Best Schools in Dubai

It is not always easy to select a school in UAE. We as parents have a wide range of options to find the best school in Dubai for their children. It is important to decide certain things before you begin the search for a school. You may consider the fees of a school, the ratings, the distance from your home, the school type, etc.

How many schools are in Dubai?

Dubai has 210 registered schools in UAE. There are 24 different types of curriculum, which cater to various cultures and nationalities. From American, Chinese, French, Filipino, UK, and more, of which the majority of schools tend to have IGCSE, CBSE, and IB.

The schools are rated according to their performance in 5 categories (Outstanding, Very Good, Good, Acceptable & Weak) by KHDA.

What is KHDA?

KHDA (Knowledge and Human Development Authority) is the authority for regulating academic quality and assessment in Dubai. KHDA conducts regular inspection drives and prepares reports on the performance of each school after carefully evaluating its strengths and weaknesses.

What are the KHDA’s assessment methods?

• The learning environment in the school
• Education’s effectiveness
• A student’s ability to achieve
• School’s self-evaluation
• Curriculum containing fundamental subjects and other important subjects like Islamic Education, English, Arabic, and Science.
• The school will also be judged based on the quality of leadership it imparts, academic achievements in core subjects, and the attitude of students towards the overall teaching facilities.

Also, more attention is given to students with special educational needs and disabilities. Further evaluated to identify the scope of innovation in school’s curriculum and to furnish Emirati students on academic achievements, moral education, and social studies.

Did You Know: At government institutes, primary and secondary education is free of cost for all UAE citizens.

Complete List of Schools in Dubai

The Educational scene in Dubai is always a work in progress. Although a fair number of schools have managed to increase their overall growth in the past few years. 

How are schools rated in Dubai?

Performance levels of the various School’s in Dubai can be categorized as follows:

✅ Outstanding: where the quality of performance substantially exceeds the general expectations of the concerned authority

✅ Very Good: where the quality of performance simply exceeds the general expectations of the concerned authority

✅ Good: where the quality of performance meets the general expectations of the concerned authority

☑️ Acceptable: where the quality of performance meets the minimum level of acceptable quality required by every School in general

☑️ Weak: where the quality of performance falls below the general expectations of the concerned authority

☑️ Very Weak: where the quality of performance falls significantly lower than the general expectations of the concerned authority

How to select the best school in Dubai?

It would be wise to keep in mind that the factors based on which the KHDA rates different schools, may very well not be related to you or your child at all. Every year, the KHDA inspects particular points based on a weighting system.

School Fees 2020 – 2021 (Contains All 210 Schools)

As a parent, you must first weigh all your criteria before simply choosing from the list of Best Schools in Dubai that are rated based on the KHDA criteria. Consider the locality you stay in, how far is it from the School or how much are you willing to pay for the fees. 

But more importantly, consider if the School is such that it provides a conducive environment for the personal growth of your child. Some parents consider extra-curricular activities to be a part of the curricula while some others prefer academic brilliance over other factors. 

Top 15 Best Rated Schools in Dubai (OUTSTANDING)

The quality of Schools and the level of education furnished keeping in mind the comfortability and compatibility of its students has been on a positive rise in Dubai. Each school is distinct from the other, striving to provide the best and conducive environment for the physical, mental, and extra-curricular growth of children. 

Given here is a brief list of some of the Highly-rated Schools in Dubai.

Kings School Dubai

KHDA Rating: Outstanding
Curriculum: British and UK Curriculum
Branches: Set of three separate Kings Schools in different areas in Dubai
Locations: Umm Sequim – Al Barsha – Nad Al Sheba – (Click to View Distance)

• Utilize an Educational Framework adapted to ensure an enriched learning experience focusing on individual development
• Bespoke curriculum seeking innovative ways to incorporate holistic and academic excellence
• State-of-the-art amenities from Classrooms to Sports facilities and performing arts auditoriums
• Open and Beautifully set Campus staffed by seasoned teachers and qualified leaders in every field

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Dubai British School

KHDA Rating: Outstanding
Curriculum: British Curriculum
Location: Dubai British School, PO Box 37828, Springs 3, Emirates Hills, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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• Inclusive approach to learning, grounding positive education with overall wellbeing
• Intercultural education incorporating professional, nurturing, pioneering and spirited interactions
• Regular monitoring of Students Personal and social development with an adaptive curriculum design
• High standard of maintenance of the School with a vibrant atmosphere driving daily management and continuous improvement of Students

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Dubai College

KHDA Rating: Outstanding
Curriculum: British Curriculum
Location: Dubai College, P.O. Box 837, Al Sufouhm, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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• Consistency in Sports, Creativity, Philanthropy, and Academics has enabled a long-held track record of Sustained Excellence
• Pronounced emphasis on Holistic education to develop well-rounded students
• Non-profit Institution that reinvests in the Students and the School
• Outstanding reputation, High-quality staff, and dedicated extra-curricular provision
• State-of-the-art facilities like Sports pitches and courts, 3D Technology workshops, Music Center, Art Department, Learning center, Computer suites with Wi-Fi Network and more

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Dubai English Speaking School

KHDA Rating: Outstanding
Curriculum: British Curriculum
Location: Dubai English Speaking School, PO Box 2002, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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• Dedicated staff contributing to an Inclusive environment in all areas of Student development
• Learning atmosphere laced with the purpose that allows rapid and consistent progress 
• Engaging interactions coupled with assessed monitoring pinpoints the learning areas and closely adapts to the Students needs
• Effective support and accurate self-evaluation enables students to realize their specific potentials
• Timely partnerships with parents promote a better emotional well-being and a healthy lifestyle for students in the Foundation stage

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GEMS Dubai American Academy

KHDA Rating: Outstanding
Curriculum: US and IB Curriculum
Location: GEMS Dubai American Academy, Al Barsha, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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• Sought after American heritage coupled with programs that embed Creative Designing, Digital fluency, and Cutting-edge Robotics
• Enriching Holistic development through Athletic, Leadership and Extra-curricular opportunities
• Vibrant diversity inculcates shared kindness for cultures and develops independent thinkers thus contributing to the development of the Student as a whole
• Careful analysis and implementation of the curriculum by Insightful teachers create practical and challenging tasks that promote Critical-thinking skills among the Students

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GEMS Jumeirah Primary School

KHDA Rating: Outstanding
Curriculum: British Curriculum
Location: GEMS Dubai Primary School, Al Safa 1, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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• Bright and well-resourced Campus
• Qualified practitioners bring together the various nationalities to build strengths and work in harmony
• Balanced commitment between traditional values and modern innovative approach to the holistic development
• Close consultations with parents bring in a whole new yet encouraging experience towards general student behavior and learning
• Facilities like Prayer space, Swimming pool, Medical center, Media studio, Sports pitches and courts, Library, Performing Arts Center, Science and Technology labs and more

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GEMS Modern Academy

KHDA Rating: Outstanding
Curriculum: Indian and IB Curriculum
Location: GEMS Modern Academy, Nad Al Sheba, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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• Inculcate a strong ethos of discipline, mutual respect, and recognition of diverse abilities by upholding traditional values on equal terms with modern innovations
• Shared and unrelenting commitment towards continuous improvement through active research and innovation
• Fostering developmental skills, creativity, and resilience in early growing years
• Extensive reviewing of provisions and consistent support ensures staff are up-to-date with changing needs of Students

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GEMS Royal Dubai School

KHDA Rating: Outstanding
Curriculum: British Curriculum
Location: GEMS Royal Dubai School, Al Mizhar 1, Mirdif, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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• Harmonious and Caring atmosphere brings forth a ‘family feel’ culture that encourages a compassionate and nurturing way of learning
• Concept curriculum integrated with a bespoke learning model complements the holistic development of students
• Dedicated staff focused on shaping each individual through constant support regarding intellectual, social, artistic, emotional, spiritual and physical wellbeing alongside academic priorities
• Creating meaningful experiences and encouraging creative thinking, technological skills, learning dispositions as well as adaptive problem solving
• Regular Sports camps, Holiday trips, Cultural activities, and Performing Arts build personal and social skills

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GEMS Wellington International School

KHDA Rating: Outstanding
Curriculum: British and IB Curriculum
Location: GEMS Wellington International School, Al Sufouh Area
Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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• The non-selective approach enables students to perform exceptionally better, academically and otherwise
• Foundation Stage is the stepping stone where students develop excellent learning skills that help them achieve rapid progress in individual preferences in the long-run
• Exemplary Standard of teaching promotes drive and enthusiasm in maintaining a consistent effort to improve holistically and academically
• Parental commitment incorporated with strong governance in a conducive and challenging environment hones each Student individually
• Additional Facilities include extensive outdoor Sports amenities, State of the art IT infrastructure fitted with Internet Connectivity, Dance, Drama and Art studios, Observatory, Auditorium and more

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Horizon English School

KHDA Rating: Outstanding
Curriculum: English National Curriculum
Location: Horizon English School, Street 30b Off Al Wasl Road, PO Box 6749, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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• A clear vision of creating a strong community preferring ‘no elitism’ through an inclusive and dedicated department
• Viewing Curriculum as a Moral need, enabling students to succeed in interpersonal relationships, identity setting, communication and emotional intelligence where education is a by-product
• Additional facilities include a Creative ‘STEAM’ zone for stimulation, innovation and invention of new ideas, Upgraded Sports facilities, Pool and fitness amenities, Dining space, Auditorium, New Classrooms and more
• Parental engagement integrated with committed leadership affects children’s learning positively helping them develop an innate sense of personal responsibility within the class as well as during social interactions

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Jumeirah College

KHDA Rating: Outstanding
Curriculum: English National Curriculum
Location: Jumeirah College, Al Wasl Road, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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• Vision of creating a learning community devoted to nurturing confident students excelling in academic fields and personal excellence
• Characterized by Academically rich students with highly developed learning skills and an innate sense of responsibility towards learning
• Productive teaching methods and rigorous assessment ensures comprehensive learning where students can realize their maximum potentials
• Additional amenities include Video conferencing room, Design and Technology Suite, Music suites, Drama studio, Recreational areas, Inbuilt Medical Center and more

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Jumeirah English Speaking School

KHDA Rating: Outstanding
Curriculum: British Curriculum
Locations: Jumeirah – Arabian Ranches – (Click to View Distance)

• Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum (UK)
• Main purpose of making students Future-ready is strongly supported by undertaking programs like alternative educational pathways via digital technology
• Embracing an upgraded and made-to-fit curriculum for each age group backed by plentiful resources and second to none amenities
• Non-profit status allows more funding routed towards the school resources management and student’s overall educational and personal development
• Additional facilities include State of the art services like Interactive Whiteboards, Well-resourced libraries, shaded playground areas, Indoor Air Conditioned and Outdoor Versatile Sports facilities, PE Studios for Games, Art and Dance classes and more
• Well qualified teachers enable engaging, thought-provoking and strategic line of questioning that helps students themselves to formulate further plans of action relevant to real-life experiences

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Kings School Al Barsha

KHDA Rating: Outstanding
Curriculum: British Curriculum
Location: King School, Al Barsha 3, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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• An Integral segment of the Kings’ Family of Schools
• Ethos indicates an educational community born from not just academic brilliance but also the basic values highlighting positive outcomes for the determined
• Adaptive curriculum brings in hosts of opportunities for students to grow and imbibe practical life-skills, constantly backed by engaging challenges
• The teaching task force coupled with energetic leadership enables students to remain enthusiastic while driving others around them to be responsible and innovative
• Additional amenities include state of the art Science Labs, Design and Food Technology Departments, Interactive Whiteboards, Music center, Impressive Sports facilities like Tennis courts, Rugby and Football pitches, Indoor gymnasiums, Fitness studios and more
  

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Lycee Francais International Georges Pompidou

KHDA Rating: Outstanding
Curriculum: French Curriculum
Location: Academic City – P.O. Box 29 44 71, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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• Catering mainly to the French population in Oud Metha, Dubai, English becomes a secondary option down the road
• Ability to switch between languages is fluent, so is the general fluency of each language
• Recreational periods reflect the joy of students conversing with each other in different languages and their attitudes reflect an eagerness to participate in meaningful interactions
• Insightful teachers enable students to maintain the flow of dialogues and with regular assessments, help students develop better listening and understanding skills
• Inclusive atmosphere engages children in respectful relations as well as creating opportunities via extra-curricular activities for joint innovation and creativity
• Secure and large outdoor facilities give way to green spaces reflecting a modern campus with usual amenities and a spacious Canteen for general use

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The UAE Ministry of Education steadfastly serves to search out and accredit schools, while the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) holds immense responsibility towards the quality of education and growth and direction of private schools, nurseries, and universities in Dubai.

While searching for some of the Best Schools in Dubai is a breeze, deciding which school to enroll your child requires a complete analysis of your living conditions in Dubai and what you expect from the particular Institution.

For more information on the complete Registration fees, Deposit, Re-enrolment fee’s or Refunds, please contact the School Registrar directly or the Accounting department of the respective School.

For the detailed list of Schools in Dubai, you can access the recent KHDA report on its regular School Inspections from the Official KHDA website. Compare the different School options you have in mind, talk it over with the concerned authorities and then decide which school your child would be comfortable in enrolling in.