US Curriculum
Excellence in International Education
A World-Class Foundation for Global Success
Curriculum Overview
Providing a coherent, flexible, and enriched curriculum to ensure all children develop essential attributes for the modern world.
Learning Outcomes
Courses constructed from US national standards, designed to help students flourish in life and work.
Student Success
Empowering students to become successful learners, confident individuals, and responsible global citizens.
Career Guidance & Pathways
At DMES, we support students in making informed choices about their subjects and future pathways. Our Grades 9–12 academic offerings help students explore their interests, understand how subject choices can connect to future study and career opportunities, and plan confidently for life beyond school.
Explore our pathway guidance, academic offerings and course descriptions below.
Pathway-Based Academic Offerings (Grades 9–12)
See how subject choices can connect with future study areas, including Engineering, Medicine, Psychology, IT, Business, Public Safety and Creative Design.
Download PDFHigh School Academic Offerings 2026–2027 (Grades 9–12)
An overview of the Science, Mathematics, Elective and AP subjects available to students at each grade level.
Download PDFHigh School Elective Course Descriptions 2026–2027
Find out more about each elective, including what students will study, the skills they will develop and how the course may support future study. The document covers courses from Grades 9–12.
Download PDFGuiding with
Vision & Purpose
Our Leadership Team brings together decades of global educational expertise. We are dedicated to fostering an environment where innovation meets care, empowering every student to achieve both academic brilliance and exceptional character.
Senior Leadership Team (SLT)
Guiding with vision, excellence, and dedication to our academic community.
Dr. Michael Bartlett
PrincipalGuiding the school's overall academic vision, strategic planning, and commitment to cultivating an inclusive, high-achieving learning environment for all students.
Heath Bailey
Director of Teaching & Learning/ Secondary Boys PrincipalHeath brings 30 years of experience in education across K–12 and higher education in the United States and the UAE, with a strong background in educational leadership, teaching and learning, and school improvement. At DMES, he serves as Director of Teaching & Learning and Secondary Boys Principal, with a focus on high expectations, strong relationships and creating meaningful learning experiences for students. His previous leadership experience includes serving as a Whole School Principal in Abu Dhabi and as the Founding Principal of a school in Dubai. Heath holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, a Master’s degree in Business Education, and K–12 Principal/School Supervisory Certification from the Pennsylvania Department of Education. He is passionate about developing educators, challenging traditional approaches to learning and creating environments where both students and adults can thrive.
Wadha Al Ameri
Campus PrincipalWadha brings 19 years of experience in education, with a strong background in academic leadership, school management and institutional excellence. At DMES, she serves as campus principal, drawing on her previous experience as vice principal to support academic excellence, effective school leadership and the continued development of the school community. A graduate of UAE University, Wadha holds professional qualifications in school management, management quality & institutional excellence and educational leadership, as well as a professional licensure in educational leadership from the UAE Ministry of Education. She has also completed professional development with UNESCO and training with NEASC. Passionate about lifelong learning and continuous growth, Wadha is preparing to pursue a master's degree in educational leadership at Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University.
Dr. Mirna Fakih
Kindergarten Campus Principal (KG–Grade 1) | Director of InclusionDr. Mirna brings more than 24 years of experience in education, with a strong background in early years education, teaching and learning, inclusion, student wellbeing and educational leadership. At DMES, she serves as Kindergarten Campus Principal for KG–Grade 1 and Director of Inclusion, leading the development of nurturing and inclusive learning environments where every child is valued, supported and encouraged to reach their full potential. Dr. Mirna holds a PhD in Education and a Master’s degree in Special and Inclusive Education. Her approach centres on collaboration with educators, students and families to strengthen inclusive practices, support student wellbeing and build a school community where individual differences are embraced and everyone has a strong sense of belonging.
Reem Anthoun
Director of Activities & MediaReem brings over 20 years of experience in media, communications, marketing and community engagement across the corporate, media and education sectors. At DMES, she leads the school’s activities, media, marketing and events, developing initiatives that strengthen the school’s profile, support community engagement and bring the stories of its students and staff to life. Her career spans journalism, corporate communications and education, including senior communications and editorial roles. Reem is passionate about creating meaningful connections, building a strong sense of community and using communication and storytelling to bring people together.
Tamara Alisa Patterson
Curriculum CoordinatorCurriculum Coordinator Tamara brings 30 years of experience in education, with a strong background in curriculum development, instructional excellence and teacher development across K–12 education. At DMES, she serves as Curriculum Coordinator, supporting the development and implementation of curriculum while working closely with teachers to strengthen teaching and learning and enhance student achievement. Passionate about empowering educators and creating innovative learning environments, Tamara is committed to ensuring students receive meaningful learning experiences that prepare them for future success.
Sherine Hassan
Director of LiteracySherine brings over 25 years of experience in education, with a strong background in literacy, curriculum development, school leadership, accreditation and institutional improvement. At DMES, she serves as Director of Literacy, leading the schoolwide literacy strategy, supporting targeted student interventions and contributing to quality assurance and strategic school development. She also chairs the school’s accreditation committee. Her career includes senior leadership roles across international schools, including serving as a School Principal, Academic Vice Principal and Head of English. Sherine also brings extensive international accreditation experience as an Evaluator and Visiting Team Chair with CIS and NEASC, as well as an Evaluator with MSA. She holds a BA in
| Standards | URL | Subject Covered | |
| 1 | Common Core State Standard | CCSS | English, Mathematics, Social Studies |
| 2 | California CCSS for ELL/EDL | Cal-CCSS | English Language Arts, Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science and technical subjects |
| 3 | Next Generation Science Standards | NGSS | Science K-12 |
| 4 | California NGSS | Cal-NGSS | Science K-12 |
| 5 | International Society for Technology in Education | ISTE | Technology/ICT |
| 6 | American Association of School Librarians | AASL | Library |
| American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages | ACTFL | World Language | |
| California Physical Education Model Content Standards | PE-MCSC | Physical Education | |
| California Visual and Performing Arts Content Standards | VPACS | Visual and Performing Arts | |
| California Business & Finance Curriculum Standards | CCTEMCS | Business and Finance Grades 9-12 | |
| 7 | MOE Arabic Standards for Arabic A | Arabic A | Arabic for Arabic Speakers |
| 8 | MOE Arabic Standards for Arabic B | Arabic B | Arabic for Non-Arabic Speakers |
| 9 | MOE Social Studies Standards A | SS A | Social Studies for Arabic Speakers |
| MOE Social Studies Standards B | SS B | Social Studies for Non-Arabic Speakers | |
| 10 | MOE Islamic Education Standards | IE | Islamic Education |