Mirdif American School
American curriculum, Al Mizhar First, Pre-KG–Grade 10
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
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 10
- Languages of instruction
- English
- Founded
- 1995
- External examinations
- MAP Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Accreditation
- NEASC Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Extra-curricular activities
- Art, Design & fashion and more, 2 confirmed
Students and staff
From KHDA’s 2023–24 inspection report, unless another year is named.
- Students, 2024–25
- 774 Source A: KHDA school directory 2024–25
- Teachers
- 46 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Students of determination
- 60 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Emirati students
- 516 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
- 1 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Leadership
- Principal at the 2023–24 inspection
- LISA MARIE BROWN Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Appointed 6 Jan 2021, as the report prints it.
- Principals since 2011–12
- 1 change of principal
- Randa Ghandour,رندا غندور, 2011–12 to 2019–20 → LISA MARIE BROWN, 2022–23 to 2023–24
Contact
- Address
- Al Mizhar First
- Phone and email
- +971 4 288 3303mirdif98@emirates.net.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
Same as 2022–23 Earlier: Good in 5 reports and Acceptable in 7 reports.
WellbeingStudents’ personal development and wellbeing
Not available2023–24
InclusionProvision for students of determination
Same as 2022–23 Earlier: Good in 2 reports.
LeadershipLeadership and management
Same as 2022–23 Earlier: Good in 1 report.
Checked 16 September 2026.
Wellbeing, 2022–23 report: High
«The quality of wellbeing provision and outcomes is at a high level:» p. 9
In 2021-22 and 2022-23 KHDA judged wellbeing on its own scale — Very high, High, Moderate, Low — not the six inspection words, so it is shown in its own words and not compared with them.
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 | Not applicable | |||
| Assessment | Not applicable | |||
| CurriculumCurriculum design and implementation | Not applicable | |||
| Adapting the curriculumCurriculum adaptation | Not applicable | |||
| SafeguardingHealth and safety, including child protection | Not applicable |
- 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
Students show 'good' achievement in Islamic Education and Arabic as a first language. Arabic as an additional language is not yet as strong. Across all of the Kindergarten and the Elementary school, students show 'good' achievement in English, mathematics and science. Middle School students are almost the same, although English attainment is only 'acceptable'. Students' problem-solving skills are developing well and they enjoy the chance to learn in practical ways.
Personal and social development
Students are responsible and they get along well with others. They try to make healthy food choices and most enjoy PE and sports. Older students have an excellent understanding of Islamic values. They celebrate Islamic occasions. All students respect the culture of the UAE and its heritage. Students are learning how to be look after the environment, and Kindergarten children grow and care for vegetables.
Teaching, curriculum and care
Teaching quality is predominantly 'good', featuring some notably effective lessons catering to diverse learner groups. In the most successful lessons, teaching in small groups enhances student learning. The school conducts detailed analysis of test results to pinpoint learning gaps and consistently tracks student progress.
Wellbeing
Governors and leaders prioritize well-being in this highly inclusive school. The promotion of well-being is embedded in the curriculum. Strategic planning to optimize well-being is informed by accurate data analysis. A shared vision of well-being unites staff, governors, parents, and the student council. Students learn safety and health, with access to known and trusted adults for guidance and support. Staff initiatives promote work-life balance. The curriculum and classroom environments prioritize well-being, fostering a supportive, thriving school community.
Inclusion
The school welcomes students of all abilities in what is an inclusive and caring school. School leaders work to improve how inclusion is promoted. They help make sure teachers with the right skills are available to help students learn in the way they do best. Parents are very positive about the quality of support given to their children. The content of the curriculum is adjusted to make it easier for all students to learn.
Leadership and management
Very experienced educators lead the school. They know the school very well, and they use student test results to give information about how all students are learning. This is used to make plans to improve the school. Parents have an important role in the school, and they are valued. The school governors support the school with what it needs to provide for the best level of learning.
- 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, Mirdif American SchoolIslamic Education, by inspection report
| Rated | 2015–16 | 2016–17 | 2017–18 | 2018–19 | 2019–20 | 2022–23 | 2023–24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Islamic Education attainmentMiddle | |||||||
| Islamic Education attainmentElementary | |||||||
| Islamic Education attainmentHigh | Islamic Education attainment, High: not rated from 2016–17 to 2023–24 | ||||||
| Islamic Education progressMiddle | |||||||
| Islamic Education progressElementary | |||||||
| Islamic Education progressHigh | Islamic Education progress, High: not rated from 2016–17 to 2023–24 | ||||||
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 |
Registration requirements: Met Fully
- The school performed in the Intermediate International benchmark category in the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS).
- They exceeded their targets in PIRLS for both the whole school and for Emirati students.
- In terms of benchmark assessments, there were improvements in all subjects for the whole school and Emirati students, apart from in English, where Emirati students’ progress was slower.
Earlier reports
- 2022–23: Progress in international assessment — meets expectations
- 2019–20: Overall, the schools’ progression to achieve the UAE National Agenda targets — meets expectations
- 2018–19: Overall, the school’s progression to achieve the UAE National Agenda targets — meets expectations
- 2017–18: Overall, the school's provision for achieving National Agenda targets — meets expectations
- 2016–17: Students’ attainment based on the National Agenda Parameter benchmarks — is below expectations
- 2015–16: Progress towards meeting the National Agenda targets — was not secure
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.
Art & design
- Art · Drawing · Painting
- Design & fashion · Graphic Design · Textiles
Facilities
- Swimming pool
Mentioned in earlier KHDA reports
- Science & engineering club
- Martial arts
- Drama
- Dance (other)
- Photography & film
- Swimming
- Debate & public speaking
- Ballet
Also mentioned: community service projects, field trips
- 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 · Each week, the school offers four lessons of Arabic for 40 minutes in KG1 and in KG.
External examinations
- MAP
Facilities
- Sensory room
- Science laboratory facilities
Support for students of determination and the gifted
- They have strengthened the inclusion team by ensuring new teachers have specialist skills to support students’ needs and providing specialist resources such as the sensory room. p. 22
- The head of inclusion provides the inclusion team with procedures for the accurate identification of students’ needs and, a clear direction for their next steps in overcoming barriers to learning. p. 22
- These steps are being used effectively to improve individual learning plans (IEPs) and strategies for support. p. 22
- 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 mirdifamericanschool.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
- «ADMISSIONS OPEN FOR 2026 - 2027» mirdifamericanschool.ae on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «Grade 10 & 11 have been added» mirdifamericanschool.ae on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «Mirdif American School, Dubai was founded in 1995 as an American-based curriculum school accepting students from the age of 3 to 16 years old.» mirdifamericanschool.ae on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «Applications for admission are accepted at all times during the school year.» mirdifamericanschool.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 13 year groupsNote 1
AED 25,944 to AED 47,081Source A: Fees Fact Sheet 2026–27
Pre-KG to Grade 10, 2026–27
Tuition is the same as in 2025–26 for every year group.
Annual tuition by year group, Mirdif American 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 | ||
| Pre-KG | AED 25,944 | AED 25,944 |
| KG1 | AED 26,020 | AED 26,020 |
| KG2 | AED 27,260 | AED 27,260 |
| Primary | ||
| Grade 1 | AED 28,498 | AED 28,498 |
| Grade 2 | AED 29,739 | AED 29,739 |
| Grade 3 | AED 30,977 | AED 30,977 |
| Grade 4 | AED 32,217 | AED 32,217 |
| Grade 5 | AED 33,454 | AED 33,454 |
| Grade 6 | AED 34,695 | AED 34,695 |
| Secondary | ||
| Grade 7 | AED 37,172 | AED 37,172 |
| Grade 8 | AED 38,410 | AED 38,410 |
| Grade 9 | AED 45,034 | AED 45,034 |
| Grade 10 | AED 47,081 | AED 47,081 |
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 13 year groups.
Checked 16 September 2026.
- Back to text, source B
Fees Fact Sheet 2025–26
Tuition for 13 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, 3 recurring across the last 5 reports.
Personal development and wellbeing
Note 11 strength
Strength
Students very good personal development and social skills that contribute to a positive learning environment.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 5
Emirati students
1 strength
Strength
Students’ appreciation of Emirati culture and the Islamic values that underpin UAE society.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 6
Health, safety and safeguarding
1 strength
Strength
Rigorous health and safety procedures that ensure all students are safe and secure at school.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 7
Inclusion of students of determination
1 strength
Strength
The high level of care and support that ensures all students are nurtured in an inclusive community.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 8
Parents and community
1 strength
Strength
The successful partnerships with parents where their contributions and roles in the school are highly appreciated and valued.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 9
Attainment and progress
2 development points
Development required, recurring in 4 of the last 5 reportsNote 2
Build students’ reading skills with urgent, targeted, well-designed and data-driven interventions to raise students measured reading skill levels to at least Stanine 5 for a large majority of students in every grade.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 11
Development required, recurring in 4 of the last 5 reports
Accelerate students’ progress in all subjects, addressing specific learning needs, lifting expectations, and providing higher levels of challenge.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 13
Innovation and thinking skills
1 development point
Development required, recurring in 2 of the last 5 reports
Integrate students’ use of technology more fully to support learning, including independent research, recording, and presentations.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 12
Findings from 1 of 11 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, 2017–18 to 2023–24. Findings come only from Full Inspection Reports, never from Parent Reports.
KHDA’s return visits
After an Unsatisfactory inspection, KHDA came back to check each recommendation. Its verdict at every visit, as the visit report prints it.
Asked in the 2008–09 inspection
Improve the quality of teaching and learning and develop effective strategies to manage teaching performance
- June 2009, page 2 of the 2008–09 visit report (opens in a new tab) Not met (all recommendations together)
- May 2010, page 2 of the 2009–10 visit report (opens in a new tab) Not met (all recommendations together)
Recommendation on page 1 of the 2008–09 report (opens in a new tab)
Ensure that the curriculum provision meets the needs of the students in the school
- June 2009, page 2 of the 2008–09 visit report (opens in a new tab) Not met (all recommendations together)
- May 2010, page 2 of the 2009–10 visit report (opens in a new tab) Not met (all recommendations together)
Recommendation on page 1 of the 2008–09 report (opens in a new tab)
Address the health and safety hazards by: - Ensuring that both school gates are secure; - Attending to the inadequate safety netting; - Clarify procedures and carrying out an emergency evacuation practice; - Ensuring that seatbelts are in place on buses and worn by students.
- June 2009, page 2 of the 2008–09 visit report (opens in a new tab) Not met (all recommendations together)
- May 2010, page 2 of the 2009–10 visit report (opens in a new tab) Not met (all recommendations together)
Recommendation on page 1 of the 2008–09 report (opens in a new tab)
As the villa accommodation provided an unsatisfactory learning environment, the school should improve the quality of the accommodation to an acceptable standard
- June 2009, page 2 of the 2008–09 visit report (opens in a new tab) Not met (all recommendations together)
- May 2010, page 2 of the 2009–10 visit report (opens in a new tab) Not met (all recommendations together)
Recommendation on page 1 of the 2008–09 report (opens in a new tab)
Review and correct misleading inaccuracies in the school website
- June 2009, page 2 of the 2008–09 visit report (opens in a new tab) Not met (all recommendations together)
- May 2010, page 2 of the 2009–10 visit report (opens in a new tab) Not met (all recommendations together)
Recommendation on page 1 of the 2008–09 report (opens in a new tab)
Ensure that the teaching and support staff are sufficiently qualified to teach the curriculum
- June 2009, page 2 of the 2008–09 visit report (opens in a new tab) Not met (all recommendations together)
- May 2010, page 2 of the 2009–10 visit report (opens in a new tab) Not met (all recommendations together)
Recommendation on page 1 of the 2008–09 report (opens in a new tab)
Provide sufficient resources for student learning.
- June 2009, page 2 of the 2008–09 visit report (opens in a new tab) Not met (all recommendations together)
- May 2010, page 2 of the 2009–10 visit report (opens in a new tab) Not met (all recommendations together)
Recommendation on page 2 of the 2008–09 report (opens in a new tab)
“Met” and “Not met” are KHDA’s words: the school had, or had not, met the requirements of the recommendation to an acceptable level. Where a visit judged the recommendations together, one sentence covers them all.
History
14 KHDA inspection reports on file, 2008–09 to 2023–24.
History of Mirdif American 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 2019–20Full Inspection Report 2022–23 (opens in a new tab)
- 2020–21 and 2021–22No inspection.
- 2019–20Same as 2018–19Full Inspection Report 2019–20 (opens in a new tab)
- 2018–19Same as 2017–18Full Inspection Report 2018–19 (opens in a new tab)
- 2017–18Up from AcceptableFull 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 GoodFull Inspection Report 2015–16 (opens in a new tab)
- Six-level scale starts in 2015–16. Earlier reports used four levels.
- 2014–15Up from AcceptableFull 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)
- 2009–10Not comparable: four-level scaleFull Inspection Report 2009–10 (opens in a new tab)
- 2008–09“Unsatisfactory”First 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, Mirdif American School
| Year | Students | Teachers | Teacher turnover |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024–25 | 774 | Not available | Not available |
| 2023–24 | 670 | 46 | Not available |
| 2022–23 | 708 | 45 | 23% |
| 2021–22 | 751 | Not available | Not available |
| 2020–21 | 783 | Not available | Not available |
| 2019–20 | 871 | 58 | 12% |
| 2018–19 | 835 | 58 | 20% |
| 2017–18 | 829 | 59 | 24% |
| 2016–17 | 883 | 64 | 20% |
| 2015–16 | 908 | 60 | 26% |
| 2014–15 | 747 | Not available | Not available |
| 2013–14 | 777 | Not available | Not available |
| 2012–13 | 686 | Not available | Not available |
| 2011–12 | 468 | Not available | Not available |
| 2010–11 | 350 | 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 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)
Follow-through 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)