Sabis International Private School LLC- AljadaSABIS School in Sharjah

Curriculum
SABIS
SPEA
Good
Location
Sharjah
Fees
AED 35K - 58K

Sabis International Private School LLC- Aljada

The Executive Summary

Sabis International Private School LLC- Aljada Sharjah is one of the newer entrants to Sharjah's private school landscape, having opened in August 2021 within the ambitious Aljada master-development. Operating under the globally recognised SABIS curriculum, the school earned a SPEA rating of Good in its February 2025 inspection - a meaningful step up from its previous Acceptable rating - serving 1,268 students from Pre-KG through Grade 10. School fees Sharjah parents should note range from AED 24,500 to AED 40,000 annually, positioning this firmly in the accessible mid-range bracket for SABIS schools in the emirate. The school's strongest cards are its structured, academically rigorous SABIS methodology, a genuinely impressive Student Learning Organisation (SLO) that drives student leadership, and a campus that SPEA inspectors described as being of very high quality. With 542 Emirati students making up the largest nationality group, this is a school with deep roots in the local community. The honest caveat is that the Good rating, while a positive trajectory, still signals room to grow. Science attainment across Phases 2 and 3 remains acceptable rather than good, Arabic as a Second Language is a persistent weak point, and the school's internal data does not always align with what inspectors observed in classrooms - a credibility gap that leadership must close. For families seeking a structured, system-driven curriculum in a brand-new Aljada campus at a competitive price point, this school is a compelling option. For parents whose children need intensive SEN support or who prioritise open-ended, inquiry-led learning over the SABIS mastery model, it may not be the right fit.
SPEA Good - Improved from AcceptableSABIS CurriculumAljada Campus - Opened 2021AED 24.5K-40K Fees

“The SABIS system means my son always knows exactly where he stands academically. The SLO gives him real responsibility - he genuinely looks forward to school in a way I did not expect.”

— Grade 5 Parent(representative)

Academic Framework & Learning Style

The SABIS Educational System is the defining feature of this school's academic identity. Unlike schools that adopt a national curriculum and layer on their own philosophy, SABIS is a vertically integrated, proprietary system used by a global network of schools. It operates on a mastery-based model: students progress through carefully sequenced content, with frequent internal testing - known as SABIS Academic Monitoring - to identify and close gaps before they compound. This is not a school where a child can quietly fall behind unnoticed; the system is designed to surface underperformance quickly. The school offers instruction in English as the primary language, with Arabic (both as a First Language and as an Additional Language), Islamic Education, and UAE Social Studies delivered in line with Ministry requirements. External examinations are provided through Cambridge and the College Board, with IELTS also available, giving older students internationally recognised credentials. The school also participates in significant benchmarking tools including CAT4, TIMSS, PIRLS, and Granada Learning assessments - a breadth of external data that, in principle, should support strong self-evaluation. SPEA inspectors found student achievement to be Good overall, with Phase 1 (KG through early primary) performing particularly well across all core subjects. English attainment is Good across Phases 1, 2, and 3, and mathematics shows Good attainment in Phases 1, 2, and 4. The notable underperformers are science in Phases 2 and 3 (Acceptable attainment) and Arabic as a Second Language across all phases - a significant concern given that a large proportion of the student body are non-native Arabic speakers who rely on ASL provision. One structural tension the school must address is the consistent gap between its own internal assessment data - which frequently shows outstanding or very good attainment - and what inspectors actually observed in classrooms. This misalignment undermines confidence in the school's self-evaluation processes. In terms of learning skills, inspectors rated these as Good across all four phases, noting that students collaborate well, take responsibility for their learning, and can apply knowledge to real-life contexts in the younger phases. Application of learning to real life was described as less well developed in Phases 3 and 4. University destination data is not yet publicly available given the school only reaches Grade 10 at present, but the Cambridge and College Board examination pathways set a credible foundation for future upper-secondary expansion.
Good
Overall Student Achievement (SPEA 2025)
Improved from Acceptable in 2023-24
Good
Learning Skills Rating - All Phases
Students collaborate well and take responsibility for learning
Cambridge + College Board
External Examination Boards
Plus IELTS for English language certification
CAT4, TIMSS, PIRLS
International Benchmarking Tools Used
Broad external data framework for tracking student progress
Curriculum Details

Extracurricular Activities (ECAs)

One of the most distinctive features of Sabis International Private School Aljada is its Student Learning Organisation (SLO) - a structured, student-led body that sits at the heart of extracurricular and enrichment life. SPEA inspectors described the SLO as providing excellent opportunities for student leadership and offering students a wide range of activities to follow their interests. This is not a token student council; the SLO is embedded in the SABIS model globally and functions as a genuine vehicle for student agency. In terms of sports, the school offers competitive programs across a range of disciplines, with students participating in inter-school competitions within the Sharjah private school ecosystem. Performing arts provision includes music - with inspectors noting that most students across phases enjoy singing and have good knowledge of musical terms - as well as art, though inspectors noted that art learning in Phases 2 and 3 is more knowledge-based, with independent creative skills less well developed. This is an area the school has acknowledged and should address. French language is offered as a subject with students sitting French ministry examinations, adding a meaningful enrichment dimension for linguistically ambitious families. Computer studies is available across phases, though inspectors noted that students have specific software understanding but fewer opportunities to apply skills to their own independent projects - a gap in creative technology application that the school should close. The school's location within the Aljada development also provides proximity to community and cultural resources that can support enrichment programming as the school matures.
Excellent
SLO Student Leadership Opportunities (SPEA Rating)
Described by inspectors as providing excellent leadership openings
Student Learning Organisation (SLO)Excellent Student LeadershipFrench Ministry ExaminationsMusic & Performing ArtsCompetitive Sports Programs

Pastoral Care & Well-being

Pastoral care at Sabis International Private School Aljada received strong marks from SPEA inspectors, with safeguarding and health and safety arrangements rated as Very Good - one of the school's clearest headline strengths. Inspectors noted very positive relationships between staff and students, which is a meaningful indicator of school culture and not something that can be manufactured through policy alone. Students' personal and social development was rated Very Good across all phases - a standout result in the inspection. Students demonstrate a very clear understanding of Islamic values and awareness of Emirati culture, which is particularly significant given that 542 of the school's 1,268 students are Emirati. The school's approach to UAE national identity education appears genuinely embedded rather than performative. In terms of mental health and counselling, the SPEA report does not identify dedicated guidance counsellors in the school's staffing data, which is a gap worth noting for families with children who may need structured emotional support. The SLO also plays a pastoral role, giving students a voice and a sense of belonging within the school community. One area flagged for improvement is the school's systems for seeking the views of parents and students as part of decision-making - inspectors recommended that this be strengthened, suggesting that formal channels for student and parent voice in governance could be more robust. The management of the school day is described as smooth, and the physical environment is well-ordered, contributing to a calm and purposeful atmosphere.

“The teachers genuinely know my daughter. When she had a difficult term, her class teacher reached out before I even had a chance to call the school. That kind of care is hard to find.”

— Grade 3 Parent(representative)

Campus & Facilities

The campus at Sabis International Private School Aljada is a genuine asset. Established in August 2021, the school occupies a purpose-built facility within the Aljada master-development in Muweileh Commercial, Madar Street - one of Sharjah's most ambitious mixed-use urban projects developed by Arada. The building is modern, purpose-designed for education, and SPEA inspectors described the premises and resources as being of very high quality, well-matched to students' current and future needs. This is not a school operating out of a converted villa or an ageing building; the infrastructure is contemporary and fit for purpose. The campus supports a student body of 1,268 across Pre-KG through Grade 10, with dedicated spaces for science, computing, music, art, and physical education. The school's use of technology is embedded across the learning experience, with students accessing course material through their own devices - a standard expectation within the SABIS system. Smartboard and digital infrastructure is in place across classrooms. Science laboratory provision supports the curriculum through Grade 10, though inspectors noted that hands-on practical science opportunities in Phases 2 and 3 are currently limited - a facilities utilisation issue rather than an infrastructure gap. The Aljada location is a double-edged consideration for parents. On one hand, the development is well-planned, with wide roads, green spaces, and a growing community of residents - making it an attractive commute for families already living in or relocating to this part of Sharjah. On the other hand, Aljada is still maturing as a neighbourhood, and families based in older, more established parts of Sharjah such as Al Qasimia or Al Majaz may find the commute less convenient. Transport is available through Busco.
2021
Year Campus Opened
Purpose-built within Aljada development, Muweileh Commercial
1,268
Total Students on Campus
Across Pre-KG to Grade 10 in a single modern building
Purpose-Built 2021 CampusVery High Quality Premises (SPEA)Aljada Master-DevelopmentModern Technology InfrastructureBusco Transport AvailableScience Labs & Music Rooms
Campus Details

Teaching & Learning Quality

Teaching and assessment at Sabis International Private School Aljada was rated Good by SPEA inspectors across all phases - a consistent and creditable result. The inspection involved 144 lesson observations, 53 of which were conducted jointly with school leaders, providing a robust evidence base for the judgement. The largest teacher nationality group is Irish, reflecting a recruitment pipeline common to many SABIS network schools globally, and the total teaching staff stands at 77, supported by 30 teaching assistants. The teacher-to-student ratio of 1:16 is reasonable for a school of this size and phase range, allowing for a degree of individual attention within the structured SABIS teaching framework. Teacher turnover stands at 9.43% - a moderate figure for Sharjah's private school sector, where annual churn can run significantly higher. This suggests a degree of staff stability that benefits continuity of learning, particularly for younger students. The SABIS pedagogical model is structured and content-driven, with teachers following detailed lesson plans aligned to the SABIS scope and sequence. This means teaching is consistent and curriculum coverage is thorough, but it also means that the model is less naturally suited to open-ended inquiry or highly differentiated student-led learning. Inspectors noted that in stronger lessons, teachers used role play and real-life application effectively, but that in weaker lessons, higher-order thinking and student-led discussion were less evident - particularly in Phases 3 and 4. Differentiation for higher-attaining students was identified as an area for development, with inspectors noting that higher-attaining students in Social Studies, for example, are insufficiently challenged. Professional development is described as a leadership priority, with the school focused on developing staff skills as part of its improvement agenda. The SABIS network provides a structured professional development framework, which is an advantage over standalone schools that must build such systems from scratch.
1:16
Teacher-to-Student Ratio
77 teachers serving 1,268 students
9.43%
Teacher Turnover Rate
Moderate stability relative to Sharjah private school sector norms
144
Lesson Observations During SPEA Inspection
53 conducted jointly with school leaders

Leadership & Management

Principal Jamal Hazbun leads the school, with Victor Saad and Ahmed Al Khouchaibi serving as Chair of the Board of Governors. Leadership was rated Good by SPEA inspectors, with the report noting that leadership is focused on improving students' outcomes and developing the skills of staff - a clear and appropriate set of priorities for a school still in its early years of operation. The school operates as part of the global SABIS Network, which brings both advantages and constraints. On the positive side, the SABIS system provides a highly developed operational infrastructure: curriculum sequencing, assessment systems, teacher training frameworks, and quality assurance processes are all provided centrally. School leaders do not need to build these from scratch. The governance structure includes a Board of Governors, and the school's self-evaluation was described by inspectors as being in line with the school's own judgement of Good - a positive indicator that leadership has an accurate read of the school's current position. Areas where leadership must focus attention include strengthening the alignment between internal data and classroom reality - a gap that inspectors flagged across multiple subjects. The school's systems for seeking the views of parents and students as part of decision-making were also identified as needing development, suggesting that formal parent engagement channels could be more structured and impactful. Communication with parents is supported through the SABIS digital platform, which provides access to academic monitoring data, a significant advantage for families who want real-time visibility of their child's progress. For a school that opened in 2021 and achieved a Good rating by 2025, the leadership trajectory is encouraging. The challenge now is to sustain momentum and move from Good toward Very Good in the next inspection cycle.
Leadership Details

SPEA Inspection Results (Decoded)

The February 2025 SPEA School Performance Review of Sabis International Private School Aljada delivered an overall effectiveness rating of Good - a clear improvement on the Acceptable rating received in the previous 2023-24 review. This upward trajectory in just one inspection cycle is significant: it demonstrates that leadership's improvement agenda is producing measurable results, and that the school is not simply maintaining a baseline but actively developing. The inspection was conducted by a team of six reviewers over four days, with 144 lesson observations providing a thorough evidence base. The strongest performance indicators were in students' personal and social development (Very Good across all phases), safeguarding and health and safety (Very Good), and management, staffing, facilities and resources (Very Good). These three areas represent the school's genuine strengths and are unlikely to regress. Academic achievement is the area requiring the most attention. While Phase 1 achievement is Good across all core subjects, attainment becomes more uneven in Phases 2 and 3. Science in Phases 2 and 3 and Arabic as a Second Language across all phases remain at Acceptable - below the school's overall Good rating. The gap between internal assessment data and observed classroom performance is a systemic concern that inspectors flagged across English, mathematics, science, and social studies. SPEA's strategic recommendations focus on improving achievement across all subjects and phases, strengthening SEN identification procedures, and building more robust systems for parent and student voice in decision-making.
Personal & Social Development
Students' personal and social development is rated Very Good across all phases. Students demonstrate a clear understanding of Islamic values and Emirati culture, and the SLO provides excellent student leadership opportunities.
Safeguarding & Health and Safety
Arrangements for safeguarding and health and safety are Very Good. Inspectors noted very positive staff-student relationships and a smooth, well-managed school day.
Facilities, Staffing & Management
Premises and resources are of very high quality and well-matched to current and future student needs. The management of the school is described as smooth and effective.
Science & Arabic as a Second Language

Achievement in science across Phases 2 and 3, and in Arabic as a Second Language across all phases, remains at Acceptable. Hands-on practical science and ASL speaking and writing skills need targeted intervention.

SEN Identification & Parent/Student Voice

Procedures to identify students with special educational needs across all phases need strengthening. Systems for incorporating parent and student views into decision-making also require development.

Full Inspection Report

Inspection History

2023-24
Acceptable
2024-25
Good

Fees & Value for Money

Sabis International Private School LLC – Aljada offers a comprehensive fee structure covering tuition and books across all year groups, from Pre-KG through Grade 9. Fees are structured to reflect the progressive nature of education, beginning at AED 35,400 for Pre-KG and KG1, and rising incrementally through the grades to AED 57,500 for Grade 9. The all-inclusive tuition and books fee simplifies budgeting for families, as the cost of learning materials is bundled into the annual school fee.

AED 35,400
Annual Fees From
AED 57,500
Annual Fees To
Year / GradeAnnual Fee
Pre KG
AED 35,400
KG1
AED 35,400
KG2
AED 37,700
Grade 1
AED 40,100
Grade 2
AED 42,400
Grade 3
AED 45,100
Grade 4
AED 47,300
Grade 5
AED 49,100
Grade 6
AED 51,200
Grade 7
AED 53,300
Grade 8
AED 55,400
Grade 9
AED 57,500

As part of the SABIS® network, the school delivers a globally recognised curriculum with a strong academic framework. The fee progression reflects the increasing complexity and resources required at each stage of learning, with Primary grades ranging from AED 40,100 to AED 49,100 and Secondary grades from AED 51,200 to AED 57,500. Families should note that uniform costs and any additional services are not detailed in the published fee schedule and should be confirmed directly with the school's admissions office.

Located in the Aljada development in Sharjah, the school positions itself as a premium international option within the emirate. Prospective parents are encouraged to contact the school directly for information on payment plans, registration fees, and any applicable discounts or sibling concessions.

Full Fee Structure

The Final Verdict: Who Is This School For?

Sabis International Private School Aljada is a school on an upward trajectory. Moving from Acceptable to Good in a single inspection cycle, with a purpose-built campus, a structured and globally proven curriculum, and a genuinely impressive pastoral record, it is a school that delivers on its core promise: a rigorous, accountable, structured education at a mid-range price point in one of Sharjah's most exciting new communities. The school is best suited to families who value academic structure and measurable progress over open-ended exploration, who appreciate the transparency of the SABIS monitoring system, and who are comfortable with a curriculum model that is system-driven rather than teacher-personalised. Emirati families, in particular, will find a school that takes cultural identity seriously - with 542 Emirati students already enrolled, the school has a strong community of local families at its core. Parents should go in with clear eyes about the areas that still need development: science in the middle years, Arabic as a Second Language, and the gap between the school's internal data and classroom reality are genuine concerns. Families with children who have identified special educational needs should probe the school's SEN identification and support processes carefully before enrolling, as this was flagged as an area for improvement by inspectors. For the right family, this is a compelling value proposition in Sharjah's private school market - a young school with strong bones, improving results, and the backing of a global network.

THE “RIGHT FIT”

Families seeking a structured, academically accountable curriculum at a competitive Sharjah fee point, particularly those already living in or relocating to the Aljada community, and Emirati families who value strong cultural identity alongside international examination pathways.

THE “WRONG FIT”

Families whose children require intensive SEN support or a highly differentiated, inquiry-led learning environment, or those based in established Sharjah neighbourhoods far from Aljada who may find the commute a daily friction point.

“

We looked at several schools in Sharjah before choosing SABIS Aljada. The campus is genuinely impressive for a school this young, and the fact that I can log in and see exactly how my son is performing at any time was the deciding factor for us.

— Grade 7 Parent

Strengths

  • Improved from Acceptable to Good in a single SPEA inspection cycle
  • Purpose-built 2021 campus rated Very High Quality by SPEA inspectors
  • Structured SABIS monitoring system gives parents real-time academic visibility
  • Very Good personal and social development across all phases
  • Competitive fee range of AED 24,500-40,000 for a Cambridge-pathway school
  • Excellent Student Learning Organisation driving genuine student leadership
  • Strong Emirati community with 542 Emirati students enrolled
  • Moderate teacher turnover of 9.43% suggests meaningful staff stability

Areas for Improvement

  • Science attainment in Phases 2 and 3 remains Acceptable - below the school's overall Good rating
  • Arabic as a Second Language is weak across all phases, a concern for non-native Arabic speakers
  • Gap between internal assessment data and observed classroom performance undermines self-evaluation credibility
  • SEN identification procedures flagged as needing significant strengthening
  • Parent and student voice in decision-making is underdeveloped for a school of this size