Uptown School

The Uptown School is a Taaleem group school offering a world-class International Baccalaureate (IB) Curriculum since 2005. The school has the three main programmes of the IB curriculum — the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP) and the Diploma Programme (DP) for students from age 3 – 18.

As per the KHDA report for the academic year between 2018-2019, there are 1,441 students, out of which 151 students require Special Educational Needs (SEND). The campus is near the Dubai-Sharjah border in Mirdif and spreads over 14 acres.

Taaleem, which means ‘education’ in Arabic, is the second-largest education provider in the UAE. Founded in 2004, the group manages three early learning centres, two UK curriculum and three IB curriculum schools in Dubai, and one in Abu Dhabi. Their main objective is to facilitate the psychological growth of students during childhood, primary and secondary schools.

The Uptown School is an accredited co-educational school offering the IB Curriculum from FS1 to Grade 13. Since it relocated to Mirdif, the school provides children with more space and facilities specially designed to provide the best environment for learning and development. The school has 111 teachers supported by 36 teaching assistants and three guidance counsellors. 

Read the Uptown School Dubai review by Bayut to learn more.

• Location: Mirdif
• School fees: AED 40,500 - AED 72,500
• Curriculum: IB
• Co-ed or segregate: Co-ed
• KHDA rating: Very Good
• Years offered: Pre-KG - Grade 12

Parents living in Mirdif and the below-mentioned communities can easily commute to Uptown School Dubai:

• Al Warqaa
• Al Mizhar
• Al Khawaneej

Those looking for residential options around the school can consider the following options:

• Villas for sale near Uptown School
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The Uptown School campus spreads across over 14 acres of land in Mirdif. It is designed to ensure that students have the best environment for learning and development. The facility is divided into zoned areas for the Early Years, Primary School and Secondary School. These zones contain two separate studios for the fully-integrated Design Technology and IB Visual Arts Programme. Some noteworthy campus facilities are listed below:

• Science Lab
• Primary Gym
• Early Years Pool
• Art Room
• Secondary Library
• Secondary Gym
• Tennis Courts
• Cafeteria
• Secondary ITC
• Swimming Pool
• Early Years Music Room
• Early Years Gym
• Sports Field
• Primary Music

Uptown International School is near the intersection of Algeria Street and Tripoli Street in Mirdif, Dubai. The school is in a secure family-friendly community at a short driving distance from Al Waqra 1 and Al Rashidiya. Parents coming to the school in their vehicles do not need to worry as ample parking spaces are available just outside the campus.

Uptown School has been operating successfully for over 15 years and has achieved 100% university acceptance for alumni. The globally-recognised IB curriculum of Uptown School is the main attraction for parents, as it encourages students to be confident and independent learners.

Another attractive feature of this school is that the Taleem Group manages it. All Taleem schools are partially owned by the government of Dubai. As a result of this collaboration, the government of Dubai assists in designing and building Taleem schools with incredible school facilities.

 In May 2017, the first batch of IB Diploma students achieved a 100% pass rate. Recently a Career-Related Program (CP) has also been introduced. This programme incorporates the values of IB and addresses the needs of students pursuing career-related education. More details regarding the CP programme are mentioned later in the guide.

Imparting leadership skills is the primary goal of Uptown School, which is incorporated in its unique enrichment programs and after-school activities. Students participate in clubs and societies, such as Model United Nations (MUN), World Scholars and TEDxYouth, giving them opportunities to become tomorrow’s global leaders. Music and Arts are also a significant part of the school.

The pride of Uptown School is its 90-member student choir and 35-member student percussion band, who perform at the concerts held regularly, showcasing the learning that has taken place. In Uptown Mirdif School, a dedicated team is led by an Inclusion Champion for SEND students. The team works to provide three different forms of support, namely:

• Universal Support — All students are provided with high-quality teaching and learning and are identified for any provisional support through ongoing and timely assessments.
• Targeted Support — students are benefited through small group interventions.
• Specialist Support —specific targeted support is provided to the student at an additional cost.

Uptown School is an internationally certified IB (International Baccalaureate) school offering the Early Years Stage (EY) for PreK – KG 2, Primary Years Programme (PYP) for Grade 1 to Grade 5, Middle Years Programme (MYP) Grade 6 to Grade 10, Diploma Programme (DP) for Grade 11 and Grade 12, and Career-Related Programme (CP).

The EY stage (for preschool children aged 3 – 6 years) is part of the Primary Years Programme (PYP), which focuses on children’s inquiry-led and play-based learning.

The Primary Years Programme (PYP) is built upon the child’s natural curiosity. The six subject areas of Language, Social Studies, Personal, Social and Physical Education, Mathematics, Science and Technology and Arts. All the subjects mentioned above are woven into the units of inquiry to provide a transdisciplinary approach to learning.

The Middle Years Programme (MYP) provides a structure of learning and development that allows students to use their analytical and critical thinking skills. MYP cultivates the improvement of aptitudes for correspondence, intercultural understanding, and global commitment. At Uptown School, MYP consists of eight subject groups interlinked through five interactive areas and provides global contexts for learning. Students need to learn at least two languages, sciences, arts, math, humanities, technology and physical education.

The Diploma Programme (DP) is a two-year academically challenging, rigorous, and balanced education programme with final examinations. The DP programme prepares students for success at university and life beyond. The six core subject groups include studies in Language and Literature, Language Acquisition, Individuals and Societies, Sciences, Mathematics and the Arts.

Ten reasons why the DP is ideal for the preparation of university include:

• Increases Academic Opportunity- research claims that the students who follow the IB curriculum are more likely to be enrolled in leading universities than other curriculums.
• Through creativity, action, service (CAS), students learn outside the classroom and develop emotionally, ethically and intellectually.
• Encourages children to be confident and independent learners.
• The Diploma Programme is an international qualification recognised globally by universities and employers.
• Graduates are globally-minded as language classes are key for globalised societies.
• Encourages critical thinking
• Proven time management skills
• Students are to understand and not just memorise facts or topics for examinations.
• Subjects are not taught in isolation. They are encouraged to make connections between subjects.
• Students can choose courses from six subjects groups and study subjects at different levels.

At Uptown School, the students are being trained and prepared for their written examination held at the end of DP. Student performance is assessed both internally and externally. Written tests are used for most courses and are marked by external IB examiners at Uptown School. The marks awarded for each course range from 1 (lowest) to 7 (highest).

Students can also be awarded up to three additional points for their combined results on Theory of Knowledge and the Extended Essay. The Diploma is awarded to students who gain at least 24 points. Students also need to attain minimum performance levels across the whole programme and satisfactory participation in the Creativity, Action, Service (CAS) requirement. The highest total that a DP student can be awarded is 45 points.

Besides, the school offer International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (CP) to those interested in career-based education. CP students undertake a minimum of two IB Diploma Programme (DP) courses, a core consisting of four components and a career-related study. The core components include Personal and Professional Skills, Service Learning, Language Development and Reflective Project.

The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) is an authority responsible for evaluating the quality of education in Dubai. KHDA inspects private schools in Dubai with judgments that are made on a six-point scale of:

• Outstanding
• Very Good
• Good
• Acceptable
• Weak
• Very Weak

After a thorough inspection, KHDA rated Uptown School as “Very Good” for the third time in a row. One of the main reasons that UTS has attained a “Very Good” rating is because the school has an inclusive ethos along with a commitment to cater to the requirements of all the students. Apart from that, the school also focuses on the personal development of students by giving them an understanding of world cultures and Islamic values.

The report highlights that students have achieved high learning outcomes, especially in English, Mathematics, Science, and Arts. Students display attributes such as confidence and good articulation and are mutually supportive. Older students are provided opportunities to voice opinions on their school and worldwide issues.

Inspection on teaching and assessment was rated ‘Very Good’. Teachers displayed very good subject knowledge. The learning environment is made more efficient by using latest technology, a huge library of resources and data analysis. Subjects are linked to global contexts and transdisciplinary themes. Students are also engaged in activities that promote social responsibility towards both the local and international communities.

KHDA also mentions the school’s well-ordered and harmonious learning atmosphere in the report. They have also highlighted the well-developed procedures for identifying and supporting SEND students (Students of determination).

Another positive is the supportive and positive relationship between parents and the school.

Uptown School's academic calendar starts in August and ends in July.

Applying for admission at the Uptown School is a simple three-step process.

1. Firstly a completed online application for Uptown School has to be submitted.
2. Once the school gets this, you will receive a receipt of submission.
3. In the next step, an email will be sent from the school instructing you on how to contact the admissions team for making an appointment. There is also a mandatory payment of a one-time non-refundable and non-transferable Application Fee. During the appointment, an internal assessment of the student’s skills will also be conducted. In the final step, a letter of acceptance and assessment is issued by the school and the parents have to confirm the seat by paying the deposit fee.

The following documents are required before admission:

Before assessment:

1. One copy of child’s/children’s passport
2. One copy or a parent/guardians passport
3. Copy of past 2 years school reports, on school’s letterhead, signed and stamped
4. Copy of any diagnostic testing, educational assessment or psychological assessment (if applicable)
5. Application Fee of AED 500 plus 5% VAT added per government regulations. A placement assessment will not be undertaken until the application fee is received. This may be paid using the Credit Card Authorization Form or in person.

Please scan the required documents and sent it to admissions@uptownschool.ae

After assessment and acceptance of the offer:

• AED 4,000 deposit fee for securing the seat of the child
• Signed offer letter for illustrating acceptance

Before a student starts school:

If you are moving your children to the Uptown School, a Transfer certificate in Arabic or English is required with the exit date from the current school. The transfer certificate also needs to be attested by KHDA or any other Baccalaureate educational zone in UAE when there is a local transfer.

However, before initiating the admission process, you must ensure that your child meets the following age 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)

Uptown International School tuition fee for the current academic year is as follows:

There is a sibling discount of 10% on tuition fees for the third (youngest) and subsequent child in each family, paying full fees, for the 2022/23 academic year, attending any Taaleem school in Dubai. 

Additional charges include:

• Application Fee: AED 500 + 5% VAT
• New Students Registration Fees: AED 4,000
• Re-Registration Fees: 2,000

The other charges are based on the info available in KHDA’s fee fact sheet.

The Uptown School is one of the schools chosen to accept students who receive a scholarship from ‘Mohammed Bin Rashid Program for Distinguished Students’.  This is a program launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

This programme aims to provide outstanding Emirati students with a chance to study in the best private schools in Dubai.

The on-campus catering facilities at Uptown School provides nutritious lunches for students. Moreover, there are various areas for seating available for students to enjoy their meals during recess. There is a strict no-nut policy in school, and parents are informed about this policy and requested not to send any nuts or nut-spreads to school.

Arab Falcon Dubai provides the transportation service to students of Uptown International School. Transportation charges vary based on pick up and drop off points.

The current transportation fee charges are as follows:

Uptown School offers many outstanding enhancement programmes designed to challenge students to follow their passion while extending their learning abilities beyond the syllabus. With the help of the state of the art campus, trusted partners and the wider community, students are introduced to limitless opportunities to help their knowledge, leadership skills and understanding of different cultures.

Students can access over 150 activities like competitive sports, drama, music, dance, visual arts, academics and designs delivered by skilled and innovative tutors. The tutors guide students towards specific results according to the pre-planned learning journey.

The school has an indoor 25-meter eight-lane pool and a hardwood-sprung floor gymnasium for secondary and primary stage students. There is a separate gym and pool facility in the zoned area for students enrolled in the early year program.

Uptown School also offers a range of residential trips to students. Uptown School encourages its students to challenge themselves, stretch their boundaries and gain valuable life experiences through field trips and outdoor activities.

Annual in-country residential camps take place for students in Grades 5, 6, 7 and 8. These students learn team building, leadership skills, and risk-taking. They are at the core of the learning and development journey.

Students also participate in academic trips that include World Scholars and Model United Nations. They are held internationally and domestically. They also prepare students for careers in politics, debate and international relations. The yearly ski trips allow students to learn new skills, experience Adrenalin sports and understand new cultures.

An essential component of Grade 11 is CAS (Creativity, Action, Service). To complement the CAS Program, Uptown School runs a yearly CAS trip in alliance with The International School of Moshi, Tanzania.

There are three well-equipped health centres at Uptown School. Nurses are present at all times and help to supervise first aid when needed. As part of the regulations of the Ministry, Nurses are needed to provide health screening for every student annually.

The 6-Delta Communicator application helps parents to stay up-to-date during the entire Academic Year. Apart from the diaries, the 6-Delta App could also be defined as a source of information on general news alerts, school, and school-wide events. Parents can also use the communicator application for keeping their calendar up-to-date. Moreover, they can also link for school resources, school news, letters and parent association messages from classroom teachers and principals.

Parents are welcomed to join the Whatsapp group to stay updated regarding the school and their kids. To join the Whatsapp group, parents are advised to connect with the school administration.

• E-mail Address: admissions@uptownschool.ae
• Phone Number: +971-4-251-5001 | +971-54-991-3012

GENERAL INFORMATION

• Uptown School Website
• Uptown School Facebook
• Uptown School Twitter
• Uptown School Instagram
• Uptown School Youtube

Note: The images are taken from the official portals of Uptown School.

What are the timings of the school?

• Pre-Kg to KG 1: 07:45 am to 02:00 pm (11:30 am on Fridays)
• KG 2 to Grade 5: 07:45 am to 02:30 pm (11:30 am on Fridays)
• Grade 6 to Grade 12: 07:45 am to 03:00 pm (12:00 pm on Fridays)

Does the school conduct after-school activities?

Yes, the school conduct several extracurricular activities after school hours.

How many grades/years are there in the Uptown school?

The school offers education from Pre-KG until Grade 12

How many students are currently studying in the Uptown school?

Currently, there are around 2,000 students studying at Uptown International School.

What is the academic calendar of the school?

The academic calendar starts in August and ends in July.

What is the tuition fee charged by the Uptown school?

The annual tuition fee ranges from AED 40,500 to AED 72,500.

How does the school communicate with parents?

The school provides many effective means of communication with parents and the local community, including social networking sites, publications, electronic newsletters, WhatsApp groups and a communication app.

Does the Uptown School have a cafeteria or a canteen on campus?

A cafeteria on the school premise serve healthy and fresh meals to students.

How often does the school arrange field trips?

Uptown School organizes many local and international field trips that help students challenge themselves and gain valuable practical experience outside the classroom.

How many teachers are currently teaching in the Uptown School?

Currently, students are taught by 111 full-time teachers, in addition to 36 assistant teachers.