International Academic School vs Rawafed Private School

	I International Academic School Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates	R Rawafed Private School Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year AED 29,650 - 39,880	Fees / year AED 19,120 - 42,970
Age range	Age range 4 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type —	Type —
Curriculum	Curriculum American Curriculum	Curriculum American Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 700	Pupils 1,700
Typical class size	Typical class size 30	Typical class size 17
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened —	Opened —
Bus service	Bus service —	Bus service —
Essentials	Essentials
Location	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.	Location Rawafed Private School is located in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, in the Al Bateen area, near Bateen Mall. It is accessible by car from across the city. The mailing address is P.O. Box 7334, Abu Dhabi.
Stages	Stages The school comprises Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle School, and High School, covering grades KG through Grade 12.	Stages The school offers Kindergarten (KG1 and KG2) in a separate unit, followed by Grades 1–4 taught in self-contained classes. Grades 5–12 are taught by specialist subject teachers across a broad high school program. The day begins with KG in the separate unit and then Grades 1–12 in standard classes.
School type	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.	School type Rawafed Private School operates as a private school in Abu Dhabi. It follows an American curriculum and is Cognia-accredited. The site does not publicly state whether the school is co-educational or single-sex.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix Public information lists 4% UAE nationals and 6% non-local students; the school hosts a mix of nationalities beyond these percentages.	Pupil nationality mix The school reports about 1,700 students across 20 nationalities. The most common nationalities and the local-to-international student ratio are not published. The school emphasizes cultural diversity in its values.
Additional learning support	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.	Additional learning support There is no explicit SEN program or dedicated SEN facilities listed on the school site. Inclusion is referenced in Abu Dhabi policy guidance, which requires schools to accommodate learners with additional needs where possible; parents should inquire about specific SEN arrangements.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation There is no formal country affiliation listed. The school uses an American curriculum with English-language instruction.	Country affiliation The school follows an American curriculum and holds Cognia accreditation, with no formal government affiliation stated.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation No formal religious affiliation is stated. Islamic education is provided as part of the UAE MOE Arabic curriculum where applicable.	Religious affiliation Islamic Studies and Arabic are part of the curriculum; there is no stated religious affiliation for the school.
School day structure	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.	School day structure The school day starts at 7:30am; KG classes finish at 12:30pm and Grades 1–12 finish at 2:50pm.
Bus service details	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.	Bus service details The school operates a government-supported, school-owned transport system across the greater Abu Dhabi area. There are two bus services in the morning and two in the afternoon, plus buses for field trips. Each bus has a transportation assistant, drivers carry mobile phones, and the fleet is maintained to safety standards.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	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). School contact for fee-related matters - Registration and fee enquiries: registration@ias.sch.ae; Phone: 02 20 50 400.	Fee details Tuition fees — per year and per term - Pre-KG: Total AED 19,120. Registration fee (5%): AED 956. Payment schedule (three installments): AED 6,692 (first), AED 5,736 (second), AED 5,736 (third). Books: not listed. - KG 1: Total AED 19,120. Registration fee (5%): AED 956. Payment schedule (three installments): AED 6,692 (first), AED 5,736 (second), AED 5,736 (third). Books: AED 750. - KG 2: Total AED 20,250. Registration fee (5%): AED 1,013. Payment schedule (three installments): AED 7,087 (first), AED 6,075 (second), AED 6,075 (third). Books: AED 900. - Grade 1: Total AED 25,190. Registration fee (5%): AED 1,260. Payment schedule (three installments): AED 8,816 (first), AED 7,557 (second), AED 7,557 (third). Books: AED 1,026. - Grade 2: Total AED 26,420. Registration fee (5%): AED 1,321. Payment schedule (three installments): AED 9,247 (first), AED 7,926 (second), AED 7,926 (third). Books: AED 1,129. - Grade 3: Total AED 27,740. Registration fee (5%): AED 1,387. Payment schedule (three installments): AED 9,709 (first), AED 8,322 (second), AED 8,322 (third). Books: AED 1,239. - Grade 4: Total AED 28,770. Registration fee (5%): AED 1,439. Payment schedule (three installments): AED 10,069 (first), AED 8,631 (second), AED 8,631 (third). Books: AED 1,494. - Grade 5: Total AED 30,100. Registration fee (5%): AED 1,505. Payment schedule (three installments): AED 10,535 (first), AED 9,030 (second), AED 9,030 (third). Books: AED 1,500. - Grade 6: Total AED 30,100. Registration fee (5%): AED 1,505. Payment schedule (three installments): AED 10,535 (first), AED 9,030 (second), AED 9,030 (third). Books: AED 1,530. - Grade 7: Total AED 32,470. Registration fee (5%): AED 1,624. Payment schedule (three installments): AED 11,364 (first), AED 9,741 (second), AED 9,741 (third). Books: AED 1,900. - Grade 8: Total AED 32,470. Registration fee (5%): AED 1,624. Payment schedule (three installments): AED 11,364 (first), AED 9,741 (second), AED 9,741 (third). Books: AED 2,200. - Grade 9: Total AED 35,040. Registration fee (5%): AED 1,752. Payment schedule (three installments): AED 12,264 (first), AED 10,512 (second), AED 10,512 (third). Books: AED 1,800. - Grade 10: Total AED 37,530. Registration fee (5%): AED 1,877. Payment schedule (three installments): AED 13,135 (first), AED 11,259 (second), AED 11,259 (third). Books: AED 1,675. - Grade 11: Total AED 40,200. Registration fee (5%): AED 2,010. Payment schedule (three installments): AED 14,070 (first), AED 12,060 (second), AED 12,060 (third). Books: AED 1,850. - Grade 12: Total AED 42,970. Registration fee (5%): AED 2,149. Payment schedule (three installments): AED 15,039 (first), AED 12,891 (second), AED 12,891 (third). Books: AED 2,250. Application / Registration fee - The registration (application) fee is set at 5% of the tuition fee for the chosen grade; the specific 5% amount is shown alongside each grade above. The registration fee is non-refundable in the event of withdrawal before the beginning of the academic year. Billing schedule and payment terms - Annual tuition is billed in three installments (First Installment, Second Installment, Third Installment) as shown in the installment amounts for each grade above. Payments are expected in AED for cash/credit card transactions. Sender charges for bank transfers must be covered by the sender; proof of transfer should be emailed to the school to credit the student account. Boarding fees - No boarding fees are listed. Boarding is not indicated as an offered service. Other costs and fees - Books: The fee schedule lists specific book charges by grade where applicable (amounts shown above). - Uniform: School uniform is available for purchase from a designated tailor; a separate uniform charge applies where applicable. - Transportation: Bus transport is available for an additional separate fee; specific transport rates are charged separately. - International examinations: International examinations (including SAT, TOEFL and MAP tests) are charged separately from the tuition and instalments. Refund information - The registration fee (5% of tuition) is non-refundable if the student withdraws before the beginning of the academic year. No additional refund policy details for tuition or other charges are specified in the published fee schedule. Fee payment options - Cash / Credit Card: Payments accepted in UAE Dirhams only. - Cheque: Payable to Rawafed Private School and drawn on local banks. - Bank transfer (wire): Bank name: First Abu Dhabi Bank. A/C No: 1011001500102019. IBAN: AE750351011001500102019. Applicable transfer fees are to be paid by the sender; indicate the student registration number on transfers and send proof of payment to ahmedkabeer@rawafedschool.com to credit the student account. Contact for payments - Landline: +971 2 666 2663. Email for payment proof: ahmedkabeer@rawafedschool.com.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement IAS has a strict uniform policy for all students. Uniforms can be purchased from the school.	Uniform requirement Uniforms are required for students. Uniforms are available for purchase from a designated tailor shop.
Food options	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.	Food options The school operates a cafeteria on site. All meals served are halal and nutritionally balanced, prepared locally where possible. Parents visiting the school are welcome to use the onsite canteen facilities for lunch or a quick snack.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership —	Governance and ownership —
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	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).	Curriculum details Rawafed Private School in Abu Dhabi offers an American Curriculum accredited by Cognia. The school serves KG1 through Grade 12, with about 1,700 students and more than 150 staff from roughly 20 nationalities. KG1 and KG2 are taught in a separate unit; Grades 1–4 are taught in self-contained classes with English, Arabic, Mathematics, Islamic Studies, Science, Computer Studies, PE, Music, and Art, with Social Studies and French introduced in Grade 4. Grades 5–12 are taught by specialist teachers; Grades 5–6 cover English, Arabic, Mathematics, Science, Computer Science, Islamic Studies, Social Studies, French, Art, Music, Moral Education and PE; Grades 7–8 cover English, Arabic, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Computer Science, Islamic Studies, Robotics, Moral Education and PE; Grades 9–10 cover English, Arabic, Mathematics, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Computer Science, Social Studies, Islamic Studies, American History, Moral Education and PE; Grades 10–11 cover English, Arabic, AP Mathematics, Islamic Studies and PE, with students choosing three subjects from AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Physics, Economics, Business Studies, Psychology and Sociology, and students are prepared for TOEFL, SAT I, SAT II and AP examinations. From Grade 10, students may continue to a High School Program, with a Diploma awarded on successful completion of Grade 12; to equate the Diploma with the Ministry of Education, Arabic and Islamic Studies Ministry examinations in Grade 12 are required, with English-language support available for these subjects if needed. The school day begins at 7:30am, KG finishes at 12:30pm and Grades 1–12 finish at 2:50pm.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results The school prepares students for external examinations including TOEFL, SAT I, SAT II and AP examinations.
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 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.	Social & emotional learning The school emphasizes holistic student development within a supportive community and operates in an international setting with a focus on character development through its stated values.
Special educational needs (SEN)	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.	Special educational needs (SEN) The site describes a general school environment and provides a range of academic offerings; it does not publish dedicated SEN support details on the main pages.
English as an additional language	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.	English as an additional language English is a core language of instruction within the core curriculum; the school offers English-language delivery for some subjects in English and provides English-language support where MOE criteria apply.
Mental wellbeing	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.	Mental wellbeing The school aims to foster well-rounded development in a caring environment, with staff dedicated to student growth; specific mental wellbeing programs are not itemized on the visible pages.
Safeguarding	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 The school presents a safety-focused environment with a structured staff team and safety-conscious procedures in transport and campus facilities; explicit safeguarding policies are listed in the site's policies section.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	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.	Facilities overview Rawafed Private School is located in Abu Dhabi and is Cognia-accredited under the American curriculum. The facilities include transportation, laboratories, a cafeteria, and recreation spaces. The school day begins at 7:30am, with KG classes finishing at 12:30pm and Grades 1–12 finishing at 2:50pm. The campus serves about 1700 students from around 20 nationalities, supported by about 150 dedicated staff. The school offers 20 extracurricular activities.
Sports facilities	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.	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	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.	Academic facilities Rawafed Private School offers a full K–12 curriculum aligned to the American framework. In KG, emphasis is on language development and readiness for formal study. Grades 1–4 cover English, Arabic, Mathematics, Islamic Studies, Science, Computer Studies, PE, Music, and Art, with Social Studies and French introduced in Grade 4. Grades 5–12 are taught by specialist teachers and include English, Arabic, Mathematics, Science, Computer Science, Islamic Studies, Social Studies, French (from Grade 4), Art, Music, Moral Education, and PE; Grades 9–10 add Biology, Physics, Chemistry, American History, and AP options starting Grade 10; Grades 10–11 offer AP Mathematics and three additional AP subjects with TOEFL, SAT I, SAT II preparation. A Diploma is awarded after Grade 12; to align with the Ministry of Education, students complete Arabic and Islamic Studies MOE examinations in Grade 12, with English-taught Arabic/Islamic Studies support available on request.
Extra curricular facilities	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.	Extra curricular facilities The school offers 20 extracurricular activities.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	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.	History —
Community	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.	Community Rawafed Private School has an international community of about 1,700 students from around 20 nationalities and a dedicated staff of about 150. The school follows an American curriculum and holds Cognia accreditation. The school maintains an active academic calendar with events such as Open Day and parent meetings, and holidays including Prophet Mohammed Birthday Holiday, Winter holidays, Eid Al Adha, and Islamic New Year. The school also hosts a Blog with articles on educational topics that engage the school community.
Parent teacher association	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.	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual —	Academic & intellectual The curriculum for KG1-4 includes English, Arabic, Mathematics, Islamic Studies, Science, Computer Studies, PE, Music, and Art, with Social Studies and French introduced in Grade 4. In Grades 5-6, English, Arabic, Mathematics, Science, Computer Science, Islamic Studies, Social Studies, French, Art, Music, Moral Education, and PE are taught. Grades 7-8 include English, Arabic, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Computer Science, Islamic Studies, Robotics, Moral Education, and PE. Grades 9-10 cover English, Arabic, Mathematics, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Computer Science, Social Studies, Islamic Studies, American History, Moral Education, and PE, while Grades 10-11 offer AP subjects and preparation for TOEFL, SAT I, SAT II, and AP examinations; a High School Diploma is awarded after Grade 12 with MOE Arabic and Islamic Studies requirements.
Arts & creative	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.	Arts & creative Art and Music are part of the Grades 1-4 curriculum. Art and Music are also included in Grades 5-6. The curriculum integrates visual and performing arts as part of a broad educational program.
Cultural & language	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.	Cultural & language French is introduced in Grade 4. English and Arabic are taught across the school. There are 20 nationalities represented among the student body.
Social & hobbies	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.	Social & hobbies Recreation areas provide space for a variety of sporting activities during breaks and lunch times. Students can engage in football and other recreational activities in indoor and outdoor facilities. The recreation program supports physical activity and mental stimulation as part of daily life at school.
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	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.	Lifestyle & wellbeing A Healthy Eating and Food Safety Policy governs school food and nutrition. The policy requires nutritionally balanced meals and safe handling, and educates students on nutrition, hydration, and healthy lifestyle choices. It aligns with ADEK, ADAFSA, and UAE health regulations and includes food safety audits, training, allergy management, and sustainability measures.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	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.	Language provision The school teaches English and Arabic as language subjects. French is introduced in Grade 4 and continues in higher grades. Grades 5–12 include English, Arabic, and French, with preparation for TOEFL, SAT I, SAT II and AP examinations. The Diploma awarded at Grade 12 requires successful completion of Ministry examinations in Arabic and Islamic Studies; special classes in Islamic Studies and Arabic in English are available for eligible students.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching Yes. English and Arabic are taught across the school; French is introduced in Grade 4; Some Islamic Studies and Arabic classes can be taught in English for students who meet the Ministry of Education criteria.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations Cognia (Accredited as an American curriculum school)
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	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.	Admissions 1. Enrollment is open to students of all nationalities who meet the school entrance requirements. The school conducts placement tests for all applicants. Placement tests typically take about two hours and assess English, Maths, and Arabic. Placement is determined by the test results and no prior preparation is required. 2. Documentation and registration: The following documents should be provided along with the application form and registration fee on enrollment: passport photographs; birth certificate; copies of the student's passport, residence visa, and Emirates ID; latest report card; family identification card for UAE nationals; and vaccination certificate. For students arriving from outside the UAE, a Transfer Certificate signed and stamped by the school and attested by the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the UAE Embassy is required. 3. Registration fee: A registration fee is charged at enrollment. This is stated as part of the enrollment documentation requirements. 4. Enrollment outcome: Enrollment is contingent on meeting the entrance requirements and on placement test results, which determine the appropriate grade level and program for the student.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
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