Dubai Arabian American Private School vs Greenwood International School
Dubai Arabian American Private School and Greenwood International School are both in Dubai, about 1 km apart. Both schools follow an American curriculum. Published annual fees are close, at AED 15,134 - 35,411 for Dubai Arabian American Private School and AED 20,124 - 30,860 for Greenwood International School. Both take pupils from 4 to 18. The two are similar in size, at around 1,400 and 1,260 pupils.
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
Schools Complex, Muhaisnah 1, Dubai, UAE
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
KG1-KG2, Grades 1-12
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
Co-educational Day School
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
Diverse international student body
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
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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
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Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
There is no formal religious affiliation; the school emphasizes UAE culture and Islamic values.
Religious affiliation
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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
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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
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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).
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
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Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
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Food options
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House system
House system
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House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership
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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
American curriculum aligned with Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and Michigan state standards, plus UAE MOE requirements
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio
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Exam results
Exam results
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Exam results
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Higher education progression
Higher education progression
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Higher education progression
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Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
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Gifted and talented
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Academic calendar
Academic calendar
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Academic calendar
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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
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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)
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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
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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
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Safeguarding
Safeguarding
The school does not publicly disclose information regarding safeguarding and child protection policies.
Safeguarding
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Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
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Facilities overview
The school operates across two campuses (Nakhleh and Sidr) and features STEM rooms, ICT labs, libraries, and gymnasiums.
Sports facilities
Sports facilities
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Sports facilities
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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
STEM rooms, ICT labs, and libraries support academic learning across the curriculum.
Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
The school offers diverse activities and opportunities for student engagement and empowerment.
Extra curricular facilities
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Arts & creative
Arts & creative
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Arts & creative
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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
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Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
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Social & hobbies
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Community & service
Community & service
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Community & service
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Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
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Leadership & professional
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
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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
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Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching
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Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
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Awards
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Accreditations
Accreditations
NEASC accreditation received in March 2020; The Commission on International Education (CIE) is the overseas accrediting arm of NEASC.
Accreditations
10-year Good rating from KHDA
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).
