Top best schools in Dubai and the UAE: comparative evaluation of top schools catering to Russian speakers in 2023

Dubai, a vibrant and cosmopolitan city, has a global appeal that draws individuals from various corners of the globe. For parents, ensuring their children receive quality education is a paramount concern. This article focuses on examining the leading schools in Dubai that cater specifically to Russian-speaking students, shedding light on the educational standards upheld by institutions in this Eastern metropolis.

To enroll a foreign child in a Dubai school, certain procedures need to be followed. The application process begins by submitting an application to the chosen institution, which can typically be done online. Subsequently, an interview may be required as part of the assessment process.

In select schools, there is a possibility of mid-year admission if there are available spots. However, in most cases, enrollment is conducted until April 28th when student rosters for the upcoming academic year are finalized.

For students who lack proficiency in the language of instruction, such as English, specialized courses may be offered to support language acquisition.

Parents are expected to gather the following documents:

• Original and copy of one parent's identity card. 
• Original and copy of the child's identity card. 
• Copy of the child's and one parent's passport, along with a resident visa. 
• English translation of the child's birth certificate, accompanied by a copy of the original in Russian. 
• English translation of medical records and vaccination certificates. 
• For students beyond second grade, a translated copy of the personal file, including the previous year's report card.

Average tuition fees for expatriate students  

In the UAE, international students are required to pay tuition fees, regardless of their chosen school.

Expatriate school fees in Dubai vary, ranging from a minimum of $1,500 to a maximum of $25,000 per year.

Public schools typically charge an average of $1,500 per year, while private schools can have high school tuition fees reaching up to $26,000.

Certain employers provide financial assistance to expatriates for their children's education, and schools may offer discounts and scholarships. The cost of education generally increases with the child's age. In some cases, students may be eligible for a 10% discount based on outstanding academic performance.

Schools following British standards tend to have the highest prices, with annual fees reaching $19,000.

For Russian schools in Dubai, the average cost amounts to approximately $5,700 per year.

Availability of free education for foreign children  

While there are public schools in Dubai that offer free education, they primarily cater to UAE citizens. If your child is not a citizen of the UAE, it is more likely that you would need to explore private schools.

However, in certain circumstances, such as if your child possesses exceptional abilities or if you are in Dubai temporarily on a work visa, there is a possibility of enrolling them in a public school.

Rating of top Dubai schools with the highest KHDA rating  

The responsibility for ensuring the quality of education in Dubai rests with the UAE Knowledge and Human Development Management (KHDA), a governmental organization that conducts inspections and categorizes private educational institutions in the city.

Kings School Dubai  

• Address: 26th St, Umm Suqeim 3; Nad Al Sheba 3; Al Barsha 3. 
• Contact phone: +971 4 348 39. 
• Working hours: 08:00 to 16:00.

Kings School Dubai is the only educational institution in the UAE that consistently receives an Outstanding rating in the official KHDA rating. The school follows the British curriculum and boasts excellent facilities such as a football field, two courts, a gymnasium, a 25-meter swimming pool, and creative workshops.

The tuition fees at Kings School Dubai start from $15,000 per year, and the school accepts applications for admission throughout the year.

• Address: Hessa and Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Barsha. 
• Contact phone: +971 4 704 9777. 
• Working hours: 08:00 to 16:00.

GEMS Dubai American Academy offers education based on the American curriculum, with the opportunity to pursue an IB diploma. The school provides state-of-the-art educational and creative facilities, including an artificial intelligence and robotics center, ten scientific laboratories covering various disciplines, and dedicated studios for 3D and 2D art.

Tuition fees at GEMS Dubai American Academy start at $23,000.

Repton School  

• Address: Nad Al Sheba 3. 
• Contact phone: +971 4 440 3482. 
• Working hours: 08:30 to 15:30.

Repton School, situated in the Nad Al Sheba 3 area, is a branch of one of England's oldest educational institutions. English is the medium of instruction, requiring students to have at least an Intermediate level of proficiency. The school offers two programs: the National Educational Program of Great Britain and the International Baccalaureate (IB).

Tuition fees at Repton School in Nad Al Sheba 3 start at $17,000.

Dubai College UAE  

• Address: Al Sufouh — Al Sufouh 2/20. 
• Contact phone: +971 4 3999111.
• Working hours: 07:45 to 15:30.

Dubai College is a highly renowned public school in Dubai, known for its exceptional standard of education. The school places great emphasis on the holistic development of students, encompassing sports achievements, creativity, and communication skills. As a non-profit institution, all tuition fees are reinvested in enhancing facilities and recruiting highly qualified teaching staff.

Schools with specialized subject focus  

Creedence High School  

• Address: Al Khail Mall — Al Quoz — Al Quoz 4. 
• Contact phone: +971 4 3212144. 
• Working hours: 07:50 to 16:00.

Creedence High School offers specialized training in mathematics and places a strong emphasis on developing crucial skills of the 21st century, such as global thinking, computer modeling, computer science, and data science. The curriculum aims to unlock the potential of every student and instill the use of technology and information for the betterment of humanity, while also valuing art, talent development, healthcare, and sports.

The tuition fee at Creedence High School starts from $3,540 per year.

• Address: Al Barsha 3. 
• Contact phone: +971 4 3566900. 
• Working hours: 08:00 to 16:00.

King's School Al Barsha places significant emphasis on student self-discovery and the development of their strengths. It is the first school in the Emirates to implement the RSA Opening Minds program, which aims to cultivate five key skills: citizenship, education, information management, communication, and situation management.

Tuition starts at $14,000.

Dubai British School  

• Address: The Town Centre — Springs 3, Emirates Hills. 
• Contact phone: +971 4 2853333.
• Working hours: 07:30 to 16:00.

Dubai British School (DBS) is renowned for its balanced approach to education, giving equal importance to both creative and academic development. The school's mission is to foster comprehensive development in students, valuing the educational process as a whole, rather than solely focusing on the final outcome.

Tuition starts at $13,000.

Russian International School  

• Address: Al Muhaisnah 4. 
• Contact phone: +971 4 264 15 15, +971 4 264 61 60. 
• Working hours: 07:40 to 16:00.

Russian International School is situated in Dubai's Deira district within the Al Muhaisnah community. Established in 1996, the school provides education primarily in Russian, with a predominantly Russian teaching staff. It caters to students from CIS countries, including Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and others. The school has received a Good rating in the KHDA rating system.

The cost of studying at Russian International School starts from $7,000.

AIST Royal Educational Centre  

• Address: Al Saqool Street 120, Umm Suqeim 3. 
• Contact phone: +971 56 494 3966. 
• Working hours: 08:00 to 20:00.

The Russian Educational Center «STORK» in Dubai offers both 9-month programs and short-term courses consisting of 10 classes. It provides a diverse range of educational subjects, including mathematics, Russian, English, chess, dancing, and acting. Classes are conducted in Russian.

The courses for children are conducted at the Speak English Institute. The cost of a single class starts from $52.

ES Dubai  

• Address: 5th floor BB1, Mazaya Business Avenue, Jumeirah Lake Towers. 
• Contact phone: +971 4 398 2815. 
• Working hours: 09:00 to 17:00.

ES Dubai is a highly popular English language learning center that admits students aged 16 and above, except for summer courses for adults and children starting from 14 years old. It attracts learners from approximately 70 nationalities, and classes are taught by highly qualified native English-speaking teachers.

The cost of a single lesson at ES Dubai starts from $36.

Eton Institute  

• Address: Block 3 — Knowledge Park. 
• Contact phone: +971 4 8003866. 
• Working hours: 09:00 to 21:00.

Established in 2006, Eton Institute offers training in over 160 languages and collaborates with prominent international organizations. It is an approved center for various exams, including Cambridge exams, TOEIC, DELE, ÖSD, CILS, and conducts IELTS exams. All language courses are accredited by EAQUALS and align with the standards of the Pan-European Competence in Foreign Languages (CEFR).

The cost of a lesson at Eton Institute starts from $48.

Home schooling provides expatriate parents with a convenient option for their children's education, as it allows them to take charge of planning, implementing, and monitoring their child's progress. Teachers can play a role in creating an appropriate learning environment for home education, offering guidance and support.

Home schooling offers advantages such as minimizing distractions, enabling children to focus on their studies, establishing a structured daily routine, finding a balance between learning and other activities, and exploring additional subjects.

Private teachers and specialized services provide home education assistance. Educational organizations can assist in curriculum organization, homework completion monitoring, and arranging supplementary classes for specific subjects.

Conclusion  

Dubai offers a diverse range of schools with unique educational approaches catering to the varying needs of children. Whether it's institutions emphasizing academic achievement or those following the British curriculum, parents have the opportunity to select an educational environment suitable for their children. Regardless of the choice, schools in Dubai strive to deliver a high standard of education, preparing students for successful future careers.