American Academy School vs GEMS American Academy Qatar

	A American Academy School Doha, Qatar	G GEMS American Academy Qatar Doha, Qatar
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year QAR 26,225 - 45,500	Fees / year QAR 35,150 - 59,650
Age range	Age range 4 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type —	Type —
Curriculum	Curriculum American Curriculum	Curriculum American Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 1,600	Pupils 1,600
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size 22
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened —	Opened —
Bus service	Bus service —	Bus service —
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location The American Academy School is located in the Thumama district of Doha, Qatar, along F-Ring Road in the New Thumama area. The campus address is Building 90, Street 440, Zone 50. The site is accessible via main roads in a residential/commercial neighbourhood, with local transport options available nearby.	Location GEMS American Academy Qatar is located in Al Wakrah, in the Al Wukair area, south of Doha. The campus sits in a growing residential district near Ezdan Mall Al Wakrah and is a short drive from the Al Janoub Stadium. The school occupies a new 20,000-square-metre facility with modern learning spaces, libraries, science labs, arts facilities and sports amenities.
Stages	Stages The school offers four levels: Kindergarten, Elementary School, Middle School, and High School.	Stages The school offers a full Pre-K through Grade 12 program, serving children roughly from age 3 to 18. It is organized into Lower School (Early Years and Elementary) and Upper School (Middle School and High School).
School type	School type The school operates as a private English-medium school offering the US Common Core Curriculum Standards.	School type GEMS American Academy Qatar is a co-educational day school with no boarding facilities.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix The school states it admits students from a wide range of cultures and welcomes students of all abilities, nationalities, and religions, indicating a multicultural student body. Public materials do not provide a numerical nationality breakdown or local/international ratio.	Pupil nationality mix The student body represents nearly 80 nationalities (with reported figures in the mid-to-upper 70s range). There is no publicly published single national majority or exact local-to-international ratio.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support The school has a learning support program to enroll a managed number of students needing additional support each grade level and is described as fully inclusive for learners with special educational needs.	Additional learning support There is a Student Support Team with personnel at each grade level providing additional academic assistance and language support (English as a Second Language). The school also runs a Gifted and Talented program. Admission notes that there are limited spaces for students with special learning needs, and an entrance assessment is required.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation There is no formal country affiliation stated; the curriculum combines US standards with local Ministry of Education requirements for compulsory subjects.	Country affiliation No formal country affiliation.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation The school does not have a separate religious affiliation; Islam studies are provided in line with Qatar MOE requirements for Muslim students.	Religious affiliation No formal religious affiliation; Arabic and Islamic studies are offered at native and non-native levels for Muslim students as part of the curriculum.
School day structure	School day structure The school day is from 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM.	School day structure From Sunday to Thursday, students may enter the school building from 7:10 a.m. The schedule for most students is 7:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. PK and KG1 start at 7:30 a.m. and may dismiss at 12:30 p.m., with later pick-up at 2:15 p.m. on Sundays–Wednesdays or 1:30 p.m. on Thursdays. KG2–Grade 12 follow 7:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m., with Thursday dismissal at 1:30 p.m.
Bus service details	Bus service details A school bus service is not publicly listed; transport arrangements should be discussed directly with the school. Contact: +974-40206900.	Bus service details The official transport provider is School Transport Services (STS). Buses include GPS monitoring, CCTV, and bus guardians on board. A Qatar Rail–based Ras Bu Fontas shuttle operates to serve staff and students traveling via the rail line. Doha and Al Wakrah routes cover numerous areas, including Al Wakrah, Al Wukair, Lusail and The Pearl; transport fees are published for the 2025–2026 year and inquiries can be directed to the transport contact listed by the school.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application and Admission Fees - Entrance exam: QAR 500 (applies to Grade 1 to Grade 12; non‑refundable). - Registration fee (new applicants): QAR 1,500 (payable once; non‑refundable, non‑transferable). - One‑time deposit / caution deposit: QAR 1,000 (refundable on withdrawal or graduation provided there is no damage to school property). - Retainer / re‑enrolment deposit for returning students: QAR 2,000 (non‑refundable; credited/deducted from the first semester fee of the following academic year). Tuition fees by year group (annual and per term), textbook and uniform fees - All amounts shown in QAR. Annual tuition may be paid in full or in two instalments; per‑term figures below assume two equal instalments (annual ÷ 2). The fee schedule also shows a 12% discounted tuition column; discounted per‑term figures assume the discounted annual ÷ 2. - KG1 / KG2 / Grade 1: - Annual tuition: QAR 24,725. - Discounted tuition (12%): QAR 21,758. - Per term (standard): QAR 12,362.50. - Per term (discounted): QAR 10,879.00. - Textbook fee: QAR 1,500. - Uniform fee: QAR 800. - Total (discounted tuition + textbooks + uniform): QAR 24,058. - Grade 2: - Annual tuition: QAR 27,950. - Discounted tuition (12%): QAR 24,596. - Per term (standard): QAR 13,975.00. - Per term (discounted): QAR 12,298.00. - Textbook fee: QAR 1,500. - Uniform fee: QAR 800. - Total (discounted tuition + textbooks + uniform): QAR 26,896. - Grade 3: - Annual tuition: QAR 27,950. - Discounted tuition (12%): QAR 24,596. - Per term (standard): QAR 13,975.00. - Per term (discounted): QAR 12,298.00. - Textbook fee: QAR 1,800. - Uniform fee: QAR 800. - Total (discounted tuition + textbooks + uniform): QAR 27,196. - Grades 4, 5, 6: - Annual tuition: QAR 31,175. - Discounted tuition (12%): QAR 27,434. - Per term (standard): QAR 15,587.50. - Per term (discounted): QAR 13,717.00. - Textbook fee: QAR 1,800. - Uniform fee: QAR 800. - Total (discounted tuition + textbooks + uniform): QAR 30,034. - Grades 7, 8, 9: - Annual tuition: QAR 34,400. - Discounted tuition (12%): QAR 30,272. - Per term (standard): QAR 17,200.00. - Per term (discounted): QAR 15,136.00. - Textbook fee: QAR 2,000. - Uniform fee: QAR 800. - Total (discounted tuition + textbooks + uniform): QAR 33,072. - Grades 10, 11: - Annual tuition: QAR 39,775. - Discounted tuition (12%): QAR 35,002. - Per term (standard): QAR 19,887.50. - Per term (discounted): QAR 17,501.00. - Textbook fee: QAR 2,500. - Uniform fee: QAR 800. - Total (discounted tuition + textbooks + uniform): QAR 38,302. - Grade 12: - Annual tuition: QAR 43,000. - Discounted tuition (12%): QAR 37,840. - Per term (standard): QAR 21,500.00. - Per term (discounted): QAR 18,920.00. - Textbook fee: QAR 2,500. - Uniform fee: QAR 800. - Total (discounted tuition + textbooks + uniform): QAR 41,140. Sibling discounts - Sibling tuition discounts applied to school tuition only (not to textbooks, uniforms or other charges). Discount percentages by child order: 1st child 12%; 2nd child 14%; 3rd child 14%; 4th child 14%; 5th child 17%; 6th child 17%. The highest percentage discount is applied to the youngest student. The sibling discounts are valid for one academic year. Billing schedule and payment terms - Annual fees cover the full academic year and may be paid either in full or in two instalments. A student may not start the academic year unless the first term (first instalment) fee has been paid in full. Fees should be paid within 14 days of receiving an acceptance letter unless otherwise instructed. Returning students reserve places by paying the re‑enrolment deposit (QAR 2,000), which is credited against the first instalment. Payment methods and bank details - Accepted payment methods: cash or cheque to the Finance Office; wire transfer to the school bank account (transfer charges to be borne by the payer). Debit/credit cards are accepted at the Finance Office limited to extra‑curricular activity payments. Invoices and company‑sponsored payments can be issued on request (company confirmation required). - Bank transfer details (for bank payments): - Account name: AMERICAN ACADEMY SCHOOL. - Bank: Doha Bank, Corporate Branch. - Account no.: 0222-0900107-001-0010-000. - IBAN: QA13 DOHB 0222 0900 1070 0100 1000 0. - SWIFT: DOHBQAQAXXX. - Email transfer confirmation (student name and contact) to the school finance email. Boarding fees - No boarding provision or boarding fees are listed in the school's published fee schedule or fee policy; boarding fees are therefore not applicable. Other costs and additional fees - Textbook fees as listed above are required and are non‑refundable once paid. - International examination fees (e.g., SAT, Pre‑SAT, IELTS, AP) are not included in tuition and must be paid separately. - Charges for field trips, special projects, extra‑curricular activities, loss/damage of books or school property, and any extraordinary expenses are invoiced separately as required. Refund and withdrawal policy (key points) - One‑month written notice is required to withdraw a student. - If the semester's fees are paid in full and the child is withdrawn prior to the start of the academic year, fees are refundable except for the Registration or Re‑registration fee (these are not refundable). - If the student has attended 10 or fewer school days from the start of the first semester, fees (excluding Registration or Re‑registration fee) will be refunded. - If the student has attended 20 or fewer school days from the start of the first semester, 50% of tuition fees (excluding Registration or Re‑registration fee) will be refunded. If the student has attended more than 20 school days in the first semester, or any part of the second semester, the semester fee is payable (no refund for that semester). - Textbook fees are non‑refundable once paid. The refundable caution deposit (QAR 1,000) is returned on withdrawal or graduation subject to no damage to school property. Notes and exclusions - The registration and entrance exam fees are explicitly non‑refundable. International exam fees and extracurricular charges are not included in the published tuition figures and will be charged separately. Overdue fees may result in withholding of results, reports and certificates and may prevent student registration changes within national systems until all dues are settled.	Fee details Application / Registration Fees - One-time, non-refundable registration fee payable when you accept a place: KG1 – KG2: QAR 3,200; Grades 1–12: QAR 3,500. - Assessment fee for entry assessments (payable on assessment day): QAR 200. No assessment fee for KG1 and KG2. Tuition fees (Academic Year 2025–2026) — term and annual amounts (all amounts in Qatari Riyals) - KG1 – KG2: Term 1: QAR 15,140 · Term 2: QAR 10,005 · Term 3: QAR 10,005 · Yearly total: QAR 35,150. - Grade 1: Term 1: QAR 17,980 · Term 2: QAR 11,760 · Term 3: QAR 11,760 · Yearly total: QAR 41,500. - Grade 2: Term 1: QAR 18,560 · Term 2: QAR 12,195 · Term 3: QAR 12,195 · Yearly total: QAR 42,950. - Grade 3: Term 1: QAR 19,060 · Term 2: QAR 12,195 · Term 3: QAR 12,195 · Yearly total: QAR 43,450. - Grade 4: Term 1: QAR 20,140 · Term 2: QAR 13,005 · Term 3: QAR 13,005 · Yearly total: QAR 46,150. - Grade 5: Term 1: QAR 20,680 · Term 2: QAR 13,410 · Term 3: QAR 13,410 · Yearly total: QAR 47,500. - Grade 6: Term 1: QAR 21,200 · Term 2: QAR 13,800 · Term 3: QAR 13,800 · Yearly total: QAR 48,800. - Grades 7–9: Term 1: QAR 23,600 · Term 2: QAR 15,450 · Term 3: QAR 15,450 · Yearly total: QAR 54,500. - Grades 10–12: Term 1: QAR 25,660 · Term 2: QAR 16,995 · Term 3: QAR 16,995 · Yearly total: QAR 59,650. Billing schedule and payment terms - Term payment due dates: Term 1 payment due: August 31; Term 2 payment due: January 1; Term 3 payment due: April 1. Tuition fees are payable in advance of attendance and invoiced from the time of admission. Tuition fees are due prior to the start of each term. - Re-registration deposit (current students) is payable at re-enrolment to guarantee a place for the following academic year; the deposit is deductible from the total tuition fees and is non-refundable. Students with outstanding fee balances or missing MOE registration documents will not be able to re-enrol. - Tuition invoices are issued from admission; if a student joins mid-year, tuition may be charged from the beginning of the month of enrollment. Report cards and official records will be withheld until all outstanding fees (including for lost/damaged books) are cleared. Boarding fees - Boarding is not applicable. GEMS American Academy Qatar operates as a day school. Other costs and fees - Annual stationery: QAR 1,000 per student per year. Parents may either pay this stationery fee or provide every item listed on the school stationery list before the start of the year. The published yearly fees include stationery & books as indicated in the fee schedule; textbooks are provided on loan. Parents are responsible for breakages, loss or damage to books and for charges related to field trips, external after-school activities and materials required for practical classes. - Uniforms and uniform payments: Approved uniforms and accessories are available through Threads (Ezdan Mall – Al Gharrafa). Threads accepts cash and credit card payments for uniform purchases. Exact uniform prices are set by the supplier. - Assessment-related or miscellaneous charges: assessment fee for entry QAR 200 (no fee for KG1/KG2); charges for specific external examinations, certain after-school options, field trips, and replacement/damage of school property may be invoiced separately. Textbooks are loaned; parents must pay for lost/damaged items. Refund information - The one-time registration fee is non-refundable once a place is accepted and the registration payment date is set. The re-registration deposit is non-refundable but deductible from total tuition for the year. Other refund terms for tuition payments are not stated in the fee summary; outstanding accounts must be cleared in order to receive transfer documentation and records. Transfer certificates and records will not be issued until all outstanding fees and obligations are cleared. Discounts and corporate arrangements - Sibling discount: 15% for the fourth child and 25% for the fifth child. Referral program: a tuition discount of 4% per successful referral, with conditions that both families attend two weeks of school and Term 1 fees are paid; the program can provide up to 100% of a child's annual tuition if referral conditions are met. Corporate agreement discounts (10% per child for the 2025–2026 year) apply for employees of specified partner organisations listed by the school. Fee payment options - Accepted payment methods: Cash, credit card, current or post-dated cheque, wire transfer (bank details provided by the Accounts department on request), and online payments via the GEMS Parent Portal. Contact the Accounts department for bank details and Parent Portal access assistance. Uniform purchases at the approved supplier accept cash and credit cards. Notes on withdrawals and issuance of records - To withdraw a student, complete the Student Exit Form and clear all accounts during the last week prior to withdrawal. Records, transcripts and Transfer Certificate packets are issued only after all accounts are cleared and all school property is returned. The Reception/Registrar processes withdrawal requests and will notify when the Transfer Certificate packet is ready. (Fees and policies above are presented as published for AY 2025–2026.)
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement Uniforms are required for all students. The KG uniform is a blue shirt with a red collar paired with navy blue pants or a dress, while Grades 1–5 and Grades 6–12 wear white shirts with blue collars paired with navy blue pants or skirts/dresses; the winter uniform includes a navy jacket and navy sweater, and uniforms (including PE kit) can be collected from the school.	Uniform requirement Uniforms are required. They are sold exclusively through Threads at Ezdan Mall – Al Gharrafa. The Uniform Guide KG1 to Grade 12 is available, and Threads offers 100% eco-friendly cotton options and leather school shoes.
Food options	Food options —	Food options The campus has on-site dining facilities, including Lower School dining and Upper School café with an outdoor eating space, plus a Parents Café. The school serves a wide range of healthy lunches and snacks in its cafeterias.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership —	Governance and ownership GEMS American Academy Qatar operates as part of the GEMS Education network; governance and ownership are provided by GEMS Education as the parent organization and owner of the GAAQ campuses.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details American Academy School in Doha offers a US standards-based program for Preschool through Grade 12, with English as the language of instruction; French is introduced from Grade 4. Kindergarten uses California Common Core for English Language Arts and Mathematics and the Next Generation Science Standards for science; core subjects are English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, ICT, Qatar History, and Arabic, with Art, Music, and Physical Education as specialist subjects. The Elementary program continues this approach, aligning English Language Arts and Mathematics to the California CCSS and Science to NGSS, with Qatar History and Arabic among core subjects, plus Art, Music, and PE. In Middle and High School, the curriculum remains CCSS for ELA/Math and NGSS for Science, with core subjects English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, ICT, Qatar History, and Arabic, and specialist courses including French, Business Studies, Economics, and PE; High School also offers Advanced Placement courses. Arabic is studied by all KG-12 students; History of Qatar is required for Grades 1-9; Islamic Studies is available for Muslim students (Islamic A or B), and college readiness is supported through a 4-year ILP and access to PSAT/SAT alongside AP options.	Curriculum details GEMS American Academy Qatar offers an enriched American curriculum from Pre-K through Grade 12, culminating in the American High School Diploma with the option to take 20+ Advanced Placement (AP) courses and to earn an AP Capstone Diploma. In the Early Years and Elementary levels (KG2–Grade 5), instruction follows the U.S. Common Core standards for English Language Arts and Math, with NGSS for Science and C3 for Social Studies, and Arabic is offered for native and non-native speakers along with introductions to Spanish and French, plus regular classes in Art, Information Technology and Qatar History. From Grade 6 onward, the Middle School and High School programs use the College Board's Springboard curriculum for Math and English, aligned to Common Core to prepare students for AP coursework. In Grades 9–12, students may enroll in more than 20 AP courses and can pursue the AP Capstone Diploma, which includes Seminar and Research components. The curriculum emphasizes university readiness, independent thinking and holistic development through integrated academics, the arts, athletics and character education.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning The American Academy School expresses social-emotional development through its School-Wide Learning Outcomes, which describe Self-directed learners, Critical thinkers, Effective communicators, and Responsible citizens. The Inclusion Policy requires the Counsellor/Social Worker to work with students and teachers to set social/emotional goals and to develop goals and plans (including Individual Behaviour Plans) when needed. The school operates a tiered Support System (Tier 1–3) that includes regular Counsellor, Social Worker, and Inclusion Specialist involvement to monitor progress and provide interventions. Social/emotional goals and supports are integrated into Individual Education Plans (IEPs) or related accommodation plans as appropriate. The aim to value diversity and to foster a safe, inclusive environment underpins the SEL-oriented goals and expectations across the student body.	Social & emotional learning GAAQ integrates social and emotional learning (SEL) as part of its student-care framework. The Middle School and High School Counseling Departments provide targeted SEL support, with the Middle School Counselor overseeing grades 6–8 and focusing on social-emotional competencies, and the High School Counselor supporting students' social-emotional and academic growth. The Upper School Guidance Counseling Department explicitly states SEL objectives aligned with the school's core values, including Social-Emotional Awareness, Healthy Relationship Skills, Decision-Making, and Problem-Solving. Advisory classes and the House System offer regular SEL-related activities, including lessons on Digital Citizenship, Responsible Decision Making, Increasing Self-Awareness, and Building Social Skills. The school emphasizes holistic development—academic, social, emotional, physical and cognitive learning—in a zero-tolerance bullying environment built on trust.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) AAS uses an Inclusion Policy with an Inclusion Team (Learning Support Teacher, Counsellor, Social Worker, Inclusion Specialist/SEN Teachers, SENCO) to identify and support students with Additional Learning Needs. Additional Needs students are placed in the least restrictive environment and receive a mix of in-class support, small-group instruction, 1:1 interventions, and services outside the classroom, including IEPs and ongoing reviews. The policy lists Disability categories such as Cognition and Learning, Specific Learning Disorders, Speech/Communication Delays, Social/Emotional/Mental Health Disorders, and Medical conditions as areas of potential need. AAS is not a specialist SEN institution; it is an inclusive school that uses SEN specialists and an Inclusion Team to plan and deliver support. The school emphasizes collaboration with parents and external agencies as part of the ALN process and includes mechanisms to identify and support English Language Learners (ELL) within this framework.	Special educational needs (SEN) SEN-related support is described as part of ‘special programs' including ELL, learning support and Arabic, with resources allocated to these areas. English is the principal language of instruction, and ELL and learning-support provisions are explicitly included within the school's language policy. The policy notes ongoing collaboration with support services to ensure a strong ELL and SST (Student Support Team) program. The Upper School Counseling Department provides individualized support and interventions, including counseling and collaboration with parents/guardians and teachers, to address students' personal and academic needs. Public materials do not describe a dedicated SEN department or a separate SEN facility; SEN support is described within the broader program of language and learning support.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language English Language Learners receive targeted support under the Inclusion Policy via EAL Intervention and an EAL Specialist, with progress monitored regularly across the curriculum. The policy specifies that EAL involvement can include in-class support and dedicated EAL staff to assist language development while teaching within the normal subject areas. EAL progress is tracked through regular monitoring and data collection to determine if further intervention is needed. ELL considerations are explicit: students with different home languages are accommodated, but ELL is not treated as a learning disability solely due to language differences. The tiered system (Tier 2) includes EAL Intervention and the option of additional support plans (including 1:1 or small-group support) as part of the inclusion framework.	English as an additional language English is the principal language of instruction at GAAQ. Multilingualism is valued, and the Language Policy states that special programs (ELL, learning support, Arabic, etc.) have appropriate resources to support language learning. The policy confirms mother-tongue development is important and that resources include mother-tongue materials and host-country language support. Collaboration with support services is emphasized to ensure a strong ELL/SST program and differentiated language instruction. Language learning is planned with integral assessments and alignment to standards, reflecting a formal, school-wide EAL framework.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Social/emotional goals are identified and addressed through the Counsellor and a School-led tiered support structure; the Counsellor collaborates with the student, classroom teachers, and the Learning Support team to create specific goals and plans. The Inclusion Policy specifies that social/emotional, medical, or other concerns creating barriers to learning are managed with a plan implemented and monitored by the Counsellor/Social Worker. Tier 1 includes Counsellor check-ins and initial interventions for social/emotional, organizational, and academic needs; Tier 2 provides targeted EAL and inclusion support with the Counsellor involved; Tier 3 involves longer-term SEN interventions with the Inclusion Specialist and Counsellor. Overall, the school's safeguarding and inclusion practices explicitly address students' social, emotional, and mental health needs within a formal framework. The Safeguarding Policy reinforces the commitment to a safe, caring environment where student wellbeing is a central concern.	Mental wellbeing Mental wellbeing is addressed through GAAQ's guidance and counseling services and SEL framework. The Middle and High School counselors provide ongoing counseling and interventions to support students' social-emotional development and academic progress, with a stated aim to bolster personal and academic growth. The Health Clinic is onsite to address medical needs and support student wellbeing. Mental health awareness is actively promoted, with events and programs led by elementary, middle, and high school counselors, including advisory collaboration and student activities. Advisory structures, a formal SEL curriculum, and campus wellness events together underpin ongoing mental health education and safeguarding.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding The Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy establishes the school's primary duty to protect children and promote their welfare, aligning with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and Qatar's laws. It sets out mandated reporting procedures and the roles of the Child Protection Coordinator (CPC) and committee members who respond to concerns without delay. The policy assigns clear responsibilities to all staff for safeguarding, including adherence to a Code of Conduct and safe recruitment practices (background checks for staff). It defines maltreatment and provides guidance on signs to look for across physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, neglect, bullying, and cyberbullying. The Safeguarding policy outlines the process for reporting, investigation, and protective actions, and emphasizes that staff coordinate with parents and appropriate authorities as needed.	Safeguarding GAAQ operates under a formal safeguarding framework with designated safeguarding leads and a designated safeguarding policy. The Child Safeguarding and Protection page lists safeguarding leads and designated safeguarding roles across school levels, with designated counselors supporting safeguarding and student protection. A GEMS Safeguarding Policy (2023-24) is published as part of the Key Documents and Policies. The school's safeguarding posture is reinforced through the safeguarding policy and staff roles to ensure student safety and protection are integrated into daily school life.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview Classrooms are spacious and comfortable, with smart boards and network access. ICT is integrated through the curriculum, and integrated labs include a Computer Lab with ICT facilities and a Smart Board with a touch screen. There are three fully equipped science laboratories for Physics, Chemistry and Biology. The library is well-stocked with fiction, nonfiction, reference books and magazines, and is regularly updated. The Art Room and Music Room support arts and performing arts with materials and instruments. A Kindergarten Play Area provides a safe outdoor space for younger students.	Facilities overview The campus covers 20,000 square meters and features fully-equipped classrooms in a larger building layout. Interactive, technology-laden classrooms are provided at every level, with dedicated Arabic and Islamic rooms and resource areas. There are dual libraries and quiet work spaces. Visual arts spaces include ceramics and pottery rooms, studios for 3D and 2D art, and a BlackBox theatre; the Performing Arts Program includes a music practice room, piano lab, instrument teaching space, and a recording studio. Athletic spaces comprise a CrossFit zone, a multipurpose sports hall, rooftop court, soccer pitch, shaded playground areas, indoor mini-gyms, and a professional dance studio. The campus is located in Al Wakra.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities Indoor sports facilities include a basketball court, a football field, badminton, volleyball and tennis courts, and a playground with a synthetic track. Outdoor sports facilities include a football field. The Kindergarten Play Area provides a safe outdoor space for younger students. The facilities support opportunities for physical education and team sports.	Sports facilities CrossFit zone; multipurpose sports hall; rooftop sports court; soccer pitch; shaded playground areas; indoor mini-gyms; professional dance studio.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities Classrooms are spacious and comfortable, with smart boards and network access. ICT labs include a Computer Lab and ICT tools with a Smart Board and connected computers. There are three fully equipped science laboratories for Physics, Chemistry and Biology. The library is well-stocked with fiction and nonfiction, reference books and magazines, and is regularly updated. ICT is integrated through the curriculum to support learning.	Academic facilities Interactive, technology-laden classrooms are provided at every level, with dedicated Arabic and Islamic rooms and resource areas. Dual libraries and quiet work spaces support study. Visual arts spaces include ceramics and pottery rooms, and studios for 3D and 2D art, plus a BlackBox theatre. The Performing Arts Program includes a music practice room, piano lab, instrument teaching space, and a recording studio.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Art Room and Music Room support arts-related activities beyond regular classes. The library supports independent reading and research. Indoor and outdoor sports facilities support physical education and team sports. Kindergarten Play Area provides age-appropriate outdoor activity for younger students. These spaces enable arts, literacy and sports activities beyond core classes.	Extra curricular facilities There are a plethora of afterschool activities and student organizations. Lower School ASAs include Multi-Sport Athletics (Frisbee), Drama, STEM Activities, Eco-Green Club, Reader's Theater, and more. Upper School offers a range of clubs and initiatives such as The Hague International Model United Nations (THIMUN), Qur'an Recitation, GAAQ Student Council, Doha Medical Conference Review, Qatar Green Building Council, Immerse Education Cambridge Summer School, Visual Arts Creators Exhibition and Inter-school Battle of the Bands, along with Robotics, Coding, Chess, Choir, Yearbook, Photography and other activities. The school supports student leadership through avenues like Student Councils and athletics, and has Eco Club and related environmental initiatives, including Eco-Schools Green Flag Award.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History American Academy School (AAS) was founded in 2000. It is an English-medium private school offering the US Common Core Curriculum Standards and emphasizes a multicultural student body to encourage interaction between different cultures. Over time the school consolidated from three campuses into a single Thumama campus serving more than 1,100 students across Doha, Qatar. The Thumama campus includes laboratories for sciences and ICT, a sports gymnasium, expansive fields, and technology-enabled classrooms, underpinned by enquiry-based learning and a skills-focused approach.	History GEMS American Academy Qatar opened for the 2014–2015 academic year as GEMS Education's flagship American school in the country. It is backed by GEMS Education, the largest operator of K–12 schools in the world. In 2019, GAAQ received full NEASC accreditation and the first graduating class entered the school, the Class of 2019. The school has earned recognitions such as the Qatar Green Building Council Sustainability Award (2020) and the Eco-Schools Green Flag Award (2021). Additional milestones include MOEHE Culture & Identity Accreditation and UCAS center designation (both in 2022), NHS designation (2022), and the Creative Curriculum Ambassador designation (2023).
Community	Community AAS operates a diverse, multicultural school community drawn from many nationalities. The school hosts cultural and national celebrations and student activities such as Cultural Day (2024-25), Qatar National Day events, and Qatar Sports Day. The calendar also features programs like Model United Nations, Safety Week, and Breast Cancer Awareness Week that involve students, families, and staff. Through these events the school aims to foster community and cross-cultural understanding.	Community Our community extends beyond current students and includes a network of parents and alumni. The school represents nearly 80 nationalities, and the Parent Association coordinates events such as Earth Day, Autism Awareness Day, Spring Fair, United Nations Day, Pizza Day, Popcorn Day, Family Movie Night and Qatar National Day to bring families together. Community events have included a March 2023 Spring Music Festival and an October 2023 Mental Health Awareness Day featuring student performances, guest speakers and wellbeing activities.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association Public information does not describe a formal Parent Teacher Association (PTA) at American Academy School. The public materials show a calendar of events and family-involved activities, including Cultural Day, Safety Week, Qatar National Day, MUN, and other themed days that encourage parent participation. No PTA-specific committees, meetings, or fundraising activities are documented on the public pages. Family involvement appears to occur around school-organized events and newsletters rather than through a standalone PTA body. For precise PTA details, contact the school directly.	Parent teacher association GAAQ's Parent Association is a core group of volunteers and elected parent leadership who organize events for students, parents, staff and the wider school community. They meet weekly throughout the year to strengthen the sense of school community and encourage parental engagement. The PA hosts and helps organize events including Parent Coffee Mornings, Earth Day, Autism Awareness Day, Spring Fair, Pizza Day, United Nations Day, Popcorn Day, Family Movie Night and Qatar National Day. A group of parent representatives maintains an open communication channel with school leadership and the Parent Relations Executive to share feedback on general school matters. The Association welcomes new families, serves as a resource for parent questions, and provides volunteering opportunities to support the school, reflecting the community's nearly 80 nationalities.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The school was founded in 2000. The school is an English-medium private school offering the US Common Core Curriculum Standards. The school serves Kindergarten through High School (K–12).	Academic & intellectual The school offers an American curriculum aligned to U.S. national standards and the Common Core, with Advanced Placement (AP) courses. AP courses include AP Biology, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP English Language and Composition, AP Spanish Language and Culture, and AP French Language and Culture. ELL support is provided in the Upper School to assist language development. NEASC accreditation and MOE oversight underpin the school's governance and accreditation status.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative GAAQ provides arts-integrated opportunities, including a Music Production Studio. AP Art courses, such as AP Art 2D Design and AP Art 3D Design, are offered. El Periódico is a student publication produced by Spanish-language students.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language English is the main language of instruction; Arabic, Spanish and French are also offered. The curriculum includes an introduction to Spanish and French languages. A Spanish-language student publication, El Periódico, showcases language and culture. Model United Nations and other cultural activities support global citizenship.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies The school offers after-school clubs and sports teams. The Eco-Club provides environmental interest and activities. Field trips throughout Qatar and experiences to other locations are part of the program. Model United Nations and other clubs encourage collaborative, extracurricular participation.
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service Students in grades 6–12 must complete at least 25 service hours each year. Service-learning and volunteering opportunities are embedded in the Upper School program. The school emphasizes community engagement and global citizenship. National Honor Society designation recognizes student achievement.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional Model United Nations and service programs cultivate leadership and public speaking. AP courses support college readiness and provide opportunities for advanced study. The school is approved as a UCAS center for processing applications to British universities. National Honor Society designation recognizes student leadership and service.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing The school provides after-school clubs and sports teams. The campus is a 20,000 square-meter, purpose-built facility designed to support student wellbeing. The balanced program includes arts, athletics, and extracurriculars to support physical and mental health.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision The school uses English as the language of instruction for Preschool through Grade 12 and follows the US Common Core Curriculum Standards. French is introduced from Grade 4. All students from KG–12 are required to learn Arabic, with classes differentiated for native and non-native speakers and the Arabic content integrated with the MOE syllabus. From Grade 1 to 9, Qatar History is studied with options for Arabic- or English-language settings, and Muslim students take Islamic Studies as Islamic A (Arabic) or Islamic B (English) depending on Arabic proficiency. The MOE framework guides these curriculum and language requirements, and the school emphasizes English fluency for all students. A learning support program is available to assist students needing additional help.	Language provision The school offers an enriched American curriculum with AP course options (20+). The Early Years and Elementary programs emphasize an American approach to learning, with English-language instruction supported by ESL services for students learning English as an additional language.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards Eco-Schools Green Flag award; Duke of Edinburgh Award approved to be offered; 100% university acceptance rate since first graduating class in 2019.
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations NEASC-accredited; last NEASC visit in 2025.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Online application. Complete the online application form via the admissions portal. The school collects information about previous academic experience and pastoral welfare to support the transition. The required documents include: three recent passport photos of the child; a copy of the child's passport, Qatari ID and birth certificate; copies of the parents' passports and Qatari ID; a copy of the child's school reports for the last two years (if from abroad, the latest report must be attested); a recommendation letter from the previous school; immunization records and medical fitness; a letter of employment from the child's sponsor; copies of assessments relating to Additional Educational Support Needs, if applicable. When documents are not in English or Arabic, notarized English translation is required. Applications are submitted online, and the admissions team can assist with online inquiries on campus.	Admissions 1. Review age and grade placement using the Age Requirements and Grade Placement chart. The chart maps American UK equivalents and typical ages from Pre-K (3-4) through Grade 12 (17-18). 2. Submit an online application via Apply Online on the Admissions page. The Admissions Process page links to Apply Online and to Admissions FAQ for guidance. 3. Use the Virtual Admissions Center or schedule a campus tour to learn more about the school and see the facilities. 4. Review tuition and fees. Tuition is set in accordance with the fee structure set by GEMS Education and approved by Qatar's Ministry of Education (MOE). 5. Check Admissions FAQ for additional information and next steps.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist 2) Assessment interview and entrance steps. When places become available, selected applicants are invited to undertake an assessment interview with Heads of Departments or the School Principal. The interview carries a QR 500 fee and requires arrival 30 minutes early; a form at reception must be completed. For preschool and KG, the interview includes play-based activities to assess early understanding.	Waitlist —
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