Written by Will Jones
As many schools in Dubai expand enrollment by placing more children in each classroom, Masterminds Early Learning Center chooses a different direction. Starting in the 2026–27 academic year, the school will limit all early years classes to 12 students. This shift reflects a structural choice that centres on personalised learning rather than large classes.
A Philosophy Guided by Neuroscience
Masterminds has a long history of keeping class sizes below city norms, and its new approach builds on that foundation. Through its collaboration with the Wharton Neuroscience Initiative, the school has focused closely on how small groups influence learning. Research from the partnership highlights clear benefits for young children when they work in groups of six. Educators can offer more focused attention, and children participate with greater comfort, curiosity, and connection.
Beginning in 2026–27, every Preschool, Pre-K, KG1, and KG2 classroom will follow the same structure. Each class will have 12 students divided into two learning groups of six. According to the school, this change fine-tunes a model that already supports strong outcomes.
Specialist Programs With Daily Presence
Masterminds integrates its specialist instruction into the regular school day. Children participate in daily language immersion (English, Arabic, French), music (violin and piano instruction), daily physical development (swimming, gymnastics, ball skills), and inquiry-based activities as part of their core curriculum rather than as isolated sessions. Smaller groups allow these experiences to unfold with more precision. Educators can adjust instruction to each child’s pace, interests, and comfort level.
This design also supports emotional ease. When children work in intimate groups, they have more opportunities to communicate, experiment, and build confidence.
A Confident Step in a Growing Market
Across Dubai, many schools are increasing capacity to accommodate rising demand. Masterminds has elected to move in the opposite direction. The school views its smaller limits as refinement rather than reduction. Its current structure already places 12 children in Junior Preschool and Preschool, and up to 15 in Pre-K through KG2. The new model simply creates consistency across the entire early years programme.
This decision reflects classroom experience. Educators have observed that children show stronger focus and interaction when they learn within small, predictable groups.
Responding Thoughtfully to Shifting Policies
The KHDA’s updated age cut-off policy means some children will begin school earlier. While some schools are preparing to expand capacity, Masterminds has reflected on how younger children engage with their environment. Rather than accelerating class sizes, the school has chosen steadiness. The smaller groups help educators respond to developmental needs without increasing pace or pressure.
Learning Designed Around the Individual
Every aspect of the Masterminds model supports small-group interaction. Classroom organisation, daily routines, and instructional methods are structured to help children build relationships, receive responsive guidance, and explore concepts at a comfortable rhythm. This is especially important for children ages one to six, when foundational learning habits begin to form.
By committing to depth over scale, Masterminds highlights an educational principle: meaningful learning grows from focused attention, not larger numbers.
Interested families can find out more by visiting the website.
As Dubai’s education sector continues to expand, Masterminds raises an important question for parents. Should progress in early childhood be measured by how many children a school can enrol, or by how thoughtfully each child’s learning is supported?
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