Highgate International School is a new CBSE curriculum school that will open in April 2023. It is located in the Arjan area of Dubai, just off the Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed highway.

The story so far...

Highgate International School was launched just in time for the 2023-24 academic year, following approval from the KHDA whose website still shows only limited information. However, the school’s website and flyers do give more information. 

Perhaps most of interest to potential parents are the school timings which will be from 8.00am to  1.00 pm (Monday to Thursday) and 8.00 am to  12.00pm (Fridays) for pre-KG to KG2 and 8:00am to 3:00pm (Monday - Thursday), 8:00am to 12:00pm on Friday for Grades 1 to 5.  Parents will no doubt welcome the later start time.

Although details of the Principal are not yet available (presumably awaiting confirmation by the KHDA), the Chairman of the school is Mr. Ravi Kumar Mandalapu, and the CEO is Mr. Guruswami Kalloor.

Whilst Mr. Kumar is Indian-based, much of his business is located in the USA.  He is the investor in the new school. Mr. Kalloor  joined Highgate International School in January 2023. His background includes a lengthy association with  JSS Education Foundation in India and Dubai, followed by the Ambassador Group of Schools and, latterly, Gulf Model School. 

The school will open from pre-KG to Grade 5 in its first academic year and will be organised into pre-Primary, Primary, Middle School, and Secondary sections as it grows.  On opening, the school will have a student:teacher ratio of 10:1 in KG and 15:1 from Grade 1.  These are relatively low student:teacher ratios by Indian school standards.

What about the curriculum?

The school will offer the increasingly popular EYFS curriculum (originally developed in the UK but now frequently incorporated in CBSE curriculum schools) in pre-KG and KG, and the CBSE curriculum through the rest of the school.  ICT will have a key role in the educational process.

Highgate International School promises a 'Holistic Approach' to the education that it delivers focusing on Academic Excellence, Physical Wellness, Emotional Wellness, Arts and Creativity, Leadership, Technology integration and Social Integration.  

These commitments will be delivered through the academic curriculum, and through a range of After School, Extra-curricular and co-curricular activities.

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

Although  no specific mention is made in regard to support for students with additional learning needs, we would expect, in line with KHDA requirements, that Highgate International School will offer a fully inclusive environment.  Although the school has posted its Inclusion Policy on its website, this is not currently accessible.

What about the facilities?

The school is housed in a new building and includes a library with ICT integration to support students and staff in research activities and Science and STEAM Laboratories with appropriate demonstration, equipment for experimental and investigative scientific studies. The school is equipped with advanced ICT facilities for students from kindergarten to all grades through smart boards, tablets and computers.

Visual and Performing Arts facilities include studios with well-equipped visual art, music, dance and drama stations, whilst an Amphitheatre, built strategically on the top floor of the building will offer a dynamic stage, where all assemblies and special events will be held.

Kindergarten classrooms are designed with indoor and outdoor play areas with numerous physical and engaging activities for recreation and skill development of younger students.

The school’s sports facilities include a Basketball Court, a Tennis Court, Throw-ball and Volleyball Courts, a soccer Field, Cricket Nets, a temperature controlled indoor swimming pool, Table Tennis and other indoor sports.

What about the Fees?

Fees for all grades have not yet been released although applications are open from Pre-KG to Grade 5.

KHDA approved fees for Pre-KG are AED 18,000, discounted to AED 12,000, whilst the official KG1/KG2 fees are also AED 18,000, but discounted to AED 13,000.  Additional charges include the Registration Fees of AED 500 (Adjustable against tuition fees and Non Refundable) and ID Card fees of AED 50.

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