SchoolDubai International School Garhoud
Overview
Dubai International School was established in 1985 for Pre-KG to Grade 12 students. It follows the American curriculum (California CCSS and NGSS), which is modified according to the UAE Ministry of Education guidelines.
The school is bilingual and English is the medium of instruction for all subjects. Islamic Education and Social Studies are taught in Arabic. French is also taught from the Kindergarten level.
Dubai International School encourages students to be respectful of other cultures. It is fairly popular among Emirati families but the students belong to thirty different nationalities.
Serving as a co-educational institution, Dubai International School Al Garhoud has over 2,000 students. There are 142 full and part-time teachers. The school has another branch in Al Quoz and both Al Garhoud and Al Qouz branches are suitable for families residing in Dubai and the northern emirates.
Residential Communities near Dubai International School Garhoud
People living in the larger Deira neighbourhood can consider Dubai International School Al Garhoud for their kids. Other residential communities near the school include:
- Umm Ramool
- Al Karama
- Marsa Al Khor
- Al Rashidiya
Al Karama, simply known as Karama, is home to a number of low-rise residential towers in the city. It is a short drive away from Dubai International School. Families looking for accommodation options near the school can check out:
Campus of Dubai International School Garhoud
The school campus is well-maintained considering it was built in 1985. Prominent facilities include computer rooms, music rooms, library, canteen, well-lit and spacious classrooms, art rooms, specialised laboratories, a 6-lane competitive swimming pool and a football field.
Location of Dubai International School Garhoud
The school is located in Al Garhoud, one of the most populated areas in Dubai. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road is a short drive away making it easier for families to reach the school from different areas in Dubai.
Why Dubai International School Garhoud?
Dubai International School Garhoud is accredited by the UAE Ministry of Education. Graduating students are entitled to the equivalence statute of the Ministry’s General Certificate of Secondary Education provided he/she satisfies the required conditions.
DIS Al Garhoud not only pays attention to academics but encourages students to take part in co-curricular activities as well to stimulate creativity.
Dubai International School Garhoud partners with parents and community members to prepare students in becoming a digitally literate and productive citizen. Education provided is on par with international standards while adhering to local Emirati values and tradition.
The American curriculum offered at the school is modified slightly to align it with the UAE Ministry of Education guidelines. This provides an opportunity to fulfil the diverse educational needs of students belonging to different countries.
School Details
COVID-19 PROTOCOLS
The Government of Dubai has developed protocols for schools to follow until the pandemic is over. This is an accumulative effort and approach to keep everyone safe and healthy, including students, teachers, parents, and relevant third parties.
The KHDA has uploaded FAQs for schools on the official website for your convenience. Here’s an overview of the preventive SOPs in place.
- Sterilising the school building, classrooms, laboratories and other facilities regularly, according to the recommendations of the National Authority for Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management.
- Assessing the temperature of everyone who enters the school building daily.
- Maintaining physical distance guidelines as recommended by the relevant health authorities and reducing the headcount capacity in classrooms.
- From this academic year, 1-metre distancing is recommended. Schools must take appropriate precautions to ensure that students and teachers stay physically distanced where possible.
- Buses may run at full capacity provided they comply with health and safety protocols.
- Schools shall reinstate Physical Education, swimming lessons and sports activities. Changing rooms and sports areas will be sanitised after each group of students
- The canteen shall reopen and resume live cooking
- School trips, excursions and holiday camps shall be resumed.
- After-hours care, extra-curricular activities, performances, assemblies and other events at school or external venues are allowed.
- Students older than six years, staff and visitors to schools must continue to wear face masks.
- Vaccination is not compulsory. Unvaccinated school staff must submit a negative PCR test each week. Students are not obliged to submit negative PCR tests.
- From October 3rd 2021, all teaching and learning at Dubai private schools will only be face-to-face. Students who wish to continue with distance learning after the stated date must provide a medical certificate issued by Dubai Health Authority.
Years Offered at Dubai International School Garhoud
Years offered at the school are divided into four stages/phases:
| Phase | Grade |
|---|---|
| Phase 1 | Pre-KG – KG2 |
| Phase 2 | Grade 1 – Grade 5 |
| Phase 3 | Grade 6 – Grade 8 |
| Phase 4 | Grade 9 – Grade 12 |
Dubai International School Garhoud Curriculum
The school follows the American curriculum (California CCSS and NGSS) for all the core subjects including Commercial Sciences, Art and Music. Arabic, Islamic Education and Social Studies are incorporated in the curriculum as per the Ministry of Education guidelines. The curriculum is also periodically modified according to modern standards.
Grade 1 to Grade 5 students have to take up Arabic, Islamic Education, English, Mathematics, Sciences, National Education and Civics (for non-Muslim students). Students can choose between French or Computer Sciences at this level. Grade 6 to Grade 8 students study the same core subjects as Grade 1 to Grade 5 students.
Grade 9 to Grade 12 students are prepared to appear for SAT 1 and TOEFL/IELTS by the end of Grade 11. In Grade 12, students have to appear for the SAT 2 examination. Dubai International School – Al Garhoud is an SAT exam centre itself.
Mandatory subjects include Math, Physical Education, Science, English, Islamic Education and Arabic. Elective courses include Visual Arts, Social Sciences, Advanced Chemistry, Advanced Physics, Calculus and Advanced Biology.
Graduating students receive the equivalency of the Ministry’s General Certificate of Secondary Education provided they satisfy the following conditions:
- Passing SAT 1 with a minimum 400 score
- Passing all subjects with at least 60% marks
- Passing TOEFL with a score of 61 and IELTS with 5.5 bands
Distance Learning at Dubai International School Al Garhoud
As per the new COVID-19 protocols issued by KHDA, schools are discontinuing the distance learning programme from October 3, 2021. Those wishing to continue their education via distance learning have to show a relevant health certificate issued by Dubai Health Authority (DHA). Schools may revert back to distance learning if COVID-19 cases are detected in a class or a group in a class.
KHDA Rating
DSIB is an inspecting authority for educational institutes based in Dubai. It inspected Dubai International School Garhoud from 18th to 21st March 2019 and rated it as “Acceptable.”
According to the Dubai International School Al Garhoud KHDA rating and report, students show good improvement in English and Science across all the phases. The progress of elementary school students in Mathematics has improved from weak to acceptable. Their attainment and progress in Islamic Education and Arabic are the same in all phases. Kindergarten students show good learning skills. They also show good personal development, a strong sense of responsibility and a positive attitude towards learning. Students apply Islamic values and they understand Emirati culture well.
KHDA observed that gradual improvements are taking place in teaching especially in the elementary section. The assessment information is utilised for identifying gaps in learning and pinpointing spots where students need support.
The curriculum is slightly improved while teachers make grade-level curriculum standards for planning and carrying out lessons. Staff-student relationships are generally positive and student behaviour is well-managed. Students of determination receive effective support. The well-being of students is given high priority.
Students are also willingly take up the leadership role within the school. KG children have consistently good provision leading to a happy learning environment.
A key recommendation by the KHDA includes developing and implementing measurable targets to be achieved within a specified time. The school needs to reconfigure the High school section to match with an accredited American curriculum school. To do this, Dubai International Private School can implement a two-semester system while providing students with better choices for elective courses and preparing them for their career.
The school should ensure that teaching is aligned with curriculum standards and it utilises assessment information for lesson planning. All teachers should be aware of the special needs of students of determination and support them effectively.
According to the inspection report, Dubai International Private School Garhoud should ensure that visitors and parents are easily identifiable.
School’s progression in International Assessments meets expectations. Almost all the N.A.P (National Agenda Parameter) results are improved at Dubai International School Garhoud. Students from Grade 4, Grade 8 and Grade 9 have improved scores in the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS), Progress in International Student Assessment (PISA) and the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS). The school should work on preparing students in Grade 2, Grade 7 and Grade 8 for the forthcoming TIMSS, PISA and PIRLS assessments.
Students in Grade 4 exceeded the set targets. While MAP results are weak, there is an improvement. Students exceeded their predicted outcomes for CAT4.
School leadership gives the National Agenda high priority as they carefully analyse the assessment information to check students’ performance.
During the most effective lessons, teachers use skilful questioning to check students’ understanding. However, this should be a consistent feature. Teachers’ lack of expertise in using IT for lessons is a limiting factor.
Reading levels have improved for most students and they are making good progress in reading. By the end of High school, students become confident readers and are comfortable using a range of reading strategies. For better development, the school should implement a reading policy and evaluate it periodically.
Dubai International School Garhoud uses various resources to engage and motivate students. They engage in relevant discussions and make cross-curricular links while developing learning skills. Students attain above curriculum standards in lessons and their progress is better than expected.
KG students show promising learning skills but there is inconsistency. The school should use digital technology to support innovative learning. Students are encouraged to take up leadership roles in voluntary activities. This will also help create a sense of social responsibility.
High school and Middle school students show expected attainment in Islamic Education. They are aware of Fiqh and Hadeeth rules and demonstrate an appropriate understanding of verses from the Holy Quran. Their ability to think critically is underdeveloped. They are allowed to access the online dictionary for unfamiliar words in the Holy Quran. The school should use digital technology to enhance thinking skills in students.
The progress demonstrated by Middle school students in Arabic (as a first language) is better. In higher grades, their progress is inconsistent. Arabic speaking skills are most well-developed while listening and reading skills are improving. There has been a positive impact since the school has introduced reading and summarising activities to increase students’ vocabularies.
KG students make rapid progress when it comes to developing English speaking and listening skills. Recent initiatives show a positive effect on students’ development in English reading and speaking skills. Students’ written work in English is below grade-level expectations.
In Mathematics, KG students show proficiency in early number skills. Boys in middle and high school show weakness in mathematical knowledge and understanding. KG students show understanding of basic shapes and measurement. Greater consistency in quality of teaching can be achieved with the use of digital technology.
KG students show stronger achievement in science compared to other phases. Lab experiments for middle and High schools are not consistent to sharpen students’ ability to observe and analyse outcomes. Students have a deeper understanding of scientific terms.
Only a few students can make connections between learning and real-life situations but many can reflect on their learning. Students were found to have a genuine interest in learning when given the opportunity. However, they don’t have enough opportunities to develop and apply their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Students follow instructions properly. KG students have a strong sense of personal responsibility and are able to choose learning activities. Most students share a respectful relationship with their teachers and peers.
Planned lessons are in line with curriculum standards. Internal assessments are well-designed and are utilised to track students’ progress.
A well-balanced curriculum promotes children’s personal and academic development in the KG section. High-grade students get to choose from a range of curricular options as per their interest and career aspirations. Lessons planned are closely linked to California State Standards and the Ministry of Education (MoE) standards especially for Arabic, Islamic Education and Social Studies.
Moral education is taught as a stand-alone subject for a minimum of 40 minutes per week from Grade 1 until Grade 12. The curriculum is modified as per teachers’ feedback, test results and lesson monitoring.
Anti-bullying and child protection policies are shared with staff, students and parents. Most students of determination engage in meaningful activities but they do not make the expected progress. However, their progress and outcomes are closely monitored and are checked periodically.
Please note that the school has not been inspected for the academic year 2019 – 2020 due to the on-going coronavirus pandemic.
Academic Calendar for Dubai International School Garhoud
- The first term starts in the last week of August and ends in the second week of December, followed by a 3-week winter break.
- The second term starts in the first week of January and ends in the last week of March, followed by a 3-week spring break.
- The third term starts in the third week of April and ends in the first week of July, followed by a 2-month summer break.
Dubai International School Garhoud academic calendar is available on the official website.
Admission and Fees
How to Apply to Dubai International School Garhoud?
Dubai International School Al Garhoud branch welcomes all students regardless of their cast, nationality, religion and race. It is committed to providing equal opportunities to students with special needs in compliance with Law No. 29/2006 regarding the Rights of People with Special Needs.
Students can apply for Dubai International School Garhoud admission via an application form available on the official website. After applying and submitting mandatory documents, DIS Al Garhoud contacts the applicant if a seat is available. After receiving the confirmation from Dubai International Private School, the applicant has to appear for an entrance exam. Candidates are granted admission based on their performance in entrance exams. Admission fee is AED 315 and priority is given if:
- The applicant has a sibling who is currently enrolled in the school
- The student is transferring from another branch of the school
- The student gets high scores in the entrance exam
Below is the list of documents required for admission
- Copy of passport with residence visa valid for 6 months
- Emirates ID card of student and one of the parents (original and copy)
- Birth certificate
- Immunisation card and health file
- Photocopy of previous academic report card
- Two recent photographs of the student.
Students transferring from another country or emirate must submit the following documents:
- Students applying for Grade 1 to Grade 8 have to submit:
- Transfer Certificate from the country – certified and legalised by the Ministry of Education of Foreign Affairs and the UAE Embassy from the country of origin.
- Students of 9 grade to 12 grades must submit:
- Original Transfer Certificate legalised by the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UAE Embassy from the country of origin.
- Previous transcripts
- A letter of good conduct
Before starting the admission process, parents must ensure that their child meets the following age placement guideline.
| Grades | Minimum Entry Age | Maximum Entry Age | Minimum Entry Age for Overseas Transfers* |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Grades Pre-KG |
Minimum Entry Age 3 |
Maximum Entry Age – |
Minimum Entry Age for Overseas Transfers* – |
|
Grades KG 1 |
Minimum Entry Age 4 |
Maximum Entry Age – |
Minimum Entry Age for Overseas Transfers* – |
|
Grades KG 2 |
Minimum Entry Age 5 |
Maximum Entry Age – |
Minimum Entry Age for Overseas Transfers* – |
|
Grades Grade 1 |
Minimum Entry Age 6 |
Maximum Entry Age – |
Minimum Entry Age for Overseas Transfers* – |
|
Grades Grade 2 |
Minimum Entry Age 7 |
Maximum Entry Age 9 |
Minimum Entry Age for Overseas Transfers* 6 |
|
Grades Grade 3 |
Minimum Entry Age 8 |
Maximum Entry Age 10 |
Minimum Entry Age for Overseas Transfers* 7 |
|
Grades Grade 4 |
Minimum Entry Age 9 |
Maximum Entry Age 11 |
Minimum Entry Age for Overseas Transfers* 8 |
|
Grades Grade 5 |
Minimum Entry Age 10 |
Maximum Entry Age 12 |
Minimum Entry Age for Overseas Transfers* 9 |
|
Grades Grade 6 |
Minimum Entry Age 11 |
Maximum Entry Age 13 |
Minimum Entry Age for Overseas Transfers* 10 |
|
Grades Grade 7 |
Minimum Entry Age 12 |
Maximum Entry Age 14 |
Minimum Entry Age for Overseas Transfers* 11 |
|
Grades Grade 8 |
Minimum Entry Age 13 |
Maximum Entry Age 15 |
Minimum Entry Age for Overseas Transfers* 12 |
|
Grades Grade 9 |
Minimum Entry Age 14 |
Maximum Entry Age 17 |
Minimum Entry Age for Overseas Transfers* 13 |
|
Grades Grade 10 |
Minimum Entry Age 15 |
Maximum Entry Age 18 |
Minimum Entry Age for Overseas Transfers* 14 |
|
Grades Grade 11 |
Minimum Entry Age 16 |
Maximum Entry Age 19 |
Minimum Entry Age for Overseas Transfers* 15 |
|
Grades Grade 12 |
Minimum Entry Age 17 |
Maximum Entry Age 20 |
Minimum Entry Age for Overseas Transfers* 16 |
This is based on the age of the students on 31st March (for schools beginning in April) and 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)
Fee Structure at Dubai International School Garhoud
Here is the Dubai International School Garhoud fees for the current academic year:
| Grades | Tuition Fee | Books Fee | Library, Lab and Exams Fee (5% VAT included) | Portal and E-Learning Fee (5% VAT included) | Uniform Fee (5% VAT included) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Grades Pre-KG – KG 2 |
Tuition Fee AED 13,915 |
Books Fee AED 1,200 |
Library, Lab and Exams Fee (5% VAT included) AED 1,050 |
Portal and E-Learning Fee (5% VAT included) AED 1,575 |
Uniform Fee (5% VAT included) AED 945 |
|
Grades Grade 1 |
Tuition Fee AED 13,915 |
Books Fee AED 1,700 |
Library, Lab and Exams Fee (5% VAT included) AED 1,050 |
Portal and E-Learning Fee (5% VAT included) AED 2,100 |
Uniform Fee (5% VAT included) AED 945 |
|
Grades Grade 2 |
Tuition Fee AED 14,075 |
Books Fee AED 1,700 |
Library, Lab and Exams Fee (5% VAT included) AED 1,050 |
Portal and E-Learning Fee (5% VAT included) AED 2,100 |
Uniform Fee (5% VAT included) AED 945 |
|
Grades Grade 3 – Grade 4 |
Tuition Fee AED 14,235 |
Books Fee AED 1,700 |
Library, Lab and Exams Fee (5% VAT included) AED 1,050 |
Portal and E-Learning Fee (5% VAT included) AED 2,100 |
Uniform Fee (5% VAT included) AED 945 |
|
Grades Grade 5 |
Tuition Fee AED 14,710 |
Books Fee AED 1,700 |
Library, Lab and Exams Fee (5% VAT included) AED 1,050 |
Portal and E-Learning Fee (5% VAT included) AED 2,100 |
Uniform Fee (5% VAT included) AED 945 |
|
Grades Grade 6 |
Tuition Fee AED 14,710 |
Books Fee AED 2,310 |
Library, Lab and Exams Fee (5% VAT included) AED 1,050 |
Portal and E-Learning Fee (5% VAT included) AED 2,730 |
Uniform Fee (5% VAT included) AED 945 |
|
Grades Grade 7 – Grade 8 |
Tuition Fee AED 16,665 |
Books Fee AED 2,310 |
Library, Lab and Exams Fee (5% VAT included) AED 1,050 |
Portal and E-Learning Fee (5% VAT included) AED 2,730 |
Uniform Fee (5% VAT included) AED 945 |
|
Grades Grade 9 |
Tuition Fee AED 18,120 |
Books Fee AED 1,400 |
Library, Lab and Exams Fee (5% VAT included) AED 1,050 |
Portal and E-Learning Fee (5% VAT included) AED 2,730 |
Uniform Fee (5% VAT included) AED 945 |
|
Grades Grade 10 |
Tuition Fee AED 18,285 |
Books Fee AED 1,400 |
Library, Lab and Exams Fee (5% VAT included) AED 1,050 |
Portal and E-Learning Fee (5% VAT included) AED 2,730 |
Uniform Fee (5% VAT included) AED 945 |
|
Grades Grade 11 |
Tuition Fee AED 20,065 |
Books Fee AED 1,400 |
Library, Lab and Exams Fee (5% VAT included) AED 1,050 |
Portal and E-Learning Fee (5% VAT included) AED 2,730 |
Uniform Fee (5% VAT included) AED 945 |
|
Grades Grade 12 |
Tuition Fee AED 21,845 |
Books Fee AED 1,750 |
Library, Lab and Exams Fee (5% VAT included) AED 1,050 |
Portal and E-Learning Fee (5% VAT included) AED 4,525 |
Uniform Fee (5% VAT included) AED 945 |
Facilities
Lunch Options at Dubai International School Garhoud
Students can gather at the cafeteria during their allotted time for lunch. The school cafeteria maintains high standards of safety and hygiene.
Boys and girls from Grade 4 to 12 have separate cafeterias. All the cafeterias offer a wide range of food items at reasonable prices. The menu includes healthy snacks, freshly made sandwiches and a hot meal. Drinks including fresh fruit juices are also available. The school tries to limit the amount of fried and fatty food for students.
Junk food such as chips, lollipops and soft drinks are not allowed and parents are suggested to pack healthy snacks (fruit and vegetables) for their kids.
School Transportation at Dubai International School Garhoud
To help parents save time and efforts, the school offers a transportation service for students. School buses shuttle through selected locations and the service is offered based on the availability of seats.
Strict safety measures are implemented for the bus service. No bad behaviour will be tolerated and failure to do so may lead to the student being banned from using the school bus.
Following rules should be followed by students:
- They should keep the bus clean and tidy
- Students should only sit on the seat assigned to him/her
- They should interact with the driver and assistant respectfully
- Students should arrive 5 minutes before the scheduled pickup time in the morning
- Buses will leave the school premises at the designated time and will not wait for the students
- Talking loudly is not allowed inside the bus
- Eating and drinking inside the bus is not allowed
- Damaging the school bus will lead to fines and disciplinary actions. The school reserves the right to withdraw the school bus service if a student commits three offences.
Annual transportation charges will be in the range of AED 6,000 to AED 8,000.
Sports Facilities
There are many sports facilities for the students of Dubai International School Garhoud. There is a big grass field for football. A swimming pool is also within the premises.
Extra-curricular Activities at Dubai International School Garhoud
Other than academics, the school recognises the importance of extracurricular and lesson-related activities. Students from the KG levels to Grade 6 can choose from Arts and Music. Grade 10 students can take Visual Arts as an elective subject. Physical Education and swimming are offered at all grade levels.
Co-curricular activities and cross-curricular activities are also planned throughout the year at DIS Garhoud. There are different clubs for students as well. These club activities are planned during regular school hours on Saturdays:
| Art Club | Music Club |
| Computer Club | Islamic Club |
| French Club | Football Club |
| Karate Club | Basketball Club |
| Debate Club | Robotics Club |
Field Trips from Dubai International School Garhoud
The school offers field trips every academic year. A few of the trips in the recent past include the Kindergarten’s trip to Chuck E. Cheese’s, Grade 1 trip to Air Maniax Park Dubai, Grade 4 trip to Children’s City, Dubai.
After-school Care at Dubai International School Garhoud
The school does not provide any after school care. However, students taking part in the extracurricular activities can remain at school for their activity.
Medical Care at Dubai International School Garhoud
If any student has to take medicine during school hours, he/she should inform the school in writing and submit written permission signed by the parents, except if the medicine is prescribed by the school doctor. If a student brings any medication to the school, it is kept in the clinic and is administered by the school doctor/nurse. All medications should be clearly labelled with the student’s full name and section. The school clinic should be provided with the following information:
- The dose of the medication
- Frequency of dosage
- Indication of medicine
- Possible side-effects for the medication
In case of emergency, the student can inform any member of the staff and visit the clinic. A staff member or doctor informs the parents as soon as possible.
Contact
Mode of Communication between Teachers and Parents
Dubai International Private School Al Garhoud has WhatsApp groups for smooth communication between teachers and parents. The Mothers’ Council is a vital pillar of DIS Al Garhoud, which further strengthens the communication between the parents and administration. This council works in an advisory capacity to make recommendations and carry out the discussion. It is a forum for all parents to suggest ideas and recommend school improvement plans. The council has a maximum of 10 members and is elected for one academic year. The lead parent is elected by other members.
The school portal works as an effective communication link between teachers, parents and students.
Dubai International School Garhoud Contact Information
Note that the cover image belongs to Dubai International School Garhoud
