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American School of Dubai has 2,072 pupils, typical class sizes of 22, instruction in English.
Location
The American School of Dubai is located in Al Barsha, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The campus sits at the intersection of First Al Khail Street and Hessa Street, opposite the Saudi German Hospital, in Al Barsha 1. The 23-acre, purpose-built Al Barsha campus offers extensive facilities including libraries, performing arts spaces, athletics venues, and aquatic facilities.
Stages
ASD is an all-through PreK–12 school. It comprises Early Learning (PreK 3, K1, K2), Elementary School, Middle School, and High School, with a progression from foundational years through to college-preparatory programs.
Type
The school is co-educational and operates as a day, not-for-profit institution.
Pupil Nationality Mix
ASD enrolls around 2,000 students from more than 80 countries. The student body represents about 87 nationalities, with the most represented group holding North American passports (over 70%). Official materials do not publish a precise local-to-international ratio; external sources estimate local students form a small minority in the overall mix.
Additional learning support
ASD provides a learning support program and enrolls a managed number of students needing additional learning support under an Individualized Service Agreement (ISA). A Special Education service is available for eligible students, with a separate facility fee in addition to tuition (AED 51,300 for those requiring services, as specified in the ISA).
Country affiliation
ASD follows a United States curriculum and describes itself as an international, not-for-profit school; it is not formally affiliated with a specific country.
Religious affiliation
None; ASD has no religious affiliation.
School day structure
Classrooms open at 8:10 a.m. and learning begins at 8:20 a.m. On Monday–Thursday, PreK dismisses at 1:00 p.m., K1 at 2:00 p.m., and K2–G12 at 3:20 p.m. On Fridays, all students finish at 12:00 p.m.
Bus service
ASD's official bus provider is School Transportation Services (STS). STS offers GPS tracking, electronic attendance, seat belts, centralized operations, and a campus liaison; there are multiple daily departures from campus to numerous Dubai neighborhoods. Specific routes and pricing are arranged through ASD's Admissions Office.
Fees
Annual tuition at American School of Dubai ranges from AED 60,571 to AED 102,303 for 2026/27.
Application & Registration Fees - There is no fee to submit an application. - Once a place is offered, a non-refundable registration fee of AED 1,000 is invoiced with the first tuition payment.
Seat reservation / tuition deposit - After a place is offered, a non-refundable seat reservation (tuition deposit) is required to secure the seat; the seat reservation is credited against the total school fees. The school's payment terms treat the seat reservation as non‑refundable for new students.
Tuition & Facility Fees (Academic year shown on the school's published fee schedule) - PreK (Pre‑Kindergarten): Tuition AED 60,571 per year. - K1: Tuition AED 64,092 per year. - K2: Tuition AED 69,961 per year; Facility Fee AED 12,984 per year (applies K2–G12 for non‑corporate seat holders). - Grades 1–12: Tuition AED 89,319 per year; Facility Fee AED 12,984 per year (applies K2–G12 for non‑corporate seat holders). - Currency note: the school publishes a USD conversion rate used for reference.
Special‑education / Students of Determination - For students who require Special Education Services (as specified in an Individualized Service Agreement), an additional fee of AED 51,300 applies in addition to the standard school fees for the year shown.
One‑time and capital fees - Capital Fee (one‑time for new non‑corporate seat holders or for current students no longer holding corporate seats): AED 22,000. - The Capital Fee may be paid in three annual instalments (the school publishes an instalment option).
Other routine or optional costs - Facility Fee: AED 12,984 per year for K2–G12 (non‑corporate seat holders). - Uniforms: Students are required to wear a school uniform; uniforms (including PE kit) are available from an official local vendor or the school store and represent an additional family cost. - Personal technology and supplies: Families should budget for personal laptops for Grades 6–12 and standard school supplies. - Learning experiences and trips: Required and optional program costs (examples include Week Without Walls for Middle School, INSPIRE global trips for High School, and other school trips or activities) are charged in addition to tuition. - Transport: School bus service is available through the school's transport provider; transport incurs a separate fee. The published school pages describe the bus service but do not publish a fixed transport tariff on the main fee summary.
Refunds and withdrawal charges - The registration fee and the Capital Fee are non‑refundable. Seat reservations are non‑refundable for new students and non‑refundable for returning students after the published deadline. - Refunds of tuition and facility fees are calculated on a term basis and depend on the date of the official withdrawal request; rules specify minimum non‑refundable amounts depending on the length of enrolment (for example: students enrolled two weeks or less — one month's Tuition & Facility fees are not refundable; more than a month — the full term's Tuition & Facility fees may not be refundable). - Fees paid prior to the beginning of the academic year are refundable subject to deduction of the Seat Reservation and Registration fees.
Billing schedule and payment terms - Re‑enrolment and key payment timing: the school's re‑enrolment process requires on‑time payment obligations (the published re‑enrollment note references a June 1 payment requirement and the need to supply post‑dated checks or direct debit for re‑enrollment). Failure to meet the June 1 payment or to provide required post‑dated checks/direct debit means the seat is forfeited. - Payment methods accepted: bank transfers (corporate and individual), cash, local check, wire transfer, direct debit, post‑dated checks, and locally issued Visa and MasterCard credit/debit cards for online payments. - Instalment options: the school publishes instalment arrangements for individuals including an Emirates NBD 0% credit‑card instalment plan, and direct debit monthly or quarterly options; corporate arrangements and other instalment plans are available.
Boarding / residential fees - Boarding is not applicable. The American School of Dubai operates as a day school and does not list boarding accommodation or boarding fees in its fee schedule.
Fee payment practical notes - Capital, facility, tuition and any special‑education fees are invoiced as described above; the seat reservation and registration fee are credited or retained according to the payment terms and refund rules. - For questions about instalment plans, deadlines, or to obtain specific payment schedules and transport charges for a particular grade, the school's business/finance office is identified as the contact point on the school pages.
Summary of the most significant fee items (AED) - Annual tuition (selected): PreK AED 60,571; K1 AED 64,092; K2 AED 69,961; Grades 1–12 AED 89,319. - Annual Facility Fee (K2–G12, non‑corporate seat holders): AED 12,984. - One‑time Capital Fee (new non‑corporate seat holders): AED 22,000. - Registration fee (invoiced when a place is offered): AED 1,000. - Additional Special Education charge where applicable: AED 51,300.
Academics
American School of Dubai teaches American Curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.
Curriculum
ASD offers an American-style, standards-based curriculum from Pre-K through 12, culminating in an American high school diploma; Advanced Placement courses are offered in Grades 10–12, including AP Capstone, while the school does not offer the IB Diploma. The Middle School is aligned with Common Core State Standards and uses Standards-Based Grading, with Pursuits enrichment and Week Without Walls as signature elements. The High School operates on a two-semester block schedule, provides online learning via Global Online Academy, and offers about 25 AP courses including AP Capstone. Graduation requires 25 total credits across core areas (English 4, Math 3, Science 3, Social Studies 3, World Languages 2) plus Physical Education/Health 2, Visual & Performing Arts 2, Information Technology 0.5, Core Electives 3, and Non-Core Electives 2.5, with Arab passport students required to study Arabic Language Arts under UAE law. ASD Pathways includes Grade 9–12 tracks such as the Business & Entrepreneurship Pathway with courses like Thinking & Engineering, Economics, AP Economics, internships, and GOA online options. Arabic is taught across Elementary through High School as part of the World Language Program, alongside the primary instruction in English.
Wellbeing
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
ASD supports social and emotional learning through a counseling and support team, including a School Psychologist and Elementary, Middle, and High School Counseling Departments, along with Learning Support Services.
Special Educational Needs (SEN)
ASD provides Learning Support as part of the standard school service for a managed number of students with identified learning needs, offering accommodations, small-group instruction, and an Individual Education Plan, with a School Psychologist and a Speech and Language Therapist on related services; ASD is an inclusive program rather than a separate specialist SEN institution.
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
EAL screening is required for PreK–Grade 12 applicants to determine appropriate support and placement; ongoing EAL program details are not publicly disclosed.
Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is supported through counseling services and a focus on emotional intelligence and mental health wellness within ASD's Counseling & Support program.
Safeguarding
ASD has adopted a Child Protection Policy guiding student safety and welfare, with a safeguarding framework aligned with international standards and CIS commitments.
Admissions
Admissions
1. Applications for the 2026-2027 school year are now open. Begin your online application through the Nexus portal.
2. Submit the required documents for your child's application. All documents not in English must be translated. You can check the status of requirements in the application portal, and documents are marked complete when received. Requirements vary by grade and can include photos, passport copies, school reports, recommendations, an introductory video, and, where applicable, standardized test scores.
3. Admissions timeline: PreK-K2 deadlines: November 10; decisions December 10. Grades 1-12: February 10 deadline; decisions March 6. Status updates are available in the portal, and admissions decisions are based on multiple criteria including reports, transcripts, recommendations, and assessments.
4. Campus visits and virtual meetings: ASD aims to meet applicants in person when possible. Students who complete applications by the deadline are invited for a campus visit in mid-November. For applicants overseas, a virtual meeting can be scheduled.
5. Waitpool: If a grade is full, the applicant is placed in the waitpool (waitlist). Movement from the waitpool is not determined by date of application.
6. Enrollment after seat offer: If admitted and offered a seat, enrollment documents are required to register with the UAE Ministry of Education. Enrollment with MOE is required to finalize admission.
Scholarships
ASD offers a Financial Assistance Fund to support families experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19; the fund aims to keep families in the ASD community. Interested families submit an online application and provide supporting documents: income statement, asset and liability statement, tax returns (if applicable), bank statements, and salary/benefits letter. The online application is available June 3; the deadline is July 1; decisions are announced July 10-14; the first tuition installment is due July 15.
Waitlist
ASD maintains a waitpool for full grade levels. Movement from the waitpool is not determined by application date. The Admissions team processes completed applications and notifies families.
FAQs
Where is the American School of Dubai located and what age range does it serve?
ASD is in Al Barsha, Dubai, at the intersection of First Al Khail Street and Hessa Street (PO Box 71188). It serves students from PreK (age 3) through Grade 12 (age 18), including an Early Learning Center. The school operates as a not‑for‑profit, independent, co‑educational institution offering a U.S. college‑preparatory curriculum.
What curriculum does ASD follow and is it a single‑sex or co‑educational school?
ASD offers a U.S. college‑preparatory curriculum from PreK through Grade 12 and includes Advanced Placement (AP) offerings. It is a co‑educational, independent not‑for‑profit school.
Who is the head of ASD?
The head of school is Sheryl Gruber.
What are the key tuition and fees for the 2025–2026 academic year?
Tuition varies by year group. PreK is AED 60,571 annually; K1 is AED 64,092; K2 tuition is AED 69,961 plus a Facility Fee of AED 12,984 (annual total AED 82,945); Grades 1–12 tuition is AED 89,319 plus the AED 12,984 Facility Fee (annual total AED 102,303). In addition, there is a non‑refundable one‑time Registration Fee of AED 1,000 and a Capital Fee of AED 22,000 for new non‑corporate seat holders. Per the policy, seat reservations are non‑refundable for new students and after the published deadline; refunds are calculated per term with certain minimum non‑refundable amounts.
How does ASD handle admissions, and what are the key deadlines?
The process is: explore ASD (campus tours available), apply online via the application portal, and wait for an admission decision. If space isn't immediately available, eligible applicants may be placed in a waitpool. For 2026–2027, PreK‑K2 applications were due by November 10, 2025 (decisions by December 10, 2025); Grades 1–12 applications were due by February 10, 2026 (decisions by March 6, 2026).
Does ASD offer scholarships, such as the Pazos Endowed Scholarship?
Yes. The Pazos Endowed Scholarship was established in 2023 and is awarded annually to a graduating senior who exemplifies empathy, community commitment, and academic and co‑curricular excellence.
What curriculum does ASD offer and are AP courses available?
ASD provides a U.S. college‑preparatory curriculum from PreK to Grade 12 and offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses as part of the program.
What is the student‑teacher ratio at ASD?
The student‑teacher ratio at ASD is about 1:12.
Which higher education institutions have ASD graduates attended?
ASD graduates have pursued higher education at institutions such as Purdue University and the University of Toronto.
What are the main facilities on ASD's campus?
ASD's campus includes the Center for Design and Innovation for Public Purpose, Elementary and Middle/High School Libraries, numerous Science Labs, a Field House, and multiple dining and learning spaces. There are also a Sustainable Garden and Bee Garden, plus playgrounds.
What are ASD's sports facilities like?
ASD has a Field House, Middle/High School aquatics, Elementary aquatics, tennis courts, and track/competition fields. There are extensive after‑school recreation options and intramural leagues, with a broad athletics program across 14 sports and 53 teams.
What arts and performance spaces and programs does ASD offer?
ASD features a 630‑seat professional theater with a Black Box space, and strong bands, choirs, strings, dance, drama, and film programs across divisions.
What clubs and activities exist beyond the classroom at ASD?
There are nearly 40 student organizations, including Global Issue Network (GIN), National Honor Society, DECA, and the Dubai Youth Film Festival, spanning leadership, academics, service, and interscholastic activities.
What leadership and service opportunities are available for students?
High school leadership groups include Falcon Ambassadors, Prom Committee, Student Government Association (SGA), and the Sustainability Action Team, with many clubs led by students and faculty advisors.
Are there arts and cultural opportunities and annual productions?
Yes. ASD offers extensive arts programs (dance, music, visual arts, theatre, choir and band) and annual productions, including full‑length musicals and elementary shows.
What wellbeing and support services does ASD provide?
ASD offers a comprehensive counseling program (academic, career, and social‑emotional), a School Psychologist, and Learning Support Services (LSS), with Speech‑Language Therapy and Occupational Therapy via internal or external providers.
How does ASD support students with special educational needs and English learners?
Learning Support Services include Life Centered Education (LCE) for more significant needs, plus related therapies. English as an Additional Language (EAL) screening is required for new students, with ongoing supports and assessments as needed.
How does ASD handle safeguarding and student mental wellbeing?
Safeguarding is a top priority with a Child Protection Framework aligned to Wadeema's Law. All staff receive mandatory child protection training, and a formal reporting process and dedicated team support student safety and wellbeing.
Is ASD a boarding school, and what is the uniform like?
ASD is a day school; boarding is not offered. A school uniform is required and items are sold through the official vendor; PE kit is available from the ASD School Store.
What about meals and campus food options?
ASD has on‑campus cafeterias for Elementary and for Middle/High School students, offering daily dining as part of campus life.
