Dubai: The Dubai American Scientific School, home to 251 students, will close down after the Knowledge and Human Development Authority has granted its request to close in the 2013/14 academic year.
The school had a series of violations as it was found to have charged some parents more than twice the amount of fees permitted by KHDA, and failed to investigate more than 30 students with extended periods of unauthorised absence.
In addition, the school appointed 20 teachers without a formal contract or offer of employment, and without approval from KHDA or the Ministry of Labour. A number of health and safety violations were also reported.
The school will close in the 2013/14 academic year and parents have been advised to seek alternative schooling for their children.
Dubai American Scientific School was sanctioned in September 2012, when a number of education permit violations were discovered. At that time, KHDA issued a directive preventing the school from registering new students, and helped existing students and parents find an alternative school.
Amal Belhasa, Chief of Compliance and Resolution Commission at KHDA, said: “A meeting was held recently with the school’s owner, during which it was agreed the school will close in September 2013, providing all 251 children were guaranteed an alternative school place.”
She added: “Some 244 students have already completed the transfer process to new schools since the beginning of the 2012/13 academic year. We consider parents play a key role in their child’s education and will continue to support parents with children at Dubai American Scientific School to find the best alternative solution. KHDA is keen to ensure all children have the right to a quality education and we expect all schools and parents to adhere to the guidelines set out in the new parent-school contracts.”
