Why is Sharjah a Great Place for Quality Schooling?
- The educational institutions are affordable compared to other cities like Dubai.
- The city gives equal importance to traditional values and modern education for balanced development.
- Sharjah’s best schools are located in proximity to universities, which makes the transition to higher education easy.
- The daily commutes to Sharjah’s schools are short because they are located in well-connected areas.
SPEA’s (Sharjah Private Education Authority) Role in Maintain Education Standards in Sharjah
SPEA oversees the education system in Sharjah, including private schools and early childhood centres. The schools are evaluated based on six criteria, including curriculum, well-being, facilities, teaching, student outcomes, and leadership.
Based on their overall performance in each of these criteria, the schools are rated by the SPEA. SPEA gives ratings in different categories, such as outstanding, very good, good, acceptable, weak, and very weak.
Types of Schools in Sharjah
1.Government vs. Private Schools
- The government schools in Sharjah follow the Ministry of Education (MoE) curriculum. They are free for Emirati students. Sharjah’s government schools place strong emphasis on Arabic language and Islamic studies.
- Private schools in Sharjah offer a variety of curricula, such as British, American, CBSE, Australian, French, MoE, and others. These schools offer admissions to Emirati as well as international students.
- Top SPEA-Rated Schools
- Schools with an ‘Outstanding’ rating stand out for their exceptional curriculum, excellent academic outcomes, innovative teaching methods, world-class facilities, and exemplary leadership. For example, GEMS Millennium Private School (CBSE).
- ‘Very Good’ rated schools show strong performance in curriculum implementation, well-being, facilities, teaching, student outcomes, and leadership. For example, Victoria International School of Sharjah, Ambassador School, and GEMS Cambridge International Private School.
Curricula Offered by the Best Schools in Sharjah
- UAE (MOE) Curriculum Schools: These schools follow the national academic standards. The main focus is on Arabic and Islamic studies. Emiratis are offered free education. Examples are - Sharjah Private School, Sunaa Al Ghad School, and Ibn Khaldoun Private School.
- British Curriculum Schools: These schools follow the National Curriculum of England (IGCSE/A-levels). The overall academic approach is rigorous and focused on overseas higher education like - GEMS Cambridge International Private School, Sharjah English School, and GEMS Westminster School.
- CBSE & other Indian Curriculum Schools: These schools adhere to the Indian educational standards, focus on competitive tests, and prioritize STEM education. Popular Indian curriculum schools in Sharjah are - GEMS Millennium School, Ambassador School, and Delhi Private School.
- American Curriculum: This curriculum is flexible, project-based, and focused on AP/SAT. For example, Beaconhouse Al Khaleej International School, Al Kamal American International School, and Al Itqan American School.
- Other Curricula: The school is Sharjah offers other curricula also like, French, Australian, German, IB, and are known for their focus on global exposure and international outlook. For example, Victoria International School of Sharjah (Australian), French International School Georges Pompidou (French), and German International School (German).
Fees Structure in the Best Schools in Sharjah Offering Different Curricula
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Curriculum
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Annual Fee Range (AED)
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MoE
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5000 to 15,000 (approx.)
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British
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20,000 to 40,000 (approx.)
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CBSE
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8000 to 22,000 (approx.)
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American
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25,000 to 50,000 (approx.)
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Others
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30,000 to 55,000 (approx.)
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Admissions Guidelines
- Application Timelines: The majority of the schools take applications between January and March for the next academic session, which usually begins in September. However, some schools offer admission throughout the year based on the availability of seats.
- Documents Needed: A passport, Visa (In case of international or expat students), a birth certificate, passport-size photos, a transfer certificate, a medical certificate, and previous academic records.
- Interview & Assessment Prep: Entrance tests and interviews are held in February. Students can prepare for the assessment by focusing on the English language, basic maths, and logical reasoning.
Choosing the Right School in Sharjah
- Key Criteria Parents Consider: SPEA ratings, curriculum fit, fee structure & value for money, location, teacher quality, facilities, student-teacher ratio, and academic outcomes.
- Questions to Ask at School Tours –
- What is the student-teacher ratio?
- What are the extracurricular programs offered?
- Do you have university placement programs?
- How is the child's safety ensured?
- How do you support inclusion?
- Best Areas to Live for an Easy Commute to Schools
Families often prefer areas like Muwaileh, Al Rahmaniya, Al Nahda, Al Taawun, Al Qasimia, and Al Zahia.
Visit our website, Edustoke, for more details, and our team will assist you until you finish your child’s admission.