Liwa International School Al Qattara, which opened in August 2022, is the latest school to join the Al Ain-based Liwa Education group.

The story so far...

Liwa International School Al Qattara is the fourth school to be opened by Al Ain-based Liwa Education.  It joins Liwa International School Falaj Hazza, Liwa International School for Girls, Liwa International School, Al Mushrif and the four Teddy Bear Nurseries located in Abu Dhabi, together with a new branch that is located at the Al Qattara campus. 

The school is currently open from KG1 to Grade 5 and will add a grade annually until fully open to Grade 12. On opening, the school had attracted almost 270 children, the majority from Emirati and other Arabic nationality families.  The average class size is 22 students, with a maximum of 28 once fully operational.  The school currently employs 61 teachers with a teacher:student ratio of 1:25 in KG and 1:30 in the other grades - this is on the higher side for international schools in the UAE.

Teachers are said to be highly qualified and experienced and from a range of nationalities including Western, Arab and Asian, the majority with experience of the US curriculum.  The school is led by Mrs. Adrianna Chestnut, who previously led a Dubai-based US curriculum school.

What about the curriculum?

Liwa International School Al Qattara offers the US Common Core curriculum based on California State Standards for English Language Arts and Math, together with Next Generation Science Standards and National Standards for Social Studies (NSSS). On graduating from the school, students will be awarded a US High School Diploma.

What about support for Students of Determination?

LISQ staff look at the individual needs of each child and in collaboration with the parents, teacher, and most importantly, the student, creates a plan for support. The school ensures that it has the resources needed for the student and decide which mode of learning is most suitable. The SEN coordinator aligns parents with resources as well. No two students are alike, so support is planned accordingly.

What about academic achievement?

LISQ uses the NWEA MAP and CAT-4 external benchmark assessments. Grade 4 students have been selected to participate in TIMMS in 2022-23.  The school also says that it will publish its academic and inspection reports when applicable.

What about the facilities?

The school's  new state-of the art building offers spacious classrooms equipped with interactive boards and the latest technology, flexible classroom spaces, three libraries, Sports Facilities, including Swimming Pools, computer labs, an Art Room, Music Rooms, Activity Commons to support creativity and innovation, a Cafeteria, STEM Labs, and Playgrounds.

LISQ has an unique feature in its movable walls within the classrooms. These walls offer flexibility in teaching and increased collaboration among classrooms and teachers. With this option to connect two classes, the school can offer flexible/ ability based grouping by subject area. This is an added benefit for learners. 

The Buzz

WhichSchoolAdvisor.com asked LISQ to tell what sets the latest Liwa International School apart from other US curriculum schools in the emirate.

The school told us "Liwa is an established educational leader, recognized for providing an accessible, high-quality, American curriculum education in the United Arab Emirates for the past three decades. Our schools and nurseries across Al Ain and Abu Dhabi offer a challenging American curriculum education, combining the essence of Emirati values with a rich set of core competencies that produces confident, resilient, and courageous young leaders.
Our students develop an international mindset grounded in local values, understanding, and appreciation. We understand the need for agility and adaptability in an ever-changing landscape. Our graduating students are fully prepared to meet both national and global challenges, now and in the future."

As an organisation with a history dating back to 1992, there is no question that Liwa International School Al Qattara has the pedigree and experience behind it to ensure that it is able to offer a standard of education in line with the aspirations and goals of the UAE leadership.

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What about the fees?

Fees at LISQ range from AED 25,560 for KG1 including books and school uniform to AED 32,700 in Grade 5.  Published fees for the yet to open Grades 6 to 12 range rise to AED 34, 185 - these are highly affordable fees by UAE standards.

There is a 5% non-refundable registration fee for students wishing to join the school which is deducted from the tuition fees and a 5% reregistration fee which is payable in March, April and May each year which is deducted from the tuition fees for the coming academic year.  Although the school does not expressly say so, it appears that fees are payable on a monthly basis.

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