Quick summary of key school information
All the details about this school in their own words
Nationalities
| Number of students |
2000 |
| Number of nationalities represented in the school |
85 |
| Most common nationality |
Emirati & American |
| Ratio of local students to international students |
3:10 |
Languages
| Native English speaking teachers |
Yes, teachers are native English speakers, except for Languages which are native of the language they instruct |
| Language support for students not fluent in English |
Yes, we offer ELL support |
| Additional language classes offered by the school |
Arabic, French and Spanish |
Classroom
| Max. number of students per class |
27 |
| Average number of students per class |
24 |
| Does the school employ teaching assistants? |
Yes |
| Use of technology in the classroom |
Yes, interactive whiteboards, laptops and iPads |
| Is the school ready to use virtual classrooms when needed? (e.g. teaching lessons online if the school is closed, e.g. during COVID-19 closures) |
Yes |
| Do students practice religion at the school? What religion? |
Islamic for our Muslim students |
| How does the school accommodate non-religious students or students of a different religion? |
Students from all religions or belief systems are accepted. |
Academics
| External examinations or assessments available |
IB Diploma, MAPS testing, International PISA test, and CAT4. |
| Results in these examinations |
International PISA, our students outperformed UAE students by more than 100 points. Since the last three years all grades who wrote the MAPS test have outperformed UAE students and International students in Math, Reading and Science. |
| Do teachers assign homework to their students? |
Yes |
| Approximate hours of homework given |
Dependent on the grade |
| Percentage of students who pursue further education post-graduation |
89% going directly to University; 11% going to military or taking a GAP year |
Student support
| Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs |
Yes, ELL (English Language Learning) and LS (learning support) offered at no extra cost |
| Learning support offered |
Children with a range of learning preferences, including students of determination (students with mild learning needs and disabilities), students who are gifted and talented and students who are English Language Learners, are welcome to join GAA. Parents are asked to share full details of any special educational needs, individual education plans (IEPs) and any Educational Psychologist, Pediatric, or other specialist reports (e.g., Speech and Language or Occupational Therapy) if completed. Sharing educational history with GEMS American Academy prior to a place being offered is essential so that staff can ensure an appropriate assessment of educational need, educational plan and resourcing is in place. Students are not refused admission based only on their experience of a special education need or disability (SEND) and sibling priority for admission is extended to students who experience SEND. Staff follow ADEK guidance and procedures for scenarios where, very rarely, it may not be in the best interests of the child to be placed in GEMS American Academy. This information will be shared with the ADEK, following expected procedures. |
| The school supports gifted, able and talented students |
At GAA we are proud of our efforts to meet the needs of each student. This includes students who are identified as gifted and talented, and students who have identified barriers to learning: learning challenges or disabilities,
Our KG-12 team of professionals include: Instructional Coaches (ELL Support and Learning Support)
|
| Student access to education psychologist |
Yes |
Admissions
| Entry evaluation for students |
Yes |
| Brief description of entry evaluation required |
Grade 1: All applicants for Grade 1 are assessed in basic literacy and numeracy skills with the school counselor. Social - emotional and behavioral development will be also evaluated. Grade 2-6: All applicants for Grades 2 to Grade 6 are assessed in literacy and numeracy as part of the admissions process. GAA conducts assessments using the standardized MAP (Measure of Academic Progress) test. MAP is a computer- based testing system built on 30 years of research and refinement. Based on the information received from the measures, students may be asked to meet with a counselor to gain more information about the student’s ability to benefit from the curriculum at GAA. English Language proficiency and/or learning skills may be assessed upon recommendation by school personnel. Grade 7-12: All applicants for Grades 7 to Grade 12 are assessed in literacy and numeracy as part of the admissions process. Students will take the standardized MAP. In addition, students are required to take Math and Writing assessments. The Secondary academic program offers specific courses at specific grade levels. A review of student transcripts is necessary to determine if a student is qualified to participate in the GAA curricular program. |
| Waiting list |
Yes, in certain grades |
| Deadline for registration (new academic year) |
No deadline |
| Students can join after academic year begins |
Yes |
School day
| School start time |
7:45am |
| School finish time |
KG: 2:45pm
|
| Supervised care before/after school |
No |
| School bus service available |
Yes |
| School provided lunches |
We have a Catering company who can delivery purchased lunches for KG - Grade 5 and Grades 6 - 12 can purchase meals from the Cafeteria. |
| Food alternatives for special dietary needs (ie. vegan, kosher, halal etc) |
The Cafeteria provides details to families to help them cater to their child's needs. All food served is halal. |
| Uniform required |
Yes |
Extracurricular activities
| Extracurricular activities or clubs offered |
We offer a host of paid activities for Kg - Grade 12 and students from Grade 1 - 12 also have many free activities to choose from. |
| Sports activities included |
Our PE program includes both traditional physical sports and swimming. We are also part of two local conferences and two international conferences for competition. |
| Sports teams or sport competitions available for students |
Yes |
Facilities
| Sports facilities at the school |
Sports hall with 2 full basketball courts
|
About the school
| Qualities and characteristics best defining the school |
Culture of Kindness is our number 1 school priority. We are recognized as one of the top Health & Wellness schools in Abu Dhabi. |
| Teaching approach of the school |
At GEMS American Academy (GAA) we provide each student with a holistic, inquiry based, engaging program of studies. We prepare each student to be an internationally minded citizen who takes action to contribute positively to their community and the world. Our Vision: We Inspire. We Challenge. We Innovate. We Care. Our program brings together the best curricula in the world incorporating International Baccalaureate (IB) Scope and Sequence, Project AERO (American Education Reaches Out/Common Core), National Arts Standards, and the UAE Ministry of Education. We are proud to be an IB World School offering the Primary Years Programme and Diploma Programme accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC); guided by the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK). |