Dubai Schools Mirdif is one of two new schools offering the US curriculum that opened in August 2021. The schools will be operated by Taaleem in partnership with the Dubai Government.

The story so far...

Dubai Schools Mirdif is one of two new schools that opened in Dubai in August 2021. The second school is located in Al Barsha. A third school opened in August 2022 in the Nad Al Sheba area. 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. Initially, the schools opened from pre-school to Grade 4 with an initial capacity of 800 students adding Grade 5 in 2022 and an additional grade each year thereafter.

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 for why parents should choose its school at local families, informing them “Because the vision and mission of Dubai Schools Mirdif dovetail with the national priorities of the UAE. The main objective of the Dubai Schools 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.”

The Mirdif school is led by Ms. Aimee Fleming, a graduate of the Harvard Graduate School of Education, and an experienced leader who, among her previous roles, was Director of Education at GEMS Outstanding-rated Dubai American Academy.

Teachers are recruited 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 Mirdif offers an American Curriculum based on the New York State Education Department – NYSED - leading to an American High School Diploma. We expect that in common with all Dubai-based US curriculum schools, Dubai Schools Mirdif will seek accreditation from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), thus ensuring that the Diploma is recognised and accepted by colleges and universities in the USA and internationally.

The curriculum aims to develop well-rounded learners by teaching global perspectives and context to enable students to successfully 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 also includes 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 students' learning, as well as teaching them 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 Middle school are required to enroll in standard elective classes that encourage them to pursue interests and passions beyond the core curriculum and prepares them for the High School elective program. Middle school standard elective classes include Physical Education, Visual Arts, Computer Technology, and Music.

Students in High school will be offered Advanced Placement pre-university/college entry classes in addition to the core curriculum.

A variety of extra-curricular activities will also be available to students; details are published at the start of each academic year.

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

Dubai Schools Mirdif says that it prides itself on inclusion and welcomes 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?

The Mirdif school has taken over the facilities of the now closed Ontario International Canadian School in Uptown Mirdif.  Coincidentally, the building was originally home to Taaleem's Uptown Primary School which transferred its students to Uptown International School on its opening. 

Facilities are of a high standard within a modern, purpose-built building.

The Buzz

 The Taaleem group has long 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 Mirdif will be placing their children in 'a safe pair of hands' which will ensure that they receive a high standard of education meeting the authorities' ambition for 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 Mirdif should offer an attractive option.

If you are a parent or teacher at Dubai Schools Mirdif, 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. ED 38,800. Fees already released for these grades range from AED 41,300 for Grade 6 to AED 46,800 for Grade 12. 

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