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Expat families looking for a high-quality education will find a wealth of excellent options among the international schools in Abu Dhabi. These schools offer a wide variety of respected curricula and qualifications, such as the English National Curriculum (including Cambridge IGCSE and A-levels), the American High School Diploma and the International Baccalaureate. Cultural diversity is emphasised throughout the emirate's international school system, and most are attended by a wide array of nationalities.
International schools in Abu Dhabi are held up to a high standard by the Abu Dhabi Department of Knowledge and Education (ADEK). This government organisation conducts stringent investigations once every two years. Schools are then given a rating. Comprehensive reports are freely available, allowing parents in Abu Dhabi to select the very best international school for their family.
Popular international schools in Abu Dhabi may reach full capacity before the school year starts, so we advise parents to submit applications as early as possible. Expat children can then look forward to enjoying their new school's top-notch facilities, exciting extra-curricular activities and familiar curriculum.
Parents should be aware that international school fees can be painfully high and might not be all-inclusive. If moving to Abu Dhabi for work, an education allowance for one's children is very much worth negotiating for.
Below is a list of some of the most well-regarded international schools in Abu Dhabi.
International schools in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi International School
The Abu Dhabi International School offers British and American education for Kindergarten through to Grade 12 students. Class sizes are limited to just 23 students who receive individual attention from teachers. The school is attended by more than 70 different nationalities. Read more
Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: American, Cambridge IGCSE, A-levels and International Baccalaureate
Ages: 3 to 18
Abu Dhabi Grammar School Canada
The Abu Dhabi Grammar School is situated on-island in Al Zahiyah. There are more than 1,000 students of 50 different nationalities attending the school, which teaches the highly regarded Canadian curriculum from Nova Scotia. Read more
Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: Canadian
Ages: 5 to 18
Al Ain English Speaking School
Al Ain English Speaking School is a co-educational independent school that caters for students aged from 3 to 18. The school was founded in 1978 and has been expanded and enhanced considerably since then due to its popularity with expat families. Read more
Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: National Curriculum of England, Cambridge IGCSE and A-levels
Ages: 3 to 18
Aldar Academies, Al Ain Academy
Al Ain Academy opened in September 2011 and has been providing high-quality education to the region ever since. Students are taught the English National Curriculum, tailored to be meaningful to children living in Al Ain, alongside the local curriculum of Arabic, Islamic Studies and Social Studies. Read more
Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: English National Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE and A-levels
Ages: 3 to 18
Aldar Academies, Al Bateen Academy
Al Bateen Academy provides high-quality education for students from the ages of 4 to 18. Facilities in the school are world-class and technologically advanced, reflecting the needs of 21st-century students. Read more
Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: English National Curriculum and International Baccalaureate
Ages: 4 to 18
Aldar Academies, Al Mamoura Academy
Al Mamoura Academy is a mixed primary and girls-only secondary school located near the Sea Palace off the East Ring Road. The school endeavours to enable pupils to reach their full potential and develop them into motivated, ambitious and confident lifelong learners. Read more
Gender: Mixed primary school and girls-only secondary school
Curriculum: American, English National Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, A-levels
Ages: 3 to 18
Aldar Academies, Al Muna Academy
Al Muna Academy opened in September 2009 and is located in the heart of the city. Popular with English-speaking expats, the school hosts an international community with families from more than 50 countries. Read more
Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: English National Curriculum
Ages: 3 to 11
Aldar Academies, Al Yasmina Academy
Al Yasmina Academy, part of the Aldar Academies community, is one of the organisation's longest-established schools, having opened in September 2008. Children at this school are given a high-quality British education. Read more
Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: English National Curriculum
Ages: 3 to 18
Aldar Academies, The Pearl Academy
The school follows the National Curriculum for England, with additional lessons in Arabic language, Islamic Studies and Social Studies to meet the requirements of the UAE Ministry of Education and the Abu Dhabi Education Council. Read more
Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: English National Curriculum
Ages: 3 to 11
Aldar Academies, West Yas Academy
West Yas Academy is an American curriculum school teaching the Massachusetts State Curriculum. The school is located on Yas Island and first opened its doors to students in August 2016. Read more
Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: American
Ages: 3 to 18
American Community School of Abu Dhabi
Founded in 1972, this not-for-profit institution has a well-deserved reputation as one of the finest schools in Abu Dhabi. The school teaches the highly regarded American curriculum. There are over 1,000 students in the school, hailing from close to 60 different countries. Read more
Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: American
Ages: 4 to 18
American International School in Abu Dhabi
The American International School is co-educational up to the end of elementary years and has boys-only and girls-only sections in secondary school. Parents can expect an American-style curriculum from Kindergarten through to Grade 12. From Grade 11 onwards, students may elect to pursue either the International Baccalaureate or the American High School Diploma. Read more
Gender: Co-educational except for secondary, which is gender-segregated
Curriculum: American and International Baccalaureate
Ages: 4 to 18
Brighton College Abu Dhabi
Brighton College Abu Dhabi is the sister school of the prestigious Brighton College UK. The school is an excellent choice for expat families seeking an authentic, high-quality British education. Read more
Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: English National Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE and A-levels
Ages: 3 to 18
The British School Al Khubairat
The British School Al Khubairat was established in 1971. Both academics and extra-curricular activities at the school uphold the highest standards, and the school is a member of a number of prestigious education associations. Read more
Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: English National Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, BTEC and A-levels
Ages: 3 to 18
British International School Abu Dhabi
The British International School Abu Dhabi has developed an accomplished reputation since it opened in 2009. The institution is part of the Nord Anglia Education group, which has vast experience in delivering excellent education to expat communities around the world. Read more
Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: English National Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE and International Baccalaureate
Ages: 3 to 18
The Cambridge High School, Abu Dhabi
Part of the GEMS educational group, Cambridge High School Abu Dhabi provides high-quality education based on the National Curriculum for England to students from Kindergarten to Year 13. Outstanding teaching, a variety of opportunities and good facilities are just a few of the school's standout features. Read more
Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: English National Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE and A-levels
Ages: 4 to 18
Cranleigh Abu Dhabi
A prestigious British curriculum school, academic life at Cranleigh is balanced with rich sporting, cultural and arts extra-curricular activities, competitions and trips. The school also places a strong focus on character development through their Moral Education: Learning for Life Programme. Read more
Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: English National Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE and A-levels
Ages: 3 to 18
GEMS American Academy Abu Dhabi
GEMS American Academy Abu Dhabi is a modern and prestigious international school in Abu Dhabi. The academic programme gives students the best of both worlds by offering an enriched American curriculum within the International Baccalaureate framework. Read more
Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: American and International Baccalaureate
Ages: 4 to 18
Nord Anglia International School Abu Dhabi
Officially opening in August 2023, NAS Abu Dhabi will leverage classroom learning and life experiences to educate and enrich the minds of tomorrow's leaders. As a school with a strong focus on academic excellence, students will benefit from learning rigorous and globally recognised curricula. Read more
Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: English National Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE and A-Levels
Ages: 3 to 18
Welcoming families from all nationalities, Repton School Abu Dhabi offers the very best in British education within the context of an international environment epitomised by the school's philosophy of 'the best for every child'. Read more
Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: English National Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE and A-levels
Ages: 3 to 18
Image provided by the British International School Abu Dhabi
Download the free Expat Arrivals Abu Dhabi Schools Guide for an overview of what expat parents can expect from the school system in Abu Dhabi. Read about a typical school day, the difference between public and private schools, and everything you need to know about the admissions process.
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