Al Yasat Private School vs The Sheikh Zayed Private Academy for Girls

	A Al Yasat Private School Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates	T The Sheikh Zayed Private Academy for Girls Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year AED 34,570 - 55,370	Fees / year AED 33,910 - 78,160
Age range	Age range 4 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type —	Type —
Curriculum	Curriculum American Curriculum	Curriculum American Curriculum, UAE Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 1,427	Pupils 1,536
Typical class size	Typical class size 25	Typical class size 11
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened —	Opened —
Bus service	Bus service —	Bus service —
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Al Yasat Private School is located in Al Shamkha, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The campus sits on Sector SH 10, Plot P1. Al Shamkha is a growing residential area with good road access, and the school's campus is described as a modern, purpose-built facility with world-class amenities.	Location The Sheikh Zayed Private Academy for Girls campus is located on Mubarak Bin Mohammed Street, Al Rowdah, Abu Dhabi. It sits on a single campus site that houses three buildings for Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary on shared grounds.
Stages	Stages The school serves students from KG1 through Grade 12, encompassing kindergarten, elementary, middle, and high school levels. The Elementary program covers Grades 1–5 as part of this structure.	Stages Early Childhood (Pre-K through Grade 1) and Elementary (Grades 2–5) on the lower campus; Secondary (Grades 6–12) on the same site.
School type	School type The school is private and co-educational. It follows an American curriculum and holds Cognia accreditation.	School type Co-educational from Pre-K through Grade 3; all-girls from Grade 4 to Grade 12.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix The student body includes multiple nationalities, with the majority of students being local Emirati (about 96%), and international students forming a small minority. The exact number of nationalities represented is not publicly disclosed.	Pupil nationality mix Approximately 95% of students are Emirati; about 5% are international students. The school describes a predominantly Emirati student body with international representation.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support The school provides comprehensive student support services, including Inclusion Support with Documented Learning Plans, on-site therapies (Speech and Language, Occupational Therapy, Psychological Services, ABA), ongoing parent collaboration, a Gifted & Talented program, and enrichment activities such as Genius Hour.	Additional learning support An Inclusion Team includes Learning Support teachers, assistants, school counselors and nurses. Learning support is provided based on assessed student needs to enable targeted instruction.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation The school follows an American curriculum and is Cognia-accredited, indicating alignment with United States educational standards.	Country affiliation United Arab Emirates.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation There is no formal religious affiliation. Islamic Education is included as part of the UAE MoE curriculum for students who follow that track.	Religious affiliation Islamic ethos is embedded in the curriculum; there is no formal religious affiliation with a specific organization.
School day structure	School day structure The typical school day runs from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with hours aligned to the UAE school calendar and site practices.	School day structure School starts at 7:55 am. Pre-K to KG2 finish by 12:35 pm on Monday–Thursday and at 12:00 pm on Friday. Grades 1–12 finish by 2:45 pm on Monday–Thursday and at 12:00 pm on Friday.
Bus service details	Bus service details A school bus service is provided for student transport; details about routes and providers are discussed during the admissions process.	Bus service details Emirates Transport provides SZPAG's school bus service. The annual bus fee is AED 5,000, applicable to either one-way or two-way transportation; booking opens before the new academic year and seats are secured after full payment. Buses are CCTV-monitored, with a licensed bus supervisor on each vehicle. Services run on Abu Dhabi Island only, and routes must not exceed 60 minutes.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application Fee - A non-refundable application and file-processing fee of AED 500.00 is charged for each new application. Reservation Fee - A reservation fee of AED 1,000.00 is payable each year to reserve a seat for the following school year. New students must pay the same fee within seven (7) days of notice of acceptance. This reservation fee is applied towards the tuition fee. Tuition & Book Fees (Annual amounts and per-term breakdown for 2025–26) - The published Grade Level Tuition & Book Fees for the academic year are as follows (annual amount and installment breakdown using the school payment schedule: Fall 40%, Winter 30%, Spring 30%): - KG1 – KG2: AED 34,570 per year. Term installments: Fall (40%) AED 13,828.00; Winter (30%) AED 10,371.00; Spring (30%) AED 10,371.00. - Grade 1 – Grade 3: AED 39,070 per year. Term installments: Fall AED 15,628.00; Winter AED 11,721.00; Spring AED 11,721.00. - Grade 4: AED 43,350 per year. Term installments: Fall AED 17,340.00; Winter AED 13,005.00; Spring AED 13,005.00. - Grade 5: AED 42,890 per year. Term installments: Fall AED 17,156.00; Winter AED 12,867.00; Spring AED 12,867.00. - Grade 6: AED 42,780 per year. Term installments: Fall AED 17,112.00; Winter AED 12,834.00; Spring AED 12,834.00. - Grade 7: AED 45,960 per year. Term installments: Fall AED 18,384.00; Winter AED 13,788.00; Spring AED 13,788.00. - Grade 8: AED 45,760 per year. Term installments: Fall AED 18,304.00; Winter AED 13,728.00; Spring AED 13,728.00. - Grade 9: AED 54,540 per year. Term installments: Fall AED 21,816.00; Winter AED 16,362.00; Spring AED 16,362.00. - Grade 10: AED 54,810 per year. Term installments: Fall AED 21,924.00; Winter AED 16,443.00; Spring AED 16,443.00. - Grade 11: AED 54,760 per year. Term installments: Fall AED 21,904.00; Winter AED 16,428.00; Spring AED 16,428.00. - Grade 12: AED 55,370 per year. Term installments: Fall AED 22,148.00; Winter AED 16,611.00; Spring AED 16,611.00. Books / Resource Provision - The published grade-level figures are described as "Tuition & Book Fees," and the school provides ministry textbooks, subject textbook borrowing, and specified online digital resources as part of its resource provision. No separate numeric amount for a standalone books/resource fee is published. Transport / Bus Fees - Bus transport is an optional service. Published bus fees are AED 5,000.00. Transportation is not included in the annual tuition figures. Uniforms and Other Costs - Uniform costs are not included in the tuition figures and are payable separately; no fixed uniform price is published. Additional costs (for example, optional trips, specialist course fees, external exam fees such as AP exams) may apply and are charged separately. Information about AP exam fees is published separately. Invoicing, Billing Schedule and Payment Terms - Invoices are issued to returning students prior to the end of the school year; new students are invoiced when accepted. Payment of tuition and fees is due on or before 01 August. All payments must be received before starting each term; students joining after the start of the school year must pay before starting classes. A student's name is not added to class lists (or to the bus list) until required payments are received. Parents remain personally responsible for timely payment, regardless of employer arrangements. - Payment may be made in full or on an installment basis using the school schedule: Fall Term 40% (due on or before 01 August), Winter Term 30% (due on or before 01 December), Spring Term 30% (due on or before 01 March). Payment Methods and Related Terms - Accepted payment methods include: Cash (UAE Dirhams only); Card payment (major cards accepted in the UAE); Dirham cheque payable to Al Yasat Private School drawn on local UAE banks; and Wire Transfer payable in UAE Dirhams only (all wire-transfer charges are the payer's responsibility). Post-dated checks (PDCs) may be used; to withdraw a PDC parents must inform the school in writing or by email at least seven days prior to the PDC date. Boarding Fees - No boarding or boarding fees are published. Boarding is not listed as a service. Refund Information - No separate refund policy or refund amounts for fees (for example, tuition refunds, reservation fee refunds, or bus fee refunds) is published in the school's fee structure. Specific refund provisions are not stated.	Fee details Application / Registration fee - A registration fee equal to 5% of the annual tuition is payable when an offer is accepted. The registration fee is applied/adjusted against the first term's charges. Tuition fees by year group (annual and per-term) - Pre K: AED 33,910. Registration fee (5%): AED 1,695.50. Remaining tuition: AED 32,214.50. Three equal instalments (remaining ÷ 3): AED 10,738.17 per instalment. - KG1 & KG2: AED 33,910. Registration fee (5%): AED 1,695.50. Remaining tuition: AED 32,214.50. Three equal instalments: AED 10,738.17 per instalment. - Grades 1–4: AED 50,000. Registration fee (5%): AED 2,500.00. Remaining tuition: AED 47,500.00. Three equal instalments: AED 15,833.33 per instalment. - Grades 5–6: AED 56,890. Registration fee (5%): AED 2,844.50. Remaining tuition: AED 54,045.50. Three equal instalments: AED 18,015.17 per instalment. - Grades 7–8: AED 63,220. Registration fee (5%): AED 3,161.00. Remaining tuition: AED 60,059.00. Three equal instalments: AED 20,019.67 per instalment. - Grade 9: AED 69,890. Registration fee (5%): AED 3,494.50. Remaining tuition: AED 66,395.50. Three equal instalments: AED 22,131.83 per instalment. - Grades 10–12: AED 78,160. Registration fee (5%): AED 3,908.00. Remaining tuition: AED 74,252.00. Three equal instalments: AED 24,750.67 per instalment. (Explanation of the per-term numbers: the registration fee is charged on acceptance; the remaining 95% of the annual tuition is divided into three equal instalments as the school's published payment structure indicates.) Billing schedule and payment terms - The 5% registration fee is due on acceptance of an offer. The remaining tuition balance is paid in three instalments. The school may withhold examination report cards, transfer certificates or block re-registration until outstanding fees are settled. The school follows ADEK regulations for fee collection and non-payment procedures. - School bus bookings and seat allocation are confirmed only after full payment for transport has been received. Seats cannot be held without payment. Boarding fees - Boarding is not listed as a provision for this academy; no boarding fees apply. Transport is offered as a day-service (school bus). Other costs and fees - Uniforms: uniforms are not included in the tuition. Uniforms are available from Globe Uniform (on campus shop and online) and are a separate cost. Contact: uniform@zayedacademy.ac.ae. - School digital device: the purchase of a digital device is compulsory for students in Grades 3–12 and this cost is not included in the tuition figures. Parents will be informed of the device cost. - Transport: the published school bus fee for the academic year is AED 5,000 (same for one-way or two-way); the bus fee is not included in the tuition. Payment timing for bus fees is set by the school when bookings open. - Textbooks, single-device charges, uniforms and other incidental items are not included in the annual tuition figures. Extracurricular or canteen purchases, where applicable, are additional. Refund information and withdrawal charges - Refund of the 5% registration advance is available only if the withdrawal form is submitted to the registrar before the start of the academic year. If a student withdraws after the academic year has started, the school charges are applied according to length of attendance in the term as follows: no-show or attendance less than 1 week — registration or re-registration fee only; attendance over 1 week up to 3 weeks in the term — one full month of tuition fees; attendance over 3 weeks up to 6 weeks — two full months of tuition fees; attendance over 6 weeks of the term — full term tuition fee. Fee payment options - Bank transfer: the academy publishes bank account details for fee payments. Account name: The Sheikh Zayed Private Academy for Girls. Bank: First Abu Dhabi Bank, Corniche Branch. IBAN: AE180357771001006804061. SWIFT: NBADAEAAXXX. Use the academy's accounts information when making electronic transfers. - Transport and uniform suppliers accept payment as described by those services (transport bookings require full payment to secure a seat; uniforms are sold separately). The accounts office manages fee collection and will confirm acceptable payment methods and any required payment references. Non-payment and consequences - If tuition or other fees remain outstanding the academy may withhold examination report cards, transfer certificates, block re-registration on the ADEK system, and will follow ADEK guidelines and warning procedures for non-payment.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements Boarding arrangements: No boarding is listed for SZPAG on the site. The school day is described as a daytime schedule with transport provided by Emirates Transport, but there is no residential option mentioned.
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement Al Yasat Private School requires a uniform for all pupils. KG uniforms include a striped dress for girls or striped shirt for boys with navy blue leggings or shorts, a winter blouse (girls) or equivalent, and a blazer; Primary and Secondary uniforms use a striped shirt with navy bottoms and a blazer, with a PE tracksuit and swimming attire for specific year groups. There are guidelines on footwear, hair, jewelry and modesty.	Uniform requirement Uniform requirement: SZPAG maintains a strict uniform policy; the official uniform is required for all grades, with details by grade level. Uniforms can be ordered online or purchased at the Globe Uniform shop on campus.
Food options	Food options Al Yasat Private School operates a lunch program through a cafeteria run in partnership with Baguette Catering Services & Restaurants, offering balanced and nutritious menu options. A cashless card system or prepaid cards are used for on-site purchases.	Food options Food options: An in-school catering service for Grades 2–12 provides grab-and-go hot and cold meals in pre-wrapped portions. Water coolers are in every classroom and students should bring a refillable bottle. Grades 2–3 may order from the student canteen delivered to homerooms, while Grades 4–12 can bring food or purchase from the canteen.
House system	House system —	House system House system: Not mentioned in SZPAG's published information.
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership —	Governance and ownership Governance and ownership: SZPAG is part of The Sheikh Zayed Private Academies (SZPA) group, which includes SZPAG and SZPAB. The group describes itself as a group of schools.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details The school follows an American curriculum and is Cognia-accredited, aligning English and Math with US Common Core, Science with the Next Generation Science Standards, and other subjects with the Virginia Tech framework, while integrating Arabic, Islamic Studies, and UAE Social Studies to meet UAE MoE requirements. The full program is organized into four stages: Kindergarten (KG1–KG2), Elementary (Grades 1–5), Middle School (Grades 6–8), and High School (Grades 9–12). Across all phases, core subjects include English Language Arts, Arabic Studies, Mathematics, Science, UAE Social Studies/Civics, and Moral Education, with additional offerings in Art, Performing Arts, Design Technology, Robotics, Coding, AI, Aviation Design & Simulation, Mechanical Engineering, and World Languages such as Chinese and French. Elementary emphasizes literacy, MAP Growth assessment, and project-based learning, with dedicated coding/robotics and AI integration; Middle and High School provide Pre-AP/AP pathways (e.g., AP English, AP Calculus, AP Biology, AP Computer Science, AP Economics, AP Physics) and STEM tracks (Aeronautics & Aviation, AI, Robotics), plus college/career counseling from Grade 9. The school uses internal progress monitoring and external benchmarks (MAP Growth, AP exams, SATs) and participates in global assessments such as PISA and TIMSS; Arabic language and Emirati culture are emphasized across the curriculum.	Curriculum details The school delivers the American Curriculum using the Massachusetts State Curriculum Frameworks. It is complemented by the UAE MOE Arabic Curriculum and a one-to-one iPad program. The Massachusetts framework guides English-medium standards with a standards-based approach that emphasizes rigor, differentiation and language development. The school offers a comprehensive Advanced Placement (AP) Program to provide college-level study during high school. The program uses MAP assessments to benchmark progress, and PSAT is taken in Grade 10 with the SAT encouraged in Grade 11 as part of college admissions readiness. Graduation includes SAT and Ministerial Equivalency under UAE requirements.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results SZPAG is designated by the College Board to offer Advanced Placement (AP) courses. MAP tests benchmark progress in Reading, Language, Math and Science twice a year. All Grade 10 students sit the PSAT, and students are encouraged to register for and sit the SAT in Grade 11. SAT is a graduation requirement.
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression The AP program supports college-level study and higher education preparation. MAP and SAT readiness activities support college admissions preparation. Graduation includes Ministerial Equivalency aligning with UAE requirements.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented SZPA offers the SZPA Future Leaders Program as part of its leadership opportunities. The enrichment program includes an Arabi program for Arabic language skills. A Quran Program is offered as a free optional activity for Grades 1 through Grade 9. The My Identity Program promotes UAE national identity from KG to Grade 12.
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning Al Yasat Private School supports social and emotional learning through a holistic, safe, and nurturing environment that emphasizes emotional well-being, confidence, communication, leadership, and responsibility as core aspects of its educational approach.	Social & emotional learning The Sheikh Zayed Private Academy for Girls in Abu Dhabi serves students aged 3 to 19 and provides a holistic learning environment that supports each student's growth and well-being. The campus integrates wellbeing and pastoral support across all phases, with dedicated staff to assist students as they progress through the school.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) The school provides inclusive Student Support Services within the mainstream framework, with an Inclusion Team identifying students for Inclusion Support and delivering Documented Learning Plans, plus on-site and external therapies (Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Psychological Services, ABA), a Gifted & Talented program with Advanced Learning Plans, and a Genius Hour initiative. The school is not described as a specialist SEN institution; inclusion support is delivered within the regular school structure.	Special educational needs (SEN) Inclusion is part of the school's approach, with structures to support a diverse student body across its three main divisions.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language The school does not publicly disclose information regarding English as an Additional Language (EAL) support on its Student Support Services page.	English as an additional language English is the medium for English-language subjects; Arabic is taught through the MOE curriculum (Arabic Studies and Moral Education). The Early Years program blends the Massachusetts State Curriculum with Arabic MOE content for Arabic instruction.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Mental wellbeing is addressed as part of the comprehensive program promoting emotional well-being, with pastoral care and on-site therapy services (Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Psychological Services, ABA) to support students' mental health.	Mental wellbeing Pastoral care is embedded in each phase, with access to school counselors to support student wellbeing.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding Safeguarding is supported by a Safeguarding Team, campus safety and security measures, and an e-safety policy, with regular parent communication about safeguarding topics and ongoing collaboration between families and school staff.	Safeguarding Safeguarding and child protection are integral to school operation, with clear policies and procedures to ensure student safety.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview Al Yasat Private School offers a diverse set of on‑campus facilities designed to support academic, creative and physical development. The library provides a comprehensive book collection with a reading room, a periodical section, a stack area and an information desk to support research and independent learning. Academic facilities include dedicated laboratories for robotics, food technology, chemistry and biology, along with a television studio for media production. The campus features a swimming pool and a sports hall for physical education and team sports, plus a theatre/auditorium and a music band space to support performing arts. Creative and practical spaces include a fashion design workshop and a carpentry workshop, as well as UAE culture and heritage activities.	Facilities overview The Sheikh Zayed Private Academy for Girls sits on a large single campus of 66,000 square meters of learning space with more than 25,000 square meters of outdoor green areas. The campus comprises three buildings to accommodate the students' ages and needs: an Early Childhood building for Pre-K to Grade 1, an Elementary building for Grades 2 to 5, and a Secondary building for Grades 6 to 12. The facilities are safe and secure and are maintained by a large team of cleaners, gardeners, security, and maintenance staff. Indoor facilities include green screen facilities and a digital music suite, supported by high‑spec IT infrastructure and a one‑to‑one iPad program. The school also provides four science laboratories, two clinics (one for elementary and one for secondary), and dedicated spaces for Arabic, drama, art, music, and technology, plus two gyms and a large sports hall.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities The campus includes a swimming pool and a sports hall for physical education and team sports. Separate courts support basketball, hockey and football; the school participates in the ADISSA sports league and provides swimming coaching.	Sports facilities Indoor facilities include two gyms, a large sports hall, and an indoor swimming pool. Outdoor facilities include an athletic field, a basketball court, and tennis courts, with four outdoor quads providing shaded areas.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities The library offers a comprehensive collection with a reading room, a periodical section, a stack area and an information desk. The school operates robotics, food technology, chemistry and biology laboratories. A television studio supports media production and related coursework.	Academic facilities Academic spaces include four science laboratories for hands‑on learning and experiments. There are dedicated classrooms for Arabic, drama, art, music, and technology. The IT infrastructure supports a one‑to‑one iPad program across grades, and green screen facilities plus a digital music suite support creative and technical learning.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities A UAE culture & heritage club and a music band are among the school's extracurricular offerings.	Extra curricular facilities SZPAG runs a broad extra‑curricular program. Elementary ECAs (Grades 1–5) include clubs in science, math, sports, the arts, and technology, with partnership programs such as Formula 1 in Schools, Junior Duke Awards, and Unified Robotics in partnership with Unified Champion Schools. In secondary, clubs cover sports (Soccer, Basketball, Active Club, Badminton) and arts (School Show, Canva Painting, Mindful Coloring, Knitting and Crochet, Music Ensemble). Students participate in the Student Council and in programs such as First Aid and CPR, Future Leaders, and Quran and Arabic language initiatives. The program also includes External examination preparation clubs (SAT, MAP, EmSAT, AP) and enrichment opportunities; the 2023–2024 Elementary ECAs follow themes: Past, Present and Future; Self Improvement; Global Explorers.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Al Yasat Private School was founded in 1992 as one of the first nurseries to provide an American experiential learning program. It was originally located in Abu Dhabi City and is now based in Al Shamkha. The school serves students from KG1 to Grade 12 and has 1,425 students under its instruction. The institution holds Cognia accreditation.	History The Sheikh Zayed Private Academy for Girls opened in 2000 to provide an international education for girls while ensuring a deep understanding of culture, heritage and Islamic faith. It is part of The Sheikh Zayed Private Academies, a group that blends Emirati identity with international standards. SZPAG has CIS and NEASC accreditation and is designated by the College Board to offer Advanced Placement (AP) courses. It has been rated Outstanding in the ADEK Irtiqaa inspection program, and in 2022-2023 was awarded an Outstanding National Identity Mark.
Community	Community Life at Al Yasat features a Clubs & Activities Program that extends from Kindergarten through Grade 12, including Sports, STEM & Innovation, Academic Enrichment & University Preparation, Language & Literacy, and Performing Arts. Clubs run throughout the year on a rotating, term-based schedule, and students may participate in multiple clubs. Highlights from club work are shared during school assemblies, on social media, and at parent events, fostering connections with families. News & Events documents show a calendar of community and cultural activities, including Pep Rally (September 2025), Pink Day (October 2025), World Mental Health Day (October 2025), and Back to School Night Open House (September 12, 2025).	Community SZPAG offers enrichment programs designed to develop character and leadership. The Arabi program strengthens Arabic language proficiency. A range of clubs includes Reading Club, Young Historian, Helping Hands, Creative Writing, Prophets' Stories, Problem-Solving Club, Recycling Club, Tilawa and Tajweed, and Speaking Classical Arabic. The campus spans three buildings on one site with extensive facilities including science laboratories, a clinic, prayer rooms, a gym, and large outdoor spaces.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association A formal Parent Teacher Association (PTA) is not described on the publicly accessible pages of the school site. Parent involvement appears to be organized through school events and activity programs rather than a named PTA. Public events include Back to School Night Open House on September 12, 2025, Pink Day on October 24, 2025, and World Mental Health Day on October 10, 2025. Clubs and Activities involve families, with highlights shared at assemblies and parent events. Clubs run year-round on a term-based schedule and are supervised by teachers, with external specialists where applicable. While a PTA is not described, parent engagement is encouraged through these channels.	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual Al Yasat offers a Clubs & Activities Program for Kindergarten through Grade 12. It includes STEM & Innovation, Academic Enrichment & University Preparation, Language & Literacy, and Introduction to Computer Programming, among other clubs. Clubs run on a rotating term-based schedule, and students may participate in multiple clubs depending on availability. Highlights include competitions, performances, and community initiatives, all supervised by teachers and, where applicable, external specialists. The program fosters critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and readiness for further study.	Academic & intellectual SZPAG delivers an American-curriculum education. Early Childhood combines the Massachusetts State Curriculum with the MOE Arabic curriculum for Arabic, Islamic Studies and Moral Education; Elementary Grades 2-5 blend Massachusetts Common Core standards with the MOE Arabic Curriculum, augmented by Talk for Writing, Dimensions Math, and NGSS. Middle School follows the Massachusetts Framework for English-medium subjects, uses Standards-Based Assessment and MAP testing twice yearly, and provides a live Schoology grade book for students and parents. High School offers College Prep, Honors, and Advanced Placement (AP) courses, with Ministerial Equivalency and SAT/PSAT preparation and external AP examinations.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Performing Arts and School Productions provide opportunities to participate in performances and productions. Music and Art Enrichment programs support exploration and development in music and visual arts.	Arts & creative Arts and music are part of the curriculum. Elementary Grades 2-5 include art, PE and music; Secondary offers arts-related extracurricular activities including School Show, Canva Painting, Mindful Coloring, Knitting and Crochet, and a Music Ensemble.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Language & Literacy clubs support language development, and the Arabic Center Of Excellence is part of the school's language program.	Cultural & language Arabi Program for Enhancement of the Arabic Language Skills strengthens Arabic from KG1 to Grade 12; Arabic MOE curriculum aligns with UAE standards for Arabic, Islamic Studies and Moral Education; Quran Program is a free optional activity for Grades 1–9; My Identity Program promotes UAE national identity.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies Sports clubs are offered as part of the Life at Al Yasat activities, with a focus on well-being and balanced routines.	Social & hobbies SZPAG offers a broad range of extracurricular activities. Elementary Grade 1–5 ECAs include clubs in science, math, sports, arts and technology; Secondary includes clubs in sports, arts, leadership, and other interests, along with a Student Council and the SZPA Future Leaders Program.
Community & service	Community & service Clubs include community initiatives and service-oriented activities, supervised by teachers and aligned with school values and activities.	Community & service The Helping Hands program, conducted in partnership with the UAE Red Crescent, engages students in community service initiatives.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional Leadership and professional skills are emphasized in the student experience; admissions materials highlight boosting confidence and leadership abilities, and the clubs program supports leadership development through diverse activities.	Leadership & professional Students develop leadership through a Student Council and the SZPA Future Leaders Program; Grade 12 includes First Aid and CPR training; the High School offers AP courses and university-prep pathways (SAT/PSAT).
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing The school emphasises academic and social-emotional well-being as part of its holistic approach, with Sports and clubs promoting balanced routines and joyful learning.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Wellbeing and pastoral support are provided by homeroom teachers and the school counselor. The school runs a 1:1 iPad program to support digital learning and provides structured programs for health and safety and student welfare.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision Arabic language and Islamic studies are provided through the Arabic Center Of Excellence; the school follows an American curriculum.	Language provision The Arabi Program for Enhancement of the Arabic Language Skills strengthens Arabic language from KG1 to Grade 12. It was launched under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan at the start of the 2022-2023 academic year. The program supports preserving and reinforcing Arabic in line with UAE leadership goals and aims to improve students' proficiency and confidence in using Arabic in daily life.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards Outstanding National Identity Mark (ADEK), Apple Distinguished School.
Accreditations	Accreditations Cognia accreditation. The school adopts the American Common Core Standards and provides Arabic Language, Islamic Studies (for Muslim students), and UAE Social Studies/Civics to meet UAE MOE requirements.	Accreditations CIS and NEASC accreditation; College Board designation to offer Advanced Placement (AP) courses.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions The school is located in Al Shamkha, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The school offers an online application for the 2025-2026 academic year. Kindergarten applicants are invited to a familiarization visit and are assessed on their ability to follow instructions and on fine and gross motor skills, with an informal interview with parents. For Elementary, Middle and High School, applicants are assessed in literacy and mathematics using MAP testing, and school reports for the previous two academic years are mandatory. School tours can be requested online to observe classrooms, facilities and amenities. The 2025-2026 admissions are currently open. The school has 1,425 students under instruction and holds Cognia accreditation; it has an ADEK rating of A Band.	Admissions Step 1. Complete the online registration form by clicking Apply now on the SZPAG admissions page. The Admissions Department will contact you within 24 hours of receipt of your inquiry. Parents can meet the Admissions team during the following hours: 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM, Monday through Thursday, and 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Friday. An Admissions Handbook is available for reference. Step 2. Submit the completed online application with all required documents to proceed with the registration process. Required supporting documentation includes Health Record Form, Recommendation Form, copies of the student's passport, Emirates ID, parent or guardian's passport and residence visa (for non-National applicants), copies of birth certificate (attested for non-Nationals), 3 passport-size photos, immunization card, and last two years' report cards, among other items. Places cannot be offered if applications are incomplete. Step 3. The Admissions Department will contact you to schedule your child's assessment. Assessments and interviews are conducted according to grade level, with English reading and numeracy assessments for some grades and Arabic assessments as applicable. An Admissions questionnaire may also be required, and an individual interview may be arranged for higher grades. Step 4. Within one week of a successful assessment, an offer letter will be sent if seats are available. Offers are issued based on seat availability and the outcome of the admissions assessments. Families will be notified by phone and email. Step 5. When the offer is accepted and the registration fee is paid, the Admissions Department will send the student's file to ADEK for review. Once ADEK confirms registration, the student is enrolled. A 5% registration fee is payable upon acceptance. Step 6. Seat availability is grade-specific; each grade has a certain number of seats. If applications exceed seats, admissions priorities are used to determine offers.
Scholarships	Scholarships Scholarships are available for high school students in grades 9–12. Up to three scholarships are offered for each grade, with 50% of tuition covered for each recipient. Availability depends on places and excludes children or relatives of school employees. Scholarships do not cover transport, extracurricular activities, field trips, books or uniforms. To apply, families complete the school registration form (if new), the scholarship application form, and submit the last three report cards. Applicants must show a minimum of 90% in English, Mathematics and Arabic on their prior year's report card. Selected applicants sit for online Mathematics and English international exams, and the scholarship committee reviews results before Board approval. Recipients must maintain a minimum 90% average and demonstrate good behavior; the Board's decisions are final. The application deadline and required documents include February 23rd each year and copies of academic qualifications, evidence of extracurricular activities, and other supporting documents. Scholarship decisions are signed by the Chairman of the Board.	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist Seat availability is grade-specific; each grade has a certain number of seats. If applications exceed seats, admissions priorities are used to determine offers.
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