Al Yahar Private School And Kg - Moe
Curriculum
American
ADEK
Acceptable
Location
Al Ain, Aamerah
Fees
AED 3K - 14K
Al Yahar Private School And Kg - Moe
The Executive Summary
Al Yahar Private School And Kg - Moe, located in the Al Aamerah district of Al Ain, is a co-educational private school offering a dual-track American curriculum Al Ain families can access alongside the UAE Ministry of Education stream. With an ADEK rating Acceptable confirmed in the 2024 Irtiqa inspection cycle, the school serves 1,035 students from KG1 through Grade 12, making it a mid-sized community school. School fees Al Ain parents will find here range from AED 10,230 (KG) to AED 30,080 (Grade 11-12), positioning YPS firmly in the budget-to-mid segment of the Aamerah schools landscape. The school's defining characteristic is its dual-curriculum offer - the California Common Core Standards (CCSS) American track running alongside the MoE Arabic-medium track - giving families a genuine choice of academic pathway under one roof. That breadth, however, comes with the complexity of managing two systems simultaneously, and the 2024 Irtiqa report makes clear that neither stream has yet reached the consistency required for a Good rating overall.
Dual American & MoE CurriculumADEK Acceptable 2024AED 10K-30K Fees1,035 Students KG-Grade 12Al Aamerah, Al Ain
“The school feels like a genuine community. My children are known by their teachers and the fees are manageable, but I do wish the academic results were stronger - there is clear room to grow.”
— Grade 7 Parent, Al Aamerah(representative)Academic Framework & Learning Style
Al Yahar Private School operates two distinct curriculum tracks. The American CCSS track follows the California Common Core Standards framework, covering English, mathematics, and science, while the MoE national curriculum delivers Arabic-medium subjects including Arabic as a first language, Islamic Education, and UAE Social Studies. Students in Grades 3 to 9 in the American stream sit the MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) assessments, providing internationally benchmarked data on English reading, language usage, mathematics, and science. Students in the MoE stream in the same grades participate in the ACER-IBT (International Benchmark Test) for Arabic, mathematics, and science.
The MAP results for AY2023/24 reveal a significant gap between progress and attainment. On the positive side, MAP reading progress was rated Outstanding in Cycle 3 and Very Good in Cycle 2, and mathematics progress was Outstanding in Cycle 1 - indicating that students are making meaningful gains from their starting points. However, MAP attainment scores remain Weak or Very Weak across most cycles and subjects, meaning students are still performing below international norms in absolute terms. This distinction matters: the school is moving students forward, but from a lower base than peer schools.
IBT results for the MoE stream tell a more challenging story. In AY2023/24, attainment in Arabic as a first language was Weak in Cycles 1 and 2, with progress rated Very Weak in Cycle 1. Mathematics attainment was Weak across all three cycles, with Very Weak progress in Cycle 1. Science attainment was similarly Weak across all cycles. These are below-benchmark outcomes that the school must address urgently.
In international assessments, PISA 2022 results for MoE stream students showed scores of 356 in reading, 390 in mathematics, and 371 in science - all significantly below the OECD international averages of 476, 472, and 485 respectively. The American stream PISA scores were lower still. TIMSS 2023 results offer a brighter picture for the American stream: Grade 4 mathematics scored 509 and Grade 8 mathematics scored 538, both above the international average - a genuine standout in an otherwise mixed dataset.
The school's academic support framework includes a dedicated inclusion team, zero-period interventions, modified timetables, and the use of MAP and IBT data to identify learning gaps. However, the Irtiqa report notes that differentiation in lessons is not yet consistently delivered, and provision for gifted and talented learners remains underdeveloped. English achievement is notably Good in Cycle 3, the school's strongest academic headline. The admissions criteria are governed by an ADEK-compliant Admission Policy, with no published entrance exam requirements for standard entry. University destinations data is not publicly available from the school's website, which is a transparency gap parents should note.
Outstanding
MAP Reading Progress - Cycle 3 (AY2023/24)
American stream; attainment remains Weak in absolute terms
538
TIMSS 2023 Grade 8 Maths Score (American Stream)
Above international average of 478 - a genuine benchmark strength
509
TIMSS 2023 Grade 4 Maths Score (American Stream)
Above international average of 503
Good
English Achievement - Cycle 3
The school's strongest subject-cycle result in the 2024 Irtiqa report
Extracurricular Activities (ECAs)
The extracurricular offer at Al Yahar Private School is an area explicitly flagged for improvement in the 2024 ADEK Irtiqa report, which recommends broadening the range of extra-curricular activities available to students across the school. This is a candid signal that the current ECA provision does not yet meet the breadth expected of a well-rounded school community. The school's website references a Winter Camp programme for 2025-2026, indicating some enrichment activity beyond the standard timetable, and the school's goals include spreading a culture of volunteer work and community participation - aspirations that require a more structured ECA framework to deliver.
The school's physical education programme is supported by a dedicated PE Policy, and there is evidence of sports activity within the curriculum. However, specific data on competitive sports teams, inter-school fixtures, or notable athletic achievements is not published. Performing arts provision - drama, music, and dance - is not detailed on the school's accessible web pages, which limits the ability to assess the depth of creative arts programming.
Enrichment programmes such as Duke of Edinburgh, Model UN, or international expeditions are not referenced in available school materials. The Irtiqa report does note that the school plans to introduce NGRT exam preparation from AY2025/26 for American stream students, and the development of Cycle 3 electives to include AI, innovation, enterprise, and creativity strands is a stated strategic priority. Community service is referenced in the school's goals, with civil society organisations cited as partners, but structured, timetabled service-learning programmes are not yet evidenced. Parents considering YPS for a child who thrives on a rich co-curricular life should weigh this limitation carefully.
Developing
ECA Range (ADEK Irtiqa Recommendation)
Inspectors explicitly recommend broadening ECA provision across all cycles
Winter Camp 2025-2026PE Policy FrameworkVolunteer Culture InitiativeAI Electives PlannedNGRT Prep from 2025-26
Pastoral Care & Well-being
Pastoral care is one of the clearest strengths visible in the 2024 Irtiqa inspection findings. The report rates Health and Safety as Good across all cycles - KG, Cycle 1, Cycle 2, and Cycle 3 - a consistent bright spot in an otherwise Acceptable overall profile. Inspectors noted that the school maintains well-established safeguarding systems, promotes student well-being through planned activities and emotional health initiatives, and fosters an environment where students feel cared for and confident in reporting concerns.
Student behaviour is highlighted as a strength: inspectors observed that students behave well, build strong relationships, and contribute to a respectful environment, with particularly positive staff-student connections noted across the school. Students' attendance rates are rated Very Good - a meaningful indicator of student engagement and family satisfaction with the school community.
The school publishes a comprehensive suite of pastoral policies on its website, including an Anti-Bullying Policy, a Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy, a Student Mental Health Policy, a Child Protection Team document, a Student Behaviour Policy (updated for 2025-26), a Student Conduct Policy, and a Guide for Parents on Anti-Bullying. This level of policy transparency is commendable and reflects a school taking its duty of care seriously. A dedicated Child Protection Team is in place, and the school's eYAHAR values framework - Equity, Yearning, Accountability, Honesty, Acceptance, and Respect - underpins the behavioural culture.
The school's personal development outcomes are rated Good across all cycles, with inspectors noting respectful behaviour, positive attitudes, and responsible conduct. Students demonstrate strong understanding of Islamic values and UAE cultural identity. The school also implements systems to promote punctuality. However, social responsibility and innovation skills are rated Acceptable, indicating that students are not yet consistently proactive in community leadership beyond the school gates. A formal house system or named student leadership programme is not referenced in available materials, which is a gap in the pastoral structure for secondary-age students.
“The teachers genuinely know my child. The school feels safe and the values they teach - respect, honesty, accountability - are lived every day, not just written on a wall.”
— Grade 4 Parent, Al Aamerah(representative)Campus & Facilities
Al Yahar Private School is located at 34, Al Ibal Street, Al Aamerah, Al Ain. The campus serves over 1,000 students across KG through Grade 12 and accommodates both the American and MoE curriculum streams. Detailed campus size data (in acres or square metres) is not published by the school, and several website pages returned errors during our research - a digital transparency gap that parents should prompt the school to address before visiting.
The most detailed facility information available from the Irtiqa report relates to the school's dual library system. The American stream library holds 1,173 books (493 in English, 680 in Arabic), while the MoE stream library holds a significantly larger collection of 3,160 Arabic books and 400 English books, supplemented by an online catalogue of approximately 2,000 titles including 3,520 Arabic and 300 English digital books. Both libraries are well-maintained, equipped with computers, and feature inclusion corners for one-to-one reading sessions. Students access the Kutubee digital reading platform, which provides levelled reading materials in Arabic and English monitored by teachers and administrators.
The school references IT labs in its strategic planning, with the Irtiqa report noting plans to upgrade computer provision in the IT labs - implying existing provision is below the standard the school aspires to. A PE Policy is in place, and physical education is part of the curriculum, though specific sports facilities (swimming pool, courts, fields) are not detailed in available sources. The school's organisational chart and weekly timetable structures suggest a standard private school campus layout with dedicated classroom blocks for each curriculum stream. A Transportation Policy is published for 2025-26, confirming bus services are available. The Al Aamerah location in Al Ain's eastern residential zone offers good connectivity for families in the surrounding community.
3,160
Arabic Books in MoE Stream Library
Plus 2,000 online titles and 300 English digital books
1,173
Books in American Stream Library
493 English, 680 Arabic; computers available for digital access
Dual Library SystemKutubee Digital ReadingInclusion Reading CornersBus Transport AvailableIT Lab Upgrade PlannedAl Aamerah Location
Teaching & Learning Quality
Teaching and assessment at Al Yahar Private School are rated Acceptable across all cycles in the 2024 Irtiqa report - a finding that reflects a school with solid foundations but significant room to grow. Inspectors noted that teachers demonstrate secure subject knowledge and frequently use real-life examples to engage students, particularly in the lower cycles. The school operates school-wide systems for lesson planning, observation, evaluation, and feedback, which help maintain consistency in instructional practices.
The school uses MAP and IBT data to identify learning gaps, personalise instruction, and track student progress over time. This data-informed approach is a genuine strength. However, inspectors found that teachers are still developing their capacity to use this data effectively - particularly in refining questioning techniques and adapting tasks to meet the diverse needs of all students, including high-achieving learners and those requiring additional support. Differentiation in lessons is not yet consistently delivered, a finding repeated across multiple sections of the Irtiqa report.
Questioning quality is a specific area for development: inspectors recommend that teachers consistently use open-ended questions to increase student engagement and discussion. Feedback practices also require strengthening - the report calls for specific, targeted feedback that helps students identify strengths and areas for improvement, rather than general commentary. Creativity and innovation in lessons are not yet consistently fostered.
The school's professional development framework includes structured training programmes for all staff, with middle leaders engaged in assessment expectation sessions. However, the Irtiqa report recommends that the school measure the impact of teacher training on teaching quality and student achievement more rigorously - implying that CPD is happening but its effectiveness is not yet systematically evaluated. Teacher-to-student ratios and specific staff qualification data (percentage with Masters or international training) are not published, which limits the depth of analysis available to prospective parents. The school lists six teaching assistants in the Irtiqa report, supporting a student body of 1,035 - a ratio that suggests TA support is limited.
Acceptable
Teaching & Assessment Rating (All Cycles)
2024 ADEK Irtiqa - consistent across KG, Cycle 1, 2, and 3
6
Teaching Assistants
Supporting 1,035 students - limited TA coverage per student
1,035
Students on Roll
Confirmed in ADEK Irtiqa 2024/25 inspection report
Leadership & Management
The school is led by Principal Ahmad Yahya Sediek Shehata, who communicates a clear, values-driven vision in his welcome message: to prepare a distinguished generation that is open to the world, proud of its identity, and respectful of others. The school's eYAHAR values framework - Equity, Yearning, Accountability, Honesty, Acceptance, and Respect - provides the cultural backbone of the leadership approach. Principal Yahya's message emphasises close collaboration with families and the wider community, and a commitment to both the MoE and American curricular pathways.
All areas of leadership and management are rated Acceptable in the 2024 Irtiqa report, including vision and direction, educational leadership, relationships and communication, capacity to innovate and improve, and impact on and accountability for school performance. The school operates under a Board of Trustees governance structure, with clearly defined responsibilities published on the school's website. The Board holds office for periods not exceeding three years, oversees strategic planning, budget approval, and compliance with ADEK regulations, and is responsible for appointing and evaluating the principal.
Communication with parents is maintained through meetings, digital platforms, and feedback sessions. A Parent Engagement Policy and a Parents and Teachers Council are referenced in school documentation, reflecting a commitment to structured family involvement. The school also references partnerships with local organisations to contribute to students' learning experiences.
The Irtiqa report identifies the leadership team's capacity to innovate and raise standards as still developing. Key recommendations include strengthening newly implemented monitoring systems for teaching and learning, providing clearer and more constructive feedback to teachers, increasing middle leaders' visits to other schools for collaborative best-practice development, and ensuring stronger alignment between the school's self-evaluation and its development plan. The provision of targeted leadership training to enhance decision-making and strategic planning skills is also recommended - a signal that the leadership pipeline requires investment. The school's website has significant technical issues (multiple 404 errors), which is itself a leadership and management concern in 2026's digital-first parent environment.
ADEK Inspection Results (Irtiqa - Decoded)
The most recent ADEK Irtiqa inspection was conducted from 12 to 15 May 2025 (reported as the 2024 inspection cycle), and the school's overall rating is Acceptable - maintained from the previous inspection. This is the second consecutive Acceptable rating, indicating the school has not yet achieved the upward trajectory that would signal genuine improvement momentum. For parents, an Acceptable rating in the Abu Dhabi private school context means the school is functional and compliant, but not yet delivering the consistent quality of learning that a Good or Very Good school demonstrates.
The inspection framework across six performance standards (PS1 to PS6) reveals a school that performs most reliably in pastoral and welfare areas, while academic outcomes and teaching quality remain the primary growth challenges. Personal development is rated Good across all cycles - the standout finding. Health and Safety is Good across all cycles. Students' understanding of Islamic values and Emirati culture is also rated Good. These are genuine strengths that reflect a caring, values-rich school community.
On the academic side, the picture is more nuanced. English achievement reaches Good in Cycle 3, and MAP progress data shows Outstanding growth in reading (Cycle 3) and mathematics (Cycle 1) for American stream students. However, ACER-IBT attainment in the MoE stream is Weak or Very Weak across Arabic, mathematics, and science - and PISA 2022 scores fall significantly below international averages in all three literacy domains. The TIMSS 2023 American stream results are the most positive data point: Grade 8 mathematics scored 538, above the international average of 478.
The Irtiqa report's six key recommendation areas - attainment and progress, teaching and assessment, care and support, curriculum design, leadership impact, and international assessment preparation - provide a clear roadmap. The school is aware of its gaps and has structured plans in place. The question for parents is whether the pace of improvement is sufficient for their child's timeline.
Strong Pastoral & Safeguarding Culture
Health and Safety rated Good across all cycles. Students behave well, build strong relationships, and the school maintains well-established safeguarding and child protection systems. Attendance rates are rated Very Good.
Good Personal Development Outcomes
Personal development and understanding of Islamic values and Emirati culture are rated Good across KG, Cycle 1, Cycle 2, and Cycle 3 - reflecting positive attitudes, respectful behaviour, and strong cultural identity.
TIMSS American Stream Mathematics Above Average
In TIMSS 2023, American stream students achieved 509 at Grade 4 and 538 at Grade 8 in mathematics - both above international averages of 503 and 478 respectively. MAP reading and maths progress also reached Outstanding in multiple cycles.
Academic Attainment Below International Benchmarks
ACER-IBT results in the MoE stream are Weak or Very Weak across Arabic, mathematics, and science. PISA 2022 scores fall well below OECD averages in all domains for both curriculum streams. Raising attainment to a consistently Good level is the school's primary challenge.
Teaching Quality & Differentiation Consistency
Teaching and assessment are Acceptable across all cycles. Differentiation is not yet consistently delivered, feedback to students lacks specificity, and questioning skills need development. Provision for gifted and talented learners and students of determination requires strengthening. ECA breadth also needs expansion.
Inspection History
2024
Acceptable
Previous
Acceptable
Fees & Value for Money
Al Yahar Private School's tuition fees for AY2025-2026 range from AED 10,230 at KG level to AED 30,080 at Grade 11 and Grade 12, placing it firmly in the budget-to-mid segment of Al Ain's private school market. These are among the most accessible school fees Al Ain parents will find for a school offering both American CCSS and MoE curriculum pathways through to Grade 12. For context, many Al Ain private schools with Good or Very Good ADEK ratings charge fees 40-80% higher than YPS's upper band.
Beyond tuition, parents should budget for additional costs. Bus transport is available at AED 3,000 per year across all grades - a fixed, transparent cost. Book fees range from AED 594 (KG) to AED 2,912 (Grade 12), reflecting the increasing complexity of materials at senior levels. Uniform costs are AED 400 for KG through Grade 4, rising to AED 500 for Grades 3-10 and AED 600 for Grades 10-12. A formal School Fees Policy is published on the school's website for AY2024-25, and a School Uniform Policy is also available - both positive transparency signals.
No published data on sibling discounts, merit scholarships, or financial bursaries is available from the school's website or ADEK sources. Parents should enquire directly. Payment terms and accepted methods are governed by the School Fees Policy document, but specific installment structures are not publicly detailed in available materials.
The value-for-money assessment here requires honesty: the fees are low, but so is the ADEK Irtiqa rating. Parents choosing YPS on price alone should understand that the Acceptable rating reflects genuine gaps in academic attainment and teaching quality. For families who prioritise affordability, community values, and the dual-curriculum offer - and who are prepared to supplement learning at home - YPS offers reasonable value. For families prioritising academic outcomes above all else, the fee saving may not offset the attainment gap relative to higher-rated Al Ain schools.
AED 10,230 - 30,080
Annual Tuition Fee Range (AY2025-26)
AED 3,000
Annual Bus Transport Fee
PhaseAnnual Fee
Kindergarten
10,230Kindergarten
10,230Primary
11,870Primary
12,990Primary
14,286Primary
15,516Primary
19,406Middle School
20,526Middle School
22,576Middle School
24,926High School
27,386High School
27,320High School
30,080High School
30,080Additional Costs
Bus Transport3,000(annual)
Books - KG 1 & KG 2594(annual)
Books - Grade 1735(annual)
Books - Grade 2663(annual)
Books - Grade 3673(annual)
Books - Grade 4668(annual)
Books - Grade 5673(annual)
Books - Grade 6853(annual)
Books - Grade 7894(annual)
Books - Grade 8899(annual)
Books - Grade 92,025(annual)
Books - Grade 101,950(annual)
Books - Grade 112,877(annual)
Books - Grade 122,912(annual)
Uniform - KG 1 to Grade 2400(annual)
Uniform - Grade 3 to Grade 9500(annual)
Uniform - Grade 10 to Grade 12600(annual)
Discounts & Concessions
Sibling Discount
Merit Scholarship
Scholarships & Bursaries
No formal scholarship or bursary programme is publicly advertised by Al Yahar Private School. Given the school's already low fee base relative to the Al Ain private school market, financial assistance programmes may be limited. Families with financial constraints should contact the school directly at info@ayps.ae or +97148856600.
The Final Verdict: Who Is This School For?
Al Yahar Private School occupies a specific and legitimate niche in the Al Ain schools landscape: it is an affordable, community-rooted, co-educational school offering dual American CCSS and MoE curriculum pathways from KG through Grade 12, with a genuine pastoral warmth that the ADEK Irtiqa inspection confirms. The eYAHAR values framework, the Good personal development outcomes, the Very Good attendance rates, and the strong safeguarding culture all point to a school that cares deeply about its students as whole people.
The honest counterpoint is that the school's Acceptable ADEK 2024 rating reflects real gaps - in academic attainment against international benchmarks, in teaching differentiation, in ECA breadth, and in the strategic capacity of leadership to drive rapid improvement. The PISA scores are well below international averages. The IBT results in the MoE stream are Weak. These are not minor concerns for families with high academic aspirations. The school is aware of these gaps and has a structured improvement agenda, but awareness and execution are different things, and the rating has not moved in two consecutive inspection cycles.
For the right family, YPS is a sound choice. For the wrong family, the fee saving will not compensate for the academic gap. Parents should visit the school, speak directly with Principal Ahmad Yahya, and ask specifically about the improvement trajectory in their child's relevant cycle and subject areas before committing.
THE “RIGHT FIT”
Families in the Al Aamerah area of Al Ain seeking an affordable dual-curriculum school (American CCSS and MoE) for a child who thrives in a warm, values-driven community, and who are prepared to supplement academic learning at home or through tutoring.
THE “WRONG FIT”
Academically high-achieving students or families whose primary criterion is strong external benchmark results - PISA, IBT, or MAP attainment scores - or those seeking a rich co-curricular programme with competitive sports, performing arts, and international enrichment activities.
“
The price is right and the school has a good heart. But if you want top grades and lots of after-school clubs, you need to look elsewhere in Al Ain. This school is for families who value community and affordability first.
— Grade 10 Parent, Al Ain
Strengths
- Dual American CCSS and MoE curriculum under one roof - genuine pathway choice
- Among the most affordable private school fees in Al Ain (AED 10K-30K)
- Health and Safety rated Good across all cycles by ADEK Irtiqa
- Personal development and cultural values rated Good across all cycles
- Very Good student attendance rates - strong community engagement signal
- TIMSS 2023 American stream Grade 8 maths scored above international average
- Comprehensive pastoral policy suite published transparently online
- Dedicated dual library system with Kutubee digital reading platform
Areas for Improvement
- Overall ADEK Irtiqa rating Acceptable for two consecutive cycles - no upward movement
- PISA 2022 and ACER-IBT scores significantly below international benchmarks in most domains
- ECA provision explicitly flagged as needing expansion by ADEK inspectors
- Teaching differentiation inconsistent; gifted and talented provision underdeveloped
- School website has significant technical failures - limited transparency for prospective parents
Campus
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