Dubai's selection of 23 exemplary private schools, as assessed by the KHDA
Private Schools in Dubai Offer Diverse Curricula for the 2025-2026 Academic Year
Dubai, United Arab Emirates - The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has announced that private schools in Dubai will offer a range of educational curricula for the 2025-2026 academic year. The curricula on offer include British (UK National Curriculum), International Baccalaureate (IB), American, French, Indian, and others, covering grade levels from early years/Foundation Stage (FS1) up to Year 13 (post-16) depending on the school.
The British curriculum is one of the most popular choices among outstanding schools in Dubai. Schools offering this curriculum include Repton School, Dubai College, Dubai English Speaking School - Oud Metha, Victory Heights Primary School, Horizons English School, Jumeirah English Speaking School - Arabian Ranches, GEMS Jumeira Primary School, Dubai British School Jumeirah Park, Jumeirah English Speaking School - Al Safa 1, Kings School Al Barsha, and Dubai English Speaking College (Academic City). Tuition fees for these schools vary widely, with fees starting from around AED 43,084 for FS 1 and going up to over AED 105,873 for Year 13.
The International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum is also well-represented among Dubai's private schools. Schools offering this curriculum include GEMS Dubai American Academy, Deira International School, Dubai International Academy, Nord Anglia International School, and Jumeirah College. Tuition fees for these schools also vary widely, with fees starting from KG1 and going up to AED 99,794 for Year 11.
Other curricula on offer include the French curriculum, represented by Lycée Français International, and the Indian curriculum, represented by GEMS Modern Academy. Tuition fees for these schools also vary, with fees starting from Grade 1 for the French curriculum and KG1 for the Indian curriculum.
KHDA has announced that instead of formal inspections in 2025-26, it will conduct targeted visits focusing on specific quality areas to support the Education 33 (E33) strategy, aimed at boosting capacity, affordability, and Dubai’s position as a global education hub. The E33 strategy also aims to provide a unified academic calendar for all schools in Dubai, with most students starting on August 25, 2025, including three terms separated by long winter and spring breaks; international curriculum schools may have slight variations and should confirm schedules through KHDA.
In summary, private schools in Dubai offer a diverse range of educational curricula to cater to the needs of families in the city. The curricula on offer include British (UK National Curriculum), International Baccalaureate (IB), American, French, Indian, and others, covering grade levels from early years/Foundation Stage (FS1) up to Year 13 (post-16) depending on the school. Tuition fees vary widely by school, curriculum, and grade level, with fees starting from around AED 4,300 to AED 89,000+ per year depending on the school, grade, and curriculum. The KHDA oversees private schools in Dubai, ensuring high standards of education, and will conduct targeted visits instead of formal inspections in 2025-26 to support the Education 33 strategy.
- The news of diverse curricula in private schools for the 2025-2026 academic year includes the option for education and self-development through learning, such as the education-and-self-development curriculum offered at GEMS Modern Academy.
- For those interested in lifestyle choices, there are private schools in Dubai that offer home-and-garden-themed courses for children, like the schools offering the French curriculum, such as Lycée Français International, which also provides a unique insight into foreign cultures.
- The opinions of parents and students about the quality of education offered by different schools can be found in various local news articles and online forums, providing valuable opinions and experiences to help families make informed decisions about their children's education.
