Australian School of Abu Dhabi

The school follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) philosophy, aiming to develop knowledgeable, caring, and motivated global citizens. It emphasizes the IB Learner Profile, which encourages students to be principled, open-minded, and balanced. The school fosters a global mindset, encouraging students to explore diverse perspectives and engage with global issues.

The school offers the complete IB continuum: the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP), and the Diploma Programme (DP). The PYP focuses on inquiry-based learning across six transdisciplinary themes, while the MYP provides a broad curriculum including sciences, mathematics, arts, design, and physical education. The DP is a pre-university programme requiring six subjects, the Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge (TOK), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS). The school also provides instruction in Arabic, Islamic Studies, and Moral Education in accordance with UAE Ministry of Education requirements.

The school is rated 'Good' by ADEK/IRTIQAA and has received recognition for its promotion of UAE National Identity. Graduates are prepared for higher education through the IB Diploma Programme, which is recognized by universities worldwide. Alumni report that the IB curriculum fosters critical thinking, confidence, and academic maturity.

The school maintains a commitment to inclusivity, celebrating diversity and adapting to individual learner needs. A social worker is available to support student wellbeing, and the school employs a restorative approach to maintain a safe and supportive learning environment. There is a zero-tolerance policy for bullying.

The admissions process begins with an online application, followed by a review of the student's background and previous school reports (covering the last 2–3 years). The school may require assessments or interviews as part of the placement process. Required documentation includes copies of the student's and parents' Emirates IDs, the student's passport, a recent photograph, and a Transfer Certificate where applicable. Documents may require attestation by the UAE Embassy depending on the country of origin.

The 2025-2026 academic year begins for students on August 25, 2025, following specialized training for teaching staff. The calendar includes a mid-term break in October, a winter break from December 8, 2025, to January 4, 2026, and a spring break in March 2026. The academic year concludes on July 3, 2026, with end-of-year exams scheduled for June 15–24, 2026.

The campus features an indoor, heated 27-metre swimming pool with an adjacent 65 cm deep training pool, a fully air-conditioned gym, and a soccer field used for practice and competitions. The library provides resources for research and literacy, while the 620-seat auditorium supports assemblies, theatre productions, and conferences. Additional facilities include a Masjid for congregational prayer, a cafeteria providing daily breakfast and lunch, and a fleet of buses for student transport.

The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including participation in the Abu Dhabi Schools Champion competition and special events such as the Global Day festival. Physical education programs involve games, dance, and movement for primary students, while senior students have access to weight training equipment. The school also emphasizes student agency through projects like the PYP Exhibition and the MYP Personal Project.