Best American-Curriculum Schools in Dubai (by KHDA Rating)

Dubai's American-curriculum (and American/IB) private schools, ranked by KHDA rating.

The American curriculum in Dubai follows a US K-12 structure with GPA, high-school credits and often Advanced Placement (AP). It is a natural fit for families heading to US (or US-style) universities.

Strengths

• Continuous assessment and GPA rather than one set of final exams
• Clear pathway to US universities, with AP for advanced study
• Broad subject mix maintained later than A-Levels

Trade-offs to weigh

• Fewer American schools than British in Dubai
• AP availability and depth vary by school — confirm directly
• Check the KHDA rating; the 'American' label alone says little about quality

Near popular communities

• American schools near Al Barsha
• American schools near Arabian Ranches
• American schools near Damac Hills
• American schools near Downtown Dubai
• American schools near Dubai Hills
• American schools near Dubai Marina
• American schools near Emirates Hills
• American schools near Jumeirah

Generated from KHDA ratings and published fees — not a paid ranking.

1. 1. GEMS Dubai American Academy - Dubai Branch — Al Barsha, KHDA Outstanding, American / IB, fees AED 65,000–95,000
2. 2. Universal American School - Branch — Dubai Festival City, KHDA Very Good, American / IB, fees AED 44,000–73,000
3. 3. Al Ittihad Private School — Al Mamzar, KHDA Good, American, fees AED 23,000–39,000
4. 4. Al Ittihad Private School (Br) — Al Safa, KHDA Good, American, fees AED 23,000–39,000
5. 5. Al Mawakeb School Al Barsha L.L.C — Al Barsha, KHDA Good, American, fees AED 14,000–25,000
6. 6. Al Mawakeb School Al Garhoud L.L.C — Al Garhoud, KHDA Good, American, fees AED 14,000–25,000
7. 7. Al Mawakeb School Al Khawaneej L.L.C — Al Mizhar, KHDA Good, American, fees AED 36,181–69,602
8. 8. American Academy for Girls — Al Mizhar, KHDA Good, American, fees AED 36,485–65,270
9. 9. American International School — Al Qusais, KHDA Good, American, fees AED 13,000–22,000
10. 10. American School of Creative Science - Nad Al Sheba — Nad Al Sheba, KHDA Good, American, fees AED 35,822–72,669
11. 11. American School of Dubai — Al Barsha, KHDA Good, American, fees AED 60,571–89,319
12. 12. Clarion School L.L.C — Al Quoz, KHDA Good, American, fees AED 46,000–74,000
13. 13. Collegiate International School — Umm Suqeim, KHDA Good, IB / American, fees AED 39,478–70,630
14. 14. Dubai International School, Al Quoz — Al Quoz, KHDA Good, American, fees AED 13,000–23,000
15. 15. Dubai National School — Al Barsha, KHDA Good, American, fees AED 24,172–39,665
16. 16. Dubai National School, Al Twar — Al Twar, KHDA Good, American, fees AED 21,000–35,000
17. 17. Dunecrest American School L.L.C — Al Barari, KHDA Good, American / IB, fees AED 41,500–90,050
18. 18. GEMS Al Khaleej International School - Dubai Branch — Al Warqa, KHDA Good, American, fees AED 33,932–52,129
19. 19. Greenwood International School — Muhaisnah, KHDA Good, American, fees AED 20,124–30,860
20. 20. Mirdif American School — Al Mizhar, KHDA Good, American, fees AED 22,000–38,000
21. 21. New Academy School — Al Raffa, KHDA Good, American, fees AED 12,000–22,000
22. 22. Next Generation School L.L.C — Al Barsha, KHDA Good, American, fees AED 28,000–47,000
23. 23. Nibras International School — Dubai Investments Park, KHDA Good, American, fees AED 25,316–50,321
24. 24. Philadelphia Private School — Muhaisnah, KHDA Good, American, fees AED 20,000–35,000
25. 25. Sharjah American International Private School — Al Warqa, KHDA Good, American, fees AED 23,000–39,000
26. 26. Al Maaref Private School L.L.C — Al Qusais, KHDA Acceptable, American, fees not published
27. 27. Bright Learners Private School L.L.C — Al Rashidiya, KHDA Acceptable, American, fees not published
28. 28. Dubai International Private School — Al Garhoud, KHDA Acceptable, American, fees AED 15,051–23,629
29. 29. Dubai Modern Education School — Al Mizhar, KHDA Acceptable, American, fees not published
30. 30. Dubai Schools Corporation L.L.C Albarsha — Al Barsha South, KHDA Acceptable, American, fees not published
31. 31. Dubai Schools Corporation L.L.C Mirdif — Mirdif, KHDA Acceptable, American, fees not published
32. 32. Dubai Schools Nad Al Sheba — Nad Al Sheba, KHDA Acceptable, American, fees AED 30,603–45,853
33. 33. Ignite School L.L.C — Al Warqa, KHDA Acceptable, American, fees not published
34. 34. International Academic School — Al Warqa, KHDA Acceptable, American, fees not published
35. 35. Modern Skills School L.L.C — Muhaisnah, KHDA Acceptable, American, fees not published
36. 36. North American International School L.L.C — Al Mizhar, KHDA Acceptable, American, fees not published
37. 37. Renaissance School L.L.C — Dubai Sports City, KHDA Acceptable, American, fees not published
38. 38. The Fifth Dimension Elementary School L.L.C — Nad Al Sheba, KHDA Acceptable, American, fees not published
39. 39. The School of Research Science US High School — Al Warqa, KHDA Acceptable, American, fees AED 60,168–70,039
40. 40. Vernus International Primary School - FZCO — Dubai Silicon Oasis, KHDA Acceptable, American, fees not published
41. 41. Dubai Arabian American Private School — Muhaisnah, KHDA Weak, American, fees not published

Frequently asked questions

How much do American schools in Dubai cost?

Typically from around AED 30,000 to over AED 90,000 a year. See each school's profile for published fees.

Is the American curriculum recognised by UK universities?

Yes — US high-school diplomas with strong AP results are widely accepted, though requirements vary.

Where are American schools concentrated in Dubai?

Across several communities; use the 'near community' links to find the closest to you.