Dubai International Academy Al Barsha

Dubai International Academy Al Barsha opened in 2018 as the sister campus of the Emirates Hills school, and the Innoventures Education group runs both. It teaches all four IB programmes from pre-KG to Grade 12. KHDA rated it Good in 2021-22 and 2022-23 and Very Good in 2023-24, so its rating rose in the latest round, with wellbeing and inclusion both Very Good. The 2023-24 report records 1,638 pupils, 152 teachers and 47 teaching assistants. Inspectors highlighted students' sense of responsibility and work ethic, the positive impact of students' and parents' views, a coherent and well-structured curriculum, the very positive start made by children in KG and a leadership team driving improvement. In the PYP, personal development is Outstanding, while teaching, assessment and care and support are Very Good. Students' requests have led to new catering arrangements and extended sporting events, and students share concerns anonymously through a suggestions box. KHDA's recommendations were to raise teaching consistency and lift attainment in Islamic Education and Arabic. SchoolsCompared.com gives a parent rating of 78. It praises outstanding leadership, 21 subjects in the Diploma pathway and a deep commitment to scholarships in sport, the performing arts and academics, and it shortlisted the school for Best New School in the UAE in 2018 to 2020. The reviewer's caution is that, as with any new school, processes need time to bed in. Daily hours are not listed publicly, so ask on a tour. Fees in KHDA's 2026-27 directory are AED 53,111 for pre-primary, AED 59,898 for KG1, AED 60,459 for KG2 and AED 68,466 for Grades 1 to 5. That is AED 10,483 more than the Emirates Hills campus charges for Year 6 and about AED 15,000 less than JBS. For families in Al Barsha, it is an IB option with a recent track record of improvement.