Elite American School - sharjah - Al Azra
Executive Summary
Elite American School (Al Dawha School LLC), located in Al Azra, Sharjah, follows the American curriculum and has been serving the community since 1986. In the most recent School Performance Review conducted in February 2024, the school achieved an overall effectiveness rating of Good - a notable improvement from its previous rating of Acceptable.
The school's improvement has been driven by the swift implementation of its improvement plan, resulting in better achievement across most subjects - particularly in English, Mathematics, and Science, where judgements improved in every cycle. Cycle 3 students demonstrated Very Good attainment and progress in English, Mathematics, and Science, while MAP external benchmark scores were outstanding in Mathematics for Cycles 2 and 3. Students' learning skills and personal development were rated Very Good across all cycles.
The review team of 7 reviewers conducted 170 lesson observations, 47 of which were carried out jointly with school leaders. The school's principal demonstrated commitment, determination and passion for further improvement, capably supported by senior staff and governors. Key areas requiring continued focus include attainment in Arabic, Islamic Education and Social Studies, the development of STEM innovation and enterprise skills, and building a more systematic approach to inclusion.
Overall School Performance
Outstanding
Very Good
Good
Acceptable
Weak
Very Weak
Elite American School - Sharjah - Al Azra Overall Rating
Good
SPEA Performance Standards
The performance standards used by SPEA to evaluate school quality across Sharjah.
The school has introduced a new inclusive admissions policy and is developing systems to identify students with SEN and those who are gifted and talented. However, processes to consistently and systematically identify all students with additional learning needs are not yet fully in place. Individual Education Plans (IEPs) exist for the few identified SEN students, but support is not yet sufficient for these students to reach their potential across all subjects. IEPSENGifted and Talented
Students' personal development was rated Very Good across all cycles, with students demonstrating strong personal responsibility, positive attitudes, and excellent relationships with staff. The school promotes healthy living through lessons, regular health screening, and awareness campaigns, and students report feeling safe, valued, and well supported. Student attendance is very good at over 96%, though punctuality at the start of the school day remains an area for improvement. Student CouncilWellbeing96% attendance
The school participates in a broad range of national and international benchmark assessments including TIMSS, PIRLS, CAT4, MAP, PISA, IBT, EmSAT, AP, TALA, and Mubakkir. MAP results showed significant improvement, with Cycle 1 scores rated Very Good and Cycles 2 and 3 rated Outstanding in Mathematics. The school's curriculum is modified to embed UAE heritage, Emirati culture, and Islamic values across all subjects. MAPTIMSSPIRLSEmSATAP
Key Highlights
Standout achievements identified by the inspection team that distinguish this school.
Overall Rating Improved
The school improved its overall effectiveness rating from Acceptable to Good following swift implementation of its improvement plan.
Strong MAP Performance
MAP external benchmark scores showed significant improvement, with Mathematics scores rated Outstanding for Cycles 2 and 3 and Very Good for Cycle 1.
Very Good Personal Development
Students' personal development was rated Very Good across all cycles, reflecting strong personal responsibility, resilience, and positive attitudes to learning.
Principal's Leadership
The commitment, determination and passion of the principal, capably supported by senior staff and governors, was identified as a key area of strength.
Safe & Caring Environment
Thorough safeguarding systems, a safe physical environment, and effective behaviour management contribute to a secure and supportive school community.
Academic Performance Breakdown
Students' achievement is Good overall, with notable improvement since the previous review. Cycle 3 leads performance with Very Good ratings in core subjects, while Arabic, Islamic Education and Social Studies remain areas for development across most cycles.
Leadership & Management
Effectiveness of school governance, strategic planning, and leadership capacity to drive continuous improvement.
Leadership Approach
The principal's commitment, determination and passion for improvement is the driving force behind the school's progress from Acceptable to Good. Senior leaders and middle managers work collaboratively with the governing board to implement the school improvement plan effectively, using rigorous data analysis to identify and address gaps. The school's leadership culture is proactive and responsive, with a clear focus on raising standards while maintaining a caring and supportive school community.
Inspection Findings
Students' Outcomes
Students' achievement is Good overall, with significant improvement since the previous review - particularly in English, Mathematics and Science, where Cycle 3 students achieved Very Good attainment and progress. MAP external benchmark scores showed outstanding results in Mathematics for Cycles 2 and 3, and the school's internal assessment data reflects strong performance across all cycles. Arabic, Islamic Education and Social Studies remain areas where attainment is Acceptable in most cycles.
Personal Development
Students' personal and social development is Good overall, with Personal Development rated Very Good across all cycles. Students demonstrate strong personal responsibility, resilience, and positive attitudes, and enjoy excellent relationships with staff. Attendance is very good at over 96%, and the student council actively promotes wellbeing and citizenship, though punctuality at the start of the school day and reference to world cultures in lessons are areas for improvement.
Teaching Quality
The quality of teaching and assessment is Good overall across all cycles. Most teachers have good subject knowledge and use a variety of effective approaches including group work and practical exploration, with particularly strong practice in English, Mathematics and Science. Assessment systems are coherent and consistent, with leaders regularly analysing data to guide planning, though challenge for higher attaining students and the development of enterprise and innovation skills remain areas for improvement.
Protection & Care
The protection, care, guidance and support of students is Good overall across all cycles. Thorough safeguarding systems are in place, the physical environment is safe and well maintained, and behaviour management is effective and consistent. The school is developing its approach to inclusion with a new admissions policy, though systematic identification and support for students with SEN and gifted and talented students requires further development.
Areas for Development
- •Raise students' attainment in Arabic, Islamic Education and Social Studies by sharing the best teaching practices and raising teachers' expectations.
- •Increase opportunities for student-led innovative and enterprising STEM projects that extend students' problem-solving and enquiry skills.
- •Develop an effective and systematic approach to inclusion in the school, ensuring consistent identification and support for students with SEN and those who are gifted and talented.