Quick summary of key school information
School details
Number of students |
970 |
Number of nationalities represented in the school |
60 |
Most common nationality |
Canadian |
Ratio of local students to international students |
12% local : 88% international |
Native English speaking teachers |
Yes |
Language support for students not fluent in English |
Please see our student services section. |
Additional language classes offered by the school |
Arabic from Kindergarten and French from Grade 7 |
Average number of students per class |
25 |
Does the school employ teaching assistants? |
Yes |
Use of technology in the classroom |
Technological supports and enhancements are continually upgraded and expanded. Each classroom is equipped with interactive SMART boards, cameras, and microphones to support interactive, simultaneous in-person and on-line instruction and activities. Students are provided with access and direct instruction to complete and submit a range of activities electronically. Each class has an interactive online "Team" where students can view previous lessons and resources. |
Is the school ready to use virtual classrooms when needed? (e.g. teaching lessons online if the school is closed, e.g. during COVID-19 closures) |
CIS earned the highest possible rating in the ADEK evaluation of online learning in May 2020. |
External examinations or assessments available |
All Grade 12 core subjects require students to complete Alberta Diploma Exams.
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Results in these examinations |
CIS students consistently score above provincial averages in Alberta Diploma Exams. |
Do teachers assign homework to their students? |
Yes |
Approximate hours of homework given |
Appropriate take home activities, projects and homework are assigned according to the subject and grade level. |
Percentage of students who pursue further education post-graduation |
90% |
Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs |
CIS is an inclusive school supporting students with a range of abilities and exceptionalities. Student supports are focused on attending to student strengths and identifying areas for growth through individualized and small groups interventions. Student Supports are collaborative and include engagement of School Administration, Classroom Teachers, Teaching Assistants, and the Student Services department. Students and parents are also integral members of the student support team. |
Learning support offered |
The Student Services department works closely with teachers in all grade levels to help students reach their highest levels of learning. Targeted and specialized supports include Arabic literacy, English literacy, SEN teacher intervention, and school counselling. |
The school supports gifted, able and talented students |
Differentiated instruction within each class is designed to encourage more able students to pursue their interests and develop their strengths. A range of extra-curricular activities at all grade levels provide opportunities for students to find and pursue their passions. Across grade levels, CIS publicizes and supports student efforts in local, national, and international contests in writing, the arts and STEM. At Grade 10-12 levels, more able students can select Advanced Placement courses in Microeconomics, World History, Biology, Chemistry, Calculus and Art. |
Student access to education psychologist |
CIS can provide a list of recommended private practitioners in Abu Dhabi. |
Deadline for registration (new academic year) |
No deadline. |
Students can join after academic year begins |
Yes |
School start time |
8:00 am |
School finish time |
3:00 pm |
Supervised care before/after school |
No |
School bus service available |
Yes |
School provided lunches |
Our cafeteria serves a variety of fresh, nutritional hot meals, as well as sandwiches, salads, fruits, smoothies and fresh juices. Parents, staff and authorized school visitors can enjoy hand-crafted menu by our barista. |
Food alternatives for special dietary needs (ie. vegan, kosher, halal etc) |
Yes |
Uniform required |
Yes |
Extracurricular activities or clubs offered |
Across all grade levels, CIS offers a broad and vibrant range of extra-curriculars. Some of our most popular clubs include Model United Nations, Tournament of the Mind, Chess, Book Club, Gardening, Mathletics, Environmental Club, and Robotics.
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Sports activities included |
Students at CIS follow the Alberta curriculum and the five realms of Physical Education:
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Sports teams or sport competitions available for students |
CIS participates in all local private school athletic teams and tournaments. |
Sports facilities at the school |
Gymnasium, indoor swimming pool, dance studio, grass soccer field, central turf playing field, age appropriate playgrounds. |
Qualities and characteristics best defining the school |
CIS is a school that responds to the needs of 21st century expatriate students. We are living in an international community, so CIS school must provide a learning environment that cultivates the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to compete in an increasingly global society. Right from the embracing arch at the entrance of CIS, students, parents, teachers and staff know that they are walking into a facility that has been purposely designed for a community of learners to meet the demands of our international world. |
Teaching approach of the school |
At CIS, the Alberta Program of Study provides the internationally renowned standards and curriculum framework to support Inquiry-Based Learning (IBL), a student-centered educational philosophy that has proven to increase students’ abilities to problem-solve. Students are presented a guiding question, and then must use their prior knowledge and skills to build direct and meaningful correlations to solve the problem. Math, English, Social Studies, Science, Information and Communication Technology, Fine Arts fuse as they are explored in real life contexts that demand and allow for multiple intelligences to shine. The more involved students are in the process of learning, the greater the depth and scope of understanding. Engaging students’ minds in the whole process means they are learning how to learn and how they learn. They are learning more about themselves and their world, and ultimately developing a sense of security and belonging. |