Quick summary of key school information
All the details about this school in their own words
Nationalities
| Number of students |
300 - 400 |
| Number of nationalities represented in the school |
20+ |
| Most common nationality |
United States, Palestine, Egypt, North Africa, Syrian, |
| Ratio of local students to international students |
3:1 |
Languages
| Native English speaking teachers |
Yes |
| Language support for students not fluent in English |
Yes |
| Additional language classes offered by the school |
Arabic, French, Spanish, |
Classroom
| Max. number of students per class |
25 |
| Average number of students per class |
15 |
| Does the school employ teaching assistants? |
Yes |
| Use of technology in the classroom |
Yes, All students are issued Ipads |
| 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) |
Yes, all assignments are submitted using online platforms to maintain student engagement |
| Do students practice religion at the school? What religion? |
Yes, seeing as Michael E. DeBakey High School is located in Qatar, and Qatar being a Muslim nation, students are afforded Islamic studies, and prayer breaks. |
| How does the school accommodate non-religious students or students of a different religion? |
Islamic studies in English is offered at the school for those who are interested. Non-Muslim students get to take an elective to replace the Islamic studies classes |
Academics
| External examinations or assessments available |
Advanced Placement Exams, MAP Tests, PISA Tests, PSAT |
| Results in these examinations |
Advanced Placement Exams allow students to earn college credit. MAP and PISA test results are used to determine the level of the student according to standard around the world. PSAT prepare students for college required SAT exams. |
| Do teachers assign homework to their students? |
Yes |
| Approximate hours of homework given |
Depends on the subject and grade level |
| Percentage of students who pursue further education post-graduation |
100 % |
Student support
| Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs |
Not currently. |
| The school supports gifted, able and talented students |
Various programs distinguish gifted students both in the school and externally. Leadership, community service, principal awards ceremonies, etc. |
| Student access to education psychologist |
Yes |
Admissions
| Entry evaluation for students |
Yes |
| Brief description of entry evaluation required |
Applicants must complete an entry exam to determine their grade level acceptance. |
| Waiting list |
Depending on the grade level |
| Deadline for registration (new academic year) |
Admissions are open starting December and remain open until August. Admissions process and entry exams are open year-round for applicants looking to switch schools for upcoming year. |
| Students can join after academic year begins |
Yes |
School day
| School start time |
7:00 am |
| School finish time |
2:15 pm |
| Supervised care before/after school |
Yes |
| School bus service available |
Yes |
| School provided lunches |
There is a cafeteria where students can purchase food and drinks. Water fountains are available. |
| Food alternatives for special dietary needs (ie. vegan, kosher, halal etc) |
All food items are halal as Qatar is a Muslim nation. All food items are labeled with dietary information. |
| Uniform required |
Yes |
Extracurricular activities
| Extracurricular activities or clubs offered |
Model United Nations (MUN), Learn to Lead Program, Debate Club, Public Speaking, Best Buddies, Lend a Hand Club, recycle club, school crafts and decorations club, Islamic club, essay writing, basketball, football, robotics and programming, STEAM club |
| Sports activities included |
Physical education classes rotate sports within the year. The students get to enjoy learning about football, basketball, volleyball, and athletics. Michael E. DeBakey High School is part of the Qatar School Olympics Program where students compete with other schools in Qatar in various sports including basketball, swimming, rally races, and football. Students also play badminton, Padel, and table tennis in their break times. |
| Sports teams or sport competitions available for students |
Yes. Basketball and Football are the most popular. |
Facilities
| Facilities at the school |
Library; theater; specialized labs for biology, chemistry, physics; simulation lab for medical and engineering students; engineering lab; multipurpose hall; Computer labs; Art lab; social services office; conference rooms/private study halls; |
| Sports facilities at the school |
Multipurpose gym, basketball court, football field, Activities hall |
About the school
| Qualities and characteristics best defining the school |
Michael E. DeBakey High School – Qatar (DHSHP at Qatar) is a branch campus of the DeBakey High School for Health Professions (DHSHP) in Houston, Texas, USA. DHSHP is an award winning high school, offering students a college preparatory curriculum in science, mathematics, and medical science. It is an alternative to the traditional high school experience that prepares students for careers in medicine and science. In collaboration with the Outstanding Schools Oversight Committee (OSOC) of the Supreme Education Council (SEC), DHSHP was invited to bring the first medical science focused high school in the Middle East. |
| Teaching approach of the school |
DHSHP at Qatar campus offers a U.S. curriculum including extensive Advanced Placement (AP) courses. The program will serve students in grades 7 – 12. The Seventh and Eighth Grade Academy focuses on preparing students for the rigorous high school curriculum in grades 9 – 12. Beginning with the graduating class of 2013, Michael E. DeBakey High School – Qatar will offer these students a rigorous college preparatory curriculum, which includes five years of science and mathematics, courses in engineering and technology along with an excellent introductory study of medicine. Students will have the opportunity to have experiences with medical professionals as well as earn credit through on-line “Virtual School” courses, dual credit courses with local universities and college credit through AP exams. |