The American School of Dubai admits students of any nationality. The school follows a standards-based US curricular program designed to prepare students for post-secondary education. ASD has a learning support program that enables the enrollment of a managed number of students needing additional learning support at each grade level.
Guiding Principles
In the admissions process, decisions are made with care to ensure all students offered admission to ASD have the potential to be successful at our school, both in and out of the classroom.
The American School of Dubai community is committed to fostering a safe and inclusive school climate and learning environment while denouncing all forms of discrimination and inequality. ASD values diversity. We celebrate all community members. We acknowledge the impact of current and historical inequality and prejudice, and firmly believe that fair treatment and equity are the most basic of rights regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, religion, color, culture, national origin, age, identity or expression, ability/disability, or socioeconomic status.
Policies
Admissibility
At ASD, we value an education that will prepare all students for a rapidly changing world. As a result, in addition to a history of academic success (grade reports and testing) that indicates the ability to succeed at ASD, we look for the desired skills and dispositions demonstrated through the Character Assessment, Teacher Recommendations, and the Introductory Video. Together, these items help us paint a picture of each applicant that is unique, and one that allows us to determine the admissibility of each prospective student through a comprehensive and mission-driven lens.
Age Requirements
Students applying to PreK, K1, K2, and Grade 1 must be 3 years old, 4 years old, 5 years old, and 6 years old respectively, by August 31, of the year of enrollment per KHDA policy.
For all subsequent years (grades 2-12) students will be placed on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration, age, the number of years the school records show the student has been in school, the time of year of arrival, and academic and social/emotional needs of the applicant. For grade 9-12 applicants, the number of credits earned is also a factor in determining appropriate grade placement. Thus, all 9-12 applicants are required to submit official transcripts or reports prior to beginning at ASD so credits already earned can be transferred.
School Year and Grade Level
In the vast majority of cases, students coming from schools with vastly different calendars (i.e. Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Korea, India) will continue in the same grade level.
English Requirements and Assessment
Students applying to enroll in PreK-grade 12, who are not yet fluent in English and/or have never previously studied in an English language school, are all required to participate in an English as an Additional Language (EAL) screening at ASD to determine appropriate support/placement. Students applying for grades 1-12 must undergo EAL testing in order to confirm that the student meets or exceeds ASD admissions standards in English before admission can be offered. ASD reserves the right to request any additional testing either at ASD or from a specialist outside of ASD in order to determine admissibility. Examples may include learning support screening, psycho-educational evaluation (cognitive and/or academic).
Full Disclosure
Full disclosure and open communication are critical in ensuring appropriate placement and support. ASD reserves the right to contact previous schools before making an admissions decision. Failure to disclose information related to an applicant’s learning, social/emotional, behavioral, or physical needs, whether in the past or present, may result in the withdrawal of an offer of admission.
Additional Documentation
Parents are required to submit the following at the time of application if they pertain to your child and are in your possession or the possession of your child’s school or their former school(s). Full disclosure is required so these should be volunteered as part of the initial application.
- Testing results or documentation used to determine eligibility for gifted and talented programs
- Individualized Education or Learning Plan (IEP or ILP) or 504 Plan or equivalent
- Any reports or testing results related to:
- Academic/learning support
- Emotional/behavioral support
- Occupational therapy
- Speech and language
- Information about any other specialist evaluation or services
- Psychological or psycho-educational testing results and reports
If your child is referred for evaluation or assessment or begins to receive academic, social-emotional or behavioral support at any point during the application or admissions process, please inform the admissions office as soon as possible.
Students of Determination
ASD is committed to successfully serving students with learning needs, and providing a clear and transparent application process. Admissions decisions are based on a careful assessment of not only the applicant's needs but also the needs of our currently enrolled students. Decisions are made based on a complete application and provision of all requested information to ensure that we have a complete picture of each student’s needs and what needs to be in place to support their success at school. For more information, please contact the Admissions office.