GEMS Dubai American Academy
International School in Dubai
Quick answer
Key facts
- Curriculum: American, IB leaving qualifications include IB Diploma and US Diploma and AP and PSAT.
- Tuition: $18,000–$25,000/yr published in AED, US$ equivalent.
- Avg class size: 25 (max 26) Dubai international school · 3,000 students total.
- 109 nationalities top: American.
- Ages: 4-18 school day starts at 7:45 am.
- Accreditations: NEASC, CIS, IBO plus 1 more.
3,000
109 (American)
25 avg / 26 max
Rolling
1997
NEASC, CIS, IBO, KHDA Outstanding
IB Diploma and US Diploma and AP and PSAT
About GEMS Dubai American Academy
Established in 1997, the Dubai Academy is GEMS’ flagship American school, offering both the American curriculum and the International Baccalaureate Diploma to students from kindergarten all the way through to grade 12. The American curriculum is based on US national standards and is taught in line with best practice in the English language. High achieving students may choose to follow the International Baccalaureate Diploma, which prepares them for entrance to some of the most prestigious universities in America, Britain and beyond.
Learning & language support (SEN / EAL)
This school states meaningful learning-support provision — still confirm it fits your child's specific need.
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.
- Learning support: moderate
- In-house specialist staff listed
- EAL/ESL support listed
Not published
- —Educational-psychologist availability not stated
Questions to ask the school
- Is an educational psychologist on staff or available by referral?
- 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- Is learning support guaranteed for the full enrolment, or can it be withdrawn later?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) | $18,000–$25,000 |
| Annual tuition (AED) | Dirham 66185-Dirham 93300 |
| Fee year | 2025-2026 |
| Est. all-in cost (modeled)how we calculate | $25,350(+18%) |
| Est. first-year total (modeled) | $27,850 |
| Cost position in Dubai | 85th percentile(premium tier) |
Hidden costs & fee notes
Enriched American curriculum with IB Diploma option. KHDA Outstanding since 2011. Strong robotics and design program.
American, IB
IB Diploma and US Diploma and AP and PSAT
IB Diploma, Advanced Placement (AP), American High School Diploma, MAP, CAT4, SAT, PSAT, TIMMS, PISA, PIRLS
All of our external assessment results are consistently well above global averages and benchmarks.
Arabic, French, Spanish
Learning support includes general education with differentiated instruction with some additional instructional time in the area of need by classroom teacher(s) with possible consult/support from the Learning Support teacher. Services include an identified case manager from the Student Support Department. The academic progress of students receiving services is monitored frequently. The classroom teacher, at times in consultation with the Learning Support teacher, may be responsible for identifying six week goals, providing targeted support, and monitoring/charting the growth rate of the student. The Learning Support teacher may also provide intervention within a co-teaching model or targeted intervention for a short duration of 4-6 weeks to determine the student’s response to intervention. If data do not show substantial increase, then more intensive support may be recommended through a referral process. It may include targeted small group instruction, learning and organizational skills support, co-teaching, one-to-one Learning Support Assistant if appropriate, social skills support, assistive technology, accommodations, curricular modifications, related services such as speech and language therapy or OT from outside providers.
We employed 12 full-time specialist teachers who are qualified special educators. In addition, we employ 10 learning support assistants to provide direct, 1:1 intervention. As school, we utilize a variety of programs, such a Leveled Literacy Intervention programs, modified common core curriculum classes, social skills groups, and others.
Yes
7:45 am – 2:45 pm
Yes
Slices, our school catering company, provides vegan, vegetarian, kosher, and halal options.
Recommended neighborhoods
Al Barsha, Dubai Hills, The Greens, Tecom
At a Glance
Fee Position in Dubai
PremiumSchool Profile
Class Size
Student Diversity
Very diverse
Common: American
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