Liwa International School (LIS) is a popular K–12 American curriculum school in the City of Al Ain, United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.). Since its founding in 1992, the school has earned a strong reputation throughout Abu Dhabi for academic success, high standards of professionalism, high quality teachers, and exemplary student conduct. For these reasons, LIS has continued to grow in size and caliber.
In November 2017, the Abu Dhabi Department of Education awarded Liwa International School a “very good” rating in three out of six inspection standards and a “good” rating in the remaining three. Inspectors cited the following as particular strengths of the school: supportive governance, targeted professional development opportunities, a well-planned and cohesive curriculum, and, finally, students' positive attitudes towards learning and responsibility for their personal and social development.
Though most of its residents are expatriate, Al Ain is a low-rise city, which makes for a more traditional Arabic atmosphere that complements an affordable cosmopolitan environment of shopping, dining, and leisure activities. About an hour and 15-minute drive from both Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Al Ain is known as the “garden city” due to its amount of greenery.
At LIS, the U.S. Common Core curriculum caters to the diverse needs and interests of its students and, ultimately, of the community. Care is taken to make connections between the curriculum and the local environment while maintaining a broader world vision. The school has created a sustainable “green” building and is an active member of the global network of UNESCO schools. As the first “green” school in the U.A.E., LIS was selected to participate in the World Future Energy Summit. Also a strong advocate of community service, LIS works in partnership with a number of local, national, and international groups on social impact projects. Staff, students, and parents alike are involved in activities that raise awareness of issues such as poverty and health alongside prominent organizations, such as the U.A.E. Red Crescent, the Emirates Environmental Group, and Tawam Hospital.
Currently, there are 2,561 students enrolled, nearly 90% of whom are Emirati, with the remaining 11% representing 11 nationalities. The teaching staff of 180 includes 16 from the U.K. and three from the U.A.E. LIS is fully accredited by AdvancEd as well as the Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK). The school has become a College Board Test Center for SAT and Advanced Placement (AP) Exams and offers both SAT I and II tests, AP preparation, and TOEFL examinations.
Thanks to the school’s facilities, students are inspired to participate in art and athletics at LIS. Four well-equipped art and craft rooms as well as shaded play and game areas have been designed to suit different age groups. Recreational facilities include two swimming pools; three spacious well-equipped gymnasiums; a football green field; four multi-purpose courts suited for basketball, football, and volleyball; and six shaded playgrounds. The school’s varsity teams have used their strong skills, team spirit, and sportsmanship for remarkable results in sports tournaments!
LIS is interested in hiring certified singles and married couples, including those with a non-teaching spouse. They will also consider exceptional newly-certified candidates as well as those licensed in a non-English speaking country. All teachers must hold an academic degree in the subject they will be teaching. Certified candidates under the age of 50 may obtain a work visa in the U.A.E.
The benefits package includes a non-taxed salary, housing allowance, annual airfare, and a 50% tuition benefit. The school offers a full differentiated program of professional development for staff according to their individual needs and the priorities of the school. LIS provides local health insurance approved by the Department of Health, which includes access to a network of hospitals and medical centers across the country. There are local employment opportunities for non-teaching spouses. This benefits package offers a great chance for savings.
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Please note: The information presented about this school was valid on the date published. This information may change, and the most up-to-date information can be found on the school profile.
