GEMS American Academy

About the school

GEMS American Academy was established in Abu Dhabi in 2011 as one of the most prominent international schools in the United Arab Emirates, offering an advanced educational model that blends the American curriculum with International Baccalaureate (IB) programs, opening wide horizons for students to join the finest universities worldwide. The Academy is located in Khalifa City "A" in a prime location with easy access, and welcomes students from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12, making it a comprehensive educational institution that accompanies students on a complete educational journey from their early years until graduation.

The Academy belongs to the GEMS Education global network, known for its leadership in providing high-quality education based on innovation, academic excellence, and developing 21st-century skills. The school has an experienced teaching staff, in addition to modern facilities including science laboratories, arts halls, advanced libraries, and equipped sports fields, providing a stimulating learning environment that supports creativity, critical thinking, and leadership.

Thanks to its international accreditation from prestigious bodies such as NEASC and CIS, and offering a rich and multicultural learning experience, GEMS American Academy has become a leading educational destination for families seeking world-class education in the heart of Abu Dhabi capital.

"We inspire… we challenge… we innovate… and we care."

GEMS American Academy's vision is based on inspiring learners, challenging their abilities, encouraging innovation, and providing genuine care that enhances their academic and personal growth.

We develop "global citizens" who have the confidence and conviction to pursue their dreams and make a positive impact in the world.

The school's mission is based on a culture of kindness that forms the foundation of interactions among all members of the school community.

  • Comprehensive and high-quality education.
  • Developing influential global citizens.
  • Promoting a culture of kindness and respect.
  • Interactive and innovative learning environment.
  • Effective collaboration among school community members.
  • Developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
  • Curriculum combining American and International Baccalaureate.
  • Supporting all learners and educational inclusivity.
  • Promoting leadership, creativity, and responsibility.
  • Attention to students' mental and emotional health.

Accredited by

ib
Council of International Schools
NEASC
UAE Ministry of Education

Fees & Facilities

Library

Science Laboratory

football playground

Swimming Pool

computer laboratory

activities classes

games playground

Stage

clinic

art room

playgrounds

gym

music room

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Frequently asked questions

Strong international accreditation from CIS and NEASC.

Comprehensive American curriculum with International Baccalaureate (IB) programs.

Diverse student community from over 80 nationalities.

Four flexible graduation pathways to suit students' needs.

Innovative learning environment including design spaces and Makerspace.

Comprehensive student support, including language support and gifted support.

Modern and advanced academic, athletic, and artistic facilities.

Strong preparation for admission to global universities.

Commitment to teaching Arabic language and national subjects according to Abu Dhabi standards.

School values focused on kindness, global citizenship, and respect.

Student's academic and behavioral readiness is a basic condition for admission.

Passing assessments in English and Mathematics according to the applied grade level.

Submitting confidential recommendation letters from the previous school.

Submitting academic records and grade reports for previous years.

Admission interview is part of the assessment procedures.

Filling out the electronic registration form through the school website.

Paying non-refundable registration fees (5% of annual fees upon admission confirmation).

Submitting required documents:

Passport

UAE ID card for student and guardian

Personal photo

Birth certificate

Residence permit (if available)

Transfer certificate for Grade 1 and above

Official transcript for Grades 10–12

Compliance with age requirements for each stage:

Pre-K: Completion of 3 years by August 31

KG1: Completion of 4 years

KG2: Completion of 5 years

Grade 1: Completion of 6 years

Submitting required documents to the Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) within 30 days of starting school.

Special requirements for kindergarten stage (independence, following instructions, basic skills).

Cash payment.

Credit card payment.

Bank checks.

Bank transfer.

GEMS/FAB card with discounts.

Rewards points (such as Smiles).

Installment plans through partner banks.

American curriculum based on U.S. college-preparatory curriculum standards.

International Baccalaureate (IB) Program:

IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) for elementary stage.

IB Diploma Programme (DP) in secondary stage for the possibility of graduating with IB diploma.

Graduation pathways in High School: There are 4 pathways:

American Diploma only

American Diploma with some AP (Advanced Placement) courses

American Diploma with a minimum of 3 IB courses

Full IB Diploma

Mandatory local subjects: Arabic language, Islamic studies, and social studies according to Abu Dhabi Ministry of Education standards.

English language support programs (ELL) and gifted and talented support.

Maker/Design environment (K-12 Makerspace): To enhance creative thinking and innovation through design activities and problem-solving.

Yes, GEMS American Academy is co-educational, bringing together boys and girls in unified classes.

You can view complete details of tuition fees through the school's page on the mdares.ai platform.

School accreditation from the Council of International Schools (CIS) in 2024.

International academic accreditation from NEASC.

Full accreditation from the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) for PYP and DP programs.

Receiving "Outstanding" ratings in several aspects of educational evaluation.

GEMS students (including Academy students) receiving over 2,100 local, regional, and international awards in multiple fields.

Academy graduates accepted to over 1,050 universities in 53 countries worldwide — an achievement reflecting the quality of the school's programs.


After School Activities (ASA) offered over 4 seasons annually.

Various sports activities: swimming, football, basketball, tennis, track and field.

Language and cultural clubs: Chinese, Spanish, Arabic and Islamic arts.

Fitness and health activities: yoga, zumba, kickboxing, fitness training.

Musical and artistic programs: musical bands, digital music classes, recording studios.

Community service programs and global initiatives (GIN).

Debate programs and Model United Nations (MUN).

Creative activities for children: coloring, paper crafts, cooking club, LEGO.

Annual events: science fairs, sports day, literature month.

GEMS American Academy adopts the U.S. college-preparatory curriculum.

GEMS American Academy is located on Street 16, Khalifa City A - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates.

The school provides school transportation service through Bright Bus Transport (BBT).

Buses are equipped with safety systems such as CCTV, GPS, RFID.

Covers most areas of Abu Dhabi except some distant areas.

Transportation fees start from 6,000 dirhams annually depending on the area.

Payment can be made electronically, cash, check, or card.

There are conduct rules for students inside the bus to ensure safety.

The school provides late buses for students participating in after-school activities.

Registration or inquiries can be made through the school's transportation department.

Planetarium.

Modern science laboratories.

Large gymnasium with multiple courts.

Outdoor fields for football, basketball, and tennis.

Two swimming pools.

Large theater (500 seats) and black box theater.

Music studio and photography studio with green screen.

Two separate libraries.

Equipped medical clinic.

Fitness center and dance studio.

Dedicated and shaded play areas for kindergarten stage.

Advanced technological facilities inside classrooms (ICT / laptops).

Security guards present throughout the day inside the school campus.

Comprehensive monitoring system using CCTV cameras.

Strict entry procedures for visitors with ID registration and visitor badge issuance.

Advanced security systems in school buses such as GPS, CCTV, and Child-Check.

Monitoring student behavior and discipline through clear systems and procedures.

High privacy for camera recordings with limited access to officials.

Psychological and social support for students within care and protection programs.

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