Overview of Educational System
Education in state-run schools is free for local and expatriate children. Girls and boys are educated separately in the state-run system. There are fees for private schools. Education is compulsory for children between the ages of 6 and 12, although the vast majority of Emirati children continue their education.
The school system is comprised of:
- Kindergarten, for children 4 and 5.
- Primary school for children 6 to 12 and
- Preparatory school for children 12 to 15.
- Secondary school for children 15 to 18. or
- Technical school for children ages 12 to 18. This is further subdivided into agricultural, technical, or commercial.
There are special programs for academically gifted children and children with special needs.
The language of instruction is Arabic, except for technical and specialized subjects, which may be in English. The school year runs from September to June.
Schools
The following are some of the better-known international schools:
Abu Dhabi
Dubai
- Emirates International School, Tel.: 971-4-348-9804
- American School Dubai, Tel.: 971-4-344-0824
- Dubai College, Tel.: 971-4-399-9111
- Horizon School, Tel.: 971-4-342-2891
- International School of Choueifat, Tel.: 971-4-399-9444
- Japanese School, Tel.: 971-4-344-9119
- Indian High School, Tel.: 971-4-337-7475
- Pakistan English School, Tel.: 971-4-393-0898
- Arab Unity School, Tel.: 971-4-288-6226
- English Speaking School, Tel.: 971-4-337-1457
- Jumeirah English Speaking School, Tel.: 971-4-394-5515
Sharjah
- American International School, Tel.: 971-6-538-0000
- International School of Choueifat, Tel.: 971-6-558-2211
- Lycee Georges Pompidou, Tel.: 971-6-567-3430
