Ignite School

Established in August 2018, Ignite School in Dubai is located near Mushrif Park, Al Warqaa. Following the American curriculum, it is a co-educational school offering years from Kindergarten to Grade 12. The school included classes from Grade 6 onwards in 2019-2020. Ignite School Dubai has a student-centred approach to teaching.

The curriculum is aligned with New York State P-12 Common Core Learning Standards. It will be the first school in the UAE to formalise the NNPS’ (National Network of Partnership School) six-point framework as a core element for teaching and leadership.

Ignite American School is currently in the process of getting accreditation from the Commission of International Education of New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).

Ignite School is easily accessible for families living in:

• International City
• Nad Al Hamar
• Mushrif
• Al Rashidiya

International City, known as one of the more affordable residential communities in Dubai, is close to the school. Nad Al Hamar, a small residential and industrial area in the city, is a short drive from Ignite School campus. Al Mushrif towards the north-west is another popular neighbourhood.

Those looking for residential options near Ignite School can check out:

• Apartment for rent near Ignite School
• Villa for rent near Ignite School

Ignite School Al Warqaa campus is quite big and has separate facilities for elementary, middle and high school students. The elementary school has an indoor playroom, a music studio, a theatre, an art space, a science lab and an IT lab. Campus facilities shared by the Middle and High School students include an art space, a theatre, a learning support centre, a music studio, an IT lab, science labs, multipurpose space areas and a library.

Other shared facilities include a fitness studio, a dance studio, a swimming pool, sports courts, a football field and an indoor dining area. Dedicated prayer rooms for boys and girls can be found on the campus. Ignite School classrooms are attractive and spacious.

Ignite School is based within a cluster of schools in Al Warqaa 3, which is a part of the larger residential community of Al Warqaa, Dubai. It is close to Mushrif Park and Dubai Festival City. Being 5 minutes away from Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311) makes it easily reachable from several areas in Dubai. Al Awir Road is also a short drive away from the school.

Following the American education standards, Ignite School Al Warqa Dubai focuses on the co-curricular as well as academic needs of the students. It also pays attention to the social and emotional development of students. Ignite School is among the best schools in Al Warqaa.

The school has a challenging curriculum that prepares students for life after school. It makes efforts to introduce students to 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, communication and creativity. Also, it encourages them to question, design, think and research throughout their student life.
Teachers are native English speakers and hold state teaching licenses. All teachers have at least two years of teaching experience in the US. Students belong to 30 countries while Emirati students benefit from an Emirati Nurturing program at Ignite School.

All classes are divided into three sections.

The Early Learning Centre section for KG-1 and KG-2 students has both play and formal learning activities. When students progress to Elementary school, they can communicate, work independently and solve problems amicably with self-confidence.

Elementary School involves Grade 1 to Grade 5. The focus during these years is primarily on English, Science, Mathematics, Computer and Islamic Studies. Students also learn Arabic and are taught Model Education.

Middle School in Ignite Dubai includes Grade 6 to Grade 8. All elective and mandatory subjects are incorporated in these years.

Grade 9 onwards, the 4-year High School program is implemented at Ignite School. These grades are known as:

• Grade 9 – Freshman
• Grade 10 – Sophomore
• Grade 11 – Junior
• Grade 12 – Senior

American curriculum aligned with New York State Common Core standards is followed throughout the school.

During KG1 and KG2, teachers focus on building academic skills and help students become familiar with literacy, mathematics, social studies and science. These are not taught as separate subjects but are integrated into daily learning activities. The curriculum also emphasises on Physical Education, Health, Library, Computer Science, Arabic and Islamic Education. Language development is an important part of the learning experience in the Early Learning Centre.

Grade 1 through Grade 5 is covered under the Elementary school section. Major subjects during these years are English, Mathematics, Islamic Studies, Social Studies, Moral Education and Computer Science and Science.

Middle school includes Grade 6 to Grade 8 where all subjects are aligned with New York State K-12 Learning Standards for English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Physical Education and Languages (Spanish and French). Arts is an important part of the syllabus in the form of theatre and visual arts. Students in Grade 7 are introduced to Pre-algebra. They study Algebra 1 in Grade 8.

High School includes Grade 9 to Grade 12. Students graduate with a High School Diploma at the end of Grade 12. All credit-bearing courses are covered and time requirements are met accordingly. One credit is equivalent to 120 hours in the classroom with at least three 50-minute periods per week.

Subjects/courses during High School include Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Technology, Language (Spanish and French), Physical Education and Career Development and Occupational Studies. Arabic Language, Islamic Education, UAE Moral Education and UAE Social Studies are integrated as per the KHDA and the UAE MOE requirements.

The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) works closely with the Dubai Schools Inspection Bureau (DSIB) to inspect private schools operating in the emirate.

The KHDA will inspect Ignite School in the academic year 2021-2022. We will update this section as soon as the detailed report is released.

30th August is the first day for students. Term 2 begins from 6th December and the winter break lasts from 13th to 31st December. Students return from winter break on 3rd January. Term 2 examinations start on 21st March and end on 25th March. Students then get a spring break from 28th March to 8th April. Term 3 starts from 11th April. Students appear for Term 3 exams from 13th June to 17th June. 1st July is the last day of the academic year for all students.

Ignite School academic calendar is available on the official school website.

The school welcomes both male and female students with no discrimination based on religion, colour, race, nationality or ethnic background.

For KG-1, KG-2 and Grade 1 admissions, students are assessed and observed in a group of three. They are assessed in five main areas. Applicants should be of the age for their grade and should show readiness to actively participate in the classroom. They must also show fine motor skills.

Applicants for Grade 2 to Grade 12 have to attach a transcript for the most recently completed class. They are also invited to discuss the application with the Director and Admission Officer. Details about Ignite School admission are available on the website.

The following documents are required for admission:

• Three recent photographs of the student
• Copy of Emirates ID card of the student and both parents
• Copy of student’s and parent’s passports
• Previous report card and the first-semester report card of the student
• School leaving certificate

Families are welcome to become part of the school tour as it allows them to learn about the curriculum and check the facilities for themselves. Interested parents can submit the booking form or contact the admission office directly to schedule a tour.

The tuition fee can be paid in three terms. The first term begins in September 2020. The second term begins in January 2021 and the third term starts in April 2021.

Ignite School fee has to be paid in advance. The fee is mentioned below:

Due dates and acceptable payment methods are mentioned on the invoice. Parents can choose one of the following payment options:

• Annual payment in full (before the classes start)
• Instalments paid before the beginning of each term (a day before the term begins)

If any student joins in the middle of the term, the tuition fee will be calculated based on the number of remaining full weeks for that term. Those enrolling for the first time have to make a minimum payment equal to 10% of the annual tuition fee. Payment has to be made within 10 days once the acceptance letter is issued. This non-refundable payment is deductible from the first-term tuition fee. Please note that refunds are entertained only if the family is moving out of Dubai and can prove it.

Existing students have to re-enrol to continue at Ignite School as this confirms the return of the student for a new academic year. The school charges 5% of the school's annual tuition fee as a re-enrolment deposit. Parents should also submit a signed re-enrolment form at the time of deposit.

A one-time payment of AED 1,500 has to be made as an admission and assessment fee. This admission fee is non-transferable and non-deductible from the tuition fee.

For the inaugural year, the school offers a 10% discount for Grade 7 only.
Ignite School has a sibling discount. A 5% discount applies to the tuition fee for the second, third and fourth child.

If the school fee is not paid within one week of the due date, the school sends the first fee reminder letter via email along with a hard copy. It will send two more reminders within 30 days followed by the final warning. If the fee is not paid even after the final warning, the school reserves the right to withhold the progress report and report card.

Ignite School offers scholarships. Interested students can contact the school to know more.

The school has a dining facility managed by an external provider. Please note that they charge separately for this service.

School transportation service is optional and the charges vary depending upon the route and distance from the school. Please note that the school has outsourced the transportation facility.

There are plenty of sports facilities for students of Ignite School. A shaded multipurpose hard court and an artificial grass 5-side football field are within the premises. Students also get to use an indoor multipurpose sports hall/auditorium.

A wide range of cultural, social, emotional and physical extracurricular activities are offered as a balanced program at Ignite School Dubai. Most extracurricular activities are scheduled once a week and are charged depending on the students’ aptitude and the availability of teachers.

Students of Ignite Schools have been part of several field trips. Recently, the kids were taken to Kidzania, Louvre Museum, Burj Khalifa and Dubai Aquarium.

The school does not offer After-school care but it does have extracurricular activities scheduled after the routine dismissal.

There is a medical clinic on the school premises to ensure the health and safety of students.

A strong Parent-School partnership is crucial for the success of the student’s academic journey at Ignite School Dubai. The school follows the John Hopkins University National Network of Partnership School (NNPS) and its six-point framework to increase parent involvement.

The school faculty is encouraged to communicate regularly through a positive message of reward. All parents become members of the Ignite School Parents Association which volunteers to manage and organise social events, committees and clubs. This association requires no fee and relies on the cooperation and volunteer support of parents. A member of the Ignite School Parent Association Executive Committee is included in the Board of Trustees.

• Telephone: 971-4-211-0777
• Email: info@igniteschool.ae
• Admission: admission@igniteschool.ae
• Website Ignite School
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Note that the cover image belongs to Ignite School