Dubai National School, Al Barsha, established in 1988, is one of two branches (the second based in Al Twar) of Dubai National School, with a total of 4200 students. In total 2,770 (a small increase over the last academic year) attend the Barsha branch, a student body made up of boys and girls, aged from 4 to 18 years of age (KG to Grade 12). Two thirds of the children are Emirati.

The school employs just over 216 full-time teachers (a slight increase on last year). They are supported by approximately 40 teaching assistants.

Leadership at the school is in process of transition. The school’s previous director, Mohamed Riad El-Merabi, had been in the role for 25 years. Ossama Yahya Ajoul is presently the acting principal. Note, leadership is rated good at the school. Last year however it was categorised as outstanding.

Boys are separated from girls once they complete Grade 3 and start Grade 4.

The school follows a US curriculum and students take the SATs and TOEFL tests. Students also take the IBT (ACER) tests in Grades 3 through 10. Students are organised into four phases: Kindergarten, elementary (Grades 1-5), middle (Grades 6-8) and high (Grades 9-12).

High School Diplomas are awarded to students upon successfully completing Grade 12. A student’s High School diploma may be equalized to Al Thanaweiah Al Ameh (National Secondary Certificate) if that student has passed the examinations required by United Arab Emirates for Arabic and Islamic Education, in addition to completing successfully the TOEFL Test with a minimum score of (500) or (171) computer based and the SAT1 for Mathematics Sections with a minimum score of (400).

According to the school’s Web site, it is accredited in the US via the NEAS&C (New England Association of Schools & Colleges) and has been since 2003.

Both schools are owned by the Dubai National Group of Schools.