
GEMS Modern Academy
Part of GEMS Education, Founded 1986
Updated July 2026
Curriculum
Languages
GEMS Modern Academy is an 'Outstanding' rated international school in Dubai offering a dual-pathway curriculum that combines the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework with the Indian CISCE curriculum. It serves students from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12.
Curriculum
Teaching approach
The school's vision is to inspire children to be positive change-makers. It emphasizes the development of the whole child, balancing academic rigor with care, and tradition with innovation. The educational approach fosters curiosity, courage, and creativity, encouraging students to become inquirers both within the classroom and in the wider world.
Programmes
The school offers a dual-pathway curriculum: the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) for students aged 3 to 12 (Pre-KG to Grade 5), and the CISCE curriculum for Grades 6-12, preparing students for the ICSE (Grade 10) and ISC (Grade 12) examinations. Additionally, the school is an IB World School authorized to offer the IB Diploma Programme (DP) and holds candidacy for the Middle Years Programme (MYP). The language of instruction is English.
Outcomes
GEMS Modern Academy has been rated 'Outstanding' by the KHDA since 2011. Students consistently achieve high academic results and secure placements at prestigious global universities, including institutions in the UK, the US, India, and the UAE. The school also celebrates individual student achievements, such as perfect SAT scores and recognition from international talent programs like the Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth.
Student support
Learning support
The school provides dedicated student care and support, including inclusion services, career counselling, and pastoral care. These initiatives are designed to ensure student safety, well-being, and preparation for the future. The school employs a restorative approach to behaviour management and maintains robust safeguarding and counselling frameworks.
Frequently asked questions(3)
- What curriculum does GEMS Modern Academy offer?
- GEMS Modern Academy offers IB PYP, IB MYP and IB Diploma.
- What accreditations does GEMS Modern Academy hold?
- GEMS Modern Academy holds accreditations including IB and CIS.
- Where is GEMS Modern Academy located?
- GEMS Modern Academy is an international school in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Tuition & fees
No published fee schedule was found for this school.
Admissions
The school manages a high volume of applicants and encourages early application for available places. The admissions process includes an online registration, a mandatory application fee, and a registration deposit upon receiving a formal offer. Prospective families are invited to participate in school tours to learn about the curriculum and view the campus facilities.
Calendar
The school operates on an academic calendar with key dates provided to assist families in planning their terms. Fees are not collected during the months of July and August. Tuition fees are due prior to the start of the academic year and are payable in advance of attendance.
Facilities
About the campus
The campus in Nad Al Sheba, Dubai, is designed to facilitate learning and the development of new competencies. Facilities include an auditorium, library, computer labs, a music class, a primary learning centre, a makerspace, an innovation centre, and a chemistry lab. Sports and arts amenities feature a dance studio, a synthetic track, a basketball court, and a swimming pool, alongside a "Planter's Patch" for environmental education.
Co-curriculars
The school offers a comprehensive extra-curricular program designed to support all-round development, including sports, arts, and leadership opportunities. Students participate in activities such as the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, national games, competitions, and debates. The school also features a unique Day Boarding System that incorporates an Integrated Curriculum Enrichment (ICE) period, which includes supervised study sessions, clubs, and games.






- Sydney Michael AtkinsPrincipal
Sydney has over fourteen years of experience in teaching and leadership, having served in various roles at GEMS Modern Academy since 2008, including Academic Coordinator and Senior Supervisor. He holds a degree in Communication from Trinity College, London, and is a certified Leading-Edge Digital Educator. He returned to GEMS Modern Academy as Vice Principal in 2020 before becoming Principal.
- John GomesVice Principal & Allegations Manager
John joined GEMS Modern Academy in 1990 as a Mathematics and Chemistry teacher and has held numerous leadership roles over 34 years, including House Master, Dean of Studies, and Supervisor. He holds an M.Sc. and B.Ed., and has completed leadership programs at Harvard Business School and IIM Kolkata.
- Malini MuraliHead of Secondary School & Dean of Assessment & Data
Malini has been at GEMS Modern Academy for 19 years, previously serving as Head of the Computer Science department. In her current role, she focuses on data-informed instruction, managing the school's MIS portal, and coordinating academic data analysis to monitor student progress.
- Priyadarshini PrakashHead of Middle School & Teaching and Learning Coach
Priyadarshini joined GEMS Modern Academy in 2005, serving as a teacher and Academic Coordinator before joining the Senior Leadership Team in 2016. She is a science and math expert who has led initiatives in STEAM, inquiry-based science, and the transition to the PYP curriculum.
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IB PYP
CIS