An Overview of the American Curriculum

Horizon’s curriculum provides a rich, structured journey from Early Childhood through High School. It is aligned with Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for English and Mathematics, Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) for Science, and the UAE Ministry of Education (MoE) framework for Arabic, Islamic Studies, UAE Social Studies, and Moral Education. Each stage offers a carefully designed blend of international rigor and cultural identity, ensuring our students develop as confident learners, grounded citizens, and future-ready leaders.

Curriculum Journey by Division

Early Childhood

Core Focus: Early Childhood provides a joyful, play-based, and inquiry-driven foundation for lifelong learning. Children are encouraged to explore, create, and ask questions in an environment that nurtures curiosity, independence, and confidence. The focus is on developing early literacy, numeracy, social skills, and a love for discovery.
Key Standards: CCSS for emergent literacy (phonics, vocabulary, comprehension, early writing) and early mathematics (number sense, problem-solving, geometry). NGSS encourages observation, questioning, predictions, and hands-on exploration.
MoE Subjects: Arabic instruction emphasizes letter recognition, phonics, and early vocabulary. Islamic Studies introduce short surahs and foundational manners, while Moral Education highlights kindness, sharing, and responsibility. UAE Social Studies introduce family, traditions, and local symbols to build identity from the earliest years.
Program Highlights: Joyful milestones include cultural celebrations, class performances, and thematic events such as 100 Days of School, UAE National Day, Ramadan activities, and International Day. Children also practice independence through self-registration and choice centers, fostering responsibility and confidence.
Learning in Action: Daily experiences include storytelling, music, discovery stations, art, outdoor play, and hands-on science experiments. Students learn through collaboration, guided inquiry, and play-based exploration, making learning both meaningful and enjoyable.
Traditions & Milestones: Celebrations of growth, such as class showcases, reading and counting milestones, and end-of-year performances, create joyful memories for families and reinforce a sense of accomplishment for students.
Wellbeing & Support: Teachers provide nurturing guidance, ensuring smooth social-emotional development. Advisory activities and close communication with families help children build confidence, routines, and resilience as they transition into formal schooling.

Lower Elementary (Grades 1-2)

Core Focus: Lower Elementary builds on the joyful, play-based foundations of early childhood and transitions students into structured academic learning. The focus is on developing strong literacy and numeracy skills while nurturing curiosity, independence, and confidence.
Key Standards: CCSS ELA emphasizes phonics, comprehension, emergent writing, and a love for reading. CCSS Math develops number sense, problem-solving, geometry, and spatial awareness. NGSS introduces students to observation and hands-on inquiry..
MoE Subjects: Arabic lessons focus on vocabulary development and reading comprehension, Islamic Studies introduce Prophets’ stories and surahs, Moral Education highlights honesty and respect, and UAE Social Studies explores local symbols, history, and traditions.
Program Highlights: Students take on age-appropriate leadership roles such as class helpers or assembly participants. Explorer’s Code agreements and restorative practices guide positive behavior and foster responsibility.
Learning in Action: Guided reading circles, math manipulatives, phonics activities, and simple science explorations encourage inquiry and discovery. Classroom councils allow students to express opinions, practice collaboration, and develop early decision-making skills.
Traditions & Milestones: Key milestones such as reading celebrations, cultural assemblies, and end-of-year showcases give students pride in their growth and help families share in their learning journey.
Wellbeing & Support: Teachers closely monitor developmental progress and provide individualized support. Counseling and advisory check-ins ensure that students adjust well to the routines of formal schooling.

Upper Elementary (Grades 3–5)

Core Focus: Upper Elementary encourages greater independence, responsibility, and critical thinking. Students transition from learning the basics to applying knowledge across subjects, developing the habits of inquiry and resilience that prepare them for middle school.
Key Standards: CCSS ELA develops comprehension of complex texts, multi-paragraph essays, and formal research. CCSS Math deepens multiplication/division, fractions, decimals, and early algebraic thinking. NGSS encourages structured experiments, systematic data collection, and conclusions across topics like ecosystems, energy, and Earth systems.
MoE Subjects: Arabic instruction focuses on fluency, grammar, and writing; Islamic Studies cover history, Hadith, and Qur’an memorization; Moral Education emphasizes justice, empathy, and fairness; UAE Social Studies explore heritage, governance, and geography.
Program Highlights: Students showcase learning through science fairs, persuasive writing competitions, art exhibitions, and heritage projects. Leadership roles expand to include class representatives and kindness teams, giving students responsibility for shaping classroom culture.
Learning in Action: Research projects, experiments, debates, and collaborative inquiries highlight applied learning. Students design investigations, create presentations, and explore UAE-specific case studies, strengthening their sense of identity and global citizenship.
Traditions & Milestones: Celebrations such as 100 Days of School, UAE National Day, and cultural festivals build community and pride. End-of-year exhibitions allow families to see growth across subjects.
Wellbeing & Support: Advisory sessions and teacher mentoring guide students through growing academic demands and social changes. Counseling support and family communication ensure that learning challenges or emotional needs are addressed early.

Middle School (Grades 6–8)

Core Focus: Middle school is a bridge between foundational learning and the rigor of high school. It focuses on developing independence, identity, and mastery. Students are encouraged to take initiative, build resilience, and discover their strengths while engaging in authentic, inquiry-driven learning experiences.
Key Standards: CCSS ELA includes literary analysis, analytical essays, persuasive arguments, and research writing. CCSS Math progresses through pre-algebra, Algebra I, and introductory geometry. NGSS covers integrated sciences (life, physical, earth/space) with engineering design.
MoE Subjects: Students deepen their understanding of Arabic, Islamic principles, and UAE heritage. Lessons incorporate case studies and projects rooted in national culture, encouraging students to value identity and tradition while excelling in global standards.
Program Highlights: Middle school emphasizes leadership development and responsibility. Students take on roles in the Student Council, class leadership teams, and service initiatives, learning to collaborate, problem-solve, and contribute to their community. Inquiry-based projects, cross-curricular connections, and participation in external competitions highlight their growing confidence and skills.
Learning in Action: Students engage in STEM projects aligned with UAE Vision 2030, debates on current issues, research fairs, and student-led conferences. Examples include designing renewable energy models, analyzing school data through statistics, or presenting sustainability campaigns that merge science, math, and the arts. These projects empower students to apply learning in practical and innovative ways.
Traditions & Milestones: Signature traditions, such as student showcases, assemblies, and division-wide events, create a sense of belonging and pride. Transition programs at the end of Grade 8 prepare students academically and emotionally for high school through orientation sessions, counselor-led planning, and family workshops.
Wellbeing & Transitions: Wellbeing is embedded through advisory programs, mentoring, and proactive communication with families. Teachers and counselors provide academic coaching, goal-setting, and emotional support, ensuring students are guided as they navigate the challenges of adolescence and prepare for the demands of high school.

High School (Grades 9–12)

Core Focus: High school learning is rigorous, joyful, and purposeful. Students take ownership of their learning, explore passions, collaborate on projects, and prepare for real-world challenges. The program balances academic excellence with leadership, service, and cultural identity, ensuring readiness for university and life beyond school.
Key Standards: CCSS underpins English, Math, and Social Studies. NGSS informs lab-based sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics). AP courses provide college-level challenge and international recognition.
MoE Subjects: Students continue to engage deeply with Arabic, Islamic Studies, and Moral Education, with strong emphasis on cultural heritage and UAE identity. Examples include heritage exhibitions, Ramadan activities, and National Day celebrations that reinforce pride and cultural awareness.
Program Highlights: High school students assume authentic leadership roles through Model United Nations (MUN), Business Day planning, Student Council, and service as mentors, ambassadors, and event ushers. Signature events such as career fairs and university admissions celebrations highlight the division’s focus on preparing students for their next steps.
Learning in Action: Applied learning opportunities showcase student creativity and inquiry: science fairs, social enterprise and business initiatives, heritage and cultural exhibitions, external academic competitions, debates, and MUN participation. These experiences demonstrate student voice, innovation, and leadership in action.
Traditions & Milestones: The high school years are marked by defining traditions that build community and identity. These include Spirit Weeks, the Graduation Walk, senior privileges, farewell events, and the culminating milestone of Graduation, which celebrates years of growth, achievement, and readiness for the future.
Wellbeing & Transitions: Student wellbeing is proactive and personalized. Teachers, advisors, and leaders maintain mentoring relationships, open-door policies, and early intervention strategies. Transitions from middle to high school are supported through structured orientation programs, subject selection guidance, goal-setting sessions, and regular family communication with counselors.

Inclusion

Every student belongs at Horizon. We are committed to an inclusive learning environment where students of determination, gifted learners, and those with mild to moderate learning differences feel seen, supported, and celebrated. Our dedicated team works closely with teachers and families to develop individualized education plans and provide targeted interventions that help all children access the curriculum and reach their fullest potential. We also strive to build a culture of empathy, where every child learns to appreciate and respect differences.

Academics Career & University Guidance

Your Path to Higher Education & Beyond

At Horizon Private School – American Branch, our Career & University Guidance program empowers students to make confident and informed decisions about their future. We provide dedicated support to help each student discover their passions and navigate the path to their “best-fit” university and career.

Our program is led by our experienced Career & University Guidance Counselor, Ms. Maha Karaan.

Our Comprehensive Support Includes:

Self-Discovery & Career Exploration: Helping students identify interests and explore future career pathways starting in middle school.
University Selection: Guiding students to research and select local and international universities that match their academic and personal goals.
Application & Essay Support: Providing hands-on assistance with all aspects of the university application process.
Standardized Test Guidance: Offering resources and information for tests such as the SAT, ACT, and IELTS.
University Fairs & Workshops: Connecting students directly with universities from around the world.

We are committed to working closely with students and their families throughout this exciting journey.

Contact Us

For questions or to schedule an appointment, please contact:

Ms. Maha Karaan
Career & University Guidance Counselor

Email: cugc@hpsbranch.com

Your first day at Kindergarten

Starting school is a big step for your child, and for you! It is an exciting milestone, but it can also be a daunting experience. That is why, at Horizon Private School – American Branch we employ a range of practices to help support a child’s transition and endeavor to develop independent, resilient, and inquisitive learners, as we believe these skills set up our students for success in the future.

The first years of a child’s life are when the foundations are laid to pave the way for a successful educational journey. At HPS-Br., we aim to provide the best quality early years education by establishing a creative environment that allows students to begin to discover who they are through exploring and playing, as well as by receiving proper guidance from their well-trained teachers.

Indeed, moving from nursery to kindergarten is an emotional experience. At HPS-Br., we endeavor to provide a smooth transition that truly gives your child the best start. This allows the youngsters to become familiar with their new environment, make new friends, and have some fun.

We start with the program, tailoring classes to suit the development stage of all students in the classroom. Working in small groups, we set-up learning objectives and gather as much information as possible about our new students. The teachers structure the program in two major sections: time-related activities and task-related activities. At this stage, and in a supportive and loving environment, we start introducing the students to proper study habits and implementing the American curriculum (Common Core State Standards), which is a challenging, creative, and inspiring curriculum.

Although activities differ in structure, aims, and objectives, students will have fun during each one while learning new things. Storytelling, the oldest form of teaching, is a good example. Besides the actual story, students will learn the concept of print, reading directionality, and the skill of listening. They will also gain plenty of opportunities to speak without being interrupted.

Our teachers also put a lot of emphasis on social skills development, allowing children to communicate clearly, calmly, and respectfully, as well as show consideration for the feelings and interests of their peers.

A good kindergarten experience is crucial to a child’s formative years. It establishes an enthusiasm and confidence that will remain with the child throughout his/her school years. All children who come to HPS-Br. are important to us and are special and unique in their own way.

Starting at Lower Elementary (Grades 1-2)

Moving from the comfort of kindergarten to lower elementary is a big step for any six-year-old. Our teachers work closely with parents to ensure that the move is a seamless one allowing each child to grow naturally within their new surroundings. Learning remains a lot of fun, with students understanding different values and developing in self-independence.

Joining Grade 1 is an important transition for 6-year-old children, and at Horizon Private School – American Branch teachers make a great effort to help the children adjust to the new setting and environment. Teachers strive to wean the students to rely more on themselves and to become more independent. To achieve this, it is highly recommended that all parents attend the School Open House, which is usually held at the beginning of the academic year. On this day, parents will meet their child’s Homeroom Teacher as well as other teachers and will be given an introduction to the general academic routines, school regulations and rules, and school timings and expectations.

Starting at Upper Elementary (Grade 3-5)

In upper elementary at Horizon Private School – American Branch, our students are exposed to an environment in which they thrive and grow into independent learners. Their learning will be enriched with activities planned to ensure the school values are instilled in every student. Implementing and embracing these values will put the students on a path to be knowledgeable and responsible members of their communities as they move on to the middle school years.

The first day of school at the Upper Elementary Section (Grades 3-5) at HPS-Br. has always been an exciting day for everyone. Beside the routines that will be followed to lead students to their classes, the staff is well prepared to welcome them with a smile that will stay with them all year long. All the staff members will endeavor to make sure that the first school day is a memorable one for the students, a day that they will happily recount and share with their parents when they go home. Icebreaker activities are prepared for this purpose.

As to how the first school day will flow, parents are encouraged to attend the Open House held at the beginning of the school year. On this day, parents will have a chance to be introduced to their child’s Home Room Teacher or Class Advisor as well as other teachers and get familiar with the school routines and expectations.

Starting at Middle School (Grades 6-8)

As our students embark on their Middle School years, our teachers lay down the framework to ensure academic rigor. Coupled with this, we provide ample opportunities for students to nurture their talent and creativity through regular activities. We focus on developing the whole student, so he/she is ready to tackle High School and beyond.

Starting at High School (Grades 9-12)

High School is a very important time in any student’s academic journey, and at Horizon Private School – American Branch we give our students every opportunity to take charge of their learning. While student outcomes remain a key focus, we understand the importance of grooming successful young adults who are lifelong learners and are ready to become the leaders of the future.

On the first day, parents and students should arrive at school between 7:15 am and 7:30 am where teachers in the playground will welcome them. Students can find their sections by checking the class lists that will be displayed in the playground. New students will be introduced to their Class Advisors who will take them to their classes at 7:40 am after lining-up for the National Anthem.

In the classes, the Class Advisors ease the new students into their new environment and help them adjust. They also present the students with details and clarifications regarding the daily routines and general rules at Horizon Private School – American Branch and assign returning students the task of giving the new students a tour around the school to help them find their way. During the breaks in the first week, all teachers and administrators will be available in the playground to socialize with the students, help them meet some friends, and answer their questions.

Challenge and opportunity go hand in hand. Our AP program gives students the chance to engage with college-level material, earning credits and laying a foundation for future academic success. With over 10 courses available, we support students in exploring their passions and reaching new heights.

Why take AP Courses?

At Horizon Private School – American Branch we cultivate our students’ distinctive gifts, supporting them in their passage to adulthood by developing character, intelligence, physical and emotional wellbeing, and cultural awareness.

Within this context, we offer an extensive AP program, offering students the platform to study college-level work while still in High School. HPS-Br. is proud of how it meets the needs of every student, with teachers individualizing learning for those at all levels of accomplishment, including those with special needs. AP courses are a natural extension of this philosophy, giving our students the opportunity to explore what interests them most, which in turn helps them to discover and pursue a unique direction.

10 years success in offering AP Courses

From the moment a student walks into an AP classroom, he or she will become aware of the difference between an AP class and regular classes. In AP courses, the subjects are studied in greater depth and detail, enabling students to take on the responsibility of reasoning, analyzing, and understanding. By demonstrating their maturity and readiness for university while still in High School, students can achieve their college dreams. Furthermore, by passing the external AP board exams, students gain college credits while still at school.

AP at Horizon Private School – American Branch

As an internationally focused American curriculum school in Abu Dhabi, HPS-Br. offers more than 10 different AP courses, giving students the academic skills they will need in college.

The AP courses that we have offered so far are:

Biology	Physics 1
Calculus	Physics 2
Chemistry	Physics C
Computer Science	World History
English Language and Composition
Human Geography

Teaching & Technology

Technology at Horizon is more than a tool — it is a catalyst for creativity, innovation, and future readiness. We integrate digital platforms and emerging technologies thoughtfully, ensuring that students learn to use them responsibly, ethically, and with purpose. Our approach balances innovation with wellbeing, equipping students to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.

Philosophy of Technology Integration

Purposeful Use: Technology supports learning, inquiry, and collaboration. Devices and platforms are used to deepen understanding, not distract from it.
Blended Learning: Digital tools extend the classroom, allowing for personalized learning, interactive projects, and global connections.
Future Skills: Students develop digital literacy, coding, critical thinking, and research skills that prepare them for university and careers.

Platforms & Tools

Toddle: Our Learning Management System (LMS) connects students, teachers, and parents. It houses assignments, feedback, portfolios, and updates.
AI Tools: Toddle AI, Tutor AI, and ChatGPT are used responsibly to support learning. Teachers guide students in ethical, transparent, and creative use.
Learning Resources: Platforms such as McGraw-Hill, ExactPath, Study Island, ALEF Education, and Google Workspace provide personalized practice, collaboration, and access to high-quality resources.
Assessment Support: Digital tools provide instant feedback and data to track progress and inform teaching.

BYOD

Guidelines: Students bring age-appropriate devices as specified by the school. Clear policies govern usage, ensuring devices support learning.
Digital Balance: Teachers model healthy use of technology, encouraging breaks, face-to-face interaction, and balance.
IT Support: Horizon provides guidance and troubleshooting support for families to ensure smooth access and safe use.

Languages: Bridges to the World

At Horizon, language learning is a bridge to understanding. English, Arabic, and French form the foundation of our language program, each opening doors to new ideas and cultures. Early exposure to multiple languages not only strengthens cognitive skills and executive functioning, but also fosters empathy, social awareness, and cross-cultural competence. We design language learning experiences to be interactive and immersive, helping students use language to connect meaningfully with others and understand the world around them.

Arabic Language Arts (Learning Competencies)

A basal reading program provides the framework for Arabic language arts learning. It is the foundation for the development of skills, which is enriched through the whole language approach. Arabic language classes include work on reading, writing, listening, speaking, spelling, and handwriting. The Arabic language curriculum is as per the UAE Ministry of Education. Non-Arab students are required to attend special Arabic classes.

French Language Arts (Learning Competencies)

French is introduced as a third language starting from Kindergarten. Students learn and master French pronunciation and familiarize themselves with its vocabulary and grammar through songs and other activities that develop the students’ skills in listening, reading, and speaking. In Middle and High School, students have the opportunity to take advanced courses in French and sit for the DELF (A1-A2-B1-B2) Exams, presenting them with the opportunity to join renowned French universities and secure future careers in French-speaking countries.