Boarding schools in Dubai: What parents need to know
Schools in Dubai ensure that quality education is within the reach of every learner. While most parents with school-going children live in the emirate, there are some who are interested in sending their children to the boarding schools in Dubai so they can benefit from superior facilities.
Boarding Schools in Dubai
Often parents send their children to boarding schools to gain a good education and at the same time, get used to a disciplined lifestyle. The option is also feasible for parents who travel frequently for work or live in far-off locations and want their children to recieve quality education.
Dubai boarding schools usually have excellent sports facilities. Similarly, as students have longer hours, there is sufficient time to participate in extracurricular activities.
Living away from home also gives children a sense of responsibility and prepares them to live independently from an early age. The number od students in a class at boarding schools in Dubai are generally smaller than other schools. Hence, each student can get individualised attention. For these reasons, Dubai boarding schools fees are comparatively higher.
The list of Dubai boarding schools is not extensive. However, in terms of quality of education and facilities, they are certainly among the top ones in the region.
Swiss International Scientific School
Swiss International Scientific School Dubai (SISD) is one of the most popular boarding schools in Dubai. It follows the International Baccalaureate Programme (IB) with instructions in English and French or German.
Staying away from home can be a bit challenging for young students. So the management at Swiss International Scientific School ensures that this transition is smooth. The environment at the school is welcoming.
In fact, one can view it as cosmopolitan, culturally diverse and dynamic. After-school and even weekend activities can help students feel comfortable in this new setting.
The state-of-the-art educational facilities include innovation labs in programming, photography, 3D printing and more. There are also sports halls, gyms, Olympic-sized swimming pools and playing fields.
Bilingual programmes, a purpose-built campus and boarding facilities all work together to form a unique learning experience for students at SISD. Internal and external after-school activities ensure that students become more well-rounded. Through these activities, students develop confidence, teamwork skills and sportsmanship. These activities are generally related to science, language music and dance classes, arts and craft or sports.
Most importantly, graduating from the Swiss International Scientific School will prepare you for life after school both academically and otherwise. With IB graduation, securing a spot at the top international and local universities gets easier. Having lived independently to some degree, students have the confidence to make tough decisions. More importantly, they are likely to take giant strides in their professional career.
- KHDA Rating: Very Good
- Fees: From AED 68,868 to AED 114,268 (For IB Bilingual)
- Location: Dubai Healthcare City, Phase 2, Al Jaddaf, Dubai
- Contact: +971-4-375-0600
Repton School Dubai
A prominent international school in the heart of Dubai, Repton School has been rated ‘Outstanding’ by the KHDA since 2014. Repton boarding school in Dubai follows the British National Curriculum. Students can then seamlessly transition to International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum.
With two separate boarding houses, one for boys and one for girls, this sister concern of the acclaimed British boarding school in Dubai provides residential opportunities for students on a full-term or flexible boarding basis.
Their experienced team includes housemaster or mistress, resident tutor, residential matron, boarding assistants, nurses, on-site doctor and ancillary support staff. The focus is to provide a caring, happy and stimulating environment so students can become well-rounded citizens that contribute positively towards society in the long run.
The well-maintained student rooms also have an en-suite bathroom and a personal study area. Hence, students can focus primarily on studies without any distraction. They can also engage in extracurricular activities in the areas of sports, music, performing and creative arts, design, technology, and innovation.
Repton’s commitment is to provide students with a spectrum of opportunities to nurture tomorrow’s future leaders. It is one of the preferred boarding schools in Dubai as it allows students to make the most of the golf, go-karting and overnight excursions opportunities available to them. Repton is considered one of the best boarding schools in Dubai.
*Repton Boarding fees are annual and do not include tuition fees.
- KHDA Rating: Outstanding
- Boarding Fee: AED 72,000 (Full boarding from years 7 to 13))
- Location: Nad Al Sheba 3, Dubai
- Contact: +971-4-426-9393
Apart from the mentioned insittutes, parents may consider The Millennium School Dubai. It doesn’t offer traditional overnight boarding but there is the option of day boarding.
FAQs
Are there boarding schools for international students in Dubai?
Yes, Dubai does have boarding schools that welcome international students, though the options are limited. Schools like Swiss International Scientific School Dubai and Repton School Dubai offer full boarding and accept students from around the world.
What curricula do boarding schools in Dubai offer?
Boarding schools in Dubai typically offer the British curriculum (IGCSE and A-Levels), as seen at Repton School Dubai. Many also provide the International Baccalaureate (IB), like Swiss International Scientific School Dubai. Some schools include bilingual or multilingual programmes, combining academics with languages such as French or German.
How do I apply to a boarding school in Dubai?
Applying to a boarding school in Dubai involves selecting a school, submitting an online application, providing academic reports, and completing assessments, typically starting a year in advance.
That wraps up our list of the best boarding schools in Dubai offering high-quality education and excellent facilities. If you’re exploring other educational options in the city, you might also want to learn about the new schools in Dubai that have recently opened, providing more choices for parents and students alike.
Apart from boarding schools, there are many schools following different curriculums. For example, there are some top IB schools in Dubai. Similarly, there are many excellent British schools in Dubai. It is about choosing the school which suits your child’s situation best.
Looking for a school for your child? Visit MyBayut and read all about the best schools in Dubai.
