Commonly known as GAA or GAA Abu Dhabi, GEMS American Academy Abu Dhabi is a coeducational international school located in Khalifa City A, serving students from early years through senior school. The school distinguishes itself by blending an American curriculum ethos with rigorous International Baccalaureate offerings, specifically delivering both the IB Primary Years Programme and the IB Diploma Programme. This integrated approach provides families with a dynamic, globally focused education that balances comprehensive personal development with internationally recognised pre-university credentials.
What teachers and parents say
Positives
- Modern campus and facilities, featuring high-end performing arts spaces, sports complexes, and digital technology hubs.
- Diverse, multicultural community, with families and staff praising the welcoming expat environment and inclusive atmosphere.
- Flexible academic and arts pathways, combining the US curriculum and IB Diploma options alongside strong extracurricular programs.
Negatives
- High workload and administrative pressure, with teachers reporting heavy paperwork demands, frequent cover duties, and corporate micromanagement.
- Staff turnover and leadership inconsistency, often tied to corporate-driven decisions and shifting senior management.
- Address
- PO Box 145161khalifa City AAbu DhabiUnited Arab Emirates
- [email protected]
- Phone
- United Arab Emirates (+971) 971 2 557 4880
- System
- IB
- Curriculum
- IB Diploma, IB Primary Years
- Levels
- Early years, Primary, Middle school, Senior school
- Enrollment
- 1,849
- Students
- Coeducational
