GEMS Dubai American Academy logo

GEMS Dubai American Academy

Part of GEMS Education, Secular, Founded 2000

Updated July 2026

Co-edGender
2,900Students
For-profitOwnership

Accreditations

Languages

English flagEnglishFrench flagFrenchSpanish flagSpanish

GEMS Dubai American Academy is a flagship American curriculum school in Dubai, serving a diverse community of over 2,900 students from 104 nationalities. It is the only American curriculum school in Dubai to have maintained an 'Outstanding' rating from the KHDA since 2011.

Term structure

Three terms

Teaching approach

The school emphasizes an individualized approach to learning, aiming to empower students to become leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs. It fosters a culture of kindness and integrity, focusing on the development of the whole person. The educational approach is future-focused, embedding creative design, robotics, and digital fluency into the core curriculum.

Programmes

The school offers an enriched American curriculum from KG1 to Grade 12, leading to an American High School Diploma. In the final two years of high school, students have the option to concurrently pursue the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma. Additionally, a select number of Advanced Placement (AP) courses are available to high school students.

Outcomes

The school has maintained an 'Outstanding' rating from the KHDA since 2011. Graduates consistently achieve strong results, with the Class of 2024 achieving an average IB score of 34 points and a 96% pass rate. Students are prepared for university success through a rigorous academic program and a focus on future-ready skills.

Student support

EAL support
Paid add-on
Learning support
Dedicated department

Learning support

The school provides student care and support services, including high school counseling and a health clinic. An inclusion program is available to support diverse learning needs. Additionally, an English Language Learner (ELL) program is offered for an additional annual fee of AED 10,000 for eligible students from KG2 to Grade 12.

Frequently asked questions(5)
What curriculum does GEMS Dubai American Academy offer?
GEMS Dubai American Academy offers IB Diploma and Advanced Placement.
How much is tuition at GEMS Dubai American Academy?
Annual tuition at GEMS Dubai American Academy is AED 66.2K–AED 93.3K. Fees vary by year group — confirm the current schedule with the school.
What accreditations does GEMS Dubai American Academy hold?
GEMS Dubai American Academy holds accreditations including IB.
Is GEMS Dubai American Academy co-educational?
GEMS Dubai American Academy is a co-ed school.
Where is GEMS Dubai American Academy located?
GEMS Dubai American Academy is an international school in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Tuition & fees

Annual tuition by grade

2025-2026
Annual tuition by grade
GradeAgesAnnual
KG 1AED 66.2K
KG 2AED 66.2K
GR 1 - GR 12AED 93.3K
Other fees(7)
Other fees
Application fee· AED 500 plus AED 25 VAT. Refundable if the school does not offer a place, non-refundable if offered but declined, not deductible from tuition.AED 525
Deposit· 10% of the total tuition fees, deductible from the total tuition fees for the academic year. Non-refundable.
Deposit· 5% of the total tuition fees, deductible from the total tuition fees for the academic year. Non-refundable.
EAL· For K2 - Grade 12, applicable for AY 2026-2027 in addition to school fees for students in the English Language Learner Program (ELL).AED 10K
Uniform· Not included in school fees
Bus / transport· Not included in school fees
Meals· Not included in school fees

Discounts

  • Sibling discount: 15% - 25%
  • Full-payment discount: up to 3%

Admissions

The school accepts applications for students from KG1 through Grade 12. The admissions process involves an online application, with a non-refundable application fee of AED 525. Upon receiving an offer, a non-refundable registration deposit of 10% of the total tuition is required to secure a seat. Prospective families are encouraged to book a campus tour or utilize the virtual admissions center.

Calendar

The academic year typically runs from late August to early July. The calendar includes major breaks such as Winter Break in December and January, and Spring Break in March. It also features various school events, including back-to-school nights, parent-teacher conferences, and student-led conferences, alongside public and national holidays.

Facilities

Swimming poolSports fieldGymnasiumPlaygroundLibraryScience labsArt roomMusic roomTheatre / auditorium

About the campus

Located on a 23-acre campus in Al Barsha, the school features state-of-the-art infrastructure including a 50m Olympic pool, a 400m running track, a large gymnasium, and various playing fields. Performing arts facilities include theaters and dedicated studios for music and arts. The campus also houses a student wellbeing center, an enhanced canteen, and specialized labs for robotics and AI.

Co-curriculars

The school offers over 50 after-school activities per term for students from KG2 to Grade 8. Programs include the Duke of Edinburgh Award, athletics, arts, and Creativity, Action, Service (CAS). Students also participate in competitive events, such as the Greenpower electric kit car race, and regional activities like the MESAC seasons.

  • Helen Pereira-Raso
    Helen Pereira-RasoSuperintendent/CEO

    Helen Pereira-Raso serves as the Superintendent of GEMS Dubai American Academy. She is recognized for leading the school community in maintaining high standards of academic excellence, values-based education, and innovation.

  • Mike GilmourDeputy Superintendent

    Mike Gilmour is the Deputy Superintendent of GEMS Dubai American Academy. He holds a master’s degree in educational leadership from Monash University and previously worked in leadership positions in Singapore for ten years.

  • Anne RowlandsDirector of Student Achievement K-12

    Anne Rowlands joined DAA in 2017 and serves as the Director of Student Achievement K-12. She holds a Master of Science in Educational Technology and a Bachelor of Education, with extensive experience in IB and A-Level programs.

  • Regan MooreMiddle School Assistant Principal

    Regan Moore is the Middle School Assistant Principal, entering her second year in this leadership role. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Middle Level Science and Social Studies Education and a Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instructional Technology.

  • Dr. Sarah VerdoiaHigh School Assistant Principal, Curriculum & Assessment

    Dr. Sarah Verdoia serves as the High School Assistant Principal, Curriculum & Assessment. She holds a PhD in applied and general linguistics and has extensive experience as an IB Diploma Programme Coordinator and educator.

  • Tanya BoudakianMiddle School Dean of Students

    Tanya Boudakian is the Middle School Dean of Students at DAA. She has held various roles at the school since 2017, including teacher and Head of Department, and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Educational Leadership.

  • Dr. Mirrah Agha KandilGroup Medical Director

    Dr. Mirrah Agha Kandil is the Group Medical Director at GEMS Education and has been part of the GEMS community for over 13 years. She is a physician with over 20 years of experience and a background in surgery.

  • Rijesh KumarDirector of Integrated Learning Systems

    Rijesh Kumar is the Director of Integrated Learning Systems at DAA. He has over 19 years of experience in IT infrastructure and holds certifications in Microsoft, Apple, Google, and CISCO technologies.