International School Of Choueifat - Mushrif, Abu Dhabi

SABIS School in Al Mushrif, Abu Dhabi

Last updated

Curriculum
SABIS
ADEK
Good
Location
Abu Dhabi, Al Mushrif
Fees
AED 30K - 45K

The Executive Summary

International School Of Choueifat - Mushrif is one of Abu Dhabi's longest-established private schools, operating under the globally recognised Sabis curriculum Abu Dhabi framework since opening its doors in 1978. Holding an ADEK rating Good in the most recent 2024 Irtiqa inspection cycle, the school sits on a substantial 35,000 m² campus in Al Mushrif, one of Abu Dhabi's most accessible and family-oriented residential districts. With school fees Abu Dhabi parents will find genuinely mid-range - running from AED 29,940 at Preschool to AED 44,910 at Grade 12 - ISC Mushrif positions itself as a structured, exam-focused institution that delivers internationally recognised qualifications including IGCSE, A-Level, AP and SAT alongside its proprietary SABIS framework. Among Al Mushrif schools, it stands out for sheer scale, a diverse multinational student body of over 3,600 pupils, and a consistent track record of PISA and TIMSS scores above international averages. The school's core promise is university readiness, and the evidence suggests it largely delivers on that promise - particularly in the upper secondary phases where English, Mathematics and Science all rate Very Good with ADEK inspectors. However, parents should enter this school with clear expectations. The SABIS model is deliberate, systematic and unapologetically rigorous - weekly testing is embedded in the culture from an early age, and the curriculum is driven by mastery and measurable outcomes rather than creative exploration. Inclusion provision is a documented weak point: ADEK inspectors found that identification and support for students of determination and gifted learners is insufficiently robust, and differentiation in the lower phases needs improvement. The school does not publish external exam results, making independent benchmarking difficult. For families who value a structured, academically focused environment with affordable fees and a clear pathway to university, ISC Mushrif is a credible and well-established choice. For parents seeking a nurturing, inquiry-led or arts-rich environment, or whose child requires meaningful SEN support, this is unlikely to be the right fit.
SABIS Curriculum Since 1978ADEK Good Rating 2024IGCSE, A-Level, AP & SAT35,000 m² Al Mushrif Campus3,600+ Students Enrolled

“The structure and the weekly testing keeps my son on his toes - he knows exactly where he stands in every subject. The results speak for themselves when it comes to university applications.”

— Grade 11 Parent(representative)

Academic Framework & Learning Style

The SABIS Educational System is a proprietary, structured curriculum framework developed by the school's parent organisation and used across its global network. At ISC Mushrif, this means students follow a carefully sequenced, mastery-based programme from Preschool through to Grade 12. The philosophy is built on the premise that consistent assessment, frequent testing and cumulative knowledge-building produce measurable academic outcomes - and the ADEK Irtiqa inspection data broadly confirms this in the upper phases. In Grades 10 through 12 (Cycle 3), English, Mathematics and Science all achieve a Very Good rating for both attainment and progress, a strong result that places the senior school among the more academically capable institutions in Abu Dhabi's mid-range fee bracket. The school prepares students for a broad suite of internationally recognised qualifications: IGCSE and A-Level for UK and European university pathways, AP and SAT for US university entry, and TOEFL for non-native English speakers - the majority of the student body. This multi-pathway approach is a genuine differentiator. The school's performance in PISA 2022 is notable: 15-year-old students scored 505.8 in reading literacy (above the international average and meeting the school's target of 502.9), 523 in mathematical literacy (above the international average, narrowly missing the target of 523.7), and 510.8 in scientific literacy (above the international average, meeting the target of 501.4). In TIMSS 2023, Grade 4 and Grade 8 students exceeded international averages in both mathematics and science, despite not meeting internal school targets - a distinction worth noting: the school sets ambitious internal benchmarks. However, the picture in the lower phases is more mixed. In Cycle 1 (Grades 1-4), English and Mathematics are rated Good rather than Very Good, and standardised GL Progress Test results in English (GL-PTE) for Grades 3-9 were rated weak in Phases 2 and 3 in AY2023/24 - a significant gap between internal assessment data and external benchmarking. Arabic as a Second Language sits at Acceptable across Cycles 1 and 2, and UAE Social Studies is Acceptable in both attainment and progress in Cycle 2. Islamic Education is consistently Good across all phases, with outstanding internal attainment data and strong Grade 12 MoE examination results. The teaching methodology is structured and teacher-directed. The SABIS model is not inquiry-based in the progressive sense; lessons follow a defined sequence with clear learning objectives, regular formative checks and a strong emphasis on vocabulary acquisition and language skills. ADEK inspectors found teaching quality to be Good across Cycles 1-3, rising to Very Good in Cycle 4, but noted that opportunities for cooperative and collaborative learning, and for students to engage in thoughtful discussion and reflection, remain underdeveloped - particularly in the lower phases. Differentiation for diverse learners is a documented area for improvement. The school does not publish its IGCSE or A-Level results publicly, which limits independent verification of senior school academic outcomes.
505.8
PISA 2022 Reading Score
Above international average; school target was 502.9
523
PISA 2022 Mathematics Score
Above international average; target was 523.7
Very Good
ADEK Rating: English & Maths (Cycle 3)
Grades 9-12 attainment and progress per ADEK 2024 Irtiqa report
Weak
GL-PTE English Test Result (Phases 2 & 3)
Granada Learning Progress Test AY2023/24 - external benchmark gap
Curriculum Details

Extracurricular Activities (ECAs)

The ADEK Irtiqa inspection report explicitly cites the wide selection of extracurricular activities and clubs offered to students across all phases as a school strength. This is meaningful recognition - ADEK inspectors do not award praise in this area without evidence, and it signals that ISC Mushrif's ECA programme extends meaningfully beyond tokenistic after-school provision. The school operates a diverse range of clubs and activities spanning academic enrichment, performing arts, sports and community engagement. Given the school's enrolment of over 3,600 students across KG through Grade 12, the logistics of running a broad ECA programme at scale are considerable, and the school appears to manage this competently. ADEK inspectors specifically highlighted students' innovation skills and active participation in sustainability initiatives, particularly in Phases 3 and 4 (Grades 5-12), as a standout area - noting students' creativity and commitment to environmental responsibility. The school's careers education and higher education guidance programme for senior students is also singled out by inspectors as comprehensive and effective, supporting students in making informed decisions about university and professional pathways. This is a significant ECA-adjacent provision for families with one eye on university destinations. The SABIS system also incorporates a Student Life Organisation (SLO) - a student-led body that manages a range of activities and gives students ownership of the extracurricular calendar, which is a distinctive feature of the SABIS network globally. In terms of sports, the school's scale supports competitive programmes across multiple disciplines. The library programme, which includes timetabled lessons, reading groups and a specialist librarian delivering creative sessions, also functions as a structured enrichment activity. With 26,000 English books and 700 Arabic books across two libraries (a main library and a dedicated KG library), the reading environment is well-resourced. It should be noted that detailed public information about specific club counts, competitive sports achievements and performing arts productions is not currently available from the school's official channels, as the school website is offline at the time of this review.
26,000
English Books in School Libraries
Main library plus dedicated KG library; also 700 Arabic books
SABIS Student Life OrganisationSustainability & Innovation ProgrammesCareers & University Guidance26,000-Book LibraryKG Dedicated Reading Library

Pastoral Care & Well-being

ADEK inspectors rate the school's health and safety provision, including child protection and safeguarding, as Good across all phases - a baseline that parents should find reassuring. The school maintains high levels of supervision both on the school site and on its bus transport system, a point specifically commended in the 2024 Irtiqa report. For a school of over 3,600 students, maintaining consistent supervision standards is no small achievement. Students' personal and social development is rated Good across all phases (KG through Cycle 3), and understanding of Islamic values and awareness of Emirati and world cultures is consistently Good. However, the standout pastoral metric is social responsibility and innovation skills, which are rated Very Good across all four phases - a rare consistency that reflects genuine investment in student character development beyond academic outcomes. The care and support function has, however, regressed to Good from a previously higher standard, and ADEK inspectors have flagged specific concerns. The school's procedures for identifying students with additional learning needs, including students of determination, are described as insecure. No students of determination have been identified in several subject areas, which raises questions about the robustness of the identification process rather than necessarily reflecting the absence of need. Support for gifted and talented students also lacks the consistency and standardised criteria that ADEK expects. The SABIS system's relationship with parents is structured but limited in its interactivity. Parents can access information about their child's performance through the SABIS WebSchool portal, but the model does not traditionally involve parents deeply in school decision-making or provide the direct, frequent teacher-parent communication channels that some families expect. This is a cultural feature of the SABIS system rather than a pastoral failure per se, but it is a factor that families used to more open communication models should weigh carefully. The school's self-evaluation processes, while rated Good, do not yet fully reflect the views of all stakeholders - a point that connects directly to the parent engagement question.

“The school keeps children very safe - the supervision on the buses and in the yard is thorough. But I do wish there were more opportunities to sit down with teachers and discuss my daughter's progress beyond what I can see on the portal.”

— Cycle 2 Parent(representative)

Campus & Facilities

The International School of Choueifat - Mushrif occupies a substantial 35,000 m² campus on Khalifa Bin Muhammad Street in Al Mushrif, one of Abu Dhabi's established and well-connected residential areas. The school has been on this site since November 1979, and the campus has the settled, functional character of a long-established institution. Al Mushrif is centrally located, making it accessible from a wide range of Abu Dhabi's residential communities including Khalidiyah, Bateen, Karama and the broader city centre - a practical advantage for families across the capital. The campus supports a student body of over 3,600 pupils across KG and three secondary cycles, which demands substantial facilities provision. The school features two libraries: a spacious main library with comfortable seating, study tables, quiet reading areas and digital resources, and a dedicated KG library with soft seating and an enclosed reading space designed specifically for younger children. Together these house 26,000 English books and 700 Arabic books, and both are actively used for timetabled library lessons, reading groups and independent study. The ADEK inspection report confirms that management, staffing, facilities and resources are rated Good - meaning the physical environment is considered adequate and well-maintained for the school's purposes. The school operates a comprehensive bus transport network, with high supervision standards commended by inspectors. Science laboratories, sports facilities and arts spaces are expected features of a school at this scale and fee level, though detailed specifications are not currently available from the school's official website, which is offline at the time of this review. ADEK inspectors have recommended that the school review and adapt classroom layouts to facilitate more collaborative learning, and reorganise and display resources to encourage curiosity and independent exploration - suggesting that while facilities are functional, the learning environment design has room to become more dynamic and student-centred.
35,000 m²
Total Campus Area
Located on Khalifa Bin Muhammad Street, Al Mushrif, Abu Dhabi
3,600+
Students on Roll
KG through Grade 12, ages 4-18
35,000 m² CampusDual Library SystemCentral Al Mushrif LocationComprehensive Bus NetworkDigital Resources in Main Library
Campus Details

Teaching & Learning Quality

The ADEK Irtiqa 2024 inspection provides the most granular available picture of teaching quality at ISC Mushrif, and the findings are instructive. Teaching for effective learning is rated Good in KG and Cycles 1, 2 and 3, rising to Very Good in Cycle 4 (Grades 10-12). Assessment is similarly rated Good in the lower phases and Very Good in the senior school. This pattern - stronger performance at the top of the school - is consistent with the SABIS system's exam-preparation emphasis, where the most experienced teachers and the most motivated students converge in the senior phases. The school employs 129 teachers drawn primarily from South Africa, Lebanon and Jordan, supported by 4 teaching assistants - a notably low assistant ratio for a school of 2,502 students (the Ruwais campus figure from the ADEK report; the Mushrif campus is larger at 3,600+ students). Teacher turnover is a concern: the school runs at approximately 27% annual teacher turnover, which is on the high side for the UAE private school sector and creates continuity challenges, particularly in the lower phases. The teacher-to-student ratio in non-KG phases is approximately 1:24, which is relatively high and limits the scope for individualised attention. ADEK inspectors found that the school has a well-structured and cohesive system for collecting learner assessment data, providing valuable insights that guide lesson delivery and pacing - a genuine strength of the SABIS model. However, inspectors also noted that teacher feedback on students' work is not consistently developmental, and that opportunities for cooperative and collaborative learning are insufficient. The adaptation of learning content and tasks to support students with diverse learning styles - particularly in Phases 1, 2 and 3 - is identified as a priority improvement area. Professional development is rated as needing to become more subject-specific and responsive to emerging needs identified through teaching and learning monitoring. The peer observation programme, while in place, needs consolidation to build a genuine community of practice.
129
Teachers Employed
Per ADEK 2024 Irtiqa report; nationalities include South Africa, Lebanon, Jordan
~27%
Annual Teacher Turnover Rate
Above UAE sector average; creates continuity risk in lower phases
1:24
Teacher-to-Student Ratio (Non-KG)
KG ratio approximately 1:13; high ratio limits individual attention

Leadership & Management

The school is led by Principal Mohamad Hassan El Harake, whose name appears in the ADEK 2024 Irtiqa inspection documentation. The school operates as part of the global SABIS network, one of the world's largest private school operators with schools across the Middle East, Europe and North America. In the UAE, SABIS operates multiple campuses under both the International School of Choueifat brand and the newer SABIS International School branding. All six indicators of Performance Standard 6 - Leadership and Management are rated Good in the 2024 inspection. This includes the effectiveness of leadership, school self-evaluation and improvement planning, parent and community partnerships, governance, and management of staffing, facilities and resources. The inspection notes that school leaders at all levels are committed to improving academic outcomes and are aligned with the SABIS system's goals. However, ADEK inspectors identified meaningful limitations. The self-evaluation and school development planning processes do not yet reflect the views of all stakeholders - a gap that limits the school's ability to respond to parent and community needs. Action points in the school development plan are not yet consistently achievable, measurable and linked to improvements in student learning outcomes. Lesson observation templates focus insufficiently on the impact of teaching on student learning. The school is also encouraged to develop a wider range of community, national and international partnerships, and to consider establishing a local advisory board to support self-evaluation and planning. Parent communication is managed primarily through the SABIS WebSchool platform, which provides access to grades, attendance and school information. This digital-first approach is efficient but has limitations: the SABIS model does not traditionally provide the high-frequency, direct teacher-parent dialogue that many Abu Dhabi families expect. Governance follows the SABIS network structure, with oversight from the group's central management. For parents, the practical implication is that school-level decision-making operates within a framework set by the wider SABIS organisation.
Leadership Details

ADEK Inspection Results (Irtiqa - Decoded)

The most recent ADEK Irtiqa inspection - conducted in January 2025 and covering the 2024/25 academic year - awarded the school an overall rating of Good, consistent with its previous inspection rating. This stability is a double-edged finding: it confirms that the school has not declined, but it also signals that despite the passage of time and stated improvement efforts, the school has not yet broken through to Very Good - the next performance level. The inspection framework assesses six performance standards. Students' achievements (PS1) show a nuanced picture: Very Good in English, Mathematics and Science in Cycles 2, 3 and 4, but Acceptable in Arabic as a Second Language and UAE Social Studies. The GL Progress Test results in English (GL-PTE) were weak in Phases 2 and 3 - a significant external benchmarking concern that sits in tension with the school's strong internal assessment data. Students' personal and social development (PS2) is a genuine bright spot, with social responsibility and innovation skills rated Very Good across all phases. Teaching and assessment (PS3) is Good in lower phases and Very Good in Cycle 4. Curriculum design and implementation (PS4) is rated Very Good across all phases - the strongest consistent rating in the report. Protection, care and support (PS5) is Good, but with documented weaknesses in inclusion identification. Leadership and management (PS6) is uniformly Good. The five key recommendations from ADEK inspectors are: raising achievement across all core subjects to Very Good or better; improving teaching and assessment strategies; meeting international assessment targets; improving care and support for students including inclusion provision; and improving all aspects of leadership and management to Very Good. The breadth of these recommendations reflects a school that is performing solidly but has a clear ceiling it has not yet managed to break through.
Curriculum Design: Consistent Very Good
Curriculum design and implementation is rated Very Good across all four phases - KG, Cycle 1, Cycle 2 and Cycle 3. ADEK inspectors found the curriculum to be cohesive, balanced and linked to the UAE's national vision, with appropriate integration of UAE values and culture.
Senior School Academic Performance
In Cycle 4 (Grades 10-12), English, Mathematics and Science all achieve Very Good for both attainment and progress. Teaching and assessment in Cycle 4 is also Very Good - the strongest phase in the school and a genuine asset for families focused on university preparation.
PISA & TIMSS Above International Averages
Students participating in PISA 2022 exceeded international averages in reading, mathematics and scientific literacy. TIMSS 2023 participants in Grade 4 and Grade 8 also exceeded international averages in both mathematics and science - a meaningful external validation of academic standards.
Inclusion & SEN Identification Inadequate

ADEK inspectors found the school's procedures for identifying and supporting students with additional learning needs - including students of determination and gifted and talented pupils - to be insecure and inconsistent. No students of determination were identified in several subjects, raising concerns about the rigour of the identification process.

GL-PTE External Benchmark Gap

Granada Learning Progress Test results in English (GL-PTE) for Grades 3-9 were rated weak in Phases 2 and 3 in AY2023/24 - a significant disconnect from the school's strong internal assessment data and a concern for parents evaluating actual versus reported attainment.

Full Inspection Report

Inspection History

2015-16
Good
2017-18
Acceptable
2019-20
Good
2021-22
Good
2024
Good

Fees & Value for Money

The International School of Choueifat – Mushrif operates under the SABIS® Educational System, a globally recognised proprietary curriculum known for its structured, academically rigorous approach. For the 2025–2026 academic year, tuition fees range from AED 29,940 for Preschool and KG1 through to AED 44,910 for Grade 12, reflecting a progressive fee structure that increases as students advance through the school. This positions the school in the mid-to-upper tier of private schools in Abu Dhabi's Mushrif area.

AED 29,940
Annual Fees From
AED 44,910
Annual Fees To
Year / GradeAnnual Fee
Preschool (Ages 3-4)
AED 29,940
KG 1
AED 29,940
KG 2
AED 30,190
Grade 1
AED 32,430
Grade 2
AED 32,680
Grade 3
AED 34,930
Grade 4
AED 36,180
Grade 5
AED 38,670
Grade 6
AED 40,540
Grade 7
AED 41,170
Grade 8
AED 41,790
Grade 9
AED 42,410
Grade 10
AED 43,040
Grade 11
AED 43,660
Grade 12
AED 44,910

The tuition fees cover access to the SABIS® curriculum, its proprietary learning management tools, and the Student Life Organisation (SLO) programme, which is a distinctive feature of SABIS® schools worldwide. A transport fee of AED 5,000 per annum is available for families requiring bus services. Notably, the source data does not list separate charges for books or uniforms, so prospective parents are advised to confirm these costs directly with the school's admissions office.

Overall, the school offers a consistent and internationally portable education backed by the SABIS® network, making it a compelling choice for families seeking academic structure and global recognition. Parents should enquire about registration fees, re-registration charges, and any additional levies not captured in the ADEK fee schedule to gain a complete picture of the total annual cost of attendance.

Additional Costs

Bus Transport5,000(annual)
Full Fee Structure

The Final Verdict: Who Is This School For?

ISC Mushrif is a school that delivers on a specific, well-defined promise: structured, systematic academic preparation leading to internationally recognised qualifications at a mid-range fee point in a central Abu Dhabi location. The SABIS curriculum is not for every child or every family, but for those whose values align with its philosophy - rigour, consistency, measurable outcomes, university readiness - it represents genuine value. The school's PISA and TIMSS results above international averages, its Very Good senior school ratings from ADEK, and its long track record in Abu Dhabi's competitive private school market are real differentiators. The honest caveats are equally important. Inclusion provision is a documented weakness: families of children with additional learning needs, or children who require significant differentiation, should look elsewhere or ask very specific questions before enrolling. Teacher turnover at approximately 27% annually is a concern for continuity. The lower phases (KG through Cycle 2) do not match the senior school's performance levels, and the gap between strong internal assessment data and weaker external GL-PTE results warrants scrutiny. The school's limited parent engagement model and the absence of a functioning public website at the time of this review are practical frustrations that prospective families should factor in.

THE “RIGHT FIT”

Families who value a structured, exam-focused academic environment with clear university pathways; students who are self-motivated and can thrive under regular assessment pressure; parents comfortable with a digital-first, lower-touch communication model and a mid-range fee structure.

THE “WRONG FIT”

Families whose children have additional learning needs or require meaningful SEN support; parents seeking a creative, inquiry-led or arts-rich curriculum; families who expect frequent, direct teacher-parent dialogue and active involvement in school decision-making.

“

My children have been at Choueifat for six years. The academic preparation is excellent and both got into good universities. It is not a warm, fuzzy school - it is a serious, results-focused one. Know what you are signing up for and it works.

— Secondary School Parent

Strengths

  • PISA 2022 and TIMSS 2023 scores above international averages
  • Very Good ADEK rating for English, Maths and Science in senior school
  • Broad qualifications: IGCSE, A-Level, AP, SAT and TOEFL
  • Mid-range fees (AED 29,940-44,910) for a full K-12 programme
  • Curriculum design rated Very Good across all phases by ADEK
  • 35,000 m² campus in accessible central Al Mushrif location
  • Strong university guidance and careers education programme
  • Social responsibility and innovation skills rated Very Good school-wide

Areas for Improvement

  • Inclusion provision for SEN and gifted students rated inadequate by ADEK
  • GL-PTE English benchmark results weak in lower phases - external gap
  • Teacher turnover approximately 27% annually - above UAE sector norm
  • School website offline; limited transparency on admissions and results
  • Limited parent involvement model; low-frequency direct teacher communication
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