Choosing the right school in Dubai is often one of the biggest and toughest decisions for most parents. With so many curriculums, campuses, and promises, it can be hard to know where to start. While picking the right curriculum is important, experts advise parents to look deeply at the school’s educational philosophy and the lived experience of its students.
So, what apart from the curriculum should parents consider?
Connector spoke to experts to find out some of the criteria you must consider while picking schools in Dubai. Here’s what experts think parents must consider while picking a school for your child.
Overall Wellbeing And Personal Growth
Overall wellbeing and personal growth are important when choosing a school because a child’s development goes far beyond academics. A good school should help students feel happy, supported and confident, while also encouraging independence, resilience, self-awareness and strong social skills. When children are cared for emotionally as well as academically, they are more likely to enjoy school, build healthy relationships and grow into well-rounded individuals. A school that values personal growth helps prepare children not just for exams, but for life.
According to Sarah O’Regan, CEO and Principal of GEMS Wellington Academy, Silicon Oasis, a well-chosen school can make a huge difference to a child’s confidence, wellbeing and future success. “While academic outcomes matter, the most effective schools focus on the child as a whole and work in genuine partnership with families over time. The strongest schools recognise that academic success is inseparable from wellbeing, belonging and personal growth. Look for schools where pastoral care is strong; student voice is valued and enrichment is woven into the curriculum.”
Heath Monk of GEMS World Academy, Dubai, said that the development of wellbeing, character, creativity, and global awareness are just as important as intellectual growth. “Schools should intentionally build intercultural understanding and respect, helping students see themselves as global citizens who can contribute positively to society. Education should shape not only scholars, but thoughtful, principled young people.”
Kathryn Kelly, Assistant Head of Lower Primary at Swiss International Scientific School Dubai (SISD) said that in the early and primary years, children learn best through purposeful play, language-rich environments, and meaningful enquiry. “When a school’s philosophy aligns with a family’s values, children experience consistency between home and school, which builds confidence, security and overall wellbeing. Academic success cannot exist without emotional security. In strong school communities, wellbeing is not an add-on, it is embedded in daily practice. When children feel safe, respected, and understood, they are far more likely to take risks and achieve.”
Quality Of Teaching
Quality of teaching is one of the most important things to consider when choosing a school because teachers have the biggest day-to-day impact on a child’s learning and confidence. Strong teaching helps students understand ideas clearly, stay engaged and make steady progress at the right pace. It also supports different learning styles and helps children feel encouraged, challenged and motivated. A good school may have excellent facilities, but it is the quality of teaching that truly shapes a child’s academic growth and overall experience.
Sarah O’Regan of GEMS Wellington Academy, Silicon Oasis, said that high-quality teaching remains the most significant factor in student success. Schools that prioritise professional development, instructional consistency and leadership stability create environments where teaching continues to improve year on year. “While you are visiting a school, always ask about how teaching quality is assured, how leaders support staff and how expertise is developed internally. Stable, well supported teams provide clarity, continuity and high expectations for students.”
Furthermore, every child learns differently and strong schools know their students well and provide personalised support alongside clear academic and vocational pathways. “Whether through curriculum choice, specialist provision or targeted guidance, students should be encouraged to pursue pathways that reflect their strengths and aspirations. This personalised approach ensures students leave school well prepared for further study, careers and life beyond the classroom,” said Sarah O’Regan of GEMS Wellington Academy, Silicon Oasis.
The quality of teachers remains paramount, according to Heath Monk of GEMS World Academy, Dubai.“The best schools invest heavily in professional learning that is centred on improving day-to-day classroom practice. Outstanding teachers know their students well, design adaptive lessons, and create classrooms where every child can feel both challenged and supported to step out of their academic comfort zone.”
Open Communication
Open communication is important when choosing a school because it helps families feel informed, involved and confident in their child’s education. A school that communicates clearly and regularly makes it easier for parents to understand their child’s progress, raise concerns and build a strong partnership with teachers. It also reflects transparency, trust and a willingness to work closely with families. When communication is open, parents are more likely to feel supported and children benefit from a more connected and consistent learning environment.
Sarah O’Regan of GEMS Wellington Academy, Silicon Oasis said that the most successful schools view parents as partners in education, not observers.“Open communication, regular engagement and shared responsibility create consistency between home and school. In communities where families feel welcomed, informed and listened to, children thrive both academically and emotionally.”
Heath Monk of GEMS World Academy, Dubai, said, “Family–school partnership is essential to wellbeing and creating an environment where school feels like an extension of the home. Schools should seek to build genuine relationships with families, based on open communication and timely support. Where there are difficulties, pastoral teams and counsellors can help students navigate them, working closely with families.”
Kathryn Kelly of SISD said that transparent communication, shared responsibility, and mutual trust are critical while picking a school.“Throughout my leadership journey, I have seen that the most successful schools cultivate genuine partnerships with families. When parents and educators work collaboratively, rather than in isolation, children feel supported by a unified team, which strengthens both learning and character development.”
Culture
A school’s culture matters because it shapes how children feel, behave and grow every day. Beyond academics, culture influences whether students feel safe, respected, included and motivated to learn. A positive school culture can help build confidence, kindness, resilience and strong values, while also encouraging healthy relationships with teachers and classmates. When choosing a school, families are not just choosing a curriculum, but a wider environment that will play a big role in their child’s development, happiness and sense of belonging.
Sarah O’Regan of GEMS Wellington Academy, Silicon Oasis said “When kindness, respect and ambition are modelled consistently, students develop not only academic success but also empathy, integrity and global citizenship. Choosing the right school is ultimately about finding a community where your child is known, challenged and supported at every stage and where families are confident that their child’s education is shaped with care, purpose and long-term vision.”