GEMS Dubai American Academy

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.

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).

DAA is a co-educational day school.

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.

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.

There is no formal country affiliation; the school follows an American curriculum (and offers the IB Diploma Programme).

No religious affiliation is stated; the school emphasizes diversity and inclusive education.

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.

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.

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.

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.