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American International School has 2,725 pupils, typical class sizes of 18, instruction in English.
Location
American International School Dubai is located in Al Qusais 1, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The mailing address is PO Box 87727, 6th Street, Al Qusais 1. The campus sits in a cosmopolitan northeast Dubai district and serves a multinational student body. The school is part of the Athena Education group.
Stages
KG1 to Grade 12 (Kindergarten through High School), with learning divided into Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle, and High School.
Type
Private, independent international school. It offers co-education up to Grade 5; from Grade 6, classes are separated by gender.
Pupil Nationality Mix
The student body is multinational; most students are Arab nationals, contributing to a cosmopolitan school community.
Additional learning support
AIS Dubai maintains an inclusive approach. It welcomes Students of Determination, students who are gifted and talented, and students who study English as an Additional Language (EAL). An Inclusion Lead coordinates targeted support and works with staff to implement individualized programs where needed.
Country affiliation
No formal country affiliation; the curriculum is based on the American Curriculum.
Religious affiliation
No formal religious affiliation; Islamic values are integrated within the American Education Program.
School day structure
The school day starts around 7:30 AM and ends around 2:15 PM on Monday–Thursday, with a Friday dismissal at 11:00 AM.
Bus service
AIS operates its own bus service with four main routes: Sharjah, Deira, New Dubai, and Bur Dubai. Routes cover areas including Al Qusais; yearly transportation fees vary by route (e.g., 7,300 AED two-way for Sharjah, 6,850 AED for Deira, 8,400 AED for New Dubai, 7,300 AED for Bur Dubai).
Fees
Annual tuition at American International School ranges from AED 17,490 to AED 29,066 for 2026/27.
Application and registration fees
- New-student registration / application fee: AED 525, non‑refundable and inclusive of VAT. - KHDA fact sheets list an application fee of AED 500 for new students (assessment included). - Enrolment deposit (new students): up to 10% of the annual tuition, non‑refundable and deductible from the first‑term fees. - Re‑enrolment fee (returning students): up to 5% of the tuition fee or AED 500 (whichever is higher), non‑refundable and deductible from the first‑term fees.
- Tuition is presented as an annual fee; enrolment and re‑enrolment charges are deducted from the first‑term payment. - Enrolment deposit (up to 10% of tuition) and re‑enrolment fees (up to 5% or AED 500) are charged as described above and are non‑refundable. These amounts are applied against the first‑term fees. - The school's published materials state that an approved tuition‑increase percentage has been included in the stated tuition levels.
Boarding fees
- Boarding is not listed in the school's fees fact sheets; no boarding fees are provided. Boarding is therefore not applicable.
Other mandatory and optional costs
- Required/supplied items (examples shown by grade): - Uniform: generally AED 625–650 (grade dependent). - Books / required education supplies: amounts vary by grade (examples range from about AED 1,050 up to AED 3,525). - School ID card replacement: AED 150. - Optional services and typical price ranges (charged separately): - Transport: AED 6,850 to AED 8,400 (range shown). - Extracurricular activities: AED 300 to AED 1,700 (per activity or programme, as listed). - Medical fee: AED 225. - Club activities, costumes, trips, camps, enrichment and other optional items: price ranges are published (examples include local trips AED 200–1,200; overseas trips AED 7,500–14,000; enrichment/skill programmes AED 225–1,600; summer/winter camps AED 250–1,250; STEM programme AED 500). - Some grades list specialty items (e.g., robotic device AED 350–750, national test fees, external SEND assessment ranges).
Discounts and concessions
- Sibling discounts: second sibling 3%; third sibling 5%; fourth sibling 5% (as applicable). - Welcoming discount (where applicable): 10%. School employees may receive discounts (up to 50% stated where applicable).
Refunds and non‑refundables
- Registration / application fees, enrolment deposit (up to 10% of tuition) and re‑enrolment fees (up to 5% of tuition or AED 500) are non‑refundable. Enrolment and re‑enrolment charges are deducted from the first‑term fees when applicable.
Fee payment options and contacts
- Online parent portal: the school uses a parent/ERP portal for enrolment and parent services. Payments may be handled through the school's parent portal. - In person: the school records a reception, cashier and accounts contacts for payments at school. - Bank transfer / accounts: the school lists admissions and accounts contacts (phone numbers and email addresses) to obtain payment instructions and bank details from the accounts office. Use the admissions or accounts contact for bank transfer details and to confirm accepted payment methods.
Late payment / non‑payment
- Re‑enrolment and the requirement to clear outstanding fees are enforced; the fact sheets and admissions pages specify non‑refundability for deposits and that fees are payable according to the school's terms. For account or payment queries contact the accounts office listed above.
Notes
- The figures above are shown in UAE Dirhams (AED) as published by the school in the school‑level fee fact sheets and fee pages. The fact sheets also list a number of optional charges and supplies by grade; those optional items are billed separately when required.
Academics
American International School teaches American Curriculum for students aged 4 to 18.
Curriculum
AIS Dubai delivers a KG-12 program that begins with California Transitional Kindergarten Standards for KG1 and California Common Core Kindergarten Standards for KG2, moving to an American curriculum framework in the upper grades. In Elementary (Grades 1–5), English and Math follow the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) with Science aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), and the program includes Arabic & Islamic Studies, UAE Social Studies under MOE guidelines, plus ICT, French, Art, Music, and Physical Education. Middle School (Grades 6–8) uses the American system with specialist teachers across English, Math, Science, Arabic, Islamic Studies, ICT, Social Studies, Art, Music, French, and PE, and its curriculum is built on CCSS and NGSS with UAE heritage integrated throughout. High School (Grades 9–12) culminates in an American High School Diploma requiring a minimum of 22 credits (up to 27), and offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses with counseling support for course planning. Across the school, curriculum foundations include CCSS for English/Math, NGSS for Science, AERO for Social Studies and World Languages, SHAPE for Physical Education, NCAS for Visual/Performing Arts, and MOE standards for Arabic/Islamic/UAE Social Studies, with AP options in the senior years.
Wellbeing
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Social and Emotional Learning is supported through the High School Counsellor, the Inclusion Lead who coordinates targeted student supports, and a Safeguarding and Wellbeing team established to address welfare concerns.
Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The school is inclusive and welcomes Students of Determination and English as an Additional Language (EAL); an Inclusion Lead coordinates specialized support programs and liaises with outside agencies as needed.
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
English as an Additional Language (EAL) is explicitly named as a group welcomed and served within the Inclusion Guidelines.
Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is supported by the Safeguarding and Wellbeing team and by access to counseling through the school's Counsellor (High School) as part of the Inclusion and Student Care framework.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding and child protection policies include clearly stated roles and reporting procedures, staff training, safe recruitment, and collaboration with outside agencies to safeguard students.
Admissions
Admissions
1. Complete the student enquiry form online or during a walk‑in visit to the school. The process records your contact details and allows the school to begin the admission discussion. The school will contact you if a vacancy exists and outline the next steps.
2. Book a school tour to see the campus and facilities. The tour helps you understand the learning environment and the resources available for your child. After the tour, the school will communicate any further steps if a vacancy is available.
3. The school contacts you if a vacancy is available and schedules the next steps in the admission process. Availability depends on space in the relevant year group and adherence to the admissions policy. You will receive information on required assessments or meetings as part of this communication.
4. Sibling priority is given in the admission process. Priority is stated for siblings who are students at the school. If a vacancy is not immediately available, the school will communicate next steps and potential timelines accordingly.
5. A waiting system is offered in cases where there is no immediate vacancy. The school will contact you as soon as a vacancy arises. This waiting mechanism is part of the placement process outlined in the admissions steps.
6. Placement processes are in line with regulatory requirements and vary by grade. Gatekeeping steps include readiness assessments where applicable and discussions with teachers or the elementary/middle/high school teams. The process for each grade ensures appropriate placement decisions and next steps.
7. Documents for submission include: photos, birth certificate, vaccination card, passport and residence visa copies (for non-UAE citizens), Emirates IDs for parents, medical file, last report card, and transfer certificate where applicable. The school provides guidance on these requirements and how they should be submitted. Certain documents may be required for transfer, online submission options are noted for applicants outside the UAE.
8. Transfer Certificate (TC) process: submit the TC from the current school, pay KHDA‑related fees for attestation, and provide the KHDA‑attested TC as part of the admission package. There are grade‑level specifics for TC submission and attestation depending on the student's current location. The KHDA guidelines govern the transfer procedures and documentation.
9. Inclusion admissions: assessments and supports are designed for students with special needs, including those with English as an Additional Language (EAL) and students of determination. The school follows KHDA guidance for inclusive practices and may request relevant assessments to tailor services.
Waitlist
The school offers a waiting system if there is no immediate vacancy. If no seat is available at the time of inquiry, parents are placed on a waitlist and contacted as soon as a vacancy arises. Priority is given to siblings when vacancies become available.
FAQs
Where is American International School Dubai located, and how can I reach the campus?
AIS Dubai is located in the Al Nahda area, Al Nahda Quasis-1, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The campus mailing address is PO Box 87727, 6th Street, Al Qusais 1, Dubai. Admissions and campus tours are handled from this location.
What age range and grade levels does AIS Dubai serve?
AIS Dubai serves students aged 4 to 18, covering Kindergarten through Grade 12 (KG1–Grade 12). The school provides Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle School, and High School programs.
What curriculum does AIS Dubai follow and what type of school is it?
AIS Dubai follows a California-based American curriculum mapped to KHDA MOE standards, with CCSS and NGSS guiding core subjects. It is a co-educational, private independent school that awards the American High School Diploma and is NEASC-accredited.
What are the typical tuition figures by grade and the annual total fees?
Tuition is KHDA-approved and varies by grade. For example, the annual Total Fees are AED 17,490 for KG1 and AED 29,066 for Grade 12; fees can be paid in three equal instalments under the regulator's framework.
What are the upfront application and enrolment costs?
New students pay a non-refundable registration fee of AED 525 (including VAT). There is an enrolment charge of up to 10% of the annual tuition (non-refundable and deductible from the first term), and re-enrolment for returning students may be up to 5% of tuition or AED 500 (non-refundable and deductible.
Is there a waitlist, and are there discounts available?
AIS Dubai maintains a waitlist when vacancies are not immediately available, and families are contacted as soon as a vacancy arises. The school offers standard discounts such as sibling discounts and staff discounts; there is no information about scholarships in the data.
What does AIS Dubai's curriculum look like across different grade levels?
The school uses a California-based American curriculum: KG1 follows Transitional Kindergarten Standards, KG2 follows California Common Core Kindergarten Standards; Elementary emphasizes English, Math, and Science aligned to CCSS/NGSS with Arabic, French, ICT, and arts integrated; Middle School blends liberal-arts with interdisciplinary study; High School offers AP courses and a path to the American High School Diploma with 22–27 credits, plus inclusion and Gifted and Talented adaptations.
Which AP courses are offered at AIS Dubai?
The High School offers AP Calculus AB, AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Physics, AP English Language, and AP English Literature, as part of the AP pathway.
Where have AIS Dubai graduates gone on to higher education?
Graduates have been admitted to universities worldwide, including Simon Fraser University (Canada), Medical University of Varna (Bulgaria), AURAK (UAE), and Ajman University (UAE); AIS provides college counselling to support postsecondary planning.
How does AIS Dubai support Gifted and Talented learners and inclusion?
AIS provides Gifted and Talented adaptations and inclusive education. An Inclusion Lead coordinates targeted interventions, supports teachers, tracks progress, and ensures access to academic and co-curricular programs for identified learners.
What sports facilities are available on the AIS Dubai campus?
The campus features two artificial grass football fields, a basketball court, a throw ball court, and a badminton court. The kindergarten area includes an indoor activity room and outdoor play spaces for younger children.
What academic facilities does AIS Dubai provide?
AIS has dedicated science laboratories (Chemistry, Biology, Physics, and an Integrated Science lab for middle/high school), two Computer Labs with desktop computers, ICT resources, a well-stocked library with online databases, and spaces for art, music, and drama.
How many auditoriums does AIS Dubai have and what are they used for?
AIS Dubai has two auditoriums (Main Auditorium seating 280 and a secondary auditorium seating 150) equipped with lighting and sound for plays, activities, and competitions.
What student leadership opportunities exist at AIS Dubai?
Student leadership is organized through the elected Student Council, with roles such as President, Vice-President, Secretary, Public Relations Officer, and Treasurer for at least one academic year. Officers participate in interviews and follow a formal event-planning process.
What electives and career guidance are available in high school at AIS Dubai?
From Grade 10–12, students can take electives in Economics, Business, Accounting, Social Studies, ICT, and Science, with Music and Art also offered. A Career Counselor provides guidance on graduation requirements and postsecondary planning.
What co-curricular activities and arts opportunities does AIS Dubai offer?
The school offers Visual and Performing Arts across the primary to high school years, with music, art, drama spaces, and performances; karate is listed among Grade 8 activities as part of the broader wellbeing program.
How does AIS Dubai support wellbeing and safeguarding for students?
AIS provides inclusive education with an Inclusion Lead coordinating targeted interventions, and a counsellor supporting student wellbeing in the High School. A Safeguarding and Wellbeing team handles concerns with confidentiality and ongoing family communication.
What safeguarding policies and staff practices are in place at AIS Dubai?
The school has Safeguarding and Child Protection Guidelines, safe recruitment processes, staff training, and collaboration with external organizations to protect student welfare; confidentiality is maintained where appropriate.
How is gender education organized at AIS Dubai?
AIS Dubai is co-educational through Grade 5; from Grade 6 onward, classes are organized separately for boys and girls.
What accreditation does AIS Dubai hold and how is it recognized?
AIS Dubai is NEASC-accredited, which confirms adherence to U.S.-based international accreditation standards.
