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GEMS Dubai American Academy has 2,972 pupils, typical class sizes of 12, instruction in English.
Location
GEMS Dubai American Academy is in Al Barsha, Dubai, at the intersection of Sheikh Zayed Road and Hessa Street. The campus sits on a 23-acre site with modern facilities and easy access to major roads and the Dubai Metro. The location places it within a well-connected Dubai neighborhood offering quick links to the city's transport network.
Stages
DAA serves students from kindergarten through Grade 12. The school comprises Elementary (KG to Grade 5), Middle School (Grade 6–8) and High School (Grade 9–12).
Type
DAA is a co-educational day school.
Pupil Nationality Mix
The school represents 105 nationalities. The largest groups include American, Canadian, Indian, Egyptian, South Korean, Lebanese and Turkish students, with no single nationality dominating the student body. The school hosts a large international student population; a local Emirati presence exists but is not the majority. An approximate local-to-international ratio reported by third-party data sources is around 1 local student for every 44 international students.
Additional learning support
Inclusion and Special Educational Needs (SEN) support are available across the school. Inclusion Support is a K-12 program with push-in and pull-out models, including an Alternative Pathways Program for individualized learning. English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is provided for students new to English, and there are specific pathways for students with IEP goals in higher levels.
Country affiliation
There is no formal country affiliation; the school follows an American curriculum (and offers the IB Diploma Programme).
Religious affiliation
No religious affiliation is stated; the school emphasizes diversity and inclusive education.
School day structure
The school day starts at 7:40am. Dismissal times are 2:50pm for K1–Grade 5 and 2:55pm for Grades 6–12, with Friday being an early-release day on a staggered schedule. The academic week runs Monday to Friday.
Bus service
The official transport provider is School Transport Services (STS). Buses are ISO-certified, equipped with GPS and CCTV, and operated in coordination with the school to ensure safe travel. Applications require a registration form, terms and conditions, and related safety documents; fees are paid to STS. All transport inquiries should be directed via the STS contact listed by the school.
Fees
Annual tuition at GEMS Dubai American Academy ranges from AED 66,185 to AED 93,300 for 2026/27.
Application Fee
- Application fee: AED 525 (Application AED 500 + VAT AED 25). The application fee is payable at the time of application. It is refundable only if the school does not offer a place (unless registration is carried forward) and is non‑refundable if a place is offered but not taken.
Registration and Re‑registration Deposits
- Registration deposit (new students): 10% of the total tuition fees. This deposit is payable after an offer is accepted, is non‑refundable, and is deductible from the total tuition fees for the academic year. - Re‑registration deposit (returning students): 5% of the total tuition fees. This deposit is payable to guarantee a place for the following academic year, is non‑refundable, and is deductible from the total tuition fees.
Annual Tuition Fees (by year group) and per‑term breakdown
- KG1 and KG2: AED 66,185 per year. - Term 1 (40%): AED 26,474.00. - Term 2 (30%): AED 19,855.50. - Term 3 (30%): AED 19,855.50.
- Grades 1–12: AED 93,300 per year. - Term 1 (40%): AED 37,320.00. - Term 2 (30%): AED 27,990.00. - Term 3 (30%): AED 27,990.00.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Annual tuition is invoiced in advance and is payable prior to the start of the academic year or at the start of each term. Schools may invoice tuition from the time of admission if enrollment occurs mid‑year. - Standard instalment structure: first term 40% of the annual tuition, second term 30%, third term 30%. Payments are due at the beginning of each term. - Registration deposit is charged after offer acceptance to secure the seat; re‑registration deposit is charged at re‑enrollment to guarantee a place for the next year. Both deposits are deductible from the year's tuition but are non‑refundable except in extenuating circumstances.
Payment methods and bank details
- Accepted payment methods: online via the GEMS Connect App or GEMS Parent Portal, direct bank transfer, cash, cheque, or credit card at the school fee counter. Online fee payment is accessible through the school's online payment portal. - Wire transfer details (payee account information as provided for school fee payments): - Bank: First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB). - Account name: GEMS Dubai American Academy. - Account number: 4031006721554001. - IBAN: AE180354031006721554001. - SWIFT: NBADAEAAXXX. - Important: quote the applicant's name and grade and allow for any bank charges so the full fee amount is received. - Discount on advance payment: a GEMS/FAB co‑branded credit card discount is available for advance fee payment (details and terms apply).
Inclusions and exclusions (what the annual tuition covers and excludes)
- Included in tuition: loaned items such as books and an iPad for Elementary and Middle School students; registration for internal after‑school activities is included where specified. - Not included in tuition: school uniforms, transport (school bus), student lunch, and external activity offerings. Middle and High School students are expected to provide their own laptops.
Sibling discount
- Sibling discount: 15% discount applies for the fourth child; 25% discount applies for the fifth child and above.
Other fees and typical additional costs
- Uniforms: charged separately (uniforms are not included in the tuition). - Transport (school bus): charged separately according to route and provision; not included in the tuition. - Lunch and external activities: charged separately; external activity program fees are not included in tuition. - Technology expectations: Elementary and Middle students receive a loaned iPad as noted above; Middle and High School students should provide their own laptop (additional costs for hardware and insurance may apply).
Boarding
- The school operates as a day school; boarding facilities are not provided. There are no boarding fees.
Refunds and withdrawal terms
- Registration and re‑registration deposits are non‑refundable except in extenuating circumstances (for example, relocation to another Emirate/country or other unforeseen circumstances). - Refund calculation for paid tuition (examples of deduction rules applied when a student withdraws): - Tuition paid prior to the beginning of the academic year is refundable with only registration/re‑registration fees deducted. - If a student was enrolled for two weeks or less, a one‑month fee will be deducted from any refundable amount. - If a student was enrolled for more than two weeks but less than one month, two months' fees will be deducted. - If the student was enrolled for more than one month, the full term's fees will be deducted. - Refunds are calculated from the start of the term to the official withdrawal request date (being on the register counts as days in school). Refunds are returned via cheque. - Student withdrawal procedure: written notification of withdrawal must be submitted to the Registrar; a 30‑day notification period is required to prepare documents.
Non‑payment and administrative charges
- Non‑payment consequences: the school may issue reminders, temporarily suspend a student (up to 3 school days in a term) after issuing warnings, withhold learning resources and official documents (transfer certificates, reports, transcripts) for accounts with outstanding fees, and may not re‑register students with outstanding fees. Legal action and recovery costs may be pursued for outstanding fees. - Returned cheque fee: AED 500 per returned cheque.
Notes on specialist programs and additional charges
- An additional fee applies for students placed on the English Language Learner (ELL) program where applicable. Additional program fees and charges (for example, specific external trips or certain external activities) may apply depending on participation.
GEMS Dubai American Academy teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), American Curriculum for students aged 4 to 18.
Curriculum
GEMS Dubai American Academy offers an enriched American Curriculum for KG1 through Grade 12, with the option to concurrently pursue the International Baccalaureate Diploma in the last two years of high school; graduates earn an American High School Diploma and may also obtain the IB Diploma or an IB Certificate. From Grade 9, the program is aligned to Common Core for ELA/Math and NGSS for Science, with CT state standards guiding other subjects, and students can pursue the IB Diploma or AP courses as part of university preparation. The Elementary School (KG1–Grade 5) provides a standards-based program that includes core academics plus a broad program of arts, physical education, Arabic for native and non-native speakers, Islamic Education for Muslim students, library and instructional technology, supported by a 1:1 iPad program and inclusive education. The Middle School (Grades 6–8) offers core subjects with electives (French and Spanish) and a strong advisory/wellbeing framework; Grade 6 students trial a range of electives before selecting three to study in Grades 7–8. AP is offered in the High School with 19 AP courses across six disciplines plus AP Capstone, and the IB Diploma option remains available in the final years; the school teaches in English with Arabic mandated by MOE and Spanish/French offered from Grade 6.
Wellbeing
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
SEL is supported via the WISE Center (Wellbeing, Inclusion, Safeguarding & Environment) on the GEMS Dubai American Academy campus, which provides holistic student wellbeing services, alongside the High School Counseling department that offers well-being, academic, career and university counseling.
Special Educational Needs (SEN)
GEMS Dubai American Academy uses a K-12 Inclusion Delivery Model with a Graduated System of Support for Students of Determination, development of Individual Education Plans, and services including 1:1 interventions, Academic Support Classes, co‑teaching, and in‑class support, with inclusion staff such as SEND/Learning Support teachers and counselors, and it is not described as a specialist SEN institution.
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The school provides an English as an Additional Language program for students new to English, which is distinct from inclusion support, and EAL learners receive push‑in and/or pull‑out support.
Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is supported through the WISE Center and the High School Counseling department, with the WISE Center dedicated to Wellbeing, Inclusion, Safeguarding & Environment, and the counseling team delivering wellbeing services.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding is embedded in the campus via the WISE Center and supported by GEMS Education's safeguarding framework, including an independently chaired safeguarding structure, staff vetting, and policy adherence, with UAE laws and KHDA guidance reflected in the Inclusion Policy.
Admissions
Admissions
1. Applications for the 2026-2027 school year are open. Applications are submitted online via the Apply Online link. An acknowledgement with the next steps is sent after inquiry. The language of instruction is English.
2. GEMS Dubai American Academy serves KG1 through Grade 12. Age requirements apply for placement, and grade placement is determined as part of the admissions process. A transfer certificate is required to complete registration; without it, registration cannot proceed. The admissions team guides families through the process.
3. Prospective students undertake assessment tests before a place is offered. For grades 1–12, MAP evaluates math, reading and language. CAT4 assesses verbal, non-verbal, quantitative and spatial reasoning. If overseas, a CAT4 assessment can be arranged with the current school; recent MAP or CAT4 reports may expedite the process.
4. The admissions decision is based on a holistic review of the application, past school records and entrance assessments. MAP and CAT4 results contribute to the assessment of readiness. The Registration Team guides families through the enrollment steps and communicates outcomes.
5. Enrollment and classroom scheduling are coordinated by the Admissions Team. Tours are available by appointment; Middle School tours start at 9:00 am and Elementary/High School tours at 9:30 am, Tuesday to Thursday. The Admissions Team supports families through the enrollment journey.
6. The Virtual Admissions Center provides a 1-on-1 virtual call with the Admissions Director and a virtual tour. On-campus tours are available by appointment on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Gabrielle Keane serves as Admissions Director.
FAQs
What curriculum does GEMS Dubai American Academy follow?
The school follows an American curriculum with AP courses at high school level and the IB Diploma Programme. Accredited by CIS, NEASC, and IBO.
What age range does GEMS Dubai American Academy serve?
The school serves students from age 4 to 18.
What are the tuition fees?
**Application Fee**
- Application fee: AED 525 (Application AED 500 + VAT AED 25). The application fee is payable at the time of application. It is refundable only if the school does not offer a plac...
What type of school is GEMS Dubai American Academy?
GEMS Dubai American Academy is a co-educational school.
Where is GEMS Dubai American Academy located?
Located in Al Barsha, a central and well-connected area of Dubai.
Does the school offer a bus service?
School transport services are available.
Is the school religiously affiliated?
No religious affiliation is stated; the school emphasizes diversity and inclusive education.
What accreditations does the school hold?
KHDA Outstanding rating - 12 consecutive years, the only American curriculum school with this distinction.
CIS accreditation - Council of International Schools.
IBO World School - International Baccal...
Does the school provide learning support?
GEMS Dubai American Academy uses a K-12 Inclusion Delivery Model with a Graduated System of Support for Students of Determination, development of Individual Education Plans, and services including 1:1...
What languages are taught?
The primary language of instruction is English.
How many students attend the school?
GEMS Dubai American Academy has approximately 2972 students.
When was the school established?
GEMS Dubai American Academy was established in 2011.
What is the admissions process?
1. Submit an online application.
2. Book a school tour.
3. Complete any required assessments.
4. Receive an offer and complete enrollment.
