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GEMS American Academy Abu Dhabi

United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees AED 57,850 - 80,610
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 1846
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), American Curriculum
Typical class size 12
Introduction

GEMS American Academy – Abu Dhabi is a co‑educational international day school located in Madinat Khalifa A (Khalifa City A), Abu Dhabi, serving Pre‑K/Kindergarten through Grade 12 (ages 3–18). The school delivers an American college‑preparatory curriculum aligned to AERO/Common Core standards, offers Advanced Placement courses and provides the International Baccalaureate Primary Years framework in the elementary years and the IB Diploma Programme in Grades 11–12. English is the medium of instruction; students study Arabic (native and non‑native pathways) to meet ADEK requirements and may choose a world language (French or Spanish) from Grade 6. The campus lists extensive facilities including multiple science labs and makerspaces, a design lab, a 500‑seat auditorium and black‑box theatre, three libraries, indoor and outdoor sports facilities (two pools, running track, courts, sports field, weight room and gym) plus dedicated early years outdoor learning zones. The school publishes information on student support (ELL/EAL provision and WIDA assessment) and ADEK‑aligned Arabic/Islamic/UAE social studies requirements.

16th Street, Madinat Khalifa A, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

The Essentials

GEMS American Academy Abu Dhabi has 1,846 pupils, typical class sizes of 12, instruction in English.

Location
GEMS American Academy is located in Khalifa City A, Abu Dhabi, at the corner of 16th and 3rd Street, next to SEHA - Abu Dhabi Health Services. The campus sits in a residential area of Khalifa City A and is accessible by road. For directions, call +971 2 2019 555.

Stages
Kindergarten; Elementary School (Grades 1–5); Secondary School (Grades 6–12).

Type
Co-educational day school.

Pupil Nationality Mix
The school represents about 80 nationalities. There are 1,846 students in total, of whom 1,047 are Emirati, making Emirati the largest single nationality group. The international student total is about 799, giving a local-to-international ratio of roughly 1.3:1. 80 nationalities are represented in the student body.

Additional learning support
GAA provides inclusion and learning support through its KG–12 team, including Instructional Coaches for ELL Support and Learning Support; GAA describes itself as an inclusive school and has an Inclusion Policy for 2024–2025.

Country affiliation
The school follows an American curriculum orientation with US Common Core Standards in the secondary years and offers IB Diploma Programme or AP options; there is no formal country affiliation stated.

Religious affiliation
No formal religious affiliation is stated. Arabic, Islamic Studies and UAE Social Studies are taught in line with UAE ADEK requirements.

School day structure
The school day starts at 7:45am for most grades. On Fridays, all students finish at 11:30am. Mon–Thu timings: PreK, KG1–KG2 7:45am–2:45pm; Grades 1–5 7:45am–2:45pm; Grades 6–8 7:45am–2:55pm; Grades 9–12 7:45am–3:00pm. Morning supervision begins at 7:30am.

Bus service
A school bus network is available. Transportation is operated by Bright Bus Transport (BBT). Details on pick‑up/drop‑off and arrangements are provided by the school, and inquiries can be sent to [email protected].
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
Uniforms are compulsory and must be worn in full at all times, including travelling to and from the school and during school activities. The uniform is supplied by Threads and can be purchased from Threads' main retail outlet at Dalma Mall (open daily 10:00–22:00) or online at Threadsme.com. All uniform items, including bags, lunch boxes and water bottles, should be clearly labeled.

Food Options
The school offers a hot meal service for all grades at an extra cost; families may also send packed lunches. Slices is the on-site food provider; meals are delivered to KG and Elementary classrooms, while students in Grades 6–12 may purchase and dine in the cafeteria using a cashless system. The campus is nut-free and foods containing nuts or nut oils should not be brought to school.

House System
GAA uses a four-house system: Falcons, Scorpions, Vipers and Foxes. Students are assigned to a house at random and remain in that house for their time at GAA, with siblings placed in the same house. Inter-house competitions are held, including Sports Days, Coin Wars, Reading Marathon and Student Leadership Challenges; house shirts can be purchased for wear on PE days in Elementary and on Fridays in some departments.

Governance and Ownership
GEMS American Academy Abu Dhabi is part of GEMS Education, a private education group that operates a global network of schools. The school is listed within the GEMS Education portfolio as GEMS American Academy – Abu Dhabi. GEMS Education describes itself as one of the oldest and largest private education providers.
Fees

Annual tuition at GEMS American Academy Abu Dhabi ranges from AED 57,850 to AED 80,610 for 2026/27.

Application and Registration Fees

- New admissions: a fee equivalent to 5% of the annual tuition is due upon acceptance of the Offer Letter and confirmation of enrolment. This fee is non-refundable and non-transferable but is adjustable against the first term tuition once the student joins. The 5% fee is refundable only if written notice of withdrawal is given before the beginning of the academic year, in line with ADEK policy.

- Re-enrolment: to secure a place for the next academic year, a non-refundable re-enrolment fee of 5% of the annual tuition is required; this fee is adjustable against the first term fees. Students with outstanding fee balances or missing documentation may be prevented from re-enrolling.

Tuition fees by year group (per term and annual amounts; AED)

- Pre-K (age 3): Term 1 AED 23,140; Term 2 AED 17,355; Term 3 AED 17,355; Annual tuition AED 57,850.

- KG1 (age 4): Term 1 AED 23,140; Term 2 AED 17,355; Term 3 AED 17,355; Annual tuition AED 57,850.

- KG2 (age 5): Term 1 AED 23,140; Term 2 AED 17,355; Term 3 AED 17,355; Annual tuition AED 57,850.

- Grade 1 (age 6): Term 1 AED 32,240; Term 2 AED 24,185; Term 3 AED 24,185; Annual tuition AED 80,610.

- Grade 2 (age 7): Term 1 AED 32,240; Term 2 AED 24,185; Term 3 AED 24,185; Annual tuition AED 80,610.

- Grade 3 (age 8): Term 1 AED 32,240; Term 2 AED 24,185; Term 3 AED 24,185; Annual tuition AED 80,610.

- Grade 4 (age 9): Term 1 AED 32,240; Term 2 AED 24,185; Term 3 AED 24,185; Annual tuition AED 80,610.

- Grade 5 (age 10): Term 1 AED 32,240; Term 2 AED 24,185; Term 3 AED 24,185; Annual tuition AED 80,610.

- Grade 6 (age 11): Term 1 AED 32,240; Term 2 AED 24,185; Term 3 AED 24,185; Annual tuition AED 80,610.

- Grade 7 (age 12): Term 1 AED 32,240; Term 2 AED 24,185; Term 3 AED 24,185; Annual tuition AED 80,610.

- Grade 8 (age 13): Term 1 AED 32,240; Term 2 AED 24,185; Term 3 AED 24,185; Annual tuition AED 80,610.

- Grade 9 (age 14): Term 1 AED 32,240; Term 2 AED 24,185; Term 3 AED 24,185; Annual tuition AED 80,610.

- Grade 10 (age 15): Term 1 AED 32,240; Term 2 AED 24,185; Term 3 AED 24,185; Annual tuition AED 80,610.

- Grade 11 (age 16): Term 1 AED 32,240; Term 2 AED 24,185; Term 3 AED 24,185; Annual tuition AED 80,610.

- Grade 12 (age 17): Term 1 AED 32,240; Term 2 AED 24,185; Term 3 AED 24,185; Annual tuition AED 80,610.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Tuition is invoiced prior to attendance and is payable in advance of attendance at the start of each term. Payment of the first term's fees is due on or before the first day of the academic year. Tuition will be invoiced from the time of admission to ensure payments are processed before the start of term.

Boarding fees

- Boarding: Not applicable. The school does not list boarding provision or boarding fees.

Other costs and fees

- Uniforms: uniforms are not included in tuition; parents are responsible for uniform costs.

- Lunches: school lunches are not included in tuition and are charged separately.

- Transport: school bus service operates on a fee-for-service basis and is charged in addition to tuition. Contact the school accounts/administration for bus route and fee details.

- Examinations: Grade 11–12 AP exams and Grade 12 IB exams incur additional charges per exam taken.

- Inclusive items: tuition includes textbooks (on loan), supplementary books (on loan), and materials including school supplies in Elementary years.

- Sibling discount: sibling discounts are offered starting from the third child; details and eligibility are managed by the Accounts office.

Refund information and withdrawal rules

- Notice: a written notice of withdrawal and application for a tuition refund must be made in writing to the Principal or Registrar at least thirty (30) days in advance.

- Refunds prior to the start of the academic year:
- If the parent/guardian initiates the withdrawal, the balance of the first term fee paid will be refunded except the Registration/Re-enrolment Fee.

- Refunds during the term (term-paying students) — amounts the school may retain:
- If a student attends any part of week one of the term (or fails to show without sufficient written notice), the school may retain the registration or re-enrolment fee.
- If a student attends from one week and up to three weeks in a term, the school may retain the value of one full month of tuition fees.
- If a student attends over three weeks and up to six weeks in a term, the school may retain the value of two full months of tuition fees.
- If a student attends over six weeks in a term, the school may retain the full term fee.

- Refund approvals are administered by the Accounts Officer and require School Support Center approval and original receipt production.

Fee payment options

- Accepted methods of payment: cash; current-dated cheque (made payable to GEMS American Academy, Abu Dhabi); credit card; wire transfer (bank details available from the accounts department). Payment timing: first term payment due on or before the first day of the academic year; subsequent term payments are due in advance at the start of each term.
Academics

GEMS American Academy Abu Dhabi teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), American Curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
GEMS American Academy Abu Dhabi offers a blended American curriculum and International Baccalaureate (IB) framework, enabling graduates to obtain both a US high school diploma and an IB Diploma. The Early Years program (Pre-K to KG2) is play-based, with KG2 aligning with American Common Core standards in literacy and mathematics. In Elementary School, core subjects include English, Mathematics and NGSS-aligned Science, with a strong emphasis on literacy; Arabic, Islamic and UAE Social Studies standards are adopted from the Abu Dhabi Ministry of Education. In Secondary School, students have access to IB Diploma Programme coursework alongside the American curriculum, providing the option to graduate with the IB Diploma. The school serves students from Pre-K through Grade 12 with English as the language of instruction.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
GEMS American Academy provides social and emotional learning (SEL) through a KG-12 team of professionals that includes Instructional Coaches (ELL Support and Learning Support) and School Counsellors to address social-emotional concerns and support student wellbeing.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
GAA is an inclusive school that welcomes students with mild learning challenges or disabilities, as well as Gifted and Talented and English Language Learners, providing adjustments within a common learning environment and requiring sharing of IEPs or specialist reports to inform planning.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
ELL support is provided by the KG-12 team of Instructional Coaches (ELL Support and Learning Support) as part of the Student Care and Support provision, reflecting the school's attention to second language acquisition needs.

Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is supported through Student Care and Support, with a focus on wellbeing, growth, and success at every stage and access to School Counsellors for social-emotional concerns.

Safeguarding
Safeguarding is prioritised with a Safeguarding Lead (Ms. Melanie Moses) and Safeguarding Parent Education sessions, plus online safety resources and clear contact details.
Parent Experience

History
GEMS American Academy Abu Dhabi was established in 2007 as part of the GEMS Education network. The Khalifa City A campus was inaugurated in 2011 by President Bill Clinton, in the presence of UAE ministers. The school is accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) and is authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organization to offer the IB Diploma Programme. The campus is located in Khalifa City A, Abu Dhabi, and the school delivers both an American curriculum and the IB Diploma Programme.

Community
The GEMS American Academy Abu Dhabi community includes students, faculty, staff, and families and is described as an inclusive international learning environment. Inter-cultural awareness and global citizenship are central to daily learning, with emphasis on kindness and student well-being. Parents participate through activities and events such as Parent Engagement Week, mother tongue language sessions, Islamic studies exhibitions, and the International Food Festival.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
GAAPA is the GAA Parent Association, a volunteer-led group focused on enhancing school spirit, promoting a culture of kindness, and enriching students' educational experiences. The GAAPA team for the 2024-2025 academic year is introduced on its page, showing a board and leadership for the year. GAAPA volunteers participate in committees for events, decorations, promotions, and hosting special events, working in partnership with school staff. GAAPA collaborates with the Booster Club, a separate parent volunteer group that supports Secondary Athletics and Fine Arts, and coordinates on events throughout the year. Parents can get involved by emailing GAAPA at [email protected], and Booster Club activities include fundraising to support sports and arts, with proceeds reinvested in the school.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The school is located in Khalifa City A, Abu Dhabi. It teaches in English and offers both the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and the American Curriculum. The age range is 3 to 18, serving Pre-K to Grade 12. The campus features a planetarium, a music technology lab, and a range of STEAM facilities. It also houses three libraries with over 25,000 volumes, a 500-seat auditorium, and dedicated spaces for arts and performance, plus a makerspace and a design lab for hands-on learning.

Sports Facilities
The campus supports a broad athletics program with outdoor pitches and a sports field, plus indoor facilities including a sports hall, gymnasiums, and indoor courts. There is a fully equipped weight room and sport classrooms such as a dance room and cardio room. The campus features two indoor swimming pools, four full-sized shaded tennis and basketball courts, and a running track. Outdoor and indoor spaces enable a variety of physical activities and intramural and competitive events.

Academic Facilities
Science facilities include six cross-discipline labs and a MAKERSPACE for coding and robotics, along with a Design Lab. There are three libraries dedicated to Kindergarten, Elementary, and Secondary, housing over 25,000 volumes and resources in multiple languages. The Arts facilities include a 500-seat auditorium, band and choir rooms, performing arts rooms, a digital music class, and a Black Box Theater. A planetarium and a recording studio support science, technology, and creative curricula.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Extracurricular activities (ECAs) are offered and coordinated through internal and external programs. The campus provides athletic and arts-related ECAs, supported by dedicated spaces such as the performing arts rooms, auditorium, and sports facilities. Internal and external ECAs are listed as part of student life options. The arrangement includes access to arts, music, and performance-related activities across the campus.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Kindergarten follows the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) in a happy, play-based learning environment. Elementary School uses the IB Primary Years Programme for Grades 1–5, organized around six transdisciplinary Units of Inquiry. Secondary School is based on the US Common Core Standards and international aims for Grades 6–12, with additional options including the Advanced Placement Programme and the IB Diploma Programme; students may follow one of four pathways: American Diploma, IB diploma, IB course, or AP.

Arts & Creative
Arts are integrated across the curriculum, with Elementary Arts covering Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Drama, and Music, and annual arts festivals and performances. In Elementary, students engage in Music activities such as recorder (Grades 3–4) and piano (Grade 5). Secondary Arts offer Music (including Concert Band, Choir, and Digital Music), Visual Arts, and Theater Arts, with IB and NCAS curricula and opportunities to perform at school concerts and festivals.

Cultural & Language
World languages offered include French and Spanish, with language study continuing through secondary school; non-native Arabic is also part of the program. Students choose one world language in Grade 6 and continue it through Grades 11–12 in preparation for IB Diploma. Language aims focus on global awareness, international understanding, and cultural diversity.

Social & Hobbies
All students in Grade 1 and above are encouraged to participate in Extracurricular Activities (ECAs), including athletics, arts, and other after-school programs. The Athletics program provides multiple seasons with activities such as swimming, soccer, basketball, track and field, and more, coordinated with developmentally appropriate participation. The ECAs emphasize holistic growth, with internal and external offerings and a house-system-based culture of participation.

Community & Service
Creativity, Action, Service (CAS) is embedded in the IB Diploma Programme, encouraging students to engage in creative, physical, and service-oriented activities within local, national, and international contexts. CAS aims to develop personal, social, and civic growth through experiential learning and community engagement.

Leadership & Professional
The school operates a GAA House System that divides students into four houses to foster community spirit, identity, leadership, and friendly competition; students participate in inter-house events and leadership challenges. There are formal leadership-aligned activities and opportunities within ECAs and student life, supported by a structured after-school program. The House System and student leadership events encourage responsibility, teamwork, and school-wide leadership experiences.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
GAA provides an onsite health clinic to address medical needs during the school day. The Secondary Curriculum includes Physical Education, and the Athletics program supports physical well-being through sport and movement. The school emphasizes holistic development through arts, sports, and wellbeing initiatives as part of its world-class facilities and learning environment.
Languages

Language Provision
World languages offered are French or Spanish from Grade 6 onward; students choose one language and continue with that language through secondary education in preparation for the IB Diploma Programme in Grades 11-12. Students new to GAA will be placed in the class of the world language they have studied in their previous school. Secondary aims of the World Languages program include French, Spanish, and Non-Native Arabic, and are to develop global awareness, international understanding, and appreciation of cultural diversity.
Reputation

Accreditations
CIS, NEASC, IBO, IB DP, ISS
Admissions

Admissions
Step 1. Begin by registering online through the GEMS Online Student Registration site and submitting the online enquiry. After submission you receive an enquiry number; print the receipt or note the number for future correspondence. Review the list of required documents and the ADEK attestation needed to register the child with ADEK. Admission for the 2026-27 school year is open with limited seats.

Step 2. Kindergarten admissions. The online application is completed and families meet with the GAA admissions team to schedule a familiarization session. Children ready for pre-K, KG1, or KG2 are expected to be age-appropriate for the requested grade, able to manage bathroom independence, engage in activities, follow directions, and show age-appropriate motor skills and communication. The language of instruction is English and families use the familiarization to understand the environment. A familiarization visit helps families understand the school setting.

Step 3. Grade 1 admissions. All Grade 1 applicants are assessed in basic literacy and numeracy with the school counselor. Social-emotional and behavioral development are evaluated to determine readiness for Grade 1. The admissions team uses these assessments to inform placement decisions.

Step 4. Grades 2–6 admissions. All applicants are assessed in literacy and numeracy as part of the admissions process using the MAP test. Based on the results, a counselor meeting may be requested to determine the student's ability to benefit from the curriculum; English language proficiency and learning skills may be assessed if recommended.

Step 5. Grades 7–12 admissions. All applicants are assessed in literacy and numeracy using MAP, with Math and Writing assessments required. A review of student transcripts determines eligibility to participate in GAA's curricular pathways, including American Diploma, IB Diploma, IB courses, and AP.

Step 6. Student support and language. GAA provides limited special education resources; students must have English language proficiency. English Language Learner (ELL) support is available subject to space. Grades 6–10 require basic English proficiency, and Grades 11–12 require full English proficiency as ELL support is not available in those grades.

Step 7. Previous schooling and documentation. All new students must provide official documentation of previous schooling, including transcripts, reports, and test scores, and documents must be in English. GAA may request translation certification where needed. ADEK enrollment requirements apply and must be submitted within 30 days of the start of the school.

Step 8. Documentation for processing and enrollment. Prepare 1 copy of the applicant's passport, 1 recent passport photo, two years of school reports (in English), any learning support documents, the Confidential School Recommendation Form, standardized test results (if available), nursery reports (if applicable), 1 copy of birth certificate (English or Arabic), Emirates ID cards, residency visa, and Transfer Certificate (for Grades 1+), plus official transcripts (Grades 10–12). The UAE residence visa, Emirates ID, Transfer Certificate and official transcript are required for enrollment but not necessary at application processing; these must be submitted within 30 days of enrollment. For questions, contact the Registrar, Ms. Asma El Derby, at [email protected].

Step 9. Tours and ongoing next steps. Tours of the school are conducted Monday through Friday; book a tour via the provided link. The Admissions team and the Registrar can provide further information as needed.
School Events
The school has not added events
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