Cities / Dubai / Philadelphia Private School Dubai (PPS)
Philadelphia Private School Dubai (PPS)
Operating from Al Qusais at the intersection of Beirut Street and Halab Street, Philadelphia Private School serves as the area's only American curriculum institution. Founded in 2006 under Lebanese ownership, the school grew steadily until reaching its current enrollment of approximately 1,500 students in 2015.
In brief
Operating from Al Qusais at the intersection of Beirut Street and Halab Street, Philadelphia Private School serves as the area's only American curriculum institution. Founded in 2006 under Lebanese ownership, the school grew steadily until reaching its current enrollment of approximately 1,500 students in 2015. Dr. Nabil Husni leads the institution with extensive educational experience, positioning PPS as a mid-range American option in Dubai's competitive market.
The school combines American curriculum standards with IB programming, though specific details about university placements and academic outcomes remain limited in public discussions. Parent feedback reveals mixed experiences, with some families appreciating the school environment while others note areas for improvement. Unlike established American institutions such as American School of Dubai or Dubai American Academy that dominate expatriate education conversations, PPS operates with considerably less market visibility and generates minimal discussion across typical expatriate forums and comparison sites.
Strengths
- Experienced leadership under Dr. Nabil Husni with over 20 years in education
- Only American curriculum school serving the Al Qusais area
- Established track record since 2006 with steady growth
- Mid-range fees making American education more accessible
- Combines American curriculum with IB pathways
Considerations
- Limited visibility compared to established American schools in Dubai
- Mixed parent feedback regarding educational experience
- Minimal discussion in expatriate education forums
- Less detailed public information about academic outcomes and university placements
- Operates outside the tier of schools that dominate Dubai's American education conversations
Fees
Annual fees
| Year level | Age | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-KG | 3 | AED 19,517 |
| KG 1 | 3 | AED 20,532 |
| KG 2 | 4 | AED 20,532 |
| Grade 1 | 6 | AED 23,206 |
| Grade 2 | 7 | AED 23,206 |
| Grade 3 | 8 | AED 25,667 |
| Grade 4 | 9 | AED 25,667 |
| Grade 5 | 10 | AED 25,667 |
| Grade 6 | 11 | AED 25,667 |
| Grade 7 | 12 | AED 28,479 |
| Grade 8 | 13 | AED 28,479 |
| Grade 9 | 14 | AED 35,160 |
| Grade 10 | 15 | AED 35,160 |
| Grade 11 | 16 | AED 35,160 |
| Grade 12 | 17 | AED 35,160 |
One-time fees
| Item | Age | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Application Fee | AED 350 | |
| Registration Fee | AED 1,500 |
Reviews
A long-running Muhaisnah school that spent a decade rated Acceptable by KHDA before lifting to Good in the 2023-24 inspection. Owned by Lebanese group Learners World, with a majority-Arab student body and a heavily Lebanese teaching faculty, the community feel is distinctly regional rather than expat-international. American curriculum from Pre-KG to grade 12, with AP courses and a recently added IB Diploma stream that posted a 35.2 average in its first 2025 cohort. Fees sit well below the premium American and IB tier in Dubai.
Positives
- KHDA trajectory. Lifted to Good in 2023-24 after ten consecutive Acceptable inspections. Inspectors credited safeguarding, middle-school attainment, and parent and community partnership.
- Senior academics. First IB Diploma cohort in 2025 averaged 35.2 points, with around two-thirds scoring 36 or above. AP results the same year were strong, with most candidates passing at 3+ and over half hitting 4 or 5.
- Community character. Predominantly Arab student body and a Lebanese-led staff room. Families looking for a Levantine cultural register rather than a Western expat bubble tend to settle in well.
- Fees. Annual fees run roughly AED 18,500 to 31,700 through the American grades, with the IB Diploma years at AED 42,987. That is materially cheaper than the established American-IB names in the city.
Considerations
- Arabic and Islamic studies. KHDA flagged attainment in Arabic and Islamic Education at middle and high school as the school's weakest area in the most recent inspection.
- Teaching consistency. Inspectors noted teaching quality varies across phases, with primary and middle school stronger than parts of the high school.
- IB subject breadth. The diploma is new and the offer is narrower than at established IB schools in Dubai. A child needing a specific HL combination may not find it.
Leadership
Dr. Nabil Husni
Dr. Nabil Husni holds a BS in Chemical Engineering, MS in Mathematics, EDS in Education Leadership, and EDD in Education Leadership.
Accreditations
- New England Association of Schools and Colleges 01
- KHDA 02
Academic results
- Result IB DP avg 35.2 points (2025 inaugural cohort), 67% scored 36+
- Result 92% AP scores 3 or above (2024-25), 57% scored 4-5.
Location
Al Qusais, Intersection of Beirut St. and Halab St., Dubai, UAE, P.O. Box 185020 Dubai, UAE