Dubai International Academy – Emirates Hills, Dubai | Fees, Address, Admission, Vacancies, Reviews & More

We came today to enroll our three children and get information. The admissions lady at the school reception was very unpleasant, offhand, and disrespectful, which gave us a very bad image of the school. If you don’t like your job, leave; you scare people away.

This school has poor traffic management, causing traffic congestion around its campus every morning. They allow people to drop off their children on the street, leaving their hazard lights flashing while blocking other motorists.

I selected the school carefully, and DIA definitely got a few extra points.

1. DIA Emirates Hills – definitely a great location (there are a few tricks for parking and some ways to avoid traffic… one time I waited 45 minutes for pickup, and my motivation to find a faster route was very high).
2. Parent recommendations. I look at the curriculum and what schools offer, but the best way to know what you’re signing up for is to ask parents who currently attend the school.
3. For KG 2 – this year they have Math, Arabic, and Science. They also have PE and swimming classes (I really hope my child will finally learn how to swim).
4. Mother tongue – Italian. That’s definitely not easy to find.
5. Price point – this school doesn’t change prices based on popularity or trends. Some schools do; out of nowhere, you get your fees increased.

I took a picture of their arts & crafts – it really looks cool.

@Maya, we too have experienced the same unprofessional behavior from the administrative employee. She was impatient, which some might consider rude. Such behavior made us rethink our decision, especially since Dubai is full of options.

Before you decide to go to this school, please read my review.

I am sorry to have to write this review. I am a former student, and I am extremely happy to say, *former* student. This school genuinely has no regard for its students. There were very few teachers who were genuinely nice and helpful. Every teacher makes you behave like a god in front of the KHDA. I only had one teacher who told us to be ourselves. I understand that money drives society, but money should not allow teachers to scream at students enough to make them cry (and yes, I have seen it happen more than once). I was at this school for seven years; I’ve seen it all. The teachers make you feel dumb if you get something wrong; they don’t make you feel good if you get something right. If you correct a teacher because they made a mistake, they make you feel guilty. They say they care, they say they will help you if you ask, but they just want to get it over with. They are there for the money.

Since then, I have moved to a different IB school in a different country. It treats me with respect; it makes me feel like a part of the school, not like trash they can throw out at any minute.

Our son attended this school for two years when he was seven and eight years old. He absolutely loved the teachers, and any problems were attended to in a collaborative way by the teachers and the principal. Amazing expat community.

It’s alright, there are better schools like DESC and JESS. While the pictures and reviews are appealing, we encountered rats and cockroaches at the school, which raises concerns about hygiene. My personal experience with a particular teacher was concerning enough to warrant leaving the premises for my safety. Feel free to email me for further information.