Elite International School vs Global Academy International
Elite International School and Global Academy International are both in Doha, about 6 km apart. Both schools offer American programmes, and Global Academy International also offers Qatari. Published annual fees are QAR 20,000 - 40,000 at Elite International School and QAR 13,205 - 26,409 at Global Academy International, which puts Elite International School roughly 51% higher. Both take pupils from 3 to 18.
Elite International School is located in Doha, Qatar. The campus address is Zone 56, Street 815, Building #1, Ain Khalid, Doha. It sits in the Ain Khalid area of Doha. The school can be reached by road from this residential neighbourhood.
Location
Global Academy International operates across multiple Doha-area campuses, including Wakra Main Road/Al Thumama, Sabah Al Ahmed Street in Al Waab, Al Rayyan, and Muaither. The main campus is on Wakra Main Road, Al Thumama 47, beside NABINA Est. Doha. Additional campuses are located in Al Waab, Al Rayyan, and Muaither to extend access for relocating families. The campuses are connected to major transport routes and nearby residential areas.
Stages
Stages
The school serves Preschool to Grade 12, covering Early Childhood (Preschool & PreK), Elementary (K to Grade 5), Middle School (Grades 6 to 8), and High School (Grades 9 to 12). Starting Grade 6, boys and girls have separate classrooms.
Stages
GAI offers education from Kindergarten through Year 12. The Al Rayyan campus lists Pre-KG to Grade 6, while other campuses report Kindergarten to Year 12; overall the network serves Kindergarten to Year 12 with varying capacity by campus.
School type
School type
The school is private and coeducational. From Grade 6 onward, there are separate classrooms for boys and girls.
School type
Co-educational day school. GAI operates as a private international school.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
Public materials do not publish a pupil nationality mix or the local-to-international pupil ratio. The school's stated focus on Qatari identity and the existence of Arabic/Islamic coordination indicate local curriculum emphasis, but no public data on student nationalities is provided.
Pupil nationality mix
Public materials describe the student body as diverse and welcoming to all nationalities; however, there is no publicly disclosed data on the number of nationalities represented or the local-to-international ratio.
Additional learning support
Additional learning support
Public SEN provisions are not published on the school's public pages. The staff includes a Nurse and a Social Worker on the Student Affairs team, indicating health and welfare support on campus.
Additional learning support
Differentiated instruction is offered to all age groups. Teachers help lower-attaining students to meet curriculum objectives and provide support within regular classes.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
The school operates in Qatar.
Country affiliation
GAI follows an American curriculum with California Standards and has no formal country affiliation publicly indicated.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
No formal religious affiliation is indicated on public materials; an Arabic/Islamic/QH coordinator exists among staff, suggesting some Islamic studies are part of the curriculum.
Religious affiliation
No religious affiliation is indicated in public materials.
School day structure
School day structure
The school day opens with the gate at 6:30 am and assemblies/registration occur by 7:00 am, with the first lesson at 7:15 am. On Wednesdays, the school finishes at 12:15 pm. The campus is described as closed, with students staying on site until the end of the day.
School day structure
School timings vary by level: Grade 1 to 6 run from 7:30 AM to 2:00 PM; Kindergarten runs from 7:30 AM to 1:00 PM. The admissions office operates from 7:00 AM to 2:45 PM.
Bus service details
Bus service details
There is no dedicated school bus service published on the school's pages. Public transport in Doha includes the Metrolink feeder bus network that connects to Doha Metro stations (routes such as M141 and M143 have operated to service areas around the Religious Complex and other sites), with route updates reported in local transport coverage. Families may rely on Metrolink, private transport, or other arrangements.
Bus service details
GAI offers a school bus service; transportation inquiries can be directed to the Rayyan campus contact: telephone +974 44178711, with reference line 66169700 and email info.rayyan@gaiqatar.com.
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Application & one‑time fees - Application fee (new applicants): QAR 55. - Entrance/examination fee (for Grade 1 and above): QAR 220 (non‑transferable, non‑refundable). - Registration fee (one‑off, payable on acceptance): QAR 2,200 (non‑transferable, non‑refundable). - Seat reservation / deposit (to hold a place): QAR 3,300; this amount is deducted from the first semester tuition but is non‑transferable and non‑refundable.
Tuition fees by year group (annual and per‑term) - Preschool / Pre‑K (Age 3–4): Annual QAR 20,000; per semester QAR 10,000 (two semesters). - Kindergarten (K): Annual QAR 25,000; per semester QAR 12,500. - Grades 1–6: Annual QAR 30,000; per semester QAR 15,000. - Grades 7–9: Annual QAR 35,000; per semester QAR 17,500. - Grades 10–12: Annual QAR 40,000. (The school publishes the annual tuition for Grades 10–12 as QAR 40,000; per‑term breakdown follows the school's term/semester billing described below.)
Other mandatory and recurring fees - Books: Pre‑school/Pre‑K QAR 1,100; Kindergarten QAR 1,650; Grades 1–6 QAR 2,750; Grades 7–9 QAR 3,500. Books fees are charged separately and are non‑transferable/non‑refundable. - Transportation (optional): One‑way annual QAR 4,620 (per semester QAR 2,310); two‑way annual QAR 6,600 (per semester QAR 3,300). Transport fees must be paid in full by the due date. - Uniforms and supply lists: Uniforms and supply lists are specified and sold through the school; supply lists are published by stage. Uniform and supplies costs are additional to tuition and books.
Billing schedule and payment terms - Billing structure: Fees are billed by semester. The school's published payment schedule splits tuition into two semesters (Semester 1 + Semester 2) and sets due dates for each semester invoice. Semester amounts above are the school's published semester figures. - Due dates (example from the school's published schedule): First semester fees (including first semester tuition, books and transport where applicable) are due before the published first‑semester deadline; second semester fees are due before the published second‑semester deadline. The school's published form gives specific calendar deadlines for fee payment for the academic year. - Seat reservation and registration timing: The seat reservation fee and registration/entrance fees are payable at registration (seat reservation is taken off the first‑semester tuition). New and returning student registration payments must be made at registration to secure the place. - Late payment and returned cheques: Returned cheques must be settled in cash within two days of bank notice; outstanding balances may prevent issue of reports, certificates or exam entry. The school's form sets out cancellation rules and obligations tied to fee payment.
Boarding fees - Boarding is not listed for Elite International School (the school is operated as a day school); no boarding fees are published.
Discounts and sibling policy - Sibling discount: A 5% discount is published for the third child from the same family (applies to tuition).
Refund and cancellation rules - Non‑refundable items: Entrance/exam fee, registration fee and seat reservation fee are explicitly stated as non‑refundable and non‑transferable. Books fees are non‑refundable. - Cancellation liabilities: If registration is cancelled after the published deadlines or after the student has attended, specified semester fees, books fees and transport fees remain payable according to the school's cancellation rules. The school's fee form lists the exact conditions and deadlines that govern refunds and cancellations.
Fee payment options and where payments are made - Payment at registration: The school's published fee form states that initial payments (seat reservation and registration) are made in cash at the Accounting/Finance Office at registration. Subsequent semester payments may be made by cash, cheque or electronic bank transfer. These payment methods are listed on the school's published fee form.
Notes and important points (factual) - Tuition figures above are the school's published annual amounts by year group for the current/planned fee schedule and the school's published semester splits are used where provided. The school publishes separate charges for books, transport and uniforms; these are billed in addition to tuition.
Sources used for the figures above: the school's published fee form and fee schedule as published in the school's admissions/fees materials and independent school‑fee databases that list Elite International School's 2025/2026 published fees.
Fee details
Application fee - An application/registration fee is required when submitting an admission application; the school's admission policy confirms an application fee must accompany the completed application.
Tuition fees — Muaither campus (annual) - Pre-K and KG band: Annual QAR 25,000 (PreK / KG1 / KG2). - Grades 1–6: Annual QAR 30,000 per year. - Grades 7–9: Annual QAR 35,000 per year. - Grades 10–12: Annual QAR 40,000 per year.
Tuition fees — Al Rayyan / other branches (summary bands) - Typical published bands for other branches fall broadly in the ranges: Pre-K/KG QAR 13,000–25,000; Primary QAR 16,000–30,000; Preparatory/Secondary QAR 22,000–40,000 depending on campus and grade. Specific annual fees vary by campus.
Billing schedule and payment terms - Installments and due dates vary by campus. The Thumama/main group page states that fees are collected in three instalments: first payment at registration or in September, second in December, third in April. - The Al Rayyan campus page states fees are to be paid in two instalments: first at the beginning of the year and the second in December. - The school's payment-method information lists acceptable payment channels and shows example semester payment windows; bank transfer/direct deposit, cash and cheque are accepted and educational vouchers are accepted for Qatari nationals. Bank details and an IBAN are provided for direct deposit.
Boarding fees - The school operates as a day school; no boarding provision or boarding fees are published.
Other costs and fees - Books and school uniform are not included in the tuition and must be paid for at purchase. - Transportation (school bus) is charged separately. Typical transport charges published by local school directories show example rates such as QAR 3,448 for routes inside Doha and about QAR 4,651 for routes outside Doha (rates may vary by route). - Standard one-time administrative charges (registration/application) are referenced in the admissions pages and earlier downloadable fee documents, though a specific one-time registration amount is not published on the school's current public fee pages.
Refund information - The school's public pages reference a downloadable fees policy document but do not publish a detailed refund table or an explicit refund schedule on the visible fee pages. No public, itemised refund table (for withdrawal or mid-year leaving) is posted on the current fee pages.
Fee payment options - Payment methods listed include: cash, cheque, direct bank deposit (IBAN provided), and educational vouchers for eligible Qatari families. The school provides Commercial Bank account details for fee payment.
Notes: - The school has multiple campuses; fees and the instalment schedule differ by campus. The figures above give detailed per-grade amounts for the Thumama campus (annual totals and three-installment splits) and published annual bands for the Muaither and other branches as shown in the school and local directory listings.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
A school uniform is required; books and the uniform are not included in tuition and are paid for on purchase.
Food options
Food options
The school has a canteen.
Food options
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House system
House system
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House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
The school is governed by a Board of Directors, including a Chairman, Vice Presidents, and a Managing Director.
Governance and ownership
The school is a private international school located in Doha and is a member of Global Education Group. It offers an American Curriculum with California Standards in all stages. The language of instruction is English.
Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
The school follows the American curriculum. The school serves Preschool to Grade 12. It is QNSA accredited since 2013. Starting Grade 6, boys and girls have separate classrooms. Library Media Centers feature English, Arabic, and French resources. The school offers enrichment opportunities to empower students and help them reach their highest potential.
Curriculum details
Global Academy International offers an American-based curriculum with California Standards implemented across all stages, with English as the language of instruction. The Arabic language program, Qatar History, and Islamic Studies follow the Qatar Arabic Curriculum. The school serves Kindergarten through Year 12, with campus grade configurations varying by site (Al Rayyan campus lists Pre-KG to Grade 6; other campuses offer K–12). Assessments include Formative, Summative, and Benchmark methods; SAT and IELTS college entrance exams are coordinated through the student counselor, and the school participates in international benchmarks such as PISA, PIRLS, and TIMSS. Accreditations include AdvancEd (now Cognia) and Qatar National Accreditation.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio
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Exam results
Exam results
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Exam results
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Higher education progression
Higher education progression
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Higher education progression
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Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
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Gifted and talented
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Academic calendar
Academic calendar
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Academic calendar
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Wellbeing & support
Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning
Social & emotional learning
Elite International School's vision states it empowers academically excellent and emotionally resilient learners and fosters social-emotional skills within an inclusive, safe climate where every student is valued; parents are partners in addressing their children's social, emotional and intellectual needs, and a Social Worker and Student Affairs staff provide direct wellbeing support.
Social & emotional learning
Global Academy International places Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) at the core of student development, aiming to cultivate physical and emotional well-being and social competencies as key outcomes. Counseling staff along with teachers drive activities that promote students' character development and engagement in extracurricular life. Licensed trainers provide personal development and growth workshops for middle and high school students, including programs such as 'Strategic Personal Planning.' Students are encouraged to practice speaking and listening through Show and Tell, speeches, and participation in student council elections and graduation speeches. The SEL approach is integrated with diverse activities—sports, arts, health, technology, and volunteer work—designed to nurture creativity, leadership, and community contribution.
Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
The school has a Social Worker and a Nurse as part of Student Affairs to support wellbeing, but there is no publicly disclosed dedicated SEN department or explicit SEN provisions on the site.
Special educational needs (SEN)
Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision is not publicly disclosed by Global Academy International. Public materials do not specify whether there is a dedicated SEN staff, a learning support program, or facilities designed for SEN students. The school operates an American Curriculum with English as the language of instruction, and no SEN-specific accommodations are described in publicly accessible content. There is no published information about inclusive education policies or referral processes for SEN. Consequently, SEN provision details are not publicly disclosed.
English as an additional language
English as an additional language
Elite International School follows the American Curriculum; no explicit EAL program is publicly disclosed.
English as an additional language
Global Academy International teaches in English. The curriculum is American with California Standards, and instruction focuses on integrating Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking, with content delivered through the English as a Foreign Language classroom. English is the language of instruction across the school. No explicit separate EAL program, dedicated EAL staff, or targeted EAL interventions are described in publicly accessible content. EAL support details are therefore not publicly disclosed beyond the general language instruction.
Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is supported by the Social Worker and nursing staff, and the school's mission emphasizes emotional well-being and resilience.
Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is a stated focus at Global Academy International, with the school highlighting physical and emotional well-being as essential to student progress and social competencies. Counseling staff and teachers collaborate to support students' mental wellbeing through guidance and targeted activities. Licensed trainers offer personal development and growth workshops (for example, 'Strategic Personal Planning') to students in middle and high school. Participation in extracurricular activities—sports, arts, health, technology, and volunteer work—contributes to wellbeing and leadership development. The school frames wellbeing as integral to preparing students for higher education and to contributing to the local and international community.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding
Safeguarding is supported by a formal Child Safeguarding Policy, a Crisis and Emergency Management Policy, and an Anti-Bullying Plan, with a Social Worker in Student Affairs addressing safeguarding concerns.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding and behavior management are addressed via a Code of Conduct with a tiered disciplinary system. Offenses are managed with escalating steps: initial verbal warnings, followed by written warnings and informing the parent; subsequent offenses lead to written contracts, final warnings, or referral to the Behavioral Discipline Committee. The policy covers tardiness, classroom disruption, attendance, dress code, and other behaviors, with progressive consequences. The policy also includes transport-related sanctions, such as bus suspensions, and restrictions on participation in activities. Parental involvement is required at multiple steps in the disciplinary process.
Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
The school is located in Doha, Qatar and serves Preschool through Grade 12 under the American Curriculum. The school teaches the American Curriculum. Library Media Centers provide English, Arabic, and French resources. There are art and robotics rooms, ICT labs, and hands-on science laboratories. Young students have a Ball Pit Room and an Activity Center for imaginative play and motor skills development; the theatre hosts stage performances and events, and a conference room supports meetings. On-campus facilities include a gym, canteen, clinic, and supervised prayer rooms to support a well-rounded day.
Facilities overview
Global Academy International provides facilities, supplies, services, and technology aids to support students' educational needs. The Pearl of the Gulf campus is located in Doha on Wakra Main Road in Al Thumama. The school implements an American Curriculum with English as the language of instruction. It serves students from Kindergarten to Year 12. The school has about 1,725 students.
Sports facilities
Sports facilities
The campus includes an on-site gym for physical education and sports activities. Physical education is part of the regular curriculum and supported by available spaces. Fieldwork opportunities include activities such as visiting museums or historical sites and participating in an Equestrian Club. The school promotes student wellness through movement and active participation during the school day.
Sports facilities
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Academic facilities
Academic facilities
Library Media Centers host resources in English, Arabic, and French. There are dedicated Art and Robotics rooms. ICT laboratories support technology learning. Hands-on science laboratories enable experimentation and inquiry. The Ball Pit Room and Activity Center support early childhood learning within the campus.
Academic facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
The extracurricular program is designed to enhance the school's mission and philosophy. Fieldwork opportunities span three areas: within the school grounds, in the vicinity, and on day trips to locations such as museums or historical sites, including activities like an Equestrian Club and Plant Nursery. Participation develops leadership skills and promotes service to others, with both competition and cooperative opportunities available to meet diverse interests.
Extra curricular facilities
The school offers a wide range of extra-curricular activities across sports, arts, literary and scientific pursuits, including Olympic Games, Aspire Football Tournaments, Track & Field, Sprints, Qatar e-nature, Qur'an Competition, Film Festival, National Scientific Research Competition, National Astronomy Olympiad, National Biology Olympiad, and SEHHA – Al Gannas DUAL Program.
Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
Elite International School is a private coeducational institution in Doha, Qatar, serving Preschool through Grade 12, with Grade 6 onward in single-gender classrooms. The school follows the American curriculum. It has been QNSA Accredited since 2013, reflecting its alignment with national standards. The online materials show a visible presence by 2017, as indicated by a 2017 copyright on the site. No founding year is stated on the About Us page.
History
Global Academy International opened in 2004–2005 with about 170 students. It is a private international school located in Doha and is a member of Global Education Group. The school offers an American curriculum with California Standards across all stages. Since its founding, GAI expanded to additional campuses in the Doha area, including a landmark new campus in Al Rayyan and later additions in Muaither to accommodate growth and a diverse student body. Alumni have gone on to attend universities in Qatar and abroad.
Community
Community
The school describes its community as a happy and purposeful environment that enables children to thrive morally, socially, and intellectually and to achieve excellence. It emphasizes respect, trust, and collaboration within the school community. Parents are treated as partners through an open-door policy and multiple channels of communication, including a student planner, a school portal, a school website, telephone contact, and scheduled parents meetings. Daily communication between parents and staff is essential, with diaries checked to ensure homework and announcements are noted. Newsletter updates keep families informed about important dates and events, and events such as International Day of Education 2024 are part of the school's community life.
Community
GAI's community is diverse and welcoming to students from many nationalities. The school emphasizes academic achievement alongside physical and emotional well-being and social development. Campus life includes events and activities across its Doha-area campuses, supported by an events calendar and ongoing student engagement. The network of campuses—Al Thumama/Al Waab, Al Rayyan, and Muaither—supports a connected, city-wide school community.
Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
Elite International School runs a Parent Partnership program that functions similarly to a PTA by positioning parents as partners in the education process. The program supports open lines of communication through the student planner, a school web portal, the school website, telephone contact, and scheduled parents meetings. Daily diary communication is a core feature, with teachers responding to parent notes and diaries being checked daily to confirm homework completion and message replies. An EIS newsletter keeps families up to date on important dates and upcoming events, and parents can submit feedback, queries, and suggestions via an online form. The overarching goal is collaborative engagement, encapsulated by the message that together we can achieve more.
Parent teacher association
The PTA in Global Academy International intends to facilitate the participation of parents in various curricular and extra-curricular activities. Our administrators work to engage families and communities to advocate for all children, and the PTA cares for the educational needs of children while promoting family engagement and strong partnerships between the school and its communities. All parents are invited to become PTA members and to attend all meetings. The Parental Engagement program states that parents can contribute by leading educational workshops at GAI, as part of broadening school life. The PTA operates within the school's Parental Engagement framework to support student learning.
Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
The extracurricular program is designed to enhance the school's mission and allows students to participate responsibly. Competition and cooperative opportunities are provided to meet students' needs and interests. Fieldwork is a central component of learning, with activities conducted on campus, in the local vicinity, and on day trips such as museum visits, historical sites, Equestrian Club, and Plant Nursery. Participation develops leadership skills and a commitment to service.
Academic & intellectual
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Arts & creative
Arts & creative
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Arts & creative
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Cultural & language
Cultural & language
French is coordinated for Preschool through Grade 10. Arabic/Islamic/QH is coordinated for Preschool through Grade 10. English/SST/QH (Eng) coordination covers Grades 1-5.
Cultural & language
The school has a diverse community welcoming to all nationalities.
Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
Elite International School offers extracurricular activities designed to broaden interests and develop leadership. Fieldwork is organized in three settings: on campus, in the vicinity, and on day trips such as museum visits, historical sites, Equestrian Club, and Plant Nursery. Participation develops leadership skills and a commitment to service.
Social & hobbies
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Community & service
Community & service
Participation in the extracurricular program presents students with the means of developing their leadership skills and heightening their awareness of the need to render service to others.
Community & service
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Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
The extracurricular program develops leadership skills.
Leadership & professional
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
A nurse provides student health support. There is a PE/Events Coordinator to organize physical education and events. Fieldwork and outdoor activities form part of the learning experience.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
The school aims to cultivate academic achievements, physical and emotional well-being, and social competencies. The school opened in 2004 and established a new campus in Al Rayyan. The school has campuses in Al Rayyan, Muaither, Al Waab, and Wakra.
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
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Language provision
The school teaches in English. The school implements an American Curriculum with California Standards. English language development is addressed through the four language skills (Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking) and content in the English as a foreign language classroom.
Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching
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Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
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Awards
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Accreditations
Accreditations
QNSA Accredited since 2013; UNESCO logo present on site
Accreditations
Global Academy International has AdvancEd Accreditation (valid until 2022) and Qatar National Accreditation for a three-year term.
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
1. Review admissions information and contact the Administration Office during operating hours. The office is open from 6:30 am to 3:00 pm, and you can reach the school at 449 811 33 or 449 811 55. The school is located in Doha, Qatar.
2. Submit the Enrollment Application for the 2025-26 academic year. The Enrollment Application Form 2025-26 is available for download and submission, guiding the entry process for prospective students.
3. For Preschool through Grade 5 applicants, complete the Entrance Exam Application Form for Preschool to Grade 5. This form initiates the testing component of admissions for early years and primary levels.
4. Provide the appropriate recommendations. There is a Recommendation Form for Preschool to K and a separate Recommendation Form for Grades 1 to 5, which should be submitted as part of the application package.
5. Submit the Parents Questionnaire for Preschool to Grade 5. This questionnaire accompanies the application and helps the school understand the applicant's context and needs.
6. Submit the Undertaking Prior to Entrance Exam. The undertaking is a preparatory document for families before the entrance assessment.
7. Ensure enrollment documentation is complete for 2025-26. The Enrollment Application for 2025-26 should be included as part of the final submission package.
8. Review the fee schedule and related materials for the 2025-26 academic year. Fees for Academic Year 2025-26, Uniforms, and the Supply List for 2025-26 (Preschool to K, Elementary, Middle School, and High School) are provided to guide financial planning and required purchases.
Admissions
Admissions are online. Applicants complete an online application form and upload all required documents via the Global Academy International online admission portal. Admissions for the 2025-2026 academic year are open. For inquiries, contact the Admission Team at +974 44178711. The school serves Kindergarten to Year 12 and operates across Wakra Main Road (Al Thumama area), Al Rayyan campus, and Muaither campus.