Khalifah Al Hamza American Private School, Sharjah
American School in Al Madam, Sharjah
Last updated
Curriculum
American
SPEA
Good
Location
Sharjah, Al Madam
Fees
AED 15K - 35K
The Executive Summary
Khalifah Al Hamza American Private School Sharjah occupies a genuinely distinctive position in the UAE school landscape: it is the primary English-medium, American curriculum Sharjah option for families living in and around the inland town of Al Madam, one of the emirate's more remote Central Region communities. Rated Good by SPEA following its March 2024 inspection - an improvement on its previous Acceptable rating - the school serves 439 students from Pre-KG through Grade 9, with a student body that is overwhelmingly Emirati (408 of 439 students). School fees Sharjah parents will find accessible: after the standard 20% discount, tuition ranges from approximately AED 15,480 to AED 35,400 per year, placing KHAS firmly in the value tier of Sharjah private schools. For Al Madam schools, it is the most structured private option available, and for families committed to an American pathway in this region, there is currently no comparable local alternative. The school's 2024 SPEA inspection confirmed genuine momentum - progress has improved across mathematics and science in all phases, Phase 1 achievement is a clear strength, and the school's safeguarding and pastoral procedures are effective. That said, parents should enter with clear eyes: English attainment in Phases 2 and 3 remains only acceptable, MAP benchmarking scores are weak, and there is no international accreditation yet. This is a school on an upward trajectory, not one that has arrived.
SPEA Good - Improved from AcceptableAmerican CCSS Curriculum93% Emirati Student BodyValue-Tier Fees from AED 15K
“For our family living in Al Madam, KHAS is not just the convenient choice - it is genuinely the right choice. The teachers know every child by name, and the improvement we have seen since the new principal arrived has been real and noticeable.”
— Grade 4 Parent(representative)Academic Framework & Learning Style
The school follows the American California Common Core State Standards (CCCSS), delivered in English and supplemented by the UAE National Framework for compulsory Ministry of Education subjects: Arabic Language, Islamic Education, and Social Studies. This dual-track model is standard for UAE-licensed American curriculum schools, and KHAS implements it with reasonable coherence across its three active phases (Pre-KG to Grade 9). The curriculum covers English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Arabic, Islamic Education, Visual and Performing Arts, Physical Education, and Design and IT. The school uses MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) and GL CAT4 standardised assessments, as well as PIRLS, TIMSS, Mubakkir, and TALA benchmarking tools, which gives it a meaningful external reference point - even if current MAP scores are identified as weak by SPEA inspectors. This gap between internal assessment data and external benchmarking is one of the school's most pressing academic challenges and one that leadership must address transparently with parents. In terms of attainment, the SPEA 2024 inspection found achievement to be good overall, with Phase 1 (Pre-KG to KG2) performing particularly well across Islamic Education, Arabic as a First Language, English, and Science. Phase 2 achievement is good in Islamic Education, Arabic as a First Language, Social Studies, and other subjects, but only acceptable in English and Mathematics attainment - a significant gap given that English is the medium of instruction. Phase 3 (Grades 7-9) presents the most mixed picture, with attainment rated acceptable across most core subjects. Encouragingly, mathematics progress is rated Good across all three phases, as is science progress - suggesting that while starting points may be modest, students are making genuine gains. Learning skills are rated Good across all phases. Students demonstrate positive attitudes, use technology effectively, and make cross-curricular connections. However, critical thinking, innovation, and enterprise skills remain underdeveloped - a SPEA-identified area for improvement that the school acknowledges in its improvement planning. There are no external examination results (IGCSE, AP, IB) to report, as the school currently runs only to Grade 9. University destination data is therefore not yet applicable, though the school's stated vision is to expand its grade range. Academic support for Students of Determination (14 identified) and gifted and talented students is present but SPEA noted that curriculum modification to meet the needs of these groups is only acceptable - meaning it requires meaningful improvement before it can be considered a strength.
Good
Overall Achievement Rating (SPEA 2024)
Improved from Acceptable in 2023
Good
Mathematics Progress - All Phases
Despite acceptable attainment, progress is consistent
14
Students of Determination
Out of 439 total students
Weak
MAP Benchmarking Score
External test scores lag behind internal assessments
Extracurricular Activities (ECAs)
The school's extracurricular offering is modest but functional for a school of its size and community context. The website references Art and Drawing, Science Activities, Sport Activities, Library programmes, ICT Lab sessions, and general Class Activities as enrichment strands. Physical Education is embedded in the curriculum and the SPEA inspection noted genuine enthusiasm among students for physical activities: children in Phase 1 jump and cross hurdles with enthusiasm, Grade 4 students throw football passes with precision, and Grade 8 students play volleyball proficiently. This suggests a PE programme that progresses meaningfully across phases. In the arts, students in Phase 2 explore basic techniques before developing proficiency in sketching and painting by Grade 6. Phase 3 students demonstrate advanced ICT skills including programming and animation creation - a genuine strength in an area increasingly valued by universities and employers. The school highlights Visual and Performing Arts (including music, drama, and dance) as part of its curriculum-integrated arts provision. However, the school's student life page was not publicly accessible at the time of this review, limiting the detail available on specific club offerings, competitive sports achievements, or enrichment trips. There is no evidence of Duke of Edinburgh, Model UN, or similar international enrichment programmes at this stage of the school's development, which is appropriate given it was founded in 2019 and is still building its programme. The school's community is deeply rooted in Emirati heritage, and Islamic values and UAE cultural identity are woven into school life across all phases - a genuine strength noted by SPEA inspectors. Parents should understand that the extracurricular breadth here does not match larger urban Sharjah schools, but for a community school in Al Madam, the provision is purposeful and improving.
Grade 8
Advanced Programming and Animation
ICT skills progression noted by SPEA inspectors
ICT and Coding ProgrammeArts and Drawing StudioPhysical Education All PhasesUAE Cultural Identity IntegrationScience Activities Hands-On
Pastoral Care & Well-being
Pastoral care is one of KHAS's most clearly evidenced strengths. The SPEA 2024 inspection explicitly identified effective procedures for safeguarding children and students and ensuring their well-being as a key area of strength - a finding that should carry significant weight with parents making school decisions. In a school where 93% of students are Emirati and many come from the same tightly-knit Al Madam community, the school's culture is described as welcoming and inclusive, with students demonstrating positive attitudes towards learning and genuine cooperation with one another and with teachers. Students' understanding of Islamic values and their pride in UAE culture and society are rated as a strength across all phases by SPEA - reflecting a school environment where students feel a strong sense of identity and belonging. The school operates a clinic room (visible in website imagery) and maintains health and safety protocols appropriate to its student population. While the SPEA report does not identify a formal house system or named student leadership programme, students do participate in group work, peer review of presentations, and classroom discussions, suggesting a culture of collaborative learning rather than competitive ranking. The school has no guidance counsellors listed in the SPEA data - a gap that becomes more significant as the school grows toward Grade 12 and students begin to need university guidance and social-emotional support. Anti-bullying frameworks are referenced in the school's policy documentation reviewed by SPEA, and the inspection found no concerns in this area. For families prioritising a safe, community-rooted environment over a high-pressure academic hothouse, KHAS delivers a genuinely supportive pastoral experience.
“The school feels like an extension of our community. My children are known, they are cared for, and they come home happy. That matters more than I expected it to.”
— KG2 Mother(representative)Campus & Facilities
The KHAS campus is located near the Municipality roundabout in Tiwaila, Al Madam - a central and accessible point within this inland Sharjah community. The school was established in 2019 and the premises are described by SPEA inspectors as well equipped to deliver the American curriculum, which is a meaningful endorsement for a relatively young institution. The school's own website and imagery confirm the presence of a Science Laboratory, an ICT Laboratory, a Library, a Gymnasium (GYM), two outdoor playground areas, a PE field, and a Clinic Room. Classrooms are described as open, vibrant, and safe spaces with convenient access to technology - a design philosophy consistent with the school's emphasis on digital literacy. The school highlights technology integration as a key campus feature: students across all phases use tablets and digital tools for learning, and SPEA inspectors confirmed that technology use is strong and fosters independent learning. The campus does not appear to have a swimming pool, auditorium, or performing arts theatre based on available information - limitations that are understandable given the school's age and community context, but worth noting for families who prioritise these facilities. The Al Madam location itself is a defining campus characteristic. Situated at the intersection of the Dubai-Hatta and Mleiha-Shwaib roads, the town sees significant through-traffic and is well connected by road. The school operates an extensive transportation network covering Al Madam, Al Shwaib, Maliha, Al Dhaid, Muzairah, Hatta, and Masfoot - reflecting the dispersed nature of its catchment area. For families in these communities, the transport provision is a practical necessity and the school has structured it accordingly. The campus is appropriate for its current student population of 439, and the facilities - while not extensive by urban Sharjah standards - are functional, maintained, and purposefully equipped.
439
Current Student Enrolment
Across Pre-KG to Grade 9
9 Routes
School Transport Coverage
Covering Al Madam, Hatta, Muzairah, Al Dhaid and more
Science LaboratoryICT LaboratoryLibrary and Reading SpaceGymnasium and PE FieldsClinic Room On-SiteExtensive Transport Network
Teaching & Learning Quality
Teaching at KHAS is rated Good overall by SPEA, with assessment rated Acceptable - a distinction that matters. It means lessons are generally well-structured and delivered, but that teachers are not yet using assessment data with sufficient precision to track individual student progress and adapt their planning accordingly. This is a known gap and one that the school's leadership has explicitly acknowledged in its improvement planning. The school employs 40 teachers and 22 teaching assistants, giving a teacher-to-student ratio of 1:11 - a genuinely strong ratio that allows for meaningful individual attention. The main nationality of teachers is Jordanian, reflecting the broader pattern of Arab-trained educators in UAE community schools. The teacher turnover rate is 15% - moderate by UAE standards, and worth monitoring. A new principal joined in January 2024, which may have contributed to some staff movement; the 2025-26 picture will be more telling. SPEA's lesson observation data (34 lessons observed, 15 jointly with school leaders) found that Phase 1 teaching is particularly strong, creating a conducive learning environment that effectively supports early childhood development. In Phases 2 and 3, teaching quality is more variable - strong in art, ICT, and science practical work, but less consistent in English language development, where students' speaking, reading, and writing skills lag behind their listening comprehension. The school uses technology effectively across all phases - tablets, online assessments, and digital research tools are embedded in daily practice - and this is a genuine pedagogical strength. Differentiation for students with SEN and gifted and talented learners is currently only acceptable, meaning teachers have not yet fully adapted their planning and delivery to meet the needs of these groups. Professional development is referenced in the school improvement plan, and SPEA noted that the new principal and vice-principals are actively supporting teachers through joint lesson observations - a positive signal for future improvement.
1:11
Teacher-to-Student Ratio
Strong ratio enabling individual attention
15%
Teacher Turnover Rate
Moderate; new principal joined January 2024
40
Total Teaching Staff
Supported by 22 teaching assistants
Leadership & Management
Leadership and management at KHAS are rated Good overall by SPEA, and the narrative behind that rating is one of genuine promise. Principal Nasir Ahmed Alyaasi joined the school in January 2024 - just weeks before the SPEA inspection team arrived - and inspectors noted that he demonstrates a clear understanding of the school's strengths and the direction needed to secure further improvement. That is a strong endorsement for a leader so new to post. He is supported by two vice-principals and a teaching and learning coordinator, with middle leadership represented by subject heads and a data analysis coordinator. The governance structure is headed by Chair of Board of Governors Ali Al Hosani, providing oversight and strategic direction. The school's vision - Qualifying future pioneers, guided by ethics, rooted in heritage, led by innovation within a sustainable learning community - is prominently displayed and reflects the dual commitment to Emirati identity and forward-looking educational values that characterises the school's positioning. SPEA found that leaders have a clear understanding of the school's strengths, but noted that the effective use and analysis of assessment information to track student progress requires improvement - a management-level challenge as much as a teaching one. Parent communication is facilitated through a dedicated Parent Portal (accessible via the school website), a newsletter, and direct contact channels. The school's social media presence (Instagram and Facebook) is active, which is appropriate for a community school where parents expect accessible, informal communication. The school is operated as a private LLC company, and its fee structure is regulated by SPEA. The overall leadership picture is of a young school that has found its footing and is now, under new leadership, beginning to build the systems needed for sustained improvement.
SPEA Inspection Results (Decoded)
The March 2024 SPEA School Performance Review awarded KHAS an overall effectiveness rating of Good - a meaningful step up from its previous Acceptable rating in 2022-23. This improvement is not cosmetic: inspectors observed 34 lessons over four days, met with governors, the principal, leaders, teachers, parents, and students, and reviewed a comprehensive body of documentation. The improvement reflects real progress, particularly in Phase 1 achievement and in the school's leadership capacity. The headline finding is that students' achievement is good overall, with Phase 1 performing well across most subjects. Mathematics and science progress are rated Good across all three phases - a genuine strength. Teaching is Good, the curriculum is Good, and safeguarding and pastoral care are Good. The areas pulling the overall picture down are assessment (rated Acceptable), curriculum adaptation for SEN and gifted students (Acceptable), and English attainment in Phases 2 and 3 (Acceptable). The MAP external benchmarking data shows weak scores - a significant gap between internal assessment confidence and external performance that leadership must close. SPEA's key areas for improvement are clear and actionable: English achievement in Phases 2 and 3, higher-order thinking skills, the use of assessment data to track progress, and curriculum modification for diverse learners. These are not minor tweaks - they represent the school's next developmental stage. Parents should view the Good rating as confirmation of a solid foundation, not a ceiling.
Phase 1 Achievement - A Clear Strength
Children in Pre-KG through KG2 achieve well across Islamic Education, Arabic as a First Language, English, and Science. The learning environment in Phase 1 is described by SPEA as conducive and effective, with strong teaching supporting early childhood development.
Safeguarding and Student Well-being
SPEA explicitly identified effective safeguarding procedures and student well-being as a key area of strength. The school's pastoral protocols are well-established and functioning, providing a safe and supportive environment for all students.
Islamic Values and Emirati Cultural Identity
Students' understanding of Islamic values and their pride in UAE culture and society are rated as a strength across all phases. This reflects a school culture deeply aligned with its predominantly Emirati community.
English Achievement in Phases 2 and 3
English attainment is only Acceptable in Phases 2 and 3, with MAP benchmarking scores rated weak. Students' speaking, reading, and writing skills lag behind listening comprehension. In a school where English is the medium of instruction, this is the most critical area for improvement.
Assessment Use and Curriculum Differentiation
The effective use and analysis of assessment information to track student progress is rated Acceptable, as is curriculum adaptation for SEN and gifted and talented students. Teachers need stronger systems for translating assessment data into differentiated classroom practice.
Inspection History
2022-2023
Acceptable
2023-2024
Good
Fees & Value for Money
Khalifah Al Hamza American Private School offers a competitive fee structure for the 2025–26 academic year, with tuition fees ranging from AED 15,480 for Pre-KG up to AED 35,400 for Grade 9 (after the applied 20% discount). The school follows an American curriculum and provides transparent, tiered pricing across all year groups, with fees increasing progressively as students advance through Foundation, Primary, and Secondary phases.
AED 15,480
Annual Fees From
AED 35,400
Annual Fees To
Year / GradeAnnual Fee
Pre KG
AED 15,480KG 1
AED 17,200KG 2
AED 17,200Grade 1
AED 19,720Grade 2
AED 19,720Grade 3
AED 19,720Grade 4
AED 22,680Grade 5
AED 24,560Grade 6
AED 31,480Grade 7
AED 31,480Grade 8
AED 31,480Grade 9
AED 35,400A 20% discount is applied to the listed tuition fees, making the school more accessible to families. Books fees are charged separately and range from AED 800 for Pre-KG and KG levels up to AED 2,500 for Grade 9. The total fee inclusive of books ranges from AED 16,280 (Pre-KG) to AED 37,900 (Grade 9), offering strong value relative to comparable American curriculum schools in the Sharjah region.
Fees are payable in three installments across the academic year (September, December, and March), providing families with manageable payment scheduling. Transportation is available to a wide range of locations across Sharjah and surrounding areas, with annual transport fees ranging from AED 5,500 to AED 6,500 depending on the route. The school is located in Tiwaila, Sharjah, and serves students from Pre-KG through Grade 9.
Additional Costs
Books Fee – Pre KG, KG 1, KG 2800(annual)
Books Fee – Grade 1, 2, 31,300(annual)
Books Fee – Grade 41,450(annual)
Books Fee – Grade 51,820(annual)
Books Fee – Grade 6, 7, 82,200(annual)
Books Fee – Grade 92,500(annual)
Uniform500(annual)
Transportation – Al Madam / Al Shwaib / Maliha (Hamdah)5,500(annual)
Transportation – Maliha (Khadira-Kheder)6,500(annual)
Transportation – Al Dhaid (Weshah)6,500(annual)
Transportation – Shawkah (Wadi AlGhore)6,500(annual)
Transportation – Muzairah6,000(annual)
Transportation – Hatta6,500(annual)
Transportation – Masfoot6,500(annual)
Discounts & Concessions
Standard Tuition Discount20%%
The Final Verdict: Who Is This School For?
KHAS is the right school for a specific and well-defined family profile, and it is important to be honest about that. This is not a school competing with the flagship American curriculum institutions in Sharjah city or Dubai. It is a community-rooted, value-priced, improving school that serves the families of Al Madam and the surrounding Central Region with genuine commitment. Its SPEA Good rating - earned after just five years of operation and following an improvement from Acceptable - is a meaningful achievement. The school's Phase 1 provision is genuinely strong, its pastoral care is excellent, its fees are among the most accessible in Sharjah's private sector, and its new principal is building the leadership infrastructure needed for the next stage of growth. The honest weaknesses - English attainment in the upper phases, MAP benchmarking scores, limited extracurricular breadth, no international accreditation, and no guidance counsellors - are real and should not be dismissed. For families who can access urban Sharjah schools and who prioritise high academic outcomes, broad extracurricular programmes, and a pathway to competitive university destinations, KHAS is not the right fit. But for the family that lives in Al Madam or the surrounding communities, values a safe and culturally grounded environment, needs accessible school fees, and wants a school on an upward trajectory rather than one resting on past reputation, KHAS offers a compelling and honest proposition.
THE “RIGHT FIT”
Families residing in Al Madam, Al Shwaib, Maliha, Al Dhaid, Hatta, or Muzairah who want an English-medium American curriculum education in a safe, culturally grounded, and financially accessible community school with a clear improvement trajectory.
THE “WRONG FIT”
Families prioritising top-tier MAP or external benchmarking scores, broad ECAs, international accreditation, or a direct pathway to competitive university placements - or those who can access larger, more established American curriculum schools in central Sharjah.
“
We chose KHAS because it is close, affordable, and the teachers genuinely care. The school has grown a lot since we first enrolled. I believe in where it is heading.
— Grade 7 Parent
Strengths
- SPEA Good rating, improved from Acceptable in one review cycle
- Excellent teacher-to-student ratio of 1:11
- Among the most affordable American curriculum fees in Sharjah
- Strong Phase 1 achievement across core subjects
- Effective safeguarding and pastoral care explicitly praised by SPEA
- Extensive transport network covering 9 regional routes
- Strong technology integration across all phases
- Mathematics and science progress rated Good across all three phases
Areas for Improvement
- English attainment only Acceptable in Phases 2 and 3; MAP scores rated weak
- No international accreditation and no external exam programme yet
- No guidance counsellors listed - a gap as school expands toward Grade 12
- Curriculum differentiation for SEN and gifted students rated only Acceptable
- Limited extracurricular breadth compared to larger urban Sharjah schools