For many parents, deciding which school to enrol your children in and choosing a curriculum that can help them achieve their future goals can be quite the task. In a country as diverse as the UAE, you are bound to find schools that teach different curricula. Dubai alone has over 15 different curricula to choose from, one of which is the American curriculum. Here are a few things to keep in mind when deciding to put your child in an American curriculum school.
Like many other curricula, the American system places great importance on both theoretical and extra-curricular learning, in order to achieve balanced educational development for your child. Most American curricula are designed in such a way as to provide children at a young age a well-rounded educational experience by exposing them to all age-appropriate subjects. That way, they are able to have access to a great deal of knowledge needed to develop their interests. “Your child will be consistently engaged in a challenging, collaborative, inquiry-based curriculum, differentiated to help her be successful” says Bridget Justen, Principal of Al-Mizhar American Academy.
“The heart of the American curriculum approach to education is a commitment to the development of the whole child- fostering growth in knowledge and intellect while also promoting creative, physical, emotional and social development” says Kathryn Miner, Head of School and CEO, GEMS American Academy.
As they get older particularly in middle school, the students are introduced to even more subjects such as languages and art electives. In the UAE, schools are required to teach their students from an early age both English and Arabic, which makes up the first two languages they are expected to study until they graduate. When the students reach high school, they are given even more subjects they can choose from including more languages, advanced sciences, digital technology and advanced business. Most students take eight subjects from middle school up until they graduate. Students earn a certain number of credits in order to graduate, some of which can then be used to exempt them from taking certain entry-level university courses. “The academic focus exists within a nurturing environment where personal development is fostered and individual interests are encouraged and celebrated” says Bridget.
Students attending an American curriculum school graduate with an American diploma, which is accepted by all US universities and colleges. It is also becoming increasingly recognised by other higher education institutions that are based on different curricula. However, most students are expected to take other external exams such as the SAT (Standardised Assessment Test) or AP (Advanced Placements), which are administered by the College Board in the US on behalf of all American universities. “American curriculum schools emphasise an inclusive community that inspires and cultivates student engagement, conviction and high achievement and provides for innovative programming broadly utilising current and cutting edge digital technologies that accelerate learning” says Kathryn Miner.