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American Curriculum International Schools in United Arab Emirates

Compare 133 American Curriculum international schools in United Arab Emirates. Filter by curriculum, fees (average AED 35,052), location, and more to find the right international school now.

Edited by · B2C Marketing Manager

Schools listed
133
Curricula
25
Average annual fee
AED 35,052
Fee range
AED 8,100 – 102,303
More school facts
Most common curriculum
American Curriculum (117 schools)
Average school size
2,175 pupils
Largest by enrolment
Manthena American School
Oldest
Al Ittihad Private School Mamzar (1975)
With boarding
1
About international schools in United Arab Emirates

American-curriculum schools in the United Arab Emirates follow a US-style K - 12 programme that commonly leads to an American high-school diploma and frequently includes Advanced Placement (AP) courses and SAT/ACT preparation for families targeting US universities. Teaching is primarily in English, but UAE law requires Arabic language lessons for all students and Islamic Education for Muslim students, so those subjects are built into the timetable. Annual tuition varies widely - roughly from around AED 10,000 at lower-cost schools to well over AED 100,000 at premium campuses - so families should also budget for registration, transport, uniforms and extracurricular fees; fee levels and permitted increases are overseen by the emirate regulators. The academic year in most emirates runs from about September to June, with the main intake ahead of the new school year and some schools offering mid-year places; exact admissions windows and waiting-list procedures are set by each school and its regulator.

Read our parent's guide to the American Curriculum →

55 international schools in Dubai

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36 international schools in Abu Dhabi

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20 international schools in Sharjah

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10 international schools in Al Ain

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5 international schools in Ajman

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4 international schools in Ras Al Khaimah

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2 international schools in Umm Al Quwain

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1 international school in Fujairah

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FAQs for United Arab Emirates

How does the American curriculum in the UAE differ from other common curricula (British, IB)?
The American curriculum uses a grade-by-grade K - 12 structure and typically awards a US high-school diploma, with many schools offering AP courses to allow subject specialisation and university credit. By contrast, British schools follow year groups leading to GCSEs and A-levels, while IB schools offer the International Baccalaureate continuum with different assessment styles; each pathway has different assessment formats and university recognition, so match the programme to your child’s learning style and future plans.
What are typical fees and what extra costs should we budget for?
Tuition for American-curriculum schools in the UAE covers a very wide range - published examples run from low-cost schools in the tens of thousands of dirhams to premium campuses charging well over AED 100,000 per year - so check the school’s fee schedule for the exact band. In addition to tuition expect one-off registration or admission deposits, annual insurance, uniforms, books, transport, exam fees and pay-to-participate activities; fee increases are subject to approval by local regulators, which also publish guidance for parents.
When should we apply and how do admissions rounds work?
Most schools open applications for the coming September intake several months in advance and run offers on a first-come/first-served or assessed basis, with some schools also holding a smaller January or mid-year intake for vacancies. For placements above Grade 1 you will usually need previous school records and assessment outcomes; regulators and local school directories publish enrolment guidance and academic calendars for each emirate, so check those timelines as you plan.
What ages and qualifications do American schools cover, and what exams should I expect?
American international schools typically cover early years through Grade 12 (K - 12) and award a US high-school diploma; many upper-secondary students take Advanced Placement (AP) courses and sit SAT or ACT tests if they are aiming for US universities. The exact grade names and diploma requirements vary by school, so ask for the school’s graduation requirements and how they support university entrance.
Is instruction in English, and what are the rules on Arabic and Islamic subjects?
Instruction in American-curriculum schools is primarily in English, but UAE federal and emirate rules require private schools to teach Arabic to all students and Islamic Education to Muslim students; these national mandatory subjects are integrated into school timetables and assessment requirements. Check how a school groups Arabic teaching (first-language, second-language or heritage options) and whether it provides native-language support if your child is not a native Arabic speaker.
What should parents check when choosing an American school in the UAE?
Look at the school’s regulator inspection report and current accreditation, the diploma and upper-secondary options (AP availability, university counselling and typical destinations), staffing qualifications and the clarity of the fee schedule including extra costs. Also ask about language support, pastoral care and how the school manages transfers and records for expatriate families, since these practical details make settling in much easier.