Est. 2005 · KHDA Licensed · Cognia Accredited

About North American
International School

Inspiring excellence, building character, and shaping the global leaders of tomorrow — in the heart of Dubai.

NAIS

Mission, Vision
& Philosophy

North American International School was founded on the belief that every child deserves an exceptional education that prepares them not just for university, but for life. Rooted in the American curriculum tradition, we have built a community of learners who are curious, compassionate, and ready for a changing world.

Our approach combines academic rigor with genuine care for each student's social-emotional wellbeing. At NAIS, students are not numbers — they are individuals with unique gifts, passions, and potential. Our small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and supportive community create the ideal conditions for every student to thrive.

Our Mission

"To provide an exceptional American education that empowers students to achieve academic excellence, develop strong character, and become engaged global citizens."

Our Vision

"A community of learners who are intellectually curious, morally grounded, and equipped to make a positive difference in the world."

NAIS students learning
20+ Years of Educational Excellence in Dubai

The NAIS CARE Values

Everything we do at NAIS is guided by our four core values — Community, Awareness, Resilience, and Engagement. These aren't just words on a wall; they are the living culture of our school.

C

Community

We cultivate a warm, inclusive community where every student feels known, respected, and connected — across classrooms, hallways, and beyond.

A

Awareness

We develop mindful, empathetic learners who are aware of themselves, their environment, and their responsibility to the broader global community.

R

Resilience

We nurture the strength and grit to overcome challenges, learn from setbacks, and emerge more confident and capable with every experience.

E

Engagement

We inspire deep, active engagement in learning, school life, and community — building students who are passionate and purposeful in all they do.

School Leadership

Our experienced, passionate leadership team sets the tone for excellence, care, and innovation across every aspect of school life at NAIS.

Ms. Arwa A. Taher – Chairman / Owner
Chairman / Owner

Ms. Arwa A. Taher

Chairman / Owner, NAIS Dubai

"At NAIS, we nurture every child's unique potential within a safe, inclusive, and values-driven environment — because great education begins with belonging."

Kelvin Hornsby – Group CEO
Group CEO

Kelvin Hornsby

Group Chief Executive Officer

"Our mission is simple: create world-class schools where every child is inspired to achieve their greatest potential and every family feels at home."

Justin McCauley – Principal
Principal

Justin McCauley

Principal, NAIS Dubai

"Every student at NAIS is known, valued, and challenged. We create an environment where every child feels a strong sense of belonging while being inspired to achieve their full potential."

Crystal Goodwin – Vice Principal High School
Vice Principal

Crystal C. Goodwin

Vice Principal – High School, NAIS Dubai

"Education has the power to transform society. I champion teaching that blends foundational knowledge with critical thinking — inspiring students to become the next generation of global innovators."

Jonathan D'Avignon – Vice Principal Middle School
Vice Principal

Jonathan D'Avignon

Vice Principal – Middle School, NAIS Dubai

"I combine evidence-based practices with a collaborative leadership philosophy — empowering educators and students alike to reach their highest potential."

Jennifer Rose McCauley – Vice Principal Elementary School
Vice Principal

Jennifer Rose McCauley

Vice Principal – Elementary School, NAIS Dubai

"Strong relationships are at the heart of a successful school. I work to build a culture where students feel confident to take risks, grow academically, and develop as individuals."

Natasha Sorak – Head of Lower Elementary
Head of Department

Natasha Sorak

Head of Lower Elementary (KG–Grade 2), NAIS Dubai

"Strong foundations in academics and social-emotional development are the key to long-term success. Every child deserves an environment where they feel supported to thrive."

Noha Shaaban – Head of Inclusive Education
Head of Department

Noha Shaaban

Head of Inclusive Education, NAIS Dubai

"Inclusive schools are stronger schools. Every student of determination deserves the support, belief, and opportunity to reach their fullest potential."

Maha El-Tantawy – Dean of Students
Dean of Students

Maha El-Tantawy

Dean of Students, NAIS Dubai

"Empowering students to take initiative and lead within their school community helps them develop confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of responsibility."

Independent Inspection & Accreditation

NAIS Dubai has been independently evaluated by two of the world's leading educational inspection and accreditation bodies — NEASC (2025) and the Dubai Schools Inspection Bureau (DSIB, 2023–2024) — both confirming our commitment to excellence.

Good All Elementary Subjects
Good Math — Elementary & High School
Good Arabic & Islamic Studies — Elementary
Very Good Personal Development — KG
Very Good Personal Development — Elementary
NEASC Accreditation Inspection · 2025

What Inspectors Said About NAIS Dubai

"The school maintains an inclusive admissions policy welcoming students from a variety of backgrounds — indeed no student is turned away."

"School leadership takes a proactive and personalized approach to engaging with new families."

"They personally meet and onboard all new parents and students, ensuring that contact details are provided for additional support, thereby facilitating a smooth transition into the school environment."

"Parents and visitors reflected a high degree of satisfaction with the school."

"Parents reported a personal welcome by the school administration, a high level of care by the teacher, and the feeling of a sense of belonging among their children at all levels."

"The offering of many programs that build a sense of belonging and confidence in their children."

"Teachers are easily accessible."

"The school offers a balanced focus on academic and extracurricular activities."

"Middle school and high school students have seen growth (on average) of 10 percentile points in MAP performance, across all subject areas — with some isolated dramatic results such as an 18 percentile point gain in Middle School MAP Math scores in two years."

"The increase in student performance is remarkable."

"A clear trend of improvement can be seen."

"NAIS has embedded its values of inclusivity, rigor, and innovation into the culture of learning."

"The efforts at NAIS reflect the belief that every student can achieve growth when provided with structured support and challenge."

Rating Highlights
  • Good

    Progress for all subject categories in Elementary

  • Good

    Attainment in Arabic & Islamic Studies — Elementary

  • Good

    Attainment in Elementary Mathematics

  • Good

    Attainment in High School Mathematics

  • Very Good

    Personal Development in Kindergarten

  • Very Good

    Personal Development in Elementary

Inspector Quotes

"Students' learning skills are good across the school."

"Teachers possess secure knowledge of their subjects."

"Teaching in KG and Elementary is characterised by purposeful planning and instructional approaches that suit student needs."

"The curriculum is systematically adapted to support students' academic progress."

"Students clearly show appreciation and understanding of Islamic values and how these values shape their daily lives in the UAE."

"Safeguarding, child protection and anti-bullying are high priorities."

"Students possess a clear knowledge and appreciation of Emirati culture."

"The leadership team manages the school effectively."

KHDA Licensed & DSIB Evaluated North American International School Dubai — 2023–2024 Academic Year
Apply for 2026–2027

A Campus Designed for
Learning & Growth

Our thoughtfully designed campus in Al Mizhar 1, Dubai provides students with inspiring spaces to learn, create, collaborate, and thrive.

Modern Classrooms at NAIS

Modern Classrooms

Bright, technology-equipped classrooms with interactive whiteboards and collaborative learning spaces designed to inspire.

Sports Facilities at NAIS

Sports Facilities

Full gymnasium, outdoor courts, and a sports field supporting a wide range of athletic programs and physical education.

Library and Resources at NAIS Dubai

Library & Resource Centre

A well-stocked library and digital resource centre providing students access to knowledge, research tools, and quiet study spaces.

Beyond the Classroom

At NAIS, education extends far beyond textbooks. Our rich co-curricular programs, vibrant arts scene, competitive sports, and community service initiatives develop the whole child.

Athletics at NAIS

Athletics & Sports

Football, basketball, swimming, athletics and more — competitive teams with expert coaching.

Arts at NAIS

Visual & Performing Arts

Drama, music, visual arts and dance — building creativity and self-expression in every student.

Clubs at NAIS

Clubs & Societies

30+ student-led clubs spanning robotics, debate, journalism, MUN, coding, and more.

Community Service at NAIS

Community Service

Inspiring global citizenship through meaningful service projects locally and internationally.

Sports Day tug of war NAIS
01
Sports
Champions on
Every Field
Teacher helping student NAIS
02
Learning
Every Student
Is Known Here
Science lab NAIS
03
STEM
Science &
Discovery

What Our Students Say

★★★★★

"NAIS shaped me into the person I am today. The teachers really pushed me to reach my potential, and the CARE values weren't just words — they were the culture of our school every single day."

AK
Adam K.Class of 2024 — University of Toronto
★★★★★

"The AP courses gave me a real advantage when I started university. My professors were impressed by how well-prepared I was. I owe that entirely to my incredible teachers at NAIS."

SR
Sara R.Class of 2023 — King's College London
★★★★★

"Coming from a different country, I was worried about fitting in. At NAIS I found a community that welcomed me immediately. The diversity is beautiful — my best friends come from 12 different countries!"

YT
Yuki T.Grade 11 Student

Accreditations & Affiliations

NAIS is recognized and accredited by leading educational bodies, ensuring our programs meet the highest international standards.

KHDA

Knowledge & Human Development Authority

NEASC

New England Association of Schools & Colleges

College Board

Advanced Placement Program Member

MoE UAE

UAE Ministry of Education Licensed

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