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GEMS Modern Academy

United Arab Emirates, Dubai

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees AED 30,983 - 73,876
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 3601
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Indian Curriculum
Typical class size 28
Introduction

GEMS Modern Academy, located in Nad Al Sheba 3, Dubai, is a dual‑pathway day school offering the International Baccalaureate (PYP, MYP and DP) alongside the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (ICSE/ISC). The school serves learners from Pre‑Kindergarten through Grade 12 (ages 3–18) and cites English as the language of teaching. Arabic is taught as a compulsory additional subject in accordance with UAE requirements up to Grade 9, and the school offers multiple other language options across phases — for example Hindi, French, Malayalam, Spanish and Sanskrit are listed among its language‑acquisition choices and IB offerings. Notable facilities published on the school site include multiple ICT suites, a STEM lab and Makerspace (Budhayana), libraries and laboratories, two 25‑metre pools, an eight‑lane synthetic track, courts, cricket pitch and a gym. The website also describes a Day Boarding System with an Integrated Curriculum Enrichment (ICE) session and shows the school's stated IB authorisations and ICSE/ISC affiliation.

Nad Al Sheba 3, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The Essentials

GEMS Modern Academy has 3,601 pupils, typical class sizes of 28, instruction in English.

Location
GEMS Modern Academy is located in Nad Al Sheba, Dubai. The campus sits in Nad Al Sheba 3, close to Silicon Oasis and International City, with straightforward road access from major routes. For directions or enquiries, the school can be reached by phone at 04 326 3339.

Stages
The school serves students from Pre-KG through Grade 12. The Primary Years Programme (PYP) runs from Pre-KG to Grade 5, and from Grade 6 there is a dual-pathway option with Indian ICSE/ISC or the IB Diploma Programme through Grade 12.

Type
The school is co-educational. It operates as a day school and offers a day-boarding option (ICE) rather than overnight boarding.

Pupil Nationality Mix
The 2023–2024 DSIB inspection records 3,860 students on roll, with 0 Emirati students and the largest nationality group being Indian. This implies a local-to-international ratio of 0:3,860 (0% local, 100% international) among stated groups; the exact number of nationalities represented is not published in the DSIB report.

Additional learning support
The school provides inclusion and SEN support; 219 students are identified as students of determination. There are 3 guidance counsellors and a sizeable teaching staff (239 teachers).

Country affiliation
The school is affiliated with CISCE (Indian Certificate Examinations) and offers the IB Diploma Programme; CISCE affiliation indicates an Indian curriculum alongside the IB pathway.

Religious affiliation
There is no formal religious affiliation stated for the school. The UAE curriculum includes Islamic Education as a subject, but the school itself is not described as having a religious affiliation.

School day structure
School days run Sunday to Thursday. KG1–KG2 attend 9:00 a.m.–12:55 p.m. Grades 1–12 typically run 7:40 a.m.–2:05 p.m., with the IB schedule varying by day (Sun, Tue, Wed 7:40–2:05; Mon and Thu 7:40–2:55). The Activities/Enrichment ACE runs 2:15 p.m.–4:05 p.m. Sunday–Thursday.

Bus service
The school bus network is operated by STS Group. Buses are equipped with CCTV, GPS tracking, RFID, and other safety features, monitored by a 24/7 operations centre. To register or obtain route information and fees, contact the school's Service Delivery Executive; there are multiple routes serving Nad Al Sheba, Silicon Oasis, International City and other areas.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
All students must wear the school uniform. The standard kit for boys is a light blue shirt, navy trousers, a tie, a belt, navy socks, and black leather shoes, with a navy pullover; for girls the standard kit is a light blue shirt with a navy skirt or trousers, a belt, tie, navy socks, black leather shoes, and a navy pullover. The PE kit includes a House T-shirt with house colour piping and navy shorts or tracks; the prescribed uniform is available at THREADS in BurJuman and online via Threads.

House System
The school uses a house system. Students are divided into four houses named Aquila, Cygnus, Orion, and Pegasus; each house has its own colour (Yellow, Red, Green, and Blue) and is led by a Captain with House Teachers. Inter-house events cover sports and literary activities to promote teamwork and healthy competition.

Governance and Ownership
GEMS Modern Academy is part of GEMS Education, a private, family-owned education group. The school operates within the GEMS Education network.
Fees

Annual tuition at GEMS Modern Academy ranges from AED 30,983 to AED 73,876 for 2026/27.

Application and Registration

- Application fee (online registration): AED 525 (including VAT).
- Registration deposit: 10% of the total annual tuition fee, payable after an offer has been accepted and deductible from the total tuition for the academic year; this deposit is non-refundable.

Annual tuition fees (per year group) — Academic year (annual amounts shown in AED)

- Pre‑primary: AED 30,983.
- KG1: AED 38,246.
- KG2: AED 38,246.
- Grade 1: AED 43,311.
- Grade 2: AED 43,311.
- Grade 3: AED 45,670.
- Grade 4: AED 45,670.
- Grade 5: AED 48,173.
- Grade 6: AED 48,173.
- Grade 7: AED 48,173.
- Grade 8: AED 48,173.
- Grade 9: AED 51,345.
- Grade 10: AED 51,345.
- Grade 11: AED 73,876.
- Grade 12: AED 73,876.

(All annual tuition figures are those published in the KHDA fee fact sheets for the school.)

Per‑term amounts (calculated)

- The school invoices tuition in advance and fees are payable at the start of each month; the school does not explicitly publish a fixed per‑term invoice in the fee pages. The per‑term figures below are therefore calculated by dividing the published annual tuition by three (three school terms), for reference:
- Pre‑primary: AED 10,328 per term (approx.).
- KG1 / KG2: AED 12,749 per term (approx.).
- Grade 1 / Grade 2: AED 14,437 per term (exact).
- Grade 3 / Grade 4: AED 15,223 per term (approx.).
- Grade 5–8: AED 16,058 per term (approx.).
- Grade 9 / Grade 10: AED 17,115 per term (exact).
- Grade 11 / Grade 12: AED 24,625 per term (approx.).

(These per‑term numbers are calculations based on the published annual tuition amounts; the school's published billing and payment guidance states tuition is due in advance and invoiced monthly.)

Mandatory one‑off / annual small charges

- School diary: AED 15.75 (including VAT).
- ID card: AED 10.50 (including VAT).
- Board registration fee (Grade 9): AED 55.
- Exam fee (Grade 10 and Grade 12): AED 825.
- Transfer certificate fee on withdrawal: AED 120.

(These charges are listed as mandatory or one‑off items in the school's fee information.)

Required education supplies and optional costs

- Uniform: typically AED 600 to AED 2,000 for most grades; some senior grades show a higher upper estimate (up to AED 3,000).
- Books and stationery: ranges vary by grade (examples in the fact sheets range from around AED 45 for very early years to over AED 1,500 for senior grades).
- Optional services (examples and ranges): school transport (range dependent on route, e.g. several thousand AED per year), canteen, local and overseas educational trips, extracurricular program fees (arts, sports, language immersion), learning support assistant fees, summer camp.

(Required supplies and optional service price ranges are published in the KHDA school fee fact sheets for each grade; amounts vary by grade and by service.)

Sibling and other discounts

- Sibling discounts: specified sibling discount tiers apply (examples published include up to 15% and higher for later siblings; the school's published guidance also lists specific sibling discount tiers).
- Additional discount schemes listed include staff discounts, scholarships and corporate discounts where applicable.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Tuition fees are due prior to the start of the academic year and are payable in advance of attendance; invoices are issued from the time of admission so payments can be processed before the start of the month. Fees will not be collected in July and August.
- The application fee is payable at the time of online registration; the registration deposit is charged once an offer is accepted.
- Failure to pay fees may lead to withholding of reports and examination results, loss of the child's place, or suspension/exclusion.

Payment methods and options

- Accepted payment methods: cash, cheque and credit card (in person at the school accounts office or via the online parent portal).
- Wire transfer to the school bank account is available (bank details provided on request).
- The school promotes an education‑sector credit card partnership (FAB GEMS card) and an online payments portal for parents.

Boarding

- The school does not publish boarding facilities or boarding fees in its fee documentation; boarding fees are not applicable.

Refunds and withdrawal charges

- Registration and re‑registration deposits are generally non‑refundable except in extenuating circumstances such as relocation.
- Refund calculation rules published by the school:
- Tuition fees paid prior to the start of the academic year are refundable with only the registration / re‑registration fees deducted.
- If the student was enrolled for two weeks or less, a month's fees will be deducted.
- If the student was enrolled for more than a month, a full term's fees will be deducted.
- Refunds are calculated from the start of the term and the date of the official withdrawal request; refunds paid by credit card are returned to the card and cash refunds are by cheque.
- A fee of AED 120 applies for the Transfer Certificate on withdrawal.

Notes on invoices and additional charges

- Some mandatory small charges (diary, ID card) are shown inclusive of VAT.
- Optional services and required supplies are charged separately and vary by grade; transport fees are route dependent.
- Re‑enrolment charges for existing students may be billed (example: up to 5% of tuition or AED 500, whichever is higher).

If you require these fee items displayed in a different currency or a pre‑formatted database layout, you can use the figures above directly.
Academics

GEMS Modern Academy teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Indian Curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
The school offers the IB Pathway (PYP, MYP and DP) and the CISCE Pathway. The PreK–Grade 5 is an IB Primary Years Programme (PYP); Grades 6–12 follow the CISCE ICSE/ISC curriculum; the IB Diploma Programme is also offered. The IB Pathway provides PYP, MYP and DP. The CISCE Pathway is affiliated to the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations. The school has KHDA rating of Outstanding.

Exam Results
In 2025 ICSE had a 100% pass rate with an 88.6% overall average and 51% of students scoring 90% or above; the top score was 99.2%. ISC had a 100% pass rate, an average of 90.9%, and 73% scoring 90% or above; the top score was 99%. IBDP had a 97% pass rate, an average of 34.2 points; 14.6% scored 40+ and 51.56% scored 35+; the batch toppers achieved 45 points.

Higher Education Progression
Over the last four years, students have been admitted to 1050 universities in 53 countries, including 66 of the world's top 100 universities. The school supports university preparation through a Career Cell and partners with external organisations such as ACENTRIA for career counselling and entrance-test preparation.

Gifted and Talented
ACE (Activities for Curriculum Enrichment) includes Circinate for Gifted & Talented and high-achieving students.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
SEL at GEMS Modern Academy is integrated into its holistic education model, with the IB/PYP framework explicitly aiming to develop students' social and emotional wellbeing and a sense of belonging. The IB Primary Years Programme emphasizes the development of the whole child, including social and emotional wellbeing and international-mindedness. The Kindergarten curriculum includes a focus on students' wellbeing, describing provisions that support physical, social and emotional development. Inclusion leadership is provided by an Inclusion Head (Pashu Bhattacharya), guiding inclusive practices for students with diverse learning needs. A House system supports pastoral care and fosters cooperation, resilience, and belonging through inter-house events. The school's wellbeing efforts have been recognised with awards such as the 2022 GESS Wellbeing and Inclusion Award and the 2024 SEND Inclusion Award.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
GEMS Modern Academy publicly states an inclusive education approach and welcomes students with diverse learning needs, with inclusion leadership and dedicated support structures. The Dubai Inclusive Education Policy Framework (2017) is incorporated to guide working practices and systems at the school. Support for students begins at admission through a thorough identification process and continues via academic and student support networks. The Inclusion Head is Pashu Bhattacharya, signaling formal SEN leadership within the school. The school identifies itself as an Inclusive School rather than a specialist SEN institution. The public materials do not publish a specific list of SEN categories the school supports.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The language of teaching at GEMS Modern Academy is English. Public materials do not describe a dedicated English as an Additional Language (EAL) program. Second language offerings in the senior curriculum include Hindi and French or Malayalam. EAL-related support details are not publicly disclosed. The school emphasizes inclusive education to support diverse learners, including those with EAL considerations, through its inclusion framework. English-language instruction is the default across the curriculum.

Mental Wellbeing
The IB Primary Years Programme targets the development of students' social and emotional wellbeing and a sense of belonging. The Kindergarten curriculum explicitly addresses students' social and emotional wellbeing as part of its learning design. A Pastoral Care approach and a House system contribute to social support, cooperation and resilience. Career Counselling provides holistic guidance to students, supporting their personal and academic wellbeing. The school's wellbeing initiatives have been recognised with awards, including the GESS Wellbeing and Inclusion Award (2022) and the SEND Inclusion Award (2024).

Safeguarding
Safer recruitment practices at GEMS Modern Academy align with the International Task Force on Child Protection, and the school states a commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all students. The school notes it has a team of trained counsellors who can assist GEMS people with a wide range of professional and personal issues. Safeguarding-related policies and practices are publicly highlighted within the Work With Us materials. The Dubai Inclusive Education Policy Framework (2017) is incorporated to guide safeguarding-related inclusive practices. These elements together indicate a formal safeguarding framework within the school's public materials.
Parent Experience

History
GEMS Modern Academy was founded on 18 October 1986, establishing a long-standing private school presence in Dubai. It is part of the GEMS Education network, a global group of international schools. The school offers an IB pathway with the Diploma Programme introduced in 2014 and the Primary Years Programme added in 2021, with Middle Years Programme candidacy announced in 2021, creating dual pathways for students. The school has been rated Outstanding by KHDA since the 2011–12 inspection cycle, reflecting its sustained emphasis on quality education. It is located in Nad Al Sheba, Dubai.

Community
The school operates a house system to promote pastoral care and a sense of belonging, with Pegasus House highlighted as part of the school's house structure. Inter-house events cover a range of sporting and literary activities and form the groundwork for competition at higher levels. The school observes and celebrates national and cultural occasions such as Independence Day, Republic Day, Gandhi Jayanti, Diwali, Eid, and Christmas, while promoting patriotism and universal brotherhood. The school also emphasizes cultural intelligence and an inclusive, globally minded learning community.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
GEMS Modern Academy maintains a Parent Council known as Family of Modern (FOM), a parent representative group that guides and supports the school with the views and concerns of the broader parent body. The FOM consists of 22 members, one from each grade across the school, selected from the pool of Class Council members who served in the previous year, with each member holding a term of one academic year. Class Councils comprise over 100 parent representatives, with two representatives from each section per grade, and they meet monthly with the relevant grade supervisor. Monthly meetings generate input for the school, and minutes are circulated to parents and staff to ensure follow-up, with the Senior Leadership Team coordinating actions. The FOM's role is to foster academic, social, cultural and physical development, and to strengthen the link between families and the school to support students' growth.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The school has five ICT suites, a STEM Lab, Budhayana – The Spark Lab – a Maker Space and Innovation Centre, and a Library for the Senior School alongside a Primary Learning Centre. It includes a Discovery Centre, an IB Lounge, and learning corridors, plus outdoor spaces such as a Meditation Garden, Planter's Patch, and a Sensorial Garden. The Phoenix Classroom serves as the Learning Management System and there is infrastructure to support Bring Your Own Device (BYOD). Regular checks and new equipment are carried out to maintain the facilities.

Sports Facilities
The school offers four basketball courts, two football fields, a cricket pitch, a volleyball court, and an eight-lane synthetic track with areas for field events such as long jump, shot put, discus throw and javelin. It has two 25-meter swimming pools (one for primary students and a main pool with facilities for water polo). There are five cricket nets with floodlights, three tennis courts, a multipurpose hall with markings for badminton and basketball, a fully equipped gym, and a cycling and roller-skating track.

Academic Facilities
The school provides educational facilities including five ICT suites, a STEM Lab, Budhayana – The Spark Lab – Makers Space and Innovation Centre, a Library for the Senior School, and a Primary Learning Centre. It includes a Discovery Centre and an IB Lounge, plus learning corridors. It has infrastructure for BYOD and the Phoenix Classroom – the Learning Management System. Regular checks and updates ensure up-to-date equipment across facilities.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Sports Carnival offers inter-class friendly games for Grades 6 to 8 in football, basketball, tennis, table tennis and badminton. Overnight Camp provides opportunities for fellowship and personal development. Sports Day features an inter-house march past and drill display. The campus supports performing arts with spaces such as a Music Room and Dance Studio, and adventure-based spaces like Adventure Park and Veggie-Tech Garden contribute to extracurricular experiences.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
GEMS Modern Academy offers two curricular pathways: ICSE/ISC for Grades 6–12 and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. The ICSE/ISC pathway is affiliated to CISCE and follows the CISCE curriculum for Grades 6–12, with Arabic, English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies among core subjects; second languages available at Grades 6–8 include Hindi, French or Malayalam, with Arabic as required in higher grades. The middle years blend CISCE regulations with 21st‑century teaching practices to help students identify strengths, skills and ambitions. The IB pathway provides a full continuum with PYP, MYP and DP across age ranges: PYP for PreK–Grade 5, MYP for ages 11–15, and DP for ages 16–19.

Arts & Creative
GEMS Modern Academy offers dedicated arts facilities as part of the Student Life program, including a Music Class and a Dance Studio. The campus also houses a Library and a Makers Space Innovation Centre to support creative work. The school's extracurricular program includes arts-related activities in music, drama and visual arts.

Cultural & Language
The ICSE/ISC Pathway includes Arabic, English Language and English Literature as core subjects, with Hindi, French or Malayalam offered as second language options. The curriculum supports languages across grade levels and UAE requirements in higher grades. The school is a Round Square School, linking to a global network that fosters international exchange and global competencies.

Social & Hobbies
The Student Life program includes a broad range of extracurricular activities such as Extra Curricular Activities, School Trips and Competitions and Debates. It participates in the Duke of Edinburgh International Award and National Games, providing opportunities for teamwork, leadership and community involvement. Student Leadership is an active component of school life, offering avenues for initiative and peer engagement.

Community & Service
Community Outreach is part of the Student Life program, with volunteering and charity initiatives that connect students with local and global communities.

Leadership & Professional
Student Leadership is an active part of school life, with student government and leadership opportunities. Career Counselling is available to support students' post‑secondary planning.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The campus provides extensive sport and wellness facilities, including a 8-lane synthetic track, a swimming pool and a basketball court. The site also features an auditorium and a library to support physical activity, performance and study. Pastoral care and wellbeing programs are part of the school's support structure.
Languages

Language Provision
English and Arabic are language subjects within the ICSE/ISC pathway. Second language options in Grades 6–8 are Hindi, French, or Malayalam. In Grades 9, Arabic is required as an additional subject, and in Grades 11–12 English from Group 1 is compulsory. The school offers PreK–5 through the PYP, Grades 6–12 through the CISCE ICSE/ISC pathway, and the IB Diploma Programme.
Reputation
Admissions

Admissions
1. Applications for the 2026-2027 academic year are open. Limited seats remain for 2025-2026. Age guidelines apply: Pre-KG 3 years old by 31 March; KG1 4 years old by 31 March; KG2 5 years old by 31 March; Grade 1 6 years old by 31 March. These guidelines determine the entry year for applicants. 2. To start the admissions process, submit the Online Enquiry to initiate registration. You will receive an SR number after successful online registration; the dates for the interview/entrance test are emailed to you. Admission is granted on the basis of the interview and entrance test. 3. At registration, supply documents: the child's passport, visa and Emirates ID; and parents' passports, visas and Emirates IDs. Also provide the birth certificate (English or Arabic), two passport photos and two years of school reports. 4. A School Health Form is required, and a Transfer Certificate is needed at enrolment; overseas applicants may need attestations depending on origin, with attestation not required for transfers from the UK, US, Canada, Australia or Europe. 5. Withdrawals must be completed online; after withdrawal, submit the Transfer Certificate request to the school with a fee of AED 126 (payable online). The Transfer Certificate is then issued by the school.

Scholarships
GEMS Scholarships are merit-based and reward students in academics, Creative & Performing Arts, Sports, Innovation & Digital Technology, or Arabic Studies. The award is a concession determined on a case-by-case basis and is valid for a single academic year with renewal based on academic progress. Scholarship applications are handled online. The scholarship application for the academic year 2025-26 is currently closed.
School Events
The school has not added events
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