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
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, Arabic
- Founded
- 2006
- External examinations
- AP Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Accreditation
- NEASC Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- 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
- Teachers
- 121 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Students of determination
- 84 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Emirati students
- 1,391 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
- 4 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
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
- 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 12 reports.
WellbeingStudents’ personal development and wellbeing
First rated in 2023–24
InclusionProvision for students of determination
Same as 2022–23 Earlier: Good 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
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.
- 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, SCHOOL OF MODERN SKILLSIslamic Education, by inspection report
| Rated | 2015–16 | 2016–17 | 2017–18 | 2018–19 | 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 | Not applicable | |
| Leadership: International and Emirati Achievement | Not in this report | |
| Teaching and Learning: Improving reading literacy | Not applicable | |
| Overall school standards in the National Agenda Parameter | Not 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)
- 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 · 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
- Back to text, source A
Full Inspection Report 2018–19
Page 8
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 · 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
- 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 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
- «Admissions Open 2026-2027 Academic Year» dubai-sms.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
School buses
- «Transportation fees for every student (Optional)» dubai-sms.com 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 17,491 to AED 29,572Source 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, SCHOOL OF MODERN SKILLS, 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 17,491 | AED 17,491 |
| KG2 | AED 18,247 | AED 18,247 |
| Primary | ||
| Grade 1 | AED 18,876 | AED 18,876 |
| Grade 2 | AED 19,631 | AED 19,631 |
| Grade 3 | AED 20,386 | AED 20,386 |
| Grade 4 | AED 21,140 | AED 21,140 |
| Grade 5 | AED 21,896 | AED 21,896 |
| Grade 6 | AED 22,652 | AED 22,652 |
| Secondary | ||
| Grade 7 | AED 23,406 | AED 23,406 |
| Grade 8 | AED 24,162 | AED 24,162 |
| Grade 9 | AED 24,915 | AED 24,915 |
| Grade 10 | AED 25,671 | AED 25,671 |
| Post-16 | ||
| Grade 11 | AED 29,572 | AED 29,572 |
| Grade 12 | AED 29,572 | AED 29,572 |
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: 4 strengths, 4 development points, 4 recurring across the last 5 reports.
Attainment and progress
Note 11 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
- 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 SCHOOL OF MODERN SKILLSOverall 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)
- 2017–18Same 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, SCHOOL OF MODERN SKILLS
| Year | Students | Teachers | Teacher turnover |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024–25 | 1,875 | Not available | Not available |
| 2023–24 | 1,670 | 121 | Not available |
| 2022–23 | 1,605 | 117 | 24% |
| 2021–22 | 1,601 | Not available | Not available |
| 2020–21 | 1,737 | Not available | Not available |
| 2019–20 | 1,797 | Not available | Not available |
| 2018–19 | 1,704 | 123 | 33% |
| 2017–18 | 1,706 | 121 | Not available |
| 2016–17 | 1,706 | 106 | 22% |
| 2015–16 | 1,597 | 98 | 23% |
| 2014–15 | 1,518 | Not available | Not available |
| 2013–14 | 1,474 | Not available | Not available |
| 2012–13 | 1,094 | Not available | Not available |
| 2011–12 | 1,111 | Not available | Not available |
| 2010–11 | 887 | 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 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)