Enrolling your child in their first school can be a daunting task, especially in the United Arab Emirates, where the educational system and procedures may be different from what you’re accustomed to.
Aside from dealing with the challenges of finding a school your little one will love, you must also learn about and navigate the registration process. Both of these can take a lot of time and effort.
Finding the right school in Dubai can make the entire process easier and less stressful for you and your child.
When you choose the best school for your little one, you can experience a straightforward and trouble-free registration process.
For instance, GEMS Education, the leading international school in the UAE, allows parents to enroll their children online.
This online enrolment option GEMS Wellington Academy Al Khail and other GEMS schools offer allows you to register your child using your computer or mobile device without visiting their office physically.
With this option, you can start your child’s registration process even if you’re not in Dubai yet. And even if you are already in the city, you can still do this at home or your office before visiting the school.
For your children, selecting the right school can give them the motivation they need to perform well academically. It will also help them grow and develop socially, emotionally, and mentally.
Due to these reasons, focus on finding the right school for your child to ensure a smooth enrolment process and a good foundation for their educational and personal development.
A Guide for Enrolling Your Child in a Dubai School
To help you navigate the process of enrolling your child in their first school in Dubai, follow these tips:
1. Familiarise yourself with the UAE educational system
All nations have educational systems, and the UAE is likely different from your home country.
To reduce your confusion and worries about finding a good school for your child, familiarise yourself with the UAE educational system.
In the UAE, schools are divided into two primary categories: public and private.
The public schools are government-funded, and their curriculum supports the country’s development goals and values. Arabic is the medium of instruction, but English is also taught as a second language.
Public school education is free for UAE citizens.
Private schools in the UAE are internationally accredited and provide different curricula, including American, Australian, British, Indian, and International Baccalaureate or IB.
Education at primary and secondary levels is compulsory for all children until they reach the ninth grade.
Children aged four to five attend kindergarten, while those six to 11 are enrolled in a primary school.
Students between 12 and 14 must attend preparatory school, while those aged 15 to 17 are enrolled in a secondary school.
When you know something about the UAE’s educational system, you can decide which school to enrol your child in.
2. Know the enrollment requirements.
Enrolling your child in any school in Dubai entails submitting several requirements.
These may include copies of your child’s passport, UAE visa, birth certificate, vaccination records, and previous school reports or transcripts.
You can find a list of these requirements on the school’s website.
Make sure you know and have all these documents ready before formally registering your child or leaving for Dubai if you are relocating here from another country.
When you don’t have these requirements ready for submission, your little one’s formal enrolment and start of school might be delayed.
Additionally, find out beforehand if your child has to undergo an assessment test and interview for admission. Schedule them as soon as possible and help your little one prepare for them if these are required.
3. Start your preparations early
Be sure to begin your search for and the enrollment process for your child before the last minute.
Most schools have limited slots and may have waiting lists, so start the process as early as possible.
The earlier you start researching the schools in Dubai, the more time you’ll have to gather all the required documents and make any necessary arrangements.
And this will ensure your child won’t face any delays once school starts.
4. Visit your shortlisted schools
A campus tour is the best way to see the school’s facilities, resources, and services. Moreover, it will give you an idea if it is a good fit for your child and if they will like studying there.
If the schools provide a campus tour, request one so you and your little one can assess them better and make the right decision.
During the tour, check all the facilities and areas you can see. These should include the classrooms, library, canteen, gym and play area.
If classes are already in session, find out if your child can stay inside their potential classrooms for a few minutes so that they can have an idea of a typical day in school.
During the tour, talk with the teachers and students to assess the staff’s professionalism and the atmosphere your child will be immersed in. Encourage your little one to speak with them as well.
After your visit, ask your child what they think about the school and if they feel comfortable studying there.
Consider your child’s feelings and opinions if you’re still choosing a school for them.
5. Prepare for the fees
Once you and your child have chosen a school and they pass the assessment requirements, prepare for the fees, usually stated on the acceptance letter you will receive.
You can confirm and reserve your child’s spot in the school by paying these fees.
Your child’s acceptance letter will also state the deadline for paying these fees, which you must note.
Your little one can lose their place in the school if these are not paid for on time.
Once you have paid the fees and submitted all the requirements, your child will be formally enrolled and can begin their studies.
When you follow these tips, you can make the enrollment process less stressful for both you and your child. And this can pave the way for a smooth start in their educational journey.
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