About Maplewood, a Canadian school in Abu Dhabi
What sets Maplewood apart
Alberta Accredited
Nursery to Grade 12
About Us
An educational leader in Alberta curriculum delivery
Maplewood Canadian International School opens the doors of opportunity for every student with an exceptional Canadian programme, taught in an inclusive learning environment.
Our Mission
To ensure students graduate as engaged thinkers and creative innovators with ethical, global perspectives.
Our Vision
To be a high-performing private school with academic, social, emotional and physical development at its core.
Admissions Enquiries
+971 2 552 4223
Mr. David Parsons
Principal
Principal’s message
A message from our
Academic Principal
Dear Parents,
Thank you for choosing Maplewood Canadian International School and entrusting us with your child’s education. My name is David Parsons, and it is a privilege to serve as your Principal.
Maplewood Canadian International School has a proud history and a strong foundation on which to build. I look forward to working closely with our entire school community, including students, parents, staff and members of the wider community, to guide us toward continued growth and shared achievement. Together we can strengthen what already makes Maplewood special while continuing on a path that prepares our students for success both in school and in life.
My career in education spans many years and a range of school settings, including leadership experience as both a Principal and Vice Principal in Canada. Throughout my journey I have remained committed to fostering environments where students are challenged to think critically, encouraged to pursue excellence, and supported in developing the skills and character that will serve them well beyond the classroom. I believe schools thrive when there is mutual respect, clear expectations and a shared commitment to high standards.
The year ahead will be one of focus, collaboration and steady progress. I am confident that with openness, integrity and a dedication to continuous improvement, Maplewood Canadian International School will continue to grow and flourish. I am eager to meet and get to know each of you in the weeks ahead.
Sincerely,David Parsons, Principal
What We Offer
Helping every student thrive with expert guidance
Our programmes help students at every grade level learn with confidence. Under the guidance of Canadian-certified teachers, students master the Alberta programme of studies.
Football, basketball, badminton and swimming build fitness, teamwork and sportsmanship at U15 and U19 level.
- U15 and U19 football and basketball
- Badminton, swimming and physical education games
Grade 12 students sit Alberta Diploma Exams in English and Social Studies, plus Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Science and Mathematics options.
- Alberta Diploma Exam preparation
- University and college application guidance
- 100%
Alberta Accredited
Maplewood Canadian International School
Our core values
Six values shape how we teach, how we treat one another and what we expect of every member of the Maplewood community.
Teamwork
Emphasising the value of cooperation with others, in the classroom and beyond it.
Integrity and honesty
A commitment to the right behaviours under any circumstances, without exception.
Transparency
Dealing with students, parents and colleagues in a clear and sincere manner.
Respect
Respect for students, colleagues, guardians and the wider school community.
Accountability
Each individual bears responsibility for their own words, deeds and decisions.
Care and compassion
Caring for others and feeling a genuine sense of responsibility toward them.
Our Goals
Our goals for continued academic excellence
Digital & Blended Learning
We continue to expand Google for Education tools, digital resources and blended learning across every grade.
- Google Workspace in every grade
- Chromebooks from Grade 2
- Interactive screens in every room
Building a Stronger School Community
Growth here is shared work between students, parents, staff and the wider community around the school.
- Upgrading Our Facilities
- Student Wellbeing
- International Accreditation
Parent and Student Councils
Parent Council and Student Council give families and students a real voice in the life of the school.
- Student confidence
- Teaching quality
- Academic skills
Expanding Academic Programmes
Ongoing investment in our laboratories, library, gymnasium and swimming pool keeps facilities world-class.
- 100%
Alberta Accredited
Admissions Process
A simple, four-step admissions journey
Step 1: Book a School Tour
Walk the campus, meet our teachers and see Alberta learning in action before you commit.
Step 2: Submit Your Application
Complete the Maplewood registration form and send us your child’s most recent school reports.
Step 3: Assessment & Placement
A short assessment confirms the right grade placement under the Alberta programme of studies.
Step 4: Welcome to Maplewood
Pay the 1,000 registration fee, collect the uniform and arrange transport, then we see you on day one.
About us
Five reasons Maplewood Canadian International School is the right choice for your child
Top ten in every category
Canadian schools rank in the top ten of all testing categories on international standardised tests in Mathematics, Language and Science. Alberta, the highest performing province on those tests, is the province whose curriculum we teach.
Doors open worldwide
Students who graduate from Canadian schools have doors opened to them at the best universities and colleges all over the world.
Canadian-certified teachers
Canadian-certified teachers are among the best trained and hardest working in the world. Every Maplewood teacher is Canadian-certified.
Teaching that adapts
Canadian teachers adjust their approach so that student needs are met through different learning and assessment strategies. It is one of the reasons the Government of Alberta lists Maplewood on its register of accredited international schools.
Learning to think
Canadian teachers teach children to think, and to ask powerful questions.
Our Faculty
Canadian-certified teachers guiding every learner
Mr. David Parsons
Principal
Mr. Conor Doherty
Vice Principal
Ms. Cyrine Joudi
Primary Coordinator and Grade 5A Homeroom Teacher
Mr. Donovan Gates
High School Coordinator and Grades 10 to 12 Mathematics Teacher
Maplewood Canadian International School at a Glance
The numbers behind a Maplewood education
Our journey is built on Alberta accreditation, Canadian-certified teachers and years of continuous growth in Abu Dhabi. These milestones reflect our achievements, values and commitment.
- Moral Education & My Identity
- Alberta Assessment & Reporting
- Personalised Academic Support
- Athletics & Inter-School Competition
100%
Canadian-Certified Teachers
6+
Inter-school championships
50+
Community Service Projects
12+
Years of Alberta Accreditation
Why Choose Maplewood Canadian International School
Why families across Abu Dhabi choose Maplewood
Canadian-certified teachers, an inclusive classroom culture and a world-recognised diploma give every Maplewood student a genuine head start.
Canadian-Certified Teachers
Every Maplewood teacher is Canadian-certified. Canadian teachers adjust their approach so each learner is met through different teaching and assessment strategies.
Alberta Accredited Curriculum
Alberta students rank in the top ten across Mathematics, Language and Science on international tests, and our diploma is recognised worldwide.
Testimonials
What our students and staff say about Maplewood Canadian International School
“For the eight years I have been attending this great school, it has allowed me to develop my knowledge, communication and learning skills, and granted me opportunities that allowed me to reach my goals.”
“Teachers and staff are committed and enthusiastic about their jobs, creating a positive and encouraging environment for students to grow and succeed.”
“After six years at Maplewood, I can confidently say it has been a privilege to be part of it. The school is fantastic for academic growth and opens doors all over the world.”
“Watching each student develop socially and academically has been extremely rewarding. It is a fantastic place to work and develop professionally as an educator.”
FAQs
Answers to the questions parents ask us most
Choosing a school raises a lot of questions. Here are clear answers to the ones we hear most from families across Abu Dhabi.
- Admissions and Registration Made Simple
- Teacher Qualifications and Alberta Accreditation
- Clear and Simple Answers for New Families
Maplewood Canadian International School follows the Alberta Education (Canadian) Curriculum from Nursery to Grade 12, taught by Canadian-certified teachers. Alongside it, every student studies Arabic, Islamic Studies, Moral Education and UAE Social Studies as required by ADEK, plus Mathematics, English Language Arts, Science, Social Studies, Physical Education, Career & Technology Studies and Fine Arts.
We accept students from KG1 through to Grade 12. For younger children, our sister nurseries take babies and toddlers from 45 days old and progress straight into KG1 at Maplewood Canadian International School.
The official school uniform is worn for all regular classes, with a separate P.E. uniform for physical education. Grades K-6 may wear P.E. kit all day on their timetabled day; Grades 7 to 12 change for each gym class. On theme or free-dress days, modest and culturally appropriate attire is still required. A uniform shop operates on site with flexible opening hours.
Students in Grades 1 to 9 sit MAP assessments each October and May, Grade 3 begins with Student Learning Assessments, Grades 6 and 9 sit Provincial Achievement Tests, and Grade 12 sits Alberta Diploma Exams. Written reports covering academic performance, behaviour and social development are issued at regular intervals.
Yes. School transport is available to all students including KG1 and KG2, one-way or two-way, operated by a dedicated transport team under Department of Transport regulations. Complete the transportation form during admissions.
Yes. Our After School Care Programme lets KG1 and KG2 students stay until the Grades 1 to 12 dismissal time. It is deliberately non-academic, arts and crafts, storytime, music and movement, outdoor play and free play, supervised by our experienced staff.
Our Sister Settings
One family, three settings
Starting before KG1, or looking for a nursery in Al Ain rather than Abu Dhabi? Our early-years settings take children from a few weeks old right up to the day they join us in Kindergarten.
Maplewood Canadian International Nursery
Our own nursery, a short walk from the school. Little Explorers, Discoverers, Explorers and Adventurers move up together and progress straight into KG1 at Maplewood Canadian International School.
Little Regent Nursery, Al Ain
A warm, home-like nursery in Al Ain where children learn through play in small classes, with a key person for every child, from Busy Bees through to Clever Cubs.
Maplewood Canadian International School
The next step after nursery: a full Alberta-accredited Canadian school taking children from Kindergarten through to the Alberta High School Diploma.
Transparency
Policies, reports & downloads
Everything a prospective family needs to judge us properly: inspection outcomes, results against Alberta standards, our education plan and the published fee structure.