Parents’ Perceptions on School Selection for their Gifted Children in Grade Six in the UAE

The Abu Dhabi Educational Council (ADEK) is committed to investing in gifted and talented students as part of its educational reform. Parents are key players in this reform process. This case study aims to explore parents’ perceptions of the targeted voucher system and the factors that influence their school choices for their sixth-grade children who are gifted and talented. The main findings revealed that all participants were in favor of a voucher system for gifted children in the UAE, particularly if it allowed for school choice. They viewed the voucher as beneficial for the gifted, but emphasized the need for an accountable system. The primary factors that influenced the participants’ school choices for their gifted children were co-educational settings, curriculum types, school quality, and schools that aligned with their values and beliefs. The study concludes with implications for practice and suggestions for future research topics.