American International School, Al Qusais, Dubai

American International School is part of Athena Education, a well-known education provider in the UAE. Established in August 2003, the school follows an international study program based on the American curriculum.

AIS follows the American curriculum from Kindergarten level until Grade 12. Students who graduate from this school hold an American High School Diploma. The school has over 2,600 students and 172 teachers. Most students are Arab nationals, but the environment fosters the city’s cosmopolitan vibe. The school offers co-education till Grade 3. Boys and girls are moved to different classes from Grade 4.

American International School (AIS) strives to transform students into lifelong learners and confident communicators. It is an excellent school for students willing to challenge themselves to become productive global citizens. AIS instils a passion for learning besides building the necessary confidence in students.

The school makes efforts to impart Islamic values within an American Education Program. It also teaches patriotism, discipline, belief, and loyalty. AIS maintains a pleasant environment that stimulates the learning process.

The school is close to many popular residential communities in Dubai, including:

• Al Nahda
• Al Qusais
• Muhaisnah

Al Nahda and Al Qusais are densely populated neighbourhoods in the emirate. Muhaisnah lies in the north-eastern region of the city.

Those in search of residential options near the American International School can consider:

• Apartments for rent near American International School

American International School has a well-built campus with spacious, well-equipped classrooms. The campus has world-class facilities to make students more comfortable and help them learn new things.

AIS Dubai has a library, three science laboratories, well-equipped art rooms, an auditorium, a medical clinic, a computer laboratory, and a big book store.

Each classroom can accommodate around 26 students. Projectors in the classrooms have new, interactive smart panels. The school has a separate canteen and play areas for girls and boys.

American International School is located in Al Qusais. People who live in adjacent areas, such as Al Nahda 1, Al Majaz, Al Twar, can spot the campus at a short drive.

Elementary, middle and secondary sections in American International School have state-of-the-art facilities. AIS is an international school that welcomes students from different nationalities.

The school strives to provide the best American education in line with UAE traditions and customs. The curriculum is modified to nurture young individuals’ creative and critical thinking skills. AIS also focuses on developing moral values among students.

The American Curriculum taught at the school follows the Common Core State Standards (CCSS – California) and the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Besides conducting internal and external assessments, AIS follows the UAE Vision 2021.

Education at the American International School learning extends beyond the classroom. Students are encouraged to take part in extra-curricular activities.

Grades offered at AIS are divided into kindergarten level, elementary school, middle school, and high school.

Kindergarten

California Common Core State Standards are followed for kindergarteners, and they are taught English, Language, Arts and Mathematics as core subjects. At American International School Dubai, teachers understand that young learners are curious and learn a lot better through play and inquiry.

Elementary School

The elementary school ensures students get a warm, welcoming and caring ‘learning’ atmosphere. This educational phase best fits ages 6 to 10 and covers Grades 1 to 5 as per the American educational system. Students are encouraged to put their critical thinking and reasoning skills to good use.

Middle School

Targeted to students aged 11 to 14 years, Middle School in AIS includes Grades 5 to 8. These grades are more student-driven and are considered inquiry-based years. In middle school, a sense of social responsibility is instilled in all students to help them become more caring, proactive and productive members of society.

High School

High School at American International School consists of Grades 9 to 12 for students aged 15 to 18. The school understands that students are ready to become the leaders and innovators of the future at this stage. Students continue to learn core subjects while practically testing the knowledge they’ve gained.

All subjects and activities at AIS are planned according to the American curriculum. Graduating Grade 12 students are awarded the American High School Diploma. This diploma is accepted by all UAE universities and colleges and other international universities. The school website has detailed information regarding the curriculum.

Kindergarten

Students are encouraged to develop their natural curiosity. Teachers understand that students go through critical language development during kindergarten and need support to reinforce their first language. This is also a perfect age for learning a second language.

Elementary School

Students learn a combination of core subjects such as English, Science, and Mathematics. Class teachers teach these major subjects. Specialists teach special classes in Islamic Studies, Social Studies, Arabic, ICT, Music, Art, Physical Education and French.

Middle School

As per the American curriculum, core subjects during Middle School are English, Science, Arabic, Islamic Studies, Social Studies, Art, Music, French and Physical Education. Middle school is suitable for students aged 11 to 14 years and includes Grade 5 to Grade 8. Teachers incorporate elements of UAE heritage, Islamic culture and history during teaching and extra-curricular activities.

High School

This stage includes Grade 9 to Grade 12 students aged 15 to 18. After high school, students make choices regarding their further studies and career. AIS Dubai guides students as per their talents, interests, and aptitude. A robust program with elective subjects begins from Grade 10. Core subjects include Economics, Accounting, Social Studies, Business, ICT, Art and Music and specialised Science streams.

Students choose to pursue Advanced Placement (AP) for Science, Mathematics or Arts. They are also encouraged to decide about their future with mentoring and guidance from teachers and parents.

The KHDA issues a detailed report regarding the overall quality of education in schools. Inspectors evaluate the schools in Dubai and measure their progress against a six-point scale.

DSIB inspected American International School from 25th to 28th February in 2019. It rated the overall quality of education ‘Acceptable.’ AIS has received an “Acceptable” KHDA rating since 2009.

According to the report, middle and high school students achieve better results. Kindergarten students show expected attainment and progress in Mathematics, English and Science. Students’ achievements in Islamic education and Arabic are above expectations. However, students’ learning skills are limited in the three lower stages.

Throughout all the phases, students show good personal development. They have a perfect understanding of Islam’s role in their lives and a good knowledge of Emirati culture. Through a well-developed recycling program, students passionately embrace the responsibility of protecting the Earth’s resources.

Teaching at KG and elementary level should support the development of learning and problem-solving skills in students.

According to KHDA, the American International School curriculum is broad and well-balanced. Curriculum strength in middle and high school phases is commendable.

Digital curriculum platforms provide plenty of opportunities for teachers. The curriculum is effectively modified to meet the needs of various age groups, but it needs to be aptly embedded into lessons. Measures to ensure the safety of students are thoroughly implemented at the school.

Provision of Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND) is still under development but has a strong level of support from the top leadership. Students’ welfare and care are also evident throughout the school.

School leadership, including the school principal, communicates and represents the school’s vision appropriately. American International School Dubai has a strong relationship with parents, and it receives full support from the Governing Board. AIS Dubai runs smoothly and utilises all available resources to facilitate learning.

• The first term starts in the last week of August and ends in the second week of December, followed by a 3-week winter vacation.
• The second term begins in the first week of January and ends in the last week of March, followed by a 2-week spring holiday.
• The third term commences in the second week of April and concludes in the last week of June. A 2-month summer break follows it.

Parents can view the American International School Dubai academic calendar on the official website.

Applicants can apply for admission anytime during the academic year, provided seats are available. Interested students can apply online using the form available on the official website.

Students get grade level based admission after the evaluation of official transcripts. Applicants’ scores on the American International School entrance examination are also counted for admission. Candidates also undergo a formal assessment to demonstrate competence in core courses before Advanced Placement (AP) courses. The American International School Dubai reserves the method of placement.

American International School does not discriminate based on colour, nationality, race, ethnicity and physical ability. It finalises admissions solely based on academic potential.

Besides the online admission form, applicants have to submit a few documents. Applicant’s prior academic and non-academic records, grades, admission test, and recommendation letter are given special attention. The Admissions Committee considers social/emotional maturity and students’ aptitude.

Entrance tests are conducted for admissions from KG1 to Grade 12. For admissions from KG1 to Grade 3, candidates have to go through a written exam, while Grade 4 to Grade 12 students have to complete an e-assessment.

Admission application must include the following documents:

• Copy of the birth certificate
• Four passport size photographs
• Copy of the student’s Emirates ID
• Copy of parent’s or guardian’s Emirates ID
• Copy of the passport
• Copy of immunisation/vaccination record
• Copy of previous and current school report (for admission in year 1 and above)
• Original transfer document

Transfers are completed via the KHDA portal within the city, and no hard copy of TC is required. For the transfer between different emirates, parents must submit transfer documents with school stamps and signatures. Students from other countries have to provide a transfer certificate attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UAE Embassy. Please note that AIS Dubai will not process incomplete applications.

Once the school receives a duly completed application form, it is forwarded to the academic staff. Parents receive an invitation letter from the school if any seat is available. It also invites applicants to spend time with the year group they applied for, and once they successfully clear it, they have to submit a non-refundable and non-transferable admission fee.

Also, parents must ensure that their child meets the following age placement criteria.

This is based on the age of the students on 31st August (for schools beginning in September). Source: KHDA

* This is to cater to students transferring from systems that admit students of a younger age)

Here’s the annual fee for different grades in American International School.

The fee mentioned above includes:

• Medical fee
• ICT fee
• Stationery and library charges
• Electronic educational resources
• Lab fee
• ID and student diary expenses
• VAT

American International School Dubai fee is available on the official website.

The school canteen offers a good range of snacks and juices. There are canteens for boys and girls. Students can also bring packed lunches from home.

The safety and well-being of students are of paramount importance. American International School Al Qusais expects students to follow the rules throughout the journey to ensure safety. All school buses have a bus attendant on board.

Parents need to adhere to the following rules:

• Parents should drop and collect their children on time at the designated bus stop. The school transport will not take responsibility for latecomers.
• Parents are responsible for educating children regarding the traffic and bus rules. Students should board the bus safely.
• Parents can report any mishap and notify the school principal and the transport department regarding any violation or negligence made by the driver.
• If parents/guardians aren’t present at the drop-off point, the driver shall bring back the student to school.
• Students should avoid littering and keep the bus clean during the ride.
• The school transport will not pick/drop children who are sick.
• Music instruments and mobile phones are not allowed on the bus.
• Students cannot be dropped off anywhere other than the designated drop-off point.
• Eating and drinking (other than water) during the bus ride is not allowed.
• In case of any change in residential address, transport service is subjected to the availability of seats and routes.

If the bus gets damaged because of any child, parents are responsible to pay for the damage.

The school offers summer camps; parents will get camp details before the vacations. Interested students can contact the school for registration.

There are separate play areas for boys and girls. The play area for boys includes a football pitch and courts for tennis and volleyball. The play area for girls includes a shaded grass pitch.

Extra-curricular activities help bring balance to a student’s life. There are different clubs at the International American School, Dubai, where students can participate and explore new things. The school clubs are divided into academics and non-academics clubs.

Some clubs at AIS are:

Students involved in the Math club develop mental math skills. They use math applications and compete in group quizzes and inter-school competitions.

The Moral Education Club has student ambassadors from Grade 1 to Grade 9. This club instils good moral values in students and turns them into role models for other students. They also get involved in community initiatives such as the DEWA workshop to save electricity and water.

UNESCO club promotes a sense of volunteerism in students. A wide range of national and international activities are incorporated in the UNESCO Club, which is one of the most popular school clubs.

The AIS student council focuses on enhancing the leadership capabilities of students.

The senior committee is where students serve as the class representatives and communicate with the school administration. There is also an English debating society.

Field trips are a part of the curriculum. These trips are linked to the learning carried out in the classroom. A few of the field trips that have recently been planned include a visit to the Khaleej Times office, the elementary students’ trip to Sharjah Reading Festival and Kindergarten students’ trip to Adventureland in Sahara

Mall. Students also visited The IMG Worlds of Adventure, Green Planet, Dubai Aquarium and Ski Dubai. The school also plans international trips for students; details are shared with parents in advance. AIS students visited Georgia.

The only after-school care available at the school is after-school activities arranged by registered providers. These activities include Aikido, Zumba, Arts and craft, Soccer/Football, Tennis, Karate/Martial Arts, Hip-hop/Zumba, Basketball, Gymnastics and Ballet. These classes are charged separately and are offered term by term.

American International School has a first aid medical room to handle any emergency. No medication, not even headache tablets, are administered to students without written permission or telephonic consent of parent/guardian.

Prior written permissions are required for oral medications. Parents should provide the name of a student, dosage, and time that the med must be administered. All medications to be administered must be in original containers, labelled and stored in the first aid cabinet or the office refrigerator.

Students who have asthma can carry inhalers, and a written medical report should support it. Children with asthma, diabetes, or anaphylaxis must submit a management plan prepared by their physician. First aid training programs are mainly conducted to handle asthmatic or anaphylactic emergencies.

American International School clinic keeps an updated medical record of students for five years. The document contains recent history, physical examination, lab reports and imaging reports. The school clinic is equipped with medical equipment, supplies, and medicinal products.

Parents always remain involved and updated regarding their children throughout the academic year. Each year begins with Parent meetings where new initiatives, such as Moral Education, are announced. Parents are briefed about the best ways to contact the school during the meeting.

Parent-teacher days are scheduled each year where parents are briefed regarding their child’s progress. The school website has a parent portal to convey important information, updates and announcements.

WhatsApp groups are made for communicating news and events of the school. To join the relevant WhatsApp group, parents should contact the school administration.

A parent liaison is also present to help and facilitate parents. The liaison can be contacted by sending an email to a.alsudani@aisschool.net.

• Phone: +971-4-298-8666
• Email: info@aisschool.net
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• American International School Website

Please note that the cover image belongs to American International School.