Moving to Dubai with children almost always raises one fundamental question: which school to choose. For families from the Czech Republic and Slovakia, the Dubai school system might seem unclear at first glance, but upon closer inspection offers a very wide range of quality international education options – often with better language support than parents from Europe are used to.

Dubai is now home to hundreds of nationalities, and the educational system reflects this. The vast majority of children attend private international schools, as public schools are primarily intended for local residents and the teaching there is conducted in Arabic. For expats, this means instruction in English, a multicultural environment, and a wide choice of educational systems.

How the school system works in Dubai

The school year in Dubai usually starts in late August or early September and ends in June. Parents can choose between several main educational directions – most commonly British, American, or International Baccalaureate (IB).

For Czech and Slovak families, the British system has long been the most popular, as it is structured, comprehensible, and allows for a relatively smooth return to Europe. The American system is more flexible and project-oriented, while IB is of very high quality but academically more demanding, suitable for children with a strong language foundation.

Schools in Dubai are regulated by the KHDA (Knowledge and Human Development Authority), which regularly evaluates and monitors their standards. Despite this, quality, approach, and atmosphere can significantly vary between schools.

What if the child doesn't speak English yet?

One of the most common concerns for parents from the Czech Republic and Slovakia is the language. However, this is where Dubai pleasantly surprises many families.

A large part of international schools offers special programs for children who do not yet speak English, known as EAL / ESL / ELL (English as an Additional / Second Language). These programs are not exceptions but a common part of instruction – especially in lower grades.

Children receive:

• individual or small group English lessons,

• support directly during regular classes,

• gradual integration into the full curriculum without unnecessary stress.

Parents have had good experiences with language support at schools like Arcadia British School, as well as at Kent College Dubai, South View School Dubai, GEMS Metropole School Dubai, or Dunecrest American School.

For younger children, adaptation is usually very quick – often a matter of a few months.

When to start looking for a school

One of the most important recommendations for expats is to start handling the school matter early. Ideally, 9–12 months before the planned start, especially if you are targeting more sought-after schools.

Many schools have:

• limited places in individual grades,

• waiting lists,

• entrance tests in English and math.

The older the child, the narrower the choice tends to be. A proven strategy is to apply to several schools simultaneously and decide based on specific offers.

How much do schools in Dubai cost

Tuition is one of the biggest family expenses in Dubai, and the differences between schools are significant. For younger children, annual amounts usually range around 20,000–40,000 AED, at primary school more towards 40,000–80,000 AED, and for higher grades, it is not uncommon for 60,000–100,000 AED or more – especially at more prestigious British or IB schools.

Many expats benefit from tuition being part of their employment package. Even so, it's worth planning ahead and remembering that tuition usually increases with higher grades.

What parents often underestimate

Experience shows that parents usually calculate tuition but think less about "side" expenses. For instance, a school bus can easily cost several thousand dirhams a year – and if you live further away, you often have no other realistic option. Likewise, extracurricular activities, which are very common in Dubai (sports, music, drama, STEM clubs), are usually paid separately.

Another thing that surprises is the gradual increase in tuition fees in higher grades. What seems manageable today for a six-year-old may significantly rise in a few years.

And one important note: a higher price does not automatically mean a better environment for your child. Sometimes a smaller, less "branded" school is much more personal, and the child feels more secure there. Therefore, it's worth looking beyond numbers and combining budget, school atmosphere, and the real needs of your child.

How to choose a school practically

The experiences of Czech and Slovak families show that when choosing a school in Dubai, it's important to look not only at the academic level but also at the location and everyday logistics. Commuting can be time-consuming, and the school often influences where the family will live.

Summary

Choosing a school in Dubai is one of the biggest decisions you will make as parents after relocation. There are many options, and at first glance, it can seem overwhelming. The good news is that the quality of education here is really high, and language support for children catching up with English works very well.

However, the crucial thing is this: always visit the school in person. Photos on the website and brochures look beautiful, but you will only truly understand the atmosphere in person. How does the reception treat you? How do teachers communicate with children? What are the students like during breaks? These are details no catalog can replace. A personal visit (open day or individual tour) should be a necessity, not a formality.

Start addressing your choice in advance, prepare for different price levels, and don't hesitate to ask other parents. The Dubai school system can be a tremendous opportunity for children – linguistically, personally, and for the future. The key is to choose a school where your child will feel good. And you'll only find out when you actually go there.