[Editor's Note: This article is part of Khaleej Times' Schools and Parents, a dedicated section designed to support families in the UAE as they explore educational choices. The section offers explainers, guidance from education leaders, expert advice and insights from parents to help readers make informed decisions about schools, curricula and communities.]

For parents in Dubai, choosing the right school for their child can feel overwhelming with so many options available. That's where the Knowledge and Human Development Authority's (KHDA) ratings prove to be useful, helping families navigate the choices with clear, reliable school ratings.

According to the 2023-24 KHDA report, 23 schools in the emirate have earned the highly sought-after 'outstanding' rating, while another 48 are rated 'very good'. These evaluations don't just focus on academics - they also consider student wellbeing, inclusion, and how schools measure up against international benchmarks. External assessments in key subjects add another layer to give a complete picture of each school's performance.

Every year, KHDA inspects schools across multiple areas, including teaching quality, learning environment, student achievements, and subject-specific results. The official rankings - Outstanding, Very Good, Good, Acceptable, and Weak - make it easier for parents to understand where a school stands and what it offers.

Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.

With these insights, parents can make informed choices, finding schools that not only excel academically but also support the growth, happiness, and wellbeing of their children.

Notably, private schools in Dubai will not undergo full KHDA inspections in the 2024–25 academic year, except for new schools completing their third year. Normal inspections and ratings are expected to resume in 2025–26.

Education costs in private schools in Dubai

Here is a list of outstanding schools and the associated fees:

Dubai International Academy, Emirates Hills
Fees: From Dh44,979 in KG1 to Dh79,696 in Grade 12
Average: Dh62,300

Deira International School, Dubai Festival City
Fees: From Dh44,616 in FS1 to Dh89,889 in Year 13
Average: Dh67,200

Note: Offers dual pathway of British/IB

Jumeirah English Speaking School, Jumeirah
Fees: From Dh54,129 in FS1 to Dh65,097 in Year 6
Average: Dh59,600

Note: Primary-only school (FS1 to Year 6)

Kings' School, Al Barsha
Fees: From Dh57,999 in FS1 to Dh105,873 in Year 13
Average: Dh81,900

Repton School, Nad Al Sheba
Fees: From Dh57,178 in FS1 to Dh102,753 in Year 13
Average: Dh80,000

Jumeirah English Speaking School, Arabian Ranches
Fees: From Dh54,129 in FS1 to Dh104,544 in Year 13
Average: Dh79,300

Kings' School Dubai, Umm Suqeim
Fees: From Dh47,179 in FS1 to Dh71,801 in Year 6
Average: Dh59,500

Dubai English Speaking College, Academic City
Fees: Dh84,326 for Years 7–11 and Dh90,633 in Sixth Form
Average: Dh87,500

Dubai English Speaking School, Umm Hurair
Fees: From Dh43,084 in FS1 to Dh53,320 in Year 6
Average: Dh48,200

Note: Primary-only (FS1–Year 6)

Dubai College, Al Sufouh
Fees: From Dh97,415 in Year 7 to Dh110,305 in Year 13
Average: Dh103,900

GEMS Jumeirah Primary School, Al Safa
Fees: Dh44,200 in FS1 and Dh55,714 up to Year 6
Average: Dh50,000

Note: Primary-only, Outstanding since 2010

GEMS Wellington International School
Fees: From Dh47,527 in FS1 to Dh103,399 in Year 13
Average: Dh75,400

Note: Offers British curriculum up to Year 11 and IB Diploma in Years 12–13

Horizons English School, Al Wasl
Fees: From Dh43,849 in FS1 to Dh58,825 in Year 6
Average: Dh51,300

Jumeirah College, Al Safa
Fees: From Dh78,496 in Year 7 to Dh98,681 in Year 13
Average: Dh88,600

Nord Anglia International School Dubai, Al Barsha
Fees: From Dh69,625 in FS1 to Dh105,288 in Year 13
Average: Dh87,500

Note: British curriculum with IB Diploma in upper years

Safa Community School, Al Barsha
Fees: From Dh54,437 in FS1 to Dh89,440 in Year 13
Average: Dh71,900

Note: British curriculum with IB Diploma in upper years

Victory Heights Primary School, Dubai Sports City
Fees: From Dh40,138 in FS1 to Dh54,733 in Year 6
Average: Dh49,000

Dubai British School, Emirates Hills
Fees: From Dh53,027 in FS1 to Dh79,541 in Year 13
Average: Dh66,300

Dubai British School, Jumeirah Park
Fees: From Dh65,719 in FS1 to Dh111, 799 in Year 13
Average: Dh88,759

GEMS Dubai American Academy, Al Barsha
Fees: Dh66,185 in KG1–2 and Dh93,300 for Grades 1–12
Average: Dh79,700

GEMS Modern Academy, Nad Al Sheba
Fees: Dh38,246 in KG1 to Dh56,706 in Grade 12 (Indian curriculum)
Dh73,876 in Grade 12 (IB stream)
Average: Dh47,500 (Indian) / Dh73,900 (IB)

Note: Only Indian school on the list; offers dual pathway (ICSE and IB)

Lycée Français International, Oud Metha
Fees: From Dh29,488 in preschool to Dh62,363 in Grade 12
Average: Dh41,000

Lycee Francais International Georges Pompidou School Oud Metha

Fees: From Dh31,276 in pre primary to KG-2

MENAFN30102025000049011007ID1110272627