Choosing the right Abu Dhabi international school for your child is an exciting opportunity to shape their future. With a clear, structured approach, the process can feel simple and empowering. In this guide, you will learn how ratings from the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) work, the typical fee structure, admission eligibility criteria, different curricula, and much more.
By the end of this guide, you will be able to pick the best Abu Dhabi international school for your child confidently and visit schools with a clear plan in mind.
- Things to consider when shortlisting an Abu Dhabi international school
- How do ADEK ratings help in comparing the quality of a school?
- Which curricula are offered in Abu Dhabi schools?
- What is the fee structure, and what additional costs should you expect?
- How to ensure that safety compliances are followed in school transportation?
- Do Abu Dhabi international schools meet inclusivity needs?
- What are the best places to live for an easier commute to schools?
- What is the systematic process for choosing an Abu Dhabi international school?
- Key takeaways
- FAQs
Things to consider when shortlisting an Abu Dhabi international school
When you are shortlisting the top-rated school in Abu Dhabi, there are five most important factors that you need to consider. These include:
1. Quality of education
Private schools in Abu Dhabi are rated on a scale of “Outstanding” to “Very Weak” by ADEK. There are six points on the scale and “Good” is expected from all private schools while “Acceptable” is the minimum rating they need to have. Use these ratings to shortlist schools.
2. Curriculum
Abu Dhabi schools offer a wide range of curricula. You can find schools with UK, US, IB and CBSE curricula. Based on your child’s learning habits and your university plans for them, choose the curriculum and school.
3. Fee structure
There is a huge variation in school fee structures across the emirate. Typically, transportation, books and uniform costs are not included in the fee structure. The school fee in Abu Dhabi can start from 2,200 AED and can go beyond 96,000 AED per year. The fee structure can change based on facilities, location, curriculum and many other factors. Before you finalise, make sure that you have checked the ADEK-approved fee structure of the school.
4. Meeting diverse needs
The ADEK inclusion Policy outlined clear expectations for 2025-2026, stating that every school should meet the diverse needs of students. Check whether the school transparently shares inclusion provisions. See if they have staff to cater to students’ special needs. Lastly, make sure that the school is open to making reasonable adjustments in case a child needs special attention.
Safety
The school transportation systems follow strict safety protocols by ITC and ADEK. In addition, the school transportation system is supposed to adhere to the School Bus Route guideline. Check the pickup and drop-off procedures followed by the school and their compliance with the guidelines and protocols.
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How do ADEK ratings help in comparing the quality of a school?
The Irtiqa programme by ADEK evaluates the school on different parameters. These include achievement of the students, personal development, curriculum followed, teaching and compliance with safety protocols for children and the leadership of the school. There are six ratings given by ADEK – Very Weak, Weak, Acceptable, Good, Very Good and Outstanding. The expectation from every school is to at least qualify for a Good rating, while Acceptable is the minimum that they have to achieve. Make sure you have the latest published rating of schools while you are making a decision.
Which curricula are offered in Abu Dhabi schools?
There are several curricula offered in Abu Dhabi schools. Therefore, based on your child’s needs and learning patterns, pick one. The most common curricula found in an Abu Dhabi international school are:
1. UK curriculum
This curriculum leads to A-Levels and provides a General Certificate of Secondary Education. It focuses on in-depth knowledge of the subject for students over 16 years of age and is recognised by universities throughout the world. Some of the schools in Abu Dhabi that follow the British curriculum are British School Al Khubairat (BSAK), Brighton College Abu Dhabi, Yasmina British Academy, and Cranleigh Abu Dhabi.
2. US curriculum
This curriculum standardises grades based on a credit system. Schools with this curriculum offer AP courses for university credit and placement. Abu Dhabi schools offering the US curriculum include the American Community School of Abu Dhabi, GEMS American Academy, Yas American Academy, and American International School in Abu Dhabi.
3. IB curriculum
Schools with an IB curriculum are inquiry-led and globally acceptable. These schools can offer more than one programme. These include Raha International School, American Community School, GEMS World Academy, Emirates National Schools and American International School in Abu Dhabi.
4. CBSE
Schools offering the CBSE curriculum have a structured progression up to the 10th standard and 12th standard. These schools are good for your children if you are India-based and plan to return there someday. Some of the schools in Abu Dhabi that offer this curriculum include Abu Dhabi Indian School (ADIS), Abu Dhabi Indian School, Bright Riders School, and Mayoor Private School.
What is the fee structure, and what additional costs should you expect?
Depending on the curriculum and the phase you are going for, the tuition fee in Abu Dhabi schools ranges from 2,200 AED to 96,000 AED per year. Every school has its ADEK-approved fee structure, which you must check before shortlisting.
Transportation costs, uniforms, exam fees, and fees for additional activities are not included in tuition. For these charges, check the school’s fee policy.
In some schools, merit and sibling discounts are available. Ask for the latest policy and eligibility criteria for these rebates.
Before you finalise your decision about a school, make sure you have read the latest inspection report by ADEK and know the size of the class and the qualifications of the staff. A higher fee does not always mean that the school has to be good.
How to ensure that safety compliances are followed in school transportation?
Every vehicle used for school transportation should meet the mechanical checks set by ADEK and ITC. The same standards apply to personnel training and speed limits. You can ask the school to show the bus provider’s license, supervisor ratio, and route plans.
You should ensure the incident reporting protocols are followed and that the GPS/attendance systems are used.
Do Abu Dhabi international schools meet inclusivity needs?
From 2025 onwards, ADEK’s Inclusive Policy has directed schools to accommodate students’ diverse needs. These changes include identifying such students, training staff, and accommodating reasonable adjustments. When you tour the school, you can request that the school show its inclusion policy and examine its assessment and support plans.
What are the best places to live for an easier commute to schools?
Families living in Abu Dhabi mostly prefer budget homes within an easy commute distance from schools and other amenities. You can use Property Finder’s Data Guru to find and compare the best communities around schools. While searching for schools, you can simultaneously use Data Guru to see which communities offer the best amenities around the school of your liking.
You can also use Data Guru to get insights into different areas of Abu Dhabi and find the best deal for yourself. For instance, insights from Property Finder analysis show that communities such as Khalifa City and Mohamed Bin Zayed City are the most preferred locations for families in Abu Dhabi. Use these insights to find your family a home that they will love.
Explore: Abu Dhbai Insights via Data Guru
What is the systematic process for choosing an Abu Dhabi international school?
To approach the school search in a systematic way, you must follow these steps:
1. Know the non-negotiables
Make a list of the curricula you want. Then move on to the budgeting part, your preferred location and whether or not you need the school to have an inclusion policy. Once you have the priority list, move on to the search.
2. Use ADEK directory
The ADEK directory allows you to make a long list of schools and their inspection ratings. Filter out the schools with a Good+ rating.
3. Check eligibility
Once you have a list of schools you wish to explore, check their age cut-offs and availability for the academic year.
4. Know the fee structure and other costs
You should then check the ADEK fee sheet of the shortlisted schools. You must also check the transportation charges and other fees that are usually not included in the tuition fee.
5. Plan your visit
Plan your visit and observe the learning sessions. Also, check amenities such as libraries, playgrounds, and labs. You can then ask to see the school’s inclusion policy.
6. Ensure safety protocols in the school
See if safety protocols are followed with school transportation and ask to see the processes for incident reporting.
7. Check commute time
Check Data Guru to look for the best communities around the school and the commute time to the school. You can also check rents around the area to ensure alignment between your school and housing decision.
Explore: Best Areas to Stay in Abu Dhabi for Families
8. Make an informed decision
Base your decision on the ratings, commute time, cost of living in the area and the overall outcome for your child.
Key takeaways
Finalising an Abu Dhabi International school is easy to find when you base your research on ADEK ratings. There are several other factors, such as curriculum, commute time and fee structure, that can help you navigate the entire process smoothly.
Schools in Abu Dhabi have a set age cut-off. Therefore, it is important to check eligibility at an early stage of your research and plan to submit admission applications on time.
In most schools, tuition does not include transportation, uniforms, or other activity costs. Before you finalise, make sure you have read the school policy regarding these additional costs.
While you are choosing the best school for your child, it is also important to keep looking for the best neighbourhoods around the school to save commute time. Use Data Guru to find the best communities that are within your budget and provide the best amenities.
FAQs
Visit the school at least twice before you finalise. Your first visit can be during a lesson session to observe the teaching style. Your second visit can be after school to see how dispersal is done and what the traffic conditions of the area are. You can make a checklist that is based on priorities by ADEK and the needs of your child.
Abu Dhabi international schools start accepting registrations months in advance. The age cut-offs in Abu Dhabi schools are strictly adhered to. Therefore, make sure you have checked the eligibility in advance and filled out the registration before the spots fill.
Check the school’s latest ratings by ADEK. The latest inspection reports help you set narratives and decide the outcomes. You can then go to Data Guru and see which school has the best communities to save commute time.
Explore the best places to live near the schools you have shortlisted. Use Data Guru to help you choose the communities by giving price comparisons and all the necessary insights. Once you are ready to visit the properties, contact a SuperAgent to see verified listings and help you through the entire renting process. This will help you ensure that your school and housing decisions are in alignment.
