North American International School vs Rushmore American School

	N North American International School Dubai, United Arab Emirates	R Rushmore American School Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year AED 22,923 - 39,896	Fees / year AED 28,000 - 63,000
Age range	Age range 4 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type —	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum American Curriculum	Curriculum American Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils —	Pupils —
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened —	Opened 2025
Bus service	Bus service —	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	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.	Location Rushmore American School is located in Al Suyouh, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. The campus sits in a residential area with access to major highways, supporting commutes from across Sharjah and neighboring emirates. The neighbourhood includes family-friendly amenities, parks, and nearby shopping options such as Sahara Centre.
Stages	Stages Kindergarten (KG1 and KG2), Elementary (Grades 1-5), Middle School (Grades 6-8), and High School (Grades 9-12).	Stages Rushmore American School provides a K-12 program. The school includes a Pre-KG/KG section, an Elementary School, a Middle School, and a High School. The Pre-K section is on the ground floor, while middle and high school facilities are on the first floor, including laboratories and music rooms.
School type	School type Co-educational.	School type The school operates as a co-educational environment for students up to Grade 4. Beginning in Grade 5, learning is segregated by gender.
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.	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	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.	Additional learning support Rushmore American School includes provisions for students with Special Educational Needs (SEN). The admissions policies state an inclusive approach and that SEN students are integrated into regular classes with appropriate support. The campus includes dedicated spaces for Special Education.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation The school has no formal country affiliation; it operates an American program based on Common Core English/Math and California standards.	Country affiliation The curriculum is American-based, aligned with Massachusetts standards.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation The school has no religious affiliation. (Islamic Education is provided as part of UAE Ministry standards where applicable.)	Religious affiliation No formal religious affiliation is indicated in official materials.
School day structure	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.	School day structure School timings run Monday through Thursday. Pre-KG to KG2 operate 7:30am–1:50pm; Grades 1–7 operate 7:30am–2:50pm. A Breakfast Club option starts at 7:00am.
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.	Bus service details Rushmore American School announced partnerships to deliver quality uniforms, transport, and catering ahead of its September 2025 opening, with transport arrangements to be confirmed.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	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.	Fee details Application and Registration Fees - Application fee: AED 500 due at the time of submitting the application. This fee is refundable if the school does not offer a place; it is non-refundable if the school offers a place and the family chooses not to accept it; it is not deductible from total tuition if a place is accepted. - Registration deposit: AED 500 payable after accepting an offer to secure a place. This deposit is non-refundable and is adjustable against the first term's tuition. Tuition fees (annual and per-term amounts by year group) - Pre-K: Annual AED 35,000 (SPEA approved). Founding-family rate: Annual AED 26,000 — Per term (annual ÷ 3): AED 8,666 Per term (SPEA approved ÷ 3): AED 11,666. - KG 1: Annual AED 38,000 (SPEA approved). Founding-family rate: Annual AED 30,000 — Per term: AED 10,000. Per term (SPEA approved ÷ 3): AED 12,666. - KG 2: Annual AED 38,000 (SPEA approved). Founding-family rate: Annual AED 30,000 — Per term: AED 10,000. Per term (SPEA approved ÷ 3): AED 12,666. - Grade 1: Annual AED 45,000 (SPEA approved). Founding-family rate: Annual AED 39,600 — Per term: AED 13,200. Per term (SPEA approved ÷ 3): AED 15,000. - Grade 2: Annual AED 45,000 (SPEA approved). Founding-family rate: Annual AED 39,600 — Per term: AED 13,200. Per term (SPEA approved ÷ 3): AED 15,000. - Grade 3: Annual AED 45,000 (SPEA approved). Founding-family rate: Annual AED 39,600 — Per term: AED 13,200. Per term (SPEA approved ÷ 3): AED 15,000. - Grade 4: Annual AED 45,000 (SPEA approved). Founding-family rate: Annual AED 39,600 — Per term: AED 13,200. Per term (SPEA approved ÷ 3): AED 15,000. - Grade 5: Annual AED 45,000 (SPEA approved). Founding-family rate: Annual AED 39,600 — Per term: AED 13,200. Per term (SPEA approved ÷ 3): AED 15,000. - Grade 6: Annual AED 55,000 (SPEA approved). Founding-family rate: Annual AED 48,400 — Per term: AED 16,133. Per term (SPEA approved ÷ 3): AED 18,333. - Grade 7: Annual AED 55,000 (SPEA approved). Founding-family rate: Annual AED 48,400 — Per term: AED 16,133. Per term (SPEA approved ÷ 3): AED 18,333. - Grade 8: Annual AED 55,000 (SPEA approved). Founding-family rate: Annual AED 52,250 — Per term: AED 17,416. Per term (SPEA approved ÷ 3): AED 18,333. - Grade 9: Annual AED 55,000 (SPEA approved). Founding-family rate: Annual AED 55,000 — Per term: AED 18,333. Per term (SPEA approved ÷ 3): AED 18,333. - Grade 10: Annual AED 63,000 (SPEA approved). Founding-family rate: Annual AED 63,000 — Per term: AED 21,000. Per term (SPEA approved ÷ 3): AED 21,000. - Grade 11: Annual AED 63,000 (SPEA approved). Founding-family rate: Annual AED 63,000 — Per term: AED 21,000. Per term (SPEA approved ÷ 3): AED 21,000. - Grade 12: Annual AED 63,000 (SPEA approved). Founding-family rate: Annual AED 63,000 — Per term: AED 21,000. Per term (SPEA approved ÷ 3): AED 21,000. Billing schedule and payment terms - Application fee is payable at application submission; registration deposit is payable after accepting an offer and is adjustable against the first term's tuition. All published fees are stated as annual amounts; the school's fee notes reference the first term specifically. All fees are subject to 5% VAT. Early-payment and sibling discounts are published (5% early-payment discount for tuition paid in full; sibling discounts of 5%, 10% and 15% for second, third and fourth-or-more children respectively). Other costs and additional fees - Uniforms, transportation (school bus) and optional extra-curricular activities are treated as separate charges and may incur additional fees; specific amounts for these items are not published in the school's fee schedule. Exam, consumable or specialist-program costs may also be charged separately. Refunds and adjustments - Application fee: refundable only if the school does not offer a place; non-refundable if a place is offered and declined. Registration deposit: non-refundable but adjustable against the first term's tuition. Other refund terms specific to tuition instalments or late withdrawals are not published in the fee summary.
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 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.	Curriculum details The school offers a K-12 American curriculum located in Sharjah's Al Suyoh. The elementary program uses a Massachusetts-based curriculum that emphasizes hands-on learning. The broader program is technology-driven and learner-centered, with emphasis on STEM, ethics, and cultural understanding. The school employs a technology-rich environment with Chromebooks and Google's suite to support personalized learning and digital citizenship. The high school program is university-preparatory and emphasizes leadership and intellectual growth.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio Not publicly available.	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results Not publicly reported.	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression Not publicly specified.	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented NAIS provides inclusive education and supports gifted and talented students through its Inclusion Department.	Gifted and talented The Emirati Stars Program identifies and nurtures Emirati talents across academics, arts, and sports.
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 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.	Admissions The school is located in Sharjah, Al Suyoh, and offers a K-12 American curriculum focused on learner growth, creativity, and technology-enhanced learning. It emphasises ethical conduct, cultural understanding, and preparing students to become compassionate global citizens in a technology-rich environment.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships Fees start from AED 26,000 for the inaugural year, with an application fee of AED 500. Founding family fees for 2026/27 are published by grade level.
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.	Waitlist The school is opening in September 2025, with enrolment planned for Pre-K through Grade 7 in its inaugural year and expansion to Grades 8–12 in a future year.
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