GEMS Academy Alexandria vs Schutz American School

	G GEMS Academy Alexandria Alexandria, Egypt	S Schutz American School Alexandria, Egypt
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year EGP 8,000 - 77,500	Fees / year EGP 19,205
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 2 - 17 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum EYFS (Early years foundation stage), Cambridge IGCSE, British Curriculum, IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), American Curriculum	Curriculum American Curriculum, IB (PYP), IB (MYP)
Pupils	Pupils 100	Pupils 247
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size 18
Instruction language	Instruction language French	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2011	Opened 1924
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Kilo 13 Alexandria-Cairo Agricultural Road, Alexandria, Egypt.	Location Schutz American School is located in Alexandria, Egypt. The campus address is 51 Schutz St. P.O. Box 1000, Alexandria, Egypt. It offers an Early Childhood program for 3-year-old students through grade 12.
Stages	Stages Foundation Stage; British School; IB School; American School	Stages Elementary School serves Pre-K2 to 5; Middle School serves grades 6-8; High School serves grades 9-12. Schutz American School is an IB World School offering the Primary Years Program (PYP) and the Middle Years Program (MYP).
School type	School type —	School type Independent, nonsectarian, coeducational day school.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support —	Additional learning support English is the language of instruction. English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is provided. A learning support program (Tier 2 or 3) is available.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Egypt	Country affiliation American-based educational program.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation Nonsectarian.
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details Air-conditioned buses with seat belts; each bus is monitored by staff for student safety. Transportation is available to GAA students.	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Fees overview (academic year referenced: 2025/2026) Application / registration fee - A registration fee is required to secure an offer and must be paid within 10 days of acceptance to guarantee a place. - Publicly listed figures for a one‑time registration/confirmation charge are EGP 35,000 (reported in local school directories). Annual tuition fees by year group (annual amounts in Egyptian pounds, EGP) - KG 1: EGP 55,500. - KG 2: EGP 55,500. - Primary 1: EGP 58,550. - Primary 2: EGP 58,550. - Primary 3: EGP 58,550. - Primary 4: EGP 64,500. - Primary 5: EGP 64,500. - Primary 6: EGP 70,750. - Preparatory (Year 1): EGP 73,200. - Preparatory (Year 2): EGP 77,500. Notes on tuition amounts - Some local school directories report higher headline figures for early years (for example, FS1/FS2 listed as EGP 100,000 in one directory) and other directories list slightly different historic figures; the list above reflects the detailed year‑group breakdown published in local school directories. Tuition per term / instalments - The school indicates that tuition is payable by instalments; specific per‑term amounts or an official multi‑term schedule are not published in the available public listings. Parents should expect an instalment option rather than a single lump sum. Billing schedule and payment terms - To guarantee a place, the registration fee must be paid within 10 days of notification of acceptance. - The school is described in public directories as operating an instalment payment arrangement for tuition (number and timing of instalments are not published in the available public listings). Sibling discounts are noted in local information listings. Boarding / accommodation fees - No boarding programme or annual boarding fee is listed for GEMS Academy Alexandria in the publicly available school information; only day‑school provision and student transport (bus) are listed. Boarding is therefore not applicable based on available public information. Transport / bus fees - Transport (school bus) fees are published in local listings as a separate additional charge; reported figures vary by source and distance, for example EGP 8,000 in one listing and up to EGP 20,000 in another for minimum distance routes — expect an additional transport charge that depends on route. Other fees and typical additional costs - Textbooks: tuition listings indicate that tuition generally covers school textbooks. - Uniform: a separate uniform cost is not itemised in the public listings; parents should budget for a uniform purchase as an additional one‑off cost (not explicitly quantified in available public listings). - Extra‑curricular activities, sports trips and certain specialist course fees are commonly charged separately by international schools; specific charges for these items are not published in the public listings for GEMS Academy Alexandria. Refund information - The school requires prompt payment of registration fees to secure a place; a formal, published refund policy for registration or tuition is not available in the school's public admission information. Other GEMS schools commonly treat registration/deposit payments as non‑refundable; however, GEMS Academy Alexandria's public admission page does not publish a specific refund schedule. Fee payment options - Local school directories note that tuition is payable by instalments; the school's admission guidance states the registration payment timing but does not publish a comprehensive list of accepted payment methods (bank transfer, card, in‑person). Expect standard institutional payment channels (bank transfer and in‑person payments) to be available; exact accepted methods and any online payment portal are provided to parents during the enrolment process. Final note on availability and currency of figures - A full, official school fee schedule for the 2026/27 academic year was not publicly available in the school's admission pages or in an official fee document at the time of this review. The figures above reflect the detailed year‑group amounts and ancillary charges listed by local school directories and the school's own admission guidance for the academic year information that is publicly posted; reported transport and registration figures vary between sources. For absolute confirmation of per‑term instalment amounts, current transport zones and the school's formal refund and accepted payment methods, refer to the school's admissions office at the time of application.	Fee details Application fee - Schutz American School does not charge an application fee at the time of submission. Registration / Enrollment fees - A registration (enrolment) fee is required to secure an offered place and must be paid within one month of acceptance. - Third-party listings report a one‑time registration fee of USD 989. - An annual infrastructure/maintenance fee is reported separately; third‑party listings report USD 1,412 (annual). Tuition fees (annual) by year group — stated amounts and per‑term calculation - Reported annual tuition (USD) by grade band: - Pre‑Kindergarten: USD 5,852. - Kindergarten – Grade 5: USD 16,804. - Grades 6 – 8: USD 20,038. - Grades 9 – 12: USD 20,938. - Schutz operates a two‑semester academic year (the published academic calendar shows two semesters and multiple quarters). Where only an annual figure is published, a per‑semester fee can be calculated as half the annual tuition (annual ÷ 2): - Pre‑K per semester: USD 2,926 (approx.). - K–Gr 5 per semester: USD 8,402 (approx.). - Gr 6–8 per semester: USD 10,019 (approx.). - Gr 9–12 per semester: USD 10,469 (approx.). Billing schedule and payment terms - The school requires that all tuition and fees be paid in full by the stated deadlines; the school reserves the right to unenroll a student for unpaid financial obligations. Invoices are issued by the Finance Office. - The registration fee must be paid within one month of acceptance to secure the place. - The academic calendar shows a two‑semester year and four quarters; the per‑term (semester) amounts above use a two‑semester division. Actual invoice instalment options and deadlines are managed by the Finance Office and shown on school invoices. Boarding fees - Schutz American School is a day school; no full‑boarding or weekly‑boarding fee structure applies. Boarding fees are not applicable. Other costs and optional fees - Registration / enrolment fee (one‑time) and an annual infrastructure fee are charged in addition to tuition. Reported examples: Registration USD 989 (one‑time) and Infrastructure USD 1,412 (annual). - Bus/transport: a school bus service is available for a limited number of students for an additional fee; routes and fees are charged separately. - Uniforms and clothing: students are required to follow the school's clothing/uniform policy; uniforms must be purchased separately and are an additional cost to tuition. - Co‑curricular / extracurricular activities, specialist lessons, off‑campus trips, and some optional programs (e.g., specialized music or advanced sports) may incur additional charges. Transport, trips, camps and certain program fees are billed separately. - Local‑currency estimates and examples appear in regional school directory listings where annual fees are sometimes displayed in Egyptian pounds (EGP) alongside USD conversions. Reported local examples (for illustration) show EGP figures for each grade band in directory listings. Refund information - The reported registration fee is described by external listings as non‑refundable. - The school's tuition and enrollment policy states accounts must be settled by stated deadlines and that the school may withhold services or unenroll students for unpaid balances; specific refund terms for tuition (for mid‑year withdrawal or other circumstances) are not published in the publicly available handbook pages. Refunds, if any, are governed by the school's Finance Office policy and by the terms shown on the enrolment/fee invoice. Fee payment options - Invoices are issued by the Finance Office; payment arrangements and accepted payment methods (bank transfer, card, etc.) are managed through the Finance Office and indicated on invoices. - External directory listings commonly indicate fees quoted in USD (for international billing) and in EGP (for local billing). Specific accepted payment methods and the school's preferred bank account details are provided by the Finance Office on invoices. Summary note on available figures and effective year - The school's public pages confirm the presence of a registration requirement, the requirement to pay tuition by stated deadlines, that Schutz is a day school, and that the school operates two semesters per year. Exact numeric tuition and fee amounts for the 2026/27 academic year are not published on the school's publicly available finance/admissions pages. The numeric fee figures above are drawn from recent third‑party fee listings and directory summaries that report 2024/25–2025/26 fee levels (examples cited above). Use the Finance Office invoice and the school's formal fee schedule for final/official billed amounts and payment deadlines.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options On-site canteen provides food for children and the meals are appealing and healthy. Healthy eating is vital to a child's physical and academic development, and the school encourages children to develop healthy eating habits and family values.	Food options Nutritious meals support student focus and energy; a balanced diet includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and proteins; breakfast, lunch, and dinner are prepared daily on campus by professional chefs; nutritious meals and snacks are provided and parents are encouraged to pack well-balanced snacks and lunches.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership —	Governance and ownership Independent, nonsectarian, coeducational day school; governed by a Board of Trustees.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Foundation Stage uses the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, with Cambridge curriculum knowledge applied in classroom teaching. GEMS Academy Alexandria offers British School, IB School, and American School tracks. The IB continuum is available across nursery to high school (PP, PEI, and DP). German language is taught in upper grades (grades 7–9). ICT & E-learning are integrated across the school with interactive whiteboards and tablets; the library, on-site doctors, transportation and a canteen support student welfare and learning.	Curriculum details Schutz American School offers a U.S.-based, college-preparatory education from Early Childhood through Grade 12. It is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MAS). Schutz is a U.S. Accredited College, Preparatory School and is certified as an IB School, with the International Baccalaureate curriculum described as rigorous and college-preparatory. The high school Pathway Program emphasizes growth through co-curricular activities; growth projects for grades 9–12 are not graded and do not earn academic credit, and may involve clubs, internships or service activities. Graduation outcomes show that 100% of graduates enroll in four-year colleges, with destinations across the United States, United Kingdom/Europe, Canada, and Egypt/MENA.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression Schutz reports that 100% of its graduates enroll in four-year colleges. Destinations include universities in the USA, the UK and Europe, Canada, and Egypt/MENA, such as New York University, Emory University, UC Berkeley, University of Bristol, University of Manchester, University of Toronto, The American University in Cairo, and Coventry University Cairo.
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 school fosters a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment that supports student-centered learning, character development and personal growth.	Social & emotional learning —
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) Teaching is tailored to the specific needs of students.	Special educational needs (SEN) —
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language —
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing The school creates a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment that fosters personal growth.	Mental wellbeing —
Safeguarding	Safeguarding The school prioritizes child safety and protection; it provides air-conditioned buses with seating and seatbelts, a monitor on each bus, on-site doctors, and healthy canteen provisions.	Safeguarding —
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The school has bright, spacious and well-ventilated classrooms. The school has a 2-adult per class policy with a teacher and teaching assistant in each class to support both academic and social needs. The school has a library with books for academic use and for leisure reading, plus a borrowing scheme. The school has gymnasiums, an outdoor pool with a lifeguard, and courts for football and volleyball. The school provides air-conditioned transportation with seating and seatbelts, and a monitor on each bus to ensure student safety.	Facilities overview Schutz American School offers modern, collaborative learning environments with flexible furniture and technology to support diverse learning styles. The campus provides one-to-one laptops or tablets for all students from kindergarten through grade twelve and an Early Childhood Learning Center designed for exploration, play, and collaboration. The Art program includes spacious studios and a kiln for pottery, and drama is supported by a black-box theater and a large auditorium for performances. The campus features a state-of-the-art fiber optic network and one of the city's fastest wireless systems, supporting a design and engineering lab with a 3D printer as well as dedicated science labs for chemistry, physics, and biology. The libraries, including access to Bibliotheca Alexandrina, serve as essential learning hubs with extensive print and digital resources through Schutz Libraries and Media Center.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities The school provides ample space and a variety of sporting activities as part of physical education. The school has gymnasiums for indoor activities. The school has an outdoor pool with a lifeguard and several courts and spaces for football and volleyball. The school encourages students to join extra-curricular sporting activities and to compete locally with other schools.	Sports facilities Schutz offers a broad range of sports facilities: a covered court for basketball and volleyball, an open court for basketball and volleyball, a small soccer pitch, a swimming pool, a weight room, and a fitness room for Yoga, Zumba, and other stretching activities. A small room is available for mat activities. The athletic program is open to students from Pre-K through grade 12 and aims to provide a varied and disciplined sports program. Schutz competes in local leagues such as the ISAAA in Alexandria and in the CISSA West division, with collaboration with other regional schools and a relationship with Cairo American College.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities The school has bright, spacious and well-ventilated classrooms. The school has a 2-adult per class policy with a teacher and teaching assistant in every class. The school has a library with books for both academic use and reading for pleasure, plus a borrowing scheme. This combination supports learning across all stages.	Academic facilities Schutz features a state-of-the-art fiber optic network and a high-speed wireless system to support digital learning. The campus includes a design and engineering lab with a 3D printer and dedicated science labs for chemistry, physics, and biology. A dedicated choir/music room supports musical development, and the libraries and media centers provide extensive print and digital resources, complemented by access to Bibliotheca Alexandrina. An Early Childhood Learning Center on the elementary school floor offers large spaces for exploration, play, and collaboration. The Schutz Libraries and Media Center serve as essential hubs of learning for students, staff, and families.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities The school provides access to gymnasiums for a range of activities. The school has an outdoor pool with a lifeguard. There are courts and spaces for football and volleyball. Students are encouraged to participate in extra-curricular sporting activities and to compete locally with other schools.	Extra curricular facilities Co-Curricular Activities include Pathway Program, Art, Athletics, and Clubs. The Pathway Program demonstrates impact and growth and is designed for Schutz High School students to showcase their passions through growth projects across the arts, athletics, service learning, internships, and other experiences both inside and outside of school. Growth projects are completed by graduation (grades 9 through 12), must be ongoing for at least one month, and are not graded or credited academically. Projects may be linked to school-sponsored clubs or initiatives outside of the school environment. The Pathway Program emphasizes skills such as project management, communication, critical thinking, collaboration and teamwork, leadership, and presentation skills. The Arts, Athletics, and Clubs are offered as part of the school's co-curricular activities to support a well-rounded student experience.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History GEMS Academy Alexandria was established in 2011 in the coastal city of Alexandria. The school has two divisions: an IGCSE British Division (including EYFS) and an IB French Division. The school provides a comprehensive educational experience with holistic development and pastoral care. The classrooms are bright, spacious and well ventilated, and child safety is prioritized with continual camera surveillance.	History Founded in 1924, Schutz American School is an independent, nonsectarian, coeducational day school offering an American-based program for students from age 3 (Early Years) through grade 12. Schutz is Family is the school motto, reflecting the strong sense of community among all members. Schutz celebrated its 100-year milestone since founding. Schutz is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MAS).
Community	Community Building a strong sense of community is important at GAA, and the school uses different Community-Building Approaches to help us be a family. Vision emphasizes holistic development and global citizenship as part of the school's educational experience, underscoring a culture of independent learning and pastoral care. The school fosters a sense of belonging among students and staff by promoting a collaborative, family-like community.	Community Schutz offers a vibrant Student Life with a calendar of events including lectures, concerts, movie nights, and interactive game shows. The Student Council organizes many events and the PTA hosts family game nights. Schutz is Family is the school motto, reflecting a strong sense of community on and off campus. A health center and counseling services support student well-being.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association Our Parent Teacher Association (PTA) is a vibrant community of parents, teachers, and staff who are dedicated to working together to support Schutz students. Parental leadership is essential to develop school strengths, help identify and solve problems, and build a partnership between parents and school. The PTA provides an open forum for discussion by parents, students and staff, and it facilitates social occasions and fundraisers. Funds raised are used to enhance facilities, provide scholarships, and support extracurricular activities. Parents are welcome to attend all meetings and events. Schutz PTA e-mail: schutzpta@schutzschool.org.eg.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual Literacy and Numeracy skills are priorities and are integrated throughout the school curriculum. ICT & E-learning provide access to interactive whiteboards and educational tablets to support 21st-century learning. Science is supported by variety of laboratories designed to develop students' curiosity and enquiry. The school prepares students to be active, informed citizens in a digital world.	Academic & intellectual Schutz offers an Advanced Placement (AP) program with multiple AP courses each year. AP courses provide college credit or advanced placement based on AP exam results. The school operates a U.S. college-preparatory program, and graduates enroll in selective universities in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Europe, and Egypt. Model United Nations (MUN) is a major extracurricular activity, with Schutz hosting SASMUN in Alexandria and participating in THIMUN in The Hague since 1994.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Music and Drama are integral to student life, not only as part of the curriculum but as avenues to build creativity and confidence. The school has an expansive two-tier auditorium to showcase student talents. Students are encouraged to express themselves through performances and exhibitions.	Arts & creative Art is offered as a co-curricular activity. The Art program is part of Schutz's Co-Curricular Activities. Students have opportunities to engage in art-related activities alongside other programs.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Four languages are taught on campus: French as Language of Instruction, English as Language Acquisition, German language classes guided by the Goethe Institute, and Arabic as Mother Tongue.	Cultural & language World Languages are included in the high school curriculum. Model United Nations (MUN) helps develop cross-cultural communication and global perspectives.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies After-School Activities (ASAs) include sports, martial arts, dancing, cooking, jewelry making, yoga, handwriting, reading stories, and more. There are four ASA seasons during the school year. Sign up is through Google Forms sent home to the parents via the school portal.
Community & service	Community & service Building a strong sense of community is a priority at GAA. The school uses different Community-Building Approaches to foster a family-like environment. This approach supports collaboration, respect, and social responsibility among students and staff.	Community & service Schutz supports service learning and community service as part of student development. Community service goals include engaging students in their community, raising awareness of needs, and acting to better the community.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional National Honor Society (NHS) and National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) are active at Schutz. The student council is a student-led organization representing student interests. The MUN club offers opportunities to participate in conferences locally and internationally. Friends of Schutz is a student-led events association that funds events and hosts student-led activities to boost school spirit.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Physical Education is a major part of the school, with gymnasiums, an outdoor pool with a lifeguard, and courts for football and volleyball. Students are encouraged to join extra-curricular sporting activities and may compete locally with other schools. An on-site doctor is available for medical checks and emergencies. Healthy eating is encouraged via an on-site canteen.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Sport and club offerings are part of Schutz's co-curricular activities; offerings vary from year to year based on student interest. There are four ASA seasons during the school year, with sign-ups managed through the school portal.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision French is the language of instruction; English is taught as a language acquisition; German language classes are guided by the Goethe Institute; Arabic is the mother tongue.	Language provision Schutz American School offers an IB Primary Years Programme in Elementary (Pre-K2 to 5) and an IB Middle Years Programme in Middle School (grades 6-8). The High School curriculum includes World Languages as a subject. The school presents itself as an American-based educational program serving students from pre-kindergarten through grade 12.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching French is the language of instruction on campus. English is taught as a language acquisition. German language classes are offered with Goethe Institute guidance, and Arabic is the mother tongue. GAA aims to offer the IB continuum in French for ages 3 to 18, including English, Arabic and an Additional Language.	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions Admission Process: New families are welcomed to complete a student application form and tour the facilities. If you live outside of Egypt, information is provided by telephone or email and the student application form is emailed accordingly. The school has two divisions: an IGCSE British Division (including EYFS) and an IB French Division. After submission, the registrar will contact you to schedule a 1:1 student assessment with a teacher to gauge your child's academic level; during the assessment you may meet the School Principal to discuss questions about school life. Please bring your child's previous report cards for review. If accepted, the registrar will provide full enrollment details. To guarantee a place, registration fees must be paid within 10 days after notification of acceptance and all necessary paperwork must be submitted. Online Admission is available; upon arrival you will receive a private campus tour along with the interview.	Admissions 1. Submit all application requirements by email or in person. This action initiates the Schutz American School admissions process. The next step involves a student assessment and parent interview. 2. Visit SAS for student assessment and parent interview. Prekindergarten and kindergarten applicants meet with an SAS educator. Grade 1-12 applicants take the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) assessment in math and reading. Parents meet with the divisional principal. 3. Admissions Team reviews application and assessment results. Further information may be requested as needed. This step determines whether the applicant advances toward an admission decision. The decision will move to step 4. 4. Admissions Coordinator notifies family of admissions decision. If accepted, family receives an offer of acceptance. The notice is sent to the family. 5. Family accepts the Enrollment acceptance or declines in writing by email to the Admission Coordinator. To secure the space, the registration fee must be paid within one month of acceptance. If the registration fee is not received by the deadline, the acceptance will be rescinded. 6. Further information is shared by the Admissions Office regarding orientation and the start of school, and by the Finance Office regarding tuition and fees. Families receive communications detailing next steps. The information helps families prepare for the start of the school year.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
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