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

2023–24

Earlier reports

  1. 13 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
Founded
2005

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
Largest nationality group
Arab Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
KHDA gives no share. Context only, never used in results.

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

  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

    Good

    Same as 2022–23 Earlier: Good in 3 reports and Acceptable in 10 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 2 reports.

  4. LeadershipLeadership and management

    Good

    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.

AreaKGElementaryMiddleHigh
TeachingTeaching for effective learningGoodGoodGoodGood
AssessmentGoodGoodGoodGood
CurriculumCurriculum design and implementationGoodGoodVery goodVery good
Adapting the curriculumCurriculum adaptationGoodGoodGoodVery good
SafeguardingHealth and safety, including child protectionGoodGoodGoodGood

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

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.

  1. 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).

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, Sharjah American International Private school

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

SubjectFoundation StagePrimarySecondary
Islamic EducationNot in this reportGoodGood
ArabicNot in this reportGoodAcceptable
EnglishGoodGoodAcceptable
MathematicsGoodGoodGood
ScienceGoodGoodGood

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 school

Islamic Education, by inspection report

Rated2015–162016–172017–182018–192019–202022–232023–24
Islamic Education attainmentMiddleAcceptableAcceptableGoodGoodGoodGoodGood
Islamic Education attainmentElementaryAcceptableAcceptableGoodGoodGoodGoodGood
Islamic Education attainmentHighAcceptableAcceptableAcceptableGoodGoodGoodGood
Islamic Education progressMiddleAcceptableGoodGoodGoodGoodGoodGood
Islamic Education progressElementaryAcceptableGoodGoodGoodGoodGoodGood
Islamic Education progressHighAcceptableGoodGoodGoodGoodGoodGood

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
Registration RequirementsMet FullyMet Fully
International and Benchmark AchievementOutstandingVery good
Teaching and Learning: Improving reading literacyAcceptableAcceptable

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)

  1. Back to text, source A

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

Source Source A: School website, read 2026-09-23

  1. 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

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 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

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 17,976 to AED 44,938Source A: Fees Fact Sheet 2026–27

KG1 to Grade 12, 2026–27

Year group

Fees for Sharjah American International Private school
Compare with

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 group2026–27Source A: Fees Fact Sheet 2026–272025–26Source B: Fees Fact Sheet 2025–26
Foundation Stage
KG1AED 17,976AED 17,976
KG2AED 20,544AED 20,544
Primary
Grade 1AED 21,826AED 21,826
Grade 2AED 23,111AED 23,111
Grade 3AED 24,396AED 24,396
Grade 4AED 25,678AED 25,678
Grade 5AED 26,963AED 26,963
Grade 6AED 28,246AED 28,246
Secondary
Grade 7AED 29,529AED 29,529
Grade 8AED 30,815AED 30,815
Grade 9AED 32,099AED 32,099
Grade 10AED 35,949AED 35,949
Post-16
Grade 11AED 41,086AED 41,086
Grade 12AED 44,938AED 44,938

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

12 findings in the last report: 4 strengths, 8 development points, 4 recurring across the last 5 reports.

Group by

Checked 16 September 2026.

Personal development and wellbeing

Note 1

1 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

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

  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, 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 school
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. 2023–24GoodSame as 2022–23Note 1Full Inspection Report 2023–24 (opens in a new tab) PDF
  4. 2022–23GoodSame as 2019–20Full Inspection Report 2022–23 (opens in a new tab) PDF
  5. 2020–21 and 2021–22No inspection.
  6. 2019–20GoodSame as 2018–19Full Inspection Report 2019–20 (opens in a new tab) PDF
  7. 2018–19GoodUp from AcceptableFull Inspection Report 2018–19 (opens in a new tab) PDF
  8. 2017–18AcceptableSame as 2016–17Full Inspection Report 2017–18 (opens in a new tab) PDF
  9. 2016–17AcceptableSame as 2015–16Full Inspection Report 2016–17 (opens in a new tab) PDF
  10. 2015–16AcceptableSame as 2014–15Full Inspection Report 2015–16 (opens in a new tab) PDF
  11. Six-level scale starts in 2015–16. Earlier reports used four levels.
  12. 2014–15AcceptableSame as 2013–14Full Inspection Report 2014–15 (opens in a new tab) PDF
  13. 2013–14AcceptableSame as 2012–13Full Inspection Report 2013–14 (opens in a new tab) PDF
  14. 2012–13AcceptableSame as 2011–12Full Inspection Report 2012–13 (opens in a new tab) PDF
  15. 2011–12AcceptableSame as 2010–11Full Inspection Report 2011–12 (opens in a new tab) PDF
  16. 2010–11AcceptableSame as 2009–10Full Inspection Report 2010–11 (opens in a new tab) PDF
  17. 2009–10AcceptableSame as 2008–09Full Inspection Report 2009–10 (opens in a new tab) PDF
  18. 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, Sharjah American International Private school

YearStudentsTeachersTeacher turnover
2024–252,009Not availableNot available
2023–242,073159Not available
2022–231,88915019%
2021–221,810Not availableNot available
2020–211,781Not availableNot available
2019–201,89114310%
2018–191,77813516%
2017–181,694132Not available
2016–171,60613318%
2015–161,56613114%
2014–151,56312914%
2013–141,407Not availableNot available
2012–131,198Not availableNot available
2011–12995Not availableNot available
2010–11894Not 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 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)

School website · web page, English