Established in 1988, Dubai National School – Al Barsha Branch offers an international educational program, which includes KG through Grade 12. Its program of studies meets the needs of the multi-national community in Dubai. Its High School Diploma is recognized by the Ministry of Education and can be equated with the National Secondary Certificate (Al Thanaweiah Al-Ameh). Since May 2003, Dubai National School – Al Barsha Branch has held accreditation with New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEAS&C) through the Commission on American and International Schools Abroad (CAISA).

DNS has grown since that time to have two branches with a total of 4,200 students, with both branches offering the American program. The strategic locations were carefully selected to serve all interested students in Dubai and Sharjah.

The school is governed by a five member Board of Trustees, who are very ambitious. The Board intends to open many more branches in all the Emirates.

Teachers are recruited locally and internationally and the staff/student ratio is 1:9. Staff development programs are essential, and they are continuously carried out. DNS graduates are eligible for admission into all universities, whether American, European or Arabic.

DNS embraces a commitment to high standards. There is a strong emphasis on teaching Muslim students to live in the Islamic faith within the context of the American Education Program.

Traditional values such as patriotism, good discipline, respect for all and especially the elderly, respect for religious beliefs, loyalty, Silat Al Rahim (family relations) & devotion to truth are highly respected and integrated into the curricula.