Dubai International Academy, Emirates Hills

• Dubai International Academy location
• Years offered
• Dubai International Academy curriculum
• KHDA Rating
• How to apply?
• Fee structure
• Dubai International Academy transportation
• PTA and contact information

Dubai International Academy, Emirates Hills is one of the top schools in Dubai. Operating since 2005, this well-known school offers the popular International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum. DIA Emirates Hills is located in Emirates Hills and currently has around 2,293 students belonging to 77 nationalities. Dubai International Academy Al Barsha is the second branch that is also gaining popularity among parents.

Students as young as three years old can enrol in Kindergarten 1 (KG1) and continue studying in this IB school in Dubai until Year 13. There are 184 teachers at DIA belonging to 18 diverse nationalities, complementing the multicultural nature of the student population. The teacher to student ratio is 1:11.

The school is a member of the Innoventures Education Group. Established in 2004, Innoventures Education manages seven multi-curricular international schools and nurseries in Dubai.

The main goal of DIA is to prepare the leaders and thinkers of tomorrow. The highly experienced staff at this school makes sure to keep up with constantly changing educational standards to provide their students with every learning tool available.

Read this guide by Bayut to learn more.

• Location: Emirates Hills
• School fees: AED 40,988 - AED 72,625
• Curriculum: International Baccalaureate (IB)
• Co-ed or segregate: Co-ed
• KHDA rating: Outstanding
• Years offered: FS 1 - Year 13

The oldest Dubai International Academy is in Emirates Hills, an upscale community by Emaar Properties. Emirates Hills is one of the luxurious residential communities in Dubai with massive villas and some recreational opportunities. It also surrounds other nearby neighbourhoods, which are:

• The Springs
• The Greens
• The Lakes
• The Meadows

The closest residential area to the school is The Springs. Parents wanting to live close to DIA can consider these properties available for rent and sale.

• Villas for rent near DIA
• Villas for sale near DIA

DIA is one of Dubai’s most successful IB curriculum schools, with two state-of-the-art campuses. One campus of Dubai International Academy is in Emirates Hills, and the other is in Al Barsha. The state-of-the-art Emirates Hills campus is built on a 350,000 sq. ft. plot and has the following facilities include:

• Shaded outdoor basketball and tennis ball court
• Specialist rooms for performing arts, including music, dance and drama
• Rooms dedicated to design and technology, art and language learning
• Soft floored room for kindergarten
• Fully equipped science labs, computer labs and design technology labs
• Fully networked library
• Specialised exam halls
• Four multi-purpose and climate-controlled halls suitable for sports
• Outdoor learning areas
• Two swimming pools
• A grassy outdoor playing field and shaded play areas
• Sky Garden and a cafeteria serving hot food

Dubai International Academy’s location in the Emirates Hills community is of prime importance. The school is near the DIS Emirates Hills Playgrounds on First Al Khail Street in Emirates Hills, Dubai.

DIA Emirates Hills firmly believes in imparting a well-rounded education. DIA ensures that students fulfil their true potential and contribute as productive individuals. It offers the IB curriculum from KG to Grade 12 with a syllabus that has been developed by studying various international curricula and benchmarked against the Cambridge International Standards.

The school is an accredited member of several leading global educational bodies, including The Council of International Schools, The New England Association of Schools and Colleges, and MEIBA, the Middle East IB Association.

The school is also a part of the Eco-Schools programme, encouraging children to become environmentally conscious citizens. In addition to this, Dubai International Academy Emirates Hills is a part of the prestigious Hague International Model United Nations.

The school has also achieved impressive academic results in the IB Diploma Programme external examinations. Students have been successfully placed in top tier universities. The class of 2018 has obtained cumulative scholarships amounting to well over $5 million.

Some DIA accomplishments that are worth mentioning are:

• DIA has a very active debating society that has won many competitions on the national and regional level
• DIA students displayed excellent team spirit and worked collaboratively for the World Scholars Cup, an inclusive and team-oriented event
• Two DIA students won first place in their respective categories at the Techno Talent Fest 2018- an event held to showcase exemplary IT projects by students.
• Dubai International Academy Emirates Hills students participated in the Design Space 2018, a design competition by the Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation (DIDI). Groups from different schools were required to design a solution to a real-life situation. The finalist team from DIA designed a seating and shading solution for Alserkal Avenue (Al Quoz).
• Students from this Innoventures Education School also won awards at the DEWA Conservation Awards in 2018

Dubai International Academy Emirates Hills offers a wide range of languages. This ensures that children have an engaging platform to learn their mother tongue. DIA offers Dutch, Finnish, French, German, Hindi, Italian, Spanish, Swedish and Mandarin classes two to three hours a week.

DIA Emirates Hills has a GATEWAY programme for Gifted and Talented Students. In this program, students with unique talents are identified and given additional training and opportunities that cater to their learning needs.

DIA Emirates Hills also encourages students in many community initiatives done locally and globally. DIA Cares is another philanthropic, student-led club that organises fundraisers and food sales to support the GIVE Foundation’s ambitions of building schools worldwide.

This broad exposure, inclusive management, and thorough curriculum delivery have led to the school’s popularity among parents and guardians.

DIA offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum from Foundation Stage to Year 13.

IB Primary Year Programme

The IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) curriculum is a framework for students aged 3 to 10 years. IB PYP makes sure your children develop enquiry skills through indoor and outdoor activities. It follows six transdisciplinary themes involving global significance, knowledge usage, and skills.

The following skills are developed through the Primary Year Programme:

• Social Skills
• Communication Skills
• Self-Management Skills
• Thinking Skills
• Research Skills

The overall aim of PYP is to develop students who play a vital role in creating a better and more peaceful world.

IB Middle Year Programme

This programme meets the educational requirements of students aged 11 to 16 years. It is designed to offer students a traditional and broad prospectus while increasing their awareness of all subjects.

Students at this level are especially encouraged to inquire, question, critically evaluate and explore the links between subjects. Intercultural awareness and communication skills are considered essential to the MYP’s philosophy.

Some subjects offered during this programme include French, Spanish, Arabic, Geography, Digital Design, History, Business, Economics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Media Studies and Drama. These are offered as a group of subjects. The objectives of each group are skill-based and are taught through a variety of learning and teaching approaches.

Students in the MYP are eligible for a detailed portfolio that showcases their achievements at school and involves their level of knowledge in each subject. During Year 11, students must submit a Personal Project, while Year 9 students have to submit a Community Project. It is also mandatory for students to finish Community and Service.

IB Diploma Programme

The International Baccalaureate Programme (IBDP) is designed for students aged 16 to 18 who meet all educational requirements. It is a well-rounded and rigorous curriculum designed and devised to involve students in knowledge, attitudes and skills.

To become eligible, all Diploma candidates must:

• Have one subject from the specific groups
• Attend three subjects at Higher Level (HL) and three at Standard Level (SL)
• They must follow the Theory of Knowledge course
• Engage in CAS (Creativity, Activity and Service)

Those who don’t opt for the Diploma programme can take IB courses in five or six subjects where English and Maths are compulsory.

IB Career-Related Programme

The International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) incorporates the vision and educational principles. It is a unique programme devised explicitly for students who have the aptitude to engage in career-related learning.

CP is a flexible educational framework allowing schools to meet the educational needs of students. Students who opt for CP engage in a rigorous course of study, which helps them gain practical and lifelong skills.

This programme is comprehensively devised and combines highly regarded and internationally acclaimed courses. The IB CP requires students to study core CP courses along with two DP courses and a career-related study.

The Knowledge and Human Development Authority inspects private schools in Dubai.

In the latest inspection by the KHDA, DIA was rated as “Outstanding”. You can view the 10-year history of the school below:

The academic year at DIA had two semesters until 2019. But from 2020, the format was changed to accommodate three terms.

One can view the academic calendar in detail on the school’s official website.

The admission process at DIA starts in August; however, the school accepts applications throughout the year, depending on the availability of seats.

DIA follows a 13-year system. Parents are requested to check the Year Group Equivalency as published on their website before making applications for admissions. The age is determined as of 31st August of the admission year as per the new KHDA’s policy.

Parents must submit a completed online application form. They are advised not to withhold any information as it might delay the process. Parents can get in touch with the school with any questions or concerns. The school will place your child’s name on a waiting list if there are no places available at the time of application.

The selection of a candidate is based on the following criteria:

• The CAT 4 entrance test performance is a primary deciding factor. Students are assessed for Kindergarten and Year 1 to see if they are ready to start school and are toilet trained.
• The results and the reports from the previous school are also checked.
• The school can decide to do a face to face interview if it is required. The interview is conducted by the Admissions Officer or the Principal, or any other designated school staff member.
• Parents have to verify the child’s age against the grade before applying. If the child does not fit the allocated guidelines, the application will be rejected.
• Parents have to submit the Transfer Certificate from the past school as per the KHDA rules.
• Applicants who already have siblings in the school are given priority.
• The school will be accepting students needing ESL (English Second Language) support from Year 1 to Year 11. This is for students who never had English as the primary medium of instruction. The school admissions team will then decide whether the student needs further assessments or support based on the initial evaluation. Parents will be advised by the school accordingly.
• If the student is transferring from a different curriculum, the school will consider the limitations that may occur with transfer dates for local transfers as defined by the KHDA.

Applicants must also pay a fee of AED 525 (non-refundable) during the assessment process. Assessments for local candidates take place from Sunday to Thursday during school hours by appointment only. DIA also allows students outside the UAE to take assessments online under the supervision of a qualified teacher.

There is no personal assessment for KG1; instead, DIA will send a questionnaire to the parents. For KG2, Year 1 and Year 2, students will have an individual assessment in English where they can use many work and non-verbal clues. For Year 3 and above, CAT4 digital testing is conducted via an online platform (the fourth edition of GL Cognitive Abilities Test).

Candidates may also undertake appropriate face-to-face interviews with the relevant school authority**.** The following documents are required at the time of assessment:

• One photocopy of the birth certificate, passport, visa, and Emirates ID of the student
• Latest two year’s full school reports or transcripts
• Photocopy of immunisation records
• Two passport photos

At DIA, the admission process for a Dubai-based student is usually completed five days after the assessment. Parents/guardians should accept the offer within seven days to secure the place.

DIA school’s admission process is explained on the official website. However, parents must ensure that their child meets the following age cut-off criteria before initiating the admission process.

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

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

Dubai International Academy Emirates Hills fee for new students for the current academic year is as follows:

Parents must note that:

• The entrance test fee is AED 525.
• Advance payment for existing students is 5% of the annual fee.
• Advance payment for new students is 10% of the annual fee.
• Students required to take ESL must pay a one-time payment of AED 4,500
• Siblings discount at 10% is valid from a fourth child onwards.

School’s official website has detailed information regarding the fee structure of the existing students.

Here are some additional services that children or parents can avail.

The other charges are based on the info available in KHDA’s fee fact sheet.

Students enrolled in FS 1 to Year 2 at DIA can bring a hot meal in an insulated lunch box. From Year 3 onwards, students can bring lunch from home or opt for healthy snacks from the school cafeteria.

Arab Falcon Bus Rental, a renowned transportation company, is responsible for DIA Emirates Hills school transportation. The annual bus fee is AED 8,200 for two way and AED 6,150 for one way. Parents who wish to enrol their child for the bus service should download the form from the school website. Then, submit the completed form at the DIA Dubai school admission office or fax it directly to the company. Parents can contact the following provided supervisor concerning bus schedules and routes.

For further information or clarification, you may drop an email to csr.diaeh@arabfalcondubai.ae.

Dubai Holiday Camps arrange holiday camps at DIA Dubai. This firm is a leading provider of school holiday activity camps for children between 3 and 14 during the summer, spring and winter school holidays.

The team of DIA school Dubai administrators, sports coaches and qualified teachers ensure that a child’s time in the camp is safe, rewarding and enjoyable.

Sports facilities at DIA include shaded outdoor tennis and basketball courts and four multi-purpose climate-controlled halls for various activities. This school also offers two swimming pools, learning areas, shaded play areas and outdoor fields.

DIA offers a wide variety of paid and unpaid co-curricular activities, including art, drama, reading club, musical instruments, Karate, organised sports activities, science clubs, computer courses, and photography.

Model United Nations

Dubai International Academy Model United Nations (DIAMUN) prepares students to collaborate, discuss, debate, and arrive at plausible solutions to current world issues. DIAMUN has hosted ten annual conferences with 50 schools in 12 countries across four continents and 89 nationalities.

Creativity Action Service (CAS)

CAS is also one of the three core courses of the IB diploma program. Successful completion of CAS is considered one of the essential requirements for getting entry into the IB diploma.

Week Without Walls (WWW)

The Week Without Walls (WWW) activity at DIA has been designed to inculcate a global thought process in students. WWW focuses on providing students with certain experiences to inspire them to become responsible global citizens. Students engage in sustainable services to gain awareness of issues that can go beyond national borders.

Students can develop a comprehensive understanding of less developed economies, environmental degradation and indigenous individuals while developing sensitivity and cultural awareness. The activities are linked to multiple aspects of service, creativity, activity and application.

DIA arranges frequent, age-appropriate educational field trips. Students in Year 4 went to Kidzania, where they received lessons on making and saving money. They were also taken to Louvre – Abu Dhabi, Pearl Museum in Deira, Apple in Dubai Mall and Americana Foods Krispy Kreme production site in Sharjah. The primary section was taken to Borneo, where children did conservation work and planted trees in the jungle. This year the primary section is heading on a ski trip to Les Elfes International in Switzerland.

DIA provides after-school facilities for FS1 and FS2 students. Younger students can stay back for a few hours until their older siblings finish their classes or until their parents can pick them up.

DIA employs full-time doctors and nurses at its well-equipped school clinic. This team is in charge of keeping meticulous student records and informing parents in case of emergencies. The clinic staff also accompanies students on weekend activities and any sporting events held in or out of school.

The clinic staff also conducts scheduled medical examinations and carries out immunisation programs.

DIAlogue

DIAlogue is a fortnightly newsletter for students and parents. This DIA newsletter provides information regarding school events as well as the achievements of students at DIA.

Parent Association of Dubai International Academy Emirates Hills (PADIA)

PADIA is a group of volunteer DIA parents who manage services and events for the school community. PADIA meets every Sunday after drop off and works towards enhancing community spirit in the school. It organises special events every month.

Parents can log in on the parents portal through the DIA official website.

• Telephone: +971-55-965-0494
• Email: info@diadubai.com
• DIA Website
• DIA Facebook Page
• DIA Twitter Page
• DIA Instagram

Note that the cover image belongs to Dubai International Academy, Emirates Hills.

Do you conduct after-school activities?

Dubai International Academy Emirates Hills offers after-school care to FS 1 and FS 2 students while they wait for their older siblings to finish school or for their parents to pick them up.

How many grades/years are there in your school?

The school offers educational support from Foundation Stage 1 (FS1) to Key Stage 5 (Sixth Form).

Is there any waiting list?

The academy puts students who are nominated on the waiting list in the event that no seats are available at the time of submitting the application, and then invites them to conduct an evaluation.

Does your school follow a co-education model?

Yes, the school follows a co-education model.

How many students are currently studying in your school?

The school currently has about 2,293 students belonging to 77 different nationalities, most of whom are of Indian.

Can you please describe the academic calendar of your school?

The academic year begins in the last week of August and ends in the last week of June.

Can you please mention the range of the tuition fee charged by your school?

Tuition fees range from AED 40,988 to AED 72,625.

How do you communicate with parents?

The main source of communication between parents and teachers are Dialogue, the Dubai International Academy Parents Association (PADIA) and the Parents Online Portal.

Do you have a cafeteria or a canteen on campus?

The school campus has a cafeteria offering hot meals to students enroled in Year 3 and above.

How often does your school arrange field trips?

Dubai International Academy in Emirates Hills Dubai arranges local and international trips for students so that they have exposure of the real life world and have a better understanding of classroom lectures.

Does your school organise holiday camps for winter, spring or summer breaks?

Dubai International Academy Emirates Hills in cooperation with Dubai Holiday Camps offers holiday camps during winter, spring and summer breaks.

How many teachers are currently teaching in your school?

Currently, there are 184 teachers and 34 teaching assistants employed by the school.