Choosing the right school shapes your entire Dubai expat experience. Here is the complete curriculum guide for 2026.
The KHDA system: the rating that changes everything
All private schools in Dubai are inspected annually by the KHDA. Check khda.ae before choosing. Prioritise “Outstanding” and “Good” schools.
British Curriculum
- GEMS Wellington Academy: Outstanding, AED 50,000–70,000/yr
- JESS: Outstanding, AED 58,000–75,000/yr
- Dubai College: selective, Outstanding, AED 65,000–78,000/yr
IB Programme
Recognised by Harvard, Oxford, McGill… PYP → MYP → Diploma. GEMS World Academy: Outstanding, AED 60,000–80,000/yr.
School fees 2026
- French AEFE: AED 18,000–42,000/yr
- British: AED 30,000–90,000/yr
- IB: AED 55,000–85,000/yr
- American: AED 35,000–75,000/yr
- CBSE: AED 10,000–30,000/yr