Dubai National School, Al Barsha

Established in 1988, Dubai National School is a private American school in Dubai owned by H.E. Mr. Marwan Al Ghurair, an Emirati businessman from a deeply rooted family in the business sector in the gulf region. The school is governed by a Board of Trustees who are very ambitious and committed to the national and international vision of educational improvement.

Since then, Dubai National School has grown to have two branches offering the American program located in Al-Barsha and Al-Twar areas in Dubai with a total of 4000 students. The strategic locations were carefully selected to serve all interested students in Dubai and Sharjah.

Dubai National School- Al Barsha serves 2500 students of 52 nationalities in grades PK-12. Staff are recruited locally and internationally. The school has 360 well-trained professional staff members from 30 Arab and non-Arab nationalities.

Dubai National School- Al Barsha offers the American curriculum of Massachusetts State Standards. Its program of studies meets the needs of the multi-national community of Dubai. English is the medium of instruction in all subjects across phases with a focus on Arabic Language, Islamic Studies, Social Studies, Moral Education and Culture for both native and non-native speakers of Arabic following the MOE mandated programs.

Its High School Diploma is recognized by the Emirati Ministry of Education and is granted equivalency with the MOE National Secondary Certificate of Elite, Advanced and General Streams. The school successfully integrates the AP courses in the high school program after obtaining the official authorization and offering the needed training for teachers and administrators with a future plan to increase the AP offerings to suit the different needs and abilities of all high school students.

Since May 2003, Dubai National School- Al Barsha has been fully accredited by New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) through the Commission on International Education (CIE). Dubai National School- Al Barsha is committed to continuing its journey of the accreditation process since then. DNS will be hosting the NEASC’s External Review ERV visit in May 2022 following the ACE Protocol.

At Dubai National School- Al Barsha, students of different groups, abilities and interests are well equipped with the twenty-first-century learning, entrepreneurial and interpersonal communication skills within the principles of global citizenship, positive attitudes and Islamic values in an inclusive, multicultural and innovative environment with efficient access to educational technology.

Graduates of Dubai National School- Al Barsha are eligible for admission into all national, regional and international universities. Nowadays, they are leading figures in a variety of medical, scientific, business and cultural sectors both in the UAE and the gulf region.

The core of our philosophy has been derived from the basic pillars of the U.A.E. society and from the General Objectives of the National Educational Policy.

The uniqueness of Dubai National School is through having Islamic beliefs and practices as essential elements in its programs.  The Muslim students are encouraged to practice the Islamic faith within the context of the modern American educational system.   They are continuously instructed to have a spirit of religious tolerance.  In brief we believe that:

• Moral Education is primarily the responsibility of parents, then the school, the community and the media.
• Education is a continuous process as stipulated by our Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).
• Our international educational programs should be well organized to provide disciplined and challenging education which will prepare students for post high school opportunities.
• “ Each child, as a unique individual, regardless of his/her ethnic background, should enjoy special protection, be given opportunities and facilities to develop physically, mentally, socially and spiritually in a healthy and appropriate manner in conditions of freedom and dignity” as stipulated in our Islamic religion.
• Children possess limitless abilities. Therefore, our programs should educate the whole child, encourage lively and creative minds, foster social skills, and prepare them for future roles as responsible and caring mature leaders.
• Academic emphasis should be matched and balanced with moral values, athletics and arts.
• Staff development is essential and should be provided continuously.

We are proud of our school Facilities. Each school (Girls and Boys Sections) has its own Facilities which include labs, ICT rooms and spacious playgrounds. All classrooms are equipped with multi-media projectors. The Sports Gymnasiums and the soccer field are among the best in UAE and serve the entire student body by providing a wide range of athletics and other sporting Activities. The Art Department also has special classrooms and display areas.

At DNS, we believe in the benefits of a holistic education, where learners are motivated to take part and contribute to campus life. Wellness, balance, and character development are promoted through athletic competitions. Learner expression, self-discovery, and perseverance are encouraged through participation in the visual and performing arts. We create a sense of belonging through sharing and participating as active members of our community.