Dubai Arabian American Private School vs Dubai Modern Education School

	D Dubai Arabian American Private School Dubai, United Arab Emirates	D Dubai Modern Education School Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year AED 15,134 - 35,411	Fees / year AED 13,487 - 24,763
Age range	Age range 4 - 18 years	Age range 4 - 18 years
Type	Type —	Type —
Curriculum	Curriculum American Curriculum	Curriculum American Curriculum, UAE Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 1,400	Pupils 2,004
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size 6
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened —	Opened —
Bus service	Bus service —	Bus service —
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location The school is located in Muhaisnah 1, Dubai. The campus sits in a residential area in eastern Dubai and is accessible by road; a location map is linked on the site for directions. The school serves over 600 students.	Location Dubai Modern Education School is located on Algeria Street in Al-Mizhar 1, Dubai, UAE. The campus sits in the Al Mizhar district among other private schools and is accessible via major Dubai routes. The school provides a local address and contact details for inquiries and campus visits.
Stages	Stages DAAPS offers KG1 through Grade 12 under a US standards-based curriculum. It is organized into Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle School and High School.	Stages DMES runs two curricula: the US School with the US California State Curriculum (Kindergarten to Grade 12) and the MOE School with the UAE Ministry of Education Curriculum (Grades 1–12). The school is structured as a K-12 institution across both streams, and NEASC accreditation is pursued for the US stream.
School type	School type The school is a private day school serving both genders. Public information indicates partial gender separation in upper grades (girls and boys taught separately after Grade 4), with no boarding facilities listed.	School type DMES is a private, co-educational day school. There is no publicly listed boarding facility.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix Nationalities represented include Emirati students who form the majority. External sources estimate about 72% local and 28% international students, reflecting a predominantly Emirati local cohort with international peers.	Pupil nationality mix DMES serves a culturally diverse student body with representation from over 40 nationalities; Emirati students make up a significant portion of the student body, with international students representing the remainder; the school describes its population as academically and culturally diverse.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support The Inclusion Department includes a Head of Inclusion, Learning Support Teachers and Assistants, and Peer Mentors. Students identified as Students of Determination receive an Individual Education Plan, in-class academic support, pull-out support, accommodations during assessments, counseling, and related collaboration with families.	Additional learning support DMES identifies itself as inclusive and uses differentiated instruction, project-based learning, and inclusive education. There are dedicated inclusion resources to support students with diverse learning needs.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation There is no formal country affiliation; the curriculum is described as a standards-based US program (California standards and NGSS) with MOE alignment.	Country affiliation Affiliations: United States (via the US School and US California Curriculum) and United Arab Emirates (via MOE Curriculum).
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation There is no formal religious affiliation; the school emphasizes UAE culture and Islamic values.	Religious affiliation No formal religious affiliation is stated.
School day structure	School day structure A KHDA-approved calendar is published for 2024–25 and 2025–26 with general school-day scheduling (number of school days per year is listed), but exact daily start and end times are not published on the site. The 2024–25 calendar shows 188 total school days.	School day structure The regular school day typically runs from about 7:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, with a shorter day around 1:00 p.m. on Fridays; exact times may vary by grade and program.
Bus service details	Bus service details No detailed bus service information is published on the official site. For transport arrangements, contact the school at +971 4 288 2222.	Bus service details DMES operates 18 buses on multiple routes across Dubai. Bus registration is handled by the school's transport team; safety rules include seat belts, and buses run on scheduled times with no waiting beyond schedule. The Transportation Supervisor is the contact for inquiries.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application and assessment fees - Application (Assessment) fee: AED 350 (inclusive of VAT). This fee is non-refundable, non-transferable and non-deductible and is payable at the time of application. - New-student Registration (seat reservation) fee: 10% of the annual tuition fee. The registration fee is deductible from the annual tuition and is not refundable except in special circumstances (for example, family relocation out of the country/Emirate or other unforeseen circumstances as defined by the school). Tuition fees and book charges (annual amounts by grade) - KG 1: Tuition AED 14,260; Books AED 874. - KG 2: Tuition AED 15,046; Books AED 874. - Grade 1: Tuition AED 16,093; Books AED 2,122. - Grade 2: Tuition AED 16,876; Books AED 2,122. - Grade 3: Tuition AED 17,661; Books AED 2,122. - Grade 4: Tuition AED 18,446; Books AED 2,122. - Grade 5: Tuition AED 19,231; Books AED 2,122. - Grade 6: Tuition AED 19,887; Books AED 2,122. - Grade 7: Tuition AED 21,325; Books AED 2,872. - Grade 8: Tuition AED 22,765; Books AED 2,872. - Grade 9: Tuition AED 24,334; Books AED 2,872. - Grade 10: Tuition AED 26,558; Books AED 3,621. - Grade 11: Tuition AED 29,174; Books AED 3,621. - Grade 12: Tuition AED 31,790; Books AED 3,621. Per-term amounts (three equal instalments — inferred calculation) - The school presents annual tuition by grade. Dividing the annual tuition into three equal instalments gives the following approximate per-term figures (these are calculated by dividing the annual tuition by three): - KG 1: approx. AED 4,753 per term. - KG 2: approx. AED 5,015 per term. - Grade 1: approx. AED 5,364 per term. - Grade 2: approx. AED 5,625 per term. - Grade 3: approx. AED 5,887 per term. - Grade 4: approx. AED 6,149 per term. - Grade 5: approx. AED 6,410 per term. - Grade 6: approx. AED 6,629 per term. - Grade 7: approx. AED 7,108 per term. - Grade 8: approx. AED 7,588 per term. - Grade 9: approx. AED 8,111 per term. - Grade 10: approx. AED 8,853 per term. - Grade 11: approx. AED 9,725 per term. - Grade 12: approx. AED 10,597 per term. - Note: the per-term figures above are a straight division of the published annual tuition by three (an inferred instalment split for presentation). Parents should treat these as illustrative instalment amounts derived from the school's annual tuition figures. Billing schedule and payment terms - The school provides an online payment portal and accepts bank transfers. Bank details are provided by the school for payments to Dubai Arabian American School at Emirates NBD (account number and IBAN displayed by the school). After a bank transfer, remittance should be sent to finance@daaschool.com. - New students secure a place by paying the New Student Registration fee (10% of annual tuition) at acceptance; that registration amount is deductible from the annual tuition. The application (assessment) fee is payable at application and is non-refundable. Student withdrawal requires written notification; a 30-day notification period is required and the school references its financial policies for withdrawal/refund details. A KHDA administrative fee (AED 120) is charged for issuance of a Transfer Certificate when leaving the school. Boarding / day-school status - Dubai Arabian American Private School operates as a day school; no boarding fees are listed. Transportation is offered as an additional (optional) service at many Dubai day schools; check the school's fee communications for transportation charges. Other costs and optional fees - Books are published per grade on the school's fee page (amounts listed above). - The school directs parents to the KHDA School Fees Fact Sheet for each grade for additional optional fees and required educational supplies; optional charges that commonly appear on KHDA fact sheets include transport, uniforms, extracurricular activities, field trips, exam fees and health/medical charges. - Independent listings and school guides for this school also show additional possible charges such as medical fees and international-exam fees for older grades; these are examples of extra, grade-dependent charges that may apply in addition to published tuition and book charges. Refund information - The application (assessment) fee (AED 350) is non-refundable. The New Student Registration fee (10% of annual tuition) is deductible from the annual tuition and is not refundable except in specified special circumstances such as family relocation out of the Emirate/country or other conditions set by the school. Student withdrawal requires written notice (30 days) and refunds are dealt with under the school's financial policies. The school collects an AED 120 administrative fee for the KHDA transfer certificate when a student leaves. Fee payment options - Online payment via the school's parent/finance portal. - Bank transfer to Emirates NBD using the school's account details and IBAN (parents are asked to send remittance advice to finance@daaschool.com following transfer). Contact for finance queries - Finance Department: Tel +971 4 288 2222 ext 107/109; Email: finance@daaschool.com. (End of fees overview.)	Fee details Application / Registration fees - New-student application / registration fee: AED 500 (one-time at registration). Tuition fees (annual, by year group) - KG1 (Foundation Stage / Age 4): AED 13,487. - KG2 (Foundation Stage / Age 5): AED 13,487. - Grade 1: AED 17,537. - Grade 2: AED 17,665. - Grade 3: AED 17,789. - Grade 4: AED 19,177. - Grade 5: AED 19,428. - Grade 6: AED 19,617. - Grade 7: AED 22,032. - Grade 8: AED 22,284. - Grade 9: AED 22,410. - Grade 10: AED 24,610. - Grade 11: AED 24,763. - Grade 12: AED 24,911. Per-term breakdown (term instalments by year group) - The school issues tuition invoices by term. The three-term billing pattern used by Dubai schools (first-term larger, then two smaller equal instalments) is commonly used on KHDA fact sheets and school fee schedules; the per-term figures below apply a 40% / 30% / 30% split to the annual tuition amounts and are presented as whole-dirham instalments: - KG1 / KG2 (Annual AED 13,487): Term 1 AED 5,395; Term 2 AED 4,046; Term 3 AED 4,046. - Grade 1 (Annual AED 17,537): Term 1 AED 7,015; Term 2 AED 5,261; Term 3 AED 5,261. - Grade 2 (Annual AED 17,665): Term 1 AED 7,066; Term 2 AED 5,299; Term 3 AED 5,300. - Grade 3 (Annual AED 17,789): Term 1 AED 7,116; Term 2 AED 5,337; Term 3 AED 5,336. - Grade 4 (Annual AED 19,177): Term 1 AED 7,671; Term 2 AED 5,753; Term 3 AED 5,753. - Grade 5 (Annual AED 19,428): Term 1 AED 7,771; Term 2 AED 5,828; Term 3 AED 5,829. - Grade 6 (Annual AED 19,617): Term 1 AED 7,847; Term 2 AED 5,885; Term 3 AED 5,885. - Grade 7 (Annual AED 22,032): Term 1 AED 8,813; Term 2 AED 6,610; Term 3 AED 6,609. - Grade 8 (Annual AED 22,284): Term 1 AED 8,914; Term 2 AED 6,685; Term 3 AED 6,685. - Grade 9 (Annual AED 22,410): Term 1 AED 8,964; Term 2 AED 6,723; Term 3 AED 6,723. - Grade 10 (Annual AED 24,610): Term 1 AED 9,844; Term 2 AED 7,383; Term 3 AED 7,383. - Grade 11 (Annual AED 24,763): Term 1 AED 9,905; Term 2 AED 7,429; Term 3 AED 7,429. - Grade 12 (Annual AED 24,911): Term 1 AED 9,964; Term 2 AED 7,473; Term 3 AED 7,474. Billing schedule and payment terms - All fees must be paid by their due dates to secure a student's place; the school provides bank-transfer details and accepts card payments by appointment at the accounts office. Fees are shown inclusive of book charges where stated by the school. - Bank account for transfers (school account details published for payments): Account number 10582369; IBAN AE870500000000010582369; Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank; Account name Dubai Modern Education School. When transferring, parents must reference the family ID or share the deposit slip as instructed by finance. - Accepted payment methods: credit / debit card (Visa/Mastercard), cash at the office, bank cheque, and bank transfer. Boarding fees - Dubai Modern Education School does not provide a boarding (residential) facility; there are no boarding fees. Other mandatory and optional costs - Books: the published tuition figures note that book charges are included where specified. - Uniform: parents are responsible for school uniform costs; uniform purchase is an additional cost. - Transport: school transport is offered for an additional fee; route and area-based transport charges apply and are billed separately. - Meals / canteen: lunch service for younger pupils may have charges; older pupils may buy meals in the canteen — meal costs are additional where provided. - External examination and activity fees: costs for external exams, internationally recognised tests (e.g., SAT, IELTS, AP where applicable), extra-curricular trips, and some school trips are charged separately. Refunds and withdrawal - Registration / application fees are generally treated as non-refundable by schools; a registration deposit may be deducted from tuition when a place is accepted. Refunds for withdrawals during the academic year are processed according to the applicable Ministry/KHDA rules and the school's parent‑school contract; typical practice in Dubai applies deductions based on the period of attendance and non-refundable items (books, uniforms, some mandatory fees). Specific refund calculations and any notice periods are handled by the school's accounts office. Notes and important points about billing - The annual tuition figures above are the school's published yearly charges per grade. The per-term instalments presented above are calculated using a 40% / 30% / 30% split and shown as whole-dirham instalments for convenience; the school's published fee schedule and billing documents set the official term amounts and due dates. Where to pay and whom to contact in the school for fee queries - Finance / Accounts contacts are published by the school; payments by bank transfer must include the family ID as a reference and deposit slips should be sent to the school finance email when applicable. Accepted methods are card, cash, cheque and bank transfer.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement Uniforms are split by level: KG girls wear a yellow shirt with a dark blue skirt; KG boys wear a yellow shirt with dark blue trousers; Grades 1–12 girls wear a navy blue skirt with a sky-blue long-sleeve shirt, and boys wear a sky-blue shirt with navy trousers. The sport uniform is a white sweater with light-green pants for both genders. Girls must tie back long hair and may wear only a black scarf; makeup, flashy jewelry, nail polish, and sandals or slippers are not permitted.
Food options	Food options —	Food options The school has a canteen on site. The canteen provides a comprehensive food services program to meet dining and nutritional needs at affordable prices, with healthy menu options and accommodations for dietary requirements.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership —	Governance and ownership DMES is privately owned and operates as a co-educational school. It comprises two on-site schools: the US School and the MOE School, offering US California State Curriculum (Kindergarten to Grade 12) and UAE MOE Curriculum (Grades 1 to 12), respectively. Hamda Lootah is listed as the founder of DMES.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Dubai Arabian American Private School offers a comprehensive American curriculum from KG1 to Grade 12. The Early Childhood program (KG1–KG2) develops foundational language skills in English and Arabic, builds early numeracy, and introduces science through hands-on, technology-enabled activities. In Elementary (grades 1–5), reading and writing are developed, math emphasizes real-world applications, science integrates STEM concepts, and learning uses digital platforms such as HMH and Achieve3000, with coding via Sphero/Minecraft Education and Microsoft Office. Middle School (grades 6–8) focuses on English proficiency, introduces pre-algebra, provides integrated science labs, and uses CAT4 and MAP assessments along with internal benchmarks to monitor progress. High School (4-year) requires 26 credits with a minimum 60% in all subjects to earn a US High School Diploma, offers electives aligned with college/career goals, and provides a University and Career Counselor to support admissions and planning, plus opportunities for community service and green living. DAAPS is NEASC-accredited since March 2020.	Curriculum details Dubai Modern Education School (DMES) runs two school programs: the US School using the California State Curriculum (Kindergarten to Grade 12) and the MOE School using the UAE Ministry of Education Curriculum (Grades 1 to 12). The DMES MOE curriculum is aligned with UAE MOE standards across core and elective subjects, including Islamic Education, Arabic Language, English Language, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Design, Technology, Creative Design and Innovation, Health Sciences, Visual Arts, Musical Arts, and Arabic for non-native speakers. The US program aligns with California Common Core Standards for English Language Arts and Mathematics, and incorporates NGSS for Science, within the California CCSS framework. DMES describes its curriculum as coherent, flexible and enriched, designed to develop learners' capacities as successful, confident, effective contributors and responsible citizens. Admissions include MAP testing for Grades 3–12 to assess English, Math and Science, with KG to Grade 4 undergoing informal assessments. The campus is located in Al Mizhar 1, Dubai.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning DAAPS supports Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) through an Inclusion Department that includes a Head of Inclusion, Learning Support Teachers and Assistants, and Peer Mentors. The department focuses on supporting students who have difficulties in school and on monitoring social-emotional wellbeing, including counseling for academics or social-emotional matters. The Head of Inclusion is May Mina, and the team liaises with teachers, students, and parents to support individual learning and wellbeing.	Social & emotional learning Dubai Modern Education School frames wellbeing as a core objective of its education. The school states a commitment to supporting and improving the wellbeing, happiness and quality of life of students, and its homeroom program focuses on morals and values. DMES provides a formal counseling program with dedicated Guidance & Career Counseling Rooms to address academic, career, and personal/social development. A Wellbeing & Child Protection Officer oversees safeguarding and student wellbeing, ensuring alignment with school policies. The Inclusion Lead and inclusive practices support diverse learners within a combined US and MOE curriculum framework.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) DAAPS is an inclusive school with an Inclusion Department that serves Students of Determination. Students identified as needing additional support are placed on an Individual Education Plan, with services that include academic support in the mainstream, pull-out support, counseling for academics or social-emotional matters, liaison among the academic team and parents, accommodations during assessments, and personal goal planning. The Head of Inclusion is May Mina and the department works collaboratively with families to address each student's needs.	Special educational needs (SEN) DMES presents inclusive education and does not position itself as a specialist SEN institution. An Inclusion Lead (Mirna Fakhi) coordinates SEN provisions across US & MOE curricula. There are dedicated 'Rooms for Students of Determination' in all school buildings to support SEN learners. An Academic Counselor provides academic and career guidance within the US Curriculum. Inclusion features are integrated within both US and MOE curricula.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language The school does not publicly disclose information regarding English as an Additional Language (EAL) provisions.	English as an additional language DMES provides English instruction within both its US and MOE curricula. The US Curriculum has a dedicated Head of English & Foreign Languages (Haya Sabri), indicating formal language leadership. The MOE Curriculum standards include English Language (2019), showing English is a formally governed subject. The school does not publicly disclose a dedicated EAL program. Language support appears to be delivered through the regular English and language departments, and leadership structures exist to oversee language education.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Mental wellbeing is addressed through counseling for academics or social-emotional matters provided by the Inclusion Department as part of the school's wellbeing and SEL framework. The inclusion team explicitly supports students' emotional wellbeing alongside academic support.	Mental wellbeing DMES lists student wellbeing as a priority and aims to support wellbeing, happiness, and quality of life. There are dedicated Guidance & Career Counseling Rooms to implement a comprehensive counseling program addressing academic, career, and personal/social development. The school has a Wellbeing & Child Protection Officer (Alia Almheiri) to oversee safeguarding and student welfare. The Child Protection Policy provides a framework for safeguarding and includes a disclosure and reporting process. An integrated approach links mental wellbeing with safeguarding through spaces, roles, and policies across the school.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding The school does not publicly disclose information regarding safeguarding and child protection policies.	Safeguarding Dubai Modern Education School has adopted a Child Protection Policy to safeguard students. The policy provides a Disclosure and Reporting Flow Chart, and there is a designated Child Protection Officer. There is a Wellbeing & Child Protection Officer responsible for safeguarding and student welfare. The school maintains safeguarding policies and procedures accessible to families and staff. Policies & Procedures are part of the school's overarching governance framework.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview —	Facilities overview Dubai Modern Education School (DMES) operates two curricula on a single campus in Al Mizhar 1, offering both US and UAE MOE programs. The campus provides separate gym halls and expansive outdoor spaces for physical education, plus a 1000-seat multi-purpose hall for assemblies and events. Academic facilities include dedicated science laboratories for biology, chemistry and physics, along with library/media centers and ICT laboratories to support digital learning. Creative facilities include an art room, innovation spaces, a LEGO lab and robotics labs to support project-based learning and technology activities. Additional amenities include a canteen, a school clinic, outdoor gardens and play areas, with parking available outside the campus.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities Separate gym halls and spacious outdoor spaces support PE and sports activities. A 1000-seat multi-purpose hall is used for assemblies and other non-curricular events, complemented by on-site courts and outdoor spaces for team sports.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities The school offers a standards-based US curriculum aligned with California standards, NGSS, and MOE standards, and supports learning through an inclusive learning program for students requiring additional assistance.	Academic facilities Science laboratories for biology, chemistry and physics are provided, along with dedicated library/media centers and ICT laboratories to support classroom learning and digital projects.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities The school offers diverse activities and opportunities for student engagement and empowerment.	Extra curricular facilities Creative and maker-type facilities include an art room, LEGO Lab and robotics labs, plus innovation spaces and gardens that support hands-on learning and enrichment outside the classroom.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History DAAPS was established in 2006 as a private K–12 school serving KG1 through Grade 12. It follows a standards-based US curriculum aligned with California standards and MOE standards, and it includes a learning support program to assist students at each grade level. The school operates from Muhaisnah 1 and serves a community that values education while honoring traditional Arabic culture and values. In March 2020, DAAPS received NEASC accreditation, reflecting international standards in its program and operations. The school's approach emphasizes UAE culture and Islamic values within its educational framework.	History Dubai Modern Education School (DMES) was established in 1996 as a private, co-educational institution in Dubai. The campus houses two schools on one site: the US School and the MOE School, delivering the US California State Curriculum and the UAE Ministry of Education Curriculum, from Kindergarten to Grade 12. The founder is Hamda Lootah, and the school emphasizes a family‑oriented, inclusive learning environment with a mission to empower learners to contribute to the global community through innovation, exploration, and citizenship. In 2019, DMES began pursuing NEASC candidacy and has continued its accreditation journey toward international standards. DMES has operated for more than twenty-five years, reflecting its long‑standing commitment to quality education and community service.
Community	Community DAAPS describes itself as a family and community oriented school that prioritizes high academic standards and global citizenship. UAE culture and Islamic values are integrated into student life and learning. Student engagement is encouraged through diverse activities and opportunities for students to participate in shaping their educational experience. The school promotes collaboration among staff, students, parents, and the wider community.	Community DMES describes itself as a family-oriented, co-educational community serving a diverse student body through US and MOE curricula. The school emphasizes wellbeing and a strong partnership with families, reinforced by an active Parent Council that coordinates family involvement and school celebrations. It serves students from more than 40 nationalities, reflecting Dubai's multicultural setting. The campus maintains an active gallery of events, trips, workshops, and celebrations that illustrate the community's engagement.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association Public materials do not list a dedicated PTA page for DAAPS. The school emphasizes a family and community oriented approach, indicating that parent involvement is valued as part of school life. Public sections such as Our Events and News show opportunities for families to participate in school activities. There are no publicly documented PTA committees or meeting schedules on the available pages. Parents can contact the school through the provided channels to inquire about opportunities to engage in school life.	Parent teacher association Dubai Modern Education School runs a Parent Council, a volunteer body that acts as the bridge between the parent community and DMES. The Council was formed to facilitate effective communication between parents and DMES. Parents are welcomed to become members and to participate in school-wide celebrations and events. The Council meets regularly to coordinate various special events and to exchange ideas throughout the year. The Parent Council serves as a channel for parent feedback and involvement in school life, and it helps grow the DMES community by mobilizing volunteers for events and initiatives.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The school offers a comprehensive American curriculum from KG1 to Grade 12 and serves over 600 students. It is located in Muhaisnah 1, Dubai. The school was established in 2006.	Academic & intellectual Dubai Modern Education School offers two curricula: the US California State Curriculum and the UAE Ministry of Education Curriculum. The school emphasizes differentiated instruction, project-based learning, and STEM education to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. It provides a broad range of elective courses and maintains student clubs to extend learning beyond the core subjects, including more than 30 elective courses. These academic and co-curricular opportunities are designed to support intellectual growth and prepare students for global citizenship.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative Arts and creative activities are part of DMES's learning framework within its co-curricular program. The school emphasizes creativity through project-based learning and provides elective courses and clubs that address the arts. Students have opportunities to engage in creative pursuits as part of their broader development. Creativity is integrated with other disciplines through cross-curricular projects.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language In Early Childhood, foundational language skills develop in English and Arabic. In Middle School, English is the focus for reading and language development. The curriculum is aligned with California Common Core Standards and UAE MOE standards, supported by an enriched Arabic, Islamic, Social Studies, and Moral education program.	Cultural & language DMES operates within two curricula, offering multilingual courses and language support as part of its program. The school emphasizes global citizenship and cultural awareness, with co-curricular activities that promote cross-cultural understanding. Co-curricular activities include language and cultural awareness components.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies Student clubs and the co-curricular program provide social and hobby-based groups for students. An Activity Coordinator manages the activities program, ensuring structured clubs and events throughout the year. The program supports peer collaboration, creative expression, and informal interest-based groups.
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service DMES emphasizes community service and outreach as part of its mission. The founder's message references community service as a guiding principle, and the school's policies describe co-curricular opportunities that include volunteering and service projects. Co-curricular offerings include volunteering and service opportunities aligned with social responsibility.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional Leadership development is integrated through student government and leadership programs within the co-curricular program. An Activity Coordinator role indicates structured guidance for student activities and leadership opportunities.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing DMES places a priority on student wellbeing, with a dedicated Wellbeing & Child Protection Officer to support welfare and safeguarding. The school expresses a commitment to wellbeing and the happiness and quality of life of students. The campus provides facilities for sports and physical education to support an active lifestyle.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision The school uses English as the language of instruction as part of its American curriculum. English language development is emphasized across grade levels, with explicit emphasis in Middle School on reading and language skills. Assessments to monitor language progress include CAT4 (grades 1–12) and MAP (grades 2–5 and 6–8). Technology-driven language resources support instruction and literacy development.	Language provision The school provides English language instruction and foreign language studies.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards null	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations NEASC accreditation received in March 2020; The Commission on International Education (CIE) is the overseas accrediting arm of NEASC.	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions Step 1 — Contact the Registrar for admissions questions. Step 2 — Complete the online application on the DAAPS portal and remit the AED 350 application/assessment fee (inclusive of VAT). Include these documents with the application: three recent colored passport-size photographs; birth certificate; vaccination card; passport with valid residence visa (for non-UAE citizens); UAE ID card; Family Book (Kholasat Al Qayd); copies of school reports for the last two years; copies of any standardized assessments (MAP, CAT4, etc.); reports of any identified special education needs (IEP/LPs); and the Transfer Certificate from the previous school. The Transfer Certificate (TC) is required by KHDA to register a student in any school in Dubai. Step 3 — An Assessment/Entrance Interview will be scheduled after the application is submitted. KG1 and KG2 students are interviewed by the Early Childhood team and observed in a play environment to assess language, cognitive, social, physical, and emotional development. Grades 1–12 students will take a CAT4 assessment and may be interviewed by the Academic Leadership Team to determine readiness and whether additional Learning Support is required. Step 4 — The Admissions Committee reviews the file and communicates with parents within 48 hours. To secure a seat, pay the New Student Registration Fee equal to 10% of the annual tuition; this fee is deductible from the annual tuition and is non-refundable except for special circumstances such as relocation. Once all documents are submitted and accepted, the student is formally enrolled and the KHDA Parent Contract for DAAPS must be signed. Age placement follows MOE/KHDA guidelines, with age as of August 31 used to place students in the appropriate grade (4 KG1; 5 KG2; 6 Grade 1; 7 Grade 2; 8 Grade 3; 9 Grade 4; 10 Grade 5; 11 Grade 6; 12 Grade 7; 13 Grade 8; 14 Grade 9; 15 Grade 10; 16 Grade 11; 17 Grade 12).	Admissions Step 1: Inquiry and campus visit. DMES is a private, co-educational school with selective admissions. Parents arrange a visit and tour with the School Executive Principal, the MOE Head of School, and the US Head of School to learn about the program and campus. The visit helps families determine fit before advancing to testing. Step 2: Entrance tests and placement. For Grades 3–12, placement involves an online MAP test in English, Math, and Science, scheduled by the school. For KG to Grade 4, informal assessments may include reading, writing, arithmetic and non-verbal reasoning. These assessments inform placement within DMES programs. Step 3: Registration and deposit. After testing, the student's place is guaranteed upon signing a contract and paying a deposit. The process formalizes admission and secures enrollment ahead of the academic year. Families should follow up with the Admissions & Finance team if they have questions. Step 4: Transfer from another school. Students transferring from another school must provide the most recent school reports outlining academic levels and behavior. This information helps DMES determine whether they can meet the student's educational and pastoral needs. The transfer evaluation is part of the admissions process. Step 5: Application steps. Registration can be submitted online or in person to the registration office. Eligible candidates will be called for an interview, and selected candidates must submit all required documents along with the fee payment. Step 6: Admissions contacts. The Admissions & Finance Office handles queries.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
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