Gems American Academy Abu Dhabi
International School in Abu Dhabi
Quick answer
Gems American Academy Abu Dhabi offers Other education, with a highly diverse student body of 85 nationalities. Tuition of $5,000–$15,000/year is in line with Abu Dhabi averages.
Key facts
- Curriculum: Other taught at Gems American Academy Abu Dhabi.
- Tuition: $5,000–$15,000/yr published annual range.
- Avg class size: 24 (max 27) Abu Dhabi international school · 2,000 students total.
- 85 nationalities top: Emirati & American.
- Ages: 3-18 school day starts at 7:45am.
2,000
85 (Emirati & American)
24 avg / 27 max
Rolling
About Gems American Academy Abu Dhabi
Culture of Kindness is our number 1 school priority. We are recognized as one of the top Health & Wellness schools in Abu Dhabi.
Learning & language support (SEN / EAL)
This school lists some support, but the listing is imported and unverified — confirm it directly with the school.
Why this matters
Special-needs provision at international schools varies widely and is rarely guaranteed by the school itself — and local legal duties differ by country. Confirm what this school provides, in writing, before you commit.
- •Listed (unverified): Learning support: moderate
- •Listed (unverified): In-house specialist staff listed
- •Listed (unverified): Educational psychologist available
- •Listed (unverified): EAL/ESL support listed
Questions to ask the school
- Can you support a child with my child's specific need (e.g. dyslexia, ADHD, autism), and have you done so this year? Ask for concrete examples.
- Is there an additional fee for learning support or EAL — and how much per year?
- Is learning support guaranteed for the full enrolment, or can it be withdrawn later?
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Annual tuition (USD) | $5,000 – $15,000 |
| Annual tuition (local) | Dirham 57850-Dirham 80610 |
| Fee year | 2025-2026 |
| Est. all-in cost (modeled)how we calculate | $11,500(+15%) |
| Est. first-year total (modeled) | $13,000 |
| Cost position in Abu Dhabi | 76th percentile(premium tier) |
Hidden costs & fee notes
Verify fees directly with school. Fees may not include registration, transport, or exam costs.
Other
IB Diploma, MAPS testing, International PISA test, and CAT4.
International PISA, our students outperformed UAE students by more than 100 points. Since the last three years all grades who wrote the MAPS test have outperformed UAE students and International students in Math, Reading and Science.
Arabic, French and Spanish
Children with a range of learning preferences, including students of determination (students with mild learning needs and disabilities), students who are gifted and talented and students who are English Language Learners, are welcome to join GAA. Parents are asked to share full details of any special educational needs, individual education plans (IEPs) and any Educational Psychologist, Pediatric, or other specialist reports (e.g., Speech and Language or Occupational Therapy) if completed. Sharing educational history with GEMS American Academy prior to a place being offered is essential so that staff can ensure an appropriate assessment of educational need, educational plan and resourcing is in place. Students are not refused admission based only on their experience of a special education need or disability (SEND) and sibling priority for admission is extended to students who experience SEND. Staff follow ADEK guidance and procedures for scenarios where, very rarely, it may not be in the best interests of the child to be placed in GEMS American Academy. This information will be shared with the ADEK, following expected procedures.
Yes, ELL (English Language Learning) and LS (learning support) offered at no extra cost
Yes, we offer ELL support
7:45am – KG: 2:45pm Grade 1 - 5: 2:55pm Grade 6 - 12: 3:00pm
We have a Catering company who can delivery purchased lunches for KG - Grade 5 and Grades 6 - 12 can purchase meals from the Cafeteria.
The Cafeteria provides details to families to help them cater to their child's needs. All food served is halal.
Imported from a directory listing and not independently verified — confirm fees and details with the school.
Is Gems American Academy 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: Emirati & American
Estimated Real Cost
Tuition + registration, transport, uniform, exams
Verify fees directly with school. Fees may not include registration, transport, or exam costs.
Decide on this school — and four others
The $49 School Fit Brief covers Gems American Academy 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)
Disclaimer: 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.