A Complete Guide To American Curriculum Schools In Sharjah!

Sharjah offers a wide selection of curriculums in its extensive network of private academic institutions.

Amongst these, American schools are by far the most popular and the most well-reputed, but how much do you really know about the American curriculum and how the schooling in the UAE differs from that in the United States?

This guide will give you the basics about American schools in Sharjah, the curriculum being taught at these institutions, and some points you’ll need to keep in mind before your child applies for admission.

Let’s begin!

What is the American curriculum?

 In June 2009, the U.S. National Governors Association (NGA) and Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO), in partnership with a team of teachers from across the country, announced the Core Common States Standard Initiative (CCSSI).

 

The CCSSI specifies what students should have learnt in Mathematics, English Language Arts & Literature, History, Social Studies, Science, and other technical subjects at the end of each grade.

This initiative was aimed at ensuring that all institutions in every state of the U.S. are following the same standards of education, and that when students graduate from high school, they’re fully prepared to take on university-level courses which will help them eventually enter the workforce.

How is it different in Sharjah?

For the most part, American schools in Sharjah mirror the education system in the United States, but there are differences between the institutions themselves, sometimes significant.

The UAE Ministry of Education conducts regular inspections of institutions in the city, and ranks them according to a 4-grade system:
 

• Outstanding 
• Good
• Acceptable
• Unsatisfactory

The schools being inspected are judged on the following 7 questions:

1.    How much are the students achieving in terms of their yearly goals?
2.    How good is the students’ personal development?
3.    Is quality teaching being provided?
4.    Does the curriculum meet the students’ educational needs?
5.    Does the institution protect and support its students?
6.    How well qualified is the administration staff?
7.    What is the school’s overall ranking?

Aside from a few institutions, most American schools fall into the “acceptable” and “good” categories

What should parents keep in mind?

1.    Parents should familiarize themselves with CCSSI standards, so that they know what courses and subjects their child will be taking every grade. 

2.    A school’s educational setup should be more than just textbooks and courses. Look for an institution that truly values the personal and social development of its students, and not just their grades. 

3.    A well-run educational institution will provide its teaching staff with regular professional development courses, which help these teachers learn more about the latest trends and techniques followed in the field, and ensure a more conducive learning environment in the classrooms.