9 Best Boarding Schools in Dubai 2026-27 — Fees, Admission & KHDA Reviews
Key Takeaways:
- KHDA ratings across these 9 schools span Outstanding (Dubai College, Jumeirah College, Kings' School Al Barsha, Deira International School, Dubai International Academy, GEMS Dubai American Academy) to Very Good (SISD, Repton Al Barsha, The Millennium School) — covering the full range of premium school options in Dubai
- Fee range: AED 18,278 (The Millennium School, KG1) to AED 137,736 (Swiss International Scientific School Dubai, Grade 11–12)
- Curricula covered: British (GCSE/A-Level), British/IB dual pathway, full IB (PYP/MYP/DP), American/IB dual, CBSE with Day Boarding
- Most affordable school on this list: The Millennium School (from AED 18,278/year) — the only CBSE Day Boarding school in Dubai
- Highest-fee school: Swiss International Scientific School Dubai (AED 137,736/year at Grade 11–12) — the only trilingual IB boarding school in the UAE
- Boarding options: SISD (from Grade 6, ~200 international boarders) and The Millennium School (Day Boarding from Grade 3 — the only CBSE Day Boarding school in the UAE)
- Admission windows: British and American curriculum schools follow a September intake (apply January–April); CBSE schools follow an April intake (apply November–February); SISD and Repton Al Barsha accept year-round rolling applications
School
Curriculum
Grades
Fee Range (AED/year)
KHDA Rating
Website
Established
Swiss International Scientific School Dubai (SISD) is a KHDA Very Good-rated, bilingual day-and-boarding IB World School in Dubai Healthcare City (Al Jaddaf), offering the full IB continuum from Pre-Primary to Grade 12 in English-French and English-German streams, with annual fees ranging from AED 68,868 to AED 137,736 for the 2024–2025 academic year.
Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Dubai Healthcare City, Phase 2, Al Jaddaf, Dubai |
| Established | 2015 |
| Curriculum | IB — PYP, MYP, Diploma Programme (DP), Career-related Programme (CP); bilingual English-French and English-German pathways |
| Grades | Pre-Primary – Grade 12 (day); Grade 6 – Grade 12 (boarding) |
| Website | www.nordangliaeducation.com/sisd-dubai |
| Accreditation | IB World School; Nord Anglia Education network; CIS accredited; Inclusion Quality Mark International Inclusive School Award |
| Principal | Ruth Burke |
| English Medium | Yes (bilingual — English + French or German) |
| Students | ~3,000 (across 100+ nationalities) |
| Teachers | Contact the school for the latest details |
| Teaching Assistants | Contact the school for the latest details |
| Guidance Counsellors | Contact the school for the latest details |
| Int'l Students | Students from over 100 nationalities; largest groups include French, German, British, Arab, and Swiss nationals |
| Age Requirements | Pre-Primary: age 3 by September 1 · Grade 1: age 6 by September 1 (contact school for full age schedule) |
What You Need to Know
- Swiss International Scientific School Dubai is ranked among the top 100 private schools in the world (Spears Schools Index) and is one of only approximately 50 all-through IB World Schools globally, making it a standout choice in the UAE.
- Swiss International Scientific School Dubai offers Dubai's first truly multilingual private school programme, with instruction available in English, French, and German — delivered by native-speaking teachers — giving your child a genuine trilingual foundation.
- Swiss International Scientific School Dubai achieved a 100% IB Diploma pass rate in 2024, with graduates earning an average score of 34 points — significantly above the global average — and over 60% earning a bilingual or advanced bilingual diploma.
- Swiss International Scientific School Dubai operates a full boarding programme for students from Grade 6 onwards, housing around 200 international boarders in a close-knit residential community on its award-winning sustainable campus.
Swiss International Scientific School Dubai, School Performance
Source: DSIB Inspection 2023–2024
| Students' Achievement (overall) | █████████░ 9/10 — Very Good |
| Personal & Social Development | ██████████ 10/10 — Outstanding |
| Teaching & Assessment | █████████░ 9/10 — Very Good |
| Curriculum | ██████████ 10/10 — Outstanding |
| Health, Safety & Care | ██████████ 10/10 — Outstanding |
| Leadership & Management | █████████░ 9/10 — Very Good |
| Wellbeing | █████████░ 9/10 — Very Good |
Summary Report | Full Inspection Report
Swiss International Scientific School Dubai, Annual Fees 2024–2025
Grade | Tuition (AED/year) |
|---|---|
| Pre-Primary | AED 68,868 |
| KG 1 | AED 76,903 |
| KG 2 | AED 76,903 |
| Grade 1 | AED 91,823 |
| Grade 2 | AED 91,823 |
| Grade 3 | AED 91,823 |
| Grade 4 | AED 91,823 |
| Grade 5 | AED 94,693 |
| Grade 6 | AED 109,042 |
| Grade 7 | AED 109,042 |
| Grade 8 | AED 109,042 |
| Grade 9 | AED 126,259 |
| Grade 10 | AED 126,259 |
| Grade 11 | AED 137,736 |
| Grade 12 | AED 137,736 |
Note: Bilingual pathway fees are the same as standard pathway at each grade level. Boarding fees are additional — contact SISD directly for residential pricing.
Swiss International Scientific School Dubai, Admission Process
- Enquire → Book a personalised campus tour via the SISD website (virtual tours also available)
- Apply → Complete the online application form and upload required documents (passport, previous school reports, immunisation records)
- Assessment → Pay non-refundable application fee of AED 525; child sits an age-appropriate academic assessment; older students may also attend an interview
- Offer → Formal offer letter issued within five working days of the assessment/interview
- Enrol → Sign and return the offer letter and pay the registration fee within five working days to secure the place
1. Swiss International Scientific School Dubai (SISD)
Repton School Dubai (officially Repton Al Barsha Fz-Llc) is a KHDA Very Good-rated British curriculum school in Al Barsha South, Dubai, offering the UK National Curriculum for FS 1 through Year 13, with annual fees ranging from AED 53,540 (FS 1) to AED 89,774 (Year 7–13) for the 2025–2026 academic year.
| Location | Al Barsha South, Dubai |
| Established | 2013 |
| Curriculum | UK National Curriculum (FS 1–Year 13) |
| Grades | FS 1–Year 13 |
| Website | https://www.reptonalbarsha.org |
| Accreditation | Contact school for accreditation details |
| Principal | Chandini Misra |
| English Medium | Yes |
| Students | Contact school for current enrolment |
| Teachers | Contact school for current staffing |
| Teaching Assistants | Contact school for details |
| Guidance Counsellors | Contact school for details |
| Int'l Students | Multinational cohort — contact school for breakdown |
| Age Requirements | FS 1: Age 3 by Sep 1 · FS 2: Age 4 by Sep 1 |
What You Need to Know
- Repton School Dubai has achieved a consistent KHDA Very Good rating across multiple inspection cycles since 2017–2018, reflecting sustained quality in teaching and student outcomes.
- Repton School Dubai's Foundation Stage demonstrates Outstanding attainment and progress in mathematics and English, with highly effective early years provision highlighted in inspection reports.
- Repton School Dubai places particular emphasis on personal development: student responsibility is rated Outstanding across all phases, underpinning the school's pastoral care approach.
- Repton School Dubai is affiliated with Repton School in the UK (founded 1557), offering a heritage of academic tradition alongside a modern, inclusive Dubai campus.
Repton School Dubai, School Performance
Source: KHDA DSIB Inspection 2023–2024
| Academic Quality | ████████░░ 8/10 |
| Student Wellbeing | ████████░░ 8/10 |
| Teaching & Learning | ████████░░ 8/10 |
| Facilities & Resources | ██████████ 10/10 |
Summary Report | Full Inspection Report
Repton School Dubai, Annual Fees (AED) — 2025–2026
Grade | Tuition (AED/year) |
|---|---|
| FS 1 | AED 53,540 |
| FS 2 | AED 58,948 |
| Year 1 | AED 64,356 |
| Year 2 | AED 64,356 |
| Year 3 | AED 69,764 |
| Year 4 | AED 69,764 |
| Year 5 | AED 75,172 |
| Year 6 | AED 75,172 |
| Year 7 | AED 89,774 |
| Year 8 | AED 89,774 |
| Year 9 | AED 89,774 |
| Year 10 | AED 89,774 |
| Year 11 | AED 89,774 |
| Year 12 | AED 89,774 |
| Year 13 | AED 89,774 |
Additional: Contact school for registration fees, deposits, transport and uniform costs.
Repton School Dubai, Admission Process
- Apply → Online via reptonalbarsha.org
- Assessment → Age-appropriate assessments for applicants above FS level
- Interview → May be required for secondary entry
- Decision → Typically within a few weeks of assessment
- Enrol → Registration fee and required documentation upon offer acceptance
Key Dates: Applications typically open in September for the following academic year. Contact the admissions team for current availability.
2. Repton School Dubai
Dubai College is a KHDA Outstanding-rated, not-for-profit British curriculum school in Al Safouh, Dubai, offering GCSE and A-Level programmes for Years 7–13, with annual fees of AED 97,415–110,305 for the 2025–2026 academic year.
| Location | Al Safouh First, Dubai |
| Established | 1978 |
| Curriculum | UK National Curriculum, GCSE, A-Levels (Years 7–13) |
| Grades | Year 7–Year 13 |
| Website | https://www.dubaicollege.org |
| Accreditation | Not-for-profit school; contact for accreditation details |
| Principal | Tomas Michael Duckling |
| English Medium | Yes |
| Students | Contact school for current enrolment |
| Teachers | Contact school for current staffing |
| Teaching Assistants | Contact school for details |
| Guidance Counsellors | Contact school for details |
| Int'l Students | British community focus; contact school for nationality breakdown |
| Age Requirements | Year 7 entry: Age 11+ by September 1 |
What You Need to Know
- Dubai College has maintained an Outstanding KHDA rating every year since at least 2011–2012, making it one of the longest-consecutively-Outstanding secondary schools in Dubai.
- Dubai College demonstrates Outstanding attainment and progress in mathematics, science, and English across both the secondary and post-16 phases, with results consistently placing students among Dubai's highest achievers.
- Dubai College operates as a non-profit community school, meaning surplus funds are reinvested into the school rather than distributed to shareholders — a model that supports strong resourcing and competitive staffing.
- Dubai College's governance was rated Very Good in the 2023–2024 inspection, with Outstanding leadership, teaching, and curriculum quality across all other categories.
Dubai College, School Performance
Source: KHDA DSIB Inspection 2023–2024
| Academic Quality | ██████████ 10/10 |
| Student Wellbeing | ████████░░ 8/10 |
| Teaching & Learning | ██████████ 10/10 |
| Leadership & Management | ██████████ 10/10 |
Summary Report | Full Inspection Report
Dubai College, Annual Fees (AED) — 2025–2026
Grade | Tuition (AED/year) |
|---|---|
| Year 7 | AED 97,415 |
| Year 8 | AED 97,415 |
| Year 9 | AED 97,415 |
| Year 10 | AED 97,415 |
| Year 11 | AED 97,415 |
| Year 12 | AED 110,305 |
| Year 13 | AED 110,305 |
Additional: Contact school for registration fees and deposit requirements. Dubai College has a waiting list for most year groups — early application is strongly advised.
Dubai College, Admission Process
- Apply → Via the school website at dubaicollege.org; an entrance test is required
- Assessment → Academic entrance examination for all year groups
- Interview → May be held for Year 7 and post-16 applicants
- Decision → Offers made following the entrance test results
- Enrol → Registration documentation and payment of any applicable fees upon acceptance
Key Dates: Year 7 applications typically open in September–October for the following September entry. Waiting lists operate across most years. Contact the admissions office for current availability.
3. Dubai College
Jumeirah College is a KHDA Outstanding-rated British curriculum school in Al Safa First, Dubai, offering GCSE and A-Level programmes for Years 7–13, with annual fees of AED 78,946–98,681 for the 2025–2026 academic year.
Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Al Safa 1, Dubai |
| Established | 1999 |
| Curriculum | UK National Curriculum, GCSE, AS Level, A Level |
| Grades | Year 7–Year 13 |
| Website | gemsjc.com |
| Accreditation | BSO, COBIS, BSME |
| Principal | Nicholas Benjamin Brain (since August 2023) |
| English Medium | Yes |
| Students | 1,294 |
| Teachers | 118 |
| Teaching Assistants | 14 |
| Guidance Counsellors | 2 |
| Int'l Students | Indian (largest nationality), followed by British and other international communities across 63 nationalities |
| Age Requirements | Year 7: Age 11 by 1 Sep · Year 12: Minimum 6 GCSE passes at Grades 5–9 required, with Grade 6 in the chosen A Level subject |
What You Need to Know
- Jumeirah College has been rated KHDA Outstanding in every inspection since at least 2011–2012, with a track record of Outstanding outcomes in mathematics, science, and English across both secondary and post-16 phases.
- Jumeirah College received Outstanding ratings for student wellbeing and Inclusion in the 2023–2024 inspection cycle — two areas that the KHDA highlights as key priorities for Dubai schools.
- Jumeirah College serves as a secondary and post-16 school only (Years 7–13), meaning families with younger children will need to plan primary school placements separately and seek a transition path at age 11.
- Jumeirah College's leadership and governance received Outstanding ratings across all categories in 2023–2024, reflecting strong strategic management and community engagement.
Jumeirah College, School Performance
Source: KHDA DSIB Inspection 2023–2024
| Academic Quality | ██████████ 10/10 |
| Student Wellbeing | ██████████ 10/10 |
| Teaching & Learning | ████████░░ 8/10 (secondary) / ██████████ 10/10 (post-16) |
| Leadership & Management | ██████████ 10/10 |
Summary Report | Full Inspection Report
Jumeirah College, Annual Fees (AED) — 2025–2026
Grade | Tuition (AED/year) |
|---|---|
| Year 7 | AED 78,946 |
| Year 8 | AED 78,946 |
| Year 9 | AED 78,946 |
| Year 10 | AED 88,813 |
| Year 11 | AED 88,813 |
| Year 12 | AED 98,681 |
| Year 13 | AED 98,681 |
Additional: Contact school for registration fees and transport options.
Jumeirah College, Admission Process
- Apply → Via the school website at gemsjc.com
- Assessment → Entrance assessment for all year group applicants
- Interview → May be required, particularly for Year 7 and sixth form entry
- Decision → Following assessment, typically within a few weeks
- Enrol → Documentation and enrolment fees required upon acceptance
Key Dates: Year 7 applications typically open in September–October. Sixth form (Years 12–13) applications accepted in the spring term. Contact admissions for current vacancies.
4. Jumeirah College
Kings' School Al Barsha is a KHDA Outstanding-rated British curriculum school in Al Barsha Second, Dubai, offering the UK National Curriculum for FS 1 through Year 13, with annual fees of AED 57,999 (FS 1–FS 2) to AED 115,088 (Year 13) for the 2025–2026 academic year.
| Location | Al Barsha Second, Dubai |
| Established | 2014 |
| Curriculum | UK National Curriculum (FS 1–Year 13) |
| Grades | FS 1–Year 13 |
| Website | https://www.kingsdubai.com/Kings-School-Al-Barsha |
| Accreditation | Part of the Kings' Dubai network; contact for specific accreditation details |
| Principal | Sajid Gulzar |
| English Medium | Yes |
| Students | 1131 |
| Teachers | 86 |
| Teaching Assistants | 49 |
| Guidance Counsellors | 1 |
| Int'l Students | Highly international; contact school for nationality breakdown |
| Age Requirements | FS 1: Age 3 by Sep 1 · FS 2: Age 4 by Sep 1 |
What You Need to Know
- Kings' School Al Barsha achieved a KHDA Outstanding overall rating in 2023–2024, having progressed from Good (2016–2017) to Very Good and then to Outstanding — a trajectory that reflects deliberate and sustained school improvement.
- Kings' School Al Barsha demonstrates Outstanding attainment and progress in mathematics and science from Foundation Stage through to secondary, with English also rated Outstanding across all phases.
- Kings' School Al Barsha received Outstanding ratings for student inclusion and curriculum quality across all phases, highlighting its strong provision for students with additional learning needs.
- Kings' School Al Barsha's Inclusion rating was Outstanding in 2023–2024, placing it among a small number of Dubai schools to achieve this recognition — particularly meaningful for families whose children may require additional learning support.
Kings' School Al Barsha, School Performance
Source: KHDA DSIB Inspection 2023–2024
| Academic Quality | ██████████ 10/10 |
| Student Wellbeing | ████████░░ 8/10 |
| Teaching & Learning | ██████████ 10/10 |
| Leadership & Management | ██████████ 10/10 |
Summary Report | Full Inspection Report
Kings' School Al Barsha, Annual Fees (AED) — 2025–2026
Grade | Tuition (AED/year) |
|---|---|
| FS 1 | AED 57,999 |
| FS 2 | AED 57,999 |
| Year 1 | AED 60,656 |
| Year 2 | AED 60,656 |
| Year 3 | AED 66,085 |
| Year 4 | AED 68,166 |
| Year 5 | AED 73,595 |
| Year 6 | AED 73,595 |
| Year 7 | AED 88,615 |
| Year 8 | AED 92,081 |
| Year 9 | AED 95,432 |
| Year 10 | AED 102,249 |
| Year 11 | AED 109,064 |
| Year 12 | AED 111,853 |
| Year 13 | AED 115,088 |
Additional: Contact school for registration fees, deposits, and transport.
Admission Process
- Apply → Online via kingsdubai.com
- Assessment → Academic assessment for applicants above Foundation Stage
- Interview → May be required for secondary entry points
- Decision → Typically within 2–4 weeks of assessment
- Enrol → Registration deposit and documentation required upon offer
Key Dates: Applications accepted on a rolling basis. FS 1 and Year 7 places fill quickly — apply as early as October for September entry.
5. Kings' School Al Barsha
Deira International School is a KHDA Outstanding-rated British/IB school in Al Badia, Dubai Festival City, offering education from FS1 to Year 13 following the English National Curriculum to IGCSE and the IB Diploma in Sixth Form, with annual fees from AED 43,592 (FS1) to AED 87,825 (Years 12–13) for 2025–2026.
Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Al Badia, Dubai Festival City |
| Established | 2005 |
| Curriculum | British / IB — English National Curriculum to Year 11 (GCSE/IGCSE), IB Diploma Programme in Years 12–13 |
| Grades | FS1 to Year 13 |
| Website | www.disdubai.ae |
| Accreditation | BSO, IBO |
| Principal | Simon O'Connor (appointed September 2020) |
| English Medium | Yes |
| Students | 1,921 |
| Teachers | 165 |
| Teaching Assistants | 88 |
| Guidance Counsellors | 3 |
| Int'l Students | Arab (largest group); over 80 nationalities represented |
| Age Requirements | FS1: Age 3 by September. Contact the school for full year-group requirements. |
What You Need to Know
- Deira International School is owned and operated by the not-for-profit Al Futtaim Education Foundation, which reinvests all surplus into the school's development and facilities.
- Deira International School's 2023–2024 DSIB inspection rated every single criterion as Outstanding across all phases — a rare achievement that reflects consistent, high-quality provision from FS1 through to Year 13.
- Deira International School has one of the largest Emirati student cohorts among outstanding-rated schools (233 students), reflecting a genuinely inclusive and diverse school community.
- Deira International School's state-of-the-art campus in Dubai Festival City spans 70,000 sqm and includes temperature-controlled swimming pools, a 6-court sports hall, and specialist science and arts facilities.
Deira International School, School Performance
Source: DSIB Inspection 2023–2024
| Students' Achievement (overall) | ██████████ 10/10 — Outstanding |
| Personal & Social Development | ██████████ 10/10 — Outstanding |
| Teaching & Assessment | ██████████ 10/10 — Outstanding |
| Curriculum | ██████████ 10/10 — Outstanding |
| Health, Safety & Care | ██████████ 10/10 — Outstanding |
| Leadership & Management | ██████████ 10/10 — Outstanding |
| Wellbeing | ██████████ 10/10 — Outstanding |
Summary Report | Full Inspection Report
Deira International School, Annual Fees 2025–2026
Year Group | Tuition (AED/year) |
|---|---|
| FS1 | AED 43,592 |
| FS2 | AED 43,592 |
| Year 1 | AED 47,942 |
| Year 2 | AED 47,942 |
| Year 3 | AED 47,942 |
| Year 4 | AED 54,330 |
| Year 5 | AED 54,330 |
| Year 6 | AED 54,330 |
| Year 7 | AED 61,609 |
| Year 8 | AED 61,609 |
| Year 9 | AED 61,609 |
| Year 10 | AED 71,208 |
| Year 11 | AED 71,208 |
| Year 12 | AED 87,825 |
| Year 13 | AED 87,825 |
Contact Deira International School to confirm the current KHDA-approved fee fact sheet for each year group.
Admission Process
- Apply → Online via the school's parent portal at iparents.disdubai.ae; a non-refundable booking fee of AED 3,000 is required on acceptance
- Assessment → Age-appropriate assessment; CAT4 cognitive ability test for secondary applicants
- Review → Applications reviewed by the admissions team alongside school reports and references
- Offer → Decision communicated by the admissions team; booking fee is deductible from first term fees
- Enrol → Standard documentation and term fees required to complete enrolment
6. Deira International School
Dubai International Academy is a KHDA Outstanding-rated IB World School in Emirates Hills, Dubai, delivering the full IB continuum (PYP, MYP, and DP) for students from KG1 to Grade 12, with annual fees ranging from AED 44,979 (KG1) to AED 79,696 (Grade 12) for the 2025–2026 academic year.
Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Emirates Hills, Dubai |
| Established | 2005 |
| Curriculum | IB — PYP (KG1–Grade 5), MYP (Grade 6–10), DP (Grade 11–12) |
| Grades | KG1 to Grade 12 |
| Website | www.diadubai.com |
| Accreditation | IB, NEASC |
| Principal | Hitesh Bhagat (appointed August 2022) |
| English Medium | Yes |
| Students | 2,757 |
| Teachers | 242 |
| Teaching Assistants | 42 |
| Guidance Counsellors | 2 |
| Int'l Students | Indian (largest group); British teachers predominant |
| Age Requirements | KG1: Age 3 by entry. Contact the school for full year-group age requirements. |
What You Need to Know
- Dubai International Academy achieved a PIRLS score of 653 in 2022 — 78 points above its set target — placing it at the advanced international benchmark for reading literacy.
- Dubai International Academy's 2023–2024 DSIB inspection rated Teaching & Assessment as Outstanding in all phases (KG, PYP, MYP, and DP), reflecting the strength of its IB-trained teaching staff.
- Dubai International Academy offers an extensive co-curricular programme spanning sports, the arts, and community service, which the DSIB inspection specifically highlighted as a school strength.
- Dubai International Academy students in the IB Diploma Programme achieve scores significantly above world averages in English, mathematics, and science, supporting strong university placement outcomes.
Dubai International Academy, School Performance
Source: DSIB Inspection 2023–2024
| Students' Achievement (overall) | █████████░ 9/10 — Very Good |
| Personal & Social Development | ██████████ 10/10 — Outstanding |
| Teaching & Assessment | ██████████ 10/10 — Outstanding |
| Curriculum | ██████████ 10/10 — Outstanding |
| Health, Safety & Care | ██████████ 10/10 — Outstanding |
| Leadership & Management | ██████████ 10/10 — Outstanding |
| Wellbeing | █████████░ 9/10 — Very Good |
Summary Report | Full Inspection Report
Dubai International Academy, Annual Fees 2025–2026
Grade | Tuition (AED/year) |
|---|---|
| KG1 | AED 44,979 |
| KG2 | AED 44,979 |
| Grade 1 | AED 48,773 |
| Grade 2 | AED 48,773 |
| Grade 3 | AED 48,773 |
| Grade 4 | AED 48,773 |
| Grade 5 | AED 48,773 |
| Grade 6 | AED 55,681 |
| Grade 7 | AED 55,681 |
| Grade 8 | AED 55,681 |
| Grade 9 | AED 55,681 |
| Grade 10 | AED 55,681 |
| Grade 11 | AED 79,696 |
| Grade 12 | AED 79,696 |
Contact Dubai International Academy directly to confirm the latest per-grade fee structure for 2025–2026.
Admission Process
- Apply → Online application via diadubai.com; submit supporting documents including most recent school reports
- Assessment → Age-appropriate academic assessment and cognitive testing for most year groups
- Review → Admissions team reviews application alongside assessment results and prior attainment
- Offer → Decision communicated within 2–3 weeks; places are offered in order of eligibility
- Enrol → Enrolment deposit and required documentation to be submitted to confirm the place
7. Dubai International Academy
GEMS Dubai American Academy is a KHDA Outstanding-rated American/IB school in Al Barsha, Dubai, educating students from KG1 to Grade 12 through a US curriculum, AP courses, and the IB Diploma Programme, with annual fees from AED 66,185 (KG1–KG2) to AED 93,300 (Grades 1–12) for the 2025–2026 academic year.
Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Al Barsha, Dubai |
| Established | 1998 |
| Curriculum | American / IB — US High School Diploma with AP courses and IB Diploma Programme (Grade 11–12) |
| Grades | KG1 to Grade 12 |
| Website | www.gemsaa-dubai.com |
| Accreditation | NEASC, IB |
| Principal | Ethan Joe David Hildreth (appointed August 2022) |
| English Medium | Yes |
| Students | 3,088 |
| Teachers | 244 |
| Teaching Assistants | 75 |
| Guidance Counsellors | 12 |
| Int'l Students | American (largest group); 62 Emirati students |
| Age Requirements | KG1: Age 4 by entry. Contact the school for full grade-by-grade age requirements. |
What You Need to Know
- GEMS Dubai American Academy is the only Outstanding-rated American curriculum school on this list, making it the top choice for families seeking a US educational framework with AP and IB Diploma options in Grades 11–12.
- GEMS Dubai American Academy's 2023–2024 DSIB inspection rated outstanding outcomes in English, mathematics, and science in almost all phases, with students achieving above world averages in international benchmark assessments.
- GEMS Dubai American Academy's US High School Diploma programme includes 34 electives — a remarkable breadth — alongside a full college-preparatory track and Advanced Placement courses, preparing students for university admissions worldwide.
- GEMS Dubai American Academy has 12 guidance counsellors for 3,088 students — among the highest counsellor-to-student ratios in Dubai — supporting students' wellbeing, university preparation, and personal development throughout their school journey.
GEMS Dubai American Academy, School Performance
Source: DSIB Inspection 2023–2024
| Students' Achievement (overall) | ██████████ 10/10 — Outstanding |
| Personal & Social Development | ██████████ 10/10 — Outstanding |
| Teaching & Assessment | ██████████ 10/10 — Outstanding |
| Curriculum | ██████████ 10/10 — Outstanding |
| Health, Safety & Care | ██████████ 10/10 — Outstanding |
| Leadership & Management | ██████████ 10/10 — Outstanding |
| Wellbeing | █████████░ 9/10 — Very Good |
Summary Report | Full Inspection Report
GEMS Dubai American Academy, Annual Fees 2025–2026
Grade | Tuition (AED/year) |
|---|---|
| KG1 | AED 66,185 |
| KG2 | AED 66,185 |
| Grade 1 | AED 79,413 |
| Grade 2 | AED 79,413 |
| Grade 3 | AED 79,413 |
| Grade 4 | AED 79,413 |
| Grade 5 | AED 79,413 |
| Grade 6 | AED 83,697 |
| Grade 7 | AED 83,697 |
| Grade 8 | AED 83,697 |
| Grade 9 | AED 87,981 |
| Grade 10 | AED 87,981 |
| Grade 11 | AED 93,300 |
| Grade 12 | AED 93,300 |
Contact GEMS Dubai American Academy to confirm the latest KHDA-approved fee fact sheet for 2025–2026.
GEMS Dubai American Academy, Admission Process
- Apply → Online via gemsaa-dubai.com; applications accepted year-round for mid-year and September intake
- Assessment → Age-appropriate academic assessment; cognitive ability testing for secondary grades
- Review → Admissions team reviews application alongside school reports and references
- Offer → Decision communicated by the admissions team; registration deposit required to accept
- Enrol → Enrolment deposit and standard documentation required to secure the place
8. GEMS Dubai American Academy
The Millennium School (TMS) is a KHDA Very Good-rated, co-educational CBSE school in Al Qusais 1, Dubai, operated by GEMS Education, offering KG1 to Grade 12 with the distinction of being the only CBSE Day Boarding school in Dubai, with annual fees of AED 18,278 (KG1) to AED 26,876 (Grade 11–12) for 2025–2026.
Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Al Baghdad Street, Al Qusais 1, Dubai |
| Established | 2000 |
| Curriculum | CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education); Reggio Emilia approach in Kindergarten; CBSE Grades 1–12 |
| Grades | KG1 – Grade 12 |
| Website | www.themillenniumschool-dubai.com |
| Accreditation | CBSE; GEMS Education group; Microsoft Showcase School; Round Square member since 2006 |
| Principal | Ambika Gulati (since April 2018) |
| English Medium | Yes |
| Students | ~2,800 |
| Teachers | 155 |
| Teaching Assistants | 28 |
| Guidance Counsellors | Contact the school for the latest details |
| Int'l Students | Predominantly Indian community; contact school for full nationality breakdown; 155 students of determination |
| Age Requirements | KG1: age 4 by March 31 · Grade 1: age 6 by March 31 (April academic year start) |
What You Need to Know
- The Millennium School is the only CBSE Day Boarding school in Dubai — from Grade 3 onwards, students participate in an Afternoon Self-Enhancement Programme that combines supervised homework preparation, remedial sessions, co-curricular activities, and sports within the school day, offering families an extended-hours structure found nowhere else in the CBSE sector.
- The Millennium School has held the KHDA's Very Good rating at every inspection since 2015–2016 — seven consecutive cycles — having progressed from Good in its earlier years, reflecting sustained and stable improvement across all school phases.
- The Millennium School achieved Outstanding science attainment and progress across every phase — KG, Primary, Middle, and Secondary — in the 2023–2024 DSIB inspection, alongside Outstanding mathematics in KG and Secondary and Outstanding English attainment across all phases.
- The Millennium School holds PIRLS 2021 benchmark accreditation with a score of 598, and is a designated Microsoft Showcase School and Round Square member — recognitions that reflect its commitment to technology-integrated learning and global citizenship education beyond the standard CBSE framework.
The Millennium School, School Performance
Source: DSIB Inspection 2023–2024
| Students' Achievement (overall) | █████████░ 9/10 — Very Good |
| Personal & Social Development | ██████████ 10/10 — Outstanding |
| Teaching & Assessment | █████████░ 9/10 — Very Good |
| Curriculum | ██████████ 10/10 — Outstanding |
| Health, Safety & Care | ██████████ 10/10 — Outstanding |
| Leadership & Management | █████████░ 9/10 — Very Good |
| Wellbeing | ██████████ 10/10 — Outstanding |
Summary Report | Full Inspection Report
The Millennium School, Annual Fees 2025–2026
Grade | Tuition (AED/year) |
|---|---|
| KG 1 | AED 18,278 |
| KG 2 | AED 18,278 |
| Grade 1 | AED 21,179 |
| Grade 2 | AED 21,179 |
| Grade 3 | AED 22,468 |
| Grade 4 | AED 22,468 |
| Grade 5 | AED 24,189 |
| Grade 6 | AED 24,189 |
| Grade 7 | AED 24,189 |
| Grade 8 | AED 24,189 |
| Grade 9 | AED 25,265 |
| Grade 10 | AED 25,265 |
| Grade 11 | AED 26,876 |
| Grade 12 | AED 26,876 |
Fees confirmed from the KHDA profile page. A non-refundable registration fee of AED 525 (exclusive of VAT) applies for new students. Contact The Millennium School directly at www.themillenniumschool-dubai.com for the confirmed 2025–2026 KHDA-approved schedule.
The Millennium School, Admission Process
- Apply → Complete the online application form at www.themillenniumschool-dubai.com; enter accurate contact details as the school responds via the provided information
- Register → Pay the non-refundable registration fee of AED 525 (exclusive of VAT); fee is refundable only if the school does not offer a place
- Assessment → Age-appropriate placement assessment arranged by the school's admissions team; students of determination are assessed with individual learning needs taken into account
- Decision → Parents are contacted with the admission outcome once assessment and document review are complete
- Enrol → Submit all required documents and pay the applicable term fees before the April academic year start; mid-year applications are also considered subject to seat availability
Frequently Asked Questions
Which schools on this list offer boarding in Dubai? Two schools offer boarding programmes. Swiss International Scientific School Dubai offers a full residential boarding programme for students from Grade 6 onwards, housing approximately 200 international boarders from over 100 nationalities on its Dubai Healthcare City campus — one of the most genuinely international boarding communities in the UAE. The Millennium School offers the UAE's only CBSE Day Boarding programme, available from Grade 3 onwards, which combines supervised homework preparation, remedial sessions, and co-curricular activities within the school day. Neither school requires students to board — both day school places are available alongside the boarding option.
Which is the best IB school on this list? For a full IB continuum from entry to graduation, Swiss International Scientific School Dubai and Dubai International Academy Emirates Hills are the strongest options — both offering PYP, MYP, and DP under one roof. SISD additionally offers the IB Career-related Programme (CP) and achieved a 100% IB Diploma pass rate with a 34-point average in 2024, while Dubai International Academy recorded a PIRLS 2021 reading score of 653 — 78 points above target — and Outstanding Teaching & Assessment across all IB phases in 2023–2024. Deira International School and GEMS Dubai American Academy both offer the IB Diploma in the senior years alongside their main curriculum pathways.
What is the most affordable school in this guide? The Millennium School is the most accessible school on this list, with fees starting at AED 18,278 per year for KG1 — and it is also the only CBSE Day Boarding school in Dubai, meaning the extended afternoon programme is built into the school day at no equivalent additional cost to families. For families seeking an Outstanding-rated school, Deira International School starts at AED 43,592 for FS1 and Dubai International Academy Emirates Hills at AED 44,979 for KG1 — both representing strong value relative to the quality of education delivered.
Which schools offer both the British curriculum and an IB Diploma? Three schools on this list offer a British curriculum foundation leading to an IB Diploma in Sixth Form: Deira International School (FS1–Year 13), Repton School Dubai Al Barsha (FS1–Year 13), and Swiss International Scientific School Dubai (which offers IB exclusively throughout). GEMS Dubai American Academy offers a US High School Diploma alongside an IB Diploma option in Grades 11–12. For families who want to keep the IB pathway open from early years, SISD and Dubai International Academy are the strongest all-through IB choices.
When should I apply for September entry at these schools? For schools following the September–June academic year — SISD, Repton Al Barsha, Dubai College, Jumeirah College, Kings' School Al Barsha, Deira International School, Dubai International Academy, and GEMS Dubai American Academy — applications for September entry should be submitted between October and March of the preceding year. Dubai College and Kings' School Al Barsha are among the most oversubscribed and are known to have waiting lists for FS1 and Year 7 entry in particular. For The Millennium School, which follows an April–March academic year, applications should be submitted between November and February. SISD and Repton Al Barsha accept rolling applications throughout the year.
Conclusion
This guide spans Dubai's most prestigious school options — from the trilingual IB boarding excellence of Swiss International Scientific School Dubai (AED 137,736 at Grade 12) and the selective not-for-profit rigour of Dubai College (AED 110,305 at Year 13), to the accessible CBSE Day Boarding provision of The Millennium School (from AED 18,278). With 6 KHDA Outstanding-rated and 3 Very Good-rated schools across British, IB, American, and Indian curricula, there is a well-evidenced option for every family profile. Schedule tours before March 2026 for September entry — FS1, Year 7, and IB entry points fill well in advance.
9. The Millennium School
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