About SSIS
A school built on gratitude, since 2014
01Our story
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In 2014 Mrs. Sonika Khanna founded Shining Star International School in Musaffah to make a difference: to give the families of Abu Dhabi a high-performing CBSE school at a fee they could afford, and to build a community of learners.
The school is fully accredited by CBSE, the Central Board of Secondary Education, and approved by ADEK, Abu Dhabi's Department of Education and Knowledge, which rates it Good. Its curriculum is research-oriented and designed to challenge students of every ability, with emphasis on critical thinking and creative expression.
Beyond the classroom, SSIS embeds the UN Sustainable Development Goals, Model United Nations, global classroom projects, community outreach, partnerships with schools in Africa and the United States, the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, First Responders, and the Toastmaster and Gavel clubs.
Our motto
Gratitude is our attitude.
02Since 2014
Twelve years, year by year
From the first classes in Musaffah to an ADEK rating of Good: the dates the school can show you.
2014
Shining Star opens in Musaffah
Founded by Mrs. Sonika Khanna to give Abu Dhabi families a high-performing CBSE school at a fee they can afford.
2015
A Parents Council
Parents have had their own council, alongside open houses and PTA meetings, since 2015.
2019
The Climate Action Project
SSIS joins the global Climate Action Project (SDG 13).
2019
Hosts of the UAE CBSE Cluster Kabaddi Championship
SSIS hosted the cluster championship on its own grounds.
2020
KG Climate Warriors competition: four prizes
A grand inter-school competition for 28 schools from 7 emirates.
2020
Global Teacher Award
Mrs. Bushra Afreen, then Head of English.
2022
World's Best School Prizes: top 10 for Innovation
Shortlisted by T4 Education, one of two UAE schools named.
2023
Climate action at COP28
Khaleej Times reported SSIS's climate-consciousness work at COP28 UAE.
2024
Teachers' Excellence Award
Mrs. Deepika Pathak, Head of English, from the Indian Association Ajman.
2024–25
Rated Good by ADEK
Abu Dhabi's school inspection (Irtiqa'a), up from Acceptable.
2025
IBT: 84% overall mastery in the secondary school
International Benchmark Test, 2025. 94% of Grade 9 students scored above 61%.
2025
96.8% of Grade 12 pass the CBSE boards
And 93.3% of Grade 10, in the 2025 board examinations.
03SSIS today
SSIS in numbers
Teachers and classrooms from the CBSE mandatory disclosure, May 2026.
- pupils, KG 1 to Grade 12
- ≈2,000
- teachers
- 86
- classrooms with smart boards
- 72
- the year SSIS opened
- 2014
04Our vision
To be a school of innovation and creativity, preparing students for global challenges.
We aim to graduate today's young generation into the inspirational leaders of tomorrow, and to make an impact on social mobility, promoting equality in communities that have long been striving for change.
Our mission
Through the combined efforts of our staff, parents, students and community, to develop future leaders with active and creative minds: the holistic development of each individual, socially, morally, intellectually and physically, with a strong sense of heritage and culture.
To help every student discover their true potential, respect others and appreciate the world we live in, with the knowledge and life skills to adapt and thrive in a changing world.
05At a glance
Shining Star in six lines
- 01
Highly qualified teachers
Committed to giving every child strong communication, logical reasoning and an appreciation of culture, heritage and values.
- 02
Personal attention
Teachers work closely with students, one to one and in small groups, so every child has time and attention.
- 03
Indian curriculum, many nationalities
Children of many nationalities learn and grow together through CBSE, as responsible future global citizens.
- 04
After-school activities
Yoga, martial arts, football, cricket, abacus, robotics, nature and book clubs, art, drama, music and dance.
- 05
Holistic development
CBSE guidelines and NCERT textbooks, with equal weight on academic and co-curricular learning.
- 06
Parents involved
Daily updates through the parent app and email, open houses, PTA meetings and a Parents Council active since 2015.
