Al Dhafra Private Academy
Secular
Updated July 2026
Advanced Placement
US Common Core
NGSS
Al Dhafra Private Academy is a high-performing, co-educational K-12 school located in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates. It provides an English-medium education based on an American curriculum framework.
Curriculum
Term structure
Teaching approach
Al Dhafra Private Academy aims to be a nurturing environment that prioritizes the holistic development of students, including their physical, emotional, and social well-being. It emphasizes a partnership between the school and parents to foster academic excellence, character growth, and a sense of pride in Emirati culture. The school is committed to an inclusive atmosphere where every student is encouraged to reach their full potential as a lifelong learner.
Programmes
The school follows the US Common Core State Standards for English and Mathematics and the Next Generation Science Standards. It also delivers the UAE Ministry of Education curriculum for Arabic, Islamic Education, Social Studies, and Moral Education. The secondary programme offers a variety of electives and Advanced Placement (AP) courses, including subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Calculus, and Geometry.
Outcomes
The school focuses on preparing students for admission to top global universities through a rigorous academic programme. It emphasizes character development, critical thinking, and global citizenship, while maintaining a strong focus on Emirati heritage and national identity. Students have the opportunity to pursue Advanced Placement (AP) courses to enhance their academic pathways.
Student support
Learning support
The school maintains an Inclusion Department dedicated to supporting students with special educational needs. It accepts a limited number of applicants requiring such support, which is reviewed by the inclusion team based on provided documentation and, where necessary, the provision of one-to-one assistance.
Frequently asked questions(6)
- What curriculum does Al Dhafra Private Academy offer?
- Al Dhafra Private Academy offers Advanced Placement, US Common Core and NGSS.
- How much is tuition at Al Dhafra Private Academy?
- Annual tuition at Al Dhafra Private Academy is AED 8.2K–AED 23.5K. Fees vary by year group — confirm the current schedule with the school.
- What ages does Al Dhafra Private Academy teach?
- Al Dhafra Private Academy enrolls students aged 4 to 18.
- Is Al Dhafra Private Academy a day or boarding school?
- Al Dhafra Private Academy is a day school.
- Is Al Dhafra Private Academy co-educational?
- Al Dhafra Private Academy is a co-ed school.
- Where is Al Dhafra Private Academy located?
- Al Dhafra Private Academy is an international school in Al Ain City, United Arab Emirates.
Tuition & fees
Annual tuition by grade
2025-2026| Grade | Ages | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| KG1 | 4–5 | AED 8.2K |
| KG2 | 5–6 | AED 8.2K |
| Grade 1 | 6–7 | AED 11.9K |
| Grade 2 | 7–8 | AED 11.9K |
| Grade 3 | 8–9 | AED 12.9K |
| Grade 4 | 9–10 | AED 12.9K |
| Grade 5 | 10–11 | AED 13.7K |
| Grade 6 | 11–12 | AED 13.7K |
| Grade 7 | 12–13 | AED 16.7K |
| Grade 8 | 13–14 | AED 17.6K |
| Grade 9 | 14–15 | AED 18.3K |
| Grade 10 | 15–16 | AED 18.3K |
| Grade 11 / ADV | 16–17 | AED 21.6K |
| Grade 11 / GEN | 16–17 | AED 21.6K |
| Grade 12 / ADV | 17–18 | AED 23.5K |
| Grade 12 / GEN | 17–18 | AED 23.5K |
Other fees(6)
| Bus / transport· Optional transportation fee | AED 3.5K |
|---|---|
| Materials· Chromebook (Grades 3 to 12 only) | AED 1.9K |
| Materials· Books fee varies by grade (from 1,208 AED to 3,366 AED) as detailed in the tuition table | — |
| Registration fee· 5% of tuition fee is required to register new students (deducted from tuition, non-refundable if student does not enroll) | — |
| Registration fee· 5% fee is paid for re-registration during March and April (deducted from the following year's tuition, non-refundable if student does not enroll) | — |
| Registration fee· AP Exam Registration fee (increases to 675 AED if not completed within the designated week) | AED 525 |
Admissions
The school accepts students from Kindergarten to Grade 12, with placement determined by age-appropriate academic abilities and diagnostic assessments. Applicants undergo entry evaluations, including interviews for Kindergarten and diagnostic testing in English and Mathematics for Grades 1–10. Priority is given to siblings of current students and those demonstrating strong academic potential.
Calendar
The school operates on an academic year with a calendar that includes holidays, vacations, and examination dates approved by the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK). The academic year is structured into three fee-payment installments due in September, January, and April.
Facilities
About the campus
The campus is located in the Al Towaya district of Al Ain. It provides a canteen, and students from Grade 3 upwards are required to use Chromebooks as part of their educational resources. The school also offers optional transportation services for students.
Co-curriculars
Student life includes opportunities such as the Model United Nations (ADPAMUN) programme. The school also engages in community and national events, having notably achieved a Guinness World Record for the longest marathon live stream of a National Day event.
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Naser Ali SalamPrincipal
Rasha KhalilVice Principal