10 Questions to Ask Before Enrolling Your Child in a UAE School
The ten questions every parent should ask a UAE school before enrolling — covering fees, class sizes, support, staff turnover and the things tours skip.
The tour was lovely. The reception was spotless, the marketing video was slick, and the admissions officer was charming. You left feeling positive — and realised later you had not asked a single hard question.
School tours are designed to impress. These ten questions help you see past the polish.
1. What are the all-in costs for the year?
Tuition is the headline. Ask about registration, deposits, capital fees, transport, uniform, books and trips. The real annual figure is often well above the advertised tuition — use our school fee calculator and read international school fees in the UAE to benchmark before you visit.
2. What is the current class size — not the maximum?
Schools quote a cap. Ask what classes actually look like today in your child's year group. The gap can be significant.
3. What is staff turnover like?
High teacher churn disrupts learning and signals deeper problems. Ask how many teachers left last year and why.
4. How do you support children who need extra help — or extra challenge?
Whether your child needs learning support, English-as-an-additional-language help, or stretching, ask exactly how it works and whether it costs more.
5. What is the waiting list situation for my child's year?
Some year groups are full with long lists; others have space. Knowing this shapes how fast you need to move — browse UAE schools by area to see what is available near you.
6. What curriculum and qualifications do you offer at the top end?
Even if your child is young, check the school's exam pathway — IGCSE, A Level, IB or AP — so you are not forced to switch systems later. Compare British, American and IB routes in our curriculum guides, or read choosing a curriculum in the GCC.
7. What are your most recent inspection results — and from when?
Ask for the latest KHDA, ADEK or SPEA rating and the year of the inspection. With routine inspections paused in Dubai, many ratings predate 2025 — see KHDA ratings explained for how to read them.
8. How do you communicate with parents?
Daily app updates, regular reports, open-door policies — or radio silence? This shapes your day-to-day experience for years.
9. What does a typical day look like for a child in this year group?
Beyond academics: break times, outdoor play, lunch, specialist subjects. Ask to see it, not just hear it.
10. Can I speak to current parents?
A confident school will connect you with families. Hesitation here is worth noticing.
Bonus: trust what you observe
Watch how staff speak to children in the corridors when they think no one important is looking. That tells you more than any brochure.
Your next step
Build your shortlist on SchoolFinder, where verified fee bands and contact details are in one place — so you walk into every tour already knowing the basics. Add two or three options to Compare before you book visits. Heading into the process for the first time? Pair this with our guide on KHDA ratings explained.
Fees, class sizes and availability change. Confirm current details directly with the school before enrolling.