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Lifestyle
Jul 21, 2025

Abu Dhabi’s American Schools - Education with a Global Edge

7 min read

Choosing the right American school in Abu Dhabi can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. This blog explores the top-rated American curriculum schools in Abu Dhabi across the emirate, detailing fees, grades, and standout features. Whether you want a tech-driven campus, an IB diploma, or a budget-friendly option, there’s something here for every family.

From whole child educational models to worldwide university preparation, American curriculum schools in Abu Dhabi provide your child with everything he or she needs to thrive. Whether you are exploring the top 10 schools in Abu Dhabi or have primary concerns about affordability, academic rigor, or imaginative pedagogy, this list has you covered.

As the UAE's capital, Abu Dhabi has attracted first-class schools to serve its multicultural population. Among them, American curriculum schools in Abu Dhabi stand out with many things including; Internationally accepted curriculum derived from U.S. Common Core standards ,IB diploma streams offered at a majority of schools, low pupil-teacher ratios and dedicated faculty, cultural diversity with students representing dozens of nationalities, intensive emphasis on college preparation, creativity, critical thinking and list goes on.

Best American Curriculum Schools Abu Dhabi

Let's have a look at the best American curriculum schools in Abu Dhabi that integrate solid academics, values, and innovation.

1. American Community School (ACS)

Located on Saadiyat Island, ACS is one of the oldest and most recognized schools in Abu Dhabi. It has a balanced program with its focus on academics, service learning, and the arts.

  • Grades: KG1 – Grade 12
  • Curriculum: American standards-based
  • Fees: AED 54,092 – AED 94,794
  • Student Body: 1,200+ students from 80+ countries
  • Contact: +971 2 681 5115

american schools in abu dhabi

2. American International School in Abu Dhabi (AISA)

Established in 1995, AISA teaches both American and IB curriculam, and is operated by ESOL Education. It is well known for receiving a "Very Good" ADEK rating every year.

  • Grades: KG1 – Grade 12
  • Curriculum: IB + US
  • Fees: AED 32,950 – AED 59,900
  • Location: Airport Road
  • Contact: contactus@aisa.sch.ae

3. GEMS American Academy

Part of the GEMS family, this school integrates American education with IB programmes and is best known for its strong tech-based pedagogy.

  • Grades: Pre-K – Grade 12
  • Fees: AED 50,520 – AED 76,160
  • Curriculum: American + IB
  • Location: Khalifa City
  • Contact: info_gaa@gemsedu.com

4. California American School (CAS)

CAS offers affordable American curriculum learning with focus on creativity, critical thinking, and individual attention through smaller class sizes.

  • Grades: KG1 – Grade 9
  • Fees: AED 20,300 – AED 26,180
  • Curriculum: U.S.
  • Location: Shakhbout City
  • Contact: contact@casschool-uae.com

top 10 schools in abu dhabi

5. Royal American School

From a villa school, this budget-friendly institution is now a complete campus offering an all-around American curriculum. Royal American School is particularly attractive for the families looking for value based education without compromising on education quality.

  • Grades: KG1 – Grade 12
  • Fees: AED 11,470 – AED 19,960
  • Curriculum: U.S.
  • Location: Mohamed Bin Zayed City
  • Contact: info@royalschool.ae

6. Yas American Academy

One of the more recent schools on this list, Yas American Academy boasts a high-standard Massachusetts curriculum and fosters an intimate learning community.

  • Grades: Pre-K – Grade 12
  • Fees: AED 53,940 – AED 65,060
  • Location: Yas Island
  • Student Diversity: 40+ nationalities
  • Contact: PRE@yasamericanacademy.ae

7. Sharjah American International School (SAIS) – Abu Dhabi Branch

SAIS has multiple campuses across the UAE and delivers a standards-based American curriculum which covers NGSS in science and CCSS in mathematics and English.

  • Grades: KG1 – Grade 12
  • Fees: AED 29,500 – AED 43,200
  • Location: Abu Dhabi
  • Contact: info@saisabudhabi.com

american private schools in abu dhabi

8. Elite Private School

As one of the trusted American private schools in Abu Dhabi, Elite offers ADEK-compliant education with local values, thus becoming a choice of culturally rooted families.

  • Classes: KG1 – Grade 12
  • Fees: AED 24,040 – AED 31,720
  • Location: Mohamed Bin Zayed City
  • Contact: marketing@eps.ae

Note - The fees and curriculum information mentioned here was available at the time of writing, so for any further updates, make sure to check out their websites respectively.

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FAQs

  • What is the best American school in Abu Dhabi?

Top picks are the American Community School (ACS), GEMS American Academy, and AISA. The "best" is based on your budget, curriculum of choice, and location.

  • Do the schools use the U.S. curriculum to the letter?

Yes, most use Common Core standards. Some have added IB options or blended programs for more flexibility.

  • How much do Abu Dhabi American schools cost?

Fees range from AED 20,000 to AED 95,000 per year based on school, grade, and facilities.

  • Do Abu Dhabi American schools admit non-American students?

Yes. The schools are international in orientation and welcome students of all backgrounds.

  • Are American Abu Dhabi schools equipped with transport facilities?

Yes, there are transport facilities in the majority of major schools, but at an extra fee. Always inquire about available routes before admission.