Yes, all of our teachers are native speakers in their language of instruction.

Yes. Families have the option to select from two bilingual pathways or our English stream. We offer bilingual French/ English, German/ English programmes, which are all taught by native speaking teachers. Students who are not fluent in either French or German, can opt for our English stream, where they still have the opportunity to learn an additional language whilst being taught fully in English.

Students are able to learn an additional language when they are registered on the English stream. They can select from French or German.

In Primary (G1-5) we also offer Mother-tongue language programmes through a third party provider. Languages covered include; Russian, Portuguese, Turkish, Italian, French, German and Armenian.

26

24

Yes, we have classroom assistants and learning support assistants at SISD.

Our classrooms are all equipped with fully interactive whiteboards.

We operate a BYOD policy from Grade 3. As part of our digital literacy programme, our Grade 3-5 students are requested to bring their own devices to school each day for classroom use only. The devices are used for educational purposes, and students will use relevant apps to support and enhance their learning. Research shows that students who use iPads in school tend to develop better critical thinking skills, higher-order reasoning skills, increased creativity, improved writing abilities, stronger communication skills, enhanced collaboration skills, a greater focus on tasks at hand, and improved organizational skills. To support learning and online safety at school, students will be able to use their devices during school hours with access to school-approved applications only, and at home, their devices will provide access to their full range of apps. We do ask that all the iPads are protected with a suitable case.

For students in Grade 6 and above, a laptop is essential. A full guide is shared with parents ahead of their start.

We incorporate Design Technology lessons into our curriculum, encouraging our students to use the machinery within the workshops. This includes saw machines, sanding machines, drills and 3D printers. Students are also able to incorporate computing systems, design software, AI, robotics and coding into their learning.

All muslim students are required to study Islamic studies as per the UAE government requirements. Students are enrolled to Islamic A or Islamic B, depending on their passport.

During this time, students are able to participate in EAL sessions, Mother Tongue sessions, peripatetic music lessons or additional language lessons. This is dependent on their grade.

At SISD we offer various pathways for our students. In Grade 11 and 12, students are able to choose from the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) or IB Career-related Programme (IBCP). Part of the IBCP consists of studying a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Business and Sport, or Business and Hospitality.

Our IBDP and IBCP results are above world averages.

In Early Years, our priority is reading. From KG1, all students have a reading folder that goes home on a weekly basis.. If a student shows signs of readiness this happens earlier.

In Primary, students complete reading and word study, maths home learning each week. They are also provided with an optional matrix is provided twice a year, once for each semester.

In secondary students a homework timetable is set at the beginning of the academic year, to ensure fair distribution between subjects and a reasonable time allocation for students in G6-G12. For MYP, this follows a two-week timetable where homework will be split between core and non-core subjects. English will set a additional home learning tasks which will be solely for reading. Mathematics will also set an additional home learning for consolidation. Language of Instruction will set an additional vocabulary learning exercises.

For G9 – G10 subject teachers are asked to issue the work in a manner that will not overload the students, but will give them some opportunity to plan their schedule during the week and over a longer period of time for larger pieces of work, some of which will contribute to formal coursework requirements. DP/CP home learning will be issued at the discretion of the subject teacher and in order to gain maximum benefit for the stage of the course.

Not all home learning is done at home; in fact, some students may find it hard to work at home. Therefore, an after school club (as part of the ASAs program) is offered.

Grade 6 - 8 - 20-30 minutes per subject, maximum 3 subjects per night.
Grade 9 - 10 - 30 - 40 minutes per subject, maximum 3 subjects per night.
Grade 11 - 12 - Suggested: minimum 2 hours per subject per week (study periods and at home)

97%

Swiss International Scientific School Dubai is an inclusive school that recognises that each student is unique and special. SISD welcomes all students with a wide variety of learning preferences, including students of determination (those with special needs and disabilities). All students receive the personalised support and care that they need to grow, develop and progress as an individual in a nurturing learning environment.

SISD staff are committed to treating each student as a unique individual. Staff value getting to know each student well and build quality relationships with them. We encourage active involvement of inclusion students in the decision-making process regarding the delivery of the provision and support that they may need. Diversity is celebrated, valued and viewed as a strength throughout the school and is utilised to enhance learning through careful adjustments of teaching strategies and accommodations to meet the needs of diverse students.

We cater for all of our gifted and talented students through a specially developed programme taken care of our qualified inclusion staff.

Yes should they require this. Our inclusion department would support families with this.

Depending on the age of the applicant, our admissions team welcome students to participate in an activity, stay and play, online assessment prior to offer of enrolment is provided. Students and families may be requested to meet the inclusion team, heads of section depending on their application requirements.

As we offer a bilingual education, we perform an assessment to determine the level of the language. Additional assessments for academic level may be introduced at later grade levels.

We operate waiting lists for all of our programmes when the enrolment limit has been met.

We open admissions up for the following academic year, at the start of the current academic year. For example 2026/27 admissions will open during term 1 of the 2025/26 academic year. Parents can apply as early as they wish to secure a place for their child.

Yes, we allow students to join mid-year as long as there is a space in the desired grade and progamme.

Students can arrive in school from 7:30am.
Our school day begins at 8:00am for all students (PreK to G12).

Early Years (PreK to KG2)
Monday - Thursday - 2:20pm
Friday - 11:30am

Primary and Secondary (G1 to G12)
Monday - Thursday - 3:30pm
Friday - 12pm

Yes. We offer families the option of an early drop-off from 7.30am and extend their day to stay up until 4:45 pm in supervised care. We also offer a wide range of after-school activities which run for an hour after the regular school day finishes.

Yes, we operate a extensive bus service throughout Dubai. Please get in touch with admissions to check your location or check our locations on our website: https://www.nordangliaeducation.com/sisd-dubai/parent-essentials/school-bus

Yes. We have a wonderful canteen at SISD with freshly prepared food offered daily. Daily menus consist of a starter, a protein based main and a healthy dessert. Vegetarian option for main dish is also available upon request daily. A twelve weeks’ meal rotation is offered to the children, considering the right balance and nutrition. All recipes follow the Dubai Municipality guidelines and are Dubai Municipality approved. Parents can register their children via the SwissCanonica App.

Yes, we offer vegetarian options.

Yes all students are required to wear full school uniform from PreK to Grade 10. From Grade 11 students are able to come to school in business dress.

We offer a wide range of after school activities for our students. These begin from PreK and are offered up to Grade 12. Options currently on offer include: Baking, Chess, DIY Workshops, Mini Ballet, Boxing, Karate, Sewing, Rhythmic Gymnastics, Tennis, Wall Climbing, Swimming and Woodworking.

During PHE lessons, students are able to engage in a variety of sporting activities including; Volleyball, Football, Tennis, Wall Climbing, Swimming, Padel and Basketball.

Yes we have a large number of sports teams across the school. These begin in Primary and continue throughout Secondary in a variety of sports.

- Boarding School Houses
- Early Years Library
- Specialist Early Years Play areas
- Primary Library
- Secondary Library
- Outdoor Play Spaces for Primary
- Science Labs
- Garden Spaces
- Reflection Garden
- Bright Spacious Classrooms
- 600 seat Auditorium
- Canteen, Grab & Go and Student Cafes
- Drama Black Box Room
- Computer Suite (Design)
- Multipurpose Learning Space
- The Summit - Grade 11 and 12 dedicated space
- Design Technology Workshops
- Art Studios
- Music Classrooms
- Inclusion Sensory Rooms

- Olympic 50m Swimming Pool
- Climbing Wall
- Early Years Swimming Pool
- 400m Outdoor Running Track
- Indoor Running Track
- Basketball Courts
- Tennis Courts
- Padel Courts
- Volleyball Court
- Full sized grass Football Pitch
- Athletics facilities, including - High Jump, Long Jump pit
- Full equipped Technogym
- Cardio Suite
- Indoor Activity Rooms
- Indoor Multipurpose Halls

Boarding is available for students in Secondary (Grade 6 to 12).

We boast a world-class campus with comfortable state-of-the-art boarding houses, with direct access to world-class sports facilities. Our boarding houses - Zurich (girls) and Geneva (boys) cater for boarders from ages 11 to 18 and provide students with a friendly and welcoming environment to call home.

Our spectacular campus - located in one of the world's most dynamic cities - is the perfect place to live and learn. At our international boarding school in Dubai, your child will grow as an individual, excel intellectually and receive a world-class, bilingual Swiss education. Our culturally diverse community, consisting of students and staff of over 100 nationalities, speaking more than 40 languages, means your child will form lifelong friendships with peers from around the globe. Boarding with us also means exciting activities, expert academic support, and the very best pastoral care is available every single day.

Students enjoy weekly trips and activities, live in luxurious ensuite rooms, enjoy delicious meals everyday and receive round-the-clock care from our experienced Boarding Team.

Our BEST Values: Bilingualism, Excellence, Sustainability, Togetherness. Our BEST values underpin our educational approach, uniting our community and shaping our students’ learning journeys.

Bilingualism:
Our unique international bilingual school environment provides learners with authentic exposure to English, French, German, and Arabic. Students in our immersive bilingual programmes learn to communicate, think, and reflect in different languages. As global citizens, we embody international mindedness through multilingualism and intercultural understanding.

Sustainability:
We set and maintain high standards, aspiring to be the best we can be. Effort is rewarded and ambition cultivated at every opportunity. A spirit of inquiry, encouraging both creative and critical thinking, permeates the curriculum and extra-curricular provision both in and beyond our classrooms. The highest levels of care and support for every learner ensure their social, physical, emotional, and intellectual development is prioritised.

Excellence:
We set and maintain high standards, aspiring to be the best we can be. Effort is rewarded and ambition cultivated at every opportunity. A spirit of inquiry, encouraging both creative and critical thinking, permeates the curriculum and extra-curricular provision both in and beyond our classrooms. The highest levels of care and support for every learner ensure their social, physical, emotional, and intellectual development is prioritised.

Togetherness:
In our international community, we know that we are at our BEST when we all work together. We view active participation and leadership in the community as key to community wellbeing, and the foundation of a valuable and fulfilling life where everyone enjoys a real sense of belonging.

Swiss International School Dubai (SISD) is a world-leading day and boarding private school for students aged from 3 to 18. Our innovative approach – with its flexible bilingual pathways, all-through International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, and roots in Swiss standards of excellence – is unique in the Middle East, ensuring our learners excel academically, secure top university placements, and thrive in sports and the arts.

Our international bilingual school is a truly exceptional place to live and learn. Rated among the top 100 private schools in the world – and just one of 50 International Baccalaureate (IB) World Schools globally – we offer an outstanding Swiss-style education to boarding and day students of more than 100 nationalities.

At SISD we offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme from Pre-Kindergarten (PreK) to Grade 12. We are an IB Continuum World School, authorised to offer the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), IB Middle Years Programme (MYP), IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) and the IB Career-related Programme (IBCP). We also offer BTEC Level 3 Extended Diplomas, which form part of our IBCP programme.