United Private School - Yahar

UPS Yahar follows the California State Standards as its primary academic framework, underpinned by the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for English and Mathematics and the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) for Science. For Arabic, Islamic Studies, and UAE Social Studies, the school implements the UAE Ministry of Education (MoE) curriculum, a dual-framework approach that is well suited to its predominantly Emirati student population. The curriculum is described by the school as skills-based and content-rich, with cross-curricular planning required of all teachers - every educator must prepare at least one integrated lesson linking two or more subject areas per cycle. In terms of teaching methodology, UPS Yahar employs a range of student-centred strategies including Flipped Learning, WebQuest and ICT-based tasks, Kagan cooperative structures, and the 5Es inquiry model. Fun-based learning is embedded in KG, while older students engage in project-based approaches in Mathematics and Science. The school's assessment framework includes formative and summative assessments across three terms, with summative assessments at the end of Terms 1 and 3. Students in Grades 3-9 participate in the NWEA MAP assessments in English Reading, Language Use, Mathematics, and Science, providing an international benchmark. The ADEK 2025 Irtiqa inspection provides the most candid picture of academic performance. In Arabic-medium subjects, attainment is broadly Good across most phases, with Islamic Education and Arabic as a First Language performing at or above MoE standards for the majority of students. However, English-medium subjects - English, Mathematics, and Science - are rated Acceptable across Cycles 2, 3, and 4, with only KG/Cycle 1 achieving Good. MAP spring 2025 results reveal that attainment in English reading and language use was Weak across phases 2, 3, and 4, as was Mathematics attainment across all phases. Science attainment was Very Good in Phases 2 and 4 but Weak in Phase 3. The silver lining is progress: MAP progress ratings were Outstanding in multiple phases for English, Mathematics, and Science, indicating that students are growing rapidly from their starting points even if absolute attainment remains below international norms. For Grade 12, students sit EmSAT for UAE university admission and are prepared for SAT and IELTS for international pathways, enabling access to the American High School Diploma. PISA 2022 results showed scores of 396 in Reading, 432 in Mathematics, and 421 in Science - all below international averages - while TIMSS 2023 Grade 4 Mathematics scored 422 against an international average of 503. These results are a candid reflection of the gap between internal attainment data and international benchmarks, and the school has developed a structured improvement plan in response. SEN provision covers 28 identified students of determination; however, ADEK inspectors noted that support for gifted and talented students and English language learners requires strengthening. There is no published university destinations data.