American Community School of Abu Dhabi

ACS began as a small community school, with 27 students in 1969 and 50 students by 1972, and was established in 1972 as a fully independent nonprofit. A new campus on land donated by the late Founder of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed, opened for the 1975 school year. Between 1985 and 1993 the school grew to over 600 students from more than 40 countries, and Grades 10-12 were added, with the first senior class graduating in 1993. ACS expanded with a 2001 Elementary Building and a 2016 Grade 4-5 building to increase capacity, and in 2018 the leadership secured Saadiyat Island land for a larger, modern campus. The Saadiyat campus opened in January 2024, and ACS now serves approximately 1,315 students from more than 80 countries.

ACS is a multinational, engaged community of students, teachers, parents, alumni and partners. Community-wide events are cherished traditions celebrated by students, teachers, grandparents, alumni and other supporters. The ACS community includes an active alumni network and programs such as New Family Welcome Committee and Buddy Family. Since relocating to Saadiyat Island in January 2024, ACS has continued to host events and campaigns such as the annual Gala.

The PTA is the heart of the ACS community; all ACS families are automatically members. PTA volunteers can join committees or sign up to help with events and enrichment programs. New Family Welcome Committee and Buddy Family program help new families integrate into the ACS community. PTA organizes and supports Fall Festival, Holiday Extravaganza, International Day, Used Book Sales, Snow Cone Sales and Staff Appreciation, among other activities. Viper Club functions as the boosters for athletics and the arts, operating Viper Bites concession and directing proceeds to ACS programs. Eight PTA-elected Trustees sit on the ACS Board of Trustees; the PTA President, the Superintendent and a U.S. Ambassador-appointed representative are non-voting members.