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Primary Schools in Dubai

3

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 07 May 2013 - 23:09

Hello! My husband was recently offered a position that would require us to move to Dubai. I believe his office would be in Internet city, although he would travel a lot. We are in the process of making a decision on whether or not this would be a good move for our family. We have 4 children ages 10, 8, 6 & 3. I have contacted some of the American schools (we are from the US) and it appears there are waiting lists for most of them. Does anyone have any suggestions for good schools in Dubai? I am concerned that we have missed the chance to get them into a school for next year! Any other useful information about moving to Dubai with young children would be greatly appreciated!!

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849

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EW GURU

Latest post on 12 May 2013 - 10:44

MDo most employers rent homes for expat families? There do seem to be a few industries where employers provide housing directly. (Emirates is one.) But, in most cases, they will provide an allowance that will cover all or part of your housing costs and you find what you want on the open market. If you're lucky, they may refer you to a descent agent for some help, but in many if not most companies, you are on your own. Agents here are generally terrible and do little to earn their 5% commission that you must pay regardless. Most of us seem to find suitable housing despite the agents! Dubai is very different from what we're used to, but after sorting through all the relocation challenges, I can definitely say it can be a great place to live. Your heads are most definitely spinning right now. (I know ours were.) But, 9 months after our relocation, I can most definitely say it was worth the hassle and challenges (for the most part). Good luck!

3

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 11 May 2013 - 06:12

Meagle, thank you so much for mentioning insurance to me. We will have to make sure that is part of the negotiations as we will have some expenses for ongoing treatment for some of our family. Plus, immunizations for the kids as well! Yet another thing I had not thought of! We will have to see what they offer for tuition as well. Having four children to pay tuition for is quite costly! Do most employers rent homes for expat families? I still need to learn a lot about the different areas of Dubai. Thank you for your help!

849

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EW GURU

Latest post on 09 May 2013 - 10:30

I was shocked when I saw the tuition prices. That will definitely be something we will need to discuss with my husband's employer! I have a million questions about living in Dubai, but figuring out where my children would go to school seems to be the best place to start. Thanks again for your input!! Most definitely review his package carefully. Many employers only provide partial tuition reimbursement and some cap the number of children who can receive the benefit. Also ask for a copy of the health insurance information,as well. Dubai operates on the "American" healthcare system with the dog eat dog, insurance company always wins system we're used to EXCEPT it's worse. No protections for pre-existing conditions, etc. If they offer BUPA, you'll be fine. It's excellent coverage. If not, it could be hit or miss. If anyone has ongoing treatment or medical conditions, most definitely clarify with the company what will and will not be covered. Nothing like showing up to pay thousands in claims out of pocket for things we normally would assume would be covered. For example, even with excellent coverage, we exceeded our allowance for immunizations with 1 round of shots for my daughter. Fortunately, with a government health card we can get immunizations for cheap, but if I hadn't been careful, we would have been paying a ton for shots for 2 kids at the private clinic. Also ensure you have an adequate housing allowance. Housing is expensive here and prices are rising quickly. With a family of 6, you'll definitely need a villa/townhouse. Depending on the area, you're looking at AT LEAST 175,000/yr and likely considerably more. The Springs would likely be your most economical option. Dubai is a nice place and it can be a worthwhile move if the package is right. We're here a couple years and enjoying it, but definitely can't wait to move back home all the same. Hard going from having all the family within a couple hour drive to being solo thousands of miles away.

501

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EW GURU

Latest post on 09 May 2013 - 07:10

UAS is meant to be a good school as well, and there are great townhouses right next to it - not sure if they'll fit your family! But it will be a hike for your husband to get to work. If your child turned three before September 1, he or she will go to big school five days a week. They would be in FS1 or Pre-KG. That's actually good for you because FS1 costs less than many nurseries here!

3

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 09 May 2013 - 06:32

Thank you for your responses! Sounds like I have a lot more research to do. I have been corresponding with UAS and received a lot of helpful information from them. I plan to visit the school when I visit Dubai. It is all a bit overwhelming! I will definitely check out Collegiate American School and the others that you all suggested. It seems like there are a lot more options than I had originally thought. That makes me feel better about finding a school for my children. So, I guess I need to plan on finding a nursery school for y 3 year old? I know here in the US 3 year olds typically go to school two 1/2 days a week. Is it the same in Dubai? I was shocked when I saw the tuition prices. That will definitely be something we will need to discuss with my husband's employer! I have a million questions about living in Dubai, but figuring out where my children would go to school seems to be the best place to start. Thanks again for your input!!

542

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 08 May 2013 - 17:32

There is also Universal American School in Festival City.They are IB accredited for primary, then it is US curriculum for the mid-years then IB for the last 2 grades. It is the furthest away from Internet City but you may decide to not to live there in which case UAS could be an alternative. It is a well established school. <em>edited by fjcruiser on 08/05/2013</em>

849

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EW GURU

Latest post on 08 May 2013 - 09:50

Bonkenn, We're American, as well, and just toured Collegiate American School (CAS). The school is very new--I believe they've only been open a couple years. Facilities are fabulous and, in general, we were pretty impressed. My only concern is that they aren't yet accredited due to being so new. But, unlike the more established American schools, they don't have waitlists and enrollment caps. We were asking about those (as they have them at pretty much every other school in Dubai!) and the administrator chuckled. She said that given all their empty classrooms, they will just add another section if there is demand. School here is EXPENSIVE, so make sure that your husband's employer will provide adequate schooling allowance (and for 4 children) or his overall package is sufficient to cover the costs of schooling. Bus service is an additional fee. Even if all 4 of your kids get into the same school, the youngest could very well be on a different schedule, so pick up may be a bit of a headache. The 3 year old doesn't need to be enrolled in school here until age 4.5. Many of the schools offer pre-KG because British curriculum schools start at 3 years and many people are accustomed to it/demand it. Your 3 year old could easily go to nursery for the first year if you so choose. Our son just turned 3 (April birthday) and will start KG1 (American 4 yr KG equivalent) in the fall of 2014. Strange for us as our school district "back home" only has a single year of kindergarten for 5 year olds, but my son couldn't go to nursery until 5 so we're left without other options.

501

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 08 May 2013 - 07:41

There aren't that many American schools in Dubai. Those in a reasonable travelling distance from Internet City include American School of Dubai, Dubai American Academy, Collegiate American School - and a bit farther but still manageable in Sports City - Bradenton Prep. A lot of American parents send their children to IB schools as well. It's not so different than the American curriculum at the ages you are looking at - and there are quite a few of those. You can have a look at Gems World Academy and Raffles World Academy for a start http://www.rafflesis.com/main/. Good luck! In any case, you will definitely get them into a school although you may have to be flexible. Even if you get into a school that is not a first choice, accept it, and plan to transfer at a later date.

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