Abu Dhabi’s Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has announced a groundbreaking initiative that will require all private schools in the emirate to implement an annual Parent-School Contract, beginning with the 2025-2026 academic year. This new requirement aims to establish clear expectations and mutual responsibilities between schools and parents, ensuring a more collaborative approach to student well-being and academic success.

Clear Expectations and Mutual Accountability

The Parent-School Contract will be mandatory for all parents before student enrolment or re-enrolment and must be signed each year. Schools that fail to comply with this regulation face legal consequences and potential penalties.

One of the central features of the contract is that parents must formally acknowledge and accept a wide range of school policies. These include expectations around student behavior, adherence to school values, responsible digital conduct, and cultural sensitivity. ADEK’s goal with this initiative is to ensure that all parties are aligned in their commitment to a positive and transparent educational experience.

Monitoring students’ progress

As part of the new policy, schools will be required to use multiple platforms — including emails, SMS, apps, and printed letters — to keep parents informed about their children’s progress. In emergencies, a group notification system must be in place to deliver urgent updates promptly, ensuring that parents are always kept in the loop.

In addition to these measures, schools are encouraged to engage parents in discussions around healthy nutrition and provide regular updates on student performance. Schools will also be required to facilitate direct communication with support staff, including counselors, inclusion assistants, and social workers, to address any academic or personal concerns a student may face.

Parent Code of Conduct: Upholding Values and Integrity

As part of the contract, parents will be expected to commit to a Code of Conduct that reflects the ethical and cultural values promoted by ADEK. Among the key expectations outlined in the contract are:

• Respect for the School’s Mission and Environment: Parents must engage with the school community in a professional and respectful manner, treating all members—including staff, students, security, and maintenance workers—with dignity.
• Support for Student Behavior Standards: Parents are expected to ensure that their children adhere to the school’s rules and discipline standards.
• Social Media Responsibility: The contract includes a provision that parents should avoid posting defamatory or culturally inappropriate content about school-related matters on social media.
• Academic Integrity: Parents must support their children’s academic efforts, supervise homework, and provide honest documentation and communication with the school.
• Engagement in School Activities: Parents are expected to attend parent-teacher meetings, cooperate with the school’s recommendations, and support additional learning interventions when necessary.

Failure to meet these expectations could result in restricted access to school premises, reinforcing the importance of maintaining a respectful and supportive relationship between families and schools.

Schools’ Responsibilities: Transparency and Support

Schools will also have specific obligations. These include maintaining open and respectful communication with parents, sharing curriculum details and assessment strategies, and encouraging active parental involvement in both academic and extracurricular activities.

Schools will be required to organise at least one parent-teacher meeting per term to ensure regular interaction between educators and families. They will also be expected to promote mental health awareness and digital well-being, fostering an environment that supports the holistic development of students. Additionally, schools must maintain fair, VAT-free fee structures and obtain parental consent before sharing student data with third parties.

A Step Towards Stronger Collaboration

The introduction of the Parent-School Contract marks a new chapter in Abu Dhabi’s educational landscape, emphasizing collaboration, transparency, and mutual responsibility. By outlining clear expectations for both parents and schools, ADEK aims to create an environment that supports the well-being and academic growth of students while fostering stronger partnerships between families and educational institutions.