American International School Abu Dhabi

American International School Abu Dhabi – A Dual-Track Global Leader

📍 Location: Al Reehan, Abu Dhabi
🏫 Grades: Pre-K to Grade 12 (All-through)
🎓 Curriculum: IB PYP, IB DP, US High School Diploma, Common Core
💰 Fees: AED 31,870 – AED 57,940 (Avg. ~AED 48,000)
👫 Gender: Co-educational (KG & Elementary) / Gender-segregated (Middle & High)
📊 Rating: Very Good (ADEK)
🌍 Nationalities: 60+
📅 Academic Year: September – July
🏢 Established: 1995
🏢 Operator: ESOL Education
🇺🇸 Teacher Base: Primarily US-trained educators

🌟 Overview

Founded in 1995, the American International School in Abu Dhabi (AISA) is one of the UAE's longest-standing and most respected international schools. Operated by ESOL Education, a family-owned education provider with schools across the Middle East and Cyprus, AISA was among the first schools in the capital to blend the US curriculum with the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, making it a true pioneer in dual-pathway education.

Today, AISA is home to around 1,400 students from over 60 nationalities, making it one of Abu Dhabi's most diverse educational communities.

📘 Academic Pathways

AISA offers a unique dual-track curriculum, allowing students to choose between the US High School Diploma and the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) in the senior years.

📚 Key Curriculum Stages:

• 🧒 Early Childhood & Elementary: IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) + US Common Core

• 🧑‍🏫 Middle School: US Curriculum (AERO & Common Core Standards)

• 🎓 High School Options:
  • US High School Diploma (Accredited by MSA-CESS)
  • IB Diploma Programme (Grades 11–12)
  • IB Prep (Grade 10)

AISA also uses MAP® testing to personalize learning, assess growth, and guide academic support. The school is known for strong math and reading outcomes, particularly in Grades 1, 2, 9, and 10.

🤝 Student Support & Wellbeing

AISA places strong emphasis on individualized learning and emotional development through:

• 🎯 Learning Support for mild/moderate needs

• 📘 ELL Program for non-native English speakers

• 🧠 Counseling services (academic, social-emotional, college guidance)

• 💬 Parent workshops and 1:1 support sessions

The student-teacher ratio is approx. 1:10, ensuring personalized attention and small class sizes (max 22 students).

🏫 Facilities & Resources

Located 20 km from downtown Abu Dhabi in the Educational Zone, AISA’s well-maintained campus is designed to support student growth across academics, arts, and athletics:

• 📚 Library with 20,000+ books & eBooks

• 🎨 Art studios & computer labs

• 🧪 6 science labs

• 🏊 Swimming pool & gymnasiums

• ⚽ Outdoor courts & soccer field

• 💻 BYOD model for Grades 6–12 (Laptops/iPads)

The campus is described by inspectors as “bright, colorful, and inspiring,” with engaging student displays and high-quality artwork throughout.

🏅 Recognition & Rankings

AISA continues to earn praise from both regulators and parents:

• ✅ ADEK Rating: Very Good (2017–18, and prior)

• 🥇 Among the Top 3 IB Schools in Abu Dhabi

• 🏆 Ranked #4 in American Schools in Abu Dhabi

• 📈 Featured in:

  • #101 Best Schools in UAE

  • #20 Best Schools in Abu Dhabi

💵 Tuition Fees

AISA offers premium education at a moderate fee range for its curriculum type: