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United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
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GEMS Founders School – Masdar City opened in September 2024 in Masdar City, Abu Dhabi, as the first Founders school in the emirate. The campus is a net-zero energy design with extensive solar panels and sustainable features, reflecting a strong commitment to environmental stewardship. GEMS Education owns and operates the school, which extends the Founders brand that includes Dubai (2016), Al Mizhar (2018), and Dubai South (2024). Initially, the school offered the National Curriculum for England for FS1 to Year 8, with Year 9 admissions opened for the 2025-26 academic year. The opening and development of GFA were announced in 2023 as part of GEMS Education's expansion of the Founders network into Abu Dhabi.
The school hosts a diverse international community with 84 nationalities represented; about 30% Emirati and 90% of students speak English as an additional language. Inclusion and sustainability are central to the community, with inclusion embedded in decision-making and teaching and a focus on environmental stewardship across the curriculum. The school supports student leadership opportunities and encourages leadership across year groups. There is an active GEMS Alumni Network that connects current students with graduates from the GEMS family.
Parental involvement is positioned as essential at GEMS Founders School – Masdar City, with parents viewed as essential partners in their children's education. The school provides resources for parents, including an academic calendar, weekly newsletters, and GFA Parent Handbooks. A channel labeled Parents Voice exists to collect parent input as part of the school's partnership model. Public pages publish safeguarding policies, transport arrangements, uniforms, and other policies to help families navigate school life. The school hosts family-facing events such as Open Days and campus tours to engage current and prospective families.
GEMS Founders School - Masdar City (GFA) offers the National Curriculum for England for students from FS1 to Year 10. Located in Abu Dhabi’s eco-friendly urban community, the campus integrates environmental responsibility directly into the student experience. A standout feature is the "Sustainnovation" program, which blends sustainability and innovation, teaching students to apply eco-conscious practices through hands-on projects and cross-curricular learning. The school operates with renewable energy sources and incorporates green spaces throughout. Students benefit from dedicated science laboratories, music rooms, and expansive outdoor play areas. Beyond core subjects, GFA provides an extracurricular program featuring robotics, coding, design challenges, and philanthropic activities. Leadership development is actively encouraged through roles like House Captains and the student council. By combining British educational standards with a unique focus on environmental stewardship, the school prepares students to be informed, earth-conscious citizens.
