iCademy Middle East vs North American International School

	I iCademy Middle East Dubai, United Arab Emirates	N North American International School Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year AED 19,828 - 29,389	Fees / year AED 22,923 - 39,896
Age range	Age range 5 - 18 years	Age range 4 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational, Online/Hybrid	Type —
Curriculum	Curriculum American Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP)	Curriculum American Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 1,600	Pupils —
Typical class size	Typical class size 11	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2007	Opened —
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service —
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Knowledge Hubs are based in Dubai Knowledge Park and Dubai Silicon Oasis with a low teacher-to-student ratio for onsite sessions. The online curriculum is accessible from home, with optional on-site support at the hubs.	Location NAIS is located at Mizhar 1, Al Khawaneej, behind Arabian Center in Dubai. The campus sits in a residential area with easy access from the Mizhar/Al Khawaneej communities. It serves relocating families in northeast Dubai and surrounding neighborhoods.
Stages	Stages K-12 (ages 5-21).	Stages Kindergarten (KG1 and KG2), Elementary (Grades 1-5), Middle School (Grades 6-8), and High School (Grades 9-12).
School type	School type Private American online school offering online and blended learning; Knowledge Hubs in Dubai for onsite sessions; KHDA licensed and NEASC accredited.	School type Co-educational.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix The student body is around 475–502 students. Emirati pupils make up about 32% of the population and international students account for roughly 68%. A detailed nationality breakdown by country is not publicly published.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Supports gifted and talented students and those who are advanced or require flexible pacing, as well as students with learning difficulties or disabilities. Provides individualized education plans and intervention, including support for social anxiety and those who have been bullied, with additional UAE-specific courses as needed.	Additional learning support NAIS operates an Inclusion Department and is an inclusive school. It supports a range of learning needs, including students with disabilities (students of determination), English Language Learners, and gifted and talented students.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation United States	Country affiliation The school has no formal country affiliation; it operates an American program based on Common Core English/Math and California standards.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation The school has no religious affiliation. (Islamic Education is provided as part of UAE Ministry standards where applicable.)
School day structure	School day structure Live classes are scheduled to UAE timings (GMT+4) during the week, and sessions are recorded for later viewing. Students in Kindergarten through Grade 8 typically study 4-6 hours per day, five days a week; Grades 9-12 study around 6 hours per day, five days a week.	School day structure The school day runs from 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM Monday to Thursday; on Fridays, classes finish at 11:30 AM; Saturdays operate 9:00 AM–1:00 PM; Sundays are closed.
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details NAIS offers a school bus service via Regal Bus Transport. Buses are GPS-tracked and fitted with seat belts and CCTV. Routes cover key areas across Dubai with customized stops. Registration is via the school transport form or by contacting the transport team at anees.k@naischool.ae or 0507520628.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application fees - UAE resident applicants: AED 500. - International applicants: AED 1,000 (USD 275). Tuition fees (annual) — School year 2026–2027 - Lower School (Kindergarten – Grade 5), UAE resident: AED 19,828 per year. - Middle School (Grades 6–8), UAE resident: AED 19,828 per year. - High School (Grades 9–12), UAE resident: AED 27,767 per year. - Lower School (K–5), International student: AED 21,451 (USD 5,841) per year. - Middle School (6–8), International student: AED 21,451 (USD 5,841) per year. - High School (9–12), International student: AED 29,389 (USD 8,002) per year. Per-term billing and term-level charges - The published fee figures are presented as annual tuition amounts; the school applies enrolment and re-enrolment charges against the first-term invoice where applicable. Re-enrolment for existing students is charged up to 5% of the tuition fee or AED 500 (whichever is higher) and is deductible from the first-term fees. New-student enrolment fees may be up to 10% of the tuition fee and are non-refundable and deductible from the first-term fees. Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition must be paid in full, or a down payment may be made if the approved payment-plan option is selected; transcripts and diplomas are issued only after tuition is paid in full. - Administrative consequences for missed/returned payments: a returned or declined payment (including via the Zenda app) is subject to an administrative fee (AED 500); online course access may be blocked within 10 days of a returned payment and a student may be withdrawn from the program after 30 calendar days from course lock. - Surcharges may apply to specialist courses. Materials, reading books and additional resources are charged as required and handled through course-material ordering. Knowledge Hub tuition and Learning Center fees (if used) are charged separately. Boarding / residential provision - Boarding is not applicable. iCademy Middle East operates as an online and blended learning school and does not charge boarding fees. Other charges and optional services - Application/assessment is included in the application fee; enrolment fees (new students) and re-enrolment fees (existing students) are charged as noted above. - Optional support services (examples): Learning Support Assistant charges are published as a range that varies by student needs (examples in official schedules show ranges starting from around AED 916 up to tens of thousands depending on level and hours). Board/exam fees are charged by the examination board and passed through without extra school markup where applicable. Shipping or material-order fees are charged when physical materials are required. Specialist-course surcharges may be applied. - Knowledge Hub (on-site blended days in Dubai Knowledge Park) is offered on day-rate options (2-day, 3-day, 5-day patterns); Knowledge Hub tuition is quoted separately from online tuition. Discounts - Sibling discount: 10%. - Emirates Airlines employee discount: 15%. - ESAAD member discount: 15%. - Corporate discount: 15% (where applicable). - Early-payment discount: 10% (where applicable). Refund information - Refunds require written notification of course-drop or withdrawal; refunds are calculated from the official withdrawal date and may be reduced to reflect costs already incurred (course fees used, teacher services, materials, technology access, administrative costs). Registration and admin fees are non-refundable. Refunds are normally returned via the original payment method (cash and certain app payments are refunded by bank transfer). - Specific refund thresholds (KHDA-aligned schedule): Day 1–15 from the start date = charge of 10% of full-year tuition (or one month equivalent); Day 16–30 = charge of 20% of full-year tuition (or two months equivalent); Day 31 onward = charge equal to one semester tuition. Refund processing can take multiple business days (typically 15–20 business days). Fee payment options and banking details - Accepted payment methods: cash (at the office), cheque, credit card (Visa and Mastercard), online card payments (AED only) including Apple Pay and TABBY, wire transfer/direct deposit, and payments via the Zenda payment app (AED only) which supports instalment arrangements. - Wire transfer details (as published for payments): Account Name: iCademy Middle East FZ LLC; Account #: 0201930006; IBAN: AE440211000000201930006; SWIFT: citiaead (Citibank Wafi Branch). Administrative and compliance notes (fee impact) - Non-payment or breach of the financial agreement can result in withholding of records (report cards, transcripts, diplomas) until outstanding financial obligations (registration, tuition, materials, shipping, Knowledge Hub fees) are cleared. Summary note on per-term detail - Annual tuition figures are published and used to determine enrolment-related charges; specific fixed per-term tuition line items are not published as separate fixed amounts in the public fee schedule—enrolment and re-enrolment charges are applied against the first-term invoice when required, and payment plans/instalments are available through approved channels.	Fee details Application and registration fees - Entrance / assessment fee: AED 200 (non-refundable). - Registration fee (one-time, non-refundable): AED 500. - Registration advance / deposit: AED 2,000. This amount is deducted from the first tuition instalment and is non-refundable if the student does not join. - Transfer fee (for transfers from other Dubai schools): AED 120. - Returned cheque fee: AED 200 plus 5% VAT (the school's published policy applies if a cheque is returned). Tuition fees by year group (annual and per-term amounts) - KG1: Annual tuition payable (after listed discount/adjustments) AED 22,873. Per term (equal three-instalment split): approximately AED 7,624 per term. - KG2: Annual tuition payable AED 22,873. Per term: approximately AED 7,624 per term. - Grade 1: Annual tuition payable AED 24,442. Per term: approximately AED 8,147 per term. - Grade 2: Annual tuition payable AED 24,442. Per term: approximately AED 8,147 per term. - Grade 3: Annual tuition payable AED 24,642. Per term: approximately AED 8,214 per term. - Grade 4: Annual tuition payable AED 24,642. Per term: approximately AED 8,214 per term. - Grade 5: Annual tuition payable AED 24,642. Per term: approximately AED 8,214 per term. - Grade 6: Annual tuition payable AED 24,792. Per term: approximately AED 8,264 per term. - Grade 7: Annual tuition payable AED 28,297. Per term: approximately AED 9,432 per term. - Grade 8: Annual tuition payable AED 28,297. Per term: approximately AED 9,432 per term. - Grade 9: Annual tuition payable AED 32,922. Per term: approximately AED 10,974 per term. - Grade 10: Annual tuition payable AED 32,922. Per term: approximately AED 10,974 per term. - Grade 11: Annual tuition payable AED 36,646. Per term: approximately AED 12,215 per term. - Grade 12: Annual tuition payable AED 36,646. Per term: approximately AED 12,215 per term. (Note: the per-term figures above are the annual listed amount divided into three equal instalments; the school structures tuition payment as three instalments and requires the first instalment at acceptance.) Billing schedule and payment terms - Confirmation/payment at enrolment: the non-refundable registration fee and the first term's tuition are required to confirm a place (payment timing is immediate after offer acceptance). The registration advance is deducted from the first instalment. - Instalments: tuition is set up to be paid in three instalments over the academic year. The school applies any advertised sibling discounts to the applicable instalment as published in its fee policy. - VAT: published fee listings are shown excluding VAT where indicated. - Penalties and banking: a returned-cheque charge applies (AED 200 + 5% VAT as published); cheque payment terms and other payment conditions are set by the school. Boarding fees - Boarding is not applicable. North American International School operates as a day school; no boarding fee schedule is published. Other costs and recurring fees - Examination fees (published per grade): examples include KG1 AED 300, KG2 AED 350, Grades 1–2 AED 350, Grades 3–9 between AED 470 and AED 520 for specific grades, and Grades 11–12 AED 370 as published. These examination fees are charged in addition to tuition. - Transport (school bus): published bus fees vary by route and are invoiced by term. Examples of published transport charges by route: Mirdif/Mizhar/Muhaisnah-1 total AED 3,500 (AED 1,400 first term, AED 1,050 second term, AED 1,050 third term); other routes have higher totals (for example, International City / Ras Al Khor total AED 6,000, Bur Dubai / Karama total AED 6,400). Transport is provided via the school's bus service partner and is billed per term as shown. - Uniforms and textbooks: a school uniform is required; uniform and textbook costs are charged separately and are not listed as fixed one-line items in the published tuition table. Additional optional costs (extracurricular activities, trips, meals, insurance or specific subject/material charges) are billed separately as applicable. Refund information - Registration fee: non-refundable. - Registration advance: AED 2,000 is deducted from the first instalment and is non-refundable if the student does not join. - Other refunds and withdrawal terms: the school's published fee policy sets conditions for refunds and withdrawals (examples above reflect the published non-refundable items and returned-cheque penalties). Specific refund calculations for mid-year withdrawals or early contract termination are governed by the school's fee policy and published terms. Fee payment options - Cheque payment is an accepted payment method in published materials; the school publishes a returned-cheque charge (AED 200 + 5% VAT). Other payment channels (bank transfer, credit/debit card, online payment) are commonly used across schools but are not specifically itemised in the published fee table for NAIS; parents should follow the school's invoicing instructions for the available payment channels. Sibling discount - Sibling discount policy (published): 2nd student 7% discount, 3rd student 10% discount, 4th and subsequent students 15% discount. Published notes indicate how and when the discount is applied in the payment schedule.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options —	Food options —
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership —	Governance and ownership —
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details The American Online School provides a rich, challenging online curriculum with live and recorded classes taught by certified online teachers. The curriculum is aligned to CCSS and NGSS standards. An individualized learning plan is tailored for each student to fit their strengths, weaknesses, learning styles, and aptitudes. A learning coach supports progress through daily lessons in the K–8 environment and assists grades 9–12. AP/Honors courses are available for high school, supported by online lessons, a digital curriculum, and teacher-led virtual sessions. Cutting-edge technology enables learning anytime, anywhere, with daily lesson plans, announcements, online discussions, and collaboration tools.	Curriculum details NAIS offers an American program across four stages: Kindergarten (KG1-2), Elementary (Grades 1-5), Middle (Grades 6-8), and High School (Grades 9-12). The English and Mathematics follow the Common Core Standards, while other subjects draw on the California State Standards; Arabic and Islamic Education align with Ministry Standards, with UAE National Education integrated into Social Studies. In Elementary, there are diagnostic tests at the start of each subject and an exit assessment at year-end; the program follows the Carolina National Standards in all subjects. The school maintains an inclusive approach, supporting students with diverse learning needs, including English Language Learners and those who are gifted and talented. In High School, Honors courses are available for Grades 9-10 and AP courses run from Grade 10 through 12, with more than 10 AP options for college credit.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio Not publicly available.
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results Not publicly reported.
Higher education progression	Higher education progression Graduates have been accepted to universities around the world, including the USA, UK, Canada, Spain, the Netherlands, and Australia. Notable destinations include Middlesex University, Kingston University, University of Queensland, and the University of Toronto. AP courses are available to support UK university admissions, and the NEASC accreditation confirms the program meets high academic standards.	Higher education progression Not publicly specified.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented Gifted and talented students are supported with timetable flexibility.	Gifted and talented NAIS provides inclusive education and supports gifted and talented students through its Inclusion Department.
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning —	Social & emotional learning —
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) —
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language —
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing —	Mental wellbeing —
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding —
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview —	Facilities overview —
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities —	Academic facilities —
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities —	Extra curricular facilities —
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History —	History —
Community	Community —	Community —
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual —	Academic & intellectual —
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative —
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language —
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies —
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing —
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision —	Language provision —
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions Step 1: Speak to Enrollment Counsellor. Call +971 4 440 1212 or email info@icademymiddleeast.com. iCademy Middle East offers full-time and part-time options for grades K-12 around the globe. The Enrollment Counsellor guides the admissions process. Step 2: Submit Application & Compliance Documents. Create an account in the online enrollment portal and enter the new student's information. Upload required compliance documents: proof of identity, the most recent school report card and CAT 4 or equivalent assessments for Grades K-8, and official high school transcripts for Grades 9-12. UAE students must submit the original transfer/leaving certificate, a passport photo, and Emirates ID cards for the student and for the parent/guardian. If CAT 4 or equivalent assessments are not available, enrollment may proceed and assessments can be completed through iCademy as guided by the Enrollment Counsellor. Step 3: Invoicing. After submission, the application is verified. An invoice is issued based on the details in the application and is sent by email. The Enrollment Counsellor will contact the family regarding invoicing options and course placement. Step 4: Course Placement. Course placement is determined by incoming credit analysis by the School Registrar and by transcript analysis from the submitted records. For Grades K-8, the previous report cards are reviewed to confirm grade placement and course choices. High School placement is based on the transcript analysis and may include recommendations for English, Math, History, Science and electives. Step 5: Confirmation of Enrollment and Onboarding Details. Enrollment confirmation and onboarding details are provided after placement decisions. Login credentials to access the online school are issued. An orientation link is provided. Each student is assigned to a student support team consisting of a Homeroom Teacher (K-5) or Academic Advisor (6-12) and a School Counselor.	Admissions The North American International School (NAIS) in Dubai admits students of any race, religion, color, national or ethnic origin to all rights, privileges, programs and activities generally available to students. The admissions process includes an interview for KG1 with the Principal/Head of Section, and an assessment test in Math and English for KG2 to Grade 12. Applications are reviewed by admissions staff and the Principal's decision is final. After documentation is received, families are notified within a few days whether the applicant meets admission standards. Upon acceptance, a one-time non-refundable registration is due within five days to reserve a place for the following school year, and the first tuition payment must be received prior to the deadline to secure the place. If admission is granted but no place is available, the registration fee can be paid to place the student's name on the waiting list; NAIS will contact the family when a place becomes available. Enrollment is conditional upon the student successfully completing the current school year and submitting final grades; the student file must be complete before the first day of school. NAIS operates a 12‑year program, so applicants should review age requirements before applying. Admission office hours are Saturday–Thursday 8:00 AM–1:00 PM. Documents to submit include four passport-size photos; two birth certificates (KG1–Grade 1); original Transfer Certificate (KG2–Grade 12); progress report; two copies of passports; two copies of residency visas; two copies of Emirates IDs (student and parents); health card copy; vaccination card copy; and a transportation form if required. Transfer certificate requirements depend on where the previous school is located: Dubai schools require a stamp and signature with the TC in Arabic; other emirates require a stamped Arabic TC; schools outside the UAE require an Arabic TC and attestation from the Ministry of Education, UAE Embassy, and related authorities. There are links to Register Here and to the Fee Schedule.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist If admission is granted but no place is available, the registration fee can be paid to place the student's name on the waiting list; NAIS will contact the family when a place becomes available.
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