Where to Start
Choosing a school in Dubai can feel overwhelming. With over 200 private schools, multiple curricula, and fees ranging from AED 15,000 to over AED 100,000, where do you even begin?
Having been through this myself, I know the anxiety. The good news is that with a systematic approach, you can find a school that's right for your family. Here's how.
Step 1: Choose Your Curriculum
Start by deciding which curriculum suits your family:
British Curriculum
Best if: You're from the UK, may return, or want the familiar structure of GCSEs and A-Levels. Most options available in Dubai.
International Baccalaureate
Best if: You move frequently, want broad education, or are considering universities worldwide. More demanding workload.
American Curriculum
Best if: You're from the US, may relocate there, or prefer the flexibility of the American high school system with AP courses.
Indian Curriculum (CBSE/ICSE)
Best if: You're planning to return to India or have specific reasons for this educational pathway.
Step 2: Set Your Budget
Be realistic about what you can afford. Remember to factor in:
- Tuition fees (which increase each year group)
- Registration fees (AED 500-3,000)
- Transport (AED 5,000-12,000/year)
- Uniforms (AED 1,000-3,000 initially)
- Activities and trips
- Lunch if not bringing packed lunch
See our complete fees guide for detailed breakdowns.
Step 3: Consider Location
Commute times matter - for children and parents. Consider:
- Where will you live? - If undecided, explore our neighbourhood guides
- Where will you work? - Can you do school drop-offs?
- School transport routes - Long bus journeys are tiring for young children
- After-school activities - How will your child get to/from?
Sara's tip: I always recommend choosing your neighbourhood and school together. The best school far away isn't always better than a good school nearby.
Step 4: Check KHDA Ratings
Use KHDA ratings to shortlist schools. Outstanding and Very Good schools provide confidence in quality, but read the full reports for details on specific areas.
Step 5: Create Your Shortlist
Aim for 3-5 schools to visit. Consider:
- School size - Large schools (2,000+ students) offer more facilities; smaller schools offer more individual attention
- Age range - All-through schools (3-18) vs primary/secondary separate
- Special strengths - Sports, arts, languages, SEND provision
- School culture - Traditional vs progressive, competitive vs nurturing
Step 6: Visit Schools
Nothing replaces seeing a school in person. During visits:
- Request a tour during school hours to see normal operations
- Observe children's behaviour and engagement
- Ask to see facilities like libraries, science labs, sports areas
- Meet key staff - reception, teachers, pastoral leads
- Ask about transition support for new students
Questions to Ask
- What makes this school different?
- How do you support children settling in?
- What's the homework policy?
- How do you communicate with parents?
- What are your recent exam results?
- What happens if my child struggles or needs extension?
Step 7: Apply Early
Popular schools have waiting lists. Timeline guidance:
- Premium schools - Apply 18-24 months ahead
- Popular entry points (FS2, Year 3, Year 7) - Apply 12-18 months ahead
- Mid-year entry - Apply as soon as you know your move date
Step 8: Prepare for Assessment
Most schools assess children before offering places:
- Early years - Play-based observation
- Primary - Age-appropriate activities, possibly reading and maths
- Secondary - CAT4 tests, English and maths assessments, interviews
- All ages - Previous school reports and references required
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Only looking at ratings - A Very Good school might suit your child better than Outstanding
- Ignoring location - A long commute affects family life
- Applying to only one school - Popular schools are competitive; have backup options
- Not visiting - Websites don't capture school culture
- Leaving it too late - Waiting lists are real
Need Help?
I know how overwhelming this decision can feel - I've been there myself. If you'd like personalised guidance based on your family's specific needs, I'd love to help you through it.
Or start exploring with our neighbourhood quiz to find the right area, then browse our schools directory to see what's available.