GEMS American Academy, Abu Dhabi

GAA Abu Dhabi is a school that covers all grade levels, offering both the American (US) and International Baccalaureate (IB) curricula, spanning from Kindergarten through Grade 12. 

GAA provides top-notch, globally recognised education in Abu Dhabi, blending the US and IB programs. Using various methods, their curriculum creates a diverse and caring environment for students to learn and thrive.

Kindergarten Curriculum

GAA fosters a happy, play-based learning space at the kindergarten level. Following the Primary Years Programme (PYP), students learn at their own pace and are encouraged to explore, innovate, and respect differences. 

The curriculum focuses on five key skill sets: self-management, social, communication, thinking, and research.

Beyond core subjects, GAA offers specialist classes in P.E., Kitchen Lab, Performing Arts, Arabic, Islamic Studies, Library, and Makerspace. Exciting extracurricular activities like swimming, gymnastics, coding, and healthy eating further enrich the student's learning experience.

Elementary School Curriculum

In Grades 1 to 5, GAA uses the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP). Here, students explore local and global topics, diving into Science, Social Studies, Language, Maths, and other subjects. The curriculum focuses on developing thinking, communication, social, self-management, and research skills.

Elementary students also enjoy subjects like Physical Education, Performing Arts, Visual Arts, and more to add a fun and creative touch to their learning journey.

Secondary School Curriculum

For students in Grades 6 to 12, GAA blends the American and IB curriculum, providing the opportunity to graduate with both US and IB Diplomas. The program, rooted in the US Common Core State Standards, covers a range of academic subjects. The core curriculum focuses on building literacy, numeracy, creativity, and sustainability.

Each student's program includes:

• Core Academic Subjects/IBDP Subjects
• ADEK Required Subjects
• Elective Subjects

GAA offers honours classes in English and Mathematics (Grades 7-10), determined by standardised tests, academic achievement, teacher recommendation, and learning approaches. In Grades 11 and 12, students can opt for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.

The course options include the following:

• Grades 6 to 8: English, Math, Science, Social Studies, French/Spanish, Arabic, Arts, Physical Education.
• Grades 9 to 12: English, Math, Science (Electives include Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Health & Nutrition Science, Computer Science), Social Studies (Electives include World Studies, IBDP Business, IBDP Psychology, IBDP Economics, US History, Sociology), French/Spanish, Arabic, Art & Electives (Electives include Music, Visual Arts, Theatre Arts, Design, Computer Science, Digital Music, Global Politics, Journalism, Creative Writing, Public Speaking), P.E

Follow the below-mentioned steps to get admission to GEMS American Academy, Abu Dhabi.

Step 1: Register Online

Begin by registering on the GEMS Online Student Registration portal. Ensure your child meets the age requirements for the desired grade level before proceeding with the registration.

Step 2: Record Your Enquiry Number

After submitting the online application, you'll receive an enquiry number. Keep this number handy for future reference and correspondence.

Step 3: Contact the GAA Admissions Office

Reach out to the GAA Admissions Office to initiate the admission process. Submit the following documents:

• Applicant’s passport copy
• Recent passport-sized photo of the student
• Two years of school reports (in English)
• Learning support documents, if applicable
• Completed Confidential School Recommendation Form
• Standardised Test Results (if available)
• Nursery Reports (for Early Years, if available)
• Child’s Birth Certificate (in English or Arabic)
• Child’s and parents’ Emirates ID
• Copy of the child’s Residency Visa
• Transfer Certificate (TC)
• Official transcript (Grades 10 through 12)

Step 4: Assessments and Offer

The school will offer admission if assessments, interviews, and admission tests are successful. Parents will receive an offer letter, and the admissions office will guide them through the remaining formalities.

Final Enrolment Formalities

During enrolment, provide necessary documents like Residence Visa, Emirates ID, TC, Official Transcripts, and other Admission Forms. These documents are crucial for registering your child with the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK). For more details, contact registrar_gaa@gemsedu.com.

However, parents must ensure their child meets the age placement criteria before starting the admission process.

Below, you'll find the fee details for GEMS American Academy.

For Grade 12 students, there are extra charges for IB Diploma Examinations. Upon enrolment confirmation, new admissions require a non-refundable registration fee (5% of annual tuition). This fee is adjusted with the first-term tuition. Payment methods accepted: Cash, cheque (made to GEMS American Academy, Abu Dhabi), Credit Card, and Wire Transfer.

GEMS American Academy, Abu Dhabi, has partnered with Bright Bus Transport, a trusted school bus service in the emirate. Their qualified drivers and conductors operate air-conditioned buses, prioritising student safety and comfort.

Students need to pay the two-way price for transportation, even if they only use one-way service. You can contact the school at abdullah@bbt.ae for further details.

At GAA, the school emphasises the significance of well-rounded development through extracurricular activities. The campus boasts various sports facilities, encompassing a Shaded Play Area, Indoor and Outdoor Courts, a Fitness Room, a Swimming Pool, and a Football Pitch.

The school actively organises volleyball tournaments, intramural sports competitions, friendly matches, and the highly anticipated Sports Day to promote a culture of physical activity and fitness.

• Contact Number: +971 2 201 9555
• Email: info_gaa@gemsedu.com
• For Admission:  registrar_gaa@gemsedu.com