Dubai is a popular destination for individuals and families alike – and for good reason. With a high quality of life, excellent healthcare, cultural diversity and fantastic job opportunities, who wouldn’t want to live in Dubai? But bringing your family to Dubai, or starting a family in Dubai, brings up other questions, including schooling and safety, that parents need to research to understand what kind of schools are available to them to help their children thrive and reach their full potential.
Dubai hosts a wide range of international schools that cater to the needs of expatriate families, including American, British, International Baccalaureate (IB) curricula among others, providing quality education in English and other languages. Many of these schools have excellent facilities, highly qualified teachers, and rigorous academic standards, as well as a focus on promoting cultural diversity and inclusion, making them welcoming environments for children from various backgrounds.
Let’s delve into the key questions parents have about their children’s education in Dubai, crucially addressing their safety.
Are there American Schools in Dubai?
There are several American schools in Dubai that welcome both international expat families as well as locals wishing to improve their children’s prospects by giving them an American education. Most of the American schools in Dubai offer an American curriculum, taught in English, from kindergarten through to high school, with an additional focus on encouraging children’s creativity and critical thinking in a culturally diverse atmosphere.
American schools in Dubai also often offer a wide range of extracurricular activities, advanced placement courses, and college counseling services for students preparing for higher education in the United States or elsewhere. The facilities at these schools are usually modern and well-equipped, so students have access to many important tools for their education and personal development.
What Are the Hours of American Schools in Dubai?
The hours of schools in Dubai change from one to another, however, they mostly follow the same pattern as American schools, starting early – between 7 and 8 am – and finishing between midday and 3 pm, with kindergartens having shorter hours than middle and high schoolers. Fridays sometimes also have earlier finishes to allow for students to attend Friday prayers, typically taking place in the early afternoon.
At the School of Modern Skills, school starts at 7.45 am and finishes at 12.40 in kindergarten, 14.40 at elementary school and 14.50 in middle and high school, with an 11.40 am finish on Fridays. Some schools also offer after-school activities, sports clubs, or programs that extend beyond regular school hours.
Is the Education in Dubai International Schools Good?
There is a high standard of education across the international schools of Dubai, especially the American schools which follow the internationally renowned American curriculum.
In the School of Modern Skills, we prioritize the development of essential skills such as creativity, confidence, and empathy which are vital for success in the 21st century and are often integrated into the curriculum through various teaching methods and extracurricular activities. Homework is also an integral part of learning as it prepares students for assessments and instills the importance of hardwork and resilience in achieving ambitions.
Learn more about our curriculum.
Students are also graded according to the American curriculum, using the GPA (Grade Point Average) which awards points to traditional letter grades i.e. A = 4 points and B = 3 points etc. This provides a comprehensive measure of academic performance throughout high school and enables easy application processes for college and university applications afterwards due to the end of year transcript which includes details of students’ academic achievements and abilities.
In summary, education in American schools in Dubai is typically of high quality, focusing on academic excellence, character development, and preparing students to become responsible global citizens and leaders in adulthood.
Are American Schools in Dubai Safe?
American schools in Dubai, like other educational institutions in the city, prioritize the safety and well-being of their students. Dubai has stringent regulations and safety protocols in place to ensure the security of all residents, including schoolchildren.
Schools in Dubai typically have robust security measures in place, such as:
- Controlled access to school premises
- Security personnel
- CCTV surveillance
- Emergency response plans
- Safety drills
These measures are designed to prevent unauthorized access, monitor activities within the school grounds, and respond effectively to any emergencies or threats that may occur. Dubai as a city is known for its overall safety and low crime rate, so there is very little chance of any security threat, but it can be comforting for parents to know that strict regulations are in place in case.
Unlike in some parts of America, private ownership of firearms by residents is strictly regulated in the UAE (United Arab Emirates), including Dubai. The possession of firearms is generally restricted to certain government personnel, such as law enforcement officers and members of the military. The UAE’s legal framework regarding firearms is strictly enforced to prevent unauthorized access to firearms and reduce the risk of gun-related incidents, as shown by the country’s incredibly low violent crime rate.
American schools in Dubai are therefore safe learning environments, and parents can have confidence in the measures taken to protect their children while they pursue their education.
Why Send Your Child to an American School in Dubai
English-speaking schools in Dubai are a great choice for international families in Dubai as it ensures children can settle into a new educational system without the stress or uncertainty of learning a new language or fitting into a close-knit culture or community due to the diversity of the students.
What’s more, local children who attend international schools gain a broader understanding of different cultures and attitudes as well as being exposed to first-hand experience of native English which will set them up with a great foundation for future international careers. Plus, obtaining international qualifications allows better access to foreign educational establishments and the global job market for those who wish to study or work abroad later in life. Having attended an English-speaking school will also allow students of all backgrounds better chances of receiving a place at the top universities in Dubai if they wish to pursue further education in the country.
When sending your child to an American school, parents can rest assured their children have access to a high standard of education and exceptional facilities to enable their learning and personal development.
How to Choose the Best American School in Dubai
Choosing the best American schools in Dubai can be difficult, so it can be helpful to have a checklist of factors to consider, including:
- Curriculum
- Accreditation
- Location
- Facilities
- Extracurricular activities
- Support services
- Culture and values
- Interaction and communication with parents
Finding the best school will require some research, but taking the time to understand the benefits of each school will allow you to trust that your child is in the right place for their development. School websites are the best first stop for research to find out what curriculum they follow, what the school’s values are and see whether they have international accreditation.
The proximity of the school to your house, available transportation and the cost of tuition will also be factors, but your child’s education should be the priority, so look at the facilities available as well as extracurricular activities to ensure their needs can be met. Having excellent support services for students is also crucial for their well-being while attending the school, and many parents wish to have open communication and involvement with the schools to stay informed of their child’s learning and development.
By carefully considering these factors and conducting thorough research, you can choose the best American school in Dubai that meets your child’s needs and provides them with a quality education and positive learning experience.
Choose the School of Modern Skills!
The School of Modern Skills in Dubai provides an exceptional educational experience for international and local children thanks to its innovative American curriculum that fosters creativity, critical thinking, and empathy.
We ensure students receive personalized attention and encouragement to excel academically, socially, and personally, while our state-of-the-art facilities provide a conducive learning environment, complemented by extensive extracurricular opportunities that cater to diverse interests and talents.
We proudly equip students with essential 21st-century skills, inspiring them to embrace curiosity, exploration, and growth beyond the classroom.
