Sharjah American International Private school
American curriculum, Al Warqa 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
- 2005
- External examinations
- AP Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Accreditation
- NEASC Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Extra-curricular activities
- Robotics, Coding, Model United Nations and more, 3 confirmed
Students and staff
From KHDA’s 2023–24 inspection report, unless another year is named.
- Students, 2024–25
- 2,009 Source A: KHDA school directory 2024–25
- Teachers
- 159 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Students of determination
- 73 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Emirati students
- 685 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Largest nationality group
- Arab 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
- Mohammed Sultan Ibrahim Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Appointed 1 Mar 2017, as the report prints it.
- Principals since 2011–12
- 3 changes of principal
- Mrs Nadine Tarazi, 2011–12 to 2013–14 → Mrs. Dianne Theresa Leverett, 2014–15 to 2015–16 → Mr. Mohammad Sultan Ibrahim, 2016–17 to 2019–20 → Mohammed Sultan Ibrahim, 2022–23 to 2023–24
Contact
- Address
- Al Warqa First
- Phone and email
- +971 4 280 1111principal@saisdubai.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: Good in 3 reports and Acceptable in 10 reports.
WellbeingStudents’ personal development and wellbeing
First rated in 2023–24
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.
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
The majority of children in Kindergarten (KG) and Elementary exceed curriculum standards and make better than expected progress in math, English, and science. This applies to Islamic education and Arabic in Elementary and High. Students in Elementary and High school perform better in Arabic and English then students in Middle. In High, the large majority of students are above curriculum standards in science; and make better than expected progress in science and math.
Personal and social development
Students show a responsible and positive attitude towards their school and learning. They are self-disciplined and empathetic. Students have a clear knowledge and understanding of Islamic values and how they influence life in the UAE. They particularly relate to values of tolerance, charity, and responsibility towards their community. Most students are ambitious, work hard and value education. Students clearly understand the issues around sustainability and environmental awareness.
Teaching, curriculum and care
Teachers employ varied strategies for active student engagement. In High, dynamic teaching in mathematics, English, and science ensures student diligence and engagement. In Middle and Elementary, the teaching pace sometimes lags. Teachers are aware of their students' strengths and weaknesses. Assessment processes are mostly clear and concise, with data used by many teachers in lesson planning to address individual needs, though differentiation can be variable. The curriculum is broad and balanced, offering quality academic and scientific opportunities across all phases. A wide range of courses, including electives, extend and enhance learning. Cross-curricular links and real-world connections are strong throughout. Curriculum adaptations based on assessment information aim to close learning gaps and improve outcomes.
Wellbeing
High levels of community well-being is a strategic goal for the school, underpinned by leadership commitment and a comprehensive action plan. The school promotes well-being-focused learning by integrating a socialemotional learning programme. Teachers cultivate positive learning environments, attentively listening and responding to students' well-being needs. Students show a deep understanding of their own and others' wellbeing, reflecting the effective cultivation of empathy and self-awareness. Professional development is pivotal, equipping staff with the skills to sustain and embed well-being throughout the curriculum.
Inclusion
The principal and the governors enable an inclusive ethos which is evident throughout the school. Experienced senior leaders implement the effective inclusive education policy.The three SEND co-ordinators endeavour to work closely with parents by developing communication links and encouraging parents to be involved in the school. Teachers welcome students of determination and collaborate with the inclusion team to develop and implement appropriate support. Parents are invited to attend meetings, to contribute to their children’s education plans and to discuss their progress.
Leadership and management
School leaders are dedicated and committed to UAE national priorities. This is reflected in their strategic plans and their communication with parents and staff. The school identifies its priorities well through a comprehensive process of analysing internal and external data. Parents are highly supportive of the school. They are regularly consulted about different aspects of school life. Members of the board bring in a range of expertise that is reflected in their support to the school. The premises and facilities provide a safe and stimulating environment.
- 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
- 14 Oct 2026 to 16 Oct 20263 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
- Second midterm break
- 11 Feb 2027 to 12 Feb 20272 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, Sharjah American International Private 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 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Requirements | Met Fully | Met Fully |
| International and Benchmark Achievement | ||
| Teaching and Learning: Improving reading literacy |
Registration requirements: Met Fully
- The international assessment data show improvement in students' overall scores in the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) and the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS).
- The international assessment data show improvement in students' overall scores in the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) and the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS).
- The whole-school MAP progress data are strongest in English at an outstanding level.
- In mathematics and science, progress in MAP is very good.
- Emirati students’ progression in MAP is good overall, reflecting very good progress in English and good progress in mathematics and science.
- Progression in PIRLS is outstanding for the whole school and also for the Emirati students.
- Analysis of the benchmark reading data supports an acceptable judgement for reading literacy across the school.
Earlier reports
- 2022–23: Progress in international assessment — is above expectations
- 2019–20: Overall, the school’s progression to achieve its UAE National Agenda targets — is above 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 its National Agenda targets — meets expectations
- 2016–17: Overall, the school’s improvement towards achieving its National Agenda targets — is not secure
- 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 · robotic technology
· - Coding · programming · computer programming
Debate & strategy
- Model United Nations
Facilities
- Swimming pool
Mentioned in earlier KHDA reports
- Drama
- Art
- Gymnastics
- 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 · The school provides four Arabic lessons in KG for a total of 180 minutes per week.
Courses after 16
- Advanced Placement · Advanced Placement (AP) classes
External examinations
- AP
Support for students of determination and the gifted
- The inclusion policy and practices identify and support students of determination. p. 21
- The school has also established procedures for the identification of students who are academically gifted. p. 21
- They have advanced learning plans, but support and challenge in lessons is insufficient. p. 21
- Specialist teachers deliver effective individualized support. p. 22
- Parents are invited to attend meetings, to contribute to their children’s individual education plans (IEPs) and to discuss progress. p. 22
- Modified curricula in English, mathematics and science are provided for students who have difficulty in accessing the standard curriculum. 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 saisdubai.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
- «Sharjah American International Schools (SAIS) considers all applications for admission without bias regardless of race, color, gender, handicap, religion, or national origin.» saisdubai.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «As per KHDA regulations, students with consistent poor behavior records and attitude, despite significant support and assistance, maybe denied admission for the following academic year.» saisdubai.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «Admission priority is for students of determination who have registered siblings.» saisdubai.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «Potential students seeking school admission will conduct Placement Tests in English and Mathematics as the first step in the admissions process.» saisdubai.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 17,976 to AED 44,938Source 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, Sharjah American International Private 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 17,976 | AED 17,976 |
| KG2 | AED 20,544 | AED 20,544 |
| Primary | ||
| Grade 1 | AED 21,826 | AED 21,826 |
| Grade 2 | AED 23,111 | AED 23,111 |
| Grade 3 | AED 24,396 | AED 24,396 |
| Grade 4 | AED 25,678 | AED 25,678 |
| Grade 5 | AED 26,963 | AED 26,963 |
| Grade 6 | AED 28,246 | AED 28,246 |
| Secondary | ||
| Grade 7 | AED 29,529 | AED 29,529 |
| Grade 8 | AED 30,815 | AED 30,815 |
| Grade 9 | AED 32,099 | AED 32,099 |
| Grade 10 | AED 35,949 | AED 35,949 |
| Post-16 | ||
| Grade 11 | AED 41,086 | AED 41,086 |
| Grade 12 | AED 44,938 | AED 44,938 |
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: 4 strengths, 8 development points, 4 recurring across the last 5 reports.
Personal development and wellbeing
Note 11 strength
Strength
Students’ personal development.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 5
Islamic Education
1 strength
Strength
Students’ understanding of Islamic values and the culture of the UAE.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 6
Parents and community
1 strength, 1 development point
Strength
Strong relationships with parents.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 7
Development required
Engage parents in the development of their own and their children's wellbeing.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 10, paragraph 10
Leadership and self-evaluation
1 strength
Strength
Effective management of the school.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 8
Teaching
4 development points
Development required, recurring in 5 of the last 5 reportsNote 2
Implement consistently effective teaching strategies to ensure that all students achieve well.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 10
Development required, recurring in 5 of the last 5 reports
Develop the skills of leaders so that they can identify and share the best examples of teaching and learning and bring about improvement in their areas of responsibility.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 12
Development required, recurring in 5 of the last 5 reports
Monitor rigorously the effectiveness of the development of reading literacy in classrooms.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 9, paragraph 6
Development required, recurring in 5 of the last 5 reports
Ensure that all teachers understand their role in monitoring and improving students’ wellbeing.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 10, paragraph 9
Assessment
2 development points
Development required
Ensure that teachers use valid and reliable assessment information.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 11
Development required
Ensure that teachers know each student's reading level.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 9, paragraph 7
Reading and literacy
1 development point
Development required
Provide a high level of reading support as required.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 9, paragraph 8
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 Sharjah American International Private 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)
- 2018–19Up from AcceptableFull 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, Sharjah American International Private school
| Year | Students | Teachers | Teacher turnover |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024–25 | 2,009 | Not available | Not available |
| 2023–24 | 2,073 | 159 | Not available |
| 2022–23 | 1,889 | 150 | 19% |
| 2021–22 | 1,810 | Not available | Not available |
| 2020–21 | 1,781 | Not available | Not available |
| 2019–20 | 1,891 | 143 | 10% |
| 2018–19 | 1,778 | 135 | 16% |
| 2017–18 | 1,694 | 132 | Not available |
| 2016–17 | 1,606 | 133 | 18% |
| 2015–16 | 1,566 | 131 | 14% |
| 2014–15 | 1,563 | 129 | 14% |
| 2013–14 | 1,407 | Not available | Not available |
| 2012–13 | 1,198 | Not available | Not available |
| 2011–12 | 995 | Not available | Not available |
| 2010–11 | 894 | 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)