History Collegiate American School (CAS) was established with the vision of providing a high-quality American education in Dubai. The school aims to nurture students into becoming global citizens through a rigorous academic program and an extensive range of extracurricular activities. CAS is renowned for its commitment to academic excellence and fostering a diverse and inclusive learning environment.

Location CAS is located in the well-connected area of Umm Suqeim 2, Dubai. This location offers easy access to various parts of the city, making it convenient for families residing in different neighborhoods.

Curriculum CAS follows an American curriculum designed to provide students with a comprehensive educational experience that prepares them for higher education and global citizenship. Key aspects of the curriculum include:

• Core Subjects: English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies.
• Specialized Programs: STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics), Advanced Placement (AP) courses, and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme.
• Language Programs: Arabic (as a first and second language), French, and Spanish.
• Arts and Physical Education: Emphasis on arts, music, drama, and physical education to ensure holistic development.

Class Details

• Grade Levels: CAS offers education from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12.
• Class Sizes: The school maintains small class sizes to ensure personalized attention and a supportive learning environment.
• Student-Teacher Ratio: An optimal student-teacher ratio is maintained to facilitate effective teaching and learning.

Specialty CAS is renowned for several distinctive features:

• Diverse Community: Hosting students from over 60 nationalities, fostering a rich cultural exchange and global perspective.
• Extracurricular Activities: A wide range of activities, including sports, arts, music, drama, and various clubs, encouraging students to explore their interests and talents.
• Modern Facilities: State-of-the-art facilities, including science and computer labs, art and music studios, sports facilities, and outdoor play areas.
• Qualified Staff: Highly experienced and certified teaching staff, primarily from the United States, committed to providing a high standard of education and continuous professional development.
• Focus on Holistic Development: Emphasis on academic excellence as well as the personal and social development of students through various initiatives and programs.

Facilities

1. Classrooms

   • Modern and well-equipped with the latest educational technology to enhance interactive learning experiences.

2. Science and Computer Labs

   • State-of-the-art science labs designed for hands-on experiments and research.
   • Advanced computer labs with updated software and hardware to support coding, digital literacy, and various technology-based projects.

3. Library

   • A comprehensive library with a vast collection of books, digital resources, and study areas to foster a love for reading and research.

4. Art and Music Studios

   • Specialized studios for visual arts, music, and drama, encouraging creative expression and artistic development.

5. Sports Facilities

   • Includes a swimming pool, gymnasium, outdoor sports fields, and courts for basketball, soccer, tennis, and other sports activities.

6. Play Areas

   • Safe and stimulating outdoor play areas for younger children to support physical activity and social interaction.

7. Cafeteria

   • Offers nutritious meals and snacks, promoting healthy eating habits among students.

8. Medical Facilities

   • An on-campus clinic with qualified medical staff to ensure the health and well-being of students.

Way of Teaching

1. Student-Centered Learning

   • Focuses on the individual needs and learning styles of each student, encouraging active participation and engagement.

2. Inquiry-Based Approach

   • Encourages students to ask questions, explore, and investigate topics of interest, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

3. Collaborative Learning

   • Promotes group work and collaboration among students, helping them develop teamwork and communication skills.

4. Project-Based Learning (PBL)

   • Integrates multiple subjects, applying knowledge to real-world scenarios and developing practical skills.

5. Differentiated Instruction

   • Tailors teaching methods and materials to accommodate diverse abilities and learning paces, ensuring all students can achieve their full potential.

6. Technology Integration

   • Utilizes modern educational technologies, including interactive whiteboards, tablets, and educational software, to enhance the learning experience.

7. Holistic Development

   • Emphasizes not only academic excellence but also personal, social, and emotional development through various programs and activities.

8. Qualified and Experienced Educators

   • Teaching staff are highly qualified, often with advanced degrees and extensive teaching experience. They are committed to ongoing professional development to stay updated with the latest educational practices.

9. Continuous Assessment

   • Regular assessments and feedback to monitor student progress, identify areas for improvement, and provide necessary support.

At Collegiate International School (CIS), we value a holistic, rigorous, and international approach to learning. This encompasses constructing understanding by developing and applying knowledge, skills, and approaches. Our educational philosophy integrates:

• International Mindedness: Applying learning to local, regional, and global contexts.
• Inquiry-Based Approaches: Extending and applying learning through questioning and exploration.
• Broad, Balanced, Conceptual, and Connected Curriculum: Ensuring a comprehensive and interconnected educational experience.
• Collaboration, Communication, and Teamwork: Promoting skills essential for the modern world.

Curriculum and Educational Pathways

CIS is an American International School that maps its curriculum to the New York State Standards while incorporating best practices from international education systems.

• Pre-K to Grade 5: Students benefit from the holistic, inquiry-based approaches of the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), focusing on the concept-based standards of New York State.
• Grades 6 – 10: Education continues to align with New York State Standards, progressing to the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP). Students in Grades 9 and 10 begin the US High School Diploma with available electives and honors courses.
• Grades 11 – 12: Students have various program choices:
  • Completion of the US High School Diploma.
  • Addition of Advanced Placement (AP) and/or IB Courses to enhance university entrance competitiveness.
  • Full IB Diploma Programme, fulfilling the requirements of the US High School Diploma.
  • IB Career-related Programme for specific career pathways.

Throughout their educational journey, students receive guidance on pathways and course choices from dedicated Careers and College Counsellors.