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United Arab Emirates, Dubai
Let the school know you're thinking of applying — they can share their prerequisites and help you through the process.
It's best to ask — circumstances can change at any time.
1. Parents submit an application with information about the child and contact details. They also complete a health and wellbeing form. This initial step begins the admission process.
2. Students are placed in grade levels based on age, previous academic records, and the results of the admission exam and the personal interview with teachers, counsellors and phase leaders. If needed, a one-to-one evaluation may be conducted to inform placement. The placement criteria ensure alignment with the school's admission standards.
3. For phases 2–4, students sit for three paper-based or online admission exams in English, Arabic, Mathematics and high school Physics; non-native Arabic speakers may take a special Arabic exam in addition to English and Mathematics. These exams provide information to determine placement in the offered programs.
4. Admission exams are scheduled on assigned days and times and do not require prior preparation, as they measure candidates' skills and knowledge needed for the grade level.
5. A decision regarding admission is made within two working days. Placement is determined based on the results of the admission exams, reviews of previous academic records, and the personal interview with teachers, counsellors and phase leaders; the Principal may be involved if required.
6. High school candidates from non-American program schools may be required to obtain equivalency from the UAE Ministry of Education. Admission is granted for early registration, and applicants who have siblings studying at DNS receive priority.
7. Phase 1 (PK, KG1 & KG2) admission procedures involve a face-to-face or online interview with the teacher, counsellor and phase leader to evaluate linguistic abilities and motor skills. The interview lasts 15–30 minutes, though it may extend depending on the child's needs. Interviewers observe pencil grip, recognition of colors, shapes and alphabets, and motor skills.
8. If the child refuses to speak, the parents are asked to speak to the child. If the child still does not speak, a video of the child speaking and playing may be assessed as part of the admission process. The interviewing committee analyzes the child's interaction to detect speech difficulties or learning disabilities.
9. If any speech difficulty or learning disability is detected, the phase leader may require an explanation from the parents and may request medical or therapy reports to establish inclusion provisions for the child. The school complies with inclusive admission practices and related policies.
10. Inclusive admission is aligned with UAE law and KHDA guidelines; after enrollment, the child is monitored and parents' consent is sought to start inclusion provisions such as IEPs and BIPs as needed. The head of inclusion leads the inclusion process and participates in interviews and screenings as required.
