Vernus International Primary School

Also known as: VIS Dubai, Vernus International School

Vernus International Primary School is a private American curriculum school in Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai, for boys and girls from Pre-KG to Grade 5. KHDA rated the school Acceptable in its 2023–24 inspection. Tuition for 2026–27 is AED 35,704 to AED 42,419 a year, depending on the year group.

Sources: KHDA inspection report 2023–24, p. 6; KHDA Fees Fact Sheet 2026–27.

rating
AcceptableKHDA 2023–24, p. 6What Acceptable means
fee
AED 35,704 – 42,419a year, Pre-KG to Grade 5, 2026–27Fees by year group at every school
whole
Which year group?See its fee and the cost to the end of school
students
282 students2024–25, KHDA school directory

The map shows the streets and places around the school. The same places are counted in «Within 1 km» below.

© OpenStreetMap contributors

Fees at this school, 2026–27

AED 35,704 – 42,419a year, Pre-KG to Grade 5, 2026–27

Year group

Not sure? Work it out from a birth date

Not included: transport, uniform, books, trips, sibling discounts.

See all fees

KHDA Fees Fact Sheet 2026–27.

Overview

Admissions

Places
KHDA does not publish how many places are free at a school or its waiting list. Ask the school directly, and early.
Age on entry
Counted on 31 December of the year of entry, for a child registering in a UAE school for the first time from 2026–27 (31 August before that).Source UAE Ministry of Education, 17 December 2025
Apply
visdubai.com+971 4 320 8000info@visdubai.comTelephone and e-mail as KHDA's school directory lists them, checked 18 September 2026. How admission works across Dubai →
Fees on entry
«New Students — Application Fees : AED 500 (Assessment fees included)»«New Students — Enrolment Fees : Up to 10% of the tuition fees non refundable & deductible from the 1st term fees»Source KHDA Fees Fact Sheet 2026–27, Pre-KG
Inspections
This school's latest full inspection report is 2023–24. KHDA’s visits resume in 2026–27. A full inspection brings a new rating; a shorter monitoring visit does not. Ratings and reports →Source KHDA, 3 June 2026

The school

Curriculum
American
Year groups
Pre-KG–Grade 5
Gender
Co-educational Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24Report wording: Boys and girls
Languages of instruction
English
Founded
2020
Name registered with KHDA
Vernus International Primary School - FZCO
Extra-curricular activities
Dance (other), confirmed
Principal
Jacqueline Ann Brooks Smith
  1. Back to text, source A

    KHDA school directory 2024–25

    Checked 16 September 2026.

  2. Back to text, source B

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

Attainment in English, mathematics, and science attainment in KG and Elementary is acceptable. Progress in English for both KG and Elementary is good, while progress in mathematics and science is acceptable. Students' progress in Islamic Education and Arabic is acceptable. However, attainment is weak in Islamic education and Arabic as a first language, and acceptable in Arabic as an additional language. Learning skills across the school are acceptable.

Personal and social development

Students behave very well and generally have a positive attitude towards learning. They enjoy mutually positive relationships with staff and peers and show an understanding of how to keep themselves safe and healthy. While they value diversity and UAE culture, their understanding of UAE Islamic values is limited. Students across the school possess environmental awareness, leadership qualities, and initiate innovative projects.

Teaching, curriculum and care

Teachers possess secure subject knowledge but often overlook the use of assessment data in lesson planning. In Kindergarten (KG), play-based learning is well implemented, yet in Elementary levels, there's a scarcity of chances for students to take on responsibility. Assessment methods are uniform in KG but vary in Elementary. Although the school compares its performance against curriculum standards, senior leaders do not fully leverage this insight for tracking student progress, and the approach to marking and feedback lacks uniformity.

Wellbeing

Governors and school leaders recognize the importance of well-being, yet there is an absence of a unified vision that is fully endorsed by all involved. Although they gather useful data on well-being, there is a lack of in-depth analysis needed to effectively prioritise initiatives. Professional development initiatives show promise, but their impact is somewhat diminished by frequent staff changes. Students appreciate the accessibility of staff, the variety of extracurricular activities, and the opportunities for trips.

Inclusion

The school demonstrates a strong commitment to inclusive education, evidenced by a qualified team led by an experienced head of inclusion. While early identification of students' needs is effective, systems for identifying gifted and talented learners are not as robust. Collaboration with parents is encouraged through shared training sessions, yet the quality of individual education plans varies. Curriculum modifications support student learning, but there is room for improvement in tracking progress and ensuring consistent challenge in lessons.

Leadership and management

The school's leadership prioritises UAE priorities and fosters inclusivity. Teaching, learning and assessment understanding of staff is adequate. They are maintaining positive professional relationships and acknowledge areas for improvement and working on them is work in progress. Self-evaluation and improvement planning lack accuracy and specificity. Parent involvement is encouraged and valued, with clear communication channels. Governance supports the school's further improvement and is committed to develop staff professionally and resources further. Facilities generally support a good learning 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.

What parents told KHDA

The 2022–23 inspection report has no parents’ survey. Inspectors mention parents’ views: Source A: Full Inspection Report 2022–23

  • Parents praise the accessibility of staff and the care provided for their children. p. 19
  • Good communication keeps them well informed about their children’s learning and progress. p. 19
  • Parents' views are sought through surveys and direct contact with leaders and teachers. p. 19
  • Parents wish for greater stability in the teaching staff and for more knowledge about the school's external reviews. p. 19
  • They would like more engagement in the school's self-evaluation and improvement planning. p. 19
  1. Back to text, source A

Fees 2026–27

Vernus International Primary School tuition for 2026–27 is AED 35,704 (Pre-KG to KG2) to AED 42,419 (Grade 4 and Grade 5) across eight year groups, as published in the school's KHDA Fees Fact Sheet 2026–27.Note 1Source A: Fees Fact Sheet 2026–27

Year group

Fees for Vernus International Primary School
Compare with

Approved tuition is unchanged from 2025–26 in every year group; the discount on the 2026–27 sheet is smaller than on the 2025–26 sheet, so the fee after the discount is higher in all eight year groups; the school did not raise its approved fee.

Annual tuition by year group, Vernus International Primary 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
Pre-KGAED 35,704AED 34,884
KG1AED 35,704AED 34,884
KG2AED 35,704AED 34,884
Primary
Grade 1AED 38,918AED 38,024
Grade 2AED 38,918AED 38,024
Grade 3AED 38,918AED 38,024
Grade 4AED 42,419AED 41,445
Grade 5AED 42,419AED 41,445

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 8 year groups.

    Checked 16 September 2026.

  3. Back to text, source B

    Fees Fact Sheet 2025–26

    Tuition for 8 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.

Vernus International Primary School fees 2026–27 by year group Also the 2025–26 figures, fees since 2022–23 and other charges.

What a year costs, Pre-KG, 2026–27

Showing Pre-KG. Choose another year group above to see its costs.

Tuition
AED 35,704
KHDA's total for the year
AED 35,704

Required, but not in KHDA's total: uniform, books and the like, bought from the school or elsewhere

Uniform
AED 350 to AED 1,500
Stationery
AED 100 to AED 500
Laptop/Digital Device
AED 500 to AED 3,500
School ID Card ReplacementOnly when needed; not paid every year
AED 50

A year, before optional servicesAED 36,654 to AED 41,204

Optional services: tick what your child will use

KHDA prints most of these as a range the school may charge up to; the total keeps the whole range.

  • AED 3,000 to AED 11,000
  • AED 100 to AED 4,000
  • AED 25 to AED 7,500
  • AED 100 to AED 300
  • AED 25 to AED 500
  • AED 75 to AED 6,000
  • AED 75 to AED 4,500
  • AED 75 to AED 4,500

Joining and re-enrolling

Re-enrollment fees · Existing Students
Up to 5% of the tuition fees or AED 500 (whichever is higher), non-refundable and deductible from the 1st term fees
Application Fees · New Students
AED 500 (Assessment fees included)
Enrolment Fees · New Students
Up to 10% of the tuition fees, non-refundable and deductible from the 1st term fees

Other discounts the school states

Referrals
AED 1,000
Early Payment (For new students)
up to
5%
Early Payment
up to 5%
Privilege Cards
up to 20%
Emirati Students
up to 25%
Residents of the Community
up to 15%
School Employees
up to 50%
Siblings 1 to 3
up to 5%

The school requested not to increase the tuition fees for the academic year 2026–⁠27. Fees Fact Sheet 2026–27

Ranges are shown as KHDA prints them, never as a single middle figure.

Inspection

2023–24

Earlier reports

  1. 2022–23, Acceptable, Full Inspection Report

Wellbeing Dubai focus area

Acceptable

2023–24

Inclusion Dubai focus area

Acceptable

2023–24

Checked 16 September 2026.

KHDA ratings

KHDA ratings in the Full Inspection Report 2023–24. Source A: Full Inspection Report 2023–24

KHDA’s visits resume in 2026–27. A full inspection brings 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 1 report.

  2. WellbeingStudents’ personal development and wellbeing

    Acceptable

    First rated in 2023–24

  3. InclusionProvision for students of determination

    Acceptable

    Same as 2022–23 Earlier: Acceptable 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.

AreaKGElementary
TeachingTeaching for effective learningAcceptableAcceptable
AssessmentAcceptableAcceptable
CurriculumCurriculum design and implementationGoodGood
Adapting the curriculumCurriculum adaptationAcceptableAcceptable
SafeguardingHealth and safety, including child protectionVery goodVery good

Source Source A: Full Inspection Report 2023–24

  1. Back to text, source A

What the KHDA scale means

KHDA rates schools on six levels. Good is the level KHDA expects of every school; Acceptable is the minimum level it requires.

Outstanding
«Quality of performance substantially exceeds the expectation of the UAE»23 schools in Dubai hold it now
Very good
«Quality of performance exceeds the expectation of the UAE»47 schools in Dubai hold it now
Good
«Quality of performance meets the expectation of the UAE»«This is the expected level for every school in the UAE»85 schools in Dubai hold it now
AcceptableThis school
«Quality of performance meets the minimum level of quality required in the UAE»«This is the minimum level for every school in the UAE»52 schools in Dubai hold it now
Weak
«Quality of performance is below the expectation of the UAE»No school in Dubai holds it now
Very weak
«Quality of performance is significantly below the expectation of the UAE»No school in Dubai holds it now

Vernus International Primary School was rated Acceptable in 2023–24, one of 52 schools at this level.

Reports before 2015–16 used four levels, not these six. 21 of Dubai's 228 open schools hold no six-level rating yet. Counted the way Market Statistics counts ratings, for the schools open today.

Source UAE School Inspection Framework 2015–16, p. 19 (KHDA)

History

2 KHDA inspection reports on file, 2022–23 to 2023–24.

History of Vernus International Primary 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. 2023–24AcceptableSame as 2022–23Note 1Full Inspection Report 2023–24 (opens in a new tab) PDF
  4. 2022–23AcceptableFirst reportFull Inspection Report 2022–23 (opens in a new tab) PDF
  5. 2020–21 and 2021–22No inspection.
  6. Opened in 2020–21. No reports before this year.

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.

Findings

8 findings in the last report: 3 strengths, 5 development points, 4 recurring across the last 2 reports.

Group by

Checked 16 September 2026.

Personal development and wellbeing

Note 1

1 strength

  • Strength

    Students’ strong personal development, their awareness of Emirati and global cultures, and their innovation skills.

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

Health, safety and safeguarding

1 strength

  • Strength

    The procedures for supporting the health and safety of students and staff.

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

Parents and community

1 strength

  • Strength

    The positive partnerships with parents.

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

Attainment and progress

1 development point

  • Development required

    Improve progress and raise attainment in all subjects in both phases.

    Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 7

Teaching

1 development point

  • Development required, recurring in 2 of the last 2 reportsNote 2

    Improve the quality and consistency of teaching and learning and ensure that work in lessons matches the needs of all groups of students.

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

Leadership and self-evaluation

2 development points

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

    Improve the capacity of leaders, at all levels, to bring about improvement in their areas of responsibility.

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

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

    Improve the accuracy of school self-evaluation so that it provides a secure base for improvement planning.

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

Governance

1 development point

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

    Ensure that governors have the information needed to hold leaders to account, and that the school is adequately staffed and resourced.

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

Findings from 1 of 2 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 2 reports, 2022–23 to 2023–24. Findings come only from Full Inspection Reports, never from Parent Reports.

Leadership

Principal at the 2023–⁠24 inspection
Bruce Elbert Major Source A: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Appointed 8 Nov 2024, as the report prints it. The current principal is under Location.
Principals since 2022–⁠23
2 changes of principal Source A: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Michael Jon Reule, 2022–23 → Bruce Elbert Major, 2023–24 → Jacqueline Ann Brooks Smith, in KHDA's directory on 2026-09-18
  1. Back to text, source A

Subjects

Academic outcomes, Vernus International Primary School

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

SubjectFoundation StagePrimary
Islamic EducationNot in this reportWeak
ArabicNot in this reportWeak
EnglishAcceptableAcceptable
MathematicsAcceptableAcceptable
ScienceAcceptableAcceptable

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, Vernus International Primary School

Islamic Education, by inspection report

Rated2022–232023–24
Islamic Education attainmentElementaryWeakWeak
Islamic Education progressElementaryAcceptableAcceptable

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 AchievementWeakNot applicable
Leadership: International and Emirati AchievementGoodNot in this report
Teaching and Learning: Improving reading literacyGoodNot applicable

Registration requirements: Met fully

  • The school did not participate in the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) in 2021.
  • Scores on the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) tests show that students’ performance in science, mathematics, language usage and reading has improved over the past year, but it is still below international expectations.
  • External reading assessment data show that the majority of students read at age-appropriate levels.

Earlier reports

  • 2022–23: Overall, the school's progression to achieve the UAE National Agenda targets — is approaching expectations
  1. Back to text, source A

Calendar 2026–27: term dates and holidays

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

Fridays: every private school in Dubai finishes by 11:30, since 9 January 2026.Source The National, 19 Dec 2025 (opens in a new tab)

During Ramadan, whose dates follow the moon, KHDA caps the school day at five hours; each school confirms its own times.Source Gulf News (opens in a new tab)

How these dates compare with other Dubai schools: holidays 2026–27, break by break

  1. Back to text, source A

    KHDA school directory 2026–27

    Checked 18 September 2026.

Activities

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.

Dance

  • Dance (other) · dance

Facilities

  • Makerspace
  • Music rooms
    ·
  • Swimming pool
  • Art studio

Also mentioned: media

Source Source A: School website, read 2026-09-24

  1. Back to text, source A

    School website, read 24 September 2026

    Checked 24 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 · Arabic is taught in KG by two teachers for four lessons of 45 minutes per week.
  • French

Facilities

  • Library
  • STEM laboratory
  • School garden
  • Music room

Support for students of determination and the gifted

  • Individualized learning programs are in place for students of determination, but they are not always fully implemented. p. 4
  • Comprehensive identification systems lead to individualized education programs (IEPs) for students of determination. p. 18
  • The needs of students of determination are identified at an early stage. p. 19
  • Students’ individual education plans (IEPs) are created following consultation with parents but are of variable quality. p. 19

Source Source A: Full Inspection Report 2023–24

  1. Back to text, source A

Students

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

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

    KHDA school directory 2024–25

    Checked 16 September 2026.

  2. Back to text, source B

Snapshots by year

Students and staff by academic year, Vernus International Primary School

YearStudentsTeachersTeacher turnover
2024–25282Not availableNot available
2023–2425032Not available
2022–233032635%
2021–22199Not availableNot available
2020–2193Not availableNot available

Not available: KHDA did not publish that figure for the year.

Location

Address
Dubai Silicon Oasis
Phone and email
+971 4 320 8000info@visdubai.comPrincipal: Jacqueline Ann Brooks Smith
As KHDA's directory listed it on 2026-09-18. Source A: KHDA school directory 2026–27

Around the school

Schools nearby

Within 10 km, by straight-line distance, not a route.

  1. GEMS Wellington Academy – Silicon Oasis

    1.5 km · Very good 2023–24 · British, IB

  2. German International School Dubai

    1.8 km · Very good 2023–24 · Other, German

  3. Dubai English Speaking College

    2.1 km · Outstanding 2023–24 · British

  4. Dubai English Speaking School – Academic City

    2.2 km · No rating yet · British

  5. Lycée Français International Georges Pompidou – Academic City

    2.2 km · Very good 2023–24 · French

All 3 schools in Dubai Silicon OasisAll American curriculum schools in Dubai

  1. Back to text, source A

    KHDA school directory 2026–27

    Checked 18 September 2026.

Sources

Every document behind this page. Official documents open on the KHDA site in a new tab.

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