10 Best Schools In Dubai For Exceptional Grooming Of Your Kids
If you are planning to move to Dubai with your entire family, you might be searching for the best schools in Dubai. There must be a load of questions in your mind regarding the education of your kids. Your overall focus might be stuck on a single question: where can you find top schools in Dubai?
Undoubtedly, Dubai has got numerous splendid educational institutes that can polish your children, but to choose the best, you must collect some information about the reputation and their academics as well.
We understand your worry about the future of your young ones and to guide you properly, here in our article, we have got a list of the 10 best schools in Dubai.
Best Schools In Dubai For The Year 2024
The schools that are present in our top picks are outstanding educational institutions and have got the highest ranking by KHDA (Knowledge & Human Development Authority) as well. These top schools near me are internationally well known. Their curriculum is accredited by the finest neighbors of Dubai.
So let us have a quick look at the list of these educational institutes before going into deeper and more detailed reviews of these top schools in Dubai.
- Raffles International School
- Nord Anglia International School
- Swiss International Scientific School
- Dubai International Academy
- Repton School
- GEMS Wellington International School
- King’s School
- Jumeirah English Speaking School
- GEMS Dubai American Academy
- Dubai English Speaking School (DESS)
The above-mentioned schools are considered the best schools in Dubai. After lining them up in a queue, let us take a brief overview of the different activities and curricula of these schools as well.
1. Raffles International School
This school system is truly owned by the Emaar Education group, and it collaborates with the Raffles Education Group Singapore. The location of this school is Umm Suqeim.
Of the total strength, about 6% of students get their education on some special needs-based scholarships as well. The school is co-educational and has approximately 5 classes with a strength of 20 that pass each year from this school.
Academics And Co-curricular Activities
For the EYFS (Early Years Foundation Studies), the best schools in Dubai have separate sections as a nursery and EYFS. While in the secondary and primary sections of school, the National Curriculum for England is followed. The Cambridge and Edexcel Exam Board syllabuses are followed by the students, which leads them to A levels and IGCSE.
For students of business, BTEC in Business Studies is offered, which is a highly practical learning course. IGSCE courses include mathematics, compulsory English, and science subjects. Arabic is a required subject for all Arab students.
Fee Schedule
For FS1 and FS2, the fee structure of these best schools in Dubai starts at AED 30,384. As we go up, it ends at AED 78,408 for Years 12 and 13. There is a complete list of additional and extra charges. For the assessment test for new admissions, the students have to submit a fee of about AED 500, which is non-refundable.
Sibling discounts of 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% are available for the 2nd and 3rd child, the 4th child, the 5th child, and the 6th child, respectively. Educational materials are also present, which vary from AED 1,100 to AED 2,100 based on the year.
2. Nord Anglia International School
The location of Nord Anglia International School, which is one of the best schools in Dubai, is in Al Barsha South, which is just a short driving distance from Jumeirah Village Circle.
The location of Nord Anglia International School, which is one of the best schools in Dubai, is in Al Barsha South, which is just a short driving distance from Jumeirah Village Circle.
Academics And Co-curricular Activities
At higher grade levels, this school offers an International Baccalaureate diploma and follows the English National Curriculum as well. Your children can get a complete command of different languages, as this school offers a powerful language learning program.
This program includes German, Mandarin, French, Arabic, and Spanish languages. Another key subject at Nord Anglia International School is music because it is associated with the Julliard School. Sports, arts, and other extra-co-curricular activities are also present.
Fee Schedule
Because it is one of the best schools in Dubai, pay a little more as well. For foundation years 1 & 2, the school fee is about AED 62,160, and for years 12 and 13, it is about AED 94,000.
3. Swiss International Scientific School
Looking for a top-tier International Baccalaureate (IB) school? If yes, then Swiss International Scientific School is the best choice for your kids. This school is in Dubai Healthcare City and it operates as a day school and a boarding school.
The primary programs of this school extend up to 5th grade, and the middle programs range from the 11th grade as well. Early childhood education programs for children 3-5 years old are also offered by this school.
Academics And Co-curricular Activities
Diversity and multiculturalism are referred to as the two major elements of the best schools in Dubai, which offer extra language learning programs from grade 1 onwards. Students can choose from an English program or a bilingual program.
The bilingual program is a blend of English and French (or German), while the English + program includes the learning of English with German (or French) as a secondary language. You can also choose from other options as well.
An extensive variety of extracurricular activities are offered by the Swiss International Scientific School. These activities include rhythmic gymnastics, robotics, sports, and a TED club. A running track, an Olympic-styled pool, multiple football fields, and aerobic studios are present on the campus.
Fee Schedule
The fee structure varies and depends on the year or level. The starting fee for such best schools in Dubai is AED 60,000, and it rises to AED 120,000 for students in the 11th grade. This fee includes all the school’s charges, international activity fees, examination fees, teacher resources, and uniform charges as well.
4. Dubai International Academy
Dubai International Academy is one of the most famous schools in Dubai. It is also called DIA. A very diverse student body of about 80 nationalities is present in this school. The curriculum that is offered by DIA is the IB (International Baccalaureate) curriculum.
Your children can get both primary and secondary types of education at this school, which is divided into 3 categories: the Primary Years, the Middle Years, and the Diploma.
Academics And Co-curricular Activities
For academic performance, DIA has the best academic record among the best schools in Dubai and the entire region.
A huge number of DIA students got their admissions secured at top universities like Princeton and Yale. With vast co-curricular activities, the school comes up with an energetic educational program as well. Music, sports, arts, Model United Nations, and Eco Club are some activities offered by this school to the children.
Fee Schedule
The school fee for DIA also varies depending upon the level/grade in which the student studies. AED 40,000 is the annual fee for the KG students, and for the Year 13 students, it extends up to AED 72,000.
If your children want to learn English as a second language (ESL), then an extra amount of AED 4,500 should also be deposited at the best schools in Dubai. This program will help in developing a better understanding of the English language. As a result, pay a little more than usual for your children’s education.
5. Repton School
The location of Repton School Dubai is Nad Al Sheba 3. This school has a co-education system that comprises a British curriculum. You get both day-scholar and boarding school facilities in Repton School.
The universities that accept Repton’s students are UCLA and Oxford, and in 2017, the pass percentage of students with IB diplomas was 94%. Instead of being the largest school in the entire region, Repton can maintain a good ratio between teachers and students.
Academics And Co-curricular Activities
Repton provides an English National Curriculum until the 11th year. After this, in Year 13, the school allows the students to follow the International Baccalaureate Diploma or they can also continue with the existing study program.
A completely personalized and more balanced environment is waiting for your children in Repton’s best schools in Dubai. Drama, music, sports, and the arts are the extra-curricular activities that are encouraged and emphasized at Repton School.
Fee Schedule
Whether the pupils are boarding or day scholars, the fee varies depending on the grade in which they study. The fees for the day scholars range from AED 52, 000 to AED 95,000, while for the boarding students, it ranges from 130,000 to AED 164,000, which includes both boarding charges and tuition fees as well.
6. GEMS Wellington International School
The Gems Education Group is a reputable group that is well known for its schools and GEMS Wellington International School is a part of this educational group as well. This school is in the new southern area of the city.
Most probably near to Emirates and Marin Hills developments, and fairly opposite to the Mall of Emirates as well. GEMS Wellington International School has over 2700 students from nearly 90 different nationalities studying at the same time.
Academics And Co-curricular Activities
The IGCSE and GCSE base curriculums are followed by the best schools in Dubai until the 11th year. Then, in Years 12 and 13, students can pursue an International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB) Diploma as well. Stanford and Cambridge universities accept students who have passed from GEMS Wellington International School.
A guiding counselor and a guidance team are also present in order to give the most appropriate advice to the students for their future studies and careers. This educational institution takes part in a youth award which is the “Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award”.
Fee Schedule
The yearly fees of GEMS Wellington International School are influenced by the level of the year in which the student is studying. For the FS2 grade, the fees start at AED 41,078 and for the students of Year 13; it stops at AED 89,368.
7. King’s School
In Dubai, there are 3 campuses of King’s School, and each campus is located just near some of the superb residential communities in Dubai. One campus of King’s School is in Umm Suqeim 3, which suits the families living in the Jumeirah district.
The Al Barsha Campus of King’s School is just a short drive from Arabian Ranches and Jumeirah Village Circle. The last and the 3rd campus is in Nad Al Sheba, which is accessible within roughly 15-20 minutes from Al Barari and District One.
Academics And Co-curricular Activities
All the campuses of the King’s School are famous and well-reputed as well. The English National Curriculum is followed by these schools. The other things that are involved in the school education offerings are sports, music, second languages, and even Islamic studies.
The best schools in Dubai employ high-end technologies to make the studying process more fun and easier as well. From photography to cooking, the students are pushed to perform all sorts of activities. For the budding entrepreneurs, the school has got its own business club as well.
Fee Schedule
AED 43,619 is the school fee for the foundation levels, and for Year 6 students, the fee is about AED 66,383.
8. Jumeirah English Speaking School
In the entire region, the Jumeirah English Speaking School (JESS) is considered the most sought-after educational institute, which is on Arabian ranches.
Since 2011, this school stands first on the entire list and it also comes in the category of such schools that provide dedicated resources and support to the specifically needy pupils. The JESS graduates are accepted by many top-ranked universities in the World.
Academics And Co-curricular Activities
Because of the constant stellar performance, this school is very well known, and it follows the English National Academic Curriculum. They have got several A* and A-grades in the recent GCSEs and IGCSE exams, and this percentage has been rising by double digits in the previous two years, so it is one of the best schools in Dubai.
Temperature-maintained swimming pools, music centers, grounds for sports, drama and dance studios, recording studios, an auditorium with 500 seats, and outdoor theatre are also present to encourage extra-curricular activities as well. These activities will allow students to experience and perform new/unique things.
Fee Schedule
For the first foundation level, the school fees start at AED 39,030, and for Years 12 and 13, it goes up to AED 91,950. The school accepts corporate and personal sponsorships to maintain fee payments as it works on the debenture system.
9. GEMS Dubai American Academy
This school was founded in 1997 and is the most in-demand school in the entire town. This is the only school that is completely following the American Curriculum in order to attain the highest ranking from KHDA. GEMS Dubai top-class school is in Al Barsha, which is a prime location considered an outstanding educational hub for its proximity to residential communities.
Academics And Co-curricular Activities
At the high school level, this school also offers an International Baccalaureate diploma. Alongside strong education backed by many co-curricular activities, very effective character building is also an important part of what is done by the best schools in Dubai.
For the extra-curricular sports-related activities, they have got an Olympic-type pool and a running track of about 400 metres. The sports hall at this school is so spacious that it can hold 3 basketball courts in it. Martial arts, drama, music bands, and many more activities are also present for the better polishing of the students.
Fee Schedule
The fee structure starts at AED 61,190 for the KG (kindergarten) and for every other standard (grade), it becomes flat at AED 86,260. To secure a seat, pay an enrolment fee of about 10% for the following academic year. This 10% is a non-refundable fee, but it can be adjusted in the yearly fees.
10. Dubai English Speaking School (DESS)
In 1963, the Dubai English Speaking School (DESS) spread the light of education in Dubai. This school was the very first educational institute in Dubai that provided children with UK-based curricula.
The KHDA rating of this school is up to the mark and a constant process of making improvements and investments is observed for the betterment of this school, despite being an aged-school system in Dubai. Students from different nationalities study in the best schools in Dubai, along with Emarti students as well.
Academics And Co-curricular Activities
For the early years or toddlers, DESS offers an EYFS curriculum which is then backed by the English National Curriculum for the students studying in Year 1 to Year 6. For joint activities, an active program is conducted between DESS and Dubai English Speaking College that enhances the skills of the students.
To develop all-rounder school leavers, DESS offers an extensive range of extra-curricular activities. The school management organizes different career fairs, athletic championships, sports galas, literature days, and drama festivals. All these activities are done to develop an interest and to polish the existing talent of the students.
Fee Schedule
Dubai English Speaking School is one of the most popular school systems among the already-live and new families in Dubai. For FS1, the school fee is about AED 35,468 and then it increases to AED 43,894 for the students of FS2 to Year 6.
Final Words!
We know very well that finding the best schools in Dubai is a very difficult task if you have not got the perfect and highly accurate information about all the top institutions working in Dubai. To help you out, we mentioned the best and the top-ranked schools that have been working in Dubai for decades and are well-reputed for providing students with quality education.
Our results are truly research-based on the comments of the parents and the KHDA ratings of the schools as well. We hope that after reading this blog; we can find and choose the best school for your kids in Dubai that can offer a high-class, world-standard education.
Besides mentioning the names, we have also shared the whole details, even including the fee structure, so that you might get a completely brief idea about the expenses along with the curriculum as well.