Dubai Modern Education School

• Dubai Modern Education School location
• Years offered
• Dubai Modern Education School curriculum
• KHDA rating
• How to apply?
• Fee structure
• Dubai Modern Education School scholarships
• Dubai Modern Education School transportation
• PTA and contact information

Dubai Modern Education School (DMES) is a private, co-educational and K-12 school near Algeria Street in Al Mizhar. Established in 1996, DMES is home to students residing in Dubai and its surrounding Emirates. Since its establishment, DMES founders have endeavoured for the school to be an internationally-recognized institution in line with its vision of “empowering learners to contribute to the global community through innovation, exploration and citizenship.”

As an international school, DMES has a diverse student body consisting of more than 40 nationalities, the majority of which are Emirati students. One of the distinct features of DMES is the dual nature of its educational programme. The campus houses two separate sections for students enrolled in the US Curriculum and the Ministry of Education (MOE) Curriculum. It is a student-centred and inclusive school known for its family-oriented culture boasting strong partnerships with parents and families. It does so with the help of its non-discriminatory admission policy.

DMES was successfully granted the NEASC Candidacy Status following the NEASC Preparatory Visit in November 2019. Currently, the school continues to innovate and upgrade its educational practices towards obtaining an improved KHDA rating and NEASC Accreditation.

The school has 1,946 students in both sections. They are taught by a team of 123 teachers for US section and 67 teachers for MOE section. About 20 elective and regular courses are part of the educational programme.

Read this elaborate guide on DMES to find out more about this school.

Dubai Modern Education School is in the southernmost region of Dubai – Al Mizhar. It is a residential area fit for families as it has spacious and luxurious villas. All the amenities, including shopping malls, restaurants and schools, are easily accessible by residents.

There are several residential communities near the school, which include:

• Muhaisnah 1
• Mirdif
• Al Rashidiya 1
• Al Warqaa 2

Muhaisnah 1 is closest to DMES. This community is ideal for residential purposes as it has a wide range of villas with backyards. Also, the availability of recreational spots and green spaces makes it an attractive place to live.

• Villas for rent near Dubai Modern Education School
• Villas for sale near Dubai Modern Education School

The campus of DMES sprawls around a large piece of land. Since 1996, DMES has been upgrading its facilities and learning spaces to support the curriculum, health, safety and wellbeing of all students. All classrooms have sufficient technology resources, including Smart Boards, projectors, and video conferencing technology.

DMES has separate gym halls and spacious outdoor spaces for PE and sports activities. It also has a 1000-seater multi-purpose hall for assemblies and other non-curricular activities. There are additional learning resources for students to aid in their learning. The school has marker spaces and junior libraries for kindergarten and elementary sections. Junior science laboratory, study room, Lego room, innovation labs, robotics labs, gardening areas and SEND rooms for other students. Parking spaces are also available outside the campus for parents and staff members.

Dubai Modern School is located slightly off Algeria Street behind Al Mizhar American Academy. It lies in the Al Mizhar area and is surrounded by many schools. Those looking to visit the school from the nearby communities can access it via Airport Road (D89) and Tunis Street (D93). The popular nearby places include Etihad Mall and Arabian Centre.

A striking feature of this school is the availability of two educational programmes. Students can either opt to enrol in the MOE or US curriculum sections. The MOE curriculum is suitable for those interested in pursuing their education based on traditional Emirati values. It offers a wide range of subjects as per the guidelines and recommendations of the Ministry of Education (MOE). On the other hand, those looking for a foreign curriculum can opt for the US curriculum section, recognised and granted the NEASC Candidacy status in 2019.

DMES is an ever-evolving institution that ensures quality educational care and support to students. During the COVID-19 pandemic, DMES adopted different learning approaches to bridge the educational gap and meet the academic needs of students. Moreover, the school strives to improve its educational programme and facilities to offer the best learning environment.

DMES students and staff appreciate the UAE culture and heritage by participating in school celebrations and ECAs. Cross-curricular connections and UAE links are reflected in lesson plans. Students engage in these activities to develop a strong sense and awareness of Islamic values.

DMES ensures a safe and secure school environment that promotes the happiness and wellbeing of students and their success in school and beyond. The school environment is maintained according to high standards of cleanliness and hygiene. It embraces the dynamism and open-mindedness that comes with its diverse school community. All members have a shared responsibility to nurture a global environment. Students from all backgrounds and nationalities are welcome.

Differentiated teaching instruction, project-based learning, STEAM education and inclusive education are some essential components of teaching and learning at DMES. Students are empowered to become self-directed learners, risk-takers, and future-oriented. The school offers various ECA opportunities to nurture individual talents, passions and skills. It also encourages students to cultivate DMES core values of respect, tolerance, leadership, responsibility, citizenship and commitment.

Another positive aspect of DEMS is its positive learning environment. The close sense of community among teachers, children and parents ensures a home-like environment. The school leadership and governance teams are playing their part to further improve the school’s performance, which has been identified by KHDA and NEASC.

DMES is implementing the revised set of protocols for opening schools for the academic year 2021-2022.

The protocols are largely unchanged. However, KHDA has made changes to some of the essential protocols considering the current health and safety situation in the emirate. Here are the COVID-19 protocols for schools to consider for this academic year:

• COVID-19 vaccines are not mandatory for students and staff. Employees that are not fully vaccinated need to submit a negative COVID-19 PCR test result at the start of each week.
• Schools can now run their buses at 100% capacity. However, they have to comply with the health and safety protocols regarding sanitisation and ventilation.
• Schools can now carry out extracurricular activities but have to follow COVID-19 safety measures. Swimming, sports, school trips, excursions and holiday camps can all resume under the same condition.
• Schools have to ensure that students and staff continue to practice social distancing on campuses. The preferable distance has been reduced to 1 metre. Students above six years old, staff members and visitors will have to wear facemask at all times.
• From October 3, KHDA ordered schools to offer only in-person learning. Those wishing to continue their studies via distance learning must provide a medical certificate issued by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA).

For more information, contact the school.

DMES provides education to students aged 4 to 17 years old. The educational system at the school is split into two different structures due to two different curriculums.

US curriculum Section

MOE Section

At DMES, two separate curricula are followed:

US curriculum

The US curriculum at DMES is taught to students aged 4 to 17 years old, including the Kindergarten stage.

The standards that define the balance and scope of the US curriculum include the California Common Core State Standards (English-medium subjects) and California Next Generation Science Standards. The US curriculum adopted by the school ensured enriched academic opportunities. Consequently, students completing their education following the aforementioned US educational standards get admission to top colleges and universities. This curriculum allows students to become actively engaged in learning experiences that foster innovation, creativity, enterprise and global citizenship

For Arabic, Islamic Education and Moral Education, the school adopts the UAE MOE-based standards. The curriculum for Social Studies is based on both the Common Core State Standard (CCSS) and the MOE curriculum.

For English and mathematics, it adopts the Common Core Standard State (CCSS). The English Language Learner (ELL) and English Literacy Development (ELD) programmes are also based on California CCSS. It covers the following subjects:

For science (kindergarten to Grade 12), California Next Generation Science Standards (Cal-NGSS) is followed. Other subjects offered in this section are:

Business and Finance is only available to students in Grade 9 to Grade 12.

MOE Curriculum

The section following the MOE curriculum abides by the guidelines and principles laid by the Ministry of Education. It is a local curriculum with a wide range of subjects. The subjects taught in this section are:

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 to distance learning if COVID-19 cases are detected in a class or a group in a class.

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.

The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) is a governmental sanction body to regulate the educational sector in Dubai. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum established this institution in 2006 to improve the quality of education. It annually inspects and judges the schools’ performance based on a six-point scale. The scale varies from outstanding (best rating) to very weak (worst rating).

In the inspection report for 2018-19, Dubai Modern Education School is rated as an acceptable school. DMES is aiming to improve its current standing through the School Advancement Program (SAP) provided by KHDA to acceptable schools whose majority of students’ population is Emiratis.

The KHDA approved academic calendar at Dubai Modern Education School starts in August and ends in July. The important dates are as follows:

Classes for the new academic year starts in the last week of August. The school closes for the winter break for three weeks from the third week of December to the last week of December. Classes resume in the first week of January and end in the fourth week of March. Students then go on a spring break from the last week of March to the first week of April. Classes resume again in the second week of April and end in the first week of July.

For more information, view the academic calendar for DMES.

DMES is an inclusive school accepting admission applications irrespective of any discrimination. Yet the decision to offer the admission rest on the availability and entrance test results.

To start the admission process, parents need to fill out the online admission application. You can also download the application form from the official website and submit it to the admission department.

The following documents are required at the time of submission:

• Passport with a valid UAE residence visa (one copy) (only for expatriates)
• Birth certificate of the candidate (one copy) 
• Family book (one copy) (for the UAE citizens)
• Health card of the candidate (one copy)
• Four recent passport-size photographs of the candidate
• Emirate ID cards of the candidate and parents (one copy, both sides)
• Original Emirates ID of the candidate and parents (for scanning purposes)
• Original transfer certificate (for candidates outside Dubai)
• Transcript of marks for the last two academic years
• Student Information System (SIS) number (for candidates in UAE)

Those applying from other emirates of the UAE must get their transfer certificate attested by the Education zone of that area. Those previously studied in government schools or other Emirates’ schools should also get their transcripts certified by the Education Zone of that Emirate.

Those applying outside the UAE should get their transfer certificate attested by the previous school, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UAE Embassy. The transcript must also be certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UAE embassy.

The age-grade guideline followed by DMES is:

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)

Once submitted, the school contacts the parents to bring their child for an assessment. The assessment includes interviews and entrance tests. For Grade 3 onwards, students need to clear the online Measure of Academic Progress (MAP) test.

In the final stage of admission, parents sign a contract and pay the required deposit to secure a seat for their child.

For more information, read the admission procedure of Dubai Modern Education School.

The school charges different tuition fees for the US curriculum and MOE curriculum sections. The Dubai Modern Education School fees structure are as follows:

US Curriculum Fee

The registration fee for the US curriculum section is AED 500 for all grades.

MOE Curriculum Fee

The registration fee for the MOE curriculum section is AED 500 for all grades.

The school does not offer any scholarship award to its students.

Dubai Modern Education School encourages children to eat healthy and nutritiously rich food. Therefore, the school provide lunch meals to students from KG1 to Grade 4. Additional charges are applicable for this service. From Grade 5 onwards, students can buy their favourite meal from the canteen at affordable prices. They can also bring home-packed lunch boxes to school.

DMES offers a fast, reliable and convenient transport service to its students. They have collaborated with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to ensure a safe and secure travelling experience.

There is no boarding facility for students at DMES.

The school offers holiday camps to its students. One prominent holiday camp was the boy scout team camp where students learn essential skills of scouting. They were trained by professionals and learnt exciting skills, such as archery and cooking.

There is a wide range of sports facilities available for students at DMES. Most of the physical activities take place in a spacious covered outdoor hall. Here, students use sports equipment to remain active. There is also an indoor sports hall for male and female students with tracks to allow them to prepare for running competitions.

Extra-curricular activities are the main source of developing modern-day skills. In today’s world, these activities have become an important part of students’ life. It is the same for students of DMES, as they have plenty of activities to choose from. From sports to academics, students can participate in activities of their choice. Some extra-curricular activities offered at DMES are:

The field trip is an important part of the extra-curricular activities at Dubai Modern Education School. Students visit famous recreation, historical and other significant places in Dubai and Sharjah. Some noteworthy trips arranged by the DMES are:

Currently, the school does not provide any after school care. The day starts at 7: 30 am and ends at 1:30 pm for all grades of both curriculums.

DMES has a school clinic managed by a school doctor and nurses that cater to the health-related needs of students, staff, and visitors. Proper medical intervention is provided to students. Health programs and services provided by the school clinic include immunizations, routine health assessments (e.g. vision, hearing, and dental screenings), and health education. The School Clinic operates in compliance with KHDA, DHA, Dubai Municipality regulations and has established programs for COVID-19 prevention and control.

There are several modes of communication at Dubai Modern Education School that helps parents and teachers to share their ideas and feedback.

Parent Council is one of the modes of communication that play an active role in starting new initiatives. The parents of current students represent this body and help to improve the students’ experience.

DMES arranges parent-teacher meetings throughout the academic year where parents and teachers discuss the progress made by children. Virtual parent drop-in sessions (every Monday) are arranged for parents and teachers after school. These meetings serve as an opportunity for them to help students to reach their full potential.

The Dubai Modern Education School Portal is another source of communication at DMES Dubai. Here, parents can access vital information such as attendance records, academic progress, feedback, examination schedule and events notification.

School’s website is another source of communication. Under the latest news section, parents have access to electronic notice boards and information on featured and upcoming events. Additionally, parents and teachers can contact each other through school designated WhatsApp groups.

• Address: Algeria Street, Al Mizhar, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
• Telephone: +97 14 2885115
• For general enquiries: dmes@eim.ae and info@dmes.ae
• Reception: reception@dmes.ae
• Admission email: registration@dmes.ae
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Note that the cover image belongs to Dubai Modern Education School