There are a number of schools in The UAE, but this article focus's on those that may interest you the most. bijhiuypiug

Pre-school and Nursery

Good nurseries can have waiting lists of two years + so call to ask about getting your baby's name down as soon as you arrive. Most children go to nursery. They tend to be mornings only, 8 - 12.30, taking children from age 2, typically in classes of 10 with a teacher and a full-time helper. My elder two went to Ladybird Nursery, which is run with a great deal of care and imagination. They have all the usual nursery equipment + Montessori, and teach the children a mixed curriculum. Montessori purists will deny the benefits of such an arrangement, but it worked very well for James and Matt; you only have to look at our kitchen walls to see how their talent has been encouraged! Little Land in Umm Sequiem has a dedicated Montessori class. And Sam is very happy at Palms Nursery which feels very English and "mumsy", but there are many to choose from and you can start with the couple nearest to where you are living and go to check them out yourself. In any case, get your child's name down with more than one in case your no. 1 choice is over-subscribed. Rates vary but Palms Nursery, for example, charges 1650 dirhams per term for two mornings, and 2100 dirhams for 3 mornings.

The five main primary school candidates are DESS (Dubai English Speaking School), JESS (Jumeira ESS), JPS (Jumeira Primary School), Horizon Jebel Ali School & the newest, Jumeira Infants School, next to Park 'n Shop. They are all excellent schools and the principal deciding factor for parents is usually location, or where nursery school friends are going. I have friends who have opted for Jebel Ali in preference to the Jumeira schools - (it has a nice feel to it) - but it is a trek up and down the motorway four times a day, and there are parties and after-school activities to add to the chore. DESS is the oldest of the schools and with JESS, it shares a reputation for standards which is no doubt well deserved. But, as I said, I think all the schools are good. They all have classes of 20-25 pupils. Each class will have a teacher (and a full-time helper for reception), specialist teachers (computing, gym, music…) and occasional helpers (volunteer mums who listen to children read or whatever). JESS, Horizon and JPs are located next to Safa Park, in the middle of Jumeira. JPs and Horizon, (just round the corner from each other, located centrally, near Park 'n Shop) are newer, and cater for a more international mix of children. They both have popular preschool KG1 years, which are popular. JESS launched its preschool year in September 2001. Both my boys are in JESS, having a great time, covering a lot of ground and doing interesting things. I have no complaints at all. There are 70 places in the JESS preschool year, which will in turn guarantee a place in reception the following year. This then leaves only 12 places for siblings of children further up the school and priority will go to debenture holders. In February 2001, I registered and had confirmed a place for my son in reception, September 2003. At which point, only two places for the year were still open! You may be lucky. My advice would be to register at all the schools as soon as there's a chance you're coming here

The school day is from 7.45 - 1.15 (2.00 for DESS) and they have two breaks and two snack times. It's a long day for little ones and they come home tired, but seem to recharge considerably quicker than I do. These school hours (JESS) add up to 810 pa for KG1s and 893 for KG2s vs. the UK schools' 817 and 900.

There are waiting lists for all of the schools and when we moved out here with James just turned three, October 1997, we were encouraged to apply for JESS (50dhrs to get on the waiting list) but just in case, to apply to at least one other too. Enquire with your employer whether they hold debentures in JESS as that will make a difference to your child's position on the list. Being on the waiting list does not guarantee you a place. We paid 1000 dhrs each to both Jebel Ali school and JPs, but I think that was a slight overkill. James was offered a place at all three. Horizon has a slightly shorter waiting list and friends recently arriving in Dubai, have been able to place their children there, and are very happy with the school. Horizon also has a small number of places available for children with learning difficulties so may be able to give you some advise, if that is a problem you face. There is a new school in town: Jumeira Infants (was Falcon). Located right next door to Park 'n Shop, it is brand new so has not had chance to build up a reputation as yet but should also be on your list to check out. Waiting lists are a big problem here, and you need to apply as early as you can and as widely as you can. For websites and contact details, see the Dubai Local Pages.

Fees typically, are in the region of 6000 dhrs per term. If you would like to look around any of the schools, they will be happy to give you an appointment. If you know you are coming with a child of school age, telephone for application forms.

All these schools are non-profit making, with the exception of JPs

There is a Catholic school, St. Mary's which teaches a British syllabus.

British Secondary Schools

There are currently three main options for British syllabus secondary education. They all have entrance exams but those at Dubai College (tel. 3999111) are the most demanding and competition for places there is high. For children who don't get into Dubai College, and for those who prefer a school with a less academic focus, there is The English College (tel. 3942465) and Jumeirah College (tel. 394 7985). J.C. is only opening this year (2000) so has yet to build a reputation. Of these three colleges, only Dubai College is nonprofit making.

Schools teaching the US syllabus

I don't know much about these schools. You would have to check them out on arrival. I believe The American School is more established and enjoys a solid reputation, but that Dubai American Academy is also doing well, and the fees are lower. It is not yet open to 12th grade, but increasing year by year. Emirates International School teaches an "international" syllabus, being a mixture of US and English.

French speakers face a possible trek to and from Sharjah, the next Emirate, to Ecole Francais. It's only about half an hour or so, but unfortunately it's along the maddest stretch of motorway in the region. So it is even more important for you to get your child's name down as soon as possible for the vastly oversubscribed Alliance Francaise, near The Wafi, in Dubai, tel. 3358 712. The International School of Choueifat, (tel. 3999 444) is a Lebanese school, teaching an international/French/Arabic syllabus.

There are also a vast number of schools that serve both the local Arabic-speaking community and those from the sub-continent.

Tertiary Education

I don't know what they have to offer, but this is what is listed along with numbers for you to call:

American University 3948 889
Aviation College 2824 000
University of Wollongong (Aus.) 2666 400
The British Council 3370 109

Thank You to Jane Drury of expatmum.com for sharing this information.