KG – Grade 12 · American Curriculum · Dubai, UAE

Where Learning Becomes
a Lifelong Advantage

A rigorous American curriculum, world-class faculty, and exceptional results — from Kindergarten through Grade 12.

100% University
Acceptance
68% AP Pass Rate
Score 3+
1080 SAT Average
2024–25
+35pp Science Growth
3 Years
KG–12 Complete
Pathway
Academic Programs

Programs for Every
Stage of Learning

From the joy of Kindergarten to university-preparatory High School, every stage of learning is thoughtfully designed to develop the whole child.

Kindergarten at NAIS Dubai
Early Years · KG 1 & KG 2

Kindergarten

Play-based learning in a warm, nurturing environment where young learners build foundational literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional skills.

Phonics & early literacy
Numeracy & math concepts
Arabic language introduction
Arts, music & movement
Elementary students at NAIS Dubai
Grades 1 – 5

Elementary School

Core subject mastery meets creative, interdisciplinary exploration. Small classes ensure every student is truly known and supported.

English Language Arts (ELA)
Mathematics (Common Core)
Science & STEM projects
Arabic & Islamic Studies
Middle School at NAIS Dubai
Grades 6 – 8

Middle School

Academic challenge with exceptional pastoral support. Project-based learning and leadership opportunities help students discover their strengths.

Pre-Algebra & Algebra 1
Life & Physical Sciences
Project-based learning
Leadership development
High School at NAIS Dubai
Grades 9 – 12

High School

College-preparatory excellence with AP courses, university counseling from Grade 9, and a 100% university acceptance record.

10+ AP Courses
SAT/ACT preparation
University counseling Gr 9–12
Lab Sciences (Bio, Chem, Physics)
College Board Approved

Advanced Placement AP Courses

10+ AP courses across sciences, humanities, and technology — giving students the opportunity to earn university credit and stand out in admissions worldwide.

English & Language Arts

  • AP English Language & Composition
  • AP English Literature & Composition

Mathematics

  • AP Calculus AB
  • AP Calculus BC
  • AP Statistics

Sciences

  • AP Biology
  • AP Chemistry
  • AP Physics 1 & 2
  • AP Environmental Science

History & Social Studies

  • AP US History
  • AP World History
  • AP Psychology
  • AP Human Geography

Computer Science

  • AP Computer Science A
  • AP Computer Science Principles

Economics & Languages

  • AP Economics (Macro/Micro)
  • AP Spanish Language
  • AP Arabic Language
68%
AP Pass Rate · Score 3+
80%
AP Psychology Pass Rate
78%
AP Comp. Science Pass Rate
Every Child Belongs

Inclusion Program

NAIS is committed to inclusive education. Our dedicated Inclusion Program ensures students with diverse learning needs receive individualized support, IEPs, and a true sense of belonging.

Learn More
Individualized Education Plans (IEPs)
Learning support specialists
Speech & language therapy
Occupational therapy support
Co-teaching classroom model
Differentiated instruction

Start Your Child's Journey at NAIS

Enrollment is open for the 2026–2027 academic year. Join our community of inspired learners from 45+ nationalities.

Why American Curriculum?

Built for the
World's Best Universities

The same rigorous standard used by top schools across the United States — enhanced by our international community and Dubai's global perspective.

Global University Recognition

The American curriculum is recognized by universities in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Europe and the UAE — opening doors worldwide for every NAIS graduate.

STEM & Critical Thinking

From inquiry-based science in KG to AP Physics and Calculus in Grade 12, students build genuine analytical skills through hands-on, project-based learning.

Whole-Child Development

Academic excellence balanced with character education, arts, athletics, and social-emotional learning — nurturing confident, compassionate global citizens.

Small Class Sizes

With a maximum of 22 students per class, every teacher genuinely knows each learner — enabling personalized support, challenge, and authentic relationships.

AP College Credit

Over 10 College Board AP courses allow High School students to earn university credit before graduation — reducing tuition costs and accelerating degree completion.

Measurable Progress

Internationally benchmarked assessments (MAP, SAT, AP, IELTS) provide clear, transparent data — so families always know exactly where their child stands.

Grading & Assessment

Transparent Grading System

Clear, consistent grading aligned to US standards — so families always understand how their child is performing and progressing.

Letter Grade Scale

A+ 97 – 100% Exceptional
A 90 – 96% Excellent
B 80 – 89% Above Average
C 70 – 79% Average
D 60 – 69% Below Average
F Below 60% Failing

GPA & Assessment Types

The American GPA system (0.0 – 4.0 scale) is used for High School. AP courses carry weighted GPA (up to 5.0), rewarding academic challenge.

4.0 A · Outstanding Honor Roll
5.0 AP Weighted GPA AP Bonus

Assessment Breakdown

Formative (quizzes, classwork) 40%
Summative (tests, projects) 40%
Final Examinations 20%

External Assessments

MAP Assessment
Measures academic growth across all grades — tracked yearly.
AP Exams (Gr 10–12)
College Board exams. Score 3+ earns university credit globally.
SAT (Gr 11–12)
2024–25 Average: 1,080. Year-on-year improvement of +48 pts.
IELTS
78% of students achieve Band 6.0+ (university entry level).

University Pathways

NAIS graduates are accepted to leading universities across North America, the UK, Europe, and Australia — with dedicated university counseling starting in Grade 9.

University of Toronto New York University UCL London McGill University King's College London Boston University + 100% Acceptance Rate
Why Choose American?

American Curriculum vs. Other Systems

Feature American Curriculum British Curriculum IB Programme
Global University Recognition Excellent — 50+ countries Good — UK & Commonwealth Excellent
University Credit (Pre-graduation) Yes — via AP courses No direct equivalent Limited — via HL exams
Subject Flexibility High — wide elective choice Medium Medium — fixed structure
Student Wellbeing Focus Whole-child emphasis Good Very strong
Arabic & Islamic Studies Integrated (UAE requirement) Integrated School dependent
Parent Questions

Common Questions

Is the American diploma recognized in UAE universities?
Yes. The American High School Diploma is fully recognized by all major UAE universities, including AUS, AUD, UAEU, Khalifa University, and NYU Abu Dhabi. It is also accepted globally across 50+ countries.
How are students assessed — exams or coursework?
Assessment is a healthy balance of both: formative (ongoing classwork, quizzes) at 40%, summative (projects, tests) at 40%, and final examinations at 20%. This continuous approach reduces exam anxiety and gives a complete picture of each student's progress.
What is an AP course and is it mandatory?
AP (Advanced Placement) are College Board university-level courses available in Grades 10–12. They are optional but highly recommended for academically motivated students. A score of 3 or above (out of 5) on AP exams earns university credit — saving families tuition costs and time.
When does university counseling begin?
University counseling at NAIS begins in Grade 9. Our dedicated counselors guide students through course selection, extracurricular planning, personal statement writing, and application strategy — ensuring every student is fully prepared by Grade 12.
View All Parent FAQs
Academic Year 2024–2025 · External Assessment Results

Our Students. Our Achievements.

Clear, independent evidence of academic progress at NAIS Dubai — measured through internationally recognised assessments.

+35pp Science Growth
3 Years
68% AP Pass Rate
Score 3+
1080 SAT Average
2024–25
6.4 IELTS Average
Band Score
78% University Entry
IELTS Band 6+
MAP Growth Assessments

Measuring Real Growth

MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) is an internationally recognised benchmark assessment used to track individual student growth each year.

Algebra 1 MAP · Grade 9

Strong Algebra Foundation

Grade 9 students performed strongly in their first Algebra 1 MAP baseline — setting a clear benchmark for tracking future growth, aligned to California Standards.

62%At/Above Norm
38%Above Norm
24%Top Quartile
Life Science MAP · Grade 9

Biology Baseline Established

Life Science MAP results show a healthy first-year baseline aligned with Grade 8/9 Biology standards — directly informing targeted teaching for 2026.

57%At/Above Norm
31%Above Norm
18%Top Quartile
MAP Progress Ratings

Outstanding Progress
in Key Subjects

NAIS students demonstrate exceptional learning velocity — rated Outstanding in Mathematics and Very Good in Science across all phases.

Science Progress (Gr 9–12) Very Good — 76%
Mathematics Progress (Gr 9–12) Outstanding — 84%
Science Progress (Gr 1–5) Outstanding — 96%
3-Year Attainment · 2022–23 → 2024–25

Consistent Growth Year After Year

Students performing at or above national norm. Every subject shows upward momentum across three consecutive academic years.

Science — At or Above National Norm

Phase 2 · Gr 1–5
🔬
49%
84%
+35 pp
Best improvement
Phase 3 · Gr 6–8
🧪
48%
58%
+10 pp
Steady growth
Phase 4 · Gr 9–12
⚗️
62%
71%
+9 pp
DSIB: Good
Phase 4 · Above Norm
37%
54%
+17 pp
High performers ↑

Mathematics — At or Above National Norm

Phase 2 · Gr 1–5
52%
79%
+27 pp
Outstanding
Phase 3 · Gr 6–8
📐
58%
71%
+13 pp
Very Good
Phase 4 · Gr 9–12
📊
63%
76%
+13 pp
Outstanding
Phase 4 · Above Norm
🏆
41%
57%
+16 pp
High performers ↑
AP · SAT · IELTS

College Readiness & International Excellence

High school students sit internationally recognised examinations that open doors to universities across the world.

Advanced Placement · Gr 10–12

AP — University-Level Results

College Board examinations. A score of 3+ earns university credit worldwide. NAIS offers 10+ AP courses across sciences, humanities & technology.

68%Overall Pass Rate
80%Psychology Pass
78%Comp Sci Pass
AP Psychology 80% pass
AP Computer Science 78% pass
AP Physics 1 58% pass
SAT · Grades 11–12

SAT — 3 Years of Growth

Consistent year-on-year improvement in both Reading/Writing and Math — with total scores rising 48 points in 2024–25 alone.

10802024–25 Average
+48Points Gained
EBRW Average
560 ↑ +22
Math Average
520 ↑ +12
Scoring 1200+
43% ↑ +10pp
IELTS · 2024–25

IELTS — University Entry Ready

78% of NAIS students achieve IELTS Band 6.0+ — the entry standard for most universities worldwide. 42% reach Band 7.0+ for top-ranked institutions.

6.4Average Band
78%Band 6.0+
42%Band 7.0+

What This Means

Band 6.0+ meets English-language requirements at universities including UCL, Manchester, Toronto, and UAE institutions.

University Acceptance — 100%

100%
of graduates admitted to their chosen university
North America (US/Canada)
United Kingdom
Australia
UAE & Europe
100%
University Acceptance — Class of 2025

Every NAIS graduate who applied was accepted to a university of their choice. Our counseling program begins in Grade 9 and leaves nothing to chance.

Apply for 2026–27
Apply Now