International Academic School
Secular, Founded 2003
Updated July 2026
Languages
International Academic School is an inclusive, student-centered school in Shakhbout City, Abu Dhabi, offering an academically rigorous program based on American and national standards. It serves students from Kindergarten through Grade 12, blending global educational perspectives with the values and traditions of the UAE.
Curriculum
Teaching approach
The school aims to create a safe, caring, world-class environment that empowers students through high-quality education while fostering pride in their own culture. It emphasizes core values of innovation, cooperation, perseverance, respect, and responsibility. The instructional approach is student-centered, inclusive, and adaptive, focusing on critical thinking and the development of lifelong learners who can adapt to a rapidly changing world.
Programmes
The school follows the American curriculum, incorporating Virginia standards and US Common Core State Standards for English and Mathematics, and Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) for science. The program is divided into four stages: Kindergarten (KG1-KG2), Elementary (Grades 1-5), Middle School (Grades 6-8), and High School (Grades 9-12). Core subjects include English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Arabic, and Islamic Studies, with additional offerings in Fine Arts, Technology, Business Studies, and World Languages. High school students work toward a US diploma, requiring the completion of core subjects and two electives per year.
Outcomes
Graduates from the school have gone on to attend various universities, including New York University, Ajman University, Korea University, Zayed University, and Yonsei University. Students pursue diverse specializations such as medical studies, ICT cybersecurity, business administration, political science, and environmental engineering.
Student support
Learning support
The school provides a supportive learning environment with staff dedicated to student success through personalized plans and follow-up activities. It offers support regarding child protection, health, and safety. Additionally, the school utilizes adaptive learning platforms and technology tools to connect students to the curriculum according to their individual learning levels and needs.
Tuition & fees
Annual tuition by grade
2021-2022| Grade | Ages | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| LKG1 | 4–4 | AED 30.3K |
| LKG2 | 5–5 | AED 30.3K |
| Grade 1 | 6–6 | AED 33.4K |
| Grade 2 | 7–7 | AED 33.4K |
| Grade 3 | 8–8 | AED 33.4K |
| Grade 4 | 9–9 | AED 33.4K |
| Grade 5 | 10–10 | AED 33.4K |
| Grade 6 | 11–11 | AED 36.5K |
| Grade 7 | 12–12 | AED 36.5K |
| Grade 8 | 13–13 | AED 36.5K |
| Grade 9 | 14–14 | AED 36.5K |
| Grade 10 | 15–15 | AED 40.7K |
| Grade 11 | 16–16 | AED 40.7K |
| Grade 12 | 17–17 | AED 40.7K |
Other fees(3)
| Bus / transport· Annual bus fee for all grades | AED 5K |
|---|---|
| Materials· Books fee varies by grade: 500 AED (LKG1), 650 AED (LKG2), 1,200 AED (Grades 1-4), 1,300 AED (Grade 5), 1,700 AED (Grade 6), 2,200 AED (Grade 7), 1,500 AED (Grades 8-9), 3,000 AED (Grade 10), 1,500 AED (Grades 11-12) | — |
| Uniform· Uniform fee varies by grade: 350 AED (LKG1-LKG2), 400 AED (Grades 1-5), 450 AED (Grades 6-9), 500 AED (Grades 10-12) | — |
Admissions
The admissions process involves submitting an online or walk-in application along with required documents, including passport and visa copies, Emirates ID, birth certificate, vaccination records, and previous school reports. Applicants must attend an interview and a computer-based entrance exam covering Mathematics, English, and Arabic. Upon passing, families receive an acceptance letter and must pay a 5% registration fee to secure a place. Registration is finalized through the ADEK eSIS system.
Calendar
The school provides a calendar accessible through its online portal, which outlines the academic year and key school events. Parents and students can log in to the school portal to view specific dates and schedules.
Facilities
About the campus
The campus features an indoor, fully air-conditioned gym, an art room, a music room, and science laboratories. Classrooms are equipped with smart interactive whiteboards and modern educational amenities. The school also provides outdoor areas and a canteen that adheres to strict quality and safety standards for food provision.
Co-curriculars
The school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities and elective courses designed to develop leadership skills, self-esteem, and individual talents. Options include ICT, computer programming, French, music, and academically focused after-school activities. Students also participate in educational visits, seminars, performances, and carnivals to enrich their learning experience.
- Jeffrey SykesPrincipal
Mr. Sykes serves as the Principal of the International Academic School. He emphasizes a model of educational excellence, focusing on critical thinking, student-centered learning, and a partnership between the school and families.
- Racha MustaphaVice Principal
Racha Mustapha is the Vice Principal of the International Academic School. She has 22 years of experience in education in the UAE, having grown up in Abu Dhabi and completed her education in Canada. She is committed to fostering a supportive environment that blends American curriculum excellence with UAE values.
- Ali Mohamed Al Badi Al DhaheriChairman
Ali Mohamed Al Badi Al Dhaheri serves as the Chairman of the International Academic School.
- Abdelhadi MohamedManaging Director
Abdelhadi Mohamed serves as the Managing Director of the International Academic School.
- Dr. AhmadExecutive Manager
Dr. Ahmad serves as the Executive Manager at the International Academic School and is noted for his support and cooperation with parents.
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