International School of Choueifat - Khalifa logo

International School of Choueifat - Khalifa

Curriculum
SABIS
ADEK
Very Good
Location
Abu Dhabi, Khalifa City
Fees
AED 22K - 40K

International School of Choueifat - Khalifa

The Executive Summary

International School of Choueifat - Khalifa Abu Dhabi occupies a distinctive and somewhat polarising position among Khalifa City schools. Rated ADEK rating Very Good in the 2024 Irtiqa inspection - an upgrade from its previous Good rating - ISC-Khalifa City is one of the largest SABIS Network campuses in the UAE, educating over 3,300 students from Pre-KG through Grade 12 on a single, well-resourced site. The school's defining characteristic is its proprietary SABIS educational system: a highly structured, academically rigorous framework built around sequential mastery, frequent testing, and the SABIS Academic Monitoring System (AMS), which tracks individual student gaps in real time. For families who value academic rigour, consistent assessment, and a clear university-preparation pathway - and who are comfortable with a more standardised, system-driven approach to learning - ISC-Khalifa City delivers measurable results at school fees that sit firmly in Abu Dhabi's mid-range bracket (AED 23,420 to AED 41,370 for 2025-26). The school is not, however, the right fit for every child. The SABIS model's strength - its consistency and academic intensity - is also its limitation. ADEK inspectors noted that curriculum adaptation remains at Good rather than Very Good, meaning higher-attaining and gifted students are not always sufficiently challenged within lessons, particularly in KG and primary phases. A 20% staff turnover rate and a significant influx of new students have tested leadership's ability to maintain consistent standards, especially in Arabic-medium subjects. Parents seeking a highly personalised, inquiry-led, or arts-enriched education will find the SABIS model constraining. But for the academically motivated family seeking a structured, internationally recognised pathway to university - at a fee point well below Abu Dhabi's premium tier - ISC-Khalifa City remains one of the more compelling options among Khalifa City schools in 2026.
ADEK Very Good 2024SABIS Network School3,300+ StudentsMid-Range Fees

“The school keeps my son constantly engaged - the pace is fast and the teachers genuinely know their subjects. It has challenged him in ways I didn't expect at this price point.”

— Grade 9 Parent(representative)

Academic Framework & Learning Style

ISC-Khalifa City operates the proprietary SABIS curriculum, a globally consistent, sequentially structured programme that draws from the best of American, British, and Emirati educational frameworks. The school is non-selective and co-educational, delivering instruction entirely in English (with Arabic, French, and UAE-mandated subjects taught in their respective languages). The SABIS Point System underpins every lesson: teachers teach one concept at a time, alternating between oral work, individual work, and group work to maintain student focus. Lessons are closely mapped to the SABIS online curriculum platform, and the SABIS AMS (Academic Monitoring System) continuously tracks each student's mastery of learning objectives, flagging gaps as soon as they emerge so that targeted re-teaching can occur. At the secondary level, students prepare for a range of internationally recognised qualifications. In Grade 10, students sit IGCSE examinations; in Grade 12, they can choose between AS and A Level examinations (British pathway) or Advanced Placement (AP) and SAT examinations (American pathway), giving families genuine flexibility for university applications globally. According to the school's website, graduates gain entry to highly competitive universities in the UK, USA, Canada, Europe, Australia, and the Middle East each year. The school also participates in the UAE MoE national examinations for Grade 12 Arabic, where internal data indicates outstanding attainment trends over recent years. The 2024 ADEK Irtiqa report provides the most granular view of academic performance. In mathematics, attainment reached outstanding in Cycle 3 (high school) - the highest rating available - and was very good across all other phases. In English, attainment is very good in KG and Cycle 3, with good ratings in Cycles 1 and 2, though progress is very good across Cycles 1 and 2. In science, attainment is very good in Cycles 2 and 3, with good in KG and Cycle 1. On standardised GL Progress Tests (grades 3-9), students in grades 7-9 achieved outstanding mathematics results, while English attainment across grades 3-9 was rated weak - a significant gap that the school must address. PISA 2022 results (15-year-olds) showed scores of 502.9 in reading, 518.9 in mathematics, and 528.9 in science - all above international averages but below the school's own targets. PIRLS 2021 Grade 4 students scored 555, placing them in the high international benchmark range. The school's Student Support Services provide ongoing academic assistance, and the SABIS platform enables class teachers and middle leaders to monitor individual student progress continuously. However, ADEK inspectors noted that curriculum adaptation - the tailoring of lessons to individual learner needs, particularly for gifted and talented students and new joiners - remains at Good across all phases, meaning that the highest-attaining students are not always extended to their full potential within lessons. The school does not currently identify any students of determination, which ADEK flagged as a significant gap in its inclusion provision. EAL support for new joiners, many of whom are additional language learners, also requires greater systematic attention according to the Irtiqa report.
Outstanding
Maths Attainment - Cycle 3 (High School)
ADEK Irtiqa 2024 - highest rating available
518.9
PISA 2022 Mathematical Literacy Score
Above international average; below school target
555
PIRLS 2021 Grade 4 Reading Score
High international benchmark range
IGCSE + A Level / AP + SAT
Exit Qualification Pathways
British and American university entry routes offered

Extracurricular Activities (ECAs)

ISC-Khalifa City organises extracurricular activities across four distinct categories: during-school activities, after-school activities, weekend activities, and regional and international experiences. The school's website confirms a structured ECA programme running across all these time slots, though the school does not publish a specific count of individual clubs publicly. Based on what the school describes, the programme spans performing arts, competitive sports, STEAM enrichment, and student leadership activities. The most distinctive element of student life at ISC-Khalifa City is the SABIS Student Life Organization (SLO) - a student-run body that is unique to the SABIS Network and has no direct equivalent in other school systems in Abu Dhabi. The SLO gives students genuine leadership responsibilities: elected Prefects and committee members plan and manage school events, coordinate community activities, and uphold the school's Honor Code. The 2024 ADEK report confirmed that through the SLO, students assume meaningful leadership roles, though inspectors noted that students are not yet proactive in initiating involvement in local community projects - an area the school has been asked to develop further. In performing arts, the school has dedicated music rooms and a ballet room, with student performances forming part of the school calendar. Sports provision is substantial for a school of this type: the campus includes two swimming pools, a large multipurpose air-conditioned sports hall, a gymnasium, outdoor courts, and a green football pitch. The school participates in competitive inter-school sports tournaments, with gallery evidence on the school's website showing SABIS Tournament participation. A Modular STEAM Robotics course - introduced for students aged 11 to 14 - combines robotics, STEAM concepts, and teamwork, reflecting the school's investment in technology-integrated learning beyond the standard curriculum. Regional and international experiences, including educational trips, are also offered to upper-phase students as part of the enrichment programme that ADEK acknowledged as a strength for older year groups. The school participates in national reading competitions including Spelling Bees and the Excel Arabic competition, and organises regular book fairs for parents and students. The interactive Kutubee Digital platform (2,000 books in Arabic, English, and French) supports reading enrichment beyond the classroom.
4
ECA Time Slots
During school, after school, weekend, and regional/international
SABIS Student Life OrganizationSTEAM Robotics ProgrammeTwo Swimming PoolsCompetitive Sports TournamentsKutubee Digital Reading

Pastoral Care & Well-being

The pastoral framework at ISC-Khalifa City is built primarily around the SABIS Student Life Organization (SLO) and the school's structured guidance system. The SLO Honor Code establishes clear expectations for student conduct and mutual respect, and the school's 2024 ADEK report confirmed that students demonstrate positive attitudes toward learning, respectful behaviour, and punctuality across all phases. Relationships between students and staff are described by inspectors as mutually respectful, and students' understanding of Islamic values and awareness of Emirati and global cultures is rated Good across all cycles. The school's guidance system is specifically highlighted by ADEK as a strength in the High Phase (Grades 9-12), where it effectively supports students in making informed decisions about further education and career pathways. This is a meaningful differentiator for families with older children: the structured university counselling embedded within the SABIS system means that Grade 11 and 12 students receive clear guidance on qualification choices (A Level versus AP/SAT), university applications, and career planning. Health and safety provision improved to Very Good in the 2024 inspection, with ADEK noting that checks to ensure safety and security are regular and thorough, and that systems for supervising transportation and managing behaviour are effective. However, care and support was rated only Acceptable across all phases - a notable weakness driven primarily by the school's current absence of identified students of determination and the lack of a full inclusion team. This is the most significant pastoral gap in the school's current provision and one that ADEK has explicitly recommended be addressed through the implementation of a full inclusion policy and team. Parents of children with additional learning needs should factor this limitation into their decision. ADEK also recommended reviewing supervision arrangements in corridors and breakout spaces during breaks to ensure that the behaviour of a small number of students does not disrupt the wider community.

“The teachers are always available to help, and the curriculum is designed to cater to different learning styles. The school's approach has genuinely built my child's confidence.”

— Grade 7 Parent(representative)

Campus & Facilities

ISC-Khalifa City occupies a spacious campus in Khalifa City, one of Abu Dhabi's most established residential communities on the western outskirts of the city. The school opened in 2006 and has been progressively developed to accommodate its large student population of over 3,300. The campus location in Khalifa City offers convenient access for families residing in Khalifa City A and B, Shakhbout City, Mohammed Bin Zayed City, and the surrounding western Abu Dhabi suburbs, making it a practical choice for families who prioritise commute time alongside academic quality. Facilities confirmed on the school's website and in ADEK inspection records include: four computer laboratories, dedicated Biology, Physics, and Chemistry science laboratories, an examination hall, an art room, a music room, a ballet room, a large library, and two cafeterias. The library holds approximately 9,000 books in total - just over 500 in Arabic and the remainder in English - and is staffed by a qualified librarian who supports both timetabled library lessons and self-reading sessions. The interactive Kutubee Digital platform supplements the physical library with 2,000 digital books across Arabic, English, and French. Outdoor facilities include outdoor courts, a green football pitch, shaded play areas, and car tracks for KG students. The school also operates a large multipurpose air-conditioned sports hall, a gymnasium, a ballet room, and two swimming pools - a facility set that is notably comprehensive for a mid-range fee school. Technology infrastructure includes the SABIS Digital Platform, which parents and students access for academic monitoring, homework, and communication. The SABIS AMS system operates across all classrooms, enabling real-time tracking of student progress. ADEK inspectors noted that teachers in Cycle 3 (high school) effectively use technology to manage learning and conduct research, though technology integration in the lower phases is less consistent. Science resources in the primary school were previously identified as limited, though the current inspection report notes improvement. The campus also includes a dedicated KG car track area, reflecting attention to early childhood physical development. No major planned expansions were publicly announced at the time of this review.
9,000
Books in School Library
English and Arabic; supplemented by Kutubee Digital (2,000 digital books)
2
Swimming Pools on Campus
Confirmed on school website
Two Swimming PoolsFour Computer LabsDedicated Science LabsAir-Conditioned Sports Hall9,000-Book LibrarySABIS Digital Platform

Teaching & Learning Quality

Teaching quality at ISC-Khalifa City improved from Good to Very Good in the 2024 ADEK Irtiqa inspection - a meaningful step forward that reflects genuine progress in classroom delivery. ADEK inspectors noted that teachers' subject knowledge and their understanding of how students learn best is more evident in lessons, with more interesting and challenging questioning and a greater variety of strategies employed to stimulate student engagement. Assessment is rated Very Good across all four phases, with teachers in Cycles 1 through 3 using assessment data effectively to inform classroom decisions, particularly in English-medium subjects. The school employs 166 teachers and 45 teaching assistants across its 3,306-student roll, giving a teacher-to-student ratio of approximately 1:20 when teaching assistants are included, though the teacher-only ratio sits at approximately 1:20 - a figure that, while not at the premium end of Abu Dhabi private schools, is workable within the structured SABIS system where lesson pacing is tightly controlled. Teacher nationalities are primarily Irish, Lebanese, and South African, reflecting the SABIS Network's international recruitment pipeline. A significant operational challenge flagged in the 2024 ADEK report is a 20% annual staff turnover rate. ADEK explicitly noted this as a challenge to maintaining high academic standards, particularly given the simultaneous influx of new students from other schools. Replacing approximately 33 teachers per year creates genuine continuity risks, and ADEK recommended that the school take active steps to improve staff retention and invest in training around student-driven learning approaches. Pedagogically, the SABIS model is structured and teacher-directed rather than inquiry-based. The SABIS Point System structures every lesson around single-concept teaching with frequent alternation between oral, individual, and group work - a method designed to keep all students engaged and to prevent passive learning. The SABIS online curriculum platform provides the primary instructional resource, and teachers are expected to follow it closely. ADEK noted that while this consistency is a strength, it can limit teachers' ability to adapt lessons spontaneously to the diverse needs of individual learners. Professional development is acknowledged as an area requiring enhancement, with ADEK recommending a greater focus on student-driven learning, differentiation, and the use of local resources in the school's CPD programme.
166
Teaching Staff
Plus 45 teaching assistants; 3,306 students on roll
20%
Annual Staff Turnover Rate
Flagged by ADEK 2024 as a challenge to consistency
Very Good
Teaching Quality Rating
ADEK Irtiqa 2024 - upgraded from Good in previous inspection

Leadership & Management

ISC-Khalifa City is led by Principal Abdul El Rahman Munir Shaer, who operates within the SABIS Network's distributed leadership model. The school is part of the global SABIS Network - a Lebanese-origin education group founded in 1886 that operates schools in 20 countries and educates approximately 70,000 students worldwide. Ownership and governance sit with the SABIS organisation, which provides the curriculum platform, assessment systems, and operational frameworks centrally, while school-level leadership manages day-to-day operations and local adaptation. The 2024 ADEK Irtiqa inspection rated the effectiveness of leadership as Very Good - an improvement from the previous inspection - with inspectors noting that leaders at all levels, inspired by an enthusiastic director, are committed to ensuring every student reaches their potential through the SABIS approach. Clear delegations and standard operating procedures ensure accountability, and the day-to-day running of the school is described as very smooth. School self-evaluation and improvement planning, however, were rated only Good, with ADEK noting that the school's recently completed Self-Evaluation Form (SEF) would benefit from clearer next steps under each standard and more evaluative language. A key leadership challenge identified in the 2024 report is the capacity of middle leaders. ADEK found that many middle leaders do not yet have secure knowledge of the UAE school inspection framework and how it aligns with best practice in teaching, learning, and assessment within the SABIS model, limiting their ability to provide clear guidance to their teaching teams. The school has acknowledged this gap and has committed to strengthening middle leadership capability as a priority. Parent and community engagement was rated Good, though ADEK recommended greater parental involvement in shaping school priorities, planning cultural events, and agreeing attendance improvement strategies. The school communicates with parents through the SABIS Digital Platform, which provides academic monitoring data, and via the admissions and interest form processes for prospective families.

ADEK Inspection Results (Irtiqa - Decoded)

The 2024 ADEK Irtiqa inspection - conducted 14-17 October 2024 - awarded ISC-Khalifa City an overall rating of Very Good, a significant improvement from its previous Good rating. This places the school in the second-highest tier of Abu Dhabi's inspection framework, ahead of the majority of private schools in the emirate. The upgrade reflects genuine, measurable progress across multiple performance standards, particularly in teaching quality, student achievement in mathematics and English-medium subjects, and leadership effectiveness. In terms of attainment versus progress, the picture is nuanced. Mathematics is the standout subject: attainment is outstanding in Cycle 3 and very good across all other phases, with progress rated very good throughout. English attainment is strong in KG and Cycle 3 but only good in Cycles 1 and 2, and progress in Cycle 2 has declined slightly from the previous inspection. Science shows a positive trajectory, with very good attainment in Cycles 2 and 3. Arabic-medium subjects present a more mixed picture: Arabic as a first language is very good in KG and Cycle 1 but only good in Cycles 2 and 3, and Islamic Education attainment is consistently good across all phases. The GL standardised test results reveal a specific concern: English attainment on the GL PTE was rated weak across all grades 3-9, even as progress scores were very good to outstanding in most grades - suggesting students are making good progress from their starting points but that absolute attainment levels in English remain below international benchmarks. On inclusion, the inspection found that care and support is rated only Acceptable across all phases. The school currently identifies no students of determination, which ADEK flagged as a significant gap. The absence of a full inclusion team and the insufficient challenge provided to gifted and talented students within lessons - particularly in KG and primary phases - are the most pressing areas for improvement. The school's enrichment programme for upper-phase students is acknowledged as a strength, but this does not compensate for the lack of systematic in-lesson differentiation across all phases.
Mathematics Excellence
Outstanding attainment in Cycle 3 and very good across all other phases. Students demonstrate better-than-expected progress relative to their starting points, with GL Progress Test results showing outstanding progress in grades 4, 6, 7, 8, and 9.
Teaching Quality Upgraded
Teaching for effective learning rated Very Good across all four phases - upgraded from Good in the previous inspection. Inspectors noted stronger subject knowledge, more challenging questioning, and greater variety in teaching strategies.
Strong Leadership Trajectory
Leadership effectiveness rated Very Good, with clear delegations and a smooth-running school operation. The school's guidance system in the High Phase is specifically praised for enabling informed further education and career decisions.
Inclusion & Student Differentiation

Care and support rated Acceptable across all phases. The school currently identifies no students of determination and lacks a full inclusion team. Gifted and talented students are insufficiently challenged within lessons, especially in KG and primary phases. ADEK recommends implementing a full inclusion policy and establishing a dedicated inclusion team.

Staff Retention & Middle Leadership Capacity

A 20% annual staff turnover rate and an influx of new students have challenged consistency, particularly in Arabic-medium subjects. Middle leaders lack secure knowledge of the UAE inspection framework. ADEK recommends active steps to improve retention, strengthen middle leadership training, and embed student-driven learning approaches in CPD.

Inspection History

2013-14
Acceptable
2021-22
Good
2024
Very Good

Fees & Value for Money

ISC-Khalifa City's 2025-26 school fees range from AED 23,420 at Pre-KG/KG level to AED 41,370 for Grade 12 - positioning the school firmly in Abu Dhabi's mid-range fee band. For context, the average annual fee across all year groups is approximately AED 30,000, making this one of the more accessible all-through SABIS schools in the capital. When compared to peer schools in Khalifa City and across Abu Dhabi's private school landscape, ISC-Khalifa City offers a Very Good ADEK-rated education at a fee point that is typically 40-60% lower than the emirate's premium British or IB schools, which commonly charge AED 60,000-95,000 per annum. Additional costs are transparent and regulated through ADEK's TAMM portal. Bus transport is a flat AED 5,500 per year across all year groups. Book fees range from AED 564 (Pre-KG) to AED 4,249 (Grade 12), reflecting the increasing complexity of curriculum materials at higher grades. Uniform costs are a consistent AED 305 across all year groups. Parents should budget for these additional costs on top of tuition: a Grade 12 student's all-in annual cost (tuition + bus + books + uniform) reaches approximately AED 51,424 - still well below the premium tier. The school's fees page on its website directs families to the official Tuition and Fees document for AY 2025-26, confirming that fee information is formally published and accessible. Payment terms and installment structures are managed through the school's accounting department, though specific installment splits are not publicly detailed on the website. Families are advised to contact the school directly to confirm payment schedules. No publicly advertised sibling discounts or scholarship programmes were confirmed from available sources at the time of this review, though families should enquire directly with the admissions team. On value for money, the editorial verdict is clear: for families seeking a structured, academically rigorous, internationally recognised pathway to university - with IGCSE, A Level, and AP/SAT options available - ISC-Khalifa City represents strong value at its price point. The Very Good ADEK rating, strong mathematics results, and established SABIS university placement track record justify the fees. The caveat is that families paying mid-range fees should be aware that inclusion support and gifted-and-talented provision within lessons are not yet at the level that the fee might imply.
AED 23,420 - AED 41,370
Annual Tuition Fees 2025-26
AED 30,000
Average Annual Fee (All Year Groups)
Year GroupsAnnual Fee
Pre-KG (N4)
23,420
KG1
23,420
KG2
23,420
Grade 1
26,260
Grade 2
26,260
Grade 3
27,030
Grade 4
27,030
Grade 5
27,830
Grade 6
29,080
Grade 7
31,920
Grade 8
33,960
Grade 9
35,210
Grade 10
36,600
Grade 11
40,820
Grade 12
41,370

Additional Costs

School Bus Transport5,500(annual)
Books - Pre-KG / KG1564(annual)
Books - KG2936(annual)
Books - Grade 11,342(annual)
Books - Grade 21,399(annual)
Books - Grade 31,873(annual)
Books - Grade 41,903(annual)
Books - Grade 51,830(annual)
Books - Grade 62,071(annual)
Books - Grade 72,495(annual)
Books - Grade 83,000(annual)
Books - Grade 93,011(annual)
Books - Grade 103,228(annual)
Books - Grade 112,802(annual)
Books - Grade 124,249(annual)
Uniform305(annual)

Discounts & Concessions

Sibling Discount

Scholarships & Bursaries

No publicly advertised scholarship or bursary programme confirmed from available sources. Families with exceptional academic need or merit should enquire directly with the admissions team.

The Final Verdict: Who Is This School For?

ISC-Khalifa City is, at its core, a school built for families who prioritise academic rigour, structured learning, and a clear university-preparation pathway - and who are prepared to embrace a system-driven approach to education rather than a highly individualised one. The SABIS model's greatest strength is its consistency: every student, in every grade, is tracked against clear learning objectives, and gaps are identified and addressed systematically. The 2024 ADEK Very Good rating confirms that this approach is producing real results, particularly in mathematics (outstanding at high school level) and in teaching quality across all phases. The school's mid-range fees - averaging AED 30,000 per year - make this level of academic rigour accessible to a wider range of Abu Dhabi families than many comparable schools. The dual qualification pathway (British IGCSE/A Level or American AP/SAT) provides genuine flexibility for university applications globally. The SLO student leadership structure, the two swimming pools, the air-conditioned sports hall, and the international accreditations from Middle States Association, Accreditation International, and NCPSA add further credibility to the school's offer. But parents must go in with clear eyes. The 20% staff turnover is a real concern for continuity. The care and support rating of Acceptable - driven by the absence of identified students of determination and an underdeveloped inclusion framework - means that children with additional learning needs are not well served by the current provision. Gifted and talented students, particularly in primary, are not consistently challenged within lessons. And the SABIS model's structured, teacher-directed pedagogy will feel restrictive to children who thrive in more creative, inquiry-led environments. This is a school where academic achievement is the primary currency, and families need to be honest with themselves about whether that aligns with their child's learning style and their own educational values.

THE “RIGHT FIT”

Academically motivated families - particularly those with a preference for structured, test-informed learning and a clear dual British/American university pathway - who want a Very Good ADEK-rated school at mid-range Abu Dhabi fees. Ideal for children who respond well to consistent routines, frequent assessment feedback, and a disciplined academic environment.

THE “WRONG FIT”

Families seeking a highly personalised, inquiry-led, or arts-centred education; children with identified additional learning needs or students of determination who require formal inclusion support; and gifted students who need significant in-lesson differentiation and extension beyond the standard SABIS curriculum.

“

ISC-Khalifa City has been a true blessing. The teachers are incredibly supportive and passionate about their subjects, making learning engaging and enjoyable. The diverse range of activities has helped my child grow in ways I didn't anticipate.

— Grade 10 Parent

Strengths

  • ADEK Very Good rating in 2024 - upgraded from Good, a meaningful trajectory
  • Outstanding mathematics attainment at high school (Cycle 3) level
  • Dual qualification pathway: IGCSE/A Level and AP/SAT for global university entry
  • Mid-range fees (AED 23,420-41,370) for a Very Good ADEK-rated all-through school
  • SABIS AMS provides real-time academic monitoring and gap-closing for every student
  • Strong campus facilities including two swimming pools and air-conditioned sports hall
  • International accreditations: Middle States Association, Accreditation International, NCPSA
  • SABIS SLO provides genuine student leadership opportunities across all phases

Areas for Improvement

  • Care and support rated only Acceptable - no identified students of determination and no full inclusion team
  • 20% annual staff turnover creates continuity risks, especially in Arabic-medium subjects
  • GL standardised English attainment rated weak across grades 3-9 despite strong progress scores
  • Curriculum adaptation rated Good - gifted and talented students insufficiently challenged within lessons
  • SABIS model is highly structured and teacher-directed - not suited to children who thrive in inquiry-led environments