Dubai National School Al Barsha (DNS)
Key Stats
Annual Fees: US$7K – US$11K
Curriculum: International
Age Range: 3–18
Students: ~2,300
Location: Al Barsha, Dubai
Updated February 2026
In Brief
Dubai National School Al Barsha appears to be a lower-profile American curriculum school serving 2,336 students from 59 nationalities across Pre-K through Grade 12. While maintaining a 'Good' KHDA rating for 11 consecutive years and offering affordable fees, the school operates with minimal visibility in Dubai's competitive international education market compared to established institutions.
Located in Al Barsha, Dubai National School serves over 2,300 students representing 59 nationalities following an American curriculum from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12. The school has maintained consistent 'Good' ratings from KHDA inspections over the past decade, indicating stable academic standards and operational management. Staff recruitment draws from both local and international markets, providing students with diverse teaching perspectives within the American educational framework.
Parent reviews highlight positive experiences with child development and staff dedication, though the school maintains a relatively low profile compared to Dubai's tier-one American curriculum institutions like American School of Dubai or GEMS American Academy. The school's fee structure positions it as an accessible option for families seeking American-style education without the premium costs associated with Dubai's most established international schools. Recent inspection reports from May 2022 noted the school's effective promotion of Islamic values alongside its international curriculum delivery.
What parents value
- –Consistent 'Good' KHDA ratings maintained for 11 consecutive years
- –Large diverse student body with 59 nationalities represented
- –American curriculum pathway from Pre-K through Grade 12
- –Affordable fees compared to premium Dubai American schools
- –Parent feedback highlights visible child development and dedicated staff
- –Effective integration of Islamic values with international curriculum
Points of consideration
- –Limited visibility and discussion in Dubai's international education community
- –Minimal information available about specific academic outcomes or university placements
- –Lower profile compared to established American curriculum schools in Dubai
- –Mixed parent perspectives noted in some review summaries
- –Limited detail available about facilities, extracurricular programs, or specialized offerings
Annual Fees
| Year Group | Age | USDTotal Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-KG | 3 | 6,582 |
| KG 1 | 3 | 6,582 |
| KG 2 | 4 | 6,582 |
| Grade 1 | 6 | 7,194 |
| Grade 2 | 7 | 7,194 |
| Grade 3 | 8 | 7,194 |
| Grade 4 | 9 | 7,607 |
| Grade 5 | 10 | 7,801 |
| Grade 6 | 11 | 7,801 |
| Grade 7 | 12 | 8,694 |
| Grade 8 | 13 | 8,694 |
| Grade 9 | 14 | 8,996 |
| Grade 10 | 15 | 9,563 |
| Grade 11 | 16 | 10,801 |
| Grade 12 | 17 | 10,801 |
Fees converted from AED. For the most up to date and accurate figures please double check with the school.
Additional Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | 136 |
Photos
Academic Results
Academic results have not been made publicly available by this school.
Extra Curriculars
Contact the school for details on co-curricular activities and facilities. Ask what a normal week looks like outside lessons for your child's interests.
Inspections & Accreditations
Inspection
No published inspection details are currently available.
Accreditations
Accreditation details are not publicly listed.
Memberships
Membership details are not publicly listed.
Student Body
Dubai's international schools serve a highly diverse student body drawn from over 180 nationalities. Contact the school for current enrolment details.
Leadership
Ms. Suad Abu Harb - School Principal
Suad Abu Harb has served as School Principal at Dubai National School Al Barsha since September 1999, bringing over 25 years of leadership fostering student success through personalized, project-based learning that emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving.