Finding the right school is one of the most important decisions that all of us parents may struggle with every time we’re in the situation. In this article, we’ll provide you with some counsel, which should help you in making the right decision.

There are many schools in Dubai to choose from, so it can be a difficult task trying to decide which school to enrol your child. Public schools in the UAE aren’t available for expats in Dubai unless they homeschool their children, which will force you to go through challenging and often stressful searches for a private school.

As a general rule, check out the considerations below before finalizing your decision.

Look for the right curriculum. As you know, Dubai is transient and not usually the best place for some expats. The type of curriculum, teaching style and language of your home country are vital deciding factors for a school.

There are many different types of educational curriculum offered in Dubai, ranging from British, Australian, Arabic, American, Canadian, and Indian to the International Baccalaureate (IB) system. Thankfully, there are CBSE schools in Dubai available for expat parents and locals alike looking for an international calibre education for their children. You can always check if a school’s curriculum fits your desired education for your children, and decide from there.

Find the right timing. Many schools have waiting lists, so you might be limited to which schools have the availability for your child’s anticipated enrolment. Certain schools only allow enrolment at certain grade levels while others offer enrolment if any current student leaves. Thus, start looking into schools as soon as you can so you won’t be rushed into this very important decision.

Check the fees. Enrolment and tuition fees vary hugely in Dubai. Some start at around AED 5,000 a year to around AED 1,000,000 yearly. Certain schools charge a reservation fee, as well. Determine your budget and research the available schools only in your price range.

Assess the campus and its facilities. Take time to visit the school you’ve chosen and spend an hour or two on inspecting the physical space, from classrooms, libraries, gymnasiums, and playgrounds to know how comfortable and safe your child will be when they finally spend their days at school.

Admission requirements. Many Dubai schools require your child to undergo an entrance exam, interview and may request prior school records when necessary. Score is important, but all schools will take a holistic approach to assessing admission requirements.

School numbers and records. Check if the school’s attendance is over 90 percent. This will mean that students don’t skip school due to unhappiness with either the curriculum or the teaching staff. Is the school financially stable? You don’t want the school cutting costs on the quality of its facilities, food and teachers just to stay afloat.

Location and commute. The perfect school that has all your requirements will matter little if its 100 miles away from your home, right? Traffic jams in Dubai during rush hours will add time to driving or bus rides, so make sure that the commute’s length is acceptable before picking a school.

Parting Note

Choosing your child’s school is a monumental decision. The place where your child learns and grow plays a very significant role in establishing their attitudes, beliefs, and overall behaviour. However, remember that the most essential environment for your child is a loving home that supports and is committed to nurturing them and setting them on the pathway of learning.