Al Mashail National Private School

Curriculum

Ministry of Education

ADEK Rating

Good

Location

Abu Dhabi, Al Danah

Annual Fees

AED 9K - 20K

Al Mashail National Private School

The Executive Summary

Al Mashail National Private School Abu Dhabi is a co-educational MoE UAE Ministry of Education curriculum Abu Dhabi institution serving over 1,000 students from KG1 through Grade 12 in the Al Danah district - one of Abu Dhabi's most established residential neighbourhoods. Holding an ADEK rating Good from its 2025 Irtiqa inspection, the school occupies a clear position in the city's private school landscape: it is a genuinely affordable, community-rooted option where Arabic-medium subjects and Islamic Education are genuine strengths, and where school fees Abu Dhabi parents will find among the most accessible in the emirate, ranging from AED 8,500 to AED 20,000 annually. For families prioritising Arabic language development, Islamic values, and a structured MoE framework without the financial burden of premium-tier institutions, this school deserves serious consideration. It sits comfortably within the Al Danah schools cluster and draws predominantly Jordanian, Syrian, and Egyptian student communities. The honest picture, however, is more nuanced. Inspectors found that English attainment remains Acceptable across all cycles, and standardised ACER IBT results reveal Weak performance in Arabic, mathematics, and science when benchmarked internationally - a significant gap between internal assessment confidence and external reality. PISA 2022 scores in reading (396), mathematics (415), and science (422) all fell below international averages, signalling that while students progress well within the MoE framework, their readiness for globally competitive higher education pathways requires further development. This is not the school for families whose primary goal is elite university placement or bilingual English fluency. It is, however, a solid, stable, and notably affordable choice for families who value Islamic and Arabic education, community belonging, and consistent pastoral care - and who understand the school's positioning within Abu Dhabi's broader private education market.

ADEK Good 2025Fees from AED 8,500Arabic & Islamic StrengthKG1 to Grade 12Al Danah Location

“The teachers genuinely know my children by name, and the Arabic and Islamic Education teaching is excellent. For the fees we pay, we feel the school gives our family real value.”

— Grade 5 Parent(representative)

Academic Framework & Learning Style

Al Mashail National Private School follows the UAE Ministry of Education (MoE) curriculum across all cycles, from KG through Grade 12. This framework is structured around Arabic, Islamic Education, UAE Social Studies, English, Mathematics, and Science, with the curriculum reviewed annually to align with MoE standards and increasingly with international benchmarks such as TIMSS, PISA, and PIRLS. The school's academic identity is firmly rooted in the national curriculum, which means parents seeking an IB, British, or American pathway will need to look elsewhere - but for families committed to an authentic UAE national education experience, the framework is coherent and well-implemented in the lower cycles. In Arabic as a First Language and Islamic Education, the school's performance is its clearest strength. The 2025 ADEK Irtiqa inspection rated attainment and progress as Good across all cycles in both subjects, with internal data consistently showing most students attaining above curriculum expectations. Students in Cycle 3 demonstrate secure comprehension of literary and informational texts, and are developing analytical skills in literary analysis. Qur'anic recitation and Tajweed accuracy are improving steadily across all year groups, though inspectors noted further development is still needed in applying Islamic values in real-life contexts. In Mathematics, the picture is more encouraging than it might first appear. While attainment in KG and Cycle 1 remains Acceptable, Cycle 2 has achieved Good attainment and Very Good progress - a notable achievement. Cycle 3 mathematics has also improved, with attainment rising from Acceptable to Good and progress improving to Very Good, driven by stronger conceptual understanding in algebra and calculus. TIMSS 2023 results offer a mixed but partially positive story: Grade 8 mathematics achieved a score of 486, above both the school's own target of 447 and the international average of 478. Grade 4 mathematics, however, scored 453, below the international average of 503. Science follows a similar trajectory of improvement. Cycle 2 science attainment improved from Acceptable to Good, and Cycle 3 attainment also reached Good, supported by stronger practical skills and investigative engagement. TIMSS Grade 8 science scored 477, close to the international average of 478. In contrast, PISA 2022 scores - reading 396, mathematics 415, science 422 - all fell below international averages, reflecting the gap between national curriculum performance and international benchmark readiness that inspectors have flagged as a priority area. English remains the school's most significant academic challenge. Attainment is rated Acceptable across all cycles, with progress Good only in KG and Acceptable elsewhere. Extended and creative writing skills are specifically identified as requiring improvement. For families where English academic proficiency is a priority - particularly for university preparation - this is a material consideration. The school is working to address this through reading programmes, phonics in early years, and integration of comprehension tasks, but progress is gradual. The teaching methodology is described by inspectors as purposeful and well-structured, with questioning used effectively to check understanding. Inquiry-based learning elements are being integrated, particularly in preparation for international assessments, though implementation remains uneven across grades. Curriculum adaptation is rated Acceptable across all cycles, meaning the school modifies provision for most student groups but does not yet consistently provide enhanced challenge for higher-attaining or gifted students. There are no formal external examination results (GCSE, A-Level, IB, or AP) to report, as the school follows the MoE national framework exclusively. University destinations data is not publicly available from the school's current digital presence.

486

TIMSS 2023 Grade 8 Maths Score

Above international average of 478 and school target of 447

477

TIMSS 2023 Grade 8 Science Score

Close to international average of 478

396

PISA 2022 Reading Score

Below international average of 476; school target was 439

Good

Arabic & Islamic Education Rating

Across all cycles, KG through Cycle 3 - ADEK Irtiqa 2025

Extracurricular Activities (ECAs)

The school's website is currently inaccessible due to an expired domain registration, which means detailed ECA programme information cannot be verified from official school sources at the time of writing. What the ADEK Irtiqa 2025 inspection report does confirm is that students engage in school events, activities, and projects, and that participation is a positive feature of school life - though inspectors noted that students rarely take the initiative to lead or design activities independently, which is reflected in the Acceptable rating for social responsibility and innovation skills. The inspection report highlights that reading festivals, author visits, and storytelling sessions are embedded in the school's literacy culture, and that family literacy events form part of the broader enrichment offering. Library access is structured through weekly schedules across the school's three libraries, which collectively hold more than 1,000 books in English and Arabic. Students borrow books for home reading as part of a formalised reading programme. In terms of student development beyond the classroom, the school demonstrates a genuine commitment to Islamic values and UAE heritage activities, which feature prominently in the school calendar. Students show positive attitudes toward community events and demonstrate cultural awareness that inspectors rated as Good. However, the breadth of competitive sports, performing arts, and enrichment programmes such as Model UN or Duke of Edinburgh-equivalent activities cannot be confirmed from available verified sources. Parents considering the school for a rich, diverse ECA portfolio should request a current programme list directly from the school's admissions office, as the digital presence does not currently support independent verification of specific club numbers or competitive achievements.

1,000+

Books Across Three Libraries

English fiction, non-fiction, and Arabic titles; weekly borrowing schedules in place

Reading FestivalsThree School LibrariesUAE Heritage ActivitiesAuthor VisitsCommunity Events

Pastoral Care & Well-being

Pastoral care at Al Mashail National Private School is one of the areas where the school's community-centred ethos is most clearly felt. The ADEK Irtiqa 2025 inspection rated health and safety, including child protection and safeguarding arrangements, as Good across all cycles - a consistent finding that reflects well-maintained facilities, secure monitoring systems, and a school environment described by inspectors as safe, calm, and inclusive. Effective maintenance and monitoring are in place, and a phased redevelopment plan has been initiated to enhance learning spaces, signalling that the school's leadership is investing in the physical environment as part of broader student well-being. Student behaviour is a genuine strength. Inspectors noted positive relationships and consistent behaviour systems that foster a respectful school culture. Students demonstrate self-discipline, positive attitudes toward learning, and respectful relationships with both peers and adults. The school's grounding in Islamic values provides a clear moral framework that underpins daily school life and contributes to a cohesive community atmosphere. However, the inspection also found that Care and Support regressed from Good to Acceptable since the previous inspection cycle. The specific concerns raised include: inconsistent in-class support for students of determination, the absence of a systematic approach to career and future education guidance in Cycle 3, and variability in differentiation provision. There are 11 students of determination currently enrolled, and while identification systems are in place, the follow-through in lessons is not yet consistent. For families of children with additional learning needs, this is a material consideration - the school identifies needs appropriately but does not yet deliver consistently differentiated support at the classroom level. Counselling and mental health infrastructure details are not publicly documented through available verified sources, though the inspection report confirms that pastoral guidance in Cycle 3 - specifically around transition, well-being, and career aspirations - is an identified area for improvement. The school's parent engagement is rated Good, with parents described as supportive and actively contributing to school life, which itself forms an important component of the pastoral ecosystem.

“The school feels like a real community. The teachers are approachable and my son feels safe and respected every day. The Islamic values taught here are lived, not just displayed on a wall.”

— Cycle 2 Parent(representative)

Campus & Facilities

Al Mashail National Private School is located at Al Hadh Street, Hadbat Al Za'faranah, in the Al Danah district of Abu Dhabi - a central, well-connected area of the city with good access from surrounding residential communities including Al Khalidiyah, Al Bateen, and the broader downtown Abu Dhabi corridor. The location is served by the school's own bus transport network, with transport fees set at AED 3,559 per year - a notably affordable rate by Abu Dhabi standards. The school's website is currently offline due to an expired domain registration, which limits independent verification of detailed campus specifications. What the ADEK Irtiqa 2025 inspection report does confirm is that the school operates with well-organised systems and that management, staffing, facilities, and resources are rated Good. Inspectors noted that effective maintenance and monitoring ensure facilities are safe and secure, and that a phased redevelopment plan has been initiated to enhance learning spaces - a positive signal that the school is actively investing in its physical environment. The school operates three libraries across its campus, collectively housing more than 1,000 books in English and Arabic, with digital reading platforms being added to improve student access. Reading corners are present in KG and Cycle 1 classrooms, and classroom displays in Cycles 2 and 3 link reading and writing to curriculum content. The school administers ACER IBT standardised assessments in Grades 3 to 9, indicating access to technology infrastructure sufficient to support computer-based testing. For a school serving over 1,000 students across 14 grade levels, the campus must accommodate significant operational complexity. However, specific details regarding science laboratories, sports facilities, auditorium capacity, art studios, or technology infrastructure beyond assessment tools are not verifiable from current public sources. Parents are strongly advised to arrange a campus visit to assess facilities firsthand, particularly if specific amenities - such as a swimming pool, dedicated sports hall, or performing arts theatre - are important criteria in their decision.

Libraries on Campus

Collectively housing 1,000+ books in English and Arabic

AED 3,559

Annual Bus Transport Fee

Uniform rate across all grade levels - among the most affordable in Abu Dhabi

Al Danah Central LocationThree LibrariesPhased Redevelopment PlanACER IBT Testing InfrastructureBus Transport AvailableDigital Reading Platforms

Teaching & Learning Quality

Teaching quality at Al Mashail National Private School is rated Good across all cycles in the ADEK Irtiqa 2025 inspection - a consistent finding that held steady from the previous inspection in 2022. The inspection describes lessons as purposeful and well-structured, with teachers using questioning effectively to check understanding and monitor learning. The depth of classroom dialogue is described as growing, though not yet consistently promoting critical and creative thinking across all subjects and year groups. The school employs 60 teachers supported by 2 teaching assistants, serving a student roll of 1,085 - giving a teacher-to-student ratio of approximately 1:18. Teacher nationalities are predominantly Egyptian, Jordanian, and Syrian, reflecting the school's community demographics and its MoE curriculum focus. Staff qualifications data is not publicly available through current verified sources, though the ADEK inspection confirms that staff are described as qualified and that the school operates with well-organised staffing systems. Professional development is embedded in the school's annual training plan, with a particular focus on building teachers' capacity to deliver lessons aligned with international assessment expectations. Training initiatives cover critical thinking, inquiry-based learning, phonics, guided reading, and differentiation. Teachers have also participated in ACER IBT workshops to deepen understanding of international frameworks. Coaching cycles have strengthened early reading provision in particular. However, inspectors noted that implementation of these strategies in daily lessons varies across grades - a recurring theme that suggests professional development is translating unevenly into classroom practice. Assessment is rated Good across all cycles, with coherent and consistent processes and a comprehensive range of internal and external data collected to monitor attainment and progress. The use of assessment information to plan learning and address individual needs, however, varies in effectiveness across subjects and grade levels - a finding that feeds directly into the school's improvement priorities. Self-evaluation and improvement planning regressed from Good to Acceptable since the previous inspection, with monitoring activities noted as focusing more on teaching processes than on the measurable impact on student progress. Teacher turnover data is not publicly available.

1:18

Teacher-to-Student Ratio

60 teachers serving 1,085 students across KG1 to Grade 12

Teaching Staff

Supported by 2 teaching assistants; predominantly Egyptian, Jordanian, and Syrian nationals

Good

Teaching for Effective Learning Rating

Consistent across all cycles - ADEK Irtiqa 2025

Leadership & Management

The school is led by Principal Maher Mohammad Ahmad Momani, whose name appears in the ADEK Irtiqa 2025 inspection documentation. The inspection describes senior leadership as providing clear strategic direction and stability, with middle leaders contributing effectively through regular monitoring and collaborative team planning. The overall effectiveness of leadership is rated Good - a rating that has been sustained since the previous inspection in 2022, indicating organisational consistency rather than transformative momentum. Leadership demonstrates a structured and well-coordinated commitment to international assessment targets, with senior and middle leaders meeting regularly to review student performance data, identify priorities, and develop targeted action plans before assessment cycles. The integration of future-ready competencies - including higher-order thinking, problem-solving, and digital fluency - is a stated strategic priority, and accountability is maintained through departmental discussions with heads of faculty. However, the inspection identified two significant leadership concerns. First, self-evaluation and improvement planning regressed from Good to Acceptable, with monitoring activities noted as focusing more on teaching processes than on the impact of actions on student progress. Evaluation is described as not consistently analytical, and the link between identified priorities and measurable outcomes remains limited. Second, governance remains Acceptable - the governing body is strengthening accountability and oversight, but its impact on raising academic performance is still developing. These findings suggest that while day-to-day management is sound, the school's strategic leadership capacity needs to evolve to drive the next phase of improvement. Parent communication is rated Good, with parents described as supportive and engaged. The school communicates through termly progress updates, library updates, newsletters, and school meetings. Parents are actively involved in reading challenges and literacy events, and are kept informed about international assessment performance and expectations. The school's ADEK registration email (9055@adek.gov.ae) and phone number (0509190445) are the primary verified contact channels, as the school's own website remains offline.

ADEK Inspection Results (Irtiqa - Decoded)

The most recent ADEK Irtiqa inspection was conducted in October 2025 (6-9 October), covering the 2024/25 academic year. The school received an overall rating of Good - a rating it has now held consistently since at least the previous inspection in 2022, demonstrating stability rather than regression, but also signalling that the step to Very Good remains an unmet ambition. The inspection's most important finding is the gap between internal assessment confidence and external benchmark performance. Internally, the school's own data consistently shows most students attaining above MoE curriculum expectations - particularly in Islamic Education and Arabic, where internal data rates attainment as Outstanding. Yet ACER IBT results tell a starkly different story: Weak attainment in Arabic, mathematics, and science across Cycles 1, 2, and 3 when benchmarked externally. This divergence is explicitly noted by inspectors and represents the school's most pressing credibility challenge in its academic narrative. On the positive side, the inspection highlights genuine strengths: students' personal and social development is Good, learning skills are Good across all cycles, and the school community - parents, students, and staff - is described as cohesive and mutually supportive. The improvement in Cycle 2 and Cycle 3 mathematics and science performance is a real achievement, with Very Good progress ratings in both subjects in Cycle 2. The five key recommendations from inspectors are substantive and demanding: raising attainment across core subjects; improving teaching quality and assessment use; strengthening inclusion and care provision; enhancing leadership capacity and governance impact; and improving performance in international assessments. The breadth of these recommendations reflects a school that is functioning well at a baseline level but has significant headroom - and significant work ahead - to reach the next performance tier. For parents, the decoded message is this: Al Mashail National Private School is a stable, safe, community-oriented school that does what it says on the tin within the MoE framework. It is not yet driving the kind of analytical, inquiry-led, internationally competitive learning that would push it toward a Very Good or Outstanding rating. The trajectory is positive in mathematics and science at the upper cycles, but English and international benchmark performance remain structural challenges.

Strong Arabic & Islamic Education

Attainment and progress in Arabic as a First Language and Islamic Education are rated Good across all cycles, with internal data consistently showing most students attaining above MoE curriculum expectations. Students demonstrate secure comprehension, growing analytical skills, and improving Qur'anic recitation.

Improving Maths & Science in Upper Cycles

Cycle 2 and Cycle 3 mathematics and science have shown measurable improvement since the previous inspection. Cycle 3 mathematics attainment rose from Acceptable to Good, and Cycle 2 science attainment improved similarly. TIMSS Grade 8 mathematics (486) and science (477) scores both met or exceeded international averages.

Positive School Community & Student Wellbeing

Students' personal and social development is rated Good across all cycles. Inspectors describe a safe, calm, and inclusive learning environment underpinned by consistent behaviour systems, positive peer relationships, and strong parental engagement. Parents are rated Good for partnership and community contribution.

International Benchmark Performance Gap

ACER IBT results show Weak attainment in Arabic, mathematics, and science across all cycles, and PISA 2022 scores in reading (396), mathematics (415), and science (422) all fell below international averages. The gap between internal assessment ratings and external benchmark performance is a significant credibility concern that inspectors have flagged as a priority for urgent action.

Inclusion, Care & Guidance Provision

Care and Support regressed from Good to Acceptable since the previous inspection. In-class differentiation for students of determination is inconsistent, systematic career and future education guidance in Cycle 3 is absent, and self-evaluation and improvement planning also regressed to Acceptable. Governance impact on academic performance remains limited.

Rating History

2025

Good

2022

Good

Fees & Value for Money

Al Mashail National Private School sits at the genuinely affordable end of Abu Dhabi's private school fee spectrum. With tuition fees ranging from AED 8,500 for KG1 and KG2 up to AED 20,000 for Grade 12, this school is among the most competitively priced private MoE-curriculum institutions in the emirate. For context, the Abu Dhabi private school market spans from under AED 10,000 to over AED 100,000 per year - placing Al Mashail firmly in the value tier, accessible to a broad range of families who want private education without the premium price tag. The fee structure follows a clear progression: KG fees are set at AED 8,500, primary grades (1-3) at AED 10,000-10,080, mid-primary (Grades 4-6) at AED 12,080, lower secondary (Grades 7-9) at AED 14,080, and upper secondary rises to AED 16,000 (Grade 10), AED 18,000 (Grade 11), and AED 20,000 (Grade 12). This graduated structure is transparent and predictable, allowing families to plan long-term education costs with confidence. Additional costs are clearly structured in ADEK's official fee data. Bus transport is available at a flat rate of AED 3,559 per year across all grade levels - an exceptionally competitive rate. Book fees range from AED 210 (KG1) to AED 950 (Grades 7-8), with no book fees listed for Grades 9-12. Uniform costs are standardised at AED 175 per year across all grades. No book fees are listed for Grades 9 through 12 in the official ADEK data. Scholarship and bursary information is not publicly documented through available verified sources. Payment terms, installment structures, and accepted payment methods are also not publicly available from current official sources - parents should contact the school directly at 0509190445 or 9055@adek.gov.ae to confirm these details. On a value-for-money basis, this school offers a compelling proposition for its target demographic. The ADEK Good rating, consistent Arabic and Islamic Education quality, improving mathematics and science results in upper cycles, and a genuinely affordable fee structure represent strong value within the MoE curriculum segment. Families should factor in that the school's English provision and international benchmark performance are areas of active development - but for the fees charged, the expectation should be calibrated accordingly. This is not a premium-fee school, and it should not be judged by premium-fee benchmarks.

AED 8,500

Starting Annual Tuition (KG1/KG2)

AED 20,000

Maximum Annual Tuition (Grade 12)

Phase	Year Groups	Annual Fee
KG	KG 1	8,500
KG	KG 2	8,500
Primary	Grade 1	10,000
Primary	Grade 2	10,000
Primary	Grade 3	10,080
Primary	Grade 4	12,080
Primary	Grade 5	12,080
Secondary	Grade 6	12,080
Secondary	Grade 7	14,080
Secondary	Grade 8	14,080
Secondary	Grade 9	14,080
Secondary	Grade 10	16,000
Secondary	Grade 11	18,000
Secondary	Grade 12	20,000

Additional Costs

Bus Transport3,559(annual)

Books - KG 1210(annual)

Books - KG 2230(annual)

Books - Grade 1790(annual)

Books - Grade 2830(annual)

Books - Grade 3850(annual)

Books - Grade 4870(annual)

Books - Grade 5860(annual)

Books - Grade 6860(annual)

Books - Grade 7950(annual)

Books - Grade 8950(annual)

Books - Grades 9-120(annual)

Uniform175(annual)

Scholarships & Bursaries

Scholarship and bursary programmes are not publicly documented through current verified sources. Parents seeking financial assistance should contact the school's administration directly.

The Final Verdict: Who Is This School For?

Al Mashail National Private School is a school that knows what it is and largely delivers on that promise. It is a community-rooted, MoE-curriculum institution in the heart of Al Danah that prioritises Arabic language development, Islamic Education, and UAE cultural values - and does so at fees that make private education genuinely accessible. The ADEK Good rating has been sustained across two inspection cycles, the school community is cohesive and supportive, and real academic improvements are visible in upper-cycle mathematics and science. The honest caveats are equally important. English provision is the school's most significant structural weakness, with Acceptable ratings across all cycles and PISA scores well below international averages. The gap between internal assessment confidence and external benchmark performance is a transparency issue that the school's leadership must address. Inclusion provision for students of determination needs to become more consistent at the classroom level, and the Cycle 3 curriculum's narrow options limit preparation for diverse post-secondary pathways. For families making this decision: if your priority is affordable, values-driven, Arabic-medium education in a safe and stable community environment, Al Mashail National Private School is a credible and honest choice. If your priority is English academic excellence, international university preparation, or a broad ECA portfolio, you will need to look at higher-fee options in Abu Dhabi's private school landscape. This is a school that serves its community well - and that community deserves to make this choice with clear eyes.

THE “RIGHT FIT”

Families from Arab-speaking backgrounds - particularly Jordanian, Syrian, and Egyptian communities - who prioritise strong Arabic language development, Islamic Education, and UAE cultural values at genuinely accessible school fees between AED 8,500 and AED 20,000. Ideal for parents who value community belonging, a safe and structured environment, and consistent pastoral care within the MoE curriculum framework.

THE “WRONG FIT”

Families whose primary goals include high English academic attainment, internationally competitive university placement, bilingual education, or a rich and verified extracurricular portfolio. Also not suited to students with complex additional learning needs who require consistently differentiated in-class support, given the current Acceptable rating for care and inclusion provision.

“

We chose this school because we wanted our children to grow up proud of their Arabic language and Islamic identity. For what we pay, we are genuinely satisfied - the school is safe, the teachers care, and our children are progressing well in the subjects that matter most to us.

— Grade 9 Parent

Pros

ADEK Good rating sustained across two consecutive inspection cycles
Among the most affordable private school fees in Abu Dhabi (AED 8,500-20,000)
Strong Arabic as a First Language and Islamic Education across all cycles
Improving mathematics and science results in Cycle 2 and Cycle 3
TIMSS Grade 8 maths (486) and science (477) at or above international averages
Safe, inclusive, and community-oriented school environment
Flat-rate bus transport at AED 3,559 - highly competitive for Abu Dhabi
Strong parental engagement and community partnership rated Good by ADEK

Cons

English attainment rated Acceptable across all cycles with limited progress in most phases
ACER IBT results show Weak attainment in Arabic, maths, and science against international benchmarks
PISA 2022 scores in reading, maths, and science all below international averages
Care and support for students of determination regressed to Acceptable; in-class differentiation inconsistent
School website offline; limited public transparency on ECA programmes, facilities, and admissions