Dubai International Academy, Al Barsha

Established in 2018, Dubai International Academy, Al Barsha is a co-education school and the fifth school by the Innoventures Group, which includes DIA Emirates Hills and Raffles International School. DIA Al Barsha, like its sister schools, follows the IB programme from Pre-KG until Grade 12. DIA was the first IB curriculum school to be rated as Outstanding by the KHDA. DIA Al Barsha school has a more spacious campus compared to the DIA branch in Emirates Hills.

The school’s mission is to empower students for success in a highly competitive world. DIA Al Barsha’s philosophy recognises that the academic success of students is closely related to their personal goals.

• Location: Al Barsha
• School fees: AED 43,343- AED 77,734
• Curriculum: IB
• Co-ed or segregate: Co-education
• KHDA rating: Very Good
• Years offered: Pre-KG - Grade 12

Families living in Al Barsha can consider Dubai International Academy for their school-going children. Similarly, the school is easily accessible for families living in:

• Al Quoz
• Umm Suqeim
• Al Manara
• Dubai Internet City

Al Quoz is divided into residential and commercial sectors; it is located towards the north of the school. Umm Suqeim is towards the northwest while the community of Al Manara is right across Sheikh Zayed Road (E11).

Those interested in residential options near the Dubai International Academy can consider:

• Apartments for rent near Dubai International Academy Al Barsha
• Apartments for sale near Dubai International Academy Al Barsha
• Villas for rent near Dubai International Academy Al Barsha

Dubai International Academy Al Barsha, as stated earlier, has a bigger campus than DIA Emirates Hills. One can spot separate sections for Elementary, Middle and High School.

Premium campus facilities include two swimming pools, large sports halls, auditorium and cafeterias in each building. There is plenty of outdoor space for young students. Subject-specific rooms are designed to facilitate learning. Students can also benefit from the library, laboratories and art rooms. Kindergarten students have a music and movement sprung-floored room.

Besides this, there is a large auditorium as well. Three climate-controlled and multi-purpose halls can be used for a variety of sports and other activities. A running track, cricket nets, tennis courts and shaded outdoor basketball courts are available for sports enthusiasts.

Dubai International Academy is situated in the popular Al Barsha neighbourhood. Some popular areas near the Al Barsha campus are Al Quoz, Al Manara, Nad Al Sheba and Al Sufouh. Residents can easily access DIA Al Barsha via Sheikh Zayed Road, Emirates Road and Al Khail Road.

There are other schools in Al Barsha including GEMS Founder School Al Barsha and Kings School Al Barsha.

DIA Al Barsha welcomes students of different nationalities. Its core values are achievement, innovation, collaboration, respect, responsibility and integrity. The school’s motto is to dream, inspire and achieve.

DIA was the first school authorised to offer three IB continuum programmes including Primary, Middle and IB Diploma. Having separate sections helps teachers and other staff give their best.

Innoventures Group is a well-reputed group with approximately 7,700 students belonging to over 100 different nationalities. Being one of the latest educational institutes by the Innoventures Group, DIA Al Barsha campus is modern and well-facilitated.

All classes are divided into three sections:

Kindergarten stage follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme and involves Pre-K and KG classes. Kindergarteners are encouraged to think independently and make decisions on their own.

Primary school addresses the academic, social and cultural development of students through the PYP Learner Profile. At this stage, students are encouraged to take part in co-curricular activities as well to polish their skills.

The secondary school follows the Middle Year Programme for Grade 6 to Grade 10. The IB Diploma Programme is followed during Grade 11 and Grade 12.

The kindergarten section follows the IB curriculum and involves essential elements such as knowledge, skills, attitudes, concepts and actions. The curriculum is structured around young individuals and their essential educational needs.

Lessons for KG students involve inquiry-based activities to keep them interested. Students’ progress and attainment are benchmarked using the Early Years Foundation Stage framework. Basic curriculum specifications are tailored for children until 5 years of age.

Learning objectives at this level include:

• Literacy
• Communication and language
• Mathematical development
• Personal, social and emotional development
• Knowledge and understanding of the world
• Physical development
• Expressive arts and design

Physical and personal development along with communication and language are the first areas to be developed in growing kids. Similarly, their understanding of literacy, mathematics and express arts also develops at this level. Reading and Phonics are an important part of the Kindergarten section and are based on the individual ability and readiness of each student.

Students graduating from KG are expected to be familiar with phonemics, writing, listening and speaking skills. Teachers work on mathematical reasoning, basic geometry and measurement skills of kindergarteners.

The Primary Year Programme involves seven lessons in a day. During these years, students are encouraged to take part in several co-curricular activities. PYP leads to the Middle Years Programme (MYP).

DIA Al Barsha uses the UK National Curriculum as the benchmark. Following the KHDA guidelines, National Agenda expectations including Moral Education and the UAE Social Studies are incorporated in the syllabus. Science is included as a separate subject following the new Enhanced PYP guidelines. Research, communication, thinking, social and self-management skills apply to learning in the primary section.

Dubai International Academy Al Barsha is a candidate school for the Diploma Programme. Middle Year Programme (MYP) is a 5-year course designed for students aged 11 to 16 years. The MYP curriculum is broad. For MYP students, learning extends beyond traditional school subjects at DIA Al Barsha. The curriculum is balanced, conceptual and connected. They carry out formative and summative assessments in each subject for Middle School students. Also, the curriculum incorporates global contexts and approaches to learning and teaching.

Criterion-based assessments are done for each subject. Grading bands from 0 to 8 are used to define the level of achievement where 7-8 bands show excellent performance.

The MYP has a broad and balanced curriculum. It is conceptual and connected. Students of Grade 6 to Grade 10 study these subjects:

In Grade 9, students submit Community Project and Grade 10 students have to submit a Personal Project.

IB course is designed to meet the educational requirements of students aged 16 to 18 years. The IB Diploma Programme (DP) is curated to develop skills required for the 21st century and transform students into responsible global citizens.

The Diploma Programme (DP) promotes the learning of a second language and English literature requirements. Learning during this programme goes beyond the classroom in the form of the extended essay and learning through research.

The curriculum involves six subject groups including:

To graduate with the diploma, candidates must:

• Opt for at least one subject from each group
• Select three subjects at Higher Level (HL) and three at Standard Level (SL)
• Submit an extended essay of 4,000 words in one of the IBDP subjects
• Study the Theory of Knowledge course
• Engage in CAS (Creative, Activity and Service) activities

If students don’t wish to take up the Diploma Programme, they can opt for IB courses in six subjects including English and Maths as compulsory subjects. Preferably, students must opt for two HL subjects to guarantee university acceptance.

Arabic is a compulsory subject for both native Arabic speakers and non-native speakers from Grade 1 to Grade 9 in line with the KHDA requirements. Primary school students from Grade 2 onwards have the option to choose French or Spanish lessons as part of the Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) programme.

To help students retain their connection with their mother tongue and culture, DIA Al Barsha offers three hours of language instruction for Dutch and French. This ‘once a week’ session happens during Term 2 as well. Islamic Education classes are held in groups for students of the same age after school hours.

KHDA is the quality assurance and regulatory body for private schools in Dubai. It issues school inspection reports every year with details about the school's strengths and weaknesses.

KHDA inspected Dubai International Academy, Al Barsha for the academic year 2023 - 2024. The school got a “Very Good” rating.

• The new academic year and the first term starts on 29th Augusts and ends in the second week of December for a 3-week winter break.
• The second term commences on 2nd January and ends in the last week of March when students go on a 2-week spring vacation.
• The final term begins in the second week of April and ends on 26th June. Students enjoy the summer holidays for 2 months before joining the next academic session.

Dubai International Academy Al Barsha academic calendar is available on their official website.

Dubai International Academy Al Barsha admissions begin in September, but applications are accepted throughout the year provided seats are available. Applicants are placed on the waiting list if there are no spots available.

Interested students can submit the online application form available on the official website to kick-start the admission process. It is important to submit all mandatory documents at the time of admission. After submitting the application form and mandatory documents, Dubai International Academy Al Barsha evaluates the candidate’s previous reports and if the student is eligible, the school contacts the applicant to schedule an on-site or online assessment.

Applicants who have never studied the IB curriculum previously can also get an admission provided they demonstrate the required learning ability.

All applicants have to successfully clear the assessment test to secure a place at the school. For KG and Grade 1 students, the general assessment includes English, Mathematics and non-verbal clues. For Grade 2 and above, students are evaluated based on the CAT4 online test. Students based in Dubai can visit the school campus for assessment while the admissions team will arrange the test for applicants based outside the UAE.

Assessment fee applies to both on-site and online assessments arranged for overseas students. A face-to-face interview is also arranged if required.

The admission department sends a confirmation message if the candidate clears the assessment. Parents should respond to this letter within five working days. Delaying the response will place the application in the “accepted on hold” category and students will have to reappear for assessment when a seat is available.

The assessment fee is non-refundable. This AED 500 payment, however, is adjusted in the first-semester fee if the student gets the admission in the school. The candidates for Pre-Kindergarten are not formally assessed. All the assessment tests take place in the school premises from Sunday to Thursday during school hours.

The following documents are required to proceed with the DIA Al Barsha admission process.

• Copy of the valid UAE residence visa
• Copy of the student’s passport
• Copy of the Birth Certificate in English or Arabic
• The latest copy of Immunisation record
• Two passport size photographs
• Copy of the previous two years report card
• Copy of the attested Transfer Letter is required if the applicant is transferring from overseas or other Emirates.
• Attested KHDA transfer certificate from the previous school
• Confidential school report filed by the teacher

Following service standards are followed to further facilitate the admission process:

• Within one to two working days, the school responds to the application
• Within three working days, the school sends test results
• The outcome is communicated to parents within five working days (from the test date)

Please note that the decision made by the school is final. DIA Al Barsha follows all guidelines set by the KHDA. Students with special needs are also given admission following the policy of Federal Law 29 (2006). Applications made by SEND students are assessed by the School’s Counsellor/Special Education Needs Co-Ordinator. The applicant file is also reviewed by the Head of Section/Principal, who will check if the school is adequately equipped to meet the needs of students.

Prior to enrolment, parents must ensure that their child meets the following age placement criteria set by the school

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

Fee has can be paid in three installment. Here’s an overview of the fee structure for existing and new students.

Optional services and their charges are:

Dubai International Academy Al Barsha also offers a sibling discount.

• 5% for 2nd and 3rd child
• 10% for 4th child
• 15% for 5th child
• 20% for 6th child

Annual Enrolment fee is 5% of the annual fees. Registration fee is 10% of annual fee. Both these fees are adjusted against the first term fee.

Additional charges include:

• Stationery charges
• Educational and field trips
• Voluntary excursions or sports tournament
• School uniform
• Team kits and auxiliary items
• Meals
• Transportation
• External examination

Dubai International Academy Al Barsha under the Innoventure Education banner has set up a scholarship programme for students who excel in sports. One of the vital goals of the school is to enable promising athletes to reach their full potential. The scholarship is offered as a percentage discount on the tuition fees.

Dubai International Academy Al Barsha supports talented athletes at all levels and recognises distinguished performers. To become eligible for sports scholarships:

• Candidate should represent their country, region or emirate in one or more sports
• The student should be able to represent the school in his/her chosen sport
• He/she should show outstanding ability, potential and dedication
• Candidate should contribute significantly to the sport and become a role model for others
• He/she should be able to achieve closely monitored academic targets throughout the academic year
• Have recorded a minimum of 98% school attendance over the last 12 months

Returning students willing to avail sports scholarships should do so from 1st June until 20th June. New students can apply for sports scholarships along with their admission application.

Each scholarship application is reviewed by the scholarship panel. Successful candidates have to agree with the Terms and Conditions of the Scholarship and submit a signed Letter of Agreement and the Code of Conduct. Those who receive scholarships can apply for renewal each year from 15th to 25th May.

Limited scholarships are offered to international athletes who represent their home country and schools at an international level. Inter-Emirate level athletes who represent their clubs or schools can also apply for these scholarships. Candidates who have a professional recommendation for a specific sport from a coach or organisation are also eligible for limited scholarships.

The school reserves the right to withdraw the offer or change the scholarship conditions at any given time without prior notice.

Interested candidates can email the completed IVEI Sports Scholarship Application Form to sports@innoventureseducation.com along with authenticated copies of school reports for the latest 2 academic years and two reference letters.

Emirates Taste, a reputable caterer for schools, provides healthy and nutritious food to students. Students can also get packed lunches from home that is nut-free as the school has a no-nut policy. 

Primary school students can order pre-packaged meal boxes that are freshly prepared and delivered daily. This can be done using Emirates Taste’s online portal.

The healthy menu includes both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. The meal includes protein, carbohydrates and vegetables. Home-packed lunches should not contain sugary snacks, fizzy drinks, chocolate and chips/crisps.

Dubai International Academy Al Barsha has a contract with Arab Falcon Bus Rental LLC for school transportation. Arab Falcon Bus Rental LLC is a reputable transportation company, known for providing safe transportation services for several Dubai-based schools.

To register for the service, interested students can fill out the online form and email it to csr.dia@arabfalcondubai.ae. AED 8,200 per year is charged for the bus service. One way pick or drop service can be provided subject to availability of seats. Fee for one way transport service is 75% of the total fee i.e. AED 6,150.

Students who withdraw from the school bus service can get a refund for the fees for remaining months.

Students and parents are advised to follow the following code of conduct:

• Students should wear seat-belts throughout the journey
• Students should speak quietly
• Eating and drinking on the bus is not allowed
• Parents should submit a passport size photograph of the student and the person responsible to pick and drop students from the allocated stops.
• The bus remains on the stop for only two minutes and parents are advised to drop and pick their kids on time.
• Students who are not picked by someone from the drop-off point are taken back to the school from where parents can pick them.
• Parents are advised to communicate with the transport representative instead of the driver or attendant.
• Parents should submit a written note to the transport representative at the school if they no longer want to use the transport service
• Students may occasionally be moved to another bus from the school bus fleet with minimal disruption and change in timings.
• Parents are not permitted to ride on the school buses with their children.
• New applications are processed within three weeks

During summer and winter holidays, students can join holiday camps organised by the sister school of Dubai International Academy Al Barsha. Basketball camp was organised in the recent past during holidays.

Sports are an important part of school life at Dubai International Academy Al Barsha. Students are encouraged to participate in several sports offered at the school including volleyball, football, netball and athletics.

There are separate teams for boys and girls. Running tracks, cricket nets, tennis courts, basketball courts and the football playing field are part of the school facilities.

Co-curricular activities offered at Dubai International Academy Al Barsha include musical instruments, drama, art, reading club, drama, karate, science clubs and photography. These activities are available for both boys and girls. Minimum six students are required for each activity. One student can only register for one activity per semester.

Paid co-curricular activities are arranged with the help of independent organisations and individuals. These activities are conducted within the school premises. DIA Al Barsha provides the infrastructure and is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of all activity related facilities.

Students willing to participate in paid activities should contact the providers directly to register after paying the fees. Activities are arranged as per age groups and level of competencies. As limited seats are available, registration is done on the first-come-first-serve basis.

Dubai International Academy Al Barsha takes students on a field trip to support academic learning. Primary School students were taken to Burj Park for an event and to a venue for climbing to help boost their confidence.

Detailed information regarding the field trip is sent to parents. Field trip fee has to be paid in full and a signed permission slip by parents is required days before the trip is scheduled.

Dubai Academy Al Barsha has both after-school care and after-school activities for students. Students are allowed to stay back for an hour after dismissal while they are monitored by teachers. It is a paid service for parents who can run late to pick their kids up from the school.

DIA Al Barsha also has a set of paid and unpaid activities that are organised by teachers. These include the likes of robotics and lego. Paid activities are offered through external providers and include music, art, craft and dance.

The spacious clinic on the campus is well-equipped to handle most medical emergencies and accidents. The clinic staff includes a doctor and two nurses who are available throughout the day.

All the activities, sports events and weekend activities are covered by the medical team. They also carry out medical examinations regularly. The immunisation programme is also carried out in the school under the guidance of the Dubai Health Authority.

As parents play a crucial role in the well-rounded development of the children, they are kept involved throughout their kid’s educational journey at Dubai International Academy Al Barsha. Parents, staff and teachers work together to improve the learning experience of students.

Parents are invited by DIA Al Barsha to voluntarily support cultural and community events. Parents have played a vital role in making these events successful with their social and professional experiences.

DIA Al Barsha has set up a parent association called PADIA. This association involves parents coming together to manage events and services for the school community. The PADIA committee meets on alternate Mondays after drop-off. PADIA fundraiser is responsible for organising graduation gifts for students.

This parent association, however, is not involved in the academic or administrative aspects of the school. Each PADIA committee has to nominate a Chairperson who together form a Core group. It is the responsibility of the Core group members to keep the school leadership informed about ideas and initiatives on monthly meetings. Parents are invited to join PADIA. For registrations, parents can contact the school secretary.

Parents are kept informed regarding events and updates of the school through the MeDIA Newsletter. It is a fortnightly newsletter for both students and parents.

A parent-portal is set for parents where they can get notifications regarding recent events, announcements and holidays.

• Telephone: +971-4-524-4800
• Email: admissions@diabarsha.com
• DIA Barsha Website
• DIA Barsha Facebook
• DIA Barsha Twitter
• DIA Barsha Instagram
• DIA Barsha Youtube

Note that the cover image belongs to Dubai International Academy Al Barsha

What are the timings of the school?

The school is operational from 7:30 am to 4 pm.

How many grades/years are there in the school?

The school offers classes from Pre-KG to Grade 12.

Does the school follow a co-education model?

Yes, Dubai International Academy, Al Barsha has a co-education model.

How many students are currently studying in the school?

The school has 1,436 students. Most of the students are from India.

Please describe the academic calendar of the school.

The school year starts in August and ends in June.

Please mention the range of the tuition fee charged by the school.

The tuition fee ranges from AED 43,343 - AED 77,734

How does the school communicate with parents?

DIA Al Barsha engages the parents community with the school. Parents can join the Parents Association of the school known as PADIA. The school also publishes DIAlogue and Primary School newsletter for providing information about school events. Parents get access to the parent portal for getting updates regarding their child.

Does the school have a cafeteria or a canteen on campus?

Yes, Dubai International Academy Al Barsha has a cafeteria where fresh food is served to students.

Does the school have any special education programmes or learning plans for students of determination?

Yes, Dubai International Academy Barsha gives additional support to students of determination. The school has inclusion leaders and governors who create policies for students of determination.   

Does the school arrange field trips?

Yes, the school takes students on field trips.

How many teachers are currently teaching in the school?

The school has 137 teachers and 35 teaching assistants. Most of the teachers are Irish.