GEMS American Academy Abu Dhabi

Step 1. Begin by registering online through the GEMS Online Student Registration site and submitting the online enquiry. After submission you receive an enquiry number; print the receipt or note the number for future correspondence. Review the list of required documents and the ADEK attestation needed to register the child with ADEK. Admission for the 2026-27 school year is open with limited seats.

Step 2. Kindergarten admissions. The online application is completed and families meet with the GAA admissions team to schedule a familiarization session. Children ready for pre-K, KG1, or KG2 are expected to be age-appropriate for the requested grade, able to manage bathroom independence, engage in activities, follow directions, and show age-appropriate motor skills and communication. The language of instruction is English and families use the familiarization to understand the environment. A familiarization visit helps families understand the school setting.

Step 3. Grade 1 admissions. All Grade 1 applicants are assessed in basic literacy and numeracy with the school counselor. Social-emotional and behavioral development are evaluated to determine readiness for Grade 1. The admissions team uses these assessments to inform placement decisions.

Step 4. Grades 2–6 admissions. All applicants are assessed in literacy and numeracy as part of the admissions process using the MAP test. Based on the results, a counselor meeting may be requested to determine the student's ability to benefit from the curriculum; English language proficiency and learning skills may be assessed if recommended.

Step 5. Grades 7–12 admissions. All applicants are assessed in literacy and numeracy using MAP, with Math and Writing assessments required. A review of student transcripts determines eligibility to participate in GAA's curricular pathways, including American Diploma, IB Diploma, IB courses, and AP.

Step 6. Student support and language. GAA provides limited special education resources; students must have English language proficiency. English Language Learner (ELL) support is available subject to space. Grades 6–10 require basic English proficiency, and Grades 11–12 require full English proficiency as ELL support is not available in those grades.

Step 7. Previous schooling and documentation. All new students must provide official documentation of previous schooling, including transcripts, reports, and test scores, and documents must be in English. GAA may request translation certification where needed. ADEK enrollment requirements apply and must be submitted within 30 days of the start of the school.

Step 8. Documentation for processing and enrollment. Prepare 1 copy of the applicant's passport, 1 recent passport photo, two years of school reports (in English), any learning support documents, the Confidential School Recommendation Form, standardized test results (if available), nursery reports (if applicable), 1 copy of birth certificate (English or Arabic), Emirates ID cards, residency visa, and Transfer Certificate (for Grades 1+), plus official transcripts (Grades 10–12). The UAE residence visa, Emirates ID, Transfer Certificate and official transcript are required for enrollment but not necessary at application processing; these must be submitted within 30 days of enrollment. For questions, contact the Registrar, Ms. Asma El Derby, at [email protected].

Step 9. Tours and ongoing next steps. Tours of the school are conducted Monday through Friday; book a tour via the provided link. The Admissions team and the Registrar can provide further information as needed.