Dubai, a center of innovation, trade, and culture worldwide, is home to a growing expat population. Due to its multicultural population, the city is home to many of the top international schools in Dubai, serving families from all over the globe.
With a variety of international curricula, these schools offer excellent instruction and make sure that their pupils are ready for possibilities around the world.
Choosing the best school for their children is a dilemma that parents face as the demand for high-quality education grows.
List of Top 11 International Schools in Dubai
This blog post offers a comprehensive overview of the best international schools in Dubai, with particular attention to KHDA rankings, curriculum styles, typical annual costs, and school locations.
This guide will assist you in navigating the possibilities and making decisions whether you're a new expat or a long-time resident.
1. Kings' School Dubai
- Curriculum Type: British
- Location:Jumeirah
- Average Annual Fee: AED 43,619 - AED 66,383
- KHDA Rating: Outstanding
The Kings School was established in 2004 on the list of the best international schools in Dubai. It is a distinguished British elementary school situated close to the renowned Burj Al Arab.
It is the first school in the UAE to receive a yearly "outstanding" rating from the Dubai Schools Inspection Bureau since the agency started conducting inspections. Kings' School Dubai, the first of three Kings' Schools in the family, is committed to helping every child become their "best."
Every student at this school has access to a wide range of opportunities, both inside and outside the classroom, to help them succeed and thrive both now and in the future.
Every student will define success differently. Children at King's School Dubai can accomplish "Results the Right Way" because the school is inclusive and offers great pastoral assistance.
Its specially designed conceptual curriculum, which is in line with the National Curriculum for England, is modified to provide kids growing up in Dubai with an integrated and enriching educational experience.
Children who are content are successful learners who have faith in their capacity to welcome the future because of the experiences and learning possibilities that are offered.
2. GEMS Wellington International School
- Curriculum Type: British / IB
- Location: Al Sufouh
- Average Annual Fee: AED 43,941 - AED 95,597
- KHDA Rating: Outstanding
Located in the Al Sufouh neighborhood of Dubai, GEMS Wellington International School of Dubai is a mixed private school for students ages 3 to 18. It is owned and operated by GEMS Education. There are more than 2,800 students, with around half being British.
Since its founding in 2005, the school has offered the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program, courses, and a careers program for students in Years 12 and 13, in addition to the National Curriculum of England from Foundation Stage to Year 11.
Additionally, it gives kids the chance to succeed in leadership, athletics, and the creative and performing arts. To assist them in maintaining their cutting-edge teaching techniques, all GEMS teachers have access to the GEMS Professional Development program as well as more than 150 events and workshops annually.
3.Repton School Dubai
- Curriculum Type: British / IB
- Location: Nad Al Sheba
- Average Annual Fee: AED 52,863 - AED 95,000
- KHDA Rating: Outstanding
Repton School Nad Al Sheba, the first campus of Repton School Dubai, was established in 2007 and provides excellent British education. With more than 2,000 pupils, it is one of the few boarding high schools in Dubai.
A teaching staff of 166 instructors and 54 teaching assistants instructs them. The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) for sixth-form students and the UK National Curriculum are both followed by the school.
Repton School Nad Al Sheba has received an Outstanding KHDA Rating for 2022–2023, demonstrating the school's excellence in both academic and extracurricular development. Its sister schools are Repton School Abu Dhabi and Repton School Al Barsha.
4. Nord Anglia International School Dubai
- Curriculum Type: British / IB
- Location: Al Barsha South
- Average Annual Fee: AED 62,000 - AED 105,000
- KHDA Rating: Outstanding
A well-known educational organization with 80 schools worldwide, Nord Anglia Education Group is the creator of Nord Anglia International School Dubai.
The faculty team of the school currently consists of 217 teachers and 109 teaching assistants, providing instruction to nearly 2,300 pupils.
The school was established in 2014 and offers a sixth-form International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma program in addition to the British curriculum.
NAS Dubai consistently invests in upgrading both its facility and its curriculum. It is thought to be among Dubai's top educational institutions. The Nord Anglia International School Dubai has an exceptional 2022–2023 KHDA rating.
5. Sunmarke School Dubai
- Curriculum Type: British / IB
- Location: Jumeirah Village Triangle
- Average Annual Fee: AED 43,500 - AED 94,000
- KHDA Rating: Very Good
Families find Sunmarke School Dubai to be a flexible option because it combines the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme with the British National Curriculum. The school is conveniently located in the Jumeirah Village Triangle, making it accessible from all areas of Dubai.
It is one of the best high schools in Dubai. Additionally, Sunmarke is acknowledged as a global leader in the field of education.
This ground-breaking idea has caused a paradigm shift in education, giving character development and well-being the same weight as academic achievement.
Sunmarke students have consistently performed exceptionally well in IB and A-level exams, securing top university placements across the globe.
It has received recognition for its creative programs, remarkable outcomes, and forward-thinking leadership, including an "Outstanding" grade from the British School Overseas Inspection Authority (BSO) and a "Very Good" rating from KHDA. Because of all of this, Sunmarke School JVT is now regarded as one of Dubai's best schools.
6. Regent International School
- Curriculum Type: British
- Location: The Greens
- Average Annual Fee: AED 43,000 - AED 78,000
- KHDA Rating: Very Good
It's an initiative by Fortes Education, a seasoned organization that has been giving kids top-notch educational options for many years. Children from 3 to 18 years old can receive an education at this school.
It has years of expertise and is well known for its first-rate facilities for extracurricular activities and education. They adhere to the National Curriculum of England, which is widely used by Dubai's international schools. All students are respected and welcomed at RIS, regardless of their nationality or any special needs.
In accordance with the Knowledge and Human Development Authority's (KHDA) most recent inspection report, there are more than 1,400 pupils, 95 full-time instructors, 55 teaching assistants, and a guidance counselor.
The British National Curriculum is taught at Regent International School in The Greens, with an emphasis on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) education. The school is renowned for its caring atmosphere and dedication to helping students become well-rounded individuals.
7. Swiss International Scientific School in Dubai (SISD)
- Curriculum Type: IB
- Location: Al Jaddaf
- Average Annual Fee: AED 62,000 - AED 130,000
- KHDA Rating: Very Good
2015 saw the opening of the Swiss International Scientific School, Dubai (SISD). This educational institution provides a dual curriculum, allowing students to select between learning in English and French or English and German.
The school uses the widely recognized International Baccalaureate (IB) program as its curriculum. There are more than 1,450 pupils enrolled in Swiss International Scientific High School Dubai, ages 3 to 17. They are from more than 75 different countries.
The school, which is situated in Al Jaddaf, provides day and boarding options for students in Pre-KG through Grade 12. With a KHDA rating of "Very Good," SISD has demonstrated a strong commitment to offering a bilingual, high-quality education.
8. Dunecrest American School
- Curriculum Type: American / IB
- Location: Al Barari
- Average Annual Fee: AED 57,500 - AED 83,000
- KHDA Rating: Good
Providing outstanding international education, Dunecrest American School joined the ESOL Education family in 2018 as its ninth location.
With a strong background in education and a strong enthusiasm for teaching, Dunecrest is able to improve student performance on a daily basis. It is one of the best schools on American Schools in Dubai.
Dunecrest American School, Al Barari, fosters good outcomes for its older students by providing both the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme and the US High School Diploma.
Along with a comprehensive range of visual performing arts programs, sports, extracurricular activities, and technology offerings, it also offers IB certificate courses.
The KHDA has given the school a "Good" rating, noting its strengths in student well-being, teaching excellence, and leadership.
9. The Aquila School
- Curriculum Type: British
- Location: Dubailand
- Average Annual Fee: AED 38,000 - AED 59,000
- KHDA Rating: Good
The Aquila School is a British curriculum school that was just opened in September 2018 in Dubailand. The ultra-modern facilities housed on this school's campus are one of its most notable aspects. It offers kindergarten through tenth-grade instruction based on the National Curriculum of England.
Every year, the school intends to expand a year group, delivering grades up to Year 13. The school provides students with first-rate facilities to guarantee a high-quality education. Its campus has received numerous accolades from the community.
This campus is notable for its area set aside for hydroponically grown plants and animals. It is the flagship institution of the International Schools Partnership (ISP), a global organization with more than 50 schools spread across several continents.
The KHDA has rated The Aquila School as "Good," highlighting its commitment to providing a supportive and engaging learning environment.
10. Springdales School Dubai
- Curriculum Type: CBSE (Indian)
- Location: Al Quoz
- Average Annual Fee: AED 12,000 - AED 20,000
- KHDA Rating: Good
Goldline Education is in charge of running Springdales School in Al Quoz, Dubai. One of the top 10 best schools in Dubai is its sister school in Delhi, India.
The 60-year-old Springdales School in India provides high-quality education through the use of cutting-edge instructional strategies and a comprehensive approach.
In 2015, Springdales School Dubai opened. Although it offers the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) curriculum, kindergarten and primary students are taught a combination of British and Indian curricula.
Students in secondary school take the CBSE exams. Springdales School is a well-liked option for families looking for a high-quality Indian curriculum education in Dubai, having received a "Good" grade from the KHDA.
11. St. Mary's Catholic High School
- Curriculum Type: British
- Location: Oud Metha
- Average Annual Fee: AED 6,000 - AED 10,000
- KHDA Rating: Good
St. Mary Catholic High School Dubai is situated in Bur Dubai and offers a British curriculum. It was founded in 1968 and is considered to be one of the more reasonably priced schools in Dubai for parents.
The school began as a learning center with just one classroom and a small number of teachers. It currently employs 153 teachers to instruct over 1,950 pupils.
Although the school has pupils from about thirty different countries, the majority of them are Indian citizens. The academic program at Saint Mary Catholic High School runs from Year 1 through Year 13.
It adheres to the English National Curriculum, offering advanced-level exams at the upper secondary stage and GCSE/IGCSE/GCE tests for secondary education.
The caliber of instruction is high, and graduates are represented at some of the best universities and schools. St. Mary's has received a "Good" rating from the KHDA, citing its strengths in student outcomes, leadership, and community involvement.
Closing In
Selecting the best international school in Dubai is an important choice that will affect your child's academic career and general growth. Dubai offers a variety of locations, tuition structures, and curricula to suit the needs of any family.
You can pick a school that fits your child's needs and your family's lifestyle, whether you like the structured approach of the British curriculum, the freedom of the American system, or the worldwide renown of the IB program.
Furthermore, being aware of the KHDA ratings might help you make an informed choice by offering insightful information about the caliber of education.
To gain a sense of the atmosphere, while you investigate your alternatives, think about going to schools, chatting with administrators, and participating in open days.
If you give it some thought, you might locate the ideal school that will put your child on the path to success in Dubai and beyond.
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