Arabian Ranches has long been one of the oldest and most preferred residential areas since Dubai’s the concept of freehold property ownership came into effect. The quaint villa community off Mohammed Bin Zayed Rd has been a favourite among Dubai’s expat families. Over the years, many top schools have moved to the vicinity, to offer exceptional education facilities to the children in the neighbourhood. For families thinking of making a move to Arabian Ranches, this guide highlights the best schools nearby.
4 of the Best Schools near Arabian Ranches
Jumeirah English Speaking School (JESS), Arabian Ranches
Jumeirah English Speaking School in Arabian Ranches has long been one of the most established schools in the city and one of the few non-profit schools in the region. The school has been one of the favourites for families living in Arabian Ranches for its inclusive nature, top-notch facilities and amazing teaching methodologies. It initially follows the National Curriculum of England up to the end of Key Stage 4 and then the popular International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme or the IB Careers-related programme in years 12 and 13. They also place a strong focus on technology, where all students participate in the Digital Technology Curriculum as well. The school offers BTEC ‘Plus’ courses in Art & Design, Business, and Sport in their sixth form. These courses are Extended Level 3 Diplomas, equivalent to 3 A-levels.
Sitting on a 9-acre site, the school has made good use of its space to offer students exceptional facilities. These include 70 teaching areas, Science and ICT Labs, art, drama, and design technology facilities, and an independent music centre. The school also hosts two temperature-controlled swimming pools, a 1,000 sq.m sports hall, extensive playing fields and a 500-seater auditorium. It is also rated as one of the best schools for sports in the UAE with JESS participating in multiple competitive sports. JESS students made history and put UAE Rugby on the world map after finishing runners-up in the world's largest school rugby tournament – Rosslyn Park 7’s, where JESS was the only international team out of 196 participants.
KHDA Rating: Outstanding
Fees Range: AED 48,330 to AED 99,567
Accreditation: British School Overseas (BSO), Council of British International Schools (COBIS), National Online Safety (NOS), Headmaster and Headmistress Conference (HMC), Independent Association of Prep Schools (IAPS)
Nord Anglia International School Dubai (NAS Dubai), Al Barsha 3
One of Dubai’s most respected schools, Nord Anglia International School is part of the prestigious Nord Anglia Education Group with over 80 international schools. The school not only emphasises its curriculum but also focuses on performing arts, sports and other extracurricular activities. It offers the National Curriculum of England and Wales to year 11, followed by the IB Diploma. NAS Dubai has developed strategic partnerships that make it a standout player in Dubai’s school scene. It has a partnership with Juilliard’s School of Performing Arts in New York, which is considered the world's best and offers an undergraduate music and performing arts programme to students at NAS Dubai. They have also collaborated with UNICEF, offering students the chance to work on projects aligned with the UN’s 17 sustainable development goals. Through a partnership with MIT, students can travel to Massachusetts and Warsaw to take part in MIT conferences, while teachers also gain from MIT-led training and workshops.
The school is fully equipped with an impressive array of facilities designed to enhance student life and develop skills. These include almost 20 advanced science labs, art, food technology and DT rooms, music rooms with recording studios, dance studios, and libraries. There is also a hydroponic farming space, innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship labs, and two canteens. For sports, the school boasts expansive playing fields, a full-sized rugby pitch, two large gymnasiums, and two 25 m shaded swimming pools.
KHDA Rating: Outstanding
Fees Range: AED 68,026 to AED 102,871
Accreditation: British School Overseas (BSO), Council of British International Schools (COBIS), The Federation of British International Schools in Asia (FOBISIA), New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
Safa Community School (SCS), Al Barsha South
A sister school to the Safa British School in Jumeirah, Safa Community School is highly regarded as a top British school for families living in Arabian Ranches. The school follows the latest Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum in FS, the National Curriculum of England for years 1 to 9 and IGCSE and GCSE for years 10 and 11. For the 12th and 13th year, the school offers International A levels, and BTEC level 2 and level 3 national qualifications. SCS also offers the Rahal Programme, which is a day release programme for students to gain work experience. Students of determination have additional access to the ASDAN curriculum, which helps them develop essential life skills. They have also increased their focus on performing arts, with students from year 2 through secondary school getting access to specially designed classes in oracy, music, drama, and dance leading towards RSL and LAMDA examinations.
One great feature of SCS is the classrooms, which have been designed to offer access to an outside area. The school hosts extracurricular activities and takes students on up to 5 international trips each year. They also feature a FIFA-approved football pitch, a running track, two covered swimming pools, a sports hall and a fitness suite. Other facilities include drama and dance studios, a theatre, music practice rooms, a large auditorium and four libraries.
KHDA Rating: Very Good
Fees Range: AED 53,187 to AED 87,386
Accreditation: British School Overseas (BSO), British Schools in the Middle East (BSME), National Mental Health & Wellbeing Accreditation by The National College
Jebel Ali School (JAS), Mudon
Jebel Ali School is one of Dubai’s oldest schools, initially established in 1977 for the families working at Jebel Ali Port. The British school relocated to Damac Hills near Arabian Ranches in 2016 turning into a large modern institution with a state-of-the-art campus. The school is highly rated by parents, with over 90% recommending it to other families. Like other British schools, it follows the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum for the foundation years and then adopts the National Curriculum for England. JAS adopts a topic-based approach and puts a strong focus on core subjects like mathematics, science and English along with additional subjects like art, history, technology, music and social and health education.
Students at JAS are encouraged to take part in extra-curricular activities such as the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award, debates, social clubs, robotics, etc. Thanks to its relocation, the new campus comes with impressive facilities aimed at enriching the student's life. The campus features multiple green spaces, shaded areas and courtyards with many classrooms having direct outdoor access. The school hosts a 25m swimming pool, courts for multiple sports, science labs, design rooms, virtual learning places, a dedicated CAD room and facilities for art, dance, music and much more.
KHDA Rating: Very Good
Fees Range: AED 47,250 to AED 77,200
Accreditation: British School Overseas (BSO), British Schools in the Middle East (BSME), The Alliance for Sustainable Schools Member, SEND Inclusion Award, Wellbeing Award for Schools, Leading Partnership Award
Closing Thoughts
The schools highlighted on this list understand the importance of quality education, recognising that these early years are pivotal in shaping a child's personality and future success. These schools go beyond academic excellence, offering holistic learning experiences that nurture students and help them identify and hone their talents. By providing a well-rounded education, these institutions prepare children to thrive in all aspects of life, fostering growth, creativity, and a lifelong love for learning.
