International Indian School Abu Dhabi vs Shining Star International School

	I International Indian School Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates	S Shining Star International School Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year AED 12,200 - 17,200	Fees / year AED 8,630 - 16,930
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 4 - 18 years
Type	Type —	Type —
Curriculum	Curriculum Indian Curriculum	Curriculum Indian Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 1,700	Pupils —
Typical class size	Typical class size 25	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened —	Opened —
Bus service	Bus service —	Bus service —
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Located in Baniyas West, Abu Dhabi, on 42nd Street. It is near the Green Apple Supermarket and the Police Impound, with access from the Abu Dhabi–Al Ain Road. The area is a residential district with a mix of expatriate communities around the campus. Public transport links in the area connect to wider Abu Dhabi.	Location Shining Star International School is located in Musaffah, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, at Shabiya 12. The campus serves Abu Dhabi's expatriate and local communities and is accessible by multiple bus routes across the city; transport is GPS-tracked. Coordinates: 24.321046, 54.53379.
Stages	Stages The school serves Pre-KG through Grade 12. Kindergarten follows the UK Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, while Primary and Middle years use an internationally designed curriculum; Grades 9 to 12 follow the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) curriculum.	Stages The school runs KG1 to Grade 12, with a Sixth Form for Grades 11–12.
School type	School type The school is co-educational and operates as a day school (no boarding).	School type Private day school that follows the CBSE Indian curriculum.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix The student body includes multiple nationalities, with Indians the largest group, followed by Pakistanis and Egyptians. Public guides place total enrollment around 600 students. The exact ratio of UAE nationals to international students is not publicly published.	Pupil nationality mix SSIS hosts a diverse international student body. The exact number of represented nationalities is not published, but the school emphasises diversity and serves the expatriate community of Abu Dhabi.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support The campus includes a dedicated Special Education room for students of determination. It also provides a Learning Resource Center and other facilities to support SEN and inclusive learning.	Additional learning support SSIS is inclusive and provides support for students of determination, including Individualized Educational Plans, learning support assistants, and extra academic support as needed; modifications to papers/exams are available.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), New Delhi, India.	Country affiliation CBSE (India) affiliation; the school is fully accredited with CBSE and follows the Indian NCERT curriculum (CBSE affiliation No. 6630075).
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation There is no formal religious affiliation; Arabic and Islamic Studies are offered as part of UAE curriculum options for Muslim students.	Religious affiliation There is an on-campus mosque and an in-house Imam to lead prayers for the Muslim community; no formal religious affiliation is stated.
School day structure	School day structure School hours vary by year group. Pre-KG to KG2 sessions run from 8:00 AM to 11:50 AM; Grades 1 to 12 run from 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM.	School day structure KG sessions run 7:30 AM–12:00 PM; Grades I–XII run 7:30 AM–2:00 PM; school days are Sunday to Thursday.
Bus service details	Bus service details A school bus service operates within Abu Dhabi city limits. Public sources indicate a transportation fee of AED 450 per month; routes and availability are confirmed with the school.	Bus service details School transport operates with GPS tracking; there are 30+ routes, and buses have GPS trackers and female attendants.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application / Registration fees - No separate application or non‑refundable registration fee amount is published in the school's publicly available fee schedule. Parents are required to pay the first installment of fees at the time admission is confirmed. Tuition fees (full detail per grade; amounts in AED, academic year fees shown as annual amounts and equal term instalments) - Pre‑KG / KG1 / KG2 — Annual: AED 12,200.00; Per term (4 equal instalments): AED 3,050.00. - Grade 1 — Annual: AED 13,015.00; Per term: AED 3,253.75. - Grade 2 — Annual: AED 13,015.00; Per term: AED 3,253.75. - Grade 3 — Annual: AED 13,204.00; Per term: AED 3,301.00. - Grade 4 — Annual: AED 13,120.00; Per term: AED 3,280.00. - Grade 5 — Annual: AED 13,204.00; Per term: AED 3,301.00. - Grade 6 — Annual: AED 13,515.00; Per term: AED 3,378.75. - Grade 7 — Annual: AED 13,704.00; Per term: AED 3,426.00. - Grade 8 — Annual: AED 13,515.00; Per term: AED 3,378.75. - Grade 9 — Annual: AED 14,254.00; Per term: AED 3,563.50. - Grade 10 — Annual: AED 14,650.00; Per term: AED 3,662.50. - Grade 11 — Annual: AED 16,500.00; Per term: AED 4,125.00. - Grade 12 — Annual: AED 17,200.00; Per term: AED 4,300.00. What the annual tuition covers - Annual tuition amounts include Tuition plus Books, Uniform, and Educational Supplies. Standardized assessment charges are included. Board examination fees for Grades 10 and 12 are included in the annual fees. Billing schedule and payment terms - Annual tuition is payable in four instalments (fees are split into four equal instalments). Parents are required to remit the first instalment at the time of admission/registration confirmation. Specific instalment due dates are not listed in the published fee schedule. - A discount is applied for full annual payment: a 10% discount on tuition is applied if the full annual fee is paid in one transaction by March 30 of the academic year (as stated in the published fee schedule). - Sibling discounts are applied to tuition: 5% for the second sibling and 15% for the third sibling and any additional siblings; sibling discounts are deducted from the final instalment. Boarding / Hostel fees - No boarding or hostel fee lines are published. The school's published material describes day‑school operations and provides no boarding fee table; therefore boarding fees are not applicable. Other costs and optional charges - Books, uniform and educational supplies are included in the stated annual tuition amounts (see “What the annual tuition covers” above). - Fees for optional extra‑curricular activities that incur separate charges are not included in the tuition fees and will be billed separately where applicable (optional activities may carry additional charges). - Transport (school bus) or any other ancillary service fees are not listed within the published tuition table; separate transport fees may be charged where service is used (no transport fee schedule is provided in the published tuition page). Refund information - The published tuition schedule and the admission information do not set out a specific refunds policy or a published schedule of refunds/penalties for withdrawal. The school's admissions instructions state that first instalment is payable at admission; no public refund formula is published alongside the fee table. Fee payment options - The school's published fee schedule does not list specific payment channels (bank account details, online gateway or card acceptance) on the tuition page. The admission instructions indicate that fees are invoiced and the first instalment is to be paid at admission; detailed payment methods and account details are not published in the fee table. Summary of gaps in the published fee information - The published fee schedule gives clear annual tuition amounts by grade and states that fees are payable in four instalments, and it lists discounts and what the annual fee covers. However, no separate application/registration fee amount is published, specific instalment due dates are not shown on the fee page, no transport fee schedule is included, a detailed refunds policy is not provided alongside the fees, and explicit payment channels (bank transfer details, card gateway or cheque/PDC rules) are not published in the fee table. If you require these missing operational details (exact instalment due dates, application/registration charge if any, transport fees, refund calculations or accepted payment methods), the school's admissions/accounts office can provide the official, itemised instructions.	Fee details Application / registration fee - A registration/application fee must be paid before an application is processed and before any assessment is scheduled. Tuition fees — per grade (annual and term breakdown) - KG1: Annual tuition AED 7,900 — Term 1 AED 2,370; Term 2 AED 2,370; Term 3 AED 3,160; Books AED 495; Yearly fee AED 8,791. - KG2: Annual tuition AED 7,900 — Term 1 AED 2,370; Term 2 AED 2,370; Term 3 AED 3,160; Books AED 495; Yearly fee AED 8,791. - Grade 1: Annual tuition AED 8,800 — Term 1 AED 2,640; Term 2 AED 2,640; Term 3 AED 3,520; Books AED 594; Yearly fee AED 9,818. - Grade 2: Annual tuition AED 9,300 — Term 1 AED 2,790; Term 2 AED 2,790; Term 3 AED 3,720; Books AED 594; Yearly fee AED 10,318. - Grade 3: Annual tuition AED 10,300 — Term 1 AED 3,090; Term 2 AED 3,090; Term 3 AED 4,120; Books AED 644; Yearly fee AED 11,368. - Grade 4: Annual tuition AED 10,500 — Term 1 AED 3,150; Term 2 AED 3,150; Term 3 AED 4,200; Books AED 660; Yearly fee AED 11,584. - Grade 5: Annual tuition AED 12,500 — Term 1 AED 3,750; Term 2 AED 3,750; Term 3 AED 5,000; Books AED 660; Yearly fee AED 13,584. - Grade 6: Annual tuition AED 12,500 — Term 1 AED 3,750; Term 2 AED 3,750; Term 3 AED 5,000; Books AED 715; Yearly fee AED 13,639. - Grade 7: Annual tuition AED 13,500 — Term 1 AED 4,050; Term 2 AED 4,050; Term 3 AED 5,400; Books AED 798; Yearly fee AED 14,733. - Grade 8: Annual tuition AED 13,500 — Term 1 AED 4,050; Term 2 AED 4,050; Term 3 AED 5,400; Books AED 798; Yearly fee AED 14,733. - Grade 9: Annual tuition AED 14,500 — Term 1 AED 4,350; Term 2 AED 4,350; Term 3 AED 5,800; Books AED 880; Yearly fee AED 15,815. - Grade 10: Annual tuition AED 14,500 — Term 1 AED 4,350; Term 2 AED 4,350; Term 3 AED 5,800; Books AED 880; Yearly fee AED 15,815. - Grade 11: Annual tuition AED 15,500 — Term 1 AED 4,650; Term 2 AED 4,650; Term 3 AED 6,200; Books AED 880; Yearly fee AED 16,815. - Grade 12: Annual tuition AED 15,500 — Term 1 AED 4,650; Term 2 AED 4,650; Term 3 AED 6,200; Books AED 880; Yearly fee AED 16,815. Transport and boarding fees - School transport (bus) is published as AED 4,420 (single standard amount shown). - Boarding / board fees are listed by grade for secondary levels: Grade IX AED 375; Grade X AED 750; Grade XI AED 375; Grade XII AED 900. Other fees and one-off costs - Uniform charges are shown per grade in the published fee schedule (examples: AED 519 for KG levels; AED 640–880 for higher grades) and are charged separately to tuition. - Textbook / book charges are shown per grade (examples above under each grade). - A yearly / miscellaneous fee is applied per student (figures shown under "Yearly fee" in the published schedule). Discounts and fee reductions - Sibling discounts: second child 7% and third (and subsequent) children 10% (published sibling discount scale is applied). - A one-time annual payment discount is available (5%); combined one-time payment plus sibling discounts may increase the effective discount (published scheme). Additional referral and achievement discounts are published. Billing schedule and payment terms - Fees are payable in a minimum of three equal instalments for the academic year. Parents may also make a one-time full payment. - Accepted payment methods: cash, card (debit/credit; bank charges may apply) and cheque. When paying the first term by cash or card, parents are requested to submit post-dated cheques for the 2nd and 3rd terms; cheque payment requires three cheques. The school publishes standard cheque dates for term payments in its payment instructions. Refund and cancellation policy (fees and items) - The school may retain a portion of tuition where a student attends part of a term: examples in the published policy include retention ranges from the value of one month up to the full-term fee depending on the length of attendance within a term. Textbook and uniform fees that have not been used are refundable. Transportation fees are refunded on the same prorated basis as tuition. Registration or re-registration fees may be retained where a student attends part of the first week or does not show up without prior written notice. Notes on payment handling - Card payments are accepted but bank charges may apply. Cheques should be made payable to "Shining Star International School" and post-dated cheques are required for subsequent instalments when the first instalment is paid in cash or by card. Specific cheque dates and document requirements for cheque submission are included in the school's payment instructions.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement The school operates a compulsory uniform. The parent portal requires that student photos be in the school uniform. The annual fee paperwork states that uniform is included in the fees, but there are no published details on colours, components or where to purchase.	Uniform requirement Uniform is required for all students. The annual uniform fee varies by grade: 519 AED for KG1-KG2 and up to 880 AED for Grades 9-12, according to the 2025-2026 fee schedule.
Food options	Food options The facilities page describes a fully equipped canteen that adheres to ADFCA requirements for food preparation and allows the provision of a wider range of healthy, freshly produced daily meals. Details about specific menu items or dietary accommodations are not published on the site.	Food options There is an on-site cafeteria that serves fresh, hygienic and nutritious food for students and staff. The cafeteria offers an assortment of cuisines at affordable prices.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The school is run and managed by Global Educational Solutions, an educational management company.	Governance and ownership SSIS is governed by an executive leadership team led by the principal, with a chairperson (Sudha Gupta) noted in the site's governance materials. The school is CBSE-accredited, and there is no public indication that it is part of a larger school group.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details The International Indian School – Abu Dhabi follows a balanced international curriculum and is affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). Pre-KG uses the UK Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, with age-appropriate assessment and carousel activities in Physical Education, Arts, Music, and Arabic. Primary (Grades 1–5) and Middle (Grades 6–8) employ a tailor-made international curriculum adapted to the UAE context, with technology-enabled learning, robotics and AI, and a strong emphasis on 21st‑century skills. Secondary (Grades 9–10) and Senior Secondary (Grades 11–12) follow the CBSE curriculum, with AISSE examinations in Grade 10 and AISSCE examinations in Grade 12. Assessments are varied (ongoing observations, class work, projects, presentations, and tests), and the school participates in international benchmarking tests such as CAT4, ASSET, IBT, TIMSS, and PISA.	Curriculum details Shining Star International School in Abu Dhabi follows the CBSE curriculum using NCERT textbooks, with the academic year running from April to March. Early Years (Kindergarten) emphasizes social-emotional development and language skills through Global Phonics and the RAZ A-Z program, with Arabic, Islamic studies and additional language options introduced in Term 3. The Primary program is CBSE-based, aligned with the National Curriculum Framework and NEP 2020, guided by the ADEK Student Competency Framework, and includes Global SDG projects, ISTE standards, a Farm in School curriculum, and second-language options (Hindi, French, Urdu, Malayalam, Tamil) along with Robotics and a TED-Ed Club from Grade 3. In Middle and Secondary, the curriculum continues under CBSE guidelines with ISTE standards and a focus on 21st-century skills, offering English, a second language, Arabic, Environment Studies, Mathematics, Moral Education, Islamic Studies or Moral Science, UAE Social Studies, Computer Science, Robotics, Global Citizenship, Art and Library. Senior Secondary follows CBSE at the senior level, based on the National Curriculum Framework-2005, with subjects including Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Business Studies, Accountancy, Economics, Informative Practices, English and Arabic as a second language, along with mock examinations and career/higher education guidance.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning International Indian School Abu Dhabi provides wellbeing support through a Mental Health and Wellbeing Policy that sets out the school's approach to promoting student wellbeing, including social and emotional aspects. The policy outlines mechanisms for proactive and reactive support, referrals, and safeguarding considerations. The Inclusion Policy informs its inclusive approach to supporting students' social and emotional needs within a mainstream setting. A Gifted and Talented Policy indicates provisions for highly able learners, reflecting a broader commitment to holistic student development. The combined policies demonstrate a structured framework for SEL and student wellbeing.	Social & emotional learning Shining Star International School follows ADEK's Well-Being Policy to support students' emotional, social, physical, and academic well-being. Counseling services are available to provide one‑to‑one and group support, and the school implements mindfulness and stress‑reduction programs to aid emotional regulation. Anti‑bullying initiatives, social skills workshops, and peer mentoring are in place to foster healthy peer relationships. A Well‑Being Committee oversees well‑being initiatives, with staff professional development on student well‑being and regular parental engagement to support well‑being at home and in school. The school emphasises a holistic approach to student wellbeing across these domains.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) International Indian School Abu Dhabi adopts an inclusive education approach as described in its Inclusion Policy, which covers a range of student needs within the mainstream setting. A Gifted and Talented Policy outlines provisions for advanced learners within the school. The Careers page lists SEN/SPED teachers as current vacancies, confirming dedicated staff for special educational needs. The school is described as not a specialist SEN institution, indicating SEN support is provided within a general school environment rather than a standalone SEN facility. Overall, SEN support appears integrated with targeted staff and policies rather than a separate specialist center.	Special educational needs (SEN) Shining Star International School is described as an inclusive school and provides SEN support within the mainstream setting. It offers Individualized Educational Plans (IEPs) for students of determination, extra academic support, and Learning Support Assistants to ensure safety and academic help. Modifications to classwork and exams, plus modified papers, are provided based on individual needs, with a Learning Support Team monitoring activities to ensure access to learning and extracurriculars. The Inclusion Policy defines accommodations and modifications to teaching and assessments, adaptive teaching, assistive technology, and a range of supports for Additional Learning Needs, including multilingual learners and twice‑exceptional students. In short, SSIS supports a spectrum of needs within a mainstream framework rather than being a specialist SEN institution.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language The school does not publicly disclose information about a dedicated English as an Additional Language (EAL) program page on its site. The Inclusion Policy and related pages address inclusion in general rather than language-specific EAL programs, and there is no explicit EAL policy publicly visible.	English as an additional language Multilingual Learners are specifically recognised as students who are acquiring the language of instruction and require additional language support to access and attain with their peers. The Inclusion Policy outlines that accommodations and modifications to teaching and assessments, adaptive teaching, and assistive technologies are used to support these learners. The school's inclusion structure includes a Head of Inclusion, Inclusion Teachers, and an Inclusion Team to coordinate language and learning support, including documentation such as Learning Plans (IEP/ISP/ILP) where appropriate. The policy also emphasises Universal Design for Learning and equitable access to education for language learners within mainstream classrooms.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing The Mental Health and Wellbeing Policy confirms the school's commitment to student mental health and wellbeing. It outlines the school's approach to promoting emotional wellbeing and providing support for students. This policy exists alongside inclusion and safeguarding provisions to support holistic welfare.	Mental wellbeing SSIS promotes mental wellbeing through its Well‑Being Policy, aligned with ADEK's framework, covering emotional, social, physical, and intellectual well‑being. It provides access to counselors for individual and group support and runs regular workshops on mental health, resilience, and emotional regulation. Physical and social wellbeing programs, including anti‑bullying campaigns and peer mentoring, are part of the school's well‑being initiatives. The Pastoral Care Policy emphasises PERMA‑influenced, relationship‑based approaches and mentoring to support students' welfare, with form tutors and counselors playing key roles in monitoring and supporting well‑being. Collaboration with external agencies is planned for specialist mental health support when needed.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding Safeguarding and child protection are addressed through IIS Abu Dhabi's Inclusion Policy and its Mental Health and Wellbeing Policy, which together establish the school's commitments to student welfare and safeguarding. ADEK mandates safeguarding policies for private schools, and the school's publicly accessible policies align with these expectations.	Safeguarding Shining Star International School has a Child Protection Policy and a Safeguarding Policy that underscore the welfare of children as paramount. A Child Protection Committee (CPC) is established to manage safeguarding with defined leadership levels and clear preventive, reporting, and responsive processes; staff are oriented on recognizing signs of abuse and must report concerns via designated channels. The policies set out awareness, prevention, reporting, and responding steps, including training, incident reporting procedures, and safeguarding in curriculum delivery. Recruitment and ongoing safeguarding practices include safe recruitment, supervision, and collaboration with external agencies (e.g., Child Protection Services, police, or ADEK) as required. The safeguarding framework is complemented by a separate Safeguarding Policy detailing procedures and compliance requirements.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The school features science laboratories and activity rooms, including Chemistry, Physics and Biology labs. The Learning Resource Center (LRC) will be the hub of the school, housing a diverse collection of books and study spaces. A Multi-Purpose Auditorium (MPA) supports sports, meetings, and a Creative and Performing Arts program. Indoor and outdoor playground facilities include a football field with artificial turf and a basketball surface, with shaded areas and green spaces. Dedicated prayer rooms for both boys and girls with ablution facilities and a fully equipped canteen meeting regulatory standards are provided.	Facilities overview Shining Star International School sits on a 10-acre campus comprising the original school block and a newer building that houses science and computer labs. The grounds include running tracks, football grounds, cricket pitches, and courts for badminton and basketball. The library holds 24,000+ books and magazines to support study and reading. An 800-seat multipurpose auditorium serves as a venue for events and indoor sports. The campus also includes a kitchen garden, greenhouse, medicinal herb garden, and a vegetable garden, and there is an on-site health clinic and a mosque with an in-house imam.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities Playground facilities include indoor and outdoor spaces with a dedicated football field and artificial turf and a basketball surface. The campus design includes increased shade areas and developed green spaces to support outdoor activities. The air-conditioned Multi-Purpose Auditorium enables physical education programs during the heat of spring and summer.	Sports facilities Sports facilities include astro turf running tracks, volleyball, football and badminton courts, and a cricket pitch. Outdoor spaces also feature a greenhouse, kitchen garden, medicinal herb garden, and a vegetable garden that support additional learning experiences.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities Science laboratories and activity rooms include Chemistry, Physics and Biology labs with exhaust/ventilation booths to meet safety requirements. The Learning Resource Center provides diverse books and resources and study spaces for senior students, with librarians coordinating with teachers to support library lessons. Technology integrated classrooms support digital learning and instruction.	Academic facilities Technology-integrated classrooms number 72 and are equipped with the latest OHPs and smart boards. Computer labs with high-speed internet support IT-enabled learning across grade levels. The school provides biology, chemistry and math laboratories for hands-on experiments. A robotics laboratory offers building and programming experiences. The library is a purpose-built space with 24,000+ books for research and study.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities The Multi-Purpose Auditorium will host performing arts activities as part of a Creative and Performing Arts Program. The auditorium will also support sports and physical education programs.	Extra curricular facilities An 800+ seat multipurpose auditorium is used for workshops, events, and indoor sports. There is an on-site cafeteria serving fresh, hygienic, and nutritious food. The health clinic is staffed by a qualified nurse for medical needs during school hours. The campus also includes a mosque with an in-house imam for the Muslim community.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History International Indian School – Abu Dhabi opened in April 2016 as a CBSE‑affiliated PreK–12 school in Abu Dhabi. The school is run and managed by Global Educational Solutions, an educational consultancy with a network of UAE‑based and international partner schools. It was established to serve the Indian community in Abu Dhabi and follows the CBSE curriculum for secondary grades, while Kindergarten uses the UK Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. Global Educational Solutions provides governance for IIS Abu Dhabi as part of its school network. IIS Abu Dhabi is affiliated to CBSE and incorporates international benchmarking and child‑centred approaches in its curriculum.	History Shining Star International School was established in 2014 in Musaffah, Abu Dhabi. It is led by Chairperson Sudha Gupta. The school serves the local and international expatriate community and follows the CBSE curriculum. In 2024 SSIS celebrated a decade of operation and earned a Good rating from ADEK. By 2025 the school had grown to over 2,000 students.
Community	Community The IIS Abu Dhabi community features formal parent involvement channels. Parent Engagement 2023 includes activities across art, gardening, and student‑led projects. KG‑Parent Engagement Day 2023 shows family participation in school life. The school calendar includes national and cultural events such as UAE National Day (52nd celebration), UAE Flag Day, and World Tourism Day.	Community SSIS serves a diverse expatriate community in Abu Dhabi. A flash mob event was held at Dalma Mall Abu Dhabi to express gratitude to UAE leadership and promote peace, tolerance and coexistence among residents. Open houses and other community engagements are held regularly to involve parents. The school emphasizes SDG-aligned initiatives and global partnerships as part of its community engagement.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association The school maintains a formal PTA with an official list of PTA members. The PTA serves as a channel for parent representation and collaboration with school leadership. PTA‑related activities are linked to broader parent engagement efforts, including KG‑Parent Engagement Day 2023. Parent involvement is supported through the Parent Portal, which provides communications and access to information. The IIS Abu Dhabi site documents PTA membership and related activities.	Parent teacher association SSIS maintains an active PTA that conducts regular meetings and open houses to encourage parental involvement. Parents are described as an integral part of the school's teaching methodology, with ongoing updates provided through a digital campus. The PTA supports groups and activities such as the Duke of Edinburgh Program, First Responders, Toastmasters and Gavel Clubs. There are partnerships and outreach efforts coordinated by the PTA, including collaborations with schools in Africa and the USA. Regular events and volunteer opportunities are organized through the PTA to support student learning and community engagement.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual Registration for Academic Year 2026-27 is open for KG1 to Grade 12. The school is located in Baniyas West, Abu Dhabi. Kindergarten follows the UK Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum. Primary and Middle years follow an International Curriculum, and Grades 9–12 follow the CBSE curriculum, with a practical, application-based approach across subjects and languages that develops 21st-century skills: Creativity, Collaboration, Communication, and Critical Thinking.	Academic & intellectual SSIS focuses on academics, robotics, sports, and arts & crafts. Students gain hands-on experience in robotics through a Robotics Lab that develops technical, logical, and AI skills. Technology-integrated classrooms and computer and science laboratories support STEM learning. A massive library with over 24,000 books supports independent study and research.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative Multipurpose Auditorium is available for performances, workshops, and events. Arts and crafts are among SSIS's focus areas. The School Song expresses creativity and teamwork, reflecting a culture of artistic and collaborative activity.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language SSIS serves the expatriate community in Abu Dhabi and follows the CBSE curriculum. Student Council includes Cultural Secretary roles for both girls and boys. The school welcomes students from all cultural backgrounds.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies SSIS offers extracurricular activities through the Student Council and climate action projects. The Student Council includes leadership roles such as Head Boy/Girl, Deputy Head Boy/Girl, and House Captains. Cultural Secretary roles are part of the Student Council. The school participates in community events, such as flash mobs.
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service SSIS engages with the wider Abu Dhabi community through events, including flash mobs at public venues. The principal is an SDG ambassador and the school is SDG-aligned. The school welcomes students from all cultural backgrounds.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional Student leadership opportunities exist through the Student Council, with positions such as Head Boy/Girl, Deputy Head Boy/Girl, and House Captains. The principal serves as an SDG ambassador. Senior leadership roles include House Captains and Senior Prefects within the student body.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing The school emphasizes health and safety as a core priority within its high educational standards. It aims to provide a safe, orderly, caring and supportive environment. High-quality governance ensures students' needs are fulfilled and fairness and quality are maintained. Facilities include a Resource Centre, Science Labs, AI & Robotics, Sports Complex, Auditorium, and Cafeteria.	Lifestyle & wellbeing The school has an in-house clinic with a HAAD-qualified nurse available during school hours. Sports facilities include astro turf running tracks, volleyball, football and badminton courts, and a cricket pitch. The grounds feature a greenhouse, kitchen garden, medicinal herb, and a vegetable garden. Transport is equipped with GPS tracking.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision Arabic language is taught as part of the curriculum. Pre-KG follows the UK Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum. Primary and Middle years follow a tailor-made international curriculum adapted to the UAE context.	Language provision English is taught as a core subject within the CBSE curriculum. Second languages offered include Hindi, French, Urdu, Tamil, and Malayalam. Arabic is taught as a subject. The Early Years program develops language and communication skills through Global Phonics and speaking platforms.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions The school is located in Baniyas West, Abu Dhabi. Admission starts with the Expression of Interest Form to gather basic information about the child and parents. The form initiates the admission process. 2. The School Registrar screens the EOI and contacts you to schedule an assessment or entrance exam and submission of documents. After completing the Online Registration Form, you receive a Registration Number. 3. Documents are required at registration. Student documents include 2 colored copies of Passport with valid Residence Visa stamp, 2 colored copies of Emirates ID, 1 colored copy of Birth Certificate (duly attested as required), 2 colored copies of Vaccination Record, 2 colored copies of Medical Insurance Card, and 4 passport photographs. Parent documents include 1 colored copy of Passport with Residence Visa, 1 colored copy of Emirates ID, 2 passport photographs, and Proof of residence. 4. Grade 2 onwards requires additional documents: Copy of school records and medical reports, Original Transfer Certificate and Report Card; If transferring from within Abu Dhabi, an eSIS transfer and Mark Sheet; If transferring from another Emirate, Transfer Certificate attested by MOE; If transferring from overseas, Transfer Certificate attested by the Education Officer and carried out at the UAE Embassy and MOFA. 5. Admission and fees: The number of registrations per level is based on available seats; Admission is subject to completion of all required documents; Successful candidates are admitted with the fully completed Admission form and documents as per ADEK/Ministry guidelines; Parents remit the first instalment fees at admission. For assistance contact 02-585-4499 or [email protected].	Admissions The school is currently accepting applications for the 2026–2027 academic year. Pre-admission procedure: Parents can complete the online registration form for 2026–2027, ensuring that all requested details are completely filled out; an auto generated email is sent once the application is received by the school. Checklist for Admission: A list of documents required during admission is provided. Post-Admission procedure: After the admission has been processed, an admission slip containing the Admission reference No with the Class & Division will be handed over to the parent. Apply for Admission: The school provides an 'Apply for Admission' option and a 'Register Now' button for online enrollment. Open Days: Open Days are held for prospective parents and students from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM every Thursday and Saturday (excluding public and school holidays); to schedule a visit, click 'Book a Visit'. Online Enrolment: Online enrolment is available at ssis.ethdigitalcampus.com.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
	View full profile →	View full profile →