Greenwood International School, Dubai

Greenwood International School follows the American curriculum aligned to US Common Core and Michigan State Standards, structured across four phases: Kindergarten (KG1-KG2), Elementary (Grades 1-5), Middle School (Grades 6-8), and High School (Grades 9-12). The academic year runs from September to June across two semesters of approximately 15-16 weeks each. A notable structural feature is the school's gender segregation policy from Grade 5 onwards, which reflects the cultural norms of its predominantly Emirati student body and aligns with KHDA and UAE Ministry of Education requirements. In the KG phase, KHDA inspectors rated both attainment and progress in English and Mathematics as Very Good - a genuine highlight in an otherwise mixed attainment picture. Children demonstrate strong phonics development, early numeracy fluency, and enthusiasm for learning. The KG also benefits from a newly adopted Arabic curriculum called Takallam, which introduces correct letter sounds, pronunciation, and principles of early reading to ensure a smoother transition into Elementary. Monthly phonics assessments track progress rigorously. The Elementary curriculum covers Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Moral Social Cultural Studies, Arabic, Islamic Studies, and Arts, supplemented by STEM programmes and Discovery lessons. The Middle School deepens these disciplines with four elective subjects available alongside core studies. The High School is where the curriculum genuinely broadens: students can choose from 36 elective subjects and have access to Advanced Placement (AP) courses to support university entry, particularly to US institutions. Graduating students receive the US High School Diploma, and all students are required to pass the SAT I (Math) and TOEFL as graduation requirements - a rigorous bar that distinguishes GIS from schools offering a more relaxed American pathway. Academic tracking is comprehensive: all students sit MAP (Measure of Academic Progress) adaptive tests, CAT4 cognitive ability assessments, and the NGRT reading test. Grades 3 and above participate in the ABT Arabic Benchmark Test, and Grades 4 and 8 sit TIMSS. However, KHDA inspectors noted in 2023-2024 that MAP results were weak across phases in language, reading, science, and mathematics - a significant gap between the school's internal tracking capability and its actual benchmark performance that parents should weigh carefully. Attainment in Science is consistently Good across all phases, which is a genuine strength. English attainment is Good across Elementary, Middle, and High, with Very Good in KG. Mathematics attainment is more variable: Very Good in KG but dropping to Acceptable in Elementary and Middle before recovering to Good in High School. Arabic remains the most persistent challenge: attainment in Arabic as a First Language is Acceptable in Elementary and Middle (Good only in High), while Arabic as an Additional Language is Acceptable across all phases. KHDA inspectors have specifically recommended improving Arabic outcomes in the lower phases as a priority. For students of determination, the school has a dedicated Inclusion Department headed by Rachelle Punzalan, with four inclusion teachers. At the time of the 2023-2024 inspection, 59 students had been identified with additional learning needs. KHDA rated inclusion outcomes as Good, noting that a systematic identification process is in place and interventions are mostly effective. However, inspectors noted that the school does not yet offer certified alternative education pathways for students with more complex needs - a gap for families with children requiring specialist qualifications beyond the standard US diploma. The school also has an ELL Department for English Language Learners, headed by Rana Saher, reflecting the diverse intake that sits alongside the Emirati majority.