New Academy School, Dubai

New Academy School follows a K-12 American curriculum anchored in the California Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for English and Mathematics, the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) for Science, and the UAE Ministry of Education framework for Arabic, Islamic Studies and Social Studies. This dual-track structure is deliberate: it allows the school to maintain genuine US accreditation while fulfilling the UAE national curriculum requirements that serve its predominantly Emirati and Arab student body. The school's pedagogical philosophy is built around what it calls the 5Cs - critical thinking, choice, creativity, communication, and collaboration - alongside Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to accommodate diverse learning needs. Project Based Learning (PBL) is a strong feature in Elementary and Middle school, and the curriculum is enriched by cross-curricular links to UAE culture and real-world problem-solving. Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) is formally embedded, and reading across subjects is a stated area of focus with both online and on-campus resources. In terms of academic outcomes, the KHDA 2023-24 inspection presents a mixed but improving picture. KG students achieve Very Good attainment and progress in English and Mathematics, and Good in Science - the strongest phase in the school. Elementary and Middle school attainment in English and Mathematics is rated Acceptable, though progress across these phases is Good. High school attainment recovers to Good in English, Mathematics and Science, with Mathematics progress rated Very Good at this level - a notable strength. In the MAP benchmark assessments, the whole school judgment was Good overall, with Very Good for English and Science - meaningful external validation of the school's trajectory. In the PIRLS 2021 reading literacy study, students achieved a whole school score of 476, which was 28 points above the set target. The High School curriculum is meaningfully differentiated. From Grade 9 onwards, students access an extended range of subjects including Biomedical Innovation, Robotics, Engineering, Psychology, Marketing and Environmental Science - less conventional options that signal genuine curriculum ambition. Advanced Placement (AP) programmes are offered in English, Calculus, Physics, Chemistry, Environmental Science and Biology, and the school is an authorized SAT and TOEFL testing centre - giving graduates credible pathways to US, Canadian and Australian universities. PSAT-style preparation is embedded in Grades 10 and 11. The school reports that approximately 95% of graduates proceed to tertiary education, with UAE-based universities including Zayed University, Sharjah University and the Higher Colleges of Technology among the most common destinations, alongside international options in the US, Australia, Canada, Jordan and Egypt. SEN and inclusion provision covers 105 identified Students of Determination. The inclusion team comprises a provision leader, a social counsellor, five inclusion support teachers and four teaching assistants. Differentiation, modifications, accommodations and alternative curriculum pathways are available. There is no additional charge for general SEN support. For students requiring a dedicated Learning Support Assistant, the arrangement is agreed between parents and the school, with parents responsible for the LSA's salary. Career and Technology Education (CTE) is offered for Middle and High school students, providing vocational pathways for less academically oriented learners. English Language Learner (ELL) classes are available in Middle school, recognizing that many students join NAS with limited English proficiency.