Horizon Private School Branch vs International Academic School
Horizon Private School Branch and International Academic School are both in Abu Dhabi, about 6 km apart. Both schools follow an American curriculum. Published annual fees are AED 27,660 - 55,110 at Horizon Private School Branch and AED 29,650 - 39,880 at International Academic School, which puts Horizon Private School Branch roughly 19% higher. Horizon Private School Branch takes pupils from 3 to 18, and International Academic School from 4 to 18. Horizon Private School Branch is the larger school, with around 1,547 pupils to International Academic School's 700. Typical class sizes are 15 at Horizon Private School Branch and 30 at International Academic School.
Horizon Private School – American Branch is located in Khalifa City A, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The campus sits in the heart of Khalifa City, with convenient access for relocating families and nearby residential areas. The school operates as part of the AlephYa Group and follows an American curriculum.
Location
The International Academic School is located at MFW 14, 08th St. Shakhbout City, Abu Dhabi, UAE. The campus sits in western Abu Dhabi in a residential district and is accessible via main road networks. The postal address is P.O. Box 4828, and the school can be contacted by phone at 02 20 50 400.
Stages
Stages
The school provides an inclusive American education for ages 3 to 18, from Pre-KG to Grade 12. It is organized into early years, lower and upper elementary, middle school, and high school.
Stages
The school comprises Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle School, and High School, covering grades KG through Grade 12.
School type
School type
The school is co-educational. It is a day school with no on-site boarding facilities indicated.
School type
The school operates as an international curriculum school with instruction in English. The curriculum is described as American, and gender segregation begins in Grade 5, with Grades K–4 being co-educational.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
More than 60% of students are Emirati, with the remainder representing 47 countries.
Pupil nationality mix
Public information lists 4% UAE nationals and 6% non-local students; the school hosts a mix of nationalities beyond these percentages.
Additional learning support
Additional learning support
The school describes itself as offering inclusive education; specific SEN provisions or facilities are not detailed in public materials.
Additional learning support
Public information does not list explicit SEN provisions for the Abu Dhabi campus. The school references inclusion in its broader ADEK context, but no specific SEN facilities are described for this location.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
The school is located in the United Arab Emirates and uses an American curriculum under the Horizon Private School – American Branch branding.
Country affiliation
There is no formal country affiliation listed. The school uses an American curriculum with English-language instruction.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
There is no formal religious affiliation; the curriculum includes Arabic and Islamic Studies as part of the program.
Religious affiliation
No formal religious affiliation is stated. Islamic education is provided as part of the UAE MOE Arabic curriculum where applicable.
School day structure
School day structure
School days run Sunday to Thursday with a Friday half-day. Hours are typically Monday–Thursday 8:00–16:00 and Friday 7:45–12:15; Saturday and Sunday are closed.
School day structure
Typical school days run from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for Grades 1–12; KG sessions are shorter (8:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.). Some grades offer online components (8:30 a.m. start) depending on the program.
Bus service details
Bus service details
A school transportation service is offered. Buses adhere to safety regulations, depart from school no later than 15:15, and require parental notice if a child does not take the bus; misbehavior can result in loss of bus access.
Bus service details
A school bus service is available to transport students. Routes cover Inside Abu Dhabi Island and outside areas such as Khalifa City A&B, Baniyas, Shamkha, MBZ, with some remote areas subject to confirmation at registration. A Transportation Form is required to use the service.
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Tuition fees (per term) and book fees by year group (amounts in AED)
- PRE-KG: Term 1 AED 10,464; Term 2 AED 7,848; Term 3 AED 7,848; Book fees AED 0; Total AED 26,160.
- KG1: Term 1 AED 10,464; Term 2 AED 7,848; Term 3 AED 7,848; Book fees AED 1,500; Total AED 27,660.
- KG2: Term 1 AED 10,972; Term 2 AED 8,229; Term 3 AED 8,229; Book fees AED 2,000; Total AED 29,430.
- Grade 1: Term 1 AED 11,528; Term 2 AED 8,646; Term 3 AED 8,646; Book fees AED 3,000; Total AED 31,820.
- Grade 2: Term 1 AED 12,036; Term 2 AED 9,027; Term 3 AED 9,027; Book fees AED 3,000; Total AED 33,090.
- Grade 3: Term 1 AED 12,536; Term 2 AED 9,402; Term 3 AED 9,402; Book fees AED 3,000; Total AED 34,340.
- Grade 4: Term 1 AED 13,096; Term 2 AED 9,822; Term 3 AED 9,822; Book fees AED 3,500; Total AED 36,240.
- Grade 5: Term 1 AED 13,600; Term 2 AED 10,200; Term 3 AED 10,200; Book fees AED 3,500; Total AED 37,500.
- Grade 6: Term 1 AED 14,108; Term 2 AED 10,581; Term 3 AED 10,581; Book fees AED 4,500; Total AED 39,770.
- Grade 7: Term 1 AED 14,936; Term 2 AED 11,202; Term 3 AED 11,202; Book fees AED 4,500; Total AED 41,840.
- Grade 8: Term 1 AED 15,676; Term 2 AED 11,757; Term 3 AED 11,757; Book fees AED 4,500; Total AED 43,690.
- Grade 9: Term 1 AED 16,504; Term 2 AED 12,378; Term 3 AED 12,378; Book fees AED 5,000; Total AED 46,260.
- Grade 10: Term 1 AED 17,568; Term 2 AED 13,176; Term 3 AED 13,176; Book fees AED 5,000; Total AED 48,920.
- Grade 11: Term 1 AED 18,584; Term 2 AED 13,938; Term 3 AED 13,938; Book fees AED 6,000; Total AED 52,460.
- Grade 12: Term 1 AED 19,644; Term 2 AED 14,733; Term 3 AED 14,733; Book fees AED 6,000; Total AED 55,110.
Application / registration fees
- A non-refundable registration fee of AED 500 is required at enrolment. This registration fee is deducted from the total tuition fees.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Tuition may be paid in full at the start of the academic year or in three instalments (the fee table above is presented as Term 1 / Term 2 / Term 3 amounts). Tuition does not cover uniforms, lunches, or educational trips.
- Transportation (bus) is billed as an annual fee of AED 5,000; this transportation fee is divided into three instalments and each instalment is due one month prior to the start of the respective term.
- The registration fee (AED 500) is applied against tuition and is non-refundable in normal circumstances.
Boarding fees
- No boarding provision or boarding fees are listed for the school; boarding is not offered as a published option.
Other costs and optional charges
- Uniforms: uniform requirements and guidance are published; standard uniform charges are shown in admissions summaries where applicable. Admissions summaries list a uniform fee of AED 700 for most grades and AED 1,000 for some senior grades (for planning purposes include a uniform fee of AED 700–AED 1,000 depending on grade).
- Textbooks / book fees: listed per grade above (book fees vary by grade and are shown with each grade).
- Transportation: annual AED 5,000 (see billing schedule above).
- Advanced Placement (AP) course fees: AED 550 registration fee per AP course; AED 160 late registration/drop fee per AP course. These charges apply per AP course enrolled.
- Extracurricular activities, school lunches, and some educational trips are charged separately when provided by external vendors; these are not included in the tuition figures above.
Refund information
- Refunds are processed in accordance with ADEK regulations. Tuition fee refunds are subject to timelines and conditions with deductions based on the duration of the pupil's enrolment. Registration fees are generally non-refundable and are not transferable to another child or academic year.
Fee notes and policy
- Fees and the published schedule are subject to change and may require regulatory approval. The school's standard fee policy allows for exceptions at the school's discretion.
Fee payment options (published information)
- The school's published fee pages and admissions materials list payment schedules and amounts but do not specify detailed payment channels (for example: bank transfer details, in-person card payment, online payment portal) in the publicly listed fee summaries. Parents should use the school's finance contact to obtain invoice and payment instructions.
Fee details
Application and Registration Fees
- Application deposit: AED 500 payable at application; this AED 500 is deducted from the registration fee. - Registration fee: 5% of the applicable annual tuition payable after acceptance; the 5% registration fee is deducted from the total tuition.
Tuition fees (annual) and per-term amounts (three equal term installments)
Note: the school bills in three installments. The per-term figures below are the annual tuition divided into three equal installments and rounded to the nearest dirham. The listed annual tuition and the ancillary (books, bus, uniform) amounts are shown in AED.
- LKG1 (Annual tuition: AED 30,270) - Per term (inferred as equal 3-term split): AED 10,090 per term. - Books: AED 500. Bus (optional): AED 5,000. Uniform: AED 350.
- LKG2 (Annual tuition: AED 30,270) - Per term (inferred): AED 10,090 per term. - Books: AED 650. Bus (optional): AED 5,000. Uniform: AED 350.
- Grade 1 (Annual tuition: AED 33,410) - Per term (inferred): AED 11,137 per term. - Books: AED 1,200. Bus (optional): AED 5,000. Uniform: AED 400.
- Grade 2 (Annual tuition: AED 33,410) - Per term (inferred): AED 11,137 per term. - Books: AED 1,200. Bus (optional): AED 5,000. Uniform: AED 400.
- Grade 3 (Annual tuition: AED 33,410) - Per term (inferred): AED 11,137 per term. - Books: AED 1,200. Bus (optional): AED 5,000. Uniform: AED 400.
- Grade 4 (Annual tuition: AED 33,410) - Per term (inferred): AED 11,137 per term. - Books: AED 1,200. Bus (optional): AED 5,000. Uniform: AED 400.
- Grade 5 (Annual tuition: AED 33,410) - Per term (inferred): AED 11,137 per term. - Books: AED 1,300. Bus (optional): AED 5,000. Uniform: AED 400.
- Grade 6 (Annual tuition: AED 36,540) - Per term (inferred): AED 12,180 per term. - Books: AED 1,700. Bus (optional): AED 5,000. Uniform: AED 450.
- Grade 7 (Annual tuition: AED 36,540) - Per term (inferred): AED 12,180 per term. - Books: AED 2,200. Bus (optional): AED 5,000. Uniform: AED 450.
- Grade 8 (Annual tuition: AED 36,540) - Per term (inferred): AED 12,180 per term. - Books: AED 1,500. Bus (optional): AED 5,000. Uniform: AED 450.
- Grade 9 (Annual tuition: AED 36,540) - Per term (inferred): AED 12,180 per term. - Books: AED 1,500. Bus (optional): AED 5,000. Uniform: AED 450.
- Grade 10 (Annual tuition: AED 40,720) - Per term (inferred): AED 13,573 per term. - Books: AED 3,000. Bus (optional): AED 5,000. Uniform: AED 500.
- Grade 11 (Annual tuition: AED 40,720) - Per term (inferred): AED 13,573 per term. - Books: AED 1,500. Bus (optional): AED 5,000. Uniform: AED 500.
- Grade 12 (Annual tuition: AED 40,720) - Per term (inferred): AED 13,573 per term. - Books: AED 1,500. Bus (optional): AED 5,000. Uniform: AED 500.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Billing is arranged across three school terms. Parents pay the first installment on enrollment and provide payment for the remaining two terms as post-dated cheques. The school's admissions and FAQs state payment flow as: initial payment plus two cheques for the second and third installments. - The registration fee (5% of tuition) is payable after acceptance and is deducted from the total tuition. An application deposit of AED 500 is taken at application and subsequently deducted from the registration fee.
Boarding
- Boarding is not applicable. The school operates as a day school.
Other costs and recurring items
- Annual school bus (transport) fee (where used): AED 5,000 per student. - Books / learning materials: grade-specific amounts listed above (paid when books are issued). - Uniform: grade-specific amounts listed above; uniforms are sold through the school. - Discounts: specified discounts are available (examples published include 35% for Homat Al Watan card holders and medical staff, 30–35% for certain card holders, and a 25% new-student offer for KG–Grade 6 in published materials). Sibling discounts apply only where other fee offers are not applied.
Refund information
- A 5% registration fee is payable at acceptance and an application deposit (AED 500) is collected at application and deducted from the registration fee. There is no separate, detailed public refund schedule posted alongside the school fees and admissions pages; specific refund terms are governed by the school's fees policy and admissions procedures.
Fee payment options and practical notes
- Accepted payment arrangements stated in admissions/FAQs: first installment in cash and two post-dated cheques for the second and third installments. - Public listings indicate the school does not operate an online-fee-payment facility for parents (parents supply cash/cheques as above).
The school uses a formal uniform that was redesigned to respect local customs. Wearing the uniform is described as a badge of pride, helping to create a clear school identity and a sense of belonging.
Uniform requirement
IAS has a strict uniform policy for all students. Uniforms can be purchased from the school.
Food options
Food options
A school canteen is operated for meals, contracted to Ansamble. The day includes a lunch break described as a time of sharing and replenishment, with the canteen providing the food service.
Food options
The campus canteen provides food and drinks for students from KG1 to Year 12; it is an optional alternative to bringing food from home and is supervised by class teachers. The school sources materials from suppliers that meet criteria for quality and safety to guarantee the quality, safety, and value of the food offered.
House system
House system
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House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
Horizon Private School – American Branch is part of the Alephya Group of Schools, which owns and operates a network of schools across the GCC. The principal listed for the American Branch is Christopher Tompkins, with the school described as part of Alephya's group of schools.
Governance and ownership
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Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
The school teaches an American Curriculum (Common Core State Standards) for ages 3 to 18 (Pre-KG to Grade 12). The school teaches Arabic, English, and French. The school has a strong foundation in Arabic and Islamic Studies. The school uses blended learning and technology integration to support instruction. The school teaches Advanced Placement (AP) courses that provide college-level work and may earn college credits upon passing the AP exams.
Curriculum details
IAS Abu Dhabi follows an American curriculum from Kindergarten through Grade 12, anchored in the California Content Standards for core subjects, with UAE MOE guidelines governing Arabic language and Islamic Studies. Kindergarten provides a developmentally appropriate program with literacy and math aligned to Californian CCSS, integrated science, social studies, art, PE, and MOE subjects Arabic and Islamic. Elementary School uses Californian Common Core Standards in English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Art, Physical Education, and ICT, with MOE Arabic A/B, Islamic A/B, Moral Education, and Social Studies. Middle School (Grades 6–8) emphasizes Virginia standards, CCSS for math and ELA, NGSS for science; English is the medium of instruction for most subjects, with Arabic/Islamic and UAE Social Studies taught in Arabic and electives such as ICT, Computer Programming, French, and Music. High School (Grades 9–12) offers a four-year US diploma with core subjects including English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, History/Social Studies, Health & PE, Arabic, and Fine Arts & Technology; students select two electives per year and undergo continuous assessment, with three parent reports annually. Grade progression is Kindergarten → Elementary (Grades 1–5) → Middle School (Grades 6–8) → High School (Grades 9–12).
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
AP courses prepare students for college and may earn college credits upon passing AP exams.
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
Horizon Private School – Branch is a student-centered community that supports the holistic development of each student. The school focuses on academic rigor, character development, and global readiness. It emphasizes mutual respect, open communication, and a sense of belonging for every child. The school is described as a vibrant, inclusive family where students are supported to grow intellectually, emotionally, and socially. The learner qualities are central to inquiry and learning.
Social & emotional learning
The International Academic School states that Student Affairs aims to create a school environment where students feel supported academically and appreciated for their achievements. A safe and supportive learning environment is a top priority, with staff implementing plans, activities, and appropriate follow-up to help students achieve success. Life at IAS is structured to strengthen imagination, creativity, social skills, and self-confidence. IAS provides support for child protection, health, and safety. The school emphasizes well-being as a core consideration, including the aim of prioritizing students' well-being in its on‑campus environment.
Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
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Special educational needs (SEN)
The school lists an Inclusion Policy and a Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy in its School Policies. The Campus Life page notes that IAS offers support for students and staff about child protection, health, and safety. Specific information on the kinds of Special Educational Needs the school can support or whether it operates as a specialist SEN institution is not publicly disclosed. Families seeking SEN provisions should refer to the school's Inclusion Policy for governance on inclusion.
English as an additional language
English as an additional language
The language curriculum includes Arabic, English, and French for Pre-KG through Grade 12. The programs foster fluency and literacy in these three global languages.
English as an additional language
English is the medium of instruction for all courses, with Arabic and Islamic Studies taught in Arabic where required by UAE MoE guidelines. The Middle/High School pages indicate that Arabic language is taught as part of the UAE MoE requirements, alongside English instruction. No explicit EAL (English as an Additional Language) program or dedicated EAL services are described in the publicly available material. Therefore, there is no publicly disclosed EAL program beyond the stated language of instruction.
Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
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Mental wellbeing
Campus Life describes IAS as having a well-structured student life intended to strengthen imagination, creativity, social skills, and self-confidence. The school states that staff provide support to students through plans, activities, and follow-up to help them achieve success. The campus explicitly notes the provision of support for student wellbeing and safeguarding, health, and safety as part of its on-campus environment. These elements together reflect a focus on students' mental and social well-being within daily school life.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding
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Safeguarding
The school has a Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy as part of its School Policies. The Campus Life page confirms that IAS provides support for child protection, health, and safety, indicating an emphasis on safeguarding across the student experience. An Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) Committee is listed among the school policies, demonstrating governance structures around safety. The Campus Life section also states that safeguarding and wellbeing are prioritized in daily school life.
Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
The school has facilities to support academic, creative, athletics, and technology development. It includes an indoor swimming pool, an indoor basketball gym, two indoor PE rooms, and an outdoor soccer field for sports. There are Junior and Senior Computer Labs, and Junior and Senior Libraries. There are dedicated Music spaces: Junior Music Room, Senior Music Room, and an Art Room. There are two General Science Labs, a Physics Lab, and a Chemistry Lab. A canteen serves meals, and there are outdoor playgrounds for the Kindergarten department and for Grades 3 to 12.
Facilities overview
The school has an art room, a music room, a gym, a science lab, and outdoor areas. The campus meets international standards to support the innovative educational environment from kindergarten to secondary school.
Sports facilities
Sports facilities
Indoor swimming pool; indoor basketball gym; two indoor PE rooms; outdoor soccer field.
Sports facilities
The school provides an indoor, fully air-conditioned gym facility where students participate in a wide range of physical activities and sports under trained teachers.
Academic facilities
Academic facilities
Junior and Senior Computer Labs; Junior Library and Senior Library; two General Science Labs; Physics Lab; Chemistry Lab.
Academic facilities
Kindergarten Curriculum follows the US Common Core State Standards and Core Knowledge Sequence, with NGSS guiding the sciences. Elementary School covers Grade 1 to Grade 5; classrooms are well resourced with smart interactive whiteboards and specialist rooms for ICT, Music, and PE. The English Language Arts program is aligned to CCSS and emphasizes speaking, writing, and comprehension within an integrated, language-rich approach. The Middle School (Grade 6–8) uses Virginia standards; English is the medium of instruction for most courses, with Islamic Studies, Arabic Language, and UAE Social Studies taught in Arabic; Mathematics follows CCSS and NGSS underpins science learning. The High School (Grade 9–12) offers a four-year program with specialist teachers; the curriculum includes English Language Arts, Arabic Studies, Mathematics, General Science, Physics, Chemistry & Biology, Islamic Studies (for our Muslim students), UAE Social Studies/Civics, World Languages, Art and Design, Music, Physical Education, World History, Business Studies, and Personal Finance; students choose two electives each year and receive three reports per year.
Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
The school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities and elective courses, including ICT, Computer Programming, French, and Music. In High School, students can participate in academically focused extracurricular activities after school. The curriculum is enriched through educational visits, visitors to school, performances, and carnivals.
Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
The Horizon Private School – American Branch is a Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi co-educational school serving Pre-KG through Grade 12 with an American curriculum. It is the Khalifa City branch of Horizon Private School. The principal is Mr. Christopher Tompkins. The school emphasizes Arabic and Islamic Studies as part of its foundation and aims to develop global citizens. The school was rated Very Good in the Irtiqaa/ADEK inspection in 2019.
History
International Academic School began in 1994, when its founders established a world-class, internationally oriented program in Abu Dhabi. The school is located at MFW 14, 08th St., Shakhbout City, Abu Dhabi, UAE. IAS offers a Virginia Standards of Learning-based program and integrates elements of the American curriculum with UAE Arabic and Islamic studies to meet MOE guidelines. The leadership emphasizes a values-based, inquiry-driven approach and a partnership with parents to support student growth. As of 2021, the school lists around 700+ students enrolled and more than 60 professional academic staff.
Community
Community
The school describes itself as a vibrant, inclusive family where every child is supported to grow intellectually, emotionally, and socially. It emphasizes mutual respect, open communication, and a sense of belonging. Dates and events are published on the site, including dates to remember for the academic year. There are posts about student achievements in competitions, such as Petr's outstanding performance and Anastasia's Championship Cup.
Community
IAS defines its community as an international learning environment that aims to promote national values and global citizenship. The school emphasizes promoting national values and developing individuals who contribute to local and global communities. Campus life includes a safe, supportive environment and well-being focus with facilities and activities to support student welfare. The school also highlights graduate life and alumni connections as part of ongoing community engagement through the IAS network.
Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
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Parent teacher association
IAS Abu Dhabi does not publish a dedicated PTA page in its site navigation, which shows the main menu items as Chairman's Message, MD Message, Vice Principal's Message, Why Choose Us, Campus Life, and FAQs (no PTA item). The school emphasizes parent partnership as essential to student development and describes engaging with families through regular meetings to discuss growth and expectations for the year. Parent engagement is conveyed through meetings between parents and school leaders to set targets and monitor progress for each student. IAS involves families in a range of activities and events, including educational visits, seminars, talks by subject experts, performances, celebrations, and carnivals, which involve the broader school community. While a formal PTA is not listed publicly, IAS frames parent involvement as a core element of its community, aligned with its mission to empower citizens of the world.
Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
AP courses are offered for high school students. The curriculum follows the American Curriculum (Common Core State Standards) and emphasizes data-informed teaching and global readiness. The school integrates blended learning with a mix of paper-based instruction, self-paced digital learning, ebooks, and educational apps. Arabic and Islamic Studies provide a foundational component of the program.
Academic & intellectual
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Arts & creative
Arts & creative
Clubs cover arts and crafts, drama, and other creative activities. Students can participate in outlets such as TV talk shows, artwork projects, and various arts-related pursuits. The program includes clubs like Design your fish, Debate Club, Chess, and Video Editing, among others.
Arts & creative
IAS offers an American-style education with a holistic program that includes the arts, music, drama/theater, and physical education as part of the curriculum. The school provides a broad range of extracurricular activities, clubs, and sports. This approach emphasizes problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking as integral to learning.
Cultural & language
Cultural & language
Arabic, English, and French are taught as part of the language program. The language program runs from preschool through Grade 12. A French Club is among the school's clubs supporting language and cultural engagement.
Cultural & language
The language of instruction is English; French is taught from Grade 4 to Grade 8. Arabic language and Islamic Studies follow MOE guidelines. The My Identity Program deepens Emirati identity for Emirati students and expatriate students, embedding UAE culture and values.
Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
Weekly clubs are scheduled during curriculum hours to explore student interests. The clubs include sports activities such as football and dodgeball, kinesthetic movements with music, and opportunities in debate, drama, chess, and video editing. These activities foster social interaction, teamwork, and creative expression.
Social & hobbies
IAS offers extracurricular activities, clubs, and sports as part of its program. The curriculum emphasizes social-emotional development and provides opportunities for engagement beyond academics.
Community & service
Community & service
HPS-Branch fully supports the UAE Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The school encourages student groups to undertake community service in the UAE and beyond, supported by CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service), ERC Foundation, and Outdoor Education. Curriculum trips and visits follow leave-no-trace-behind principles to minimize environmental impact.
Community & service
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Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
Leadership is highlighted as a focus area in Horizon Private School – American Branch. Clubs and activities offer opportunities for leadership roles, including Debate Club. The school maintains a Professional Code of Conduct Policy to guide staff and student behavior.
Leadership & professional
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
The school has a Well Being Policy to support student welfare. The sustainability and field-trip practices emphasize responsible planning and environmental consideration. The campus environment is described as an inclusive, supportive community aimed at the intellectual, emotional, and social growth of students.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
IAS emphasizes student well-being through a holistic American-style program. It supports social-emotional development and confidence, and fosters an inclusive international learning community that encourages engagement and high achievement.
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Arabic, English, and French are taught as part of a comprehensive language curriculum. The program serves students from Pre-KG to Grade 12. Arabic language and Islamic Studies are integrated into the curriculum. The school follows an American curriculum aligned with the Common Core State Standards.
Language provision
The school provides English-language instruction for Grades 4–12 through the English Department. Arabic language instruction and Islamic Studies are taught under the Arabic language program, following Ministry of Education guidelines. The school offers an American curriculum and follows Virginia standards as part of its curriculum framework. The My Identity Program deepens UAE national identity for all students.
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
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Accreditations
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Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Step 1 — Application. Complete the online application form. Submit a copy of your child's Emirates ID or Passport along with their latest school report, indicating the grade in which they have been studying (if applicable). Upon receiving the application, the school invites the child for an assessment.
Step 2 — Assessment. Assessments are age-appropriate. For Pre-KG, KG1, and KG2, assessments involve observed play. For Grade 1 and above, formal entrance exams are conducted in English, Math, and Arabic.
Step 3 — Acceptance. An offer letter is issued for successful applications. Admission decisions are communicated within two working days based on the assessment results and previous academic records.
Step 4 — Enrolment. Upon acceptance, the enrolment process is finalized online or by visiting the school to complete the registration documents and pay the registration fees.
Admissions
1. Apply online or walk-in. You will receive an automated confirmation with an Application Number, which you can use to monitor your application's status. This confirms your place in the admissions pipeline and starts the process. 2. Schedule a tour or a meeting with the Senior Leadership team to learn more about IAS. The meeting provides an opportunity to see the campus, ask questions, and understand IAS's programs. It is recommended to arrange a time that fits your schedule. 3. Shortly after passing the interview/entrance exam, you will receive an acceptance letter offering a place at IAS. The 5% registration fee must be paid, and this fee will be deducted from the total tuition. The acceptance letter confirms admission pending subsequent steps. 4. Registration in the ADEK system through eSIS. This step registers the student with the UAE's licensing authority. It is required for enrollment and future reporting. 5. Fill out the Transportation Form if you wish to use School Transportation. The form collects route and pickup details. It is necessary to set up bus services if opted. 6. Proceed with payment and you will receive the Books and Uniform Slips. The collection schedule will be shared via email and the Orison School Portal. Payment completes the enrollment steps.
