Al-Maarifa International Private School

• MIS location
• Years offered
• MIS curriculum
• How to apply?
• Fee structure
• MIS transportation
• PTA and contact information

Al-Maarifa International Private School (MIS) is an educational institution with over 30 years of experience in the Emirate of Sharjah. It has been in place since 1986. Now the school is home to over 4,000 students from 65 different nationalities and has classes from Kindergarten to Grade 12.

Al-Maarifa International Private School follows the American Education System until High School, on the completion of which students are given the option to either continue with the American Curriculum or move to the British Curriculum. MIS is equipped to prepare its students for both the American Advanced Placement (AP) exam and the British Advanced Level (AL) exam.

Al-Maarifa International Private School is one of the first schools to become part of The American University of Sharjah’s Sharakah program. Since 2018, the school has partnered with the American University in Dubai.

The school is accredited by the Cambridge International Examinations Syndicate, Edexcel and SAT Centre. MIS has also been accredited by international bodies such as the American International Accreditation Association (AIAA) and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). Its accreditations are testaments to its impact and contribution to the field of academia.

Take a look at this detailed guide by Bayut to learn more about the campus, admissions, academic calendar and fees of Al-Maarifa International Private School.

• Location: Al Yarmouk
• Fees: 12,700 AED - 23,200 AED
• Curriculum: American and British Curricula
• Co-education or Segregated: Co-education
• Grades: Kindergarten 1 - Grade 12

Al-Maarifa International Private School is on Al Estiqlal Street Al Yarmook, in the Halwan Suburb of Sharjah. It is surrounded by various family-friendly residential communities such as:

• Al Bu Daniq
• Al Qasimia
• Al Ghubaiba
• Al Manakh
• Al Mahatah

Al Bu Daniq is a busy area with buildings, coffee shops, grocery stores and service station. Residential options here rental apartments. Named after the royal family, Al Qasimia is a popular community for renting apartments. It is a well-developed area with multiple point of interests. Al Ghubaiba is a family-friendly villa community. It is a quiet neighbourhood away from the city centre. Al Manakh is a mixed use development. It has commercial properties as well as residential villas and apartments. Al Mahatah is known as a commercial and residential suburb in Sharjah. It has a range of affordable rental apartments.

• Apartments for rent near Al-Maarifa International Private School

Since its inception in 1986 as a modest building with limited classrooms and teaching staff, Al-Maarifa International Private School has grown tremendously. It now accommodates high-end facilities in its state-of-the-art campus.

The campus has modern classrooms with resources and technology, such as projectors and desktops. For Information and Communication Technology (ICT) facilities, the school has a modern computer lab with internet connections and a school’s internal network. Students who love to read have access to a well-stocked library with an online system to get their favourite books.

Al Maarifa Private School has two biology, physics, and chemistry labs, a junior science room and a general science lab to meet the academic needs. Other notable features of this campus are:

• Clinic
• Multi-Purpose gymnasium
• Aerobics gymnasium 
• Swimming pool (Semi-Olympics)
• Football court
• Multi-Sport outdoor court
• Media room

Al-Maarifa International Private School is on Abi Salamah Bin Abed Asad Street in Al Yarmook of the Halwan Suburb of Sharjah. It is a 3-minute drive away from Al Estiqlal Square. The school is well connected with the other parts of Sharjah via Al Wahda Street and other major streets in the emirate.

Al-Maarifa International Private School provides its students with a balanced and motivating environment to develop socially and cognitively. MIS also emphasises on co-scholastic activities, as the school believes extra-curricular activities positively impact academic performance.

MIS has established a Quality Assurance Department (QAD) that focuses solely on monitoring, improving and supporting the staff, curriculum and school performance. The QAD regularly organises classroom visits, performance-training workshops and other activities to enhance the quality of the school. Al-Maarifa International Private School’s standards have improved considerably since establishing the QAD.

The curriculum at MIS incorporates creative, social, athletic and scientific areas of learning and study. Al-Maarifa International Private School has classes from KG1 to Grade 12. Lessons are planned following the American Curriculum until Grade 9. Students can choose between the American Curriculum or the British Curriculum for the higher grades (Grades 10 to 12). MIS prepares its students to take the American Advanced Placement (AP) exam or the British Advanced Level (AL) exam.

Al-Maarifa International Private School has been accredited by various national and international bodies such as:

•  The American International Accreditation Association (AIAA) is a not-for-profit organisation that accredits schools and colleges across the globe. 
• New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) is a non-profit organisation that provides educational accreditation. 
• Cambridge International Examinations Syndicate is the world’s most extensive international education programmes and qualifications provider. MIS is a division of the Cambridge Assessment, a department of the University of Cambridge and a non-profit organisation. 
• Edexcel is a London-based for-profit company that offers a variety of qualifications, including A-levels (GCEs), GCSEs and the BTEC suite of vocational qualifications. 
• SAT Center is a non-profit examination board based in the United States. The College Board manages different standardised tests, the SAT being the most popular one. MIS is also an accredited SAT Center.

Students of Al-Maarifa International Private School secure admissions amongst prestigious universities around the globe after graduating and go on to become productive and contributing members of society.

Al-Maarifa International Private School is a K-12 school that offers classes from Kindergarten to Grade 12. The educational system is broken down into the following stages:

The curriculum at MIS is designed to provide its students with exposure to the creative, social, scientific and athletic areas of learning. At the foundation level, the school focuses on developing the students’ skills in Languages, Mathematics, Sciences, Humanities, Information Technology (IT), Islamic Studies, Physical Education (PE), Music and Art. The medium of instruction is English, but Arabic is mandatory for all students. Native Arabic speakers are taught the more advanced curriculum.

Al-Maarifa International School imparts education in the American Curriculum until Grade 9. Students can continue the same curriculum or opt for the British curriculum. Islamic Studies and Arabic Language are taught in both curricula as required by the Ministry of Education (MOE).

The American Program

Standard subjects common for all grades from KG1 to Grade 12 under the American Curriculum are English, Mathematics, Computer Studies, Sciences, Sociology, Art and Design. Subject specifications for each grade are as follows:

KG1 to Grade 4

Grade 5 to Grade 9

Grade 10 to Grade 12 (Scientific)

Grade 10 to Grade 12 (Literary)

The British Program

Students who opt for the British Curriculum take the A/AS-Level exams at the end of Grade 12. Students’ performance in the IGCSE exams is taken into consideration while selecting the subjects for A/AS-Levels.

Students must take English, Mathematics, Islamic Studies, and Arabic subjects for the IGCSE exam. Students have to take the IGCSE exam at the end of Grade 10. Compulsory and optional subjects under the British Program for MIS students are:

Grade 9

The compulsory subjects are:

Grade 10

The compulsory subjects are:

Environmental Management and ICT are available as optional subjects.

Grade 11

The compulsory subjects in this grade are:

The optional subjects for Grade 11 students are:

Grade 12

The compulsory subjects are:

The optional subjects include:

Students who opt for the British Program also have to take the common exam held by the Ministry of Education for Arabic and Islamic Studies at the end of Grade 12. They will then receive their High School Diploma and the UAE official Secondary Certificate (Thaniwiyah).

The academic calendar starts in the last week of August and ends in the last week of June.

• The first term starts in the last week of August and ends in the second week of December. Students go on a winter break that begins in the third week of December and ends in the last week of December.
• The second term starts in the first week of January and ends in the fourth week of March. There are two options for spring breaks. The first option is from the last week of March to the second week of April and the second option is from the last week of March to the first week of April.
• The third term starts right after the spring break and ends in the last week of June.

For more information, contact the school.

The admission procedure at Al-Maarifa International Private School is as follows:

• Prospective parents should register their contact number and their children’s name and grade at the school’s reception.
• Students registering for Grades 1 to 4 must sit for an entrance exam in English and Mathematics. 
• Students registering for Grades 5 to 12 will undergo an interview and an entrance exam in English Language and Mathematics. 
• The school will contact the parents regarding the entrance exam and interview. Results will be shared within a week of the same. 
• Once their children clear the entrance exam, parents can proceed with the registration process by filling out the application form and submitting the required documents.

These documents are necessary for admission:

• Two passport copies with a valid residence visa
• Two birth certificate copies (in English or Arabic)
• Two copies of the UAE Emirates ID for the student and their father (sponsor)
• Two Father’s (sponsor) passport copies with a valid residence visa
• Six passport size photographs
• Two copies of the Nationality ID (for UAE nationals)
• Second term report card
• Continuation of Studies Certificate
• Financial clearance from the previous school
• A down payment of AED 500 is applicable (deductible from the school fees) upon registration (non-refundable in case of withdrawal)
• Attested Transfer Certificate (TC) (to be submitted before Summer Vacation)
• Final Report Card (to be submitted before Summer Vacation)
• Copy of the student’s immunisation record or previous school’s medical file.

Transfer Certificate (TC) should be attested by:

• If issued from emirates other than Sharjah then the certificate should be attested from that emirate’s educational zone.
• If issued from other GCC countries then the certificate should be attested from the Ministry of Education of the country.
• If issued from USA / Canada / Australia / New Zealand / Western Europe then the original certificate with the previous class stated clearly, sealed with the school stamp, and issued in or translated to English or Arabic (if translated, the translation should be legally attested) should be submitted.
• If issued from other countries than the original certificate sealed by the school stamp, issued in or translated to English or Arabic (if translated, the translation should be legally attested) should be submitted and attested by the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UAE embassy in that country.

Important guidelines to keep in mind during the admissions process at MIS:

• Students have to meet the age requirements for each grade set by the Ministry of Education. 
• The school’s Social Advisor interviews KG1 and KG2 students.
• Entrance exams and interviews will be held in the school starting from mid-April.
• To register for Grade 12 in the British curriculum section, students must pass five IGCSE subjects and the school’s interview.
• Application forms with incomplete documents will not be accepted. 
• First instalment in cash, second and third instalments of fees in post-dated cheques are payable on the first of November and first of February– all should be submitted before the beginning of the academic year.

The age-grade guideline by the school is tabulated below:

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

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

Al-Maarifa International Private School fees for each grade are as follows:

The tuition fee for students enrolled in the British curriculum is also the same as mentioned above. The fee mentioned above does not cover the cost of books and uniforms. A medical service cost of AED 200 and a deductible registration cost of AED 500 is applicable upon registration of the student with the school.

MIS has several canteens on-campus catering to different sections of the school. The school has outsourced its catering to a private company and offers a variety of food and drinks throughout the school day.

MIS provides transportation services to students at an additional cost. The school places special care on the safety and comfort of students using the bus services. Therefore, the school ensures regular vehicle maintenance and safety checks and carry first-aid kits.

Transportation charges and routes covered are:

MIS organises local and international trips during the holidays. Students of Al-Maarifa International Private School Sharjah have visited Spain as part of an international excursion.

Maarifa International School encourages students’ physical fitness through various extracurricular activities and sports. The school arranges matches and friendly competitions in sports and athletics to facilitate physical education at the campus. Some of the school related amenities at Al Maarifa are:

Students play basketball, handball, volleyball, tennis and badminton in the multi-outdoor court of Al Maarifa School Sharjah.

Al-Maarifa International Private School places equal importance on both academic and non-academic activities. The school believes that extra-curricular activities assist in the student’s personal development and academia.

Al Maarifa International School students participate in regional competitions and activities held by other educational institutions in the country and have established a name for themselves as strong competitors. The school encourages ECA mainly in physical fitness and sports such as aerobics, swimming, football, basketball, volleyball and badminton.

Al Maarifa Private School regularly organises educational trips within the United Arab Emirates to benefit students. These trips add value to the students’ academic performance.

Students of Al-Maarifa International Private School have visited locations, such as the Dubai Dolphinarium, Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, Kidzania and much more.

Al Marifa International Private School does not provide any after-school care. However, most of the extracurricular activities that take place at the school after school hours.

There are three clinics at MIS– one in the Primary section, one in the boys’ and the other girls’ section. The clinics have necessary medical equipment and medicines. Al Marifa International School employs qualified nurses to tend to the needs of the students and a part-time doctor.

Parents are expected to inform the school about the students’ allergies and special medical conditions. The school will contact the parent in the event of a medical emergency.

MIS regularly updates its website with a newsletter called ‘Spotlight’ that covers important events and activities held at the school. The school also has a parent portal, called My MIS. Through this portal students can access documents and modules published by the school.

The school also publishes any relevant news updates and announcements on its website.

• Telephone Number: +971-6-501-4400 and +971-6-501-4409
• Email Address: info@almarifa-intsch.ae
• MIS Website
• MIS Facebook
• MIS YouTube

Note that the cover image belongs to Al-Maarifa International Private School.

What are the school hours?

Al Maarifa International Private School is open Monday to Friday from 7:30 am to 1:20 pm for students in KG1 to Grade 3. Students in Grade 4 and above continue to learn on campus till 2:05 pm. 

Does the school conduct after-school activities? Is a transport facility available for students participating in after-school activities?

Yes, the school conducts after-school activities.

How many grades/years are there in Al Maarifa International Private school?

Al Maarifa Private School is open for KG1 to Grade 12 students.

Does Al Maarifa International Private school follow a co-education model? If yes, from which grade do boys and girls study in separate sections or classrooms?

Yes, it's a co-education school. However, boys and girls study in separate sections from Grade 3 onwards.

How many students are currently studying at Al Maarifa International Private school? How many nationalities are represented?

Currently, the school has over 4,000 students from 65 nationalities.

What is the academic calendar followed at Al Maarifa International Private School?

The academic year at Al Maarifa International Private school starts in last week of August and ends in the last week of June. For detailed information, check out the guide.

What is the tuition fee charged by Al Maarifa International Private School?

The annual tuition fee at this school ranges from AED 12,700 to 23,200.

Which communication tools are followed by Al Maarifa International Private School?

Parents can follow the latest news through the newsletter available on the official Al-Maarifa International School website. The school also has an online portal for parents that provides all information related to the student's academic level and general behaviour within the school.

Does Al Maarifa International School Sharjah have a cafeteria or a canteen on campus?

The school has several canteens and contracted external catering companies to provide healthy and nutritious foods and drinks throughout the working days.

How often does the school arrange field trips?

Al Maarifa International Private School Al Yarmouk arranges field trips throughout the year. Some popular field trips are visits to Dubai Dolphinarium, Dubai Aquarium and KidZania Dubai.