Choosing the right educational path for your child is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a parent. For families in the UAE, particularly in Sharjah, the American curriculum stands out as a popular choice due to its flexibility, emphasis on holistic development, and proven track record of preparing students for higher education globally.
If you’re exploring options for American curriculum schools in Sharjah, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know — from what the American Common Core curriculum entails to how Emirates American School (EAS) is going beyond academics to shape future-ready global citizens. Book a tour today to know more about EAS.
What is the American Curriculum?
The American curriculum is a flexible, student-centered educational framework rooted in the standards set by the U.S. Department of Education. At its core, it follows the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for English Language Arts and Mathematics, and the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) for Science. These standards are designed to build strong foundational knowledge, critical thinking skills, and lifelong learning habits in students from Kindergarten right through High School.
Key Features of the American Curriculum
- Standards-Based Learning: The Common Core State Standards guide instruction in Math and English, ensuring consistency and quality across all grade levels.
- Continuous Assessment: Unlike curriculums that rely heavily on final exams, the American curriculum uses formative and summative assessments throughout the year to track student progress.
- Focus on the Whole Child: Emotional, social, and physical development are prioritized alongside academics, helping students become confident, independent learners.
- College and Career Readiness: High school students prepare for standardized tests such as the SAT, ACT, and AP (Advanced Placement) exams, often required for admission to universities in the U.S. and other countries.
- Technology Integration: Schools implementing the American curriculum frequently incorporate digital tools into the classroom to enhance engagement and 21st-century skills.
Beyond the Books: Our Vision for Global Citizens
At Emirates American School, we believe that academic success is just one part of the educational journey. To truly prepare students for the challenges and opportunities of the modern world, we’ve developed a comprehensive student development framework that complements the American curriculum: the 8 Nojooms.
The 8 Nojooms: Pillars of Holistic Education
- Academic Excellence
Our core commitment is to help students excel academically, with a rigorous curriculum and personalized support designed to push the boundaries of each child’s potential. - Sports Excellence
Physical education and competitive sports are integral to building discipline, teamwork, and resilience. We offer a variety of sports programs to nurture athletic talent and promote lifelong wellness. - Creativity
From visual arts to drama, music, and digital media, we encourage self-expression and creative problem-solving, empowering students to think differently and imaginatively with our co-curricular and extra-curricular activities. - Arabic Virtues
We instill Arabic virtues, including empathy, integrity, and community integration, grounding students in moral principles and cultural understanding. - Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Aligned with the UN’s global vision, our students engage in projects that tackle real-world issues such as climate action, clean energy, and equality, preparing them to be active contributors to a sustainable future. - Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Through STEM education, design thinking, and hands-on projects, we cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset and equip students with the skills to innovate and lead in a rapidly changing world. - Diversity and Globalization
With a multicultural student body and an international outlook, we celebrate diversity and teach students to appreciate different cultures, perspectives, and global interdependence. - Community Integration
Education doesn’t stop at the school gate. Our students regularly participate in service learning and community outreach programs, fostering a strong sense of civic responsibility and belonging.
Education is evolving — and so are the expectations for what it means to be a successful student in today’s world. By integrating the American curriculum with a focus on 21st-century competencies, EAS is redefining what holistic education looks like. With the 8 Nojooms guiding our students’ development, we are proud to nurture leaders, thinkers, and changemakers ready for tomorrow.
If you’re looking for a school that combines academic excellence with global awareness and personal growth, explore what makes us one of the leading American curriculum schools in Sharjah.
