Curriculum

MAS Curriculum

At Al Maaref American School, we deliver a rigorous American curriculum aligned to U.S. academic standards, tailored to meet the needs of our diverse student body in the UAE. Our educational philosophy fosters independent thinking, creativity, and real-world problem solving.

With a strong emphasis on both core academics and holistic development, our curriculum integrates innovation, technology, and personal growth across all grade levels—from Early Years to High School.

Our programs are designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and values they need to succeed at top global universities and thrive in an ever-changing world.

Early Years › Elementary › Middle School › High School ›

Early Years KG1/KG2

“Play is the highest expression of human development in childhood, for it alone is the free expression of what is in a child’s soul.”
— Friedrich Froebel, 1896

At MAS Early Childhood, we believe that play is not separate from learning—it is the vehicle through which learning happens. It lays the foundation for cognitive growth, academic achievement, social understanding, emotional well-being, physical development, and language acquisition.

Our program is carefully designed to ensure a balanced approach, where play-based learning is thoughtfully integrated with academically rich experiences. Through purposeful planning, intentional teaching, and a nurturing environment, we create daily opportunities for children to explore, think, and grow across all areas of development.

Our Learning Approach

  • Hands-on, inquiry-based learning that encourages curiosity, experimentation, and exploration.
  • Creative expression through art, music, dramatic play, and open-ended materials.
  • Language-rich experiences that promote oral language, vocabulary development, early reading, and communication.
  • Physical movement and sensory play to strengthen gross and fine motor skills.
  • Social interaction and collaboration to build relationships, empathy, and conflict-resolution skills.

Academic Foundation

While play is at the heart of our philosophy, academic readiness is thoughtfully embedded into every learning experience. Our curriculum aligns with internationally recognized standards and is tailored to support the developmental needs of young learners.

  • Literacy development – phonological awareness, storytelling, letter recognition, and early reading and writing.
  • Mathematical thinking – counting, patterning, number sense, shape recognition, measurement, and problem-solving.
  • Science exploration – observation, prediction, experimentation, and inquiry.
  • Social studies – understanding community, culture, and the world around them.
  • STEAM activities – integrating Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math in engaging ways.

A Typical Day at MAS Early Childhood

  • Learning centers and exploration corners
  • Group and individual tasks
  • Literacy and math activities
  • Circle time and read-alouds
  • Writing and phonics practice
  • Sensory and discovery play
  • Outdoor learning and physical activity
  • Technology integration (age-appropriate iPads and interactive boards)
  • Music, movement, and dramatic play

Our Commitment

At MAS, we are dedicated to nurturing confident, curious, and capable learners. Our educators are passionate about early childhood education and are committed to building strong academic foundations while honoring the importance of play, creativity, and joy in learning.

We strive to create an environment where every child is valued, challenged, and supported to reach their full potential—academically, socially, and emotionally.

Early Years
Elementary

Elementary(Grades 1-5)

At Al Maaref American School, our Elementary Program builds a strong academic foundation while nurturing each child’s personal, social, and emotional growth. Guided by the California Common Core Standards, we promote deep learning in English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Engineering—sparking curiosity and a genuine love of learning.

We believe language connects identity, culture, and community. Students gain confidence in both English and Arabic through meaningful study of Arabic Language, Islamic Studies, Moral Education, and Social Studies, helping them grow into respectful, open-minded individuals proud of their heritage.

Learning is personal and engaging. Teachers meet students where they are, challenging them to think critically, collaborate, and explore ideas through discussions, projects, and inquiry. Beyond the classroom, students join robotics competitions, entrepreneurship challenges, and community initiatives—applying learning, exploring interests, and developing life skills.

We prioritize student voice, independence, and wellbeing in a safe, inclusive environment where every child feels valued and capable. Our diverse community ensures every child belongs and is empowered to reach their full potential.

To support each learner, we use a robust program of internal and external assessments, benchmarking progress against national and international standards. Our approach is data-informed, student-centered, and aligned with leading global education practices—preparing students to lead with confidence, care deeply, and contribute meaningfully to the world.

Middle School (Grades 6 – 8)

At MAS Middle School, we see these years as a time of discovery—when students begin to define who they are, what they love, and how they want to contribute to the world. Our aim is to guide them through this important stage with a program that builds strong academic foundations while sparking curiosity and confidence.

Students engage in core subjects such as Mathematics, English, Science, and Social Studies, alongside enriching experiences in Art, Music, and Athletics. Elements of design thinking and inquiry are introduced in a practical way, helping students see connections between what they learn and the world around them.

Our curriculum is aligned with the California Common Core State Standards and the UAE Ministry of Education National Standards, with progress measured through a US standards-based grading scale. Learning experiences are designed to prepare students for the academic rigor of high school while deepening their appreciation of the UAE’s heritage and their role as responsible global citizens.

We believe every student has unique strengths and passions. Throughout their middle school journey, our dedicated teachers provide guidance, encouragement, and opportunities for each learner to grow—both in the classroom and beyond. This is where they develop not only the skills for future success, but also the values and resilience that will guide them for life.

Middle School
High School

High School (Grades 9 – 12)

MAS aims to prepare students for college and career in every phase of their academic program, with an increased experiential focus in the High School phase. Students are expected to be more independent in their learning through creating innovative products and internalizing their roles as changemakers and role models within the school community.

Design thinking projects are integrated into the curriculum, enabling students to develop solutions that positively impact local and global communities, while also enhancing creativity, critical thinking, and social skills.

Learning extends beyond the classroom through extracurricular programs, service-learning opportunities, and participation in student organizations.

High School Academic Program

The MAS High School academic track is a rigorous college preparatory program aligned with the California Common Core State Standards and MOE National Standards. Students are graded using a U.S. Standards-Based grading scale.

Students challenge themselves in core areas such as language, science and engineering practices, mathematics, athletics, arts, and music. Each student is supported in pursuing their passions by choosing electives and maintaining a voice and choice in shaping their academic journey.

Minimum Graduation Credit

Students must complete 28 credits over four years to graduate. Each year, students enroll in a minimum of six core courses:

  • English
  • Science
  • Math
  • Social Studies
  • Arabic
  • Islamic Studies

A broad range of electives and co-curricular activities—such as business, psychology, computer science, PE, and visual arts—allow students to further explore their interests and strengths.

Advanced Placement (AP)

MAS offers six AP courses equivalent to first-year university subjects. Students receive a GPA boost and are eligible for equivalency by scoring 3 or higher on the College Board’s AP exams taken in May.

In addition, students in Grades 11 & 12 can take dual credit courses via partnerships with Skyline University, American University of Sharjah, and Ajman University.

Download High School Academic Guide