | 1,040 | Not available | Not available |
| 2011–12 | 1,028 | Not available | Not available |
| 2010–11 | 828 | 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)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)