Choosing the Right Curriculum
Dubai offers one of the world's most diverse school landscapes. The curriculum you choose will shape your child's academic pathway, university options, and the ease of transition if you relocate again.
How we count
Counts on this page come from the 237 private schools we list. A school that teaches two curricula, such as British and IB, counts under each, so the counts add up to more than 237.
British Curriculum (GCSE / A-Level)
The most popular curriculum in Dubai: 104 schools on our list teach it, including those that also offer the IB. Leads to GCSEs at age 16 and A-Levels at 18. Widely recognised globally, particularly for UK, Australian, and many international university applications. Strong structure, subject depth, and well-understood by parents from Commonwealth countries.
American Curriculum (High School Diploma / AP)
42 schools on our list teach the American curriculum, including those that also offer the IB. Leads to a High School Diploma with optional Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Ideal for families planning university in the US or Canada. More flexible credit-based structure. SAT/ACT preparation is typically embedded.
International Baccalaureate (IB)
33 schools on our list offer the IB, 12 of them alongside a British, American or CBSE curriculum. Schools run different IB programmes (Primary Years, Middle Years and the Diploma Programme for ages 16 to 18), so check which ones each school offers. The IB is highly regarded globally and particularly strong for entry to top universities worldwide. More holistic and inquiry-based than national curricula. Demanding, so it suits academically motivated students.
Indian Curriculum (CBSE)
34 schools on our list teach the Indian curriculum (CBSE), including GEMS Modern Academy, which also offers the IB. Primarily serves the large Indian expatriate community. Fees tend to be lower than British or American schools. Strong in mathematics and science. Ideal for families planning to return to India or attend Indian universities.
UAE Ministry of Education (MOE)
14 schools on our list follow the UAE national curriculum, taught in Arabic with English as a second language. Suitable for Emirati families and those planning long-term UAE residence. Less common among expatriate families.
French and other curricula
8 schools on our list teach the French curriculum, and 14 more follow other national or international curricula: Australian, Chinese, German, Iranian, Japanese, Pakistani, Philippine, Russian and SABIS.
Key Decision Factors
Consider: (1) Where will your child likely attend university? (2) How long do you plan to stay in Dubai? (3) Does your child have existing curriculum experience that would be disrupted by switching? (4) What are the fee implications? British and IB schools tend to be the most expensive; CBSE schools the most affordable.