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International Academic School

United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees AED 29,650 - 39,880
Ages 4 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 700
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum American Curriculum
Typical class size 30
Introduction

International Academic School (Abu Dhabi) is an American-curriculum day school in Shakhbout City, Abu Dhabi, serving four to 18-year-olds across Kindergarten, Elementary (Grades 1–5), Middle (Grades 6–8) and High School (Grades 9–12). Instruction is delivered in English; Arabic, Islamic Studies (for Muslim students) and UAE Social Studies follow the UAE Ministry of Education syllabus, and French is offered from Grade 4 to Grade 8. The school states its academic programmes are aligned to US Common Core State Standards and Virginia standards, with science linked to the Next Generation Science Standards and mathematics using VCCS-based materials. Classrooms are fitted with smart interactive whiteboards and the campus includes specialist teaching rooms for ICT, music and physical education as well as science laboratories and facilities for arts and technology; a range of extracurricular activities and elective courses is offered. The school also describes a ‘My Identity' programme to reinforce Emirati history, culture and values alongside its American-style curriculum.

Shakhbout City, MSH14, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

The Essentials

International Academic School has 700 pupils, typical class sizes of 30, instruction in English.

Location
The International Academic School is located at MFW 14, 08th St. Shakhbout City, Abu Dhabi, UAE. The campus sits in western Abu Dhabi in a residential district and is accessible via main road networks. The postal address is P.O. Box 4828, and the school can be contacted by phone at 02 20 50 400.

Stages
The school comprises Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle School, and High School, covering grades KG through Grade 12.

Type
The school operates as an international curriculum school with instruction in English. The curriculum is described as American, and gender segregation begins in Grade 5, with Grades K–4 being co-educational.

Pupil Nationality Mix
Public information lists 4% UAE nationals and 6% non-local students; the school hosts a mix of nationalities beyond these percentages.

Additional learning support
Public information does not list explicit SEN provisions for the Abu Dhabi campus. The school references inclusion in its broader ADEK context, but no specific SEN facilities are described for this location.

Country affiliation
There is no formal country affiliation listed. The school uses an American curriculum with English-language instruction.

Religious affiliation
No formal religious affiliation is stated. Islamic education is provided as part of the UAE MOE Arabic curriculum where applicable.

School day structure
Typical school days run from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for Grades 1–12; KG sessions are shorter (8:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.). Some grades offer online components (8:30 a.m. start) depending on the program.

Bus service
A school bus service is available to transport students. Routes cover Inside Abu Dhabi Island and outside areas such as Khalifa City A&B, Baniyas, Shamkha, MBZ, with some remote areas subject to confirmation at registration. A Transportation Form is required to use the service.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
IAS has a strict uniform policy for all students. Uniforms can be purchased from the school.

Food Options
The campus canteen provides food and drinks for students from KG1 to Year 12; it is an optional alternative to bringing food from home and is supervised by class teachers. The school sources materials from suppliers that meet criteria for quality and safety to guarantee the quality, safety, and value of the food offered.
Fees

Annual tuition at International Academic School ranges from AED 29,650 to AED 39,880 for 2026/27.

Application and Registration Fees

- Application deposit: AED 500 payable at application; this AED 500 is deducted from the registration fee.
- Registration fee: 5% of the applicable annual tuition payable after acceptance; the 5% registration fee is deducted from the total tuition.

Tuition fees (annual) and per-term amounts (three equal term installments)

Note: the school bills in three installments. The per-term figures below are the annual tuition divided into three equal installments and rounded to the nearest dirham. The listed annual tuition and the ancillary (books, bus, uniform) amounts are shown in AED.

- LKG1 (Annual tuition: AED 30,270)
- Per term (inferred as equal 3-term split): AED 10,090 per term.
- Books: AED 500. Bus (optional): AED 5,000. Uniform: AED 350.

- LKG2 (Annual tuition: AED 30,270)
- Per term (inferred): AED 10,090 per term.
- Books: AED 650. Bus (optional): AED 5,000. Uniform: AED 350.

- Grade 1 (Annual tuition: AED 33,410)
- Per term (inferred): AED 11,137 per term.
- Books: AED 1,200. Bus (optional): AED 5,000. Uniform: AED 400.

- Grade 2 (Annual tuition: AED 33,410)
- Per term (inferred): AED 11,137 per term.
- Books: AED 1,200. Bus (optional): AED 5,000. Uniform: AED 400.

- Grade 3 (Annual tuition: AED 33,410)
- Per term (inferred): AED 11,137 per term.
- Books: AED 1,200. Bus (optional): AED 5,000. Uniform: AED 400.

- Grade 4 (Annual tuition: AED 33,410)
- Per term (inferred): AED 11,137 per term.
- Books: AED 1,200. Bus (optional): AED 5,000. Uniform: AED 400.

- Grade 5 (Annual tuition: AED 33,410)
- Per term (inferred): AED 11,137 per term.
- Books: AED 1,300. Bus (optional): AED 5,000. Uniform: AED 400.

- Grade 6 (Annual tuition: AED 36,540)
- Per term (inferred): AED 12,180 per term.
- Books: AED 1,700. Bus (optional): AED 5,000. Uniform: AED 450.

- Grade 7 (Annual tuition: AED 36,540)
- Per term (inferred): AED 12,180 per term.
- Books: AED 2,200. Bus (optional): AED 5,000. Uniform: AED 450.

- Grade 8 (Annual tuition: AED 36,540)
- Per term (inferred): AED 12,180 per term.
- Books: AED 1,500. Bus (optional): AED 5,000. Uniform: AED 450.

- Grade 9 (Annual tuition: AED 36,540)
- Per term (inferred): AED 12,180 per term.
- Books: AED 1,500. Bus (optional): AED 5,000. Uniform: AED 450.

- Grade 10 (Annual tuition: AED 40,720)
- Per term (inferred): AED 13,573 per term.
- Books: AED 3,000. Bus (optional): AED 5,000. Uniform: AED 500.

- Grade 11 (Annual tuition: AED 40,720)
- Per term (inferred): AED 13,573 per term.
- Books: AED 1,500. Bus (optional): AED 5,000. Uniform: AED 500.

- Grade 12 (Annual tuition: AED 40,720)
- Per term (inferred): AED 13,573 per term.
- Books: AED 1,500. Bus (optional): AED 5,000. Uniform: AED 500.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Billing is arranged across three school terms. Parents pay the first installment on enrollment and provide payment for the remaining two terms as post-dated cheques. The school's admissions and FAQs state payment flow as: initial payment plus two cheques for the second and third installments.
- The registration fee (5% of tuition) is payable after acceptance and is deducted from the total tuition. An application deposit of AED 500 is taken at application and subsequently deducted from the registration fee.

Boarding

- Boarding is not applicable. The school operates as a day school.

Other costs and recurring items

- Annual school bus (transport) fee (where used): AED 5,000 per student.
- Books / learning materials: grade-specific amounts listed above (paid when books are issued).
- Uniform: grade-specific amounts listed above; uniforms are sold through the school.
- Discounts: specified discounts are available (examples published include 35% for Homat Al Watan card holders and medical staff, 30–35% for certain card holders, and a 25% new-student offer for KG–Grade 6 in published materials). Sibling discounts apply only where other fee offers are not applied.

Refund information

- A 5% registration fee is payable at acceptance and an application deposit (AED 500) is collected at application and deducted from the registration fee. There is no separate, detailed public refund schedule posted alongside the school fees and admissions pages; specific refund terms are governed by the school's fees policy and admissions procedures.

Fee payment options and practical notes

- Accepted payment arrangements stated in admissions/FAQs: first installment in cash and two post-dated cheques for the second and third installments.
- Public listings indicate the school does not operate an online-fee-payment facility for parents (parents supply cash/cheques as above).

School contact for fee-related matters

- Registration and fee enquiries: registration@ias.sch.ae; Phone: 02 20 50 400.
Academics

International Academic School teaches American Curriculum for students aged 4 to 18.

Curriculum
IAS Abu Dhabi follows an American curriculum from Kindergarten through Grade 12, anchored in the California Content Standards for core subjects, with UAE MOE guidelines governing Arabic language and Islamic Studies. Kindergarten provides a developmentally appropriate program with literacy and math aligned to Californian CCSS, integrated science, social studies, art, PE, and MOE subjects Arabic and Islamic. Elementary School uses Californian Common Core Standards in English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Art, Physical Education, and ICT, with MOE Arabic A/B, Islamic A/B, Moral Education, and Social Studies. Middle School (Grades 6–8) emphasizes Virginia standards, CCSS for math and ELA, NGSS for science; English is the medium of instruction for most subjects, with Arabic/Islamic and UAE Social Studies taught in Arabic and electives such as ICT, Computer Programming, French, and Music. High School (Grades 9–12) offers a four-year US diploma with core subjects including English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, History/Social Studies, Health & PE, Arabic, and Fine Arts & Technology; students select two electives per year and undergo continuous assessment, with three parent reports annually. Grade progression is Kindergarten → Elementary (Grades 1–5) → Middle School (Grades 6–8) → High School (Grades 9–12).
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The International Academic School states that Student Affairs aims to create a school environment where students feel supported academically and appreciated for their achievements. A safe and supportive learning environment is a top priority, with staff implementing plans, activities, and appropriate follow-up to help students achieve success. Life at IAS is structured to strengthen imagination, creativity, social skills, and self-confidence. IAS provides support for child protection, health, and safety. The school emphasizes well-being as a core consideration, including the aim of prioritizing students' well-being in its on‑campus environment.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The school lists an Inclusion Policy and a Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy in its School Policies. The Campus Life page notes that IAS offers support for students and staff about child protection, health, and safety. Specific information on the kinds of Special Educational Needs the school can support or whether it operates as a specialist SEN institution is not publicly disclosed. Families seeking SEN provisions should refer to the school's Inclusion Policy for governance on inclusion.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
English is the medium of instruction for all courses, with Arabic and Islamic Studies taught in Arabic where required by UAE MoE guidelines. The Middle/High School pages indicate that Arabic language is taught as part of the UAE MoE requirements, alongside English instruction. No explicit EAL (English as an Additional Language) program or dedicated EAL services are described in the publicly available material. Therefore, there is no publicly disclosed EAL program beyond the stated language of instruction.

Mental Wellbeing
Campus Life describes IAS as having a well-structured student life intended to strengthen imagination, creativity, social skills, and self-confidence. The school states that staff provide support to students through plans, activities, and follow-up to help them achieve success. The campus explicitly notes the provision of support for student wellbeing and safeguarding, health, and safety as part of its on-campus environment. These elements together reflect a focus on students' mental and social well-being within daily school life.

Safeguarding
The school has a Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy as part of its School Policies. The Campus Life page confirms that IAS provides support for child protection, health, and safety, indicating an emphasis on safeguarding across the student experience. An Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) Committee is listed among the school policies, demonstrating governance structures around safety. The Campus Life section also states that safeguarding and wellbeing are prioritized in daily school life.
Parent Experience

History
International Academic School began in 1994, when its founders established a world-class, internationally oriented program in Abu Dhabi. The school is located at MFW 14, 08th St., Shakhbout City, Abu Dhabi, UAE. IAS offers a Virginia Standards of Learning-based program and integrates elements of the American curriculum with UAE Arabic and Islamic studies to meet MOE guidelines. The leadership emphasizes a values-based, inquiry-driven approach and a partnership with parents to support student growth. As of 2021, the school lists around 700+ students enrolled and more than 60 professional academic staff.

Community
IAS defines its community as an international learning environment that aims to promote national values and global citizenship. The school emphasizes promoting national values and developing individuals who contribute to local and global communities. Campus life includes a safe, supportive environment and well-being focus with facilities and activities to support student welfare. The school also highlights graduate life and alumni connections as part of ongoing community engagement through the IAS network.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
IAS Abu Dhabi does not publish a dedicated PTA page in its site navigation, which shows the main menu items as Chairman's Message, MD Message, Vice Principal's Message, Why Choose Us, Campus Life, and FAQs (no PTA item). The school emphasizes parent partnership as essential to student development and describes engaging with families through regular meetings to discuss growth and expectations for the year. Parent engagement is conveyed through meetings between parents and school leaders to set targets and monitor progress for each student. IAS involves families in a range of activities and events, including educational visits, seminars, talks by subject experts, performances, celebrations, and carnivals, which involve the broader school community. While a formal PTA is not listed publicly, IAS frames parent involvement as a core element of its community, aligned with its mission to empower citizens of the world.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The school has an art room, a music room, a gym, a science lab, and outdoor areas. The campus meets international standards to support the innovative educational environment from kindergarten to secondary school.

Sports Facilities
The school provides an indoor, fully air-conditioned gym facility where students participate in a wide range of physical activities and sports under trained teachers.

Academic Facilities
Kindergarten Curriculum follows the US Common Core State Standards and Core Knowledge Sequence, with NGSS guiding the sciences. Elementary School covers Grade 1 to Grade 5; classrooms are well resourced with smart interactive whiteboards and specialist rooms for ICT, Music, and PE. The English Language Arts program is aligned to CCSS and emphasizes speaking, writing, and comprehension within an integrated, language-rich approach. The Middle School (Grade 6–8) uses Virginia standards; English is the medium of instruction for most courses, with Islamic Studies, Arabic Language, and UAE Social Studies taught in Arabic; Mathematics follows CCSS and NGSS underpins science learning. The High School (Grade 9–12) offers a four-year program with specialist teachers; the curriculum includes English Language Arts, Arabic Studies, Mathematics, General Science, Physics, Chemistry & Biology, Islamic Studies (for our Muslim students), UAE Social Studies/Civics, World Languages, Art and Design, Music, Physical Education, World History, Business Studies, and Personal Finance; students choose two electives each year and receive three reports per year.

Extra Curricular Facilities
The school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities and elective courses, including ICT, Computer Programming, French, and Music. In High School, students can participate in academically focused extracurricular activities after school. The curriculum is enriched through educational visits, visitors to school, performances, and carnivals.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Arts & Creative
IAS offers an American-style education with a holistic program that includes the arts, music, drama/theater, and physical education as part of the curriculum. The school provides a broad range of extracurricular activities, clubs, and sports. This approach emphasizes problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking as integral to learning.

Cultural & Language
The language of instruction is English; French is taught from Grade 4 to Grade 8. Arabic language and Islamic Studies follow MOE guidelines. The My Identity Program deepens Emirati identity for Emirati students and expatriate students, embedding UAE culture and values.

Social & Hobbies
IAS offers extracurricular activities, clubs, and sports as part of its program. The curriculum emphasizes social-emotional development and provides opportunities for engagement beyond academics.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
IAS emphasizes student well-being through a holistic American-style program. It supports social-emotional development and confidence, and fosters an inclusive international learning community that encourages engagement and high achievement.
Languages

Language Provision
The school provides English-language instruction for Grades 4–12 through the English Department. Arabic language instruction and Islamic Studies are taught under the Arabic language program, following Ministry of Education guidelines. The school offers an American curriculum and follows Virginia standards as part of its curriculum framework. The My Identity Program deepens UAE national identity for all students.
Reputation
Admissions

Admissions
1. Apply online or walk-in. You will receive an automated confirmation with an Application Number, which you can use to monitor your application's status. This confirms your place in the admissions pipeline and starts the process. 2. Schedule a tour or a meeting with the Senior Leadership team to learn more about IAS. The meeting provides an opportunity to see the campus, ask questions, and understand IAS's programs. It is recommended to arrange a time that fits your schedule. 3. Shortly after passing the interview/entrance exam, you will receive an acceptance letter offering a place at IAS. The 5% registration fee must be paid, and this fee will be deducted from the total tuition. The acceptance letter confirms admission pending subsequent steps. 4. Registration in the ADEK system through eSIS. This step registers the student with the UAE's licensing authority. It is required for enrollment and future reporting. 5. Fill out the Transportation Form if you wish to use School Transportation. The form collects route and pickup details. It is necessary to set up bus services if opted. 6. Proceed with payment and you will receive the Books and Uniform Slips. The collection schedule will be shared via email and the Orison School Portal. Payment completes the enrollment steps.
School Events
The school has not added events
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