Al Mizhar  American Academy (formerly Al Mizhar American Academy for Girls), a Taaleem owned and run school, is located in Al Mizhar 1, near Mirdif in Dubai. It has just over 670 students on its roster with 67 teachers. The school takes students from 3 to 18 years of age (KG to Grade 12).

Over one in two students come from local, Emirati families, but over 20 nationalities are represented at the school in totality – the majority of whom have Arabic as a first language.

The school, for girls only (although boys are admitted for KG where there are currently 22 boys), has the stated mission to promote “independence, critical thinking, intellectual curiosity, creativity and problem solving skills”.

The school follows an American curriculum modified by including the local culture and students receive a high school diploma upon completion of Grade 12.

External tests included the Iowa Test of Basic Skills, Advanced Placement exams for Grade 12 students, Pre-SAT exams for Grade 11 and SAT exams for Grade 12. The school is fully accredited by the Council of International Schools and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

The school says it limits classrooms to one gender so girls can grow and develop leadership skills and communication as well as feel comfortable to discover their own talents. A single sex environment the school believes allows its students to be more curious and inquisitive. The school’s KHDA report notes “Outstanding” student behaviour (2012, 2013 and 2014) reports so clearly something is working. Other strengths include students’ participation and involvement in the community, the understanding of Islamic values and their impact on the life and culture of Dubai; and the partnerships with parents and the community.

Academically the school is rated Good, in terms of attainment and progress, across the board. As a whole, the school has been rated Good, the KHDA’s second highest grade, since inspections began.

To improve further the school needs to “raise teachers’ expectations of what students are capable of achieving”, an unusual comment of the KHDA’s inspection team, as well as improve assessment and its impact on teaching and learning; use externally validated assessments to moderate the school’s own assessments and to give staff, the students and their parents, a realistic view of students’ attainment in an international context and to ensure that all classes start on time and proceed at a brisker pace in order to improve progress.

While a smaller school those resources include a swimming pool, well-resourced library, three computer labs, interactive white boards, art studios, music studios, four science labs, mini auditorium, fitness room, gymnasium, sports field, dance studio, KG playroom, separate KG library, outdoor playground, and a canteen.

School fees range from 35,000 AED at KG to 55,000 AED at Grade 12, putting the school top end mid range. Full details below.