Dubai Schools Al Barsha is a US curriculum school that opened in Al Barsha South in August 2021. It is one of three schools that have been set up jointly by the Dubai Government and the Taaleem Group of schools as a Public Private Partnership.

The story so far...

Dubai Schools Al Barsha is one of two new schools that opened in Dubai in September 2021. The second school is located in Mirdif. A third school was opened in September 2022 in Nad Al Sheba. The schools are a joint venture in the form of a public-private partnership between the Dubai Government and Taaleem Education – owners of Outstanding-rated Dubai British School and Raha International School Abu Dhabi.  In so doing, Dubai is following an initiative that began with the Charter Schools scheme in Abu Dhabi, in which Taaleem is also involved. 

Initially, the schools opened from pre-school to Grade 4 with a capacity of 800 students and are adding grades each year.

Although the schools are predominantly aimed at Emirati families, they are certainly not the sole focus. Students of other nationalities are welcomed in order to offer a truly international experience and education to all students at the school. 

The group, however, clearly aims its explanation as to why parents should choose their schools at local families, informing them “Because the vision and mission of Dubai Schools Al Barsha dovetail with the national priorities of the UAE. The main objective of the Dubai Schools Al Barsha Project is to create a mutually beneficial partnership between the government and the private sector that ensures Dubai’s aspiration to have 100% of Emirati Students enrolled in 'Good+' rated schools by 2021.”

The Dubai Schools Mission is:

“To be a Beacon of Academic Excellence. Combining an inquisitive teaching approach and future-focused skillset delivery, we work hand-in-hand with the community to nurture students to become independent and empathetic learners. We offer an American education that will be guided by Arabic principles and Islamic values which will foster future-ready graduates, driven by pride and tolerance”
The schools’ values are “Future-ready, Trust & Empathy, Collaboration & Inclusion, Cultural Preservation, Academic excellence.”

Dubai Schools Al Barsha was initially led by Founding Superintendent Dr. Joseph Kotarski, a US citizen with nearly 20 years teaching and leadership experience in K-12 education. He is a graduate of the University of Southern California with a Doctorate in Organizational Change and Leadership, and holds two Masters degrees in educational leadership, and international management and policy. Dr. Kotarski has spent over seven years in the UAE, working closely with Emirati and expatriate children and families. His most recent position was as Principal/CEO at an Abu Dhabi school. 

However, with the opening of two further Dubai National Schools at Mirdif and Al Barsha, Dr. Kotarski has been promoted to the role of Director of Education - US curriculum, and his role as Principal has been assumed by Ms. Karen Green, a UK native who has been with the Taaleem Group since 2016.

Teachers are hired both internationally and locally to ensure that staff have the right blend of enthusiasm, knowledge, and experience in the region, to help students achieve their best.

What about the curriculum?

Dubai Schools Al Barsha offers an American Curriculum based on the New York State Education Department – NYSED - leading to an American High School diploma. We assume that, in line with all US curriculum schools in Dubai, accreditation will be sought through NEASC - the New England Association of Schools and Colleges - which will ensure that the High School Diploma is accepted and recognised both in the USA and internationally.

The curriculum aims to develop well-rounded learners by teaching global perspectives and context to enable students successfully to develop the critical thinking skills and acumen "to contribute positively to a rapidly changing world".

The school will teach and embrace global citizenship but will educate and guide students to be well developed and led by Arabic and Islamic principles and values. There will also be a strong focus on entrepreneurship and innovation, sustainability, tolerance, and many other key aspirations of the U.A.E. national agenda for education.

At the KG1 and KG2 levels, the curriculum has been designed as an "experiential, play-based, and developmentally appropriate" curriculum based on NYSED standards. The curriculum will also include additional features including Approaches to Learning, Physical Development and Health, Social and Emotional Learning, and Approaches to Communication. These additional areas of learning are also provided by the State of New York and are based on recommendations from the (US) National Association for the Education of Young Children.

The elementary school curriculum focuses on developing strong foundational skills in English Language Arts, Mathematics, UAE and US Social Studies, Arabic Language, Islamic Education, Moral Education, Science, Information Technology, Physical Education, Art and Music. Following on from the Kindergarten curriculum, the elementary curriculum is developed to ensure that all children succeed, including those who develop at different rates. The curriculum aims to encourage children’s natural curiosity and desire to explore the world around them.

The curriculum is organized around themes and topics that connect the various subjects – encouraging an inquiry-based approach to learning and enabling students to participate in learning through 'doing' (experiential learning) both in the school and within the wider community. This approach will build real-world connections to their learning, as well as learn about the Emirati culture.

The Middle school curriculum has been developed with early adolescent learners in mind supporting the need for relevance, belonging, competence, relationships, and fun. The school uses, as its starting point for curriculum development, the 'Engage New York' curriculum including English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Physical Education, Arabic, Islamic Studies, UAE Social Studies, Social Studies, Moral Education and Physical Education. In addition, students will make two elective choices between Arts subjects (Music, Theater, Band or Visual Arts) or Model United Nations (MUN) or Computer Studies & Digital Fluency.

Students in Phase 3 are required to enroll in standard elective classes that encourage them to pursue interests and passions beyond the core curriculum and prepare them for the High School elective program. Middle school standard elective classes include Physical Education, Visual Arts, Computer Technology, and Music.

A variety of extra-curricular activities are available to students, with details published at the start of each academic year. 

What about support for students of Determination and those with Gifts and Talents?

Dubai Schools Al Barsha says that it prides itself on inclusion and welcome all students. The school promises the delivery of high-quality education for all children, including gifted children and those requiring more learning support. The school has its own dedicated Inclusion Support Team led by an Inclusion Champion and monitored by a Governor for Inclusion.

The Taaleem Group of schools has played a leading role in the development of inclusion policies in Dubai and Abu Dhabi and is highly regarded for the support it is able to offer. Personalized learning programs are developed for students with specific needs on a case-by-case basis, and these programs include access to appropriate resources and support and curricular options.

What about the Facilities?

Dubai Schools Al Barsha has taken over an existing campus in Al Barsha South that only opened five years ago. It consists of a main building with space for the development of a Middle and High school section over time.  All ground floor class rooms have outside access.  Sports facilities include a multi-purpose sports field, gymnasium and swimming pool.

The Buzz

 The Taaleem group has already had a very strong reputation in terms of its schools' academic performance and is highly regarded in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi. It already operates a US curriculum school in Dubai - the only All Girls school in fact - which has also been attractive to Emirati families. 

We have no doubt that for Emirati families, placing their children in Dubai Schools Al Barsha will be placing their children in 'a safe pair of hands' which will ensure that they receive a high standard of education meeting their ambition of a KHDA rating of Good or higher.

And for families of other nationalities who are seeking a high quality US curriculum in an environment where their children will be immersed in the Emirati culture, Dubai Schools Al Barsha should offer an attractive option.

If you are a parent or teacher at Dubai Schools Al Barsha, please share your opinions and experience with other potential members of your community and complete our Survey.

What about the fees?

Fees are definitely moderately priced with KG 1 fees starting at AED 29,900, KG2 AED 32,400, Grade 1 AED 34,700, Grade 2 AED 34,700, Grade 3 AED 35,555, Grade 4 AED 36,155 and Grade 5 at AED 38,800. Additional grades will open annually until the school reaches full capacity at Grade 12.  We understand that scholarships are available for Emirati students.

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