Al Ittihad National Private School - Shakhbout, Abu Dhabi
American School in Shakhbout City, Abu Dhabi
Last updated
Curriculum
American
ADEK
Very Good
Location
Abu Dhabi, Shakhbout City
Fees
AED 19K - 35K
The Executive Summary
Al Ittihad National Private School - Shakhbout has established itself as one of the most credible American curriculum Abu Dhabi options in the fast-growing Shakhbout City district. Holding an ADEK rating of Very Good confirmed in the 2024 Irtiqa inspection, the school serves 1,842 students from KG1 through Grade 12 under the Arabian Education Group banner, with school fees Abu Dhabi parents will find genuinely accessible: AED 31,110 to AED 41,430 annually. For families relocating to Shakhbout City schools who want a structured, values-driven American framework without the premium price tag of more established campuses, INPS-Shakhbout makes a compelling case. The school's most distinctive credential is its Outstanding rating for Emirates National Identity across all phases - a rare distinction that signals genuine cultural integration rather than tokenism. Its TIMSS 2023 scores, which exceeded both international averages and the school's own targets in all four tested areas, provide hard evidence that mathematics and science teaching in the lower and middle phases is genuinely strong. The curriculum is described by ADEK inspectors as Outstanding in curriculum design and implementation across KG, Cycle 1 and Cycle 2 - a finding that places this school above many peers in the same fee bracket.
The honest caveat is that Phase 4 (Grades 10-12) is a work in progress. English attainment in Cycle 3 is rated only Acceptable, science attainment in Cycle 3 is also Acceptable, and standardised MAP results across all phases show weak attainment - a gap between internal assessment confidence and external benchmark performance that parents of academically ambitious older students must weigh carefully. The school does not offer a swimming pool, and the AP/elective subject range for senior students is still developing. Value for money is strong: at under AED 42,000 for Grade 12, this is a budget-friendly option by Abu Dhabi private school standards, and the ADEK-accredited fee structure is transparent. This school is best suited to families with children in KG through Grade 9 who prioritise Emirati cultural values, structured American curriculum delivery, and a community-oriented environment. Families whose primary concern is elite university placement from Grade 11 onwards should look more carefully before committing.
The honest caveat is that Phase 4 (Grades 10-12) is a work in progress. English attainment in Cycle 3 is rated only Acceptable, science attainment in Cycle 3 is also Acceptable, and standardised MAP results across all phases show weak attainment - a gap between internal assessment confidence and external benchmark performance that parents of academically ambitious older students must weigh carefully. The school does not offer a swimming pool, and the AP/elective subject range for senior students is still developing. Value for money is strong: at under AED 42,000 for Grade 12, this is a budget-friendly option by Abu Dhabi private school standards, and the ADEK-accredited fee structure is transparent. This school is best suited to families with children in KG through Grade 9 who prioritise Emirati cultural values, structured American curriculum delivery, and a community-oriented environment. Families whose primary concern is elite university placement from Grade 11 onwards should look more carefully before committing.
ADEK Very Good 2024Outstanding National IdentityAIAA AccreditedTIMSS Above International AverageAED 31K-41K Fees
“The school genuinely feels like a community. My children came home from the first week talking about UAE heritage activities and knowing the names of their teachers. For our family, that balance of international curriculum and local values is exactly what we wanted.”
— Grade 4 Parent(representative)Academic Framework & Learning Style
INPS-Shakhbout follows an American curriculum aligned with California Common Core State Standards for English and aligned with the UAE Ministry of Education curriculum for Arabic, Islamic Studies, and UAE Social Studies. This dual-track approach is a deliberate design choice: it gives students internationally portable academic credentials while ensuring deep roots in national priorities - a balance that ADEK inspectors rated as Outstanding in curriculum design and implementation across KG, Cycle 1, and Cycle 2. The curriculum is described in the school's own materials as structured, flexible, and inclusive, and the Irtiqa 2024/25 report broadly validates that description, noting that the curriculum is expertly planned, reviewed, and that gaps in learning are identified and amended promptly.
Assessment philosophy splits by phase: KG to Grade 5 uses a standards-based assessment system, while Grades 6 to 12 employ both formative and summative assessments. The school benchmarks externally using MAP, CAT4, IBT, and PISA-style tools, and participates in TIMSS. The TIMSS 2023 results are the school's strongest external evidence point: Grade 4 mathematics scored 546.89 against an international average of 503 and a school target of 471.86; Grade 8 mathematics scored 540.56 against an international average of 478; Grade 4 science scored 555.08 against an international average of 494; and Grade 8 science scored 526.13 against an international average of 478. All four results exceeded both the school's own targets and international averages - a genuinely impressive outcome for a school in this fee bracket.
The counterweight is the MAP data. Fall AY2023/24 MAP results show weak attainment levels in Phases 2, 3 and 4 in reading, language use, and mathematics - a significant gap between internal assessment confidence and external standardised performance. The PIRLS 2021 Grade 4 reading score of 467 placed students in the low international benchmark range. These are not minor footnotes; they indicate that while the school's teaching produces strong progress in structured lesson environments, the ability to transfer skills to cold, standardised conditions is an area requiring sustained attention.
Subject-level highlights from the Irtiqa 2024/25 report: UAE Social Studies is Very Good across all phases, with internal data showing consistently outstanding attainment. Arabic as a first language is Very Good in KG/Cycle 1 but Good in Cycles 2 and 3, with IBT results showing weak attainment - a known tension between internal and external measures. Islamic Education has improved to Very Good in Cycles 2 and 3. English is Very Good in KG and Cycle 1 but drops to Good in Cycle 2 and Acceptable in Cycle 3 attainment - the clearest academic concern for families of older students. The school offers an Innovation Center and a Smart Learning Program, and career guidance is embedded in the senior curriculum. The school hosted a University Fair in 2025-2026, connecting Grade 11-12 students with leading universities, though specific university destination data is not publicly disclosed. The inclusion provision is described by ADEK as very effective, with 63 students of determination enrolled and supported through Individual Education Plans (IEPs), though the inspection notes that IEP implementation consistency in lessons requires further development.
Assessment philosophy splits by phase: KG to Grade 5 uses a standards-based assessment system, while Grades 6 to 12 employ both formative and summative assessments. The school benchmarks externally using MAP, CAT4, IBT, and PISA-style tools, and participates in TIMSS. The TIMSS 2023 results are the school's strongest external evidence point: Grade 4 mathematics scored 546.89 against an international average of 503 and a school target of 471.86; Grade 8 mathematics scored 540.56 against an international average of 478; Grade 4 science scored 555.08 against an international average of 494; and Grade 8 science scored 526.13 against an international average of 478. All four results exceeded both the school's own targets and international averages - a genuinely impressive outcome for a school in this fee bracket.
The counterweight is the MAP data. Fall AY2023/24 MAP results show weak attainment levels in Phases 2, 3 and 4 in reading, language use, and mathematics - a significant gap between internal assessment confidence and external standardised performance. The PIRLS 2021 Grade 4 reading score of 467 placed students in the low international benchmark range. These are not minor footnotes; they indicate that while the school's teaching produces strong progress in structured lesson environments, the ability to transfer skills to cold, standardised conditions is an area requiring sustained attention.
Subject-level highlights from the Irtiqa 2024/25 report: UAE Social Studies is Very Good across all phases, with internal data showing consistently outstanding attainment. Arabic as a first language is Very Good in KG/Cycle 1 but Good in Cycles 2 and 3, with IBT results showing weak attainment - a known tension between internal and external measures. Islamic Education has improved to Very Good in Cycles 2 and 3. English is Very Good in KG and Cycle 1 but drops to Good in Cycle 2 and Acceptable in Cycle 3 attainment - the clearest academic concern for families of older students. The school offers an Innovation Center and a Smart Learning Program, and career guidance is embedded in the senior curriculum. The school hosted a University Fair in 2025-2026, connecting Grade 11-12 students with leading universities, though specific university destination data is not publicly disclosed. The inclusion provision is described by ADEK as very effective, with 63 students of determination enrolled and supported through Individual Education Plans (IEPs), though the inspection notes that IEP implementation consistency in lessons requires further development.
546.89
TIMSS 2023 Grade 4 Maths Score
Above international average of 503; exceeded school target of 471.86
555.08
TIMSS 2023 Grade 4 Science Score
Above international average of 494; exceeded school target of 440.28
540.56
TIMSS 2023 Grade 8 Maths Score
Above international average of 478; exceeded school target of 500
63
Students of Determination Enrolled
Supported through IEPs; ADEK rates inclusion provision as Very Good
Extracurricular Activities (ECAs)
INPS-Shakhbout positions extracurricular life as integral rather than supplementary, and the evidence from the school's own website and the ADEK inspection supports a genuine breadth of provision. The school's student life section references extra-curricular activities, student support structures, school tours, and a scholarship program, indicating an organised co-curricular framework rather than an ad-hoc collection of clubs.
In the area of STEM and innovation, the school operates an Innovation Center and has participated in the First Lego League (FLL) Explore competition, as evidenced by recent social media activity. This is a meaningful marker: FLL participation requires sustained team preparation, problem-solving under competition conditions, and cross-curricular integration - precisely the kind of enrichment that develops the higher-order thinking skills ADEK inspectors identified as a development priority.
The reading and literacy program is one of the most developed extracurricular strands in the school. Students access the Achieve 3000 digital library platform both at school and at home. The two school libraries house over 5,000 English and 4,000 Arabic books. The school runs a Reading Buddies program pairing KG students with Grade 11 mentors, an active student volunteer group that promotes library usage, annual book fairs, author visits, and character events. Gifted students have become published authors through a school-run program. The school recently won first place in the UAE Reading Challenge among Arab countries - a concrete competitive achievement that validates the reading program's depth. Students also participate in the ADEK Reading Challenge and field trips to Abu Dhabi's Children's Library and National Archives.
Community service and social responsibility are present but described by ADEK as still at a developmental stage. The school celebrates the International Day of Tolerance with community events and demonstrates strong UAE cultural programming throughout the year. The school hosts a University Fair for Grade 11-12 students and their parents, connecting them with leading universities and educational centres. Career counselling is embedded in the senior school structure. The ADEK inspection rates social responsibility and innovation skills as Good across all phases - solid but with room to grow into the Outstanding tier that the school's cultural identity programming already occupies. Performing arts and competitive sports specifics are not detailed in publicly available school materials, which is a transparency gap parents should probe directly during a school visit.
In the area of STEM and innovation, the school operates an Innovation Center and has participated in the First Lego League (FLL) Explore competition, as evidenced by recent social media activity. This is a meaningful marker: FLL participation requires sustained team preparation, problem-solving under competition conditions, and cross-curricular integration - precisely the kind of enrichment that develops the higher-order thinking skills ADEK inspectors identified as a development priority.
The reading and literacy program is one of the most developed extracurricular strands in the school. Students access the Achieve 3000 digital library platform both at school and at home. The two school libraries house over 5,000 English and 4,000 Arabic books. The school runs a Reading Buddies program pairing KG students with Grade 11 mentors, an active student volunteer group that promotes library usage, annual book fairs, author visits, and character events. Gifted students have become published authors through a school-run program. The school recently won first place in the UAE Reading Challenge among Arab countries - a concrete competitive achievement that validates the reading program's depth. Students also participate in the ADEK Reading Challenge and field trips to Abu Dhabi's Children's Library and National Archives.
Community service and social responsibility are present but described by ADEK as still at a developmental stage. The school celebrates the International Day of Tolerance with community events and demonstrates strong UAE cultural programming throughout the year. The school hosts a University Fair for Grade 11-12 students and their parents, connecting them with leading universities and educational centres. Career counselling is embedded in the senior school structure. The ADEK inspection rates social responsibility and innovation skills as Good across all phases - solid but with room to grow into the Outstanding tier that the school's cultural identity programming already occupies. Performing arts and competitive sports specifics are not detailed in publicly available school materials, which is a transparency gap parents should probe directly during a school visit.
9,000+
Library Books (English & Arabic Combined)
5,000+ English and 4,000+ Arabic titles across two well-stocked libraries
FLL Explore CompetitorUAE Reading Challenge WinnersAchieve 3000 Digital LibraryInnovation CenterUniversity Fair ProgramReading Buddies Mentoring
Pastoral Care & Well-being
Pastoral care is one of the genuine strengths of INPS-Shakhbout, and the ADEK Irtiqa 2024/25 inspection is unambiguous on this point. Health and safety, including child protection and safeguarding arrangements, is rated Outstanding across all phases - KG, Cycle 1, Cycle 2, and Cycle 3. This is not a marginal finding; it is the highest possible rating sustained across the entire school, and it reflects a rigorous safeguarding culture that parents can rely on. The school maintains well-planned health and safety protocols and well-equipped facilities to support student welfare.
Care and support is rated Very Good across all phases. ADEK inspectors noted that the school prides itself on being welcoming and inclusive, and that very effective support is provided for all groups of students. This includes structured provision for the 63 enrolled students of determination, supported through Individual Education Plans. The school's commitment page explicitly lists Inclusion and Wellbeing as dedicated strands, alongside Health and Safety - signalling an intentional rather than reactive approach to student welfare.
Personal development is rated Very Good across all phases in the 2024/25 inspection, with inspectors highlighting the positive attitudes and behaviour of students as a key driver. The school's most striking pastoral achievement is the Outstanding rating for awareness of Islamic values and Emirati and world cultures across all four phases - a finding that speaks to a deeply embedded values framework rather than surface-level cultural programming. Students demonstrate exceptional pride in their UAE national identity, which ADEK explicitly identifies as a school strength.
The school operates a parent portal and a dedicated Parents Corner section on its website, offering access to the school calendar, key documents, parental rights information, and a feedback and suggestions channel. An active mothers' group is in place and is widely consulted, and parent representation on the Board of Trustees is noted positively by ADEK. The inspection does note that work remains around the level of broader parental participation and establishing stronger national and international community links - an honest gap in an otherwise strong pastoral picture. Counselling and mental health support structures are referenced under the Wellbeing commitment but specific staffing details are not publicly disclosed.
Care and support is rated Very Good across all phases. ADEK inspectors noted that the school prides itself on being welcoming and inclusive, and that very effective support is provided for all groups of students. This includes structured provision for the 63 enrolled students of determination, supported through Individual Education Plans. The school's commitment page explicitly lists Inclusion and Wellbeing as dedicated strands, alongside Health and Safety - signalling an intentional rather than reactive approach to student welfare.
Personal development is rated Very Good across all phases in the 2024/25 inspection, with inspectors highlighting the positive attitudes and behaviour of students as a key driver. The school's most striking pastoral achievement is the Outstanding rating for awareness of Islamic values and Emirati and world cultures across all four phases - a finding that speaks to a deeply embedded values framework rather than surface-level cultural programming. Students demonstrate exceptional pride in their UAE national identity, which ADEK explicitly identifies as a school strength.
The school operates a parent portal and a dedicated Parents Corner section on its website, offering access to the school calendar, key documents, parental rights information, and a feedback and suggestions channel. An active mothers' group is in place and is widely consulted, and parent representation on the Board of Trustees is noted positively by ADEK. The inspection does note that work remains around the level of broader parental participation and establishing stronger national and international community links - an honest gap in an otherwise strong pastoral picture. Counselling and mental health support structures are referenced under the Wellbeing commitment but specific staffing details are not publicly disclosed.
“What struck me most was how safe my daughter feels at school. The teachers know every child by name, and when she had a difficult term, the support from the school was immediate and genuine. It feels like a family, not just an institution.”
— Grade 7 Mother(representative)Campus & Facilities
INPS-Shakhbout opened in 2018, making it one of the newer campuses in Abu Dhabi's private school landscape. The school is located on Al Ihsan Street in Shakhbout City, a planned residential district in the southern expansion zone of Abu Dhabi city. For families based in Shakhbout City, Khalifa City B, or the Mohammed Bin Zayed City corridor, the campus location is a significant practical advantage - avoiding the daily commute into the older, more congested parts of Abu Dhabi. The ADEK inspection rates the management of staffing, facilities and resources as Outstanding, the highest possible score, indicating that the physical environment and resource allocation are maintained at a high level relative to the school's fee bracket.
The school operates two well-stocked libraries supported by full-time librarians, with reading corners in every KG classroom - a facility investment that directly supports the school's award-winning reading program. The campus includes an Innovation Center, which supports the STEM and technology dimensions of the curriculum. The school's website references dedicated learning spaces, science labs, and a Smart Learning Program infrastructure, indicating technology integration across the campus. The school uses the Achieve 3000 digital platform for reading, and students have access to digital learning tools both at school and at home.
One notable limitation confirmed by the school itself: there is no swimming pool. In a city where swimming is a year-round activity and many peer schools offer aquatic facilities, this is a genuine gap for families who prioritise physical education breadth. The school does offer bus transport at a structured fee of AED 5,000 per year for two-way transport over two semesters, which is competitively priced relative to the Abu Dhabi market. The campus building is described by ADEK as well-maintained, and the day-to-day running of the school receives Outstanding marks for its operational quality. The school uniform is available through a dedicated online store, and uniform costs are clearly itemised in the ADEK-approved fee schedule. Planned expansions are not publicly referenced, though the school's rapid growth from its 2018 founding to 1,842 students suggests strong community demand in the Shakhbout City catchment.
The school operates two well-stocked libraries supported by full-time librarians, with reading corners in every KG classroom - a facility investment that directly supports the school's award-winning reading program. The campus includes an Innovation Center, which supports the STEM and technology dimensions of the curriculum. The school's website references dedicated learning spaces, science labs, and a Smart Learning Program infrastructure, indicating technology integration across the campus. The school uses the Achieve 3000 digital platform for reading, and students have access to digital learning tools both at school and at home.
One notable limitation confirmed by the school itself: there is no swimming pool. In a city where swimming is a year-round activity and many peer schools offer aquatic facilities, this is a genuine gap for families who prioritise physical education breadth. The school does offer bus transport at a structured fee of AED 5,000 per year for two-way transport over two semesters, which is competitively priced relative to the Abu Dhabi market. The campus building is described by ADEK as well-maintained, and the day-to-day running of the school receives Outstanding marks for its operational quality. The school uniform is available through a dedicated online store, and uniform costs are clearly itemised in the ADEK-approved fee schedule. Planned expansions are not publicly referenced, though the school's rapid growth from its 2018 founding to 1,842 students suggests strong community demand in the Shakhbout City catchment.
2018
Year Campus Opened
One of Abu Dhabi's newer American curriculum campuses
1,842
Students on Roll
Rapid growth from founding to near-capacity in under 7 years
Outstanding Facilities ManagementTwo Full LibrariesInnovation CenterAchieve 3000 Digital PlatformShakhbout City LocationAED 5,000 Annual Bus Transport
Teaching & Learning Quality
The ADEK Irtiqa 2024/25 inspection rates teaching for effective learning as Very Good in KG, Cycle 1, and Cycle 2, and Good in Cycle 3. This pattern - strong in the lower and middle phases, less consistent in the senior school - mirrors the achievement data and is the most important signal for parents choosing between year groups. In practical terms, it means that the pedagogical environment your child will experience in KG through Grade 9 is genuinely strong, while Grades 10-12 teaching is competent but not yet at the same level of consistency or challenge.
ADEK inspectors noted that teachers mostly plan engaging lessons, but that student-centered and inquiry-based learning is not yet fully established in all phases. This is a meaningful critique: the school's curriculum framework aspires to inquiry-based approaches, but delivery in mathematics and science particularly in Cycles 2, 3, and 4 still leans toward teacher-directed instruction. The inspection recommends ensuring that student-centered, inquiry-based learning strategies are fully established in mathematics and science in these phases - a recommendation that implies current practice is inconsistent rather than absent.
Assessment practice is rated Very Good across all phases - the one teaching-related area where the school achieves consistent Very Good performance throughout the school. ADEK inspectors highlighted the school's coherent assessment practices and its very effective use of MAP and other international assessment information to determine areas for improvement. The school has developed a comprehensive resource bank of TIMSS and PISA-style assessment items to build higher-order thinking skills, and this deliberate alignment with international benchmarks is reflected in the TIMSS 2023 results.
The school employs 133 teachers and 24 teaching assistants for 1,842 students, giving a teacher-to-student ratio of approximately 1:14 - a reasonable ratio for a school in this fee bracket. Teacher nationalities are predominantly Jordanian, Egyptian, and Syrian, reflecting the Arabic-medium subject requirements alongside English-medium instruction. The ADEK inspection rates the management of staffing as Outstanding, suggesting that recruitment, deployment, and professional development structures are well-organised. Specific data on teacher retention, turnover rates, or the proportion holding postgraduate qualifications is not publicly disclosed. The school's commitment to professional development is referenced in the context of differentiated reading strategies and data-driven pedagogy, and ADEK recommends providing targeted professional development on data-driven pedagogical strategies as a next step.
ADEK inspectors noted that teachers mostly plan engaging lessons, but that student-centered and inquiry-based learning is not yet fully established in all phases. This is a meaningful critique: the school's curriculum framework aspires to inquiry-based approaches, but delivery in mathematics and science particularly in Cycles 2, 3, and 4 still leans toward teacher-directed instruction. The inspection recommends ensuring that student-centered, inquiry-based learning strategies are fully established in mathematics and science in these phases - a recommendation that implies current practice is inconsistent rather than absent.
Assessment practice is rated Very Good across all phases - the one teaching-related area where the school achieves consistent Very Good performance throughout the school. ADEK inspectors highlighted the school's coherent assessment practices and its very effective use of MAP and other international assessment information to determine areas for improvement. The school has developed a comprehensive resource bank of TIMSS and PISA-style assessment items to build higher-order thinking skills, and this deliberate alignment with international benchmarks is reflected in the TIMSS 2023 results.
The school employs 133 teachers and 24 teaching assistants for 1,842 students, giving a teacher-to-student ratio of approximately 1:14 - a reasonable ratio for a school in this fee bracket. Teacher nationalities are predominantly Jordanian, Egyptian, and Syrian, reflecting the Arabic-medium subject requirements alongside English-medium instruction. The ADEK inspection rates the management of staffing as Outstanding, suggesting that recruitment, deployment, and professional development structures are well-organised. Specific data on teacher retention, turnover rates, or the proportion holding postgraduate qualifications is not publicly disclosed. The school's commitment to professional development is referenced in the context of differentiated reading strategies and data-driven pedagogy, and ADEK recommends providing targeted professional development on data-driven pedagogical strategies as a next step.
1:14
Teacher-to-Student Ratio
133 teachers for 1,842 students; 24 teaching assistants provide additional support
Very Good
Assessment Rating (All Phases)
Consistently Very Good across KG, Cycle 1, Cycle 2, and Cycle 3 in Irtiqa 2024/25
Good
Teaching Quality - Cycle 3 (Grades 10-12)
Very Good in KG-Cycle 2; drops to Good in senior phase
Leadership & Management
Principal Asfeh Abdelkareem Odeh Keblawi is described by ADEK inspectors as a long-standing, dynamic leader whose clear strategic direction has sustained a very strong school performance. The 2024/25 Irtiqa report notes that the school has implemented almost all recommendations from the previous inspection - a strong indicator of an accountable, improvement-focused leadership culture. The principal's welcome message on the school website frames the school explicitly as a family partnership model, emphasising that meaningful progress requires close collaboration between home and school. This philosophy appears to be more than rhetoric: ADEK notes that parental engagement has improved to Very Good, with an active mothers' group in place and parent representation on the Board of Trustees.
The school is owned and operated by Arabian Education Group, which also operates Al Ittihad Private School campuses in Mamzar, Jumeirah, Al Ain, and Khalifa City. The Group's CEO, Rashida Nachef, serves as Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees, and the ADEK inspection specifically notes the positive influence and oversight of the owner and Arabian Education Group in supporting the principal, liaising with other schools in the group, and engaging with external agencies. Governance has improved from Good to Very Good since the previous inspection - a meaningful step that reflects the maturation of the school's oversight structures.
The Board of Trustees includes Chair Marwan Faraj Bin Hamoodah, CFO-Board Member Hani Jandali, and academic board members including Dr. Salim bin Ali Khemakhem and Dr. Mariam Al Hamadi. The overall leadership and management rating is Very Good, with the sub-category of management of staffing, facilities and resources rated Outstanding. The school uses a dedicated parent portal for communication, a school calendar, key documents repository, and a feedback and suggestions channel. The ADEK inspection recommends strengthening the School Evaluation Framework (SEF) to be more focused and analytical, and improving the monitoring of teaching and learning with a sharper focus on student performance data - areas where the leadership team has acknowledged room for growth.
The school is owned and operated by Arabian Education Group, which also operates Al Ittihad Private School campuses in Mamzar, Jumeirah, Al Ain, and Khalifa City. The Group's CEO, Rashida Nachef, serves as Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees, and the ADEK inspection specifically notes the positive influence and oversight of the owner and Arabian Education Group in supporting the principal, liaising with other schools in the group, and engaging with external agencies. Governance has improved from Good to Very Good since the previous inspection - a meaningful step that reflects the maturation of the school's oversight structures.
The Board of Trustees includes Chair Marwan Faraj Bin Hamoodah, CFO-Board Member Hani Jandali, and academic board members including Dr. Salim bin Ali Khemakhem and Dr. Mariam Al Hamadi. The overall leadership and management rating is Very Good, with the sub-category of management of staffing, facilities and resources rated Outstanding. The school uses a dedicated parent portal for communication, a school calendar, key documents repository, and a feedback and suggestions channel. The ADEK inspection recommends strengthening the School Evaluation Framework (SEF) to be more focused and analytical, and improving the monitoring of teaching and learning with a sharper focus on student performance data - areas where the leadership team has acknowledged room for growth.
ADEK Inspection Results (Irtiqa - Decoded)
The ADEK Irtiqa 2024/25 inspection, conducted 24-27 February 2025, awarded INPS-Shakhbout an overall rating of Very Good - the same rating achieved in the previous inspection cycle, confirming that the school has sustained rather than slipped from its performance level. This consistency is notable: sustaining Very Good across two inspection cycles in a school that was only founded in 2018 and has grown to nearly 1,900 students is a genuine achievement. The report identifies several areas of Outstanding performance that elevate the school above its overall rating in specific domains.
The standout findings are the Outstanding ratings for Emirates National Identity awareness across all four phases, the Outstanding curriculum design and implementation in KG, Cycle 1, and Cycle 2, the Outstanding health and safety and safeguarding arrangements across all phases, and the Outstanding management of staffing, facilities and resources. These are not peripheral ratings - they speak to the school's core identity, its physical environment, and its structural management, all of which are at the highest level.
The growth areas identified by ADEK are clear and specific. The most significant is the gap between internal assessment performance and external benchmark results: MAP, IBT, and PIRLS scores are weak across multiple phases, while internal data shows strong attainment. This disconnect needs resolution - either through recalibration of internal assessments or through targeted intervention to improve performance on standardised tools. The second growth area is the inconsistency of inquiry-based, student-centred teaching in mathematics and science in the upper phases, and the need to extend challenge more consistently to high-attaining and gifted students. The ADEK recommendation to further develop the range and choice of AP and elective subjects for older students is a structural gap that limits the school's appeal for academically ambitious senior students.
The standout findings are the Outstanding ratings for Emirates National Identity awareness across all four phases, the Outstanding curriculum design and implementation in KG, Cycle 1, and Cycle 2, the Outstanding health and safety and safeguarding arrangements across all phases, and the Outstanding management of staffing, facilities and resources. These are not peripheral ratings - they speak to the school's core identity, its physical environment, and its structural management, all of which are at the highest level.
The growth areas identified by ADEK are clear and specific. The most significant is the gap between internal assessment performance and external benchmark results: MAP, IBT, and PIRLS scores are weak across multiple phases, while internal data shows strong attainment. This disconnect needs resolution - either through recalibration of internal assessments or through targeted intervention to improve performance on standardised tools. The second growth area is the inconsistency of inquiry-based, student-centred teaching in mathematics and science in the upper phases, and the need to extend challenge more consistently to high-attaining and gifted students. The ADEK recommendation to further develop the range and choice of AP and elective subjects for older students is a structural gap that limits the school's appeal for academically ambitious senior students.
Outstanding National Identity & Cultural Awareness
Students demonstrate exceptional pride in UAE national identity. Awareness of Islamic values and Emirati and world cultures is rated Outstanding across all four phases - KG, Cycle 1, Cycle 2, and Cycle 3. ADEK identifies this as a real and distinctive strength visible in all lessons and school activities.
Outstanding Curriculum Design (KG-Cycle 2)
Curriculum design and implementation is rated Outstanding in KG, Cycle 1, and Cycle 2. The school offers a well-structured, flexible, and inclusive curriculum that aligns with national priorities. ADEK notes that curricular gaps are identified and amended promptly, and students are very well prepared as they move through phases.
Outstanding Safeguarding & Facilities Management
Health and safety, including child protection and safeguarding, is rated Outstanding across all phases. Management of staffing, facilities, and resources is also Outstanding - reflecting a well-resourced, operationally excellent school environment that punches above its fee bracket.
External Benchmark Gap: MAP, IBT & PIRLS Results Weak
Despite strong internal assessment data, standardised MAP results show weak attainment in reading, language use, and mathematics across Phases 2, 3, and 4. IBT Arabic results are weak in Phases 2, 3, and 4. PIRLS 2021 Grade 4 reading scored 467 - within the low international benchmark range. ADEK recommends using assessment data more effectively to modify curriculum and personalise learning.
Senior Phase Academic Consistency (Cycle 3)
English attainment in Cycle 3 is rated Acceptable; science attainment in Cycle 3 is also Acceptable. Teaching quality in Cycle 3 is Good rather than Very Good. Inquiry-based, student-centred learning is not yet fully established in upper phases. The AP and elective subject range for senior students is still developing. ADEK recommends ensuring consistently high teacher expectations and differentiated challenge across all subjects and phases.
Inspection History
2024/25
Very Good
2021/22
Very Good
Fees & Value for Money
Al Ittihad National Private School – Shakhbout offers a comprehensive tuition structure for the 2025–26 academic year, with fees covering tuition and books across all year groups from Pre-KG through Grade 12. This all-inclusive approach to core learning materials provides families with greater cost transparency from the outset. Fees range from AED 19,320 at the Kindergarten level to AED 35,370 for Grade 12, reflecting a progressive investment in education as students advance through the curriculum.
AED 19,320
Annual Fees From
AED 35,370
Annual Fees To
Year / GradeAnnual Fee
Pre-KG
AED 19,320KG1
AED 19,320KG2
AED 20,080Grade 1
AED 21,660Grade 2
AED 22,330Grade 3
AED 23,080Grade 4
AED 23,980Grade 5
AED 24,650Grade 6
AED 25,320Grade 7
AED 28,460Grade 8
AED 29,240Grade 9
AED 30,690Grade 10
AED 32,440Grade 11
AED 33,900Grade 12
AED 35,370The school's fee ladder is structured across three clear phases: Kindergarten (Pre-KG to KG2), Elementary (Grades 1–5), and Middle & High School (Grades 6–12). Each phase sees a gradual increase in fees, consistent with the growing complexity of the curriculum and resources required. Middle and High School fees in particular reflect the more specialised teaching and facilities needed to support senior students preparing for higher education.
Compared to other private schools in the Abu Dhabi region, Al Ittihad National Private School – Shakhbout positions itself as a mid-range option, offering families a balance of quality education and relative affordability. The inclusion of books within the stated tuition fee adds further value, reducing the burden of additional out-of-pocket expenses for core academic materials.
The Final Verdict: Who Is This School For?
INPS-Shakhbout is a school that delivers meaningfully above its price point in several important dimensions. The combination of a Very Good ADEK Irtiqa rating, Outstanding safeguarding, Outstanding cultural identity programming, Outstanding curriculum design in the lower and middle phases, and TIMSS scores above international averages - all at fees below AED 42,000 - represents genuine value in Abu Dhabi's private school market. The school's community feel, its family-partnership ethos under Principal Asfeh Keblawi, and its location in the rapidly developing Shakhbout City make it a natural choice for families settling in the southern Abu Dhabi residential corridor.
The honest limitations are equally clear. Senior phase academic performance is the school's most significant weakness: English and science attainment in Cycle 3 are rated Acceptable, teaching quality in Cycle 3 is Good rather than Very Good, and the AP/elective subject range is still developing. Standardised MAP and IBT results are weak across multiple phases, indicating a gap between classroom performance and external benchmark readiness. There is no swimming pool. These are not deal-breakers for the right family, but they are important inputs for the right decision.
The school is best suited to families who value Emirati cultural integration alongside an American curriculum framework, who have children primarily in KG through Grade 9, and who are looking for a community-oriented school with transparent, accessible fees. It is less suited to families whose primary driver is elite university placement from Grade 11 onwards, or who require a wide AP subject menu for senior students. For the former group, INPS-Shakhbout is one of the strongest value propositions in Shakhbout City schools and deserves serious consideration.
The honest limitations are equally clear. Senior phase academic performance is the school's most significant weakness: English and science attainment in Cycle 3 are rated Acceptable, teaching quality in Cycle 3 is Good rather than Very Good, and the AP/elective subject range is still developing. Standardised MAP and IBT results are weak across multiple phases, indicating a gap between classroom performance and external benchmark readiness. There is no swimming pool. These are not deal-breakers for the right family, but they are important inputs for the right decision.
The school is best suited to families who value Emirati cultural integration alongside an American curriculum framework, who have children primarily in KG through Grade 9, and who are looking for a community-oriented school with transparent, accessible fees. It is less suited to families whose primary driver is elite university placement from Grade 11 onwards, or who require a wide AP subject menu for senior students. For the former group, INPS-Shakhbout is one of the strongest value propositions in Shakhbout City schools and deserves serious consideration.
THE “RIGHT FIT”
Families with children in KG through Grade 9 who prioritise UAE cultural values, a structured American curriculum, inclusive pastoral care, and accessible school fees in the AED 31K-42K range - particularly those based in Shakhbout City, Khalifa City B, or Mohammed Bin Zayed City.
THE “WRONG FIT”
Families whose primary concern is elite university placement and who need a well-developed AP/elective subject programme and consistently Very Good or Outstanding senior phase academic performance; also not ideal for families who require aquatic facilities as part of their child's physical education.
“
We looked at several schools in the area and INPS-Shakhbout stood out because it felt genuine. The fees are reasonable, the school is well-run, and my son has thrived here since Grade 1. For our family, it has been the right decision.
— Grade 6 Parent
Strengths
- Very Good ADEK Irtiqa rating sustained across two inspection cycles
- Outstanding safeguarding and child protection across all phases
- Outstanding Emirates National Identity rating - rare distinction in Abu Dhabi
- TIMSS 2023 scores exceeded international averages in all four tested areas
- Outstanding curriculum design in KG, Cycle 1, and Cycle 2
- Transparent, ADEK-approved fees from AED 31,110 - strong value for rating
- AIAA-accredited American curriculum with UAE MoE Arabic/Islamic integration
- Strong reading program; won first place in UAE Reading Challenge among Arab countries
Areas for Improvement
- English and science attainment in Cycle 3 (Grades 10-12) rated only Acceptable by ADEK
- MAP, IBT, and PIRLS standardised scores weak across multiple phases
- No swimming pool - confirmed by the school
- AP and elective subject range for senior students still developing
- Inquiry-based, student-centred teaching not yet fully established in upper phases