Virginia International Private School

Virginia International Private School (VIPS) in Abu Dhabi is an American curriculum school for Kindergarten to Grade 12. The school founded in 2015 focuses on instilling 21st-century skills and has become one of the top American schools in Abu Dhabi.

Native English-speaking teachers teach core subjects and work together with specialists in Arabic, Islamic Education, music and Physical Education (PE). VIPS is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).

Virginia International Private School is based in Shakhbout City. Also known as Khalifa City B, this community in Abu Dhabi is in proximity to many family-friendly residential areas such as:

• Baniyas
• Mohammed Bin Zayed City
• Al Shawamekh
• Khalifa City A

Shakhbout City is a quiet neighbourhood on Abu Dhabi outskirts. Parents looking to move closer to the school can consider:

• Apartments for rent near Virginia International Private School
• Villas for rent near Virginia International Private School
• Villas for sale near Virginia International Private School

VIPS works to promote positive behaviour in the classroom and academic excellence. The school’s world-class amenities make for a rich learning environment. Some facilities VIPS has to offer are:

Virginia International Private School classrooms are integrated with the latest technology, such as smartboard technology and a wide range of online learning materials. The school is also actively rallying to integrate STEAM technology into the academic program for all grades.

Virginia International Private School has expanded its facilities by inaugurating the new building with additional amenities. The new building has three laboratories, 13 classrooms, a learning hub, a semi-Olympic pool and a multi-purpose hall.

Virginia International Private School is near 7 Street in Shakhbout City (Khalifa City B) in Abu Dhabi. It is a 4-minute drive from Al Ittihad National Private School. Those interested in visiting the school can access it via 33 Street and Sheikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Road.

VIPS became an all-through school from September 2021. Its education program and excellent campus facilities make it a popular American school in the capital city.

The curriculum offered at VIPS is a curation of the arts and music subjects and science, technology, engineering and Mathematics. The school’s state-of-the-art campus offers world-class amenities that complement academics.

VIPS, in its short tenure, has become a reputable institution in Abu Dhabi. The school integrates Science, Math, Engineering, Arts and Technology (STEAM) learning. Most teachers are native English speakers from the US, UK, Ireland and Canada. The school employs specialist teachers to teach Ministry of Education (MoE) mandated subjects, such as Arabic, Islamic and Social Studies.

Promethean Boards are available in every classroom and make lessons more engaging and meaningful. The classroom accommodates 22 students, with the maximum strength never exceeding 24 students resulting in a very ideal teacher-to-student ratio.

Another strength of the school is its accreditations from various international bodies, including the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).

VIPS offers classes from Kindergarten to Grade 12. Classes are split into Kindergarten, Elementary and Secondary schools.

VIPS delivers the American curriculum throughout kindergarten, elementary and secondary stages of education. The curriculum is adapted for each grade level to better suit students’ needs.

Kindergarten Curriculum

The kindergarten curriculum sets a foundation where students can establish their understanding of the world. Subjects such as language, art, music, science and mathematics are taught through activities set in a play-based environment.

Elementary Curriculum

For Grades 1 to 5, VIPS further strengthens the foundation laid at the kindergarten level. The syllabus revolves around the following interconnected aims:

• To cultivate and build on the love for learning from a very early age
• To deepen children’s understanding and appreciation of the world ahead of them
• To instil good habits and skills necessary for subsequent stages of education

The school aligns its curriculum with the US Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for Mathematics and English Language and Arts (ELA) for core subjects. It also incorporates Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) subjects.

Secondary Curriculum

VIPS considers the secondary stage as the most vital stage of education for students. Students acquire skills that help them choose a career. Therefore, the school has a balanced curriculum ensuring a holistic learning experience for students.

The secondary stage curriculum revolves around the overarching themes of creativity, innovation, collaboration, communication, critical thinking, cultural awareness, character and core knowledge. The school continues to follow the same standards as in the primary stage. For more information, refer to the secondary stage curriculum of Virginia International Private School Abu Dhabi.

The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) carries out periodic evaluations of all schools based on the following six criteria:

• Quality of students’ achievement
• Quality of personal and social development as well as innovation skills of the students
• Quality of teaching and assessment
• Quality of curriculum
• Quality of student safety and wellbeing, as well as the guidance and support provided to them
• Quality of school leadership and management

International evaluators use a scale based on six quality levels, as shown below:

Virginia International Private School ADEK rating has been Acceptable. The school received a Good rating for one out of six performance standards set by ADEK and an Acceptable rating for the remaining five performance standards.

According to the inspection report, critical areas of strength at VIPS are:

• The effective day to day management of the school
• Students’ improving progress in English
• Students’ understanding of Islamic values, culture and heritage of the UAE
• The safe and supportive learning environment of the school
• Positive relationships across the school

However, VIPS needs to improve in the following key areas:

• Raising standards in all subjects, particularly in the middle phase and in science
• Improving the analysis and use of data by teachers to assess students’ progress and plan more effective assessments for learning
• Further development of curriculum modification to meet the needs of all students.
• Creating opportunities for students to engage in more open-ended problem-solving
• Improving the monitoring of lessons to focus on improving the quality of students’ academic progress

An academic year at VIPS is split into three terms. Term dates are as follows:

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

It is a proposed calendar and the exact dates of holidays are subject to change. For more information, contact the school’s administration.

Virginia International Private School Abu Dhabi has an easy admission process. Before applying, it encourages parents to visit the school and talk to the admission team. Such a visit allows parents to make an informed decision. To book a tour, fill out the contact us form on the official website.

Once satisfied, parents can start the registration process. The first step is to fill out the online application form. They must submit the following documents along with the application form:

• Copy of both parents passports with UAE residence for expat parents.
• Copy of child’s passport with UAE residence visa for expat students.
• Copy of immunisation records for the child.
• Copy of child’s Emirates ID, both sides, or a copy of the application for the Emirates ID.
• Copy of the child’s birth certificate or any document meant to act as a birth certificate.
• All students other than KG1 must bring the previous marks card if transferring from different countries and the last marks report with the UAE ID if they move from another school inside the country.
• Two recent colour pictures measuring 4 X 6 cm.

A birth certificate does not need to be attested if issued from the UAE, Canada, USA, Western Europe, Australia, or New Zealand. Children from all other nationalities must have their birth certificate attested by:

• The UAE Ministry of Health
• The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• The UAE Embassy of the country where the birth certificate was issued

The Transfer Certificate (TC) does not have to be attested if issued in the UAE, Canada, USA, Western Europe, Australia or New Zealand. Students hailing from all other nationalities must have their transfer certificate attested by:

• The UAE Ministry of Education
• The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• The UAE Embassy of the country where the certificate was issued

Please note that the school extends admission offer if a seat is available.

Placement guidelines followed at the school are presented below:

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

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

For more information, read the admission process of VIPS.

The annual tuition fee at Virginia International Private School is as follows:

Please note that parents can pay the tuition fee mentioned above in three instalments at the start of each term. For termly instalments, check out the fee structure of Virginia International School.

Additionally, the school charges AED 2,000 for registration and these book charges:

VIPS has a canteen that serves fresh, nutritious food and snacks by Keita Catering. Students get fruits after each meal. They can use the canteen facilities only during break time.

The food is cooked, stored and served on the premises. The canteen has two spacious dining halls to serve supervised lunches and enforce dining etiquette. The canteen serves salads, pulses, fruits and desserts. Students can place their order online beforehand or select from the canteen menu.

VIPS has outsourced its transport service to Fine Fair School Buses Transportation which covers all areas within Abu Dhabi. It adheres to the rules and regulations laid down by the Abu Dhabi Department of Transport for School Transport and ADEK.

Parents can avail of the transportation service by filling out the transport application form at the reception counter.

A two-way transportation charge costs AED 5,000. Parents should pay transport fees directly to the transport department. The department accepts both cash and cheque, with the cheque made payable to ‘Fine Fair School Buses Transportation.’

VIPS encourages students to actively participate in sports and physical activities and become healthy and fit. The school has a gym, P.E room and shaded playgrounds. The new campus accommodates additional facilities such as a swimming pool and a multi-purpose sports hall.

Students attend inter-school football tournaments and participate in the Annual Sports Day.

Virginia International School offers a wide range of extra-curricular activities, including co-scholastic activities and events throughout the school year.

The school organises a field trip at least once during the academic year. Some notable locations students have visited in the past include:

• Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
• Al Rahba Hospital for Engineers Initiative Week
• Heritage Village
• Kidz Factory
• Warner Bros Abu Dhabi
• Yas Mall

Students also go camping with the teachers, visit amusement parks and enjoy picnics in local gardens around Abu Dhabi.

In addition to the wide range of extra-curricular activities held at VIPS, the school offers enrichment classes in various subjects. These classes take place after regular school hours and are designed to enhance the students’ learning abilities.

VIPS has a clinic with the necessary medical equipment. It is managed by the school nurse, who tends to the medical needs and emergencies of the students during school hours.

VIPS actively works to keep parents informed and involved in the progress made by the children and the school. Active parental involvement is necessary for the overall development of students. VIPS regularly publishes newsletters to keep the parents informed.

• Address: MFW-31, Khalifa City B
• Email Address: info@virginiaschool.ae
• Virginia International Private School Website
• Virginia International Private School Facebook
• Virginia International Private School Twitter
• Virginia International Private School Instagram
• Virginia International Private School LinkedIn

Note that the cover image belongs to Virginia International Private School.