doris
doris
Find Schools
Events
Saved schools
My account
Parent Guide Parent testimonials Community Transparency Charter About For Schools
Currency
S

Summit International School

United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi

Save
Share
Navigate

· Reviewed by · B2C Marketing Manager

Independently researched by doris.
Not yet claimed by the school
Claim your profile
The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees AED 23,000 - 38,126
Ages 4 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 1740
Type Co-educational
Bus Service Yes
Academic offering
Curriculum American Curriculum
Taught languages Arabic, French
Typical class size 22
Strengths Sport, STEM, Academic Enrichment
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Leadership and Professional, Lifestyle and Wellbeing
Stages Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle School, High School
Introduction

Summit International School in Abu Dhabi delivers the American Curriculum, strictly aligned with California Common Core standards, for students from Kindergarten through Grade 12. The downtown, four-building campus features a regulation football pitch, a multi-use gymnasium, a swimming pool, and a theater. Instruction replaces traditional textbooks with a 1:1 Chromebook learning model and utilizes Exact Path adaptive software to create individualized learning paths based on NWEA MAP assessment data. A unique hallmark of the school is its unified "Climber" identity. Students, parents, and staff are all referred to as Climbers ascending "Mount Summit," and daily interactions frequently incorporate the school’s signature call-and-response motto, "To the Top!" Students begin in co-educational classrooms until Grade 4, transitioning to gender-segregated instruction from Grade 5 onward. The school provides a technology-driven, data-informed environment focusing on individual student growth, robotics, and strong core subject foundations.

Old Passport Rd, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

The Essentials

Summit International School has 1,740 pupils, typical class sizes of 22, instruction in English.

Location
Sector-4, Street 19 in the Madinat Al Zayed Gold Souk & Post Office area, Abu Dhabi. The school sits in a central area of Abu Dhabi City. It comprises four buildings and includes a swimming pool, segregated play areas, a multi-use gymnasium and theater.

Stages
KG1 to Grade 12. KG1 and KG2 follow an Early Childhood 'learn through play' approach. From KG1-12 the curriculum is aligned with the California Common Core; Grades K-4 are co-educational and Grades 5-12 are gender-separated.

Type
American-curriculum international school. It is co-educational in K-4 and gender-separated in grades 5-12.

Pupil Nationality Mix
The student body includes 1,740 students representing 51 countries. The school describes a diverse mix of Middle Eastern, Asian, Pacific Rim, and Slavic expatriates.

Additional learning support
The Learning Support Department uses a whole-school approach to identify, plan for, implement, and monitor plans to meet the independent needs for specific learning difficulties or disabilities. It provides learning strategies to access the curriculum and collaborates with families to provide home strategies.

Country affiliation
United States – the school uses an American curriculum aligned with California Common Core.

Religious affiliation
No religious affiliation is stated.

School day structure
The school day typically starts at 7:30 a.m. and ends around 2:30 p.m. on most weekdays; Friday hours vary and may be shorter (some listings show a half-day or different times). The campus has a canteen where students can buy lunch.

Bus service
The school provides a bus service via a contract with Seven Stars Transportation Company, delivering air-conditioned transport to various parts of Abu Dhabi. Registration is through sevenstarsschoolbus.com. The Bus Coordinator is Ms. Ariane Joy (sis@sevenstars.ae) and the main contact number is +971 2 671 3131 ext. 201-207-206.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
The school requires all students to wear the school uniform. The policy specifies black leather shoes and dark blue socks; students wearing trousers must wear a black belt. A PE kit is required, and white sports shoes must have white or transparent soles; colored or black soles are not allowed.

Food Options
On-site dining is provided via gender-specific cafeterias on campus, indicating there are on-site food facilities. The Cafeterias reference confirms the on-site dining option, though no detailed menu or dietary accommodations are listed on the page.

Governance and Ownership
Summit International School is part of Summit International Schools, a UAE-based private education group established in 2013. The group operates multiple campuses and offers a K-12 American curriculum aligned with the California Common Core; in Abu Dhabi, the school is co-educational in grades KG-4 and gender-separated in grades 5-12.
Fees

Annual tuition at Summit International School ranges from AED 23,000 to AED 38,126 for 2026/27.

Application / registration fee

- Registration fee (per student): AED 1,000.

Tuition fees by year group (per term and annual totals, Academic Year 2025–26 — amounts in AED)

Note: the published fee schedule presents per-term instalments and the corresponding annual totals. Two columns of per-term figures are shown in the school's term schedule (the second set shows the reduced instalment amounts that appear alongside the standard instalments in the published table). The figures below list the primary per-term instalments (left-hand set in the term schedule) and the computed annual tuition (sum of the three term instalments). Registration fee (AED 1,000) is stated separately above.

- KG1: Term 1 AED 7,400; Term 2 AED 7,300; Term 3 AED 7,300. Annual tuition (sum of terms) AED 22,000; total including registration AED 23,000. Books AED 0; uniform AED 680; school bus (annual) AED 5,000.

- KG2: Term 1 AED 7,800; Term 2 AED 7,600; Term 3 AED 7,600. Annual tuition AED 23,000; total including registration AED 24,000. Books AED 0; uniform AED 680; bus AED 5,000.

- Grade 1: Term 1 AED 8,895; Term 2 AED 8,965; Term 3 AED 8,965. Annual tuition AED 26,825; total including registration AED 27,825. Books AED 1,200; uniform AED 680; bus AED 5,000.

- Grade 2: Term 1 AED 8,895; Term 2 AED 8,965; Term 3 AED 8,965. Annual tuition AED 26,825; total including registration AED 27,825. Books AED 1,200; uniform AED 680; bus AED 5,000.

- Grade 3: Term 1 AED 9,634; Term 2 AED 9,707; Term 3 AED 9,707. Annual tuition AED 29,048; total including registration AED 30,048. Books AED 1,400; uniform AED 680; bus AED 5,000.

- Grade 4: Term 1 AED 9,634; Term 2 AED 9,707; Term 3 AED 9,707. Annual tuition AED 29,048; total including registration AED 30,048. Books AED 1,400; uniform AED 680; bus AED 5,000.

- Grade 5: Term 1 AED 10,549; Term 2 AED 10,617; Term 3 AED 10,617. Annual tuition AED 31,783; total including registration AED 32,783. Books AED 1,600; uniform AED 680; bus AED 5,000.

- Grade 6: Term 1 AED 10,549; Term 2 AED 10,617; Term 3 AED 10,617. Annual tuition AED 31,783; total including registration AED 32,783. Books AED 1,600; uniform AED 680; bus AED 5,000.

- Grade 7: Term 1 AED 10,549; Term 2 AED 10,617; Term 3 AED 10,617. Annual tuition AED 31,783; total including registration AED 32,783. Books AED 1,800; uniform AED 680; bus AED 5,000.

- Grade 8: Term 1 AED 10,549; Term 2 AED 10,617; Term 3 AED 10,617. Annual tuition AED 31,783; total including registration AED 32,783. Books AED 1,800; uniform AED 680; bus AED 5,000.

- Grade 9: Term 1 AED 11,090; Term 2 AED 11,160; Term 3 AED 11,160. Annual tuition AED 33,410; total including registration AED 34,410. Books AED 2,000; uniform AED 680; bus AED 5,000.

- Grade 10: Term 1 AED 11,592; Term 2 AED 11,667; Term 3 AED 11,667. Annual tuition AED 34,926; total including registration AED 35,926. Books AED 2,000; uniform AED 680; bus AED 5,000.

- Grade 11: Term 1 AED 11,592; Term 2 AED 11,667; Term 3 AED 11,667. Annual tuition AED 34,926; total including registration AED 35,926. Books AED 2,200; uniform AED 680; bus AED 5,000.

- Grade 12: Term 1 AED 11,592; Term 2 AED 11,667; Term 3 AED 11,667. Annual tuition AED 34,926; total including registration AED 35,926. Books AED 2,200; uniform AED 680; bus AED 5,000.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Tuition is scheduled to be payable in three instalments (payments at the beginning of each term). Bus fees are required at the beginning of the school year. The published fee notes state the three-term billing arrangement and that bus fees should be paid at the start of the year.

- Discount policy: Grade 1 and above: a one‑student discount is applied (published schedule shows a 7% discount category) and a siblings' discount is published (11%); an additional 2% discount is noted for a single full-year one‑time payment. Kindergarten students are subject to a special kindergarten discount as indicated in the published notes.

Boarding fees

- Boarding is not offered at the school; boarding fees are not applicable. Summit International School operates KG–Grade 12 as a day school (no dormitory/boarding provision is published).

Other costs and routine extras

- Books / resources: grade-dependent book/resource fees are published alongside the fee schedule (examples: Books range from AED 0 for KG to AED 2,200 for Grades 11–12). Uniform: AED 680 (published as the uniform amount in the schedule). School bus: AED 5,000 (annual, published). External exam and standardized test fees are listed separately (IELTS, SAT, ACT, AP etc. — individual exam charges apply as published).

Refund information

- The published fee schedule and parent handbook set out billing instalments and registration requirements but do not present a separate universal tuition‑refund table in the fee schedule itself; fee refunds and related arrangements are subject to the school's policies and ADEK (Abu Dhabi education authority) regulations as applicable. The school's policy documents reference registration and enrolment procedures and ADEK approval of the fee schedule. Parents should note that discounts and timing (e.g., the additional 2% for one‑time payment) are explicitly set out in the published fee documentation.

Fee payment options (typical channels and context)

- The school's published fee documents show the amounts, billing schedule and ADEK approval. Common payment channels used by schools in Abu Dhabi include bank transfer (IBAN), debit/credit card, cash and cheques; these payment channels are widely used across UAE schools and are the typical mechanisms applied by school finance offices. The school's fee documents do not list a detailed, itemised list of payment methods in the public fee schedule; payments are administered by the school accounts/finance office.

External examinations and standardized test fees

- External exam fees (published separately) include standard charges for IELTS, SAT, ACT, AP and related optional/add‑on fees; the school's external‑exam fee overview lists those exam core fees and common add‑ons. Example entries from the school's published external exam list: IELTS (approx AED 1,470), SAT and ACT international fees and AP exam fees — see the external exam schedule for the full list of tests and charges.
Academics

Summit International School teaches American Curriculum for students aged 4 to 18.

Curriculum
Summit International School Abu Dhabi offers a North American curriculum aligned with the California Common Core from kindergarten through high school, delivered via a blended learning approach that uses online platforms and individualized learning paths supported by adaptive software and Chromebooks. Elementary School (Grades 1–5) follows California Common Core for English, Mathematics, English Social Studies, Health and Physical Education, Visual Arts, Music, and ICT; Science is guided by Next Generation Science Standards, while Moral Education, Arabic, Islamic Studies and Arabic Social Studies align with MOE guidelines under ADEK oversight, with alignment to UAE MOE Cycle 1 and adaptive software to meet grade-level progress. Middle School Curriculum follows California Common Core and is aligned with UAE MOE Cycle 2 requirements to prepare students for High School, with emphasis on English, Arabic, Islamic, Mathematics, Science, Technology, and Humanities; after three years of individualized learning, students complete Middle School. High School Curriculum follows California Common Core with four years of individualized learning; graduates meet California graduation requirements and UAE MOE graduation requirements, and are prepared for exams and postsecondary tests such as PISA, PSAT, AP, ACT, and SAT, with emphasis on Mathematics, Science, Entrepreneurship, Technology and Humanities. The school operates with co-educational classes in KG-4 and gender-separated classes in grades 5-12, and employs a blended learning ecosystem across all stages.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school's counseling program focuses on three domains: social, emotional, and behavioral needs of students. The social domain develops self- and other-understanding, interpersonal communication, and contribution to a caring community; the emotional domain builds mindfulness, decision making, problem solving, goal setting, and critical thinking; and the behavioral domain supports self-awareness, self-identity, and transitions to post-secondary learning. Program delivery includes individual and group counseling, peer mediation, class discussions, Lunch Bunch Sessions, and an anti-bullying program, with parent guidance and collaboration with teachers and tailored action plans. The Student Council Hub and various student-life elements integrate SEL into daily school life. A Mental Health Guide for Parents is available in Arabic and English to support families.,”

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The school operates a dedicated SEN Department within Summit International School, with an inclusion-focused model that provides individualized, evidence-based support for students of determination and other students with additional learning needs. Identification can be initiated by any staff member; a Pre-Observation Record and formal observations lead to an SEN assessment conducted by the inclusion team, with involvement from the school psychologist and a Behavioral Specialist. Students may be placed on a Wave System (Tier 1–3) with corresponding interventions, including intensive Tier 3 support. Individual Education Plans (IEPs) are developed by a team (SENCO, School Psychologist, Behavioral Specialist, Reading Coach, Student Teachers, and Parents) and include academic, social-emotional, and behavioral goals, accommodations, and progress tracking. The SEN framework also includes an Advanced Learning Plan (ALP) and differentiation guidelines, with ongoing collaboration among staff, students, and families; there is a Learning Support Department within the school to implement these plans. The documents describe an inclusion model rather than a standalone specialist SEN institution.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The school does not publish documentation describing a dedicated English as an Additional Language (EAL) program. Public information shows an international teaching staff including native Arabic, English, and French speakers, indicating language diversity among staff, but no explicit EAL program or staff dedicated solely to EAL services is listed. Therefore, explicit EAL provisions are not publicly disclosed in the school's materials.

Mental Wellbeing
Mental health and wellbeing are positioned as core aims of the school, with a policy framework to promote mental wellness, raise awareness, and provide accessible support services. The counseling service offers individual and group sessions, psychoeducation for staff, guidance lessons, and connections with the Head of Inclusion, and is led by the School Counselor; training for staff on mental health awareness and intervention is outlined. The policy emphasizes confidential, safe, and personalized counseling, crisis management planning, and partnerships with external mental health organizations to expand options. Referrals and assessments are described, with clear processes for parental consent and student consent where appropriate. Regular monitoring, training, and evaluation of mental health initiatives are planned, and there is a clear pathway for parental engagement and external referrals when needed.

Safeguarding
A designated safeguarding lead (Principal) and a safeguarding team (including the School Counselor and School Nurses) oversee safeguarding, aligned with Wadeema's Law and UAE safeguarding expectations. The policy outlines the safeguarding team members by name and role, and requires staff training, data confidentiality, and mandatory reporting of safeguarding concerns. Staff and school are required to report suspected abuse or neglect to the appropriate authorities and to the Child Protection Center within 24 hours; the policy provides a flow for reporting and escalation. Roles and responsibilities are detailed for the Principal, staff, and parents, with explicit guidance on maintaining confidentiality and taking immediate action when safeguarding concerns arise. There is also a formal flow chart for reporting safeguarding concerns and Appendices outlining signs of abuse and reporting steps.

Safeguarding Policy
Parent Experience

History
Summit International School opened in August 2013 as a private international school in Abu Dhabi, operating under an American curriculum aligned to the Virginia Standards of Learning. At its founding, SIS operated as an RFP private international school under the Virginia SOL and has since moved to the advanced track of both the UAE Ministry of Education and the California Common Core. The campus is state-of-the-art and comprises four buildings, including a swimming pool, segregated play areas, and a multi-use gymnasium and theater. Its Climbers population is about 1,400 students representing 51 countries, with a staff base spanning more than 20 nationalities.

Community
The school employs an international teaching staff, including native Arabic speakers as well as native English and French speakers. The pastoral care team, counseling services, and learning support create a robust wellbeing and academic support system. Community events documented on the site include the Happiness Project (March 22, 2022) and an Anti-bullying Campaign (November 29, 2021), featuring class discussions, video assignments, and courtyard assemblies. The Climb Times and a dedicated Student Council hub document and coordinate student life and activities.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
There is a Summit Parent Advisory Committee (SPAC) that links parents with school leadership. Through SPAC, regular meetings are held with management, parents and teaching staff. SPAC meetings provide a forum for parents to discuss relevant issues, contribute to solutions and organize activities throughout the academic year. Parents can access school newsletters and the news and events sections for information about activities. The Climb Times and other communications illustrate ongoing parent engagement and information sharing.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The campus comprises four buildings in Abu Dhabi, including a swimming pool, segregated play areas, a multi-use gymnasium and theater. It features a library and an on-site medical clinic. The campus includes science facilities with Chemistry, Biology and Physics labs, and a Visual Arts Studio, as well as an auditorium. Gender-specific middle and high schools and separate cafeterias and playgrounds are provided, with locker rooms and other supporting spaces.

Sports Facilities
Sports facilities include multi-use courts and fields for indoor and outdoor activities, and a swimming pool for aquatic programs. The campus supports athletics through gender-specific spaces and a dedicated gymnasium, enabling team sports and physical education across grade levels.

Academic Facilities
Academic facilities include Chemistry labs, Biology labs, Physics labs, a library and e-library, and a Visual Arts Studio. The campus also houses an auditorium and dedicated spaces for collaborative learning and scientific work, plus a medical clinic for on-site health support.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Extra-curricular and co-curricular activities and clubs are extensive. The school supports student leadership through the HS Climbers Pathway and a Student Council Hub, and The Climb Times provides student publication opportunities. The facilities and activities framework underpins a broad program of clubs and activities aligned with UAE education priorities.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school follows a K-12 American curriculum aligned with the California Common Core. KG1 and KG2 follow an Early Childhood 'learn through play' approach. Learning resources are primarily online through various platforms. Performance-based assessments are used to measure understanding.

Arts & Creative
The school has a Visual Arts Studio. An Auditorium is available for performances and events.

Cultural & Language
The school has an international teaching staff, including native Arabic speakers and native English and French speakers.

Social & Hobbies
A Student Council Hub supports student leadership. The HS Program is part of Life at SIS. Weekly assemblies and Special Subjects Awards are part of school life. Counseling includes Anti-bullying Ambassadors.

Community & Service
Outreach Programs are part of the school's activities.

Leadership & Professional
Student Council Hub supports leadership development. The HS Program provides leadership and pathway opportunities.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Well-being is supported through a Well-Being program and anti-bullying initiatives. The Happiness Project is a wellbeing initiative.
Languages

Language Provision
The school uses English for core subjects. The California Common Core is followed for English, Mathematics, English Social Studies, HPE, Visual Arts, Music and ICT, with NGSS for Science; the UAE MOE program guided by ADEK covers Moral Education, Arabic, Islamic and Arabic Social Studies. The school provides a dual MOE and American curricula across grade levels. The library supports both English and Arabic with 6,000 English books and 2,000 Arabic books, and the staff includes native Arabic, English and French speakers.
Reputation

Awards
null

Accreditations
null
Admissions

Admissions
1. Prospective parents and students are encouraged to tour Summit International School, and an appointment must be made.

2. During the tour, a school representative will show facilities and discuss documents required, year/age requirements, fee structure, and school policies.

3. Priority is given to students who have a sibling at the school.

4. The school is located in Abu Dhabi at Sector-4, Street 19 in the Madinat Al Zayed Gold Souk & Post Office area.

Waitlist
A waitlist exists, when a space becomes available from the waitlist, the admissions team will contact families to arrange an assessment/interview.
School Events
The school has not added events
Compare Summit International School with
vs International Academic School vs Horizon Private School Branch vs Al Nahda National Schools vs Abu Dhabi International School vs Abu Dhabi International School - MBZ vs Future Leaders International Private School – Baniyas vs Future Leaders International Private School – Rabdan
Search for more schools
Search schools in United Arab Emirates View all schools in Abu Dhabi View all schools in United arab emirates American curriculum schools in United Arab Emirates Open days & tours in Abu Dhabi What is the American curriculum? View all schools Search all schools