Skip to main content
WhereNext

American School of Dubai

International School in Dubai

Verified

Quick answer

American School of Dubai (ASD) is an independent not-for-profit U.S. curriculum PK-12 school established in 1966, predating the UAE itself. Admissions are highly selective; best suited to American-curriculum families committing at Dubai's upper tier.

Key facts

  • Curriculum: American leaving qualifications include US Diploma and AP.
  • Tuition: $15,000–$27,000/yr published in AED, US$ equivalent.
  • 87 nationalities top: Approximately 70 percent of the student body carry United States and Canadian passports..
  • Ages: 4-18 school day starts at 8:00 am.
  • Accreditations: MSA-CESS, CIS listed accreditations.
AmericanAges 4-18English$15,000–$27,000/yr(Dirham 60571-Dirham 102303)
Est. all-in: $24,850/yr(+18%, modeled)Premium in DubaiGood valueHighly selective89% data coverage
Students

2,065

Nationalities

87 (Approximately 70 percent of the student body carry United States and Canadian passports.)

Class Size

Not published

Admissions

Fixed intake

Accreditations

MSA-CESS, CIS

Qualifications

US Diploma and AP

american-curriculumpremium-tierhighly-selectivelarge-schoolhighly-diverse

About American School of Dubai

The American School of Dubai, an independent not for profit American community school, offers what is best about American education to provide learning experiences designed to promote the maximum potential of its students. ASD challenges and inspires each student to achieve their dreams and to become a passionate learner prepared to adapt and contribute in a rapidly changing world.

Learning & language support (SEN / EAL)

Special educational needs (SEN)Stated
English as an additional language (EAL)Not published

This school states meaningful learning-support provision — still confirm it fits your child's specific need.

Why this matters

Special-needs provision at international schools varies widely and is rarely guaranteed by the school itself — and local legal duties differ by country. Confirm what this school provides, in writing, before you commit.

  • Learning support: moderate
  • In-house specialist staff listed
  • Educational psychologist available

Not published

  • —EAL/ESL support for non-English speakers not stated

Questions to ask the school

  1. What level of English is required for entry, and what EAL/ESL support is provided for a child still learning English?
  2. Can you support a child with my child's specific need (e.g. dyslexia, ADHD, autism), and have you done so this year? Ask for concrete examples.
  3. Is there an additional fee for learning support or EAL — and how much per year?
  4. Is learning support guaranteed for the full enrolment, or can it be withdrawn later?
Annual fees and costs for American School of Dubai
ItemAmount
Annual tuition (USD)$15,000–$27,000
Annual tuition (AED)Dirham 60571-Dirham 102303
Fee year2025-2026
Est. all-in cost (modeled)how we calculate$24,850(+18%)
Est. first-year total (modeled)$27,350
Cost position in Dubai80th percentile(premium tier)

Hidden costs & fee notes

US-accredited diploma. AP courses available. Application fee and capital levy additional.

Curriculum

American

Leaving qualifications

US Diploma and AP

External examinations

High School Diploma Advanced Placement SAT

Exam results

Average SAT of 1280

Additional languages

Arabic, Spanish, French

Learning support

moderate

Special needs staff

ASD accepts students with specific learning needs on an individual basis.

Education psychologistYes
School hours

8:00 am – Pre: 1:00 pm K1: 2:15 pm Higher grades: 3:20 pm

School busYes
Lunch

Yes, the school has 2 cafeterias. Right Bite (hot meals), Subway and The Juice Bar provide healthy, balanced options for purchase with an emphasis on choice.

Uniform requiredYes

Recommended neighborhoods

Al Barsha, The Greens, Tecom, JLT

Verified: 2026-04-26Data source: manual+scrapedConfidence: highData completeness: 89%1 named source

At a Glance

Fee Position in Dubai

Premium
Median
$2,000$15,000–$27,000$30,035

School Profile

AffordabilitySchool SizeDiversitySupport
American School of Dubai

Class size: Not published

Student Diversity

87nationalities2,065 students

Very diverse

Common: Approximately 70 percent of the student body carry United States and Canadian passports.

Build a free school shortlist

Disclaimer: School profiles are source-backed decision aids, not endorsements or official rankings. Tuition figures are approximate and may not include registration fees, uniforms, transport, or exam costs. Always verify directly with the school before applying. WhereNext is not affiliated with any school listed. This is not admissions consulting, legal advice, or official school placement guidance.