Madar International School

Established in 2002, Madar International School, Al Ain follows the American curriculum based on the Common Core Curriculum Standards and offers classes from KG to Grade 12. Of the 300 new students who join Madar each year, the majority belong to Arab countries, but students also hail from the UK, Germany, Canada and Malaysia.

Twenty students are identified with special educational needs (SEN) while some are Gifted and Talented. Madar International School is licenced by the Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK). Graduating students perform exceptionally well in Advanced Placement, TOEFL and SAT examinations.

• Location: Al Tiwayyah
• School fees: AED 18,300 to AED 29,600
• Curriculum: US curriculum
• Co-ed or segregate: Co-education
• ADEK rating: Good
• Years offered: KG1 to Grade 12

Madar School Al Ain is close to several residential areas. Families living in the areas mentioned below can easily access the school.

• Al Dahma
• Al Khabisi
• Al Ameeriya
• Al Jimi
• Oud Bin Sag-Han

Al Jimi, also known as the Garden City or The City of Garden, is a family-friendly area away from the centre of the city. Residential options include a mix of modern apartments and detached villas. Al Khabisi is a family-friendly neighbourhood and offers a mix of apartments and villas for rent.

• Apartments for rent near Madar International School
• Villas for rent near Madar International School
• Villas for sale near Madar International School

The school campus is built according to international safety standards. It is well-facilitated and caters to all the basic needs of students. Most campus facilities have improved over the years. There is a new building for KG and Primary students. Similarly, there are play areas and green fields for the different sections.

There are three new computer labs and two science labs. Other Al Madar campus facilities include two gyms, two well-designed art rooms and an activity room. Well-stocked libraries are also part of the premium facilities, as well as mosques for students to pray.

To instil reading habits in students, two libraries are stocked with Arabic, French and English books. To facilitate research, the library is also equipped with computers. To help students understand science concepts better, there are well-equipped biology, chemistry and physics laboratories.

The management plans to have a new area with a swimming pool, a large auditorium, science labs, a state-of-the-art library and activity rooms.
For kindergarteners, the classrooms are designed to be spacious and colourful. There is a separate junior swimming pool as well. The Kindergarten section has a well-decorated landscaped garden that includes a kart-and-tricycle track for young children.

Madar International School is located in Al Tiwayyah on Al Madar Street. The nearest landmark is Sheikh Sultan Al Darmarky Masjid and Al Towayya Park. Dubai-Al Ain Road is a short drive from the school campus. Hamdan Bin Mohammad Street is also in proximity to the school.

Madar International is a well-established American school that has been approved by AdvancED. A part of the AUD Sharaka, the school follows international standards but works on preserving the UAE’s cultural values.

The school has exciting options when it comes to extracurricular ventures including sports, arts and other community-based activities.

Madar School has an outstanding international faculty. Teachers and school leaders act as inspirational motivators to the student population.

The school’s mission is to produce responsible, respectful, independent and morally cultured young individuals. MIS inspires students to achieve the highest level of intellectual development. It empowers students to become active members of the community.

Madar School’s vision is to inspire and prepare leaders of tomorrow.
Its core values are:

• Empathy
• Honesty
• Care
• Resilience
• Tolerance
• Integrity
• Respect

Madar School is affiliated with AUS – American University Sharjah.

The school offers classes from Kindergarten to Grade 12 in a co-educational setup. Years offered at Madar are divided into three sections:

Madar School follows the American curriculum from Kindergarten until Grade 12. The international system is accredited by AdvancED, ADEK as well as the Ministry of Education. Madar School Al Ain has adopted the highest academic criteria for effective teaching and learning methodologies.
American published textbooks are carefully chosen to maintain the best academic standards. Graduating students show good achievement in SAT, IELTS, EmSAT, TOEFL, USA College Board and Advanced Placement Examinations.

The KG curriculum focuses on numbers, science concept building, colours, computers, phonetics, drawing, singing, music, art and handicrafts. Physical education is also an essential part of the curriculum. Themed topics help students develop language and social skills and understand the concept of family, friends, home and schools.

KG teachers pay special attention to developing language skills. Both Arabic and English proficiency ensures the child’s readiness for Grade 1.
The curriculum followed in Prep and Primary grades develops critical thinking skills in students. The school has a fine selection of American textbooks, including those in Mathematics, Social Studies, English and Science.

Madar’s Primary section follows the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) in Science. Subjects taught in Arabic are aligned with the Ministry of Education standards.

Students study Moral Education, ICT, STEM and Social Studies along with other subjects. Teachers play an important role in designing learning activities. They also make necessary adjustments in instruction-based techniques based on the feedback they get from students. The idea is to keep students focused and involved in learning.

In the predatory phase, children are exposed to a breadth of Science subjects and Advanced Math. Project-based learning system encourages independent learning and stimulates critical thinking and problem-solving.

The secondary level curriculum highlights the importance of critical thinking and languages. Logical thinking is instilled through formal Mathematics and Information Technology. Islamic values, as well as the cultural and moral values of the UAE, are developed in students. All subjects are taught in English except for Islamic Studies, Arabic Social Studies and Arabic.

Secondary level teachers follow inquiry-based and student-centred teaching methods. They undergo extensive training and attend regular professional development workshops to keep pace with the latest teaching approaches.

Grade 10 students prepare for SAT and standardised tests. In Grade 12, students complete all national and American graduation requirements such as SAT, IELTS, and MOE Arabic and MOE Islamic Studies. They also have to clear seven EMSAT subjects, including Arabic, Physics, Biology, English, Chemistry, Math and Computer Science.

ADEK inspected Madar International School from 20th January to 23rd January 2020 and was rated ‘Good.’ The overall performance of the school has improved since the previous inspection. Students also show improvement in most subjects. Teaching has been enhanced under effective leadership and guidance. The school leadership has improved the self-evaluation and planning processes, which has had a positive impact in raising students’ achievements.

Student achievement is good while their personal, social and innovation skills are very good. According to the Madar International School ADEK rating and report, the teaching and assessment are good. The school’s curriculum is good, and it has improved since the previous inspection. Madar School provides very good protection, guidance, care and support to its students. The school’s leadership is good and the management has improved.

As for improvement, Madar International School must:

• Raise attainment in all subjects, especially Arabic and Mathematics in the middle phase. This can be achieved by:

1. Ensuring learning activities match the needs of all students particularly those with special educational needs (SEN) and those of high achieving students
2. Developing Arabic reading skills
3. Providing extended writing opportunities in English and Arabic

• Improve the use of assessment data by:

1. Continuing to strengthen the internal assessment procedures for accurately identifying ability groups
2. Using the data analysis to identify the individual needs of students including lower and higher achieving students
3. Having informed planning to meet higher and lower-achieving students’ needs

• Improve students’ punctuality and attendance. This can be done by:

1. Ensuring that staff, parents and students are well-aware of the school attendance and punctuality policy
2. Working with parents and emphasising on the importance of attendance and punctuality
3. Motivating and encouraging students to attend school on time through planned incentives and introducing a reward programme

Key strengths of Madar International School are:

1. Guidance, protection, care and support provided to students
2. Visible improvement in students’ achievement in most subjects
3. Students’ positive attitudes and behaviour
4. Students’ relationships and their appreciation and respect for Emirati heritage, culture and Islamic values
5. School leadership, senior team members and their partnership with parents

The academic calendar of Madar International School Al Ain starts in the last week of August and ends in the last week of June.

• The first term starts in the last week of August and ends in the second week of December. This is followed by the winter break that ends in the last week of December.
• The second term starts in the first week of January and ends in the fourth week of March. Students then go on a spring break that ends in the first week of April.
• The third term starts in the second week of April and ends in the last week of June.

For more information, contact the school.

Registrations for Madar International School admission are offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. The school provides equal opportunity to all. Please note that the registration is subject to the availability of seats. The school welcomes every student who meets the age criteria set by the UAE Ministry of Education.

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

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

The admission form should be filled and submitted at the school’s registration office, along with the required documents. KG candidates need only appear for an interview. This meeting will ensure that the student is ready to join the school, and the staff can develop a personal plan if needed. For admissions in Grades 4 to 12, applicants must clear the entrance exams and the personal interview.

Entrance exams for primary and higher grades cover Mathematics, English and Arabic Language and if required, Science subjects. The reason for these entrance exams is to evaluate their instruction level and to check whether they are qualified for the school’s educational plan requirement.

Students applying for the secondary level may also be invited for a personal interview to check their eligibility. When the student passes the entrance exams and interviews, parents are called to complete the registration process.

If the school sees potential in students who do not perform well in the entrance exam, they are still offered a place. However, he/she has to take up a remedial programme developed by the school.

Registration or re-registration is secured only when the 5% registration fee is paid. Results shall be communicated to parents within 48 hours.
Students with any special educational needs (SEN) are admitted once the school is sure their needs can be accommodated. If needed, Madar has the right to request a shadow teacher to help the student daily. Parents are charged separately for this service. The school has the right to charge 50% extra tuition fees for SEN cases to ensure better care and teaching standards.

The school gives priority to:

• Newly joining sibling if he/she meets the school acceptance criteria.
• Students who show outstanding performance in academics
• Students who previously studied in the American educational system
• Students who are living in nearby districts.

At the time of Madar International School admission, the following documents should be submitted:

• Duly completed application form filled and signed by the parents
• Photocopy of the applicant’s passport
• Birth certificate (in Arabic or English officially stamped by the originating country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UAE Embassy of that country
• Photocopy of parent’s passport with a valid residential visa
• Six recent passport size photographs
• Latest report card or transcript (an officially stamped copy of this transcript is required)
• Transfer certificate (in Arabic or English and duly stamped)
• Complete medical form
• Photocopy of applicant’s vaccination card
• Good conduct certificate from the previous school
• A map showing the residential address of applicant who wishes to use school transportation
• The original Emirates ID of parents and the registered student
• Parents have to inform the school of other arrangements or special conditions such as pick up or drop off student by another person, medical condition etc.
• All the above documents must be photocopied and provided to the school.

Here’s an overview of the Madar International School fee:

The fee mentioned above does not include the cost of:

• Books
• Transport
• Uniform

Madar International School offers scholarships to eligible and top-ranking students in Grade 11 and Grade 12. This initiative began in 2018.
Another scholarship is offered in collaboration with AUS. The school has been a Sharakah partner since 2006.

The names of the top 15 students in the batch are announced in June/July during the graduation ceremony. Winners of scholarships are announced at the start of each academic year in the first week of September.

Madar International School serves hot food and has two well-maintained cafeterias and two canteens for the purpose. The picturesque closed area can be used for breakfast and lunch. The food, including sandwiches served at the school, is prepared according to ADFCA requirements.

Madar International School UAE offers bus service for all areas of Al Ain except Burimi, Daher and Mughafa. The safety and security of all students is a priority. All buses have well-trained conductors and bus drivers.

Bus service is only provided to areas that have more than 10 students. All school buses have security cameras and well-trained bus escorts. Please note that a full fee is applicable for one-way services.

For bus service registration, the registration form has to be filled with the required information and the map highlighting the location of the house.

Students have to be on time as the school bus does not wait for any child. Misbehaviour may result in the suspension of the bus service immediately.
Transport charges from KG-1 to Grade 12 are AED 4,678.

Premium sports facilities are offered at the school to encourage a healthy and active lifestyle. You can find an indoor swimming pool for junior students, and a state-of-the-art multipurpose indoor and air-conditioned sports court. Students also have access to outdoor courts and covered play areas.

Students must attend physical education classes. Sports clubs are also part of the facilities. Madar International School has a PE department that provides training to the school team. Students also participate in inter and intra-school competitions and tournaments.

Al Madar School Al Ain believes that kinaesthetic activities are an essential part of the curriculum. Students are given a chance to participate in a variety of extracurricular activities:

A weekly activity hour takes place every Tuesday where students can select activities as per their interest. Students and parents can inform the school about the activities they are interested in. Students can display their work during the school exhibition. They can also choose a new activity for each term.

Students who are gifted and talented join a particular club or activity where their talents are developed. They are also prepared for tournaments as well as national and international competitions.

Students are also encouraged to participate in annual events and parents are also welcome at these events. Annual events include:

Field trips are part of the curriculum as they enhance the learning process and increase students’ knowledge. Field trips are planned each year.

After-school activities related to sports, drama and other fields are announced each year. Some of these activities have additional charges.

Three fully-equipped clinics in the school take care of students’ health. The school clinic has a qualified nurse and a physician who visits the facility regularly. The school nurses are responsible for maintaining and updating the medical records of the students as guided by HAAD.

Regular checkups and supervised vaccination services are offered at the school clinic. If any student needs medication during school hours, the nurse has to administer it at the correct time. In serious cases, parents are immediately contacted after necessary first-aid and medical services are provided at the school clinic.

The school believes in maintaining a strong partnership with parents. Parents’ feedback and communication are vital for the school to meet its vision and mission. Parents are kept involved through:

• Parent Council Association
• Parents Morning Coffee
• Parents Open Morning
• Parents Orientations
• Parents Workshops
• Parents Suggestion and Input
• Parent Surveys
• Parent-Teacher Meetings
• Parent Governors
• School Events.

The Parent Council Association represents parents and is responsible for providing the input of all stakeholders.

Parents Coffee Morning is where parents spend time with the principal and discuss school-related issues. Parents share their ideas and thoughts with the principal and staff. Parents Open Morning is a kind of open day for parents where they come and observe the classes in Kindergarten, Grade 1 and Grade 2. In Open Mornings, parents can see what a regular day at Al Madar school looks like.

Parent Orientations allow parents and guardians to keep track of the latest changes and improvements the school has made. During Parents Workshops, parents are trained to use the Madar International School portal.

Parents can share their suggestions, concerns, opinions and feedback via email – info@madarschool.com. They can also visit the school.
Whenever the school makes changes in its policy, the parents are involved, with a survey conducted each term.

Parent-Teacher Meetings are organised so parents can discuss the progress of their children and set learning and performance targets in collaboration with the teachers.

• Telephone: +971-3-761-1330
• Email: info@madarschool.ae
• Madar International School website

What are the school hours?

The Madar International School timings are Monday to Thursday 7:30 am to 12:40 pm for kindergarten and 7:30 am to 2:30 pm for the rest of the grades. On friday, the school starts at the same timings but ends for all grades at 11:40 am.

Does the school organise after-school activities?

Yes, the school offers after-school activities to students after regular school hours. Students have to sign up for these activities at the start of the academic year.

How many grades are there at Madar International School?

Madar International School educates children from KG1 to Grade 12.

How many students are studying at Madar International School Al Ain?

The school currently has 2,126 students as per the latest ADEK report.

What is the academic calendar followed at Madar International School?

Madar International School academic calendar is approved by ADEK, which starts in August and ends in June.

What is the tuition fee charged by the school?

Madar International School Al Ain tuition fee ranges between AED 18,300 to AED 29,600.

Does the school offer scholarship programmes to students?

Yes, the school has two scholarship programmes, in honour of the late His Excellency Mr. Mohammed Salem Al Dhaheri, the former principal of this school. However, the scholarship is only offered to students in Grades 11 and 12.

How does the school communicate with parents?

The school has an online parent portal where parents can access all the necessary information. Madar International School also has a parent council to address parents’ concerns. Other essential modes of communication are parent-teacher meetings, open-day, social media platforms, the official website and WhatsApp groups.

Does the school have a cafeteria or a canteen?

Yes, the school has an indoor cafeteria where students can enjoy food with their peers.

Does the school arrange field trips?

Yes, Madar International School arranges field trips throughout the year. 

How many teachers are at Madar International School?

Madar International School currently has 130 teachers.

What is the minimum requirement for hiring teachers at this school?

The teachers must have at least a bachelor’s degree and an educational diploma to become part of Madar International School. Also, candidates have to pass the educational qualification test held by the Ministry of Education.