North American International School

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.

Kindergarten (KG1 and KG2), Elementary (Grades 1-5), Middle School (Grades 6-8), and High School (Grades 9-12).

Co-educational.

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.

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.

The school has no formal country affiliation; it operates an American program based on Common Core English/Math and California standards.

The school has no religious affiliation. (Islamic Education is provided as part of UAE Ministry standards where applicable.)

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.

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.

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.

Not publicly available.

Not publicly reported.

Not publicly specified.

NAIS provides inclusive education and supports gifted and talented students through its Inclusion Department.

The 2023-2024 KHDA inspection report assesses North American International School's wellbeing provision as weak. The school has two guidance counsellors who provide student support in addition to general pastoral care. Governors and leaders are described as having a limited understanding of wellbeing principles, and there is no cohesive, whole‑school wellbeing vision yet. Data collection and ongoing monitoring of wellbeing are underdeveloped, and wellbeing initiatives are not consistently embedded across the curriculum. Staff and students can access support from teachers and counsellors, but opportunities for student leadership of wellbeing initiatives are limited, and wellbeing is not at the heart of school life. The inspection dates were November 6–10, 2023.

As of the 2023-2024 KHDA inspection, 49 students are recorded as students of determination at the school. There are two guidance counsellors listed to support students. A key recommendation is to ensure that all students of determination are fully supported in lessons and that teachers take into account students' individual education plans (IEPs). The DSIB notes care and support for students of determination but highlights variability across phases and calls for stronger ongoing support. The inspection does not describe the school as a specialist SEN institution.

The KHDA inspection does not publicly disclose information regarding English as an Additional Language (EAL) provision at North American International School. English is the language of instruction at the school. English attainment is described as Acceptable across phases (KG, Elementary, Middle, High). The inspection does not detail a formal, named EAL program or dedicated EAL staff.

Mental wellbeing is embedded within the broader wellbeing provisions assessed by KHDA, but the 2023-2024 inspection finds overall wellbeing provision to be weak. There are two guidance counsellors and reported access to counselling staff, yet data collection and monitoring of wellbeing are underdeveloped. The inspection notes limited student and parent engagement in wellbeing initiatives and a lack of a cohesive, school-wide wellbeing strategy. It also highlights that wellbeing is not central to school life, despite some awareness of available support among staff and students. Inspection details: November 6–10, 2023.

Safeguarding and child protection are identified as high priorities in the 2023-2024 KHDA inspection. The school's policies and procedures to ensure safety and security of students are documented and communicated to staff, students, and parents. The inspection notes that safeguarding, child protection and anti-bullying are prioritized, and there are arrangements for health and safety and premises maintenance. The DSIB report also records the presence of a safeguarding and wellbeing team and staff efforts to promote healthy behavior and supervise health needs. Overall, health and safety are rated Good, and safeguarding-related provisions are highlighted as a focus area for ongoing development. Inspection dates: 6–10 November 2023.

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.

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.