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
- Acceptable: level 3 of 6 on KHDA’s scale, from Very weak to OutstandingKHDA 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
Not included: transport, uniform, books, trips, sibling discounts.
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.
- Year groups
- Pre-KG to Grade 5Which year group for your child? → September 2027 intake →
- 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
- Website
- visdubai.com
- 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.
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.
- 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. 19Good communication keeps them well informed about their children’s learning and progress.
p. 19Parents' views are sought through surveys and direct contact with leaders and teachers.
p. 19Parents wish for greater stability in the teaching staff and for more knowledge about the school's external reviews.
p. 19They would like more engagement in the school's self-evaluation and improvement planning.
p. 19
- Back to text, source A
Full Inspection Report 2022–23
Page 19
Checked 16 September 2026.
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
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 group | 2026–27Source A: Fees Fact Sheet 2026–27 | 2025–26Source B: Fees Fact Sheet 2025–26 |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation Stage | ||
| Pre-KG | AED 35,704 | AED 34,884 |
| KG1 | AED 35,704 | AED 34,884 |
| KG2 | AED 35,704 | AED 34,884 |
| Primary | ||
| Grade 1 | AED 38,918 | AED 38,024 |
| Grade 2 | AED 38,918 | AED 38,024 |
| Grade 3 | AED 38,918 | AED 38,024 |
| Grade 4 | AED 42,419 | AED 41,445 |
| Grade 5 | AED 42,419 | AED 41,445 |
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 8 year groups.
Checked 16 September 2026.
- Back to text, source B
Fees Fact Sheet 2025–26
Tuition for 8 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.
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
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
Overall rating
Earlier reports
Wellbeing Dubai focus area
Inclusion Dubai focus area
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)
OverallOverall performance
Same as 2022–23 Earlier: Acceptable in 1 report.
WellbeingStudents’ personal development and wellbeing
First rated in 2023–24
InclusionProvision for students of determination
Same as 2022–23 Earlier: Acceptable 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
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.
- «Quality of performance substantially exceeds the expectation of the UAE»23 schools in Dubai hold it now
- «Quality of performance exceeds the expectation of the UAE»47 schools in Dubai hold it now
- «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
- «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
- «Quality of performance is below the expectation of the UAE»No school in Dubai holds it now
- «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 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)
- 2022–23First reportFull Inspection Report 2022–23 (opens in a new tab)
- 2020–21 and 2021–22No inspection.
- Opened in 2020–21. No reports before this year.
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.
Findings
8 findings in the last report: 3 strengths, 5 development points, 4 recurring across the last 2 reports.
Personal development and wellbeing
Note 11 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
- 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 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
- Back to text, source A
Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Page 3
Checked 16 September 2026.
Subjects
Attainment by subject and phase, 2023–24KHDA words for each subject in each phase.
| Subject | Foundation Stage | Primary |
|---|---|---|
| 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, Vernus International Primary SchoolIslamic Education, by inspection report
| Rated | 2022–23 | 2023–24 |
|---|---|---|
| Islamic Education attainmentElementary | ||
| Islamic Education progressElementary |
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 | Not applicable | |
| Leadership: International and Emirati Achievement | Not in this report | |
| Teaching and Learning: Improving reading literacy | Not 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
- Back to text, source A
Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Page 6
Checked 16 September 2026.
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
- 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
- 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
- Back to text, source A
Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Page 4
Checked 16 September 2026.
Students
From KHDA’s 2023–24 inspection report, unless another year is named.
- Students, 2024–25
- 282 Source A: KHDA school directory 2024–25
- Teachers
- 32 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Students of determination
- 11 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Emirati students
- 3 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
- 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.
Snapshots by year
Students and staff by academic year, Vernus International Primary School
| Year | Students | Teachers | Teacher turnover |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024–25 | 282 | Not available | Not available |
| 2023–24 | 250 | 32 | Not available |
| 2022–23 | 303 | 26 | 35% |
| 2021–22 | 199 | Not available | Not available |
| 2020–21 | 93 | Not available | Not 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.
- GEMS Wellington Academy – Silicon Oasis
1.5 km · 2023–24 · British, IB
- German International School Dubai
1.8 km · 2023–24 · Other, German
- Dubai English Speaking College
2.1 km · 2023–24 · British
- Dubai English Speaking School – Academic City
2.2 km · No rating yet · British
- Lycée Français International Georges Pompidou – Academic City
2.2 km · 2023–24 · French
All 3 schools in Dubai Silicon OasisAll American curriculum schools in Dubai
- 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.
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)
School website · web page, English
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