Schools around the UAE are currently on break for the summer holidays, and will be back in session shortly.
However, many parents are still trying to find a school for their child that is the right fit, whether because it is their child's first time in school, or they are new to the country or are looking to move their child to a new school.
Choosing a school is an important decision that can be extremely overwhelming, especially when time is of the essence and a choice needs to be made quick. To help on this, Connector has spoken to schools around the UAE to get some tips on how to make that last-minute school decision easier.
Doing research into the different schools in the UAE is a critical task, while narrowing down the list for a child. While doing research on what school would be a suitable fit, there are some key factors to keep in mind to make the process easier:
Choosing the right curriculum: The UAE is home to so many nationalities and cultures and the education system caters to the needs of all students. There are four main curricula in the UAE for private schools including American, British, Indian and International Baccalaureate. Each curriculum caters to various needs that students have and based on requirements, should be selected.
Shiny Davison, Principal at The Indian Academy School Dubai said, "Education is a lifelong process, and any parent would like to give the best. An easy decision is to go for a school that follows the recommended Government Board of their home country. This serves as a benchmark for the parents to validate their child's education."
It is also important to consider whether changing curriculums will benefit students when looking for a different school or moving countries. Each curriculum has different methods of teaching students based on their age group, and parents should look into the benefits of the various curricula available in the UAE, and make a decision accordingly.
Kelvin Hornsby, Principal/CEO at GEMS World Academy in Abu Dhabi and Senior Vice President - Education at GEMS Education said, "Many parents often stay with what they know in terms of their home country’s curriculum for ease of transition, but there may be enormous benefits to considering other curricula and teaching approaches that might be more appropriate to the needs of their child."
Values of a school: Another key aspect to look into is the values of the schools shortlisted, and assessing whether they line up with the needs of the student. If a child is more inclined towards extracurriculars or academics, the school should offer the right programmes to help the student reach their goal.
Amy Carroll, Vice President at Ranches Primary School in Dubai said, "Finding a school that aligns with your values is important because it allows for a collaborative partnership to support your child's growth. When values are shared, parents and educators can work together to create an environment where your child can truly thrive. It fosters a sense of belonging and ensures a consistent approach to education, both at home and at school."
Fees: A critical aspect in finding the right school is if the schools fall into the budget set by the parents. Based on the rating that each school gets from the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), the school fees can be increased accordingly. Schools that receive high ratings are eligible to increase fees and low-rated schools are not permitted to raise fees. Additionally, many schools also offer extracurricular activities as part of the fees and can help students develop their skills during school hours.
Shiny Davison of The Indian Academy School Dubai said, "Affordability is a main factor as expatriates we all live on a budget and it is essential for parents to choose a school that will best suit the family's budget. There are options in Dubai where schools also provide a wide range of extracurricular activities, within school hours."
Location of the school: Commute to school is an aspect that should definitely be looked into while choosing a school. Most students in the UAE take the school bus and based on the route, the trip can run longer, with students having to wait in the bus till they reach school and get dropped off. Checking the route beforehand makes it easier to decide if the commute is feasible for your child, for five days of the week. Additionally, schools that are within walking distance, can be reached on foot with friends or by cycling, making it easier for the child while having a fun time going to and from school. Amy Carroll of Ranches Primary School said, "When deciding on a school for your child, it is important to consider your location and commute. Ideally, the school should seamlessly integrate into your family's daily life. Think about whether you want your child to have the opportunity to ride their bike or walk to school with their friends. Additionally, check if the school bus serves your community. To get a sense of what your daily trips will look like, I recommend doing a trial commute during morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up."
If the journey to school takes over 45 minutes, it can make it a tiring trip for students. As schools start early in the morning, students will have to wake up earlier to make it in time for the bus and will also reach home late. Shiny Davison of The Indian Academy School Dubai said, "Very essential to have distance looked upon so that your child spends a maximum of 45 minutes to 1 hour. Travelling for more than an hour is exhausting for the child and hard on the brain to focus during the day of learning."
Check The School's Ratings: A key factor to also consider when deciding last minute is the ratings of the school. During each academic year, schools are rated by the KHDA, based on the overall experience offered at each school. Additionally, schools are also reviewed by other local and international organisations on the quality of education provided. This can help narrow down the search and make it easier to decide if the school is the right fit for the student.
Kimberly Highland, Marketing Manager at The English College said, "Examining the school's inspections and accreditations is valuable. For instance, The English College is recognised as an Outstanding school by British Schools Overseas and a Very Good School by Dubai Schools Inspection Bureau. However, it is worth noting that our school prides itself on exceptional pastoral care. In fact, we were recently shortlisted as one of the happiest schools in the UAE by the Top School Awards.
Another thing to consider is that some schools might have already filled up for a specific age group and do not have spaces in the year group required. It is crucial to call the schools in advance while doing research to see whether the required class places are available, so the limited amount of time parents have to source a school, is only spent on schools with places.
Visiting the school is a great way to make a quick decision, as while on a school tour, parents can talk to the teachers, see how to school functions and look at the facilities. However, during the summer holidays, and when there is a time crunch, visiting schools is not always a viable option. Some schools offer virtual tours where parents can view the school facilities online, and a lot of schools, though not operating, are still open for one on one tours, which can give insight and get an idea into school life.
Kelvin Hornsby, of GEMS World Academy in Abu Dhabi added, "The first step is to research the best providers. GEMS Education has a long legacy of excellent provision in the UAE and is the largest provider. Ensure that you request a tour, which you can do virtually if you have not arrived in the country yet."
If there is the opportunity to visit a school while it is not operating, here are some tips to keep in mind and check while on the tour:
The environment of the school: Schools that have a warm and comfortable environment will help students excel, as they will be able to truly hone in on their talents and work on building life skills for the future. If able to tour the school before the school year begins, it is important to consider that the facilities might cater to a student's needs, however, parents will not be able to see the interactions between teachers and students, as schools are not in session. For last-minute decisions, visiting the school can be difficult and while communicating with the admission staff, ask for videos from the previous academic year or visit the school's social media pages to get a glimpse into the school.
Kimberly Highland of The English College said, "When conducting a tour of school facilities during the school holidays, it is important to consider that the experience may differ from the regular academic year. While the impressive facilities may capture your attention, focusing on the interaction between teachers and students is crucial. To better understand this dynamic, we recommend requesting videos from the school or exploring their social media platforms. Doing so lets you assess whether they showcase student achievements, values, and activities."
Involvement of parents in decisions: Parents play a vital role in the development of a child, as learning is not only limited to schools and is also implemented at home. Parents are the decision makers for their children and it is necessary for parents to be involved in their educational journey. While choosing a school, join online school groups as well as talk to parents with students enrolled to get a better understanding of how the school involves parents in making decisions for their child.
Emma Shanahan of Aspen Heights British School said, "How does the school engage families in supporting them to support their child’s learning? A true learning community gives everyone- children, staff and families, the opportunity to grow and develop. How would you be involved in your child’s learning journey in this school? If you wanted or needed advice or support, are you clear on how you would be able to receive this?"
Trust personal instincts: Parents are the caretakers of their children and know them the best. While making a last-minute decision, it is vital to trust personal instincts and go with the school that feels right and caters to the needs of the child. Think of whether the child will thrive in the environment and if what they require from academic to extracurricular support is offered by the school.
Amy Carroll of Ranches Primary School said, "Trusting your instincts is essential when it comes to choosing the right school for your child. As parents, you possess a deep understanding of your child's needs and what environment will best support their growth and development. Trusting your gut instinct can guide you towards making a decision that aligns with your intuition and ultimately benefits your child's educational journey."
Choosing the right school can be a difficult choice for parents that are making a last-minute decision. However, with the help of these tips that highlight the most important factors to consider, and by visiting schools, virtually or in-person, can make the decision process an easier one for parents.