2018's Most Expensive UAE School Names Head

Dwight School Dubai has announced the appointment of Janecke Aarnæs as the founding principal of the new IB school set for launch in September 2018.

Stephen H. Spahn, Chancellor of The Dwight Schools said, "with her extensive background in international education, track record of leadership, and dedication to personalised learning – Dwight’s cornerstone – Ms. Aarnæs is poised to successfully launch Dwight’s first school in the Middle East."

"We look forward to welcoming her and our new students when we open the doors in fall 2018.”

Dwight School Dubai will be the New York based school’s first campus in the Middle East, and its fourth international school after London, Seoul, and Shanghai. It will become the most expensive school in the UAE on opening, by current KHDA approved fees, at a time when other premium tier schools are offering discounts and even lowering their fees.

Aarnaes clearly has the pedigree for such a top-tier appointment however with 22 years of experience in the public and private education sector, including schools in Norway and Belgium.

Prior to joining Dwight School Dubai, she was the Head of Oslo International School (OIS), private Kindergarten to Year 12 IB World School in Norway.

Aarnaes is an active member of numerous international organizations, and currently serves on the board of the Educational Collaborative for International Schools (ECIS).

She holds a post-graduate diploma in Leading Innovation and Change from York St. John’s University in the UK and a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Anthropology, Political Geography and French from University of Oslo in Norway.

In addition, she speaks eight languages; English, French, Norwegian, Swedish, Danish, Spanish, Italian and German.

Aarnæs said, “I am excited about the amazing opportunity to bring the Dwight School’s mission to the Middle East.

“I aim to be a strong female role model who inspires young learners to dare go their own ways, constantly absorb new information, challenge their assumptions and believe that every individual has the power to make a positive difference."

Aarnæs added that she was looking forward to "working with my colleagues, students and parents", and "equipping Dubai’s young people with the right skills for the future..."