Overview

Elementary Schools In The United Arab Emirates (UAE) That Are Open To The Public

There were 639 public and 580 private schools in the UAE in 2017, but only about a quarter of students went to public schools. Public schools in the UAE are free for local residents but charge tuition to foreigners. While most of the education system is open and welcoming to foreigners, some barriers can make it difficult for them to enrol.

Primary School Education In The United Arab Emirates Follows A Western-Style Curriculum.

Math, science, history, geography, linguistics, Islamic studies, Arabic, and even English may be on the curriculum at a public elementary school. 

Typically, public schools have three breaks per year: one in the winter (in December), one in the spring (in late March), and one in the summer. In late March, the Ministry of Education posts its online school calendar for public and private schools with an extended summer break. In addition, the Ministry of Education provides an online school calendar for both government and private schools. Depending on resources and demographics, school districts can have anywhere from 20 to 35 students per class. Phys. ed. classes are required in elementary schools. However, it often takes a back seat to teachers’ other responsibilities when they’re already stretched thin.

What Are The Benefits And Drawbacks Of Public Education In The United Arab Emirates?

Many ex-pats living in the UAE send their children to public schools because the tuition is much lower than that of private institutions, and because doing so helps the children become more fully integrated into UAE society and culture. In this way, your kid can break out of the ex-pat bubble at school and make real friends among the locals.

As unfortunate as it may be, public schools have a reputation for being less disciplined, less well-run, and less successful academically than their private counterparts. Your kid would need to be open to the fact that these schools are exclusively Arabic, teach in a gender-segregated environment, and use only Arabic as a medium of instruction. And suppose your child eventually decides to attend college back in their home country. In that case, a public school education will be harder to verify.

Check Out Our Breakdown Of The UAE’s Educational System.

The United Arab Emirates Primary School Application Process

Contact your local education council to inform them that you want to enrol in a government primary school.

Most applications require supplementary materials, such as proof of residency, a passport photo, evidence of current housing arrangements, and possibly even transcripts from previous institutions attended. You might also be required to take an Arabic test.

In the United Arab Emirates, there are several excellent private schools.

Considering that most UAE children attend a private institution, there are many options for expat parents searching for a good education for their children. In addition, most private schools follow the curriculum of one specific country.

Some fundamental distinctions exist between public and private educational institutions. Private schools, for example, are often held to a higher standard of rigor than their public-school counterparts. In many cases, the instruction is conducted entirely in the target language, be it English or German. As with public schools, private schools typically provide main core subjects like math, science, and social studies and electives like foreign language and art. Tuition at private schools can cost anywhere from AED 2,000 to AED 96,000 per year, and there may be a lengthy waiting list.

Lessons Taught in Private Schools

Almost any type of private school is available within the United Arab Emirates. Some examples of available private schools are as follows:

International Baccalaureate Program

Schools that follow the International Baccalaureate curriculum provide students with a rigorous and well-respected education, emphasizing essay writing, knowledge theory, and project-based learning that integrates artistic expression, physical activity, and community service. Science, art, math, language, and literature are all taught to students.

The Influence of British Education Abroad

Students attending a school in Britain are well-prepared for further education in Britain or another Commonwealth country because the curriculum is identical to that used in the UK. Students typically take courses in mathematics, science, history, geography, linguistics, literature, and a second language, all taught in English.

Learn more about your options for international education in the United Arab Emirates by reading our in-depth guide.

UAE’s International Education System

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a free home to many international schools, many of which model after the educational systems of specific nations. A large number of international schools are in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Still, they can be found all over the Emirates. Different languages and cultures are represented, from French to German to Indian, Japanese to Filipino, and beyond.

Some of these schools have almost exclusively students whose parents are from that country, providing a cultural experience for the students even though they are far from home. Tuition ranges widely from AED 3,000 to AED 70,000, depending on the school.

International schools based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE): the benefits and drawbacks

Learning about other cultures in a welcoming environment with students also far from home can be a huge benefit of attending an international school. In addition, because of their ability to keep students on track academically, international schools are also beneficial for helping students successfully reintegrate into their home countries after studying abroad.

However, international schools typically have long waiting lists and high tuition costs. Additionally, there needs to be more opportunities for international school students to become more immersed in Emirati culture. Therefore, it is essential to have an in-depth family discussion about all of these considerations. Then, to find the right fit for your family’s budget, consider how much time and thought you’d want to put into determining your child’s educational ethos and curriculum.

Exactly What Is It That A Primary School Teacher Does?

A first-grade teacher makes learning easier by being well-prepared, making the classroom a happy place, and getting to know each student well. This shows how important it is to realize that primary school teachers do more than just teach their classes about the subject. They also help and guide their students.