Universal American School
About
Inspection Rating
Very Good-- KHDA
Languages Taught
English, Arabic
Phone
Website
Address
Al Badia, Dubai Festival City, Dubai, UAE
Programs Offered
4 ProgrammesEarly Years Programme
3 years / Early Years
Play-based inquiry learning for Pre-KG through KG2, developing foundational skills in literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional growth in a nurturing environment.
IB Primary Years Programme (PYP)
5 years / Elementary
Transdisciplinary inquiry-based learning for Grade 1 through Grade 5, following the IB PYP framework integrated with New York State Standards.
IB Middle Years Programme (MYP)
5 years / Middle School
Subject-specific inquiry for Grade 6 through Grade 10, developing disciplinary and interdisciplinary understanding through the IB MYP framework with a Personal Project in Grade 10.
IB Diploma Programme (DP) / AP
2 years / High School
Rigorous pre-university programme offering three graduation pathways: IB Diploma Programme, Advanced Placement (AP), and the American High School Diploma. 100% IB Diploma pass rate with average score of 35.4 points.
Tuition Fees 2025/26
All fees in AED per academic year
| Grade | Key Stage | Ages | KHDA Fee | School Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-KG | Early Years | 3-4 | 40,377 | 40,377 |
| KG1 | Early Years | 4-5 | 43,103 | 43,103 |
| KG2 | Early Years | 5-6 | 48,960 | 48,960 |
| Grade 1 | IB PYP | 6-7 | 61,986 | 61,986 |
| Grade 2 | IB PYP | 7-8 | 61,986 | 61,986 |
| Grade 3 | IB PYP | 8-9 | 61,986 | 61,986 |
| Grade 4 | IB PYP | 9-10 | 61,986 | 61,986 |
| Grade 5 | IB PYP | 10-11 | 72,328 | 72,328 |
| Grade 6 | IB MYP | 11-12 | 72,328 | 72,328 |
| Grade 7 | IB MYP | 12-13 | 72,328 | 72,328 |
| Grade 8 | IB MYP | 13-14 | 72,328 | 72,328 |
| Grade 9 | IB MYP | 14-15 | 81,834 | 81,834 |
| Grade 10 | IB MYP | 15-16 | 81,834 | 81,834 |
| Grade 11 | IB DP | 16-17 | 81,834 | 81,834 |
| Grade 12 | IB DP | 17-18 | 81,834 | 81,834 |
Fee Calculator
Estimate total annual fees for your family
UAS is a not-for-profit school under the Al Futtaim Education Foundation. Fees shown are KHDA-approved for 2025-2026.
Payment Information
Non-refundable. Must be paid prior to assessment.
Contact admissions for details.
Online payment via zenda platform, credit/debit cards
- Contact the school for detailed refund policy information
KHDA Rating
2023–2024| Indicator | Foundation | Primary | Secondary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Attainment | N/A | GoodGood | GoodGood |
| Progress over time | N/A | GoodGood | GoodGood |
| Indicator | Foundation | Primary | Secondary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Attainment | N/A | GoodGood | Accept.Acceptable |
| Progress over time | N/A | GoodGood | Accept.Acceptable |
Source: Dubai Schools Inspection Bureau (DSIB) — March 2024
Curriculum
Play-based inquiry learning developing foundational skills in literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional growth. The programme nurtures curiosity and builds independence in a supportive environment.
Teaching Approach
Play-based inquiry with a focus on exploration, discovery, and developing independence.
Core Subjects
Specialist Subjects
Transdisciplinary inquiry-based curriculum following the IB PYP framework integrated with New York State Standards. Students explore six transdisciplinary themes through units of inquiry developing knowledge, conceptual understanding, and skills.
Teaching Approach
IB PYP transdisciplinary inquiry: students construct meaning through structured inquiry, making connections across subject areas.
Core Subjects
Specialist Subjects
Subject-specific inquiry through the IB MYP framework developing disciplinary and interdisciplinary understanding. Students engage with eight subject groups and complete a Personal Project in Grade 10.
Teaching Approach
IB MYP inquiry-based learning: encouraging students to make practical connections between studies and the real world.
Core Subjects
Specialist Subjects
IGCSE Option Subjects
Facilities
Academic
Science Laboratories
Expansive fully equipped labs for physics, chemistry, and biology
ICT Suites
Modern computer laboratories with latest educational technology
Dual Libraries
Separate libraries for elementary and secondary with extensive collections
Language Centre
Dedicated language specialist rooms for Arabic, French, and Spanish
Creative Arts
Art & Ceramics Studios
Two large fully equipped art studios with ceramics facilities
Black Box Theatre
Flexible performance space for drama and theatrical productions
Recording Studio
Professional recording studio with podcasting and radio facilities
Performing Arts Centre
Dedicated centre for music, drama, and dance performances
Music Rooms
Vocal and instrumental music rooms for individual and group practice
Sports & Recreation
Olympic-Size Track
Full Olympic-size running track and athletics facility
Swimming Pool
On-campus swimming pool for lessons and competitive swimming
Multi-Sport Gymnasium
Indoor gymnasium for basketball, volleyball, and multi-sport activities
Natural Grass Football Pitch
Full-size natural grass soccer field
Outdoor Play Areas
Extensive indoor and outdoor covered play areas for all age groups
Student Services
Cafeteria & Community Café
Newly built cafeteria and community café with healthy meal options
Medical Clinic
On-site health and wellbeing clinic
Counselling Centre
Four dedicated counsellors supporting student wellbeing
Multi-Purpose Hall
Large hall for assemblies, events, and community gatherings
Extracurricular Activities
Staffing & Leadership
Senior Leadership
Mr. Kevin Loft
School Director
Appointed January 2022. New Zealander with UK experience, previously Principal at GEMS Education. Leads UAS with a focus on building a diverse and inclusive community.
Dr. Stephanie Chattman
Deputy Director & Secondary Principal
Over two decades in education. Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Georgia State University. Previously developed dual language and STEM programmes with AdvancED STEM certification.
Ms. Rula Barghouthi
Elementary School Principal
Leads the elementary school programme, overseeing IB PYP curriculum delivery and academic standards across Grade 1 through Grade 5.
Ms. Rianne Fox
Assistant Principal of Elementary
Supports the elementary school leadership in curriculum delivery and student pastoral care.
Mr. Christopher Nagle
Secondary Assistant Principal
Supports secondary school leadership in academic standards, student behaviour, and co-curricular programmes.
Ms. Nadia Fawzy
IB PYP Coordinator
Coordinates the IB Primary Years Programme, ensuring alignment with IBO standards and fostering inquiry-based learning.
Ms. Sabrina Sambola
Curriculum Leader & IB MYP Coordinator
Oversees whole-school curriculum alignment and coordinates the IB Middle Years Programme across Grade 6 through Grade 10.
Ms. Tracey Cummins
IB Diploma Programme Coordinator
Coordinates the IB DP ensuring students are prepared for rigorous pre-university academic pathways.