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An increasingly popular alternative to regular education, here's a complete guide to homeschooling in Dubai and Abu Dhabi
25 February 2013
| Last updated on 15 August 2019
Here's why more and more parents in UAE are turning to homeschooling...
With regular school fees rising up by thousands of dirhams, on top of the cost for yearly study books, uniforms, transportation, and more, the price of regular school education has encouraged parents to seek alternatives.
But the idea of homeschooling usually tends to trigger one of two reactions: cringing at the idea of a sheltered, naive child, or bemusement at the very concept of it.
However, parents choosing to homeschool their children helps them avoid hefty tuition fees as it costs half of or even up to 75% less than what a normal school would charge in the emirates - which is only one of the benefits. Homeschooling also enables parents to focus on academic subjects they feel are more relevant to their child's personal interests, talents, and future path.
The students themselves enjoy the flexibility of their schedules, often finding their old school timetable too restrictive.
Here we take a look at the options available to you if you decide to homeschool your child.
What does the UAE law say on homeschooling?
At present, there is no ruling concerning the homeschooling of expat children in the UAE, so it is allowed. It is recommended by KHDA though that you subscribe to an accredited program so that if your child does re-enter mainstream brick and mortar schooling, you have the necessary evidence available to show that your child is on the same level as their peers.
Children who are UAE nationals are required to attend school until they're at least 16 years old. Homeschooling is legal and available using the UAE National Curriculum. Homeschooled Emirati children must receive curriculum materials, mandatory Arabic language studies, Islamic subjects, and learning support through the local education authority in the residing emirate.
These are the homeschools in Dubai and homeschools in Abu Dhabi you can join in the UAE for learning support, advice, and tips.
Homeschools in Dubai
The following homeschool providers have offices based in Dubai, however, homeschool learning and support can be found online without travelling to their offices. Most homeschool providers are based internationally such as K12 and Abeka, and it's not mandatory to apply for homeschooling at a Dubai-based service. The key thing is to find an accredited provider that suits your child's learning needs and your schedule.
iAcademy Middle East
Operates in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Curriculum: US
Office location: Knowledge Park, Dubai
Annual costs: AED 18,332 - AED 25,672
Website: https://icademymiddleeast.com/
Cascade Learning Centre
Curriculum: Contact the centre
Office location: Cluster X, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai
Annual costs: Contact the centre
Phone: (04) 442 1831 / (050) 842 2917
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: https://www.cascadelearning.ae/homeschooling-in-dubai
Homeschool Global Middle East
Operates in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Curriculum: US
Office location: Port Saeed, Dubai
Annual costs: AED 4,500 - AED 6,500
Website: https://homeschoolglobal-me.com/
Homeschooling groups in Dubai
Dubai and Northern Emirates Homeschool Association (DUNEHA)
About DUNEHA
They homeschool for many different reasons, but their shared goal is to fan the spark, the desire to learn, that all children are born with. The group seek to provide a nurturing and loving environment to facilitate that learning. Toward this end, the teachers and parents of this group strive to be open-minded, tolerant, and tactful.
They aim to be aware of and responsive to the needs of others in our group, driven to provide a source of support, inspiration, and friendship for members of all homeschooling families in the area.
DUNEHA is not a school and they don't provide tutoring services or teach children other than our own (on a regular basis).
Membership
Any homeschooling family in the region can become a member. You are welcome to meet, play, and learn with some of their member families.
Email: [email protected]
Blog: uaehomeschool.wordpress.com
Homeschooling groups in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi Homeschoolers Association (ADHA)
About ADHA
The Abu Dhabi HomeSchoolers Association is a group of more than 30 families, living and homeschooling in the Abu Dhabi emirate of the United Arab Emirates. We are an eclectic group of families with children from pre-school to high school, from many different countries, faiths, and backgrounds.
ADHSA's purpose is to impart informal advice, offer support, and provide social interaction to its members by organizing informal gatherings and activities of mutual interest and benefit. During the monthly parents' meeting, the agenda might to discuss the next field trip or shared learning opportunity, or be a workshop that instructs, inspires and encourages us in our endeavor as homeschooling parents.
As part of our mandate, we also:
- Strive to give homeschooling a good name by building a positive rapport with the community at large
- Aim to hold two educational field trips every year, open to all ADHSA members
- Endeavor to establish community service opportunities for our teens
- Foster the development of special interest groups and clubs, such as book club, drama club, and the newly emerging field trip club, among others
- Sustain a small library of easy reading books for that short period of time when young children need lots of that kind of practice
Every year our membership has been made up of about 35 families from the countries of Australia, Canada, India, Iraq, Mexico, Pakistan, Sweden, Lebanon, Egypt, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the UAE.
Some families have homeschooled their children from the outset, while others have just started homeschooling recently. Students range from pre-kindergarten to high school level all the way up to children who have gone on to university. Families size has varied from one child to five children. Some homeschool only one or two of their children while their others attend traditional school.
Page: https://www.facebook.com/Abu-Dhabi-HomeSchoolers-Association-13758771962...
There are also some really interesting threads on our forum about the subject...
