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GEMS Dubai American Academy

United Arab Emirates, Dubai

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees AED 66,185 - 93,300
Ages 4 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 2972
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), American Curriculum
Typical class size 12
Introduction

GEMS Dubai American Academy is an international day school in Al Barsha, Dubai (Sheikh Zayed Road) offering an enriched American curriculum from KG1 through Grade 12; students graduate with the American High School Diploma and may concurrently pursue the International Baccalaureate Diploma in the final two years, with a small selection of Advanced Placement courses available. The school serves ages 4 to 18 and delivers instruction in English; Arabic is taught (with provision for native and non-native speakers) and Spanish and French are offered from Grade 6, while Islamic Education is provided for Muslim students. The campus comprises two purpose-built sites spanning over 70,000 square metres with facilities including dedicated Arabic rooms, a wellbeing centre (WISE), a Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, ten cross-disciplinary science laboratories, technology suites and expanded sports and dining facilities. The school has been rated Outstanding by Dubai's KHDA since 2011.

Sheikh Zayed Rd, Al Barsha First, Al Barsha, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The Essentials

GEMS Dubai American Academy has 2,972 pupils, typical class sizes of 12, instruction in English.

Location
GEMS Dubai American Academy is in Al Barsha, Dubai, at the intersection of Sheikh Zayed Road and Hessa Street. The campus sits on a 23-acre site with modern facilities and easy access to major roads and the Dubai Metro. The location places it within a well-connected Dubai neighborhood offering quick links to the city's transport network.

Stages
DAA serves students from kindergarten through Grade 12. The school comprises Elementary (KG to Grade 5), Middle School (Grade 6–8) and High School (Grade 9–12).

Type
DAA is a co-educational day school.

Pupil Nationality Mix
The school represents 105 nationalities. The largest groups include American, Canadian, Indian, Egyptian, South Korean, Lebanese and Turkish students, with no single nationality dominating the student body. The school hosts a large international student population; a local Emirati presence exists but is not the majority. An approximate local-to-international ratio reported by third-party data sources is around 1 local student for every 44 international students.

Additional learning support
Inclusion and Special Educational Needs (SEN) support are available across the school. Inclusion Support is a K-12 program with push-in and pull-out models, including an Alternative Pathways Program for individualized learning. English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is provided for students new to English, and there are specific pathways for students with IEP goals in higher levels.

Country affiliation
There is no formal country affiliation; the school follows an American curriculum (and offers the IB Diploma Programme).

Religious affiliation
No religious affiliation is stated; the school emphasizes diversity and inclusive education.

School day structure
The school day starts at 7:40am. Dismissal times are 2:50pm for K1–Grade 5 and 2:55pm for Grades 6–12, with Friday being an early-release day on a staggered schedule. The academic week runs Monday to Friday.

Bus service
The official transport provider is School Transport Services (STS). Buses are ISO-certified, equipped with GPS and CCTV, and operated in coordination with the school to ensure safe travel. Applications require a registration form, terms and conditions, and related safety documents; fees are paid to STS. All transport inquiries should be directed via the STS contact listed by the school.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
DAA maintains a formal, grade-spanning uniform policy. The elementary daily uniform requires KG1–Grade 2 red polo shirts (Grades 3–5 wear blue polo shirts) with blue shorts or slacks for boys and blue skirts or slacks for girls, plus a school tie and white, black or navy socks; non-marking trainers are required and a cap is used for outdoor activities. Seasonal wear includes a blue logo sweatshirt or blue logo sweater, and outerwear may be worn to and from school, but non-uniform items are not allowed on regular days. Middle and high school students wear a regulation shirt or blouse, with an optional unisex polo, and dark blue trousers or skirts (MS girls may wear a dark blue skort or trousers; HS girls may wear a skirt or trousers); PE uniforms are worn on PE days. Uniforms can be purchased from Threads at Time Square Centre (Al Quoz) with a pre-booked fitting appointment; Threads' shop hours are 10am–10pm.

Food Options
Food service is provided by Slices Catering, with two cafeterias, two kiosks, and a parent cafe in the atrium. KG1–Grade 2 meals are eaten in classrooms with a classroom delivery service, while Grades 3–5 eat in the elementary canteen and Grades 6–12 in the middle/high school canteen; hot meals and a variety of options, including salads and sandwiches, are available. Slices operates a cashless payment system linked to student IDs, with monthly menus published and updated regularly; there is also classroom delivery for younger students and a dedicated contact for the catering team.

Governance and Ownership
GEMS Dubai American Academy is GEMS Education's flagship American school, indicating it is part of the GEMS Education group. The school has a dedicated DAA Board that oversees the achievement of strategic aims and objectives and meets at least five times a year. The school is owned and operated within the GEMS Education network.
Fees

Annual tuition at GEMS Dubai American Academy ranges from AED 66,185 to AED 93,300 for 2026/27.

Application Fee

- Application fee: AED 525 (Application AED 500 + VAT AED 25). The application fee is payable at the time of application. It is refundable only if the school does not offer a place (unless registration is carried forward) and is non‑refundable if a place is offered but not taken.

Registration and Re‑registration Deposits

- Registration deposit (new students): 10% of the total tuition fees. This deposit is payable after an offer is accepted, is non‑refundable, and is deductible from the total tuition fees for the academic year.
- Re‑registration deposit (returning students): 5% of the total tuition fees. This deposit is payable to guarantee a place for the following academic year, is non‑refundable, and is deductible from the total tuition fees.

Annual Tuition Fees (by year group) and per‑term breakdown

- KG1 and KG2: AED 66,185 per year.
- Term 1 (40%): AED 26,474.00.
- Term 2 (30%): AED 19,855.50.
- Term 3 (30%): AED 19,855.50.

- Grades 1–12: AED 93,300 per year.
- Term 1 (40%): AED 37,320.00.
- Term 2 (30%): AED 27,990.00.
- Term 3 (30%): AED 27,990.00.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Annual tuition is invoiced in advance and is payable prior to the start of the academic year or at the start of each term. Schools may invoice tuition from the time of admission if enrollment occurs mid‑year.
- Standard instalment structure: first term 40% of the annual tuition, second term 30%, third term 30%. Payments are due at the beginning of each term.
- Registration deposit is charged after offer acceptance to secure the seat; re‑registration deposit is charged at re‑enrollment to guarantee a place for the next year. Both deposits are deductible from the year's tuition but are non‑refundable except in extenuating circumstances.

Payment methods and bank details

- Accepted payment methods: online via the GEMS Connect App or GEMS Parent Portal, direct bank transfer, cash, cheque, or credit card at the school fee counter. Online fee payment is accessible through the school's online payment portal.
- Wire transfer details (payee account information as provided for school fee payments):
- Bank: First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB).
- Account name: GEMS Dubai American Academy.
- Account number: 4031006721554001.
- IBAN: AE180354031006721554001.
- SWIFT: NBADAEAAXXX.
- Important: quote the applicant's name and grade and allow for any bank charges so the full fee amount is received.
- Discount on advance payment: a GEMS/FAB co‑branded credit card discount is available for advance fee payment (details and terms apply).

Inclusions and exclusions (what the annual tuition covers and excludes)

- Included in tuition: loaned items such as books and an iPad for Elementary and Middle School students; registration for internal after‑school activities is included where specified.
- Not included in tuition: school uniforms, transport (school bus), student lunch, and external activity offerings. Middle and High School students are expected to provide their own laptops.

Sibling discount

- Sibling discount: 15% discount applies for the fourth child; 25% discount applies for the fifth child and above.

Other fees and typical additional costs

- Uniforms: charged separately (uniforms are not included in the tuition).
- Transport (school bus): charged separately according to route and provision; not included in the tuition.
- Lunch and external activities: charged separately; external activity program fees are not included in tuition.
- Technology expectations: Elementary and Middle students receive a loaned iPad as noted above; Middle and High School students should provide their own laptop (additional costs for hardware and insurance may apply).

Boarding

- The school operates as a day school; boarding facilities are not provided. There are no boarding fees.

Refunds and withdrawal terms

- Registration and re‑registration deposits are non‑refundable except in extenuating circumstances (for example, relocation to another Emirate/country or other unforeseen circumstances).
- Refund calculation for paid tuition (examples of deduction rules applied when a student withdraws):
- Tuition paid prior to the beginning of the academic year is refundable with only registration/re‑registration fees deducted.
- If a student was enrolled for two weeks or less, a one‑month fee will be deducted from any refundable amount.
- If a student was enrolled for more than two weeks but less than one month, two months' fees will be deducted.
- If the student was enrolled for more than one month, the full term's fees will be deducted.
- Refunds are calculated from the start of the term to the official withdrawal request date (being on the register counts as days in school). Refunds are returned via cheque.
- Student withdrawal procedure: written notification of withdrawal must be submitted to the Registrar; a 30‑day notification period is required to prepare documents.

Non‑payment and administrative charges

- Non‑payment consequences: the school may issue reminders, temporarily suspend a student (up to 3 school days in a term) after issuing warnings, withhold learning resources and official documents (transfer certificates, reports, transcripts) for accounts with outstanding fees, and may not re‑register students with outstanding fees. Legal action and recovery costs may be pursued for outstanding fees.
- Returned cheque fee: AED 500 per returned cheque.

Notes on specialist programs and additional charges

- An additional fee applies for students placed on the English Language Learner (ELL) program where applicable. Additional program fees and charges (for example, specific external trips or certain external activities) may apply depending on participation.

Summary of the most essential numeric items

- Application fee: AED 525.
- Registration deposit (new): 10% of tuition. Re‑registration deposit (existing): 5% of tuition.
- Annual tuition: KG1/KG2 AED 66,185; Grades 1–12 AED 93,300. Per‑term instalment split normally charged as 40% / 30% / 30%.
Academics

GEMS Dubai American Academy teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), American Curriculum for students aged 4 to 18.

Curriculum
GEMS Dubai American Academy offers an enriched American Curriculum for KG1 through Grade 12, with the option to concurrently pursue the International Baccalaureate Diploma in the last two years of high school; graduates earn an American High School Diploma and may also obtain the IB Diploma or an IB Certificate. From Grade 9, the program is aligned to Common Core for ELA/Math and NGSS for Science, with CT state standards guiding other subjects, and students can pursue the IB Diploma or AP courses as part of university preparation. The Elementary School (KG1–Grade 5) provides a standards-based program that includes core academics plus a broad program of arts, physical education, Arabic for native and non-native speakers, Islamic Education for Muslim students, library and instructional technology, supported by a 1:1 iPad program and inclusive education. The Middle School (Grades 6–8) offers core subjects with electives (French and Spanish) and a strong advisory/wellbeing framework; Grade 6 students trial a range of electives before selecting three to study in Grades 7–8. AP is offered in the High School with 19 AP courses across six disciplines plus AP Capstone, and the IB Diploma option remains available in the final years; the school teaches in English with Arabic mandated by MOE and Spanish/French offered from Grade 6.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
SEL is supported via the WISE Center (Wellbeing, Inclusion, Safeguarding & Environment) on the GEMS Dubai American Academy campus, which provides holistic student wellbeing services, alongside the High School Counseling department that offers well-being, academic, career and university counseling.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
GEMS Dubai American Academy uses a K-12 Inclusion Delivery Model with a Graduated System of Support for Students of Determination, development of Individual Education Plans, and services including 1:1 interventions, Academic Support Classes, co‑teaching, and in‑class support, with inclusion staff such as SEND/Learning Support teachers and counselors, and it is not described as a specialist SEN institution.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The school provides an English as an Additional Language program for students new to English, which is distinct from inclusion support, and EAL learners receive push‑in and/or pull‑out support.

Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is supported through the WISE Center and the High School Counseling department, with the WISE Center dedicated to Wellbeing, Inclusion, Safeguarding & Environment, and the counseling team delivering wellbeing services.

Safeguarding
Safeguarding is embedded in the campus via the WISE Center and supported by GEMS Education's safeguarding framework, including an independently chaired safeguarding structure, staff vetting, and policy adherence, with UAE laws and KHDA guidance reflected in the Inclusion Policy.
Parent Experience

History
GEMS Dubai American Academy opened in 1998 as a small school with a big vision. It is GEMS Education's flagship American school. The campus sits on 23 acres in Al Barsha and features a modern, purpose-built facility to support its programs. The school has held KHDA Outstanding status since 2011, reflecting its long-standing commitment to academic excellence. Celebrating over 25 years of education, DAA has established a legacy as a leading American-curriculum school in Dubai.

Community
DAA's community extends beyond current students and values involvement from parents and alumni. The school reports a diverse student body representing 104 nationalities, reflecting an international community. A culture of kindness guides daily life and supports positive behavior. DAAPA coordinates a wide range of family-facing activities, including guest speakers, welcoming new students, the International Food Festival, Winter Carnival, school dances, movie nights, and cultural celebrations such as Diwali.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
DAA Parent Association (DAAPA) is the formal parent organization for Dubai American Academy; membership begins automatically when you enroll your child. DAAPA's mission is to build unity among parents, faculty, administration, students and staff and to enrich the lives of the students, aligning with the school's aims. DAAPA runs a wide range of activities and projects: guest speakers, welcoming new students, the International Food Festival, school dances, movie nights, and homeroom support. The association stages a Winter Carnival annually and a Gala to celebrate milestones, along with cultural celebrations like Diwali. DAAPA leadership includes an executive committee with positions such as president and vice president, and parent volunteers provide essential support to school life.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
GEMS Dubai American Academy sits on 23 acres in Al Barsha and spans about 70,000 square meters of campus facilities. The campus provides full provision for athletics and performing arts, with a 50-meter Olympic pool, a 400-meter running track, a large gymnasium, playing fields, and shaded playgrounds. There are theaters and dedicated studios for music and the arts for all grade levels. The libraries and achievement center support academic work, and the WISE Center supports wellbeing, inclusion, safeguarding and environment. The spaces are designed to be flexible and to foster collaboration, creativity, and wellbeing across both campuses.

Sports Facilities
The 70,000-square-meter campus offers purpose-built facilities for athletics and competitive sport. The largest sports hall in the region accommodates three full-size basketball courts. The facilities include a 50-meter Olympic pool, a 400-meter running track, and outdoor spaces such as tennis and basketball courts, a soccer field, shaded playgrounds, roof play areas and three soccer pitches, plus a baseball diamond. Indoor amenities include two gymnasiums, an indoor running track, a fitness suite, and an indoor golf simulator with sports science classrooms for performance analysis. Outdoor and indoor spaces support year-round physical education and competitive sport.

Academic Facilities
Classrooms are fully equipped and arranged in a serpentine layout with shared learning and breakout zones for each grade level. Dedicated Arabic language rooms are located throughout the campuses, alongside a library and achievement center. The WISE Center supports wellbeing, inclusion, safeguarding and the environment. The Center of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, together with ten cross-disciplinary science laboratories and technology suites, underpins STEM learning. Visual arts facilities include 2D and 3D art studios, a ceramics studio with kiln, and a photography darkroom, while performing arts spaces include purpose-built music rooms and rehearsal spaces.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Internal extracurricular activities cover a wide range of clubs and programs for KG2 through Grade 12, including Leading Leopards, Ball Games, Soccer, Rugby, Cricket, Science Club, Chess Club, Dancing and Movement, Arabic Reading, Sewing, Book-Craft, Math Games, Mindful Art, Robotics, Choir, and Drama; activities vary by term and are available through the ESM portal. External activities are provided through ESM and the Centre for Musical Arts, offering athletics, arts, science, music and language programs plus holiday camps. The Duke of Edinburgh Award is offered to Grade 9–12 students to develop skills, service, fitness and expeditions. The school participates in MESAC and Junior EAC competitions, with seasonal athletics and activities described for Middle School and High School. Student leadership also features a School Council and a Student Innovation Team to enhance learning opportunities.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school offers an enriched American curriculum to students of all nationalities. Students graduate with the American High School Diploma. The option to concurrently pursue the International Baccalaureate Diploma is available in the last two years of high school, and select Advanced Placement courses are offered. The school has been rated Outstanding by KHDA since 2011.

Arts & Creative
Arts is a component of Student Life at the school. The program provides arts as part of the after‑school activities alongside Athletics. There are more than 50 after‑school activities per term for KG2 to Grade 8. Elementary and Middle School are Apple Distinguished School (ADS) for 2019–2022.

Cultural & Language
105 nationalities are represented at the school. Global Citizenship is a focus within Student Life. The curriculum combines American and IB elements to support a diverse, international student body.

Social & Hobbies
Duke of Edinburgh Award is offered as an External Activity. Internal Activities include Athletics and Arts as part of Student Life. There are more than 50 after‑school activities per term for KG2 to Grade 8.

Community & Service
The DAA community includes parents and alumni, reflecting an extended school network beyond current students. Global Citizenship is emphasized through Student Life experiences. The Duke of Edinburgh Award supports volunteering and service components as part of extracurricular offerings.

Leadership & Professional
The Leadership Team has over 200 years of combined experience. The DAA Board oversees the school's strategic aims and objectives. The Center of Excellence in AI and Robotics is the first of its kind. Elementary and Middle School hold Apple Distinguished School status for 2019–2022.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Campus enhancements include a dedicated student wellbeing center. A Health Clinic operates on campus. The school promotes wellbeing via a culture of kindness and student support resources.
Languages

Language Provision
English is the main language of instruction. Arabic is taught for native and non-native speakers as required by the ministry. Spanish and French are offered from Grade 6 onwards as part of the curriculum. World languages are available as electives and activities.

Immersion Programs
The school offers an English Language Learner (ELL) program with a sheltered immersion model to support multilingual learners in developing social and academic English while accessing grade-level content.
Reputation

Awards
Apple Distinguished School (2019–2022)

Accreditations
NEASC, CIS, IBO (as part of the school's program offerings; KHDA Outstanding rating since 2011)
Admissions

Admissions
1. Applications for the 2026-2027 school year are open. Applications are submitted online via the Apply Online link. An acknowledgement with the next steps is sent after inquiry. The language of instruction is English.

2. GEMS Dubai American Academy serves KG1 through Grade 12. Age requirements apply for placement, and grade placement is determined as part of the admissions process. A transfer certificate is required to complete registration; without it, registration cannot proceed. The admissions team guides families through the process.

3. Prospective students undertake assessment tests before a place is offered. For grades 1–12, MAP evaluates math, reading and language. CAT4 assesses verbal, non-verbal, quantitative and spatial reasoning. If overseas, a CAT4 assessment can be arranged with the current school; recent MAP or CAT4 reports may expedite the process.

4. The admissions decision is based on a holistic review of the application, past school records and entrance assessments. MAP and CAT4 results contribute to the assessment of readiness. The Registration Team guides families through the enrollment steps and communicates outcomes.

5. Enrollment and classroom scheduling are coordinated by the Admissions Team. Tours are available by appointment; Middle School tours start at 9:00 am and Elementary/High School tours at 9:30 am, Tuesday to Thursday. The Admissions Team supports families through the enrollment journey.

6. The Virtual Admissions Center provides a 1-on-1 virtual call with the Admissions Director and a virtual tour. On-campus tours are available by appointment on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Gabrielle Keane serves as Admissions Director.
School Events
The school has not added events
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