Two US schools in Sharjah to merge in the new academic year to cut costs

The school operator says the move will not have any negative impact on pupils as both institutions offer the same curriculum

The American School of Creative Science at Al Layyah will be temporarily merged with the American School of Creative Science on Maliha Road Courtesy: Bukhatir Education Advancement and Management InteShow more

Two American schools in Sharjah are set to merge at the beginning of the next academic year.

Bukhatir Education Advancement and Management International, a school operator in the emirates, has announced The American School of Creative Science in Al Layyah will be merged with the American School of Creative Science on Maliha Road, starting August 30.

The merger will be valid for one year to reduce operational costs.

The American School of Creative Science in Al Layyah will close at the end of the summer term on July 2.

The school operator has consulted the Sharjah Private Education Authority, and said the move will not have any negative impact on pupils as both schools offer the same curriculum.

“The decision to amalgamate operations into one school campus was made after careful consideration of the current environment, which has impacted parents and businesses,” said Salah Bukhatir, chairman of Beam.

"Like all educational institutions across the UAE and indeed around the world, we as educators face challenges. Yet, it is our role and responsibility to find the best possible solutions to navigate these challenges in the interests of everyone - parents, children, or teachers.

“For operational reasons, we deemed it was the most practical solution to bring two of its nearby schools together on one bigger campus with additional facilities that will be able to accommodate more classes and children with ease."

Education analysts in the UAE predicted many parents would look at moving their children to affordable mid-tier schools after the summer holidays.

Since 2016, 10 private schools have merged or closed in Dubai, according to Khda.

"Non-payment of fees by pupils, the provision of discounts, and uncertainties regarding new enrollments and variable operational costs is putting tremendous pressure on schools that can affect operational continuity," said Kalthoom Ali Salem, a committee member of Education Business Group, which represents more than 100 private schools in UAE.

Rising School in Nad Al Sheba, which opened in 2017, and offered the American curriculum will close operations on July 2, due to the economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Yesterday, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), Dubai's private school regulator, announced four new private schools would open in the emirate in the 2020-2021 academic year.

The new schools will offer British, Indian and American curricula and will provide over 4,100 new seats for pupils.