50 Best Private Schools in Dubai

Still wondering which school gate in Dubai will open the right path for your child’s dreams? 

With almost two hundred private campuses across the city, parents face a maze of choices. Curricula range from British A-Levels to the full IB continuum; fee bands stretch from modest to elite; campuses stand in leafy Jumeirah or the rising suburbs. 

To make life easier, we have gathered fifty top-rated private schools, many marked “Outstanding” or “Very Good” by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) in its most recent inspections, so you can compare quickly and decide with confidence.

GEMS Dubai American Academy

This flagship American-curriculum school in Al Barsha couples Advanced Placement courses with the IB Diploma, giving graduates two academic routes. Spacious labs, an indoor pool, and a thriving robotics team support balanced growth. Families praise its university guidance program and welcoming parent association. KHDA ranks it “Outstanding” year after year.

Dubai College

Founded in 1978, Dubai College delivers a traditional British path of GCSEs and A-Levels on a green seven-hectare campus in Al Sufouh. Small class sizes and expert teachers drive exam results that rival top UK independents. Sports and performing arts flourish alongside academics, building confident, well-rounded leavers. Consistently “Outstanding,” it remains highly selective.

Jumeirah English Speaking School (JESS)

JESS runs two sites, Jumeirah for primary, Arabian Ranches for all-through, offering the English curriculum up to Year 11 and the IB Diploma in Sixth Form. A warm community ethos, outstanding pastoral care, and a broad co-curricular menu keep waiting lists long. KHDA notes the school’s focus on global citizenship and student voice.

Repton School Dubai

Blending 400-year-old British heritage with UAE energy, Repton’s Nad Al Sheba campus teaches the UK syllabus and the IB Diploma, plus boarding options from Year 6 upward. Manor-style grounds hold cricket ovals, a theatre, and boarding houses. The school’s academic stretch pairs with strong values education, earning repeated top ratings.

Dubai International Academy, Emirates Hills

DIA offers the full IB continuum, PYP, MYP, and DP, to students from more than 80 nationalities. Inquiry-based learning, service projects, and Model UN keep teens engaged beyond textbooks. High average diploma scores place DIA among the region’s IB leaders, and KHDA inspectors applaud its inclusive culture.

King’s School Dubai

As the first of three King’s campuses, this Jumeirah primary has held an “Outstanding” rating since inspections began. UK-trained teachers, phonics mastery, and a vibrant house system set solid foundations before pupils move to the Al Barsha secondary. Parents treasure its close-knit, happy atmosphere. Also, it helps them learn about art and culture in Abu Dhabi.

King’s School Al Barsha

Serving Years FS1–13, King’s Al Barsha continues the brand’s British excellence with GCSEs and A-Levels plus specialist suites for STEM and the arts. Students enjoy leadership roles, Duke of Edinburgh awards, and international sports tours, all underpinned by caring pastoral teams.

King’s School Nad Al Sheba

The newest King’s campus extends the group’s ethos to Dubai’s southern growth corridor. Bright primary classrooms, Arabic immersion, and outdoor learning gardens define the early years, while links to the senior schools promise consistent quality through graduation.

GEMS Wellington International School

Near Sheikh Zayed Road, this all-through British and IB school features Olympic-size pools, TV studios and a planetarium. Academic results top global averages, and a busy after-school roster ranges from fencing to app coding. KHDA rates it “Outstanding.”

GEMS Wellington Academy Silicon Oasis

Set in the tech district, this campus mirrors its setting with strong STEAM labs and enterprise challenges. GCSE and BTEC pathways run alongside A-Levels and the IB, offering personalized timetables. A community feel and an extensive sports program win parent loyalty.

GEMS Wellington Academy Al Khail

Serving a fast-growing neighborhood, Wellington Al Khail emphasizes digital literacy and outdoor education across its modern grounds. Students benefit from exchange visits with sister schools and share centralized university counselling.

GEMS Modern Academy

The city’s flagship Indian-curriculum school blends the CISCE board with the IB Diploma in Grades 11–12. Its auditorium hosts award-winning musicals, and a NASA-linked astronomy club fuels STEM passions. KHDA ranks it “Outstanding” and cites its deep community ties.

GEMS Jumeirah Primary School

This early-years through Year 6 campus in Jumeirah is famed for nurturing teachers, lively literacy events, and strong Arabic lessons. Pupils leave with firm basics and confidence, easing transition to top secondary schools.

GEMS Metropole School

Metropole in Motor City delivers the National Curriculum for England with a focus on enterprise and sustainability. Young entrepreneurs market products at campus fairs, blending academics with real-world skills.

GEMS World Academy Dubai

An IB-only school from KG to Grade 12, World Academy enjoys an eco-friendly site with a rooftop running track and recording studios. A global languages program offers Mother-Tongue classes in 14 languages. KHDA praises student leadership and personal wellbeing.

GEMS Founders School Dubai

One of Dubai’s most popular value schools, Founders combines low fees with Cambridge IGCSE courses, interactive whiteboards in every room, and a busy after-school sports calendar. Its inclusive ethos attracts over 100 nationalities.

Horizon English School

Located in Al Safa, this primary boutique has an “Outstanding” KHDA grade thanks to literacy strength and caring staff. The campus lake, innovation hub, and music cottages create a joyful setting for young learners.

American School of Dubai

Founded in 1966, ASD offers an accredited US curriculum with 25 AP courses on a 23-acre Al Barsha campus. Students excel in athletics and visual arts, and graduates head to top US universities.

Universal American School

In Festival City, UAS runs the IB continuum within a US framework, merging inquiry with standards-based assessment. A solar roof and eco-garden support its green pledge, and alumni attend universities worldwide.

Collegiate International School

Backed by Innoventures Education, CIS aligns New York standards to the IB Diploma. STEAM fairs, MUN conferences, and competitive swimming shape busy student lives.

Swiss International Scientific School

Set beside Dubai Creek, this eco-friendly boarding school delivers bilingual IB streams in English/French or English/German. Healthy menus, a waterfront sports center, and weekend boarder trips create an all-around program.

Uptown International School

Uptown in Mirdif offers the full IB with Arabic and French from KG. A new innovation lab, a strong music department, and welcoming parent council support holistic growth.

Greenfield International School

Part of Taaleem, Greenfield in DIP holds the IB continuum and champions inclusion through tailored support. Its model solar car team wins regional prizes, blending academics with sustainability.

Sunmarke School

Run by Fortes Education, Sunmarke teaches the UK curriculum and IB options on a vertical campus in JVT. Positive education principles, mindfulness sessions, and an internships hub prepare life-ready graduates.

Regent International School

Regent, Sunmarke’s primary sister, anchors Positive Education for younger years. STEAM challenges and forest school sessions spark curiosity before students’ progress to Sunmarke Secondary.

North London Collegiate School Dubai

The Dubai branch of the UK’s NLCS offers IB programs, scholars clubs, and a collegiate house spirit. Purpose-built labs and a performing arts center echo its London pedigree.

Hartland International School

Hartland combines the English curriculum with IB Diploma options in Sobha Hartland. Smaller class sizes, daily language lessons, and river-edge sports fields define its personalized feel.

Brighton College Dubai

Linked to Brighton College UK, this Al Barsha school stresses kindness and academic rigor. Pupils study the English curriculum through A-Levels and are mentored by Oxbridge-experienced staff.

Kent College Dubai

Kent College mirrors its Canterbury parent with strong pastoral care, British boarding, and GCSE/A-Level routes. Equestrian partnerships and laser-cutter workshops extend learning beyond classrooms.

Dwight School Dubai

Part of the global Dwight network, the Al Barsha campus delivers all three IB stages plus the Igniting Minds innovation strand. Talent programs in music and sport open doors to New York exchanges.

Dubai British School Jumeirah Park

DBS JP runs the UK syllabus up to A-Level on a bright campus with an NBA-spec court and lively debate club. Its caring culture and high teaching standards earn “Outstanding” or “Very Good” verdicts.

Dubai British School, Emirates Hills

The original DBS site enjoys a garden setting, rigorous academics, and charismatic teachers. Alumni secure Russell Group places thanks to strong A-Level results and personalized guidance.

Safa Community School

Safa offers UK academics with BTEC and A-Level pathways on an expanding Arjan campus. Desert science trips, school radio, and competitive gymnastics add breadth, while fees stay mid-range.

Safa British School

A primary gem in Al Safa 1, SBS focuses on early reading, phonics and fun thematic learning. Children enjoy cookery, yoga and Arabic drama alongside core subjects.

Nord Anglia International School Dubai

NAIS Al Barsha follows the English curriculum through IGCSEs and IB, enriched by collaborations with Juilliard and MIT. The Global Campus platform links pupils to peers in 30 countries.

The English College Dubai

Founded in 1992, this Al Safa secondary pairs GCSEs and A-Levels with strong sports, drama, and Duke of Edinburgh programs. Recent campus upgrades include a new pool and an innovation hub.

Dunecrest American School

Operated by Esol Education, Dunecrest offers a US curriculum with IB Diploma on the outskirts of Al Barari. A makerspace, organic gardens and service expeditions nurture practical skills and empathy.

Fairgreen International School

Fairgreen in Sustainable City is Dubai’s first fully net-zero energy school, running the IB continuum. Students track campus solar data and run hydroponic farms as part of daily learning.

Clarion School

This downtown American-curriculum primary embraces project-based Reggio Emilia principles. Flexible classrooms, robust literacy workshops, and parent atelier sessions create an active, child-centered environment.

The Aquila School

Aquila in Dubailand follows the UK syllabus with an emphasis on real-life problem solving. Pupils keep chickens, manage a garden market and code their own apps, building confidence and curiosity.

Ranches Primary School

Set in Arabian Ranches 2, this UK-style primary keeps classes small and communication open. Forest School sessions and daily swimming help children learn through play and movement.

Deira International School

Within Dubai Festival City, DIS runs the UK curriculum and IB Diploma, drawing students from 80 nations. Strong science teaching and vibrant arts mean graduates enter leading universities worldwide.

Al Ittihad Private School Jumeirah

Combining American standards with local values, Al Ittihad’s bilingual pathways foster both English and Arabic fluency. New STEAM labs and heritage studies honor Dubai’s future and past.

Lycée Français International de Dubai

This Oud Metha campus delivers France’s national curriculum from maternelle to lycée. Native French staff, DELF exam prep, and exchange trips to Paris reinforce linguistic depth.

Raffles World Academy

RWA offers an IB continuum in Umm Suqeim, supported by robotics suites, film studios, and Cambridge exam options. A caring ethos, reflected in steady “Very Good” ratings, keeps families loyal.

Raffles International School

Adjacent to the Palm, RIS teaches the UK curriculum with IGCSE, A-Level, and BTEC choices. Its beachside location supports sailing and marine science electives alongside traditional academics.

Dubai International Academy Al Barsha

DIA’s second campus replicates the Emirates Hills success, offering IB stages, modern sports halls, and a STEM centre. Its inclusive support department ensures all learners progress well.

GEMS FirstPoint School The Villa

FirstPoint merges UK academics with specialist pathways in esports, digital media, and hospitality. Strong employer links create internship chances, and KHDA rates its innovation highly.

Victory Heights Primary School

Located in Dubai Sports City, VHPS champions literacy, outdoor play, and positive behaviour. An inclusive classroom model and engaging teachers earn repeated “Very Good” KHDA grades.

Conclusion

Dubai’s rich mix of private schools means every family can match a curriculum, fee band, and ethos to their child’s hopes. Use this guide to shortlist, tour, and choose the campus that feels right. 

For deeper local insights on admissions, fees, and KHDA updates, turn to GuideUAE, your friendly partner on every educational journey, especially for people who have shifted to Dubai recently.

FAQs

How early should I apply for a popular private school in Dubai? 

Many schools open applications up to a year in advance of the intended start date, and “Outstanding” campuses can fill places within weeks. Start gathering documents early, book your school tours, and submit forms as soon as the portal opens to avoid wait-list disappointment.

What are KHDA inspection ratings, and why do they matter? 

The Knowledge and Human Development Authority inspects every Dubai private school annually, grading them from “Outstanding” to “Weak.” These ratings reflect teaching quality, student well-being, and leadership. While not the only factor, a consistent “Very Good” or “Outstanding” label usually signals strong academic outcomes and good parent satisfaction.

How much do private school fees vary in Dubai? 

Annual tuition can range from under AED 20,000 in value schools to over AED 100,000 in elite academies. Fees usually exclude uniforms, transport, and extracurricular trips, so families should budget at least ten percent extra. Always request the full fee schedule before signing your contract to avoid surprises.

Can my child switch curricula during their schooling? 

Moving from one curriculum to another, say British to IB or American, can work if planned carefully with both schools’ academic teams. Key considerations include subject mapping, language requirements, and examination timings. Starting the transfer discussion early helps teachers align learning gaps and protect future university options.

Do Dubai private schools offer financial aid or scholarships? 

Many mid-range and premium schools run merit or means-tested scholarships covering partial fees for academics, sports, or the arts. Applications usually involve portfolio evidence, interviews, and an annual review of progress. Contact admissions offices directly and prepare documents well ahead of time to meet tight scholarship deadlines.