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Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle School, High School
Introduction
Sharjah American International School Umm Al Quwain provides an American curriculum aligned with California State Standards from Kindergarten through Grade 12. The campus features dedicated science laboratories, information technology labs, art rooms, an outdoor sports field, and an on-site medical clinic. Students are prepared for high school graduation with options to take standardized assessments including MAP (Measures of Academic Progress), SAT, and TOEFL. The school emphasizes English language instruction alongside the mandatory United Arab Emirates Ministry of Education curricula for Arabic Language, Islamic Studies, and Moral Education. A distinctive offering at this campus is its structured college guidance framework, which systematically assists high school students in selecting and applying to regional and international higher education institutions. The school provides daily bus transportation across Umm Al Quwain and neighboring emirates to accommodate commuting families. Additionally, the school hosts annual events such as International Day and Science Fairs to foster peer collaboration.
UAQ - Salama 2, P.O. Box 1202, Umm Al Quwain, United Arab Emirates
The Essentials
Sharjah American International School Umm Al Quwain has 1,500 pupils, typical class sizes of 22, instruction in English, Arabic.
Location
The school is located in Umm Al Quwain, United Arab Emirates, at UAQ - Salama 2 I P.O. Box 1202. It is part of the Sharjah American International School group with campuses in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Umm Al Quwain. The school is a private international school.
Stages
Kindergarten; Elementary School; Middle School; High School.
Type
Private international school
Additional learning support
A comprehensive learning support program targets literacy and numeracy, with progress monitored and increasingly intensive multi‑tiered interventions; learning support teachers focus on the social, emotional, and academic well‑being of students and tailor instruction to individual needs.
Country affiliation
United Arab Emirates
School day structure
School day begins at 8:00 with an eight‑period timetable; the schedule ends around 2:10, depending on grade level.
Bus service
The school operates a number of buses with door-to-door service, in the morning and afternoon; buses are used for excursions and sports events; bus places must be prepaid and arranged through the school office; riders follow the same school rules while on the bus.
Fees
Annual tuition at Sharjah American International School Umm Al Quwain ranges from AED 17,545 to AED 32,285 for 2026/27.
Application / Registration fees
- A registration/admissions fee is charged at the time of joining; this registration fee is deducted from the tuition fees and is non‑refundable and non‑transferable.
Annual tuition, books, uniform and total (per grade) — 2025–2026 published schedule
Per‑term example (3 equal instalments) — computed from published annual figures
- The following per‑term amounts are the published annual figures divided into three equal instalments (presented as an example of a 3‑instalment plan). Actual per‑term billing and due dates follow the school's payment plan and may differ.
- KG1 / KG2: Tuition per term AED 5,390; Total (including books & uniform) per term AED 5,848. - Grade 1–3: Tuition per term AED 6,160; Total per term AED 6,930. - Grade 4–6: Tuition per term AED 6,930; Total per term — Grade 4/5 AED 7,773; Grade 6 AED 7,847. - Grade 7–9: Tuition per term AED 8,085; Total per term AED 9,148. - Grade 10–12: Tuition per term AED 9,625; Total per term AED 10,762.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- All tuition fees must be settled on or before the due date as defined by the school's payment plan. Early payment discount is applied for full payment before the start of Term One. Post‑dated cheques (PDCs) are accepted for instalment plans; PDC amounts are not debited until the cheque is credited into the school's bank account. A dishonoured cheque will incur a AED 500 charge. The registration fee is deducted from tuition on joining and is non‑refundable.
- Refunds on withdrawal follow the published Ministry‑aligned rules: parents/guardians must notify the school 30 days in advance and submit a refund request. If withdrawal occurs prior to the academic year start, the balance of the first term fee paid will be refunded (registration and admissions fees remain non‑refundable). If withdrawal happens during a term, the school applies specific charges depending on the length of attendance in that term (examples include charging one month's fee if attendance was two weeks or less in the term). The school states the value of one month's fee should be estimated by the value of the total school fees for ten months.
Transportation (optional) — annual charges
- Salama / Ramla: Two‑way AED 3,000; One‑way AED 2,000. - Umm Al Quwain City (clock round / fish round / King Faysal / Malah / Al Ras / Carrefour / Al Shabia / Algadeeda / Al Hamra): Two‑way AED 3,000; One‑way AED 2,000. - Al Hamria / Al Dalaj / Al Rafaa: Two‑way AED 3,500; One‑way AED 2,250. - Ajman routes: Two‑way AED 3,500; One‑way AED 2,250. - Sharjah routes: Two‑way AED 4,000; One‑way AED 2,500.
Boarding
- The campus operates as a day school and no boarding facility or boarding fees are listed. Transport is provided as an optional paid service.
Other costs and incidental charges
- Book fees and uniform costs are published per grade and shown in the annual fee schedule (listed above). Damage to school property caused by a student will be billed to the parent/guardian. Returned cheques and other bank charges are applied as described in the payment terms. Additional incidental charges (examination fees, activity fees, medical fees, or other sundry charges) may apply though not all are itemised in the published fee table.
Refunds and withdrawal charges (summary)
- Registration/admissions fees: non‑refundable and non‑transferable. - Withdrawal prior to academic year start: balance of the first term fee paid refundable (registration/admissions fees retained). - Withdrawal during a term: charges depend on attendance in that term (the school applies a graded scale—examples include retaining one month's fee for very short attendance and charging the full term if attendance exceeds one month). One‑month fee is to be estimated by the total school fees for ten months.
Fee payment options (published)
- Post‑dated cheques (PDCs) are accepted for instalments and are processed when credited to the school's account; dishonoured cheques incur AED 500. Early full payment prior to Term One attracts a discount. No specific published listing of credit‑card or bank‑transfer details is provided on the published fee schedule; enquiries for alternative payment channels are handled through the school's accounts/admissions contacts.
Administrative contact for fee matters
- For admissions and fee queries the school lists the UAQ campus contact: saisq@saisuaq.com and +971 6 766 5553.
(Notes: annual figures above are taken from the school's published 2025–2026 fee schedule. The per‑term figures shown are computed examples dividing annual figures into three equal instalments for reference; actual instalment amounts and due dates follow the school's payment plan.)
Academics
Sharjah American International School Umm Al Quwain teaches American Curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.
Curriculum
The school provides an English- and Arabic-language curriculum across the Kindergarten, Elementary School, Middle School, and High School. The Kindergarten curriculum solidifies literacy and numeracy in both English and Arabic, with science and mathematics, and uses technology such as Interactive Boards and iPads; learning is guided by imaginative, guided play to develop cognitive, social, emotional, and physical skills. The Elementary School focuses on the fundamentals of reading, writing, math, and science, and uses interactive learning and technology to foster curiosity and self-directed learning. The Middle School covers all subject requirements of the Ministry of Education with additional enrichments, and offers a broad program including academic, athletic, community service and other extracurricular activities, with technology and varied teaching strategies. The High School provides a challenging, well-rounded academic core with a personalized approach and individualized college counselling to help students plan their futures.
Higher Education Progression
The school offers individualized college counselling sessions with students and their parents to help each student choose the best university that meets his or her interests and needs, facilitating a smooth transition to higher education.
Wellbeing
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Learning support teachers are specialists in the well-being of children on a social, emotional, and academic level, and they provide high-quality instruction and interventions tailored to reflect students' individual interests, styles, and needs. The program addresses the well-being of students through a comprehensive learning support program that targets literacy and numeracy and uses increasingly intensive multi-tiered interventions.
Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The SAIS UAQ learning support program targets literacy and numeracy, monitors students' progress, and provides increasingly intensive multi-tiered interventions for students identified as at-risk or requiring special attention.
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The school has an English as an Additional Language (EAL) program and support lessons.
Mental Wellbeing
Learning support teachers are specialists in the well-being of children on a social, emotional, and academic level.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding Policy exists as part of the SAIS UAQ Students and Parents Handbook AY 2021-22.
Admissions
Admissions
1. Start the admission process with an online application via the Apply Online portal. The Admission Process page provides a link labeled Apply Online for submissions.
2. Submit the documents listed on the page: six recent colored passport-size photographs; a copy of birth certificate; a copy of vaccination card; a copy of Family Book (UAE nationals only); a copy of student's and father's passports with valid residence visa; a copy of student's and father's Emirates IDs; the original Emirates ID is required for KG students and first graders who have never joined government or private kindergarten; the original Continuous Studying Certificate for the current year with SIS number; the original Transfer Certificate from the previous school attested by the Ministry of Education; a copy of the report card; a certificate of Good Conduct for boys from Grade 6 to Grade 11; and if the student is transferring from a school located outside the UAE, the report card and transfer certificate should be attested by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the country.
3.
FAQs
Where is Sharjah American International School Umm Al Quwain located and what age range does it serve?
The UAQ campus is in Umm Al Quwain, UAQ - Salama 2, P.O. Box 1202. It serves students aged 3 to 18, covering Kindergarten through High School.
What curriculum does SAIS UAQ offer and is it bilingual?
SAIS UAQ provides an English- and Arabic-language curriculum across all sections. Kindergarten is bilingual in English and Arabic, with the Elementary, Middle, and High Schools following an English- and Arabic-language framework and technology-enabled learning.
What type of school is SAIS UAQ and who is the head of the school?
SAIS UAQ is a private, co-educational international school. The Head of School is Carole Sarkis Abboud.
What are the annual tuition and total costs by grade for 2025–2026?
The published schedule lists total annual costs per grade, for example KG1 and KG2 total AED 17,545; Grades 1–3 total AED 20,790; Grades 4–6 total AED 23,320 to 23,540; Grades 7–9 total AED 27,445; and Grades 10–12 total AED 32,285. These totals include tuition, books and uniform.
How does the admissions process work and what documents are required?
Admissions begin with an online application. Required documents typically include passport photos, birth certificate, vaccination card, residence-related IDs, transfer certificate, report card, and any country-specific attestations as requested. For assistance, contact saisq@saisuaq.com or +971 6 766 5553.
Are there any discounts or special payment terms for fees?
Yes, there is an early payment discount for full payment before Term One. Fees can be paid via instalments using post-dated cheques, with a AED 500 charge for dishonoured cheques; registration/admissions fees are non-refundable.
What curriculum details are highlighted for different grade levels?
Kindergarten uses a bilingual English–Arabic approach with literacy, numeracy, science and math and tech tools; Elementary focuses on core subjects with interactive learning; Middle School follows Ministry of Education requirements with enrichments; High School offers a personalized core with college counselling.
Does SAIS UAQ offer college counselling?
Yes. The school provides individualized college counselling sessions to help students and their families plan for higher education and choose suitable universities.
Are there published exam results or information about class sizes?
Exam results and specific student–teacher ratios are not provided in the available data, but the school emphasizes individualized guidance and a broad program across grades.
What facilities and technology are available on campus?
All classrooms have Interactive Boards; students in K–Grade 5 use iPads and laptops; learning is supported by e-books and FrogOS, with distance learning via Microsoft Teams for remedial work and other activities.
What sports facilities and after-school activities does SAIS UAQ offer?
The campus includes a gymnasium used for PE and events. After school, the PE department runs Soccer, Basketball, Swimming and Gymnastics, and there are clubs such as Chess, Photography, Speech, Robotics and Quran Club.
What resources exist for distance learning and library access?
Distance learning is supported through Microsoft Teams, and library sessions are conducted in classrooms with access to e-books.
What after-school clubs can students join?
Students can join Chess Club, Photography Club, Speech Club, Robotics Club and Quran Club, along with after-school sports programs.
Are there leadership opportunities for students at SAIS UAQ?
Yes. The SAIS UAQ Student Council coordinates activities and provides a forum for student concerns and leadership, while clubs foster teamwork and initiative.
What wellbeing and support services are available for students?
The school runs a comprehensive learning support program focused on literacy and numeracy, with social-emotional interventions. There is also an English as an Additional Language (EAL) program and safeguarding measures.
What is the uniform policy at SAIS UAQ?
A full school uniform is required, with rules on jewelry (plain stud earrings for girls), makeup, and hair. If an item is missing, a note from parents is required.
What are the food policies and canteen arrangements?
Students are encouraged to bring food from home. The canteen distributes food in classes, and sharing is not allowed.
How is SAIS UAQ governed and who owns it?
SAIS UAQ is part of the Sharjah American International School group, owned by two directors, Dr. Fawaz and Dr. Aisha. Each campus has a Senior Management Committee member, and the schools are affiliated with the UAE Ministry of Education.
Which languages are taught and how is bilingualism implemented?
English and Arabic are taught across the school. Kindergarten is bilingual, and there is an Arabic Language Department alongside the English Department.
Is there an Arabic language department at SAIS UAQ?
Yes, SAIS UAQ has an Arabic Language Department that oversees Arabic instruction.
