Blog JLT | Jumeirah Lakes Towers

The commute counts: top schools within 15 minutes of JLT for international students

Written by Jolly Jenny | 29 Sep, 2025

School runs without the stress, sounds like a dream, right? In Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT), it’s just daily life. Whether you’re new to the city or simply thinking about a local move, living here means world-class schools are just minutes away, and your morning drop-off can be followed by coffee by the lake, a quick gym class, or even a spa session.

Nurseries & kindergartens in JLT

For young learners, JLT offers an impressive cluster of nurseries and early childhood centres that are just a short walk away. Why battle Sheikh Zayed Road when you can drop off your child and enjoy a morning coffee at one of JLT’s many restaurants or cafes, a quick Padel workout, or a spa visit, all within walking distance? These nurseries provide safe, nurturing, and multicultural environments, perfectly tailored to international families.

Mosaic Nursery JLT

Mosaic Nursery is a well-established option within JLT, offering The Creative Curriculum, which balances child-led exploration with teacher-introduced activities. The programme covers ten areas of learning, including social-emotional, physical, language, literacy, numeracy, science, arts, and English language acquisition, making it suitable for children from diverse backgrounds. Classes are divided into toddler, nursery, and foundation groups, ensuring activities are age-appropriate and developmentally aligned.

  • Curriculum: The Creative Curriculum – balances child-led and teacher-guided activities across 10 areas of learning (social-emotional, physical, language, literacy, maths, science & tech, social studies, arts, and English language acquisition).
  • Ages catered to: 18 months – 4 years.
  • Known for: Highly reputable nursery in Dubai, age-specific class groups, strong focus on holistic development and second-language learners.

Learning Ladder Nursery

Learning Ladder has been part of the JLT community since 2012 and now operates two branches, located in Clusters V and Q. Both campuses provide secure outdoor play areas, shaded and padded for safety, along with convenient pick-up and drop-off access for families. The nurseries are approved by KHDA and remain open year-round, offering flexible hours, early drop-off and late pick-up options, as well as popular summer and winter camps.

  • Curriculum: British Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), with elements of Reggio Emilia and Montessori.
  • Ages catered to: Cluster V: 11 months – 6 years; Cluster Q: 14 months – 5 years.
  • Known for: Convenient JLT locations, flexible scheduling, camps and afternoon clubs, emphasis on safe and stimulating early learning

Dewdrops Nursery

Dewdrops Nursery provides a safe and caring environment within JLT, with classrooms and play areas designed to encourage discovery through play. The nursery places strong emphasis on hygiene and safety, offering padded, anti-slip indoor flooring as well as secure outdoor spaces. Its approach supports children’s social, emotional, and cognitive growth while preparing them for a smooth transition to primary school.

  • Curriculum: British Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
  • Ages catered to: 2 – 4 years.
  • Known for: “Home-away-from-home” atmosphere, multicultural staff, high hygiene standards, safe indoor/outdoor play facilities.

Paddington Early Childhood Centre JLT

Paddington Early Childhood Centre JLT has been part of the JLT community since 2014, offering a British EYFS programme with a child-centred, play-based approach. The nursery welcomes babies as young as 45 days and supports children up to 5 years old, with age-grouped classes tailored to developmental milestones. Alongside the core curriculum, Paddington runs holiday camps, afternoon clubs, and specialised language programmes, including Arabic and additional options such as French, Japanese, German, Russian, Mandarin, and Spanish.

  • Curriculum: British Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), play-based and child-centred.
  • Ages catered to: 45 days – 5 years (age-specific classes from baby to FS2).
  • Known for: Early start for babies, bilingual and multilingual language support, year-round camps and activities.

Kids Kingdom JLT

Kids Kingdom is a KHDA-approved nursery and preschool located in JLT, offering a safe and nurturing environment for early years learning. Following the British EYFS curriculum, the nursery combines structured activities with free play to build confidence, independence, and social skills. Its facilities include age-appropriate classrooms, indoor play zones, and outdoor areas, making it a convenient choice for families in the community.

  • Curriculum: British Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
  • Ages catered to: 45 days – 5 years.
  • Known for: Focus on early development, KHDA-approved standards, safe and modern facilities.


Primary & secondary schools near JLT

For older students, JLT’s central location means families can easily access top-ranked schools in Emirates Hills, The Meadows, The Greens, and Jumeirah Village Triangle in under 15 minutes. The short commute leaves families with more time to enjoy the community’s family-centric rhythm, whether it's afternoon football classes or quick retail runs, all within reach back in JLT.

Dubai International Academy Emirates Hills

Dubai International Academy (DIA) in Emirates Hills is one of Dubai’s leading IB schools, located just a short drive from JLT. It offers the full International Baccalaureate continuum, making it a strong choice for families seeking globally recognised education pathways. The school has a diverse student body and is well-regarded for academic performance and university placements.

  • Curriculum: International Baccalaureate (IB PYP, MYP, DP).
  • Ages catered to: 3 – 19 years.
  • Known for: Rigorous academics, multicultural community, strong IB results, and pathways to top universities.

Dubai Heights Academy

Dubai Heights Academy, located in Al Barsha South and easily accessible from JLT, delivers the UK National Curriculum in a supportive and inclusive setting. The school places emphasis on both academic progress and personal development, with modern facilities for sports, arts, and technology. Its approach is designed to nurture creativity, wellbeing, and confidence alongside strong academics.

  • Curriculum: UK National Curriculum.
  • Ages catered to: 3 – 18 years.
  • Known for: Inclusive education, focus on wellbeing, creative learning, and modern facilities.

Regent International School

Regent International School, located in The Greens and close to JLT, offers a British curriculum from early years through secondary, with the option of the IB Diploma in senior years. The school is recognised for its project-based learning approach, which encourages creativity, problem-solving, and leadership. Alongside academics, Regent has strong performing arts and extracurricular programmes.

  • Curriculum: British Curriculum (EYFS – GCSE) with IB option in Sixth Form.
  • Ages catered to: 3 – 18 years.
  • Known for: Project-based learning, leadership development, strong performing arts, and balanced academic programmes.

Arcadia British School

Arcadia British School, located in Jumeirah Village Triangle near JLT, provides a UK National Curriculum education from early years through secondary levels. The school emphasises small class sizes, personalised learning, and the use of modern technology in teaching. Its wide range of extracurricular activities supports students’ development beyond the classroom, helping them build confidence and new skills.

  • Curriculum: UK National Curriculum (EYFS – Secondary).
  • Ages catered to: 3 – 18 years.
  • Known for: Small class sizes, technology integration, personalised approach, and diverse extracurricular options.

Sunmarke School

Sunmarke School, located in Jumeirah Village Triangle close to JLT, offers families the flexibility of both the British curriculum and the IB Diploma. The school is known for its emphasis on innovation and entrepreneurship, alongside strong academics. With modern facilities and a broad extracurricular programme, Sunmarke provides opportunities in STEAM, performing arts, and leadership development.

  • Curriculum: British Curriculum (IGCSE, A Levels) with IB Diploma option.
  • Ages catered to: 3 – 18 years.
  • Known for: STEAM education, entrepreneurship focus, performing arts, and leadership programmes.

Emirates International School – Meadows

Emirates International School in The Meadows is one of Dubai’s established IB schools, located just minutes from JLT. It offers the full IB continuum from early years to the Diploma Programme, serving a diverse community of students. The school combines academics with a wide range of extracurricular activities, supporting both personal and academic growth.

  • Curriculum: International Baccalaureate (IB PYP, MYP, DP).
  • Ages catered to: 3 – 19 years.
  • Known for: Established IB track record, multicultural student body, broad extracurricular opportunities.

Finding the right school for your family

Living in JLT doesn’t just save commuting hours; it gives them back to families. Parents can drop their children off at school and still enjoy quick breakfasts or lunches at family-friendly cafés, spa sessions or gym workouts perfectly timed with school runs, and easy access to community events, play areas, and after-school activities.

Whether it’s a nurturing nursery steps away from your apartment, a British-curriculum school with small class sizes, or a globally recognised IB pathway, JLT families have world-class education within reach. Combined with the district’s vibrant dining, retail, and wellness scene, it’s easy to see why JLT has become one of Dubai’s most desirable neighbourhoods for families.

If you’re considering a move to this thriving community, schedule a school tour and discover firsthand what makes JLT the perfect place for your family to thrive!