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GEMS American Academy Qatar

Qatar, Doha

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· Reviewed by · B2C Marketing Manager

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees QAR 35,150 - 59,650
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 1600
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum American Curriculum
Typical class size 22
Introduction

GEMS American Academy Qatar (GAAQ) is an American-curriculum international school located on Mian Street, Al Wukair in the Al Wakrah municipality south of Doha. It offers a Pre‑K to Grade 12 programme (early years through high school) serving children from approximately 3 to 18 years and follows U.S. Common Core standards across its curriculum. The language of instruction is English; the school provides Arabic language classes for native and non-native speakers and Islamic education for Muslim students, with early introductions to Spanish and French. The 20,000 square metre campus houses interactive, technology-equipped classrooms, dual libraries, visual‑arts studios (including ceramics and 2D/3D studios and a Black Box theatre), individual music practice rooms, a recording studio and a music production facility, an aquaponic greenhouse, athletic spaces (CrossFit zone, multipurpose sports hall, rooftop court, football pitch and dance studio) and separate dining areas. GAAQ offers a college‑preparatory pathway with access to 20+ Advanced Placement courses, an AP Capstone option and specialised programmes such as eSports and AP Cybersecurity.

Mian Street, Al Wukair, Al Wakrah, Qatar

The Essentials

GEMS American Academy Qatar has 1,600 pupils, typical class sizes of 22, instruction in English.

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
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).

Type
GEMS American Academy Qatar is a co-educational day school with no boarding facilities.

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
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
No formal country affiliation.

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
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
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.
Diving Deeper

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
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.

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.
Fees

Annual tuition at GEMS American Academy Qatar ranges from QAR 35,150 to QAR 59,650 for 2026/27.

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.)
Academics

GEMS American Academy Qatar teaches American Curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
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.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
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)
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 (EAL)
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 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
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.
Parent Experience

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
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 (PTA)
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.
Facilities

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
CrossFit zone; multipurpose sports hall; rooftop sports court; soccer pitch; shaded playground areas; indoor mini-gyms; professional dance studio.

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
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.
Extra-Curricular Activities

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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
Languages

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.
Reputation

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
NEASC-accredited; last NEASC visit in 2025.
Admissions

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.
School Events
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