North American International School
American curriculum, Al Mizhar First, KG1–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
- KG1–Grade 12
- Languages of instruction
- English
- Founded
- 2007
- External examinations
- AP Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Accreditation
- NEASC Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Extra-curricular activities
- Model United Nations, confirmed
Students and staff
From KHDA’s 2023–24 inspection report, unless another year is named.
- Students, 2024–25
- 909 Source A: KHDA school directory 2024–25
- Teachers
- 83 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Students of determination
- 49 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Emirati students
- 244 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
- Justin Allen McCauley Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Appointed 8 Jan 2019, as the report prints it. The current principal is under Contact.
- Principals since 2011–12
- 2 changes of principal
- Mrs. Sonia Mahajan, 2011–12 to 2018–19 → Justin Allen McCauley, 2019–20 to 2023–24 → MICHELLE ANNETTE MOTLEY, in KHDA's directory on 2026-09-18
Contact
- Address
- Al Mizhar First
- Phone and email
- +971 4 288 4844principal@naischool.aePrincipal: MICHELLE ANNETTE MOTLEY
- 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
Down from Good Earlier: Good in 2 reports and Acceptable in 11 reports.
WellbeingStudents’ personal development and wellbeing
First rated in 2023–24
InclusionProvision for students of determination
Down from Good Earlier: Good in 2 reports.
LeadershipLeadership and management
Down from Good Earlier: Good 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
Students perform well in Islamic Education and Arabic in Elementary but less so in other phases. In English, math, and science, progress is good in Kindergarten and Elementary, with mostly acceptable attainment levels. Middle and High school achievement is generally acceptable, except in High-level math where it's good. While younger students display positive attitudes and behavior, older students need closer supervision. All students demonstrate a strong appreciation of Islamic values, influencing their daily lives in the UAE.
Personal and social development
Most students have positive attitudes towards school. In Kg and Elementary, students behave well, are courteous to others and are slowly developing their self-reliance. This is to a lesser extent in Secondary where students must be closely supervised to follow school rules. Across the school, students clearly show appreciation for and understanding of Islamic values and how these values shape their daily lives in the UAE community. The Student Council contributes positively to school life.
Teaching, curriculum and care
Teachers have good subject knowledge, but teaching quality varies. Kindergarten and Elementary show better teaching with well-planned and effective methods. Although teachers use questions to engage students, they often set low challenges and expectations. Teaching sometimes lacks personalized approaches. The school's assessment aligns with curriculum standards consistently across all grades.
Wellbeing
Governors and leaders have a limited understanding of effective well-being principles. The development of a comprehensive and meaningful whole school vision for well-being is not yet in place. Parents do not receive regular updates and have little involvement. Students lack opportunities to proactively engage with or lead well-being initiatives. Most students are aware of the support available through teachers and counselling staff. Staff members report satisfaction on the priority given by the school to promoting work life balance.
Inclusion
Leaders show a positive commitment to an inclusive ethos and welcome students with a range of learning abilities. Action planning effectively supports provision outside the classroom. Strategies inside classrooms often lack impact. Student inclusion champions contribute effectively in raising awareness. Identification is mostly accurate for students of determination but less so for those with gifts and talents. The quality of support in classrooms is variable as teachers’ knowledge of differentiation strategies often lack purpose. Gifted and talented students do not receive the support they need.
Leadership and management
The leadership team manages the school closely. The principal and his team are aware of UAE national priorities but do not always address them effectively. The relationship of leadership with the staff is positive. Parents communicate with the school directly and through the parent site council. Governors support the school with resources when needed. The school has an established routine that is well understood by all staff and students. Resources and digital platforms are underutilized. The leadership ensures the school is compliant.
- 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, North American International SchoolIslamic Education, by inspection report
| Rated | 2015–16 | 2016–17 | 2018–19 | 2019–20 | 2022–23 | 2023–24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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.
KHDA's verdicts, 2023–24
| Aspect | Whole school | Emirati cohort |
|---|---|---|
| International and Benchmark Achievement | ||
| Leadership: International and Emirati Acceptable Achievement | Not in this report | |
| Teaching and Learning: Improving reading literacy |
Registration requirements: Met Fully
- Outcomes in the 2021 Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) were close to the center-point on the threshold scale.
- Students' results fell significantly below the school's target and significantly below 2016 outcomes.
- Outcomes for Emirati students taking the assessment were even lower, with students’ results being nearly 100 points below the 2021 target.
- Outcomes in Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) assessments in all grades in English, mathematics and science were all weak over a two-year period.
- Emirati students performed less well that others in all grades and in all subjects.
- Students’ outcomes in benchmark assessments were marginally better in Arabic as a first and as an additional language.
Earlier reports
- 2022–23: Overall, the school’s progression to achieve the UAE National Agenda targets — is approaching expectations
- 2019–20: Overall, the school’s progress toward achieving the UAE National Agenda targets — meets expectations
- 2018–19: Overall, the school’s progression to achieve its UAE National Agenda targets — is approaching expectations
- 2017–18: Students’ attainment based on National Agenda Parameter (N.A.P) — is below expectations in English, mathematics and science
- 2016–17: Overall, the school’s improvement towards achieving its National Agenda targets — meets expectations
- 2015–16: Progress towards meeting the National Agenda targets — was above expectation
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.
Debate & strategy
- Model United Nations
Facilities
- Music rooms
Mentioned in earlier KHDA reports
- Martial arts
- Drama
- Art
- Robotics
Also mentioned: life skills courses, Flag Day, Commemoration Day, National Day
- Back to text, source A
Full Inspection Report 2019–20
Page 12
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 · Children are taught Arabic in both KG1 and KG2. Children in KG1 attend two Arabic lessons per week, while children in KG2 attend four lessons. Each lesson lasts for 30 minutes. One qualified teacher delivers the program. The school uses a modified MoE Arabic curriculum for both Arabs and non-Arabs.
Courses after 16
- Advanced Placement · AP
External examinations
- AP
Support for students of determination and the gifted
- Accurate identification systems are in place for students of determination, but less so for students with gifts and talents. p. 20
- Students’ individual education plans (IEPs) are not fully integrated in lessons and the quality of support is inconsistent. p. 20
- Identification is mostly accurate for students of determination but less so for those with gifts and talents. p. 21
- The assessment information, along with parents’ input, informs IEPs. p. 21
- Back to text, source A
Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Page 3
Checked 16 September 2026.
Fees
Tuition across 14 year groupsNote 1
AED 30,664 to AED 49,061Source 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, North American International 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 30,664 | AED 30,664 |
| KG2 | AED 30,664 | AED 30,664 |
| Primary | ||
| Grade 1 | AED 33,115 | AED 33,115 |
| Grade 2 | AED 33,115 | AED 33,115 |
| Grade 3 | AED 33,115 | AED 33,115 |
| Grade 4 | AED 33,115 | AED 33,115 |
| Grade 5 | AED 33,115 | AED 33,115 |
| Grade 6 | AED 33,115 | AED 33,115 |
| Secondary | ||
| Grade 7 | AED 36,796 | AED 36,796 |
| Grade 8 | AED 36,796 | AED 36,796 |
| Grade 9 | AED 42,929 | AED 42,929 |
| Grade 10 | AED 42,929 | AED 42,929 |
| Post-16 | ||
| Grade 11 | AED 49,061 | AED 49,061 |
| Grade 12 | AED 49,061 | AED 49,061 |
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
12 findings in the last report: 3 strengths, 9 development points, 7 recurring across the last 5 reports.
Islamic Education
Note 11 strength
Strength
Students’ awareness and understanding of Islamic values and their social responsibility.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 5
Health, safety and safeguarding
1 strength
Strength
The arrangements for health and safety and the maintenance of the premises.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 6
Parents and community
1 strength
Strength
The school’s partnership with parents and the community.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 7
Teaching
4 development points
Development required, recurring in 4 of the last 5 reportsNote 2
Improve the quality of teaching so that all students achieve well.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 9
Development required, recurring in 4 of the last 5 reports
Improve the effectiveness of the monitoring of teaching and learning by school leaders.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 10
Development required, recurring in 4 of the last 5 reports
Improve the school’s assessment procedures and teachers’ use of assessment information in lesson planning
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 11
Development required, recurring in 4 of the last 5 reportsStudents of determination
Ensure that all students of determination are fully supported in lessons and that teachers take account of the content of students’ individual education plans.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 12
Leadership and self-evaluation
2 development points
Development required, recurring in 2 of the last 5 reports
Ensure that governors have the capacity and the expertise to offer challenge and support to school leaders.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 13
Development required, recurring in 2 of the last 5 reports
Ensure that the school has a detailed reading literacy improvement plan that identifies specific and measurable targets, with named leaders responsible for checking the effectiveness of the plan.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 9, paragraph 6
Reading and literacy
1 development point
Development required, recurring in 3 of the last 5 reportsEmirati students
Ensure that the gaps in reading skills between Emirati students and other students are significantly narrowed.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 9, paragraph 7
Personal development and wellbeing
2 development points
Development required
Implement a systematic approach to wellbeing, focusing on the engagement of students and informed by comprehensive data analysis.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 10, paragraph 9
Development required
Ensure that the promotion of wellbeing is embedded in all aspects of school life.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 10, paragraph 10
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.
History
14 KHDA inspection reports on file, 2008–09 to 2023–24.
History of North American International 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
- 2023–24Down from GoodNote 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.
- 2019–20Up from AcceptableFull Inspection Report 2019–20 (opens in a new tab)
- 2018–19Same as 2017–18Full Inspection Report 2018–19 (opens in a new tab)
- 2017–18Same as 2016–17Full Inspection Report 2017–18 (opens in a new tab)
- 2016–17Same as 2015–16Full Inspection Report 2016–17 (opens in a new tab)
- 2015–16Same as 2014–15Full 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, North American International School
| Year | Students | Teachers | Teacher turnover |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024–25 | 909 | Not available | Not available |
| 2023–24 | 817 | 83 | Not available |
| 2022–23 | 632 | 73 | 24% |
| 2021–22 | 509 | Not available | Not available |
| 2020–21 | 470 | Not available | Not available |
| 2019–20 | 468 | 57 | 33% |
| 2018–19 | 534 | 62 | 21% |
| 2017–18 | 627 | 65 | Not available |
| 2016–17 | 593 | 63 | 14% |
| 2015–16 | 569 | 62 | 20% |
| 2014–15 | 499 | 60 | 25% |
| 2013–14 | 424 | Not available | Not available |
| 2012–13 | 389 | Not available | Not available |
| 2011–12 | 313 | Not available | Not available |
| 2010–11 | 169 | 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)
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)