International School of Arts & Sciences
American curriculum, Al Warqa First, KG1–Grade 12
Latest documents: Full Inspection Report 2019–20Source A: Full Inspection Report 2019–20
Overall rating
This school’s latest report is from 2019–20, before the 2023–24 inspection cycle.
Inclusion Dubai focus area
Checked 16 September 2026.
- Back to text, source A
Full Inspection Report 2019–20
Checked 16 September 2026.
Overview
The school
- Curriculum
- American
- Year groups
- KG1–Grade 12
- Languages of instruction
- English
- External examinations
- AP, PSAT8/9, PSAT10, MNSQT, SAT Source C: Full Inspection Report 2019–20
- Accreditation
- NEASC Source C: Full Inspection Report 2019–20
- Extra-curricular activities
- Model United Nations, confirmed
Students and staff
From KHDA’s 2019–20 inspection report, unless another year is named.
- Students,
- —
- Teacher–student ratio
- 1:10 Source C: Full Inspection Report 2019–20
- Students of determination
- 42 Source C: Full Inspection Report 2019–20
- Emirati students
- 182 Source C: Full Inspection Report 2019–20
- Largest nationality group
- Arab Source C: Full Inspection Report 2019–20
- KHDA gives no share. Context only, never used in results.
- Guidance counsellors
- 1 Source C: Full Inspection Report 2019–20
Leadership
- Principal at the 2019–20 inspection
- Muhieddine Soubra Source C: Full Inspection Report 2019–20
- Appointed 7 Jan 2007, as the report prints it.
- Principals since 2011–12
- No change of principal
- Muhieddine Soubra,محي الدين سوبرا, 2011–12 to 2019–20
Contact
- Address
- Al Warqa First
- Phone and email
- +971 4 280 0459m.soubra@isas.sch.ae
- As KHDA's directory listed it on 2026-09-18. Source B: KHDA school directory 2025–26
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
KHDA school directory 2025–26
Checked 16 September 2026.
- Back to text, source C
Full Inspection Report 2019–20
Page 3
Checked 16 September 2026.
Quality
KHDA ratings in the Full Inspection Report 2019–20. Source A: Full Inspection Report 2019–20
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 2019–20
TeachingTeaching for effective learning
Not available2019–20
AssessmentAssessment
Not available2019–20
CurriculumCurriculum
Not available2019–20
WellbeingStudents’ personal development and wellbeing
Not available2019–20
InclusionProvision for students of determination
First rated in 2019–20
SafeguardingHealth, safety and safeguarding
Not available2019–20
LeadershipLeadership and management
Not available2019–20
Checked 16 September 2026.
- Back to text, source A
Full Inspection Report 2019–20
Page 6
Checked 16 September 2026.
Academics
Attainment by subject and phase, 2019–20KHDA 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 2019–20
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 School of Arts & SciencesIslamic Education, by inspection report
| Rated | 2015–16 | 2016–17 | 2017–18 | 2018–19 | 2019–20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Islamic Education attainmentMiddle | |||||
| Islamic Education attainmentElementary | |||||
| Islamic Education attainmentHigh | |||||
| Islamic Education progressMiddle | |||||
| Islamic Education progressElementary | |||||
| 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.
Benchmark tests the school sits: MAP, CAT4.
KHDA's verdicts, 2019–20
| Aspect | Whole school |
|---|---|
| School’s progression in international assessments | is approaching expectations |
| The impact of leadership | meets expectations |
| The impact on learning | meets expectations |
| Overall, the school’s progression to achieve the UAE National Agenda targets | meets expectations |
| The school's implementation of the moral education | is meeting expectations |
| The school's provision, leading to raised outcomes in reading across the curriculum | is developing |
The school meets the registration requirements for the National Agenda Parameter for the 2019-2020 academic year.
- Results for Programme for International Assessment (PISA) 2017 improved in mathematics , science, and reading, although all scores were short of their targets.
- Trends in Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) science scores showed acceptable progress in both Grades 4 and 8, while mathematics showed very good progress in Grade 8 and acceptable in Grade 4, with good progress overall.
- Results in Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) 2016 showed gain in reading from 2011.
- The school’s Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) assessments in mathematics, language usage, reading and science over the last three years show a steady upward trend, with older students results closer to their potential, as measured by Cognitive Ability Tests (CAT4).
- The school uses the MAP reading results to assess students’ reading levels.
Earlier reports
- 2018–19: Overall, the school’s progression to achieve the UAE National Agenda targets — meets expectations
- 2017–18: The attainment of students in the N.A.P tests — is below expectations
- 2016–17: Attainment as measured by the National Agenda Parameter benchmark tests in English, mathematics and science — 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 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 2019–20
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.
Debate & strategy
- Model United Nations · Model UN
Facilities
- Art studio
- Swimming pool
- Music rooms
- Makerspace
- Playing field
Mentioned in earlier KHDA reports
- Robotics
- Martial arts
- Art
- Debate & public speaking
- Drama
- Orchestra & bands
- Photography & film
Also mentioned: charity work, voluntary work, recycling activities, forensics, pre-medicine, Emirate Club
- Back to text, source A
Full Inspection Report 2018–19
Page 18
Checked 16 September 2026.
What the school offers
As the 2019–20 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
Courses after 16
- Advanced Placement · Advanced Placement (AP) courses
Facilities
- Specialist rooms
External examinations
- AP
- PSAT8/9
- PSAT10
- MNSQT
- SAT
Support for students of determination and the gifted
- There are systems to identify gifted and talented students and students of determination. p. 4
- Learning support in ‘pull out’ sessions is effective, and in-class support is improving. p. 4
- Established processes enable the early and accurate identification of students of determination, which inform appropriate interventions. p. 21
- Students with academic gifts and talents are identified through a process which is still developing. p. 21
- Additional challenges are in place to enable students with gifts to reach their potential. p. 21
- Curriculum modifications are provided for students with significant needs, and some sit modified versions of subject examinations. p. 22
- Back to text, source A
Full Inspection Report 2019–20
Page 3
Checked 16 September 2026.
Fees
Not available
No 2026–27 Fees Fact Sheet yet. Showing 2020–21, the latest published.
Tuition across 14 year groupsNote 1
AED 23,540 to AED 32,958Source A: KHDA school directory 2020–21
KG1 to Grade 12, 2020–21
Tuition is the same as in 2019–20 for every year group.
Annual tuition by year group, International School of Arts & Sciences, 2020–21 compared with 2019–20
| Year group | 2020–21Source A: KHDA school directory 2020–21 | 2019–20Source B: KHDA school directory 2019–20 |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation Stage | ||
| KG1 | AED 23,540 | AED 23,540 |
| KG2 | AED 23,540 | AED 23,540 |
| Primary | ||
| Grade 1 | AED 27,073 | AED 27,073 |
| Grade 2 | AED 27,073 | AED 27,073 |
| Grade 3 | AED 27,073 | AED 27,073 |
| Grade 4 | AED 28,250 | AED 28,250 |
| Grade 5 | AED 28,250 | AED 28,250 |
| Grade 6 | AED 28,250 | AED 28,250 |
| Secondary | ||
| Grade 7 | AED 30,605 | AED 30,605 |
| Grade 8 | AED 30,605 | AED 30,605 |
| Grade 9 | AED 31,782 | AED 31,782 |
| Grade 10 | AED 31,782 | AED 31,782 |
| Post-16 | ||
| Grade 11 | AED 31,782 | AED 31,782 |
| Grade 12 | AED 32,958 | AED 32,958 |
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
KHDA school directory 2020–21
Tuition for 14 year groups.
Checked 16 September 2026.
- Back to text, source B
KHDA school directory 2019–20
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.
Findings
This school’s latest report is from 2019–20, before the 2023–24 inspection cycle.
10 findings in the last report: 5 strengths, 5 development points, 4 recurring across the last 5 reports.
Personal development and wellbeing
Note 11 strength
Strength
Students’ excellent attitudes and behavior that contribute to a positive learning environment across all phases
Full Inspection Report 2019–20, page 5, paragraph 3
Emirati students
1 strength
Strength
Students’ very good appreciation and respect for the UAE, their knowledge of Emirati culture and their application of Islamic values
Full Inspection Report 2019–20, page 5, paragraph 4
Health, safety and safeguarding
1 strength
Strength
The high priority given to the health and safety of students, where leaders are immediately responsive to ensuring that students are safe and secure at all times
Full Inspection Report 2019–20, page 5, paragraph 5
Teaching
1 strength, 2 development points
StrengthHigh school
The quality of teaching and learning in the high school, leading to improved progress in most key subjects
Full Inspection Report 2019–20, page 5, paragraph 6
Development required, recurring in 4 of the last 5 reportsNote 2Elementary school and Kindergarten (KG)
Improve the quality of teaching and learning in the elementary school and Kindergarten (KG), by providing opportunities for students to use practical materials, and actively build concepts and skills through multiple learning experiences.
Full Inspection Report 2019–20, page 5, paragraph 9
Development required, recurring in 4 of the last 5 reports
Strengthen the effective instructional practices now being adopted, ensuring that all teachers consistently hold high expectations for students, and bridge gaps in learning while providing challenge at all times.
Full Inspection Report 2019–20, page 5, paragraph 10
Inclusion of students of determination
1 strength
Strength
The inclusive ethos that facilitates excellent care and support for all students, including students of determination.
Full Inspection Report 2019–20, page 5, paragraph 7
Reading and literacy
1 development point
Development required
Promote the development of reading and literacy, implementing features of the reading policy and ensuring that all students are assessed, regularly tracked and directly supported to become strong readers.
Full Inspection Report 2019–20, page 5, paragraph 11
Assessment
1 development point
Development required, recurring in 4 of the last 5 reports
Ensure that self-evaluation processes accurately identify the strengths and needs of the school, and that indepth analyses of all external assessment information is used to identfy gaps in learning.
Full Inspection Report 2019–20, page 5, paragraph 12
Leadership and self-evaluation
1 development point
Development required, recurring in 3 of the last 5 reports
Ensure that strategic planning is detailed and sharply focused on short-term targets and measurable goals and is updated regularly to guide school’s next steps for school development.
Full Inspection Report 2019–20, page 5, paragraph 13
Findings from 1 of 9 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 4 reports, 2016–17 to 2019–20. Findings come only from Full Inspection Reports, never from Parent Reports.
History
This school’s latest report is from 2019–20, before the 2023–24 inspection cycle.
4 KHDA inspection reports on file, 2016–17 to 2019–20.
History of International School of Arts & SciencesOverall rating by academic year, newest first
- 2026–27Inspections resume this year. No report yet.
- 2024–25 and 2025–26KHDA paused full inspections. The 2019–20 rating is still the latest. About the pause
- 2020–21 to 2023–24No inspection.
- 2019–20Not comparable: four-level scaleNote 1Full Inspection Report 2019–20 (opens in a new tab)
- 2018–19Not ratedNot rated in this reportFull Inspection Report 2018–19 (opens in a new tab)
- 2017–18Not ratedNot rated in this reportFull Inspection Report 2017–18 (opens in a new tab)
- 2016–17Not ratedNot rated in this reportFull Inspection Report 2016–17 (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.
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 2019–20 (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)
KHDA school directory · web page, English
KHDA school directory 2025–26 (opens in a new tab)KHDA school directory 2024–25 (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)