SCHOOL OF MODERN SKILLS

American curriculum, Muhaisnah 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

2023–24

Earlier reports

  1. 12 earlier reports, see all years

Wellbeing Dubai focus area

Good

2023–24

Inclusion Dubai focus area

Good

2023–24

Checked 16 September 2026.

  1. Back to text, source A

    Full Inspection Report 2023–24

    Checked 16 September 2026.

  2. 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.

  3. Back to text, source C

    Fees Fact Sheet 2026–27

    Checked 16 September 2026.

Overview

The school

Curriculum
American
Year groups
KG1–Grade 12
Gender
Co-educational Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Report wording: Boys and girls
Languages of instruction
English, Arabic
Founded
2006
Extra-curricular activities
Robotics, confirmed

Students and staff

From KHDA’s 2023–24 inspection report, unless another year is named.

Students, 2024–⁠25
1,875 Source A: KHDA school directory 2024–25
Largest nationality group
Emirati Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
KHDA gives no share. Context only, never used in results.

Leadership

Principal at the 2023–⁠24 inspection
Stephanie Lucille Chattman Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Appointed 8 Aug 2022, as the report prints it.
Principals since 2011–⁠12
3 changes of principal
Mohammad Fliti, 2011–12 → Huda Al Samkari, 2012–13 to 2017–18 → Ms. Judith Vojta, 2018–19 → Stephanie Lucille Chattman, 2022–23 to 2023–24

Contact

Address
Muhaisnah First
Phone and email
+971 4 288 7765principal@dubai-sms.com
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

  1. Back to text, source A

    KHDA school directory 2024–25

    Checked 16 September 2026.

  2. Back to text, source B
  3. 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)

  1. OverallOverall performance

    Acceptable

    Same as 2022–23 Earlier: Acceptable in 12 reports.

  2. WellbeingStudents’ personal development and wellbeing

    Good

    First rated in 2023–24

  3. InclusionProvision for students of determination

    Good

    Same as 2022–23 Earlier: Good in 1 report.

  4. LeadershipLeadership and management

    Acceptable

    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.

AreaKGElementaryMiddleHigh
TeachingTeaching for effective learningGoodAcceptableAcceptableGood
AssessmentGoodGoodGoodGood
CurriculumCurriculum design and implementationGoodGoodGoodGood
Adapting the curriculumCurriculum adaptationGoodAcceptableAcceptableAcceptable
SafeguardingHealth and safety, including child protectionVery goodVery goodVery goodVery good

Source Source A: Full Inspection Report 2023–24

  1. Back to text, source A

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

Across the school, students’ consistently achieve well in Islamic education. Progress in the high school is good in all subjects except in Arabic as additional language. Progress in Arabic as an additional language is acceptable. Progress is good in Arabic as a first language in the elementary, in English in Kindergarten (KG), and in mathematics in KG. Progress in English and mathematics is acceptable in the elementary and middle schools.

Personal and social development

Students exhibit positive attitudes and responsibility towards learning, with strong behavior and relationships across all phases. They demonstrate understanding of safety and health principles, though attendance needs improvement. Islamic values are well understood, fostering respect and appreciation, particularly in upper grades. Students also value UAE heritage and culture, displaying pride in their own backgrounds and respect for others'. They engage in serving the community, showcase innovation, and actively promote sustainability.

Teaching, curriculum and care

Teachers at the school demonstrate good subject knowledge and an understanding of how students learn best. However, the overall quality of teaching is inconsistent. While some teachers adapt their teaching to meet individual needs, more capable students are not consistently challenged. Critical thinking and independent learning need further improvement. Assessment data is being used to modify teaching and track student progress. Opportunities for self and peer assessment are being developed.

Wellbeing

The school, led by a qualified senior team, prioritizes well-being with clear policies and effective implementation. Systematic data collection includes stakeholder surveys and peer feedback. Student input significantly shapes the promotion of well-being, with regular communication benefiting parents. Staff receive supportive induction and training, though personalized support could be expanded. Curriculum initiatives promote student well-being, resulting in increased independence and higher engagement, resilience, and character development.

Inclusion

The school's leadership, including governors and senior staff, prioritize creating an inclusive environment, particularly for students with special educational needs. The senior leadership team, well-qualified in their roles, consistently implements policies designed to support these students effectively, facilitated by appropriate resources such as specialized learning environments and sensory rooms. Communication with parents is maintained to ensure they are informed and involved in the adaptation of the curriculum to meet their children's unique needs.

Leadership and management

The school leadership prioritizes academic success, inclusive education, and stakeholder well-being. Recently deployed instructional leaders focus on teaching methodologies but not student outcomes. Self-evaluation lacks rigor, with improvement plans emphasizing completion over outcomes. Parental, staff, and student perspectives inform governance, but data underutilized for challenging leadership. Effective communication of routines aids punctuality. Teacher qualifications vary, and some struggle with effective curriculum delivery. Renovation enhances learning environment, yet crowded classrooms challenge effective teaching.

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    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).

Source Source A: KHDA school directory 2026–27

  1. Back to text, source A

    KHDA school directory 2026–27

    Checked 16 September 2026.

Academics

Academic outcomes, SCHOOL OF MODERN SKILLS

Attainment by subject and phase, 2023–24KHDA words for each subject in each phase.

SubjectFoundation StagePrimarySecondary
Islamic EducationNot in this reportGoodGood
ArabicNot in this reportAcceptableAcceptable
EnglishGoodAcceptableAcceptable
MathematicsGoodAcceptableAcceptable
ScienceAcceptableAcceptableAcceptable

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, SCHOOL OF MODERN SKILLS

Islamic Education, by inspection report

Rated2015–162016–172017–182018–192022–232023–24
Islamic Education attainmentMiddleGoodGoodGoodGoodGoodGood
Islamic Education attainmentElementaryGoodGoodGoodGoodGoodGood
Islamic Education attainmentHighGoodGoodGoodGoodGoodGood
Islamic Education progressMiddleGoodGoodGoodGoodGoodGood
Islamic Education progressElementaryGoodGoodGoodGoodGoodGood
Islamic Education progressHighGoodGoodGoodGoodGoodGood

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

AspectWhole schoolEmirati cohort
International and Benchmark AchievementWeakNot applicable
Leadership: International and Emirati AchievementAcceptableNot in this report
Teaching and Learning: Improving reading literacyAcceptableNot applicable
Overall school standards in the National Agenda ParameterAcceptableNot in this report

Registration requirements: Met Fully

  • The school’s outcomes in the 2021 Progress in International Reading Study (PIRLS) show a negative trend compared with the 2016 results.
  • The target score was not reached.
  • Whole-school English language scores did not improve, thereby sustaining a weak judgement.
  • This result is also reflected in the school’s mathematics and science benchmark results, which also sustained weak judgements over two years.

Earlier reports

  • 2022–23: Overall, the school’s progression to achieve the UAE National Agenda targets — is approaching expectations
  • 2018–19: Overall, the school’s progression to achieve its UAE National Agenda targets — is below expectations
  • 2017–18: Overall, the school's provision for achieving its National Agenda targets — is below expectations
  • 2016–17: Students' attainment in the National Agenda Parameter — is below expectations in science, mathematics, and English
  • 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)

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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 · robotics classes · weekly, as part of the ‘Arduino’ project

Facilities

  • Art studio
  • Swimming pool

Mentioned in earlier KHDA reports

  • Photography & film
  • Debate & public speaking
  • Drama
  • Art

Also mentioned: Arabic calligraphy, crochet

Source Source A: Full Inspection Report 2018–19

  1. Back to text, source A

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 a first language

External examinations

  • AP

Courses after 16

  • Advanced Placement · Advanced Placement (AP)
  • Various pathways

Facilities

  • Reading corners
  • Learning laboratories
  • Sensory room
  • Science laboratories
  • Interactive white boards

Support for students of determination and the gifted

  • Following admission, their needs are identified, and plans are put in place to ensure that they receive the necessary support. p. 18
  • The school has identified students with gifts and talents and has taken some appropriate steps to meet their needs. p. 18
  • Learning laboratories and a sensory room are the latest additions. p. 19

Source Source A: Full Inspection Report 2023–24

  1. Back to text, source A

On the school's website

What the school says about itself on dubai-sms.com, 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

School buses

Source Source A: School website, read 2026-09-22

  1. Back to text, source A

    School website, read 22 September 2026

    Checked 22 September 2026.

Fees

Tuition across 14 year groupsNote 1

AED 17,491 to AED 29,572Source A: Fees Fact Sheet 2026–27

KG1 to Grade 12, 2026–27

Year group

Fees for SCHOOL OF MODERN SKILLS
Compare with

Tuition is the same as in 2025–26 for every year group.

Annual tuition by year group, SCHOOL OF MODERN SKILLS, 2026–27 compared with 2025–26

Year group2026–27Source A: Fees Fact Sheet 2026–272025–26Source B: Fees Fact Sheet 2025–26
Foundation Stage
KG1AED 17,491AED 17,491
KG2AED 18,247AED 18,247
Primary
Grade 1AED 18,876AED 18,876
Grade 2AED 19,631AED 19,631
Grade 3AED 20,386AED 20,386
Grade 4AED 21,140AED 21,140
Grade 5AED 21,896AED 21,896
Grade 6AED 22,652AED 22,652
Secondary
Grade 7AED 23,406AED 23,406
Grade 8AED 24,162AED 24,162
Grade 9AED 24,915AED 24,915
Grade 10AED 25,671AED 25,671
Post-16
Grade 11AED 29,572AED 29,572
Grade 12AED 29,572AED 29,572

Checked 16 September 2026.

  1. 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.

  2. Back to text, source A

    Fees Fact Sheet 2026–27

    Tuition for 14 year groups.

    Checked 16 September 2026.

  3. Back to text, source B

    Fees Fact Sheet 2025–26

    Tuition for 14 year groups.

    Checked 16 September 2026.

  4. 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: 4 strengths, 4 development points, 4 recurring across the last 5 reports.

Group by

Checked 16 September 2026.

Attainment and progress

Note 1

1 strength

  • StrengthHigh school

    High school students’ good progress in most subjects

    Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 3

Islamic Education

1 strength

  • Strength

    Students’ achievement in Islamic Education and awareness of Islamic values and Emirati culture

    Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 4

Health, safety and safeguarding

1 strength

  • Strength

    The secure health and safety arrangements and child protection procedures

    Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 5

Parents and community

1 strength

  • Strength

    Successful communication with the school’s community and partnerships with parents

    Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 6

Teaching

1 development point

  • Development required, recurring in 3 of the last 5 reportsNote 2Boys

    Develop consistently high-quality teaching and learning across all subject areas and phases and improve the attainment of all, but in particular of boys.

    Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 8

Assessment

1 development point

  • Development required, recurring in 2 of the last 5 reports

    Use assessment data to plan and deliver challenging lessons, to ensure that all students reach their full potential.

    Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 9

Leadership and self-evaluation

2 development points

  • Development required, recurring in 5 of the last 5 reports

    Improve leadership skills to address the potential literacy and learning barriers associated with the school’s changing student population.

    Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 10

  • Development required, recurring in 5 of the last 5 reports

    Ensure that all leaders use both internal and external data to conduct accurate self-evaluation and purposeful improvement planning with quantifiable targets.

    Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 11

Findings from 1 of 10 reports

  1. Back to text, note 1

    Topics follow the order of the KHDA inspection framework, not how good or bad a finding is.

  2. 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 SCHOOL OF MODERN SKILLS
Rating

Overall rating by academic year, newest first

  1. 2026–27Inspections resume this year. No report yet.
  2. 2024–25 and 2025–26KHDA paused full inspections. The 2023–24 rating is still the latest. About the pause
  3. 2023–24AcceptableSame as 2022–23Note 1Full Inspection Report 2023–24 (opens in a new tab) PDF
  4. 2022–23AcceptableSame as 2018–19Full Inspection Report 2022–23 (opens in a new tab) PDF
  5. 2019–20 to 2021–22No inspection.
  6. 2018–19AcceptableSame as 2017–18Full Inspection Report 2018–19 (opens in a new tab) PDF
  7. 2017–18AcceptableSame as 2016–17Full Inspection Report 2017–18 (opens in a new tab) PDF
  8. 2016–17AcceptableSame as 2015–16Full Inspection Report 2016–17 (opens in a new tab) PDF
  9. 2015–16AcceptableSame as 2014–15Full Inspection Report 2015–16 (opens in a new tab) PDF
  10. Six-level scale starts in 2015–16. Earlier reports used four levels.
  11. 2014–15AcceptableSame as 2013–14Full Inspection Report 2014–15 (opens in a new tab) PDF
  12. 2013–14AcceptableSame as 2012–13Full Inspection Report 2013–14 (opens in a new tab) PDF
  13. 2012–13AcceptableSame as 2011–12Full Inspection Report 2012–13 (opens in a new tab) PDF
  14. 2011–12AcceptableSame as 2010–11Full Inspection Report 2011–12 (opens in a new tab) PDF
  15. 2010–11AcceptableSame as 2009–10Full Inspection Report 2010–11 (opens in a new tab) PDF
  16. 2009–10AcceptableSame as 2008–09Full Inspection Report 2009–10 (opens in a new tab) PDF
  17. 2008–09AcceptableFirst reportFull Inspection Report 2008–09 (opens in a new tab) PDF

Checked 16 September 2026.

  1. 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, SCHOOL OF MODERN SKILLS

YearStudentsTeachersTeacher turnover
2024–251,875Not availableNot available
2023–241,670121Not available
2022–231,60511724%
2021–221,601Not availableNot available
2020–211,737Not availableNot available
2019–201,797Not availableNot available
2018–191,70412333%
2017–181,706121Not available
2016–171,70610622%
2015–161,5979823%
2014–151,518Not availableNot available
2013–141,474Not availableNot available
2012–131,094Not availableNot available
2011–121,111Not availableNot available
2010–11887Not availableNot 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 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)

School website · web page, English