International Schools in Dubai

Expat parents looking for excellent international schools in Dubai won’t be disappointed. As a global expat hub, Dubai has one of the highest concentrations of international schools in the world. There are top-notch schools offering just about every curriculum imaginable – from the popular International Baccalaureate to the well-respected American and British systems and more.

Because there are so many schools for parents to choose from, international schools in Dubai are competitive. High standards of education can be expected, alongside top-notch facilities and robust extracurricular programmes. Teachers are generally well qualified and knowledgeable. If unsure about a school, parents should consult the Dubai Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) – it conducts regular inspections of international schools and publishes comprehensive reports.

Boarding schools are also available for globally mobile expat families looking to place their children in safe, stable environments. International schools in Dubai are also a fantastic opportunity for children to adapt to the local culture, as they can learn a familiar curriculum while integrating into their community. Most of the international schools in Dubai enrol children from the ages of three to 18.

Most areas and suburbs in Dubai are home to outstanding international schools, with some of the top international schools located in the Al Barsha, Jumeirah, and Academic City suburbs. Additionally, expats will also have to consider their proximity to their children’s schools and their place of work, as they are likely to travel by car and experience traffic on their daily commute.

Most international schools have rolling admissions so that families can apply at any time of year. Space can be limited, particularly in primary schools, so it’s well worth applying early to secure a spot at the school of your choice.

Below is a list of some of the best international schools in Dubai.

International schools in Dubai

American School of Dubai

The American School of Dubai is an independent non-profit school. With a history of more than 50 years, the American School of Dubai was the first in the emirate to offer the US curriculum and has since won the Best International School in the UAE award. Its purpose-built campus in Al Barsha is home to top-notch modern facilities. Read more

Gender: Co-educational 
Curriculum: American (including Advanced Placement) 
Ages: 3 to 18

GEMS Cambridge International School Dubai

Cambridge International School Dubai has a student body of approximately 4,000 students, representing a wide range of nationalities. The spacious campus is divided into two: the primary school (Early Years to Year 6) and the secondary school (Years 7 to 13). This UK curriculum school’s combination of excellent facilities and outstanding teaching staff provides students with the resources to excel. Read more

Gender: Co-educational 
Curriculum: British (English National Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE and A Levels) 
Ages: 3 to 18

Deira International School

With pupils of more than 80 nationalities, this is truly an international school. Most teachers are British, and the curriculum is based on the National Curriculum for England. This international school is well equipped with all the facilities necessary for high-quality education, resulting in its students consistently achieving academic excellence. Read more

Gender: Co-educational 
Curriculum: British (English National Curriculum and Cambridge IGCSE) and International Baccalaureate 
Ages: 3 to 18

GEMS Dubai American Academy

The GEMS Dubai American Academy opened in Al Barsha in 1997. It has since developed an excellent reputation among expat parents in Dubai and has obtained a KHDA rating of ‘outstanding’ for several years. The curriculum is American-based and enriched with international elements. Read more

Gender: Co-educational 
Curriculum: American (including Advanced Placement) and International Baccalaureate 
Ages: 3 to 18

Dubai British School Emirates Hills

Dubai British School Emirates Hills is a thriving school with 1,100 students that opened in 2005. With well-equipped sports, academic, and cultural facilities, the international school aims to foster well-rounded individuals. Holding an ‘outstanding’ rating from the KHDA, Dubai British School Emirates Hills is one of the top international schools in Dubai. Read more

Gender: Co-educational 
Curriculum: British (English National Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE and A Levels) 
Ages: 3 to 18

Dubai College

Located in the New Dubai district and set on 19 acres of spacious, landscaped grounds, Dubai College has developed a reputation as one of the top international schools in Dubai for parents wanting a British education for their children over the last 30 years. A wide range of extracurricular programmes is offered alongside the school's highly praised academic offerings. Read more

Gender: Co-educational 
Curriculum: British (English National Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE and A Levels) 
Ages: 11 to 18

Emirates International School, Jumeirah

Established in 1991in Dubai, Emirates International School Jumeirah has grown rapidly and now offers an international curriculum that provides education to more than 2,200 children of widely varying nationalities. The school grounds are lush and leafy, providing plenty of space for students to enjoy, while the school building features high-quality facilities. Read more

Gender: Co-educational 
Curriculum: International Baccalaureate 
Ages: 3 to 18

Hartland International School

Hartland International School is a place of learning and discovery that encourages creative thinking. The academic programme is one of the top programmes in Dubai, as students are encouraged to develop a sound work ethic and an authentic love of learning. Read more

Gender: Co-educational 
Curriculum: British (English National Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, A Levels and BTEC) 
Ages: 3 to 18

GEMS Jumeirah College

This respected British curriculum school is situated in the prestigious suburb of Jumeirah and has been ranked ‘outstanding’ by Dubai’s KHDA for several years in a row. Ranked in the top one percent of A Levels and IGCSE providers worldwide, GEMS Jumeirah College boasts exceptional facilities with a diverse student body of 1,000 pupils from more than 60 countries worldwide. Read more

Gender: Co-educational 
Curriculum: British (English National Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE and A Levels) 
Ages: 11 to 18

Jumeirah English Speaking School (JESS)

This non-profit international school in Dubai serves over 2,000 students on two campuses in Jumeirah and Arabian Ranches. JESS has been rated ‘outstanding’ by the KHDA on several occasions. The quality of staff here is high and constantly improving as part of the school’s professional development programme. Read more

Gender: Co-educational 
Curriculum: British (English National Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE and BTEC) and International Baccalaureate 
Ages: 3 to 18

GEMS Modern Academy

A large school offering the International Baccalaureate and Indian curricula, GEMS Modern Academy is popular with expat families and has a student body of around 4,000. The school caters to international students living in Dubai from Kindergarten to Grade 12. Read more

Gender: Co-educational 
Curriculum: Indian (CISCE/ISC) and International Baccalaureate 
Ages: 3 to 18

Nord Anglia International School Dubai

Nord Anglia International School Dubai opened in central Dubai in 2014, offering the well-respected British curriculum and International Baccalaureate. Class sizes are limited to 20 students to ensure all receive individualised attention and achieve academic excellence. Read more

Gender: Co-educational 
Curriculum: British (English National Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE and A Levels) and International Baccalaureate 
Ages: 3 to 18

Raffles International School

A truly diverse and international school, Raffles International School has around 1,400 pupils hailing from numerous countries around the world. Located in the Umm Sequim residential district of Dubai, Raffles International School offers a splendid English as a Second Language (ESL) programme, as well as a robust mother tongue programme to support the ongoing development of home-language speakers of French, Spanish, Russian, German, and Hindi. Read more

Gender: Co-educational 
Curriculum: British (English National Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, BTEC and A Levels) 
Ages: 3 to 18

Repton School Dubai

With ties to the 450-year-old English boarding school of the same name, Repton offers the best of British education and has been rated ‘outstanding’ by the KHDA. The school achieves top academic results and has a strong sporting tradition, placing it among the best international schools in Dubai. Read more

Gender: Co-educational 
Curriculum: British (English National Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE and A Levels) and International Baccalaureate 
Ages: 3 to 18

Swiss International School Dubai

The Swiss International School in Dubai is a leading international school where future generations are inspired to become confident and enthusiastic lifelong learners, ready to embrace the opportunities and challenges in a global world. This international school offers rigorous bilingual instruction and boarding facilities in the heart of Dubai. Read more

Gender: Co-educational 
Curriculum: Swiss and International Baccalaureate 
Ages: 3 to 18

The English College Dubai

The English College Dubai opened its doors in 1992, with a separate primary school built in 2004. The school has a good reputation with expat parents in Dubai and offers a robust British education. The international school endeavours to provide a well-rounded experience, offering diverse extracurricular activities focused on sport and the arts. Read more

Gender: Co-educational 
Curriculum: British (English National Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE and A Levels) 
Ages: 3 to 18

GEMS The Millennium School

This state-of-the-art school opened its doors in 2000in the heart of Dubai’s Al Qusais suburb. The Millennium School teaches the well-regarded Indian CBSE curriculum. The primarily international student body is a great fit for children of globally mobile families. The Millennium School supplements its excellent academic offerings with a wide range of extracurricular activities, placing it among the top international schools in Dubai offering the Indian curriculum. Read more

Gender: Co-educational 
Curriculum: Indian (CBSE) 
Ages: 5 to 18