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United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
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Italian International School (IIS) Khalifa City A, Abu Dhabi, was the founding campus of Sama International Schools, offering an IB World School experience with English instruction enriched by Italian language and culture. Janet Des Jardins served as the founding principal, guiding IIS from its early development. The school has established partnerships with Juventus Abu Dhabi Football Academy, Abu Dhabi Chess Club, and Mind Games to support cocurricular programs and student development. In January 2025, IIS transitioned to Sama International Schools as part of a strategic expansion, with the branding and legacy affiliations continuing under the SIS umbrella. The IB World School status was formalized for the campus in January 2025.
The school fosters a multilingual community with Italian, English, and Arabic used in daily learning. A rich calendar of events and trips engages the broader school community throughout the year. The IIS Parent Group provides avenues for family involvement through Coffee Mornings, workshops, and theme days such as World Book Day, National Day, Culture Day, and Pink Day. The campus emphasizes partnerships and community connections to support student well-being and learning.
The school maintains an active Parent Group that functions as its PTA, with a formal policy and membership framework. Parents participate as partners in wider school life, contributing to events and supporting student learning. The PTA organizes and supports events such as Coffee Mornings, workshops, and theme days including World Book Day, National Day, Culture Day, and Pink Day. The PTA materials include a policy document and membership sections labeled \"IIS PTA POLICY\" and \"IIS PTA MEMBERS.\" The school encourages ongoing parent involvement to enrich learning and community well-being.
Located in Khalifa City A, Abu Dhabi, Sama International School – formerly Italian International School – serves students aged 3 to 17. The campus is the founding site of Sama International Schools, part of expansion preserving its Italian identity. The school delivers an American Curriculum aligned with California/Common Core within the IB framework, taught in English and reinforced by a multilingual approach including Arabic and Italian. The Italian language department offers two pathways: Language A for mother-tongue Italian speakers and Language B for Italian learners; Language A enables Italian graduation through the IB Diploma Programme at higher or standard level. The IB continuum covers PYP and MYP, with the Career-related Programme as a candidate arriving 2026–2027, with final authorization planned for May 2026. Facilities include 100% smart classrooms and 21st-century learning spaces, plus culinary programs and sport academies. Extras include over 20 ECAs, such as Chess, Coding, Swimming, and Arts initiatives.
