American Community School of Abu Dhabi
International School in Abu Dhabi
Quick answer
American Community School of Abu Dhabi (ACS) is an independent non-profit American K-12 school founded in 1972, serving approximately 1,315 students from 80 nationalities on a new campus after 50 years on Al Bateen. ACS offers IB Diploma and AP pathways, accredited by MSA-CESS, IBO, and CIS. Annual tuition runs $16,000-$30,000 USD (true cost ~$24,210, +5%). Best suited to American-curriculum families wanting non-profit governance at Abu Dhabi's premium tier.
Key facts
- Curriculum: American, IB leaving qualifications include IB Diploma and AP.
- Tuition: $16,000–$30,000/yr published annual range.
- Avg class size: 20 (max 1) Abu Dhabi international school · 1,185 students total.
- 56 nationalities top: United States of America.
- Ages: 3-18 school day starts at 8:00 am Monday - Thursday and 8:45 am on Sunday.
- Accreditations: MSA-CESS, IBO, CIS verified.
1,185
56 (United States of America)
20 avg / 1 max
Fixed intake
MSA-CESS, IBO, CIS
IB Diploma and AP
About American Community School of Abu Dhabi
At ACS we have created a community of learners who feel a sense of belonging. We offer a personalized education, which prepares our culturally diverse student body for a life-long commitment to learning, service and global citizenship. The faculty at ACS supports each student in their quest for academic excellence, artistic and athletic expression and international understanding. Our challenging and diverse programs provide our students with an excellent American education that has a global perspective.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Annual tuition (USD) | $16,000 – $30,000 |
| Annual tuition (local) | Dirham 56526-Dirham 99060 |
| Fee year | 2025-2026 |
| True annual cost (with hidden fees)how we calculate | $24,210(+5%) |
| First-year total (with registration + deposit) | $25,710 |
| Cost position in Abu Dhabi | 93th percentile(premium tier) |
Hidden costs & fee notes
Registration AED 2,500. Tuition ranges AED 58,000-110,000 by grade. Capital fee AED 7,000 one-time. AP and IB exam fees additional. Uniforms AED 1,000-1,500. Transport AED 6,000-9,000/year. MSA-CESS accredited.
American, IB
IB Diploma and AP
IB, AP, SAT are the most common external exams.
Our students' results are excellent. Please refer to the High School Profile on the ACS website for detailed information.
Arabic, French and Spanish
strong
We have limited capacity to enroll students who do not have strong English language skills. Students who are not native English speakers may require additional help from our Student Support team.
8:00 am Monday - Thursday and 8:45 am on Sunday – 3:10 pm for Elementary School students and 3:20 pm for Middle and High School Students.
Yes. There are three venues on campus to purchase healthy snacks and lunch. Students are also welcome to bring their own food from home.
Halal
Recommended neighborhoods
Khalifa City, Al Raha Beach, Al Reef, Saadiyat Island
Is American Community School of Abu Dhabi right for your family?
A School Fit Brief scores this school against your children's ages, learning needs, and budget — with hidden fee analysis, admissions timing, and a ranked shortlist of alternatives in Abu Dhabi.
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At a Glance
Fee Position in Abu Dhabi
Budget-friendlySchool Profile
Class Size
Student Diversity
Very diverse
Common: United States of America
Estimated Real Cost
Tuition + registration, transport, uniform, exams
Registration AED 2,500. Tuition ranges AED 58,000-110,000 by grade. Capital fee AED 7,000 one-time. AP and IB exam fees additional. Uniforms AED 1,000-1,500. Transport AED 6,000-9,000/year. MSA-CESS accredited.
Decide on this school — and four others
The $49 School Fit Brief covers American Community School of Abu Dhabi and 4 other top schools in Abu Dhabi — tuition + true cost, curriculum fit, admission timeline, and red flags. Builds your shortlist in 8 minutes vs the $1,500–3,500 (and 2–4 weeks) an education consultant charges for the same answer.
Nearby Schools (within 5km)
American Community School of Abu Dhabi
IB, American · Ages Ages 4 to 18
$56,526 – $99,060/yr
Compare with AmericanSabis International School Al Bateen Abu Dhabi
Other · Ages 3-18
$5,000 – $15,000/yr
Compare with AmericanLycee Francais International Theodore Monod Abu Dhabi
Other · Ages 3-18
$5,000 – $15,000/yr
Compare with AmericanDisclaimer: School profiles are source-backed decision aids, not endorsements or official rankings. Tuition figures are approximate and may not include registration fees, uniforms, transport, or exam costs. Always verify directly with the school before applying. WhereNext is not affiliated with any school listed. This is not admissions consulting, legal advice, or official school placement guidance.