
Summit International School, Abu Dhabi
Updated July 2026
Languages
Summit International School is an international K-12 institution in Abu Dhabi dedicated to providing a rigorous, individualized education. It focuses on cultivating academic success and personal development within a supportive, diverse community.
Curriculum
Teaching approach
The school aims to create a safe and happy environment that fosters individualized learning through active instruction and reflective teaching. It strives to provide students with the confidence, creativity, and opportunities for growth necessary to excel in a global society.
Programmes
The school offers a comprehensive curriculum spanning Kindergarten through Grade 12. The academic programme is designed to be rigorous and is supported by an international teaching staff proficient in English, Arabic, and French. High school students have access to a specific course catalog and a defined graduate profile to prepare them for future success.
Student support
Learning support
The school emphasizes individualized learning pathways and provides counseling services to support student well-being. Pastoral care is integrated into the school's structure to ensure students receive necessary guidance and support.
Tuition & fees
Annual tuition by grade
2026-27| Grade | Ages | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| KG1 | 4–4 | AED 23.5K |
| KG2 | 5–5 | AED 24.5K |
| G1 | 6–6 | AED 28.4K |
| G2 | 7–7 | AED 28.4K |
| G3 | 8–8 | AED 30.7K |
| G4 | 9–9 | AED 30.7K |
| G5 | 10–10 | AED 33.5K |
| G6 | 11–11 | AED 33.5K |
| G7 | 12–12 | AED 33.5K |
| G8 | 13–13 | AED 33.5K |
| G9 | 14–14 | AED 35.2K |
| G10 | 15–15 | AED 36.7K |
| G11 | 16–16 | AED 36.7K |
| G12 | 17–17 | AED 36.7K |
Source:PDFSchool-Fees-2026-27.pdfPDFSIS-HIGH-SCHOOL-PROFILE-2023-2024-1.pdfPDFSummit-International-High-School-Course-Catalog.pdfPDFSchool-Fees-by-Term-2026-27.pdf
Other fees(4)
| Registration fee· Registration fee of 1,000 AED is included in the annual tuition fee total. | AED 1K |
|---|---|
| Uniform· Uniform fee for all grades. | AED 680 |
| Bus / transport· Bus fee for all grades, to be paid at the beginning of the school year. | AED 5K |
| Materials· Book fees vary by grade: G1-G2: 1,200 AED, G3-G4: 1,400 AED, G5-G8: 1,600 AED, G9-G10: 2,000 AED, G11-G12: 2,200 AED. KG1 and KG2 have no book fees. | — |
Discounts
- Sibling discount: 10%
- Full-payment discount: 2%
Admissions
The school maintains an open admissions process, with registration information and forms available online. Prospective families can access details regarding admission criteria, school fees, and uniform requirements through the school's website.
Calendar
The school follows an academic calendar aligned with ADEK requirements. Specific dates for the 2026/27 academic year are provided to families to assist with planning.
Facilities
About the campus
The campus features specialized learning environments including chemistry, biology, and physics labs, as well as a visual arts studio and a library with e-library resources. Sports and recreational facilities include a swimming pool, a fitness room with weight machines, and both indoor and outdoor multi-use courts and fields. The school provides gender-specific playgrounds and cafeterias for middle and high school students, along with an auditorium and locker rooms.
Co-curriculars
Student life includes a variety of activities such as student council participation, anti-bullying ambassador programs, and outreach initiatives. The school also hosts weekly assemblies and recognizes student achievements through special subject awards.






Mr. Lee DabagiaPrincipalMr. Lee Dabagia has over 25 years of experience in teaching and leading in the United States and the UAE. He holds multiple degrees, including a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Indiana State University and certificates in Urban School Leadership and School Turnaround from Harvard University.
Dr. Stephen AppeaVice-Principal and Head of SecondaryDr. Stephen Appea is an experienced international K-12 school leader with 25 years of experience in the USA and 10 years in the UAE. He holds a PhD in Educational Psychology from the Graduate Center of the City University of New York and is an advocate for educational technology and emotional intelligence.
Mr. Ian PowerDirector of Assessment & Student ServicesMr. Ian Power has 10 years of teaching experience, including 6 years at Summit International School. He is originally from Ireland and holds a Bachelor’s degree in History and Irish Language along with a Postgraduate Degree in Primary Education.
- Ms. Kimberly BarkerKG & Elementary Coordinator
Ms. Kimberly Barker has worked in Early Childhood Education for 11 years in both the USA and the UAE. She holds a BA in Social Studies and an MS in Education with a focus on inclusion.
Ms. AyatMiddle & High School Arabic CoordinatorMs. Ayat is an Arabic teacher and coordinator for middle and high school with 29 years of teaching experience across the UAE, Kuwait, and Egypt. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Arabic and an educational diploma, and is certified by the Ministry of Education in Egypt, the UAE, and Kuwait.
Ms. Hadeel YounisElementary Arabic Coordinator
Mr. Gul KhanPastoral Care Coordinator
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