Framework for the Future
The American School of Dubai is an independent, not-for-profit, US curriculum, PreK-12 international school pursuing its mission to provide the highest quality education and preparing its students to be future-ready. Being not for profit enables ASD to focus solely on providing the best education possible to students, and all tuition and fees fund the cost of education.
The not-for-profit status is an important feature of ASD as it supports the ability of the school to focus on the quality of education over satisfying any profit or investment expectations of owners or shareholders. Our Annual Giving Program supports our mission and offers distinctive learning opportunities for students beyond what tuition provides.
The Impact of Giving
As a result of the generosity of our community of parents, faculty, staff, alumni, alumni parents, and friends, nearly AED 750,000 has been dedicated to enhance, extend, and enrich learning opportunities for students beyond what tuition provides. Here are just a few examples of the impact of those gifts:
1) Strategic Plan
ASD’s Strategic Plan focuses on Pathways that support deeper learning in the areas of Technology & Innovation, Business & Entrepreneurship, Global/Internationalism, Language Bilingualism (Arabic), and Performance (Arts & Athletics) to ensure each student is future-ready through a highly relevant educational program.
2) Inclusion
ASD has selected a variety of sensory support tools to help students increase their readiness for learning. These include tools to help students who need stronger/more sensory input, tools to attenuate sensory input for students who are overwhelmed or distracted by it, and positioning tools.
3) Bee Garden
Through the Zayed Sustainability Prize—awarded for our student-led efforts in sustainability—and the generous donation of an ASD parent, ASD added the Bee Garden to our list of extraordinary learning spaces. Students carry out hive inspections, plant pollen-rich plants, and ensure the bees are well fed and protected.
4) Vanderbilt Melodores
Through combined support from ASD’s Arts Department, CAST, PTSA Grants, and Annual Giving, the community was treated to an awe-inspiring performance by the acclaimed a cappella group from Vanderbilt University, the Melodores.
5) ASD MUN
Close to 300 delegates, officers, and volunteers came together in the fourth annual ASD Model United Nations (ASDMUN) Conferences in April. The theme, Combatting Crises through the Unconventional, continued in the ASDMUN tradition of challenging delegates to find innovative solutions to the world’s most pressing issues.
6) Maker Faire
ASD held its first ever Maker Faire in February. This initiative was made possible by a community of volunteers, and showcased hands-on learning and innovative, student-led projects from K1 through Grade 12. It was fun; it was messy; and it was an undeniable success.
7) World Scholar’s Cup (Gala Microgrants)
Two ASD teams placed 2nd and 3rd overall in the World Scholar’s Cup Global Round competition held in Durban, South Africa. Student participation was made possible in part through the generous gifts to our 2019 Spring Social. The students have qualified to compete at the Tournament of Champions at Yale University in November.
8) Sustainability
ASD had an extremely successful year in sustainable action—with much of it led by students and student organizations. Both the Bee Garden and new recycling bins were supported in part by the Annual Giving Program. More about sustainability at ASD.
Live Work Learn
School Reopening Guide 2020
ASD Distance Learning Model
ASD HS Athletics Handbook
Middle School Course Description Guide 2020-2021
Impact of Giving
Mini Falcons Athletics Handbook 2019-2020
2019-2020 Elementary School Handbook
2019-2020 Middle School Athletics Handbook
2019-2020 JV/Varsity Athletics Handbook
2019-2020 Campus Recreation Guide