Are you searching for the best private schools in Abu Dhabi for your children? You’re in the right place, as Abu Dhabi offers many excellent private schools that you can consider for the education of your children. Each school aims to provide high-quality education and a nurturing environment.
Scroll down to view the list of private schools in Abu Dhabi.
- American Community School of Abu Dhabi
- Bateen World Academy
- Canadian International School
- Cranleigh Abu Dhabi
- Merryland International School
- Muna British Academy
- The British School Al Khubairat
- Yasmina British Academy
- FAQs
Top Private Schools in Abu Dhabi
Let’s take a look at some of the best private schools in Abu Dhabi and learn more about them.
1. American Community School of Abu Dhabi
American Community School of Abu Dhabi is one of the best private schools in Abu Dhabi. It is a non-profit, co-educational school founded in 1972. It follows an American standards-based curriculum, with English as the medium of instruction.
It has an international student body of approximately 1,200 students from over 80 countries. Its core values are Courage, Curiosity, Compassion and Integrity, and its four pillars include academics, the arts, athletics and service.
In addition to academics, the school offers numerous extracurricular activities, which align with its pillars of arts, athletics and service. Some of the facilities on its campus include:
- Design Technology Labs
- Greenhouse
- 650-seat Professional Theatre
- Indoor-Outdoor Art Studio and Gallery
- Two Swimming Pools
- Three Indoor Basketball Courts
- A FIFA-Sized Football Pitch
Location
Saadiyat Promenade, Al Saadiyat Island
Curriculum
American
ADEK Rating
Outstanding
Grades
KG 1 to Grade 12
Annual Tuition Fees
KG 1 to Grade 12: AED 52,092 to AED 94,794
Contact Information
+971-2-681-5115
2. Bateen World Academy
Bateen World Academy is also one of the top private schools in Abu Dhabi. Established in 2011, it is a multicultural and multireligious, co-educational school. Bateen World Academy is a family-oriented school that provides all its students with a safe and happy environment.
Its student body consists of approximately 1,000 students from various nationalities and religions. Besides classroom learning, Bateen World Academy offers its students a large variety of extracurricular activities. The extracurricular activities range from sports to music, drama and cultural activities.
The facilities on its campus include:
- 3G Astroturf Sports Field
- Multipurpose Auditorium
- Sports Hall
- Dance Studio
- An Indoor 25 Metre Swimming Pool
- Basketball Court
- Netball Courts
Location
35 Al Najah Street, Al Manhal
Curriculum
British and International Baccalaureate (IB)
ADEK Rating
Outstanding
Grades
FS 1 to Year 13
Annual Tuition Fees
FS 1 to Year 13: AED 54,000 to AED 75,310
Contact Information
+971-2-813-2000
3. Canadian International School
Canadian International School is among the best Abu Dhabi private schools. It was founded in 2007 and follows the Alberta Program of Study, famous for its Inquiry-Based Learning approach. If you are looking for an exceptional private school in Khalifa City A, Canadian International School is your best bet.
Its three-storey main building accommodates around 1,000 students from over 70 nationalities. In addition to studies, Canadian International School offers many extracurricular activities, including swimming, music, art, dance and sports.
Some of the facilities on campus include:
- Art Rooms
- Music Rooms
- Swimming Pools
- Gymnasiums
- Outdoor Fields
Location
Khalifa City A
Curriculum
Canadian
ADEK Rating
Outstanding
Grades
KG 1 to Grade 12
Annual Tuition Fees
KG 1 to Grade 12: AED 39,010 to AED 51,820
Contact Information
+971-2-556-4206
4. Cranleigh Abu Dhabi
Cranleigh Abu Dhabi was established in 2014 and follows the British curriculum. It is one of the best British schools in Abu Dhabi. It employs a host of creative and innovative teaching methods to instil the love of learning among students. The school aims to make students think and learn for themselves.
Its state-of-the-art campus accommodates approximately 2,000 students. Cranleigh Abu Dhabi awards scholarships to students who excel in academics, sports, performing arts, or are representatives of UAE culture and heritage.
The various facilities on campus include:
- Multiple Sports Courts
- Two Swimming Pools
- A Dance Studio
- Performing Arts Centre
- Recording Studio
Location
Near Manarat Al Saadiyat, Al Saadiyat Island
Curriculum
British
ADEK Rating
Outstanding
Grades
FS 1 to Year 13
Annual Tuition Fees
FS 1 to Year 13: AED 69,670 to AED 103,260
Contact Information
+971-2-497-0000
5. Merryland International School
Merryland International School was established in 1978 and is accredited by the University of Cambridge. It is one of the top schools in Musaffah, Abu Dhabi. Its founder laid out three ‘D’ principles of ‘Divinity, Dedication and Discipline’ to guide the curriculum of the school.
The school aims to shape the future generations of UAE citizens and expats into responsible members of the global society. It organises its variety of extracurricular activities via clubs, including the Eco Club, the Debate Club, the Robotics Club, the Poetry Society and others.
Merryland International School is one of the more affordable private schools in Abu Dhabi, charging fees that are comparatively lower. They offer the following facilities on their campus:
- Robotics Labs
- Gym
- Multiple Outdoor and Indoor Play Areas
Location
Musaffah, Sector 9, Mohamed Bin Zayed City
Curriculum
Cambridge International Curriculum (CAIE)
ADEK Rating
Outstanding
Grades
KG 1 to Grade 12
Annual Tuition Fees
KG 1 to Grade 12: AED 25,540 to AED 45,460
Contact Information
+971-2-551-9626
6. Muna British Academy
Muna British Academy was founded in 2009 and follows the British curriculum. This school is for children from Nursery to Year 6. Its values include Excellence, Creativity, Passion, Respect and Collaboration. These values aim to mould the children into responsible citizens of the global society.
The school offers many extracurricular activities to its students. There are some great facilities available on the campus, such as:
- Large Astro-Turf Field
- Outdoor Swimming Pool
- Large Multi-Purpose Hall and Gym
- Outdoor Play Area
- Swimming Pools
- Jogging Tracks
- Junior and Senior Football Pitches
- Indoor Sports Hall
- Auditorium
- Science and Technology Labs
- Drama Studio
- Dance Studio
Location
Zayed The First Street, Al Danah, Zone 1
Curriculum
British
ADEK Rating
Outstanding
Grades
FS1 to Year 7
Annual Tuition Fees
FS1 to Year 7: AED 50,936 to AED 56,538
Contact Information
+971-2-501-4777
7. The British School Al Khubairat (BSAK)
Known as one of the best private schools in Abu Dhabi, The British School Al Khubairat was founded in 1968. The school emphasises core values such as Endeavour & Resilience, Curiosity, Critical Thinking, Empathy & Care and Respect & Inclusivity.
The student population of this school is around 1,900, and it has a spacious campus to accommodate all of its students. The British School Al Khubairat also has lots of extracurricular activities for its students, including music, drama, art and sports.
Some of the facilities on campus are:
- Auditorium
- Theatre
- Grass Pitch
Location
Off Airport Road, towards Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club
Curriculum
British
ADEK Rating
Outstanding
Grades
FS 1 to Year 13
Annual Tuition Fees
FS 1 to Year 13: AED 44,450 to AED 72,740
Contact Information
+971-2-204-0200
8. Yasmina British Academy
Yasmina British Academy is also one of the best private schools in Abu Dhabi. It was founded in 2008 and follows the British curriculum. It integrates core values such as creativity, collaboration, excellence, respect and passion into all aspects of school life.
When it comes to extracurricular activities, students can participate in music, art, dance, creative writing, drama, as well as sports such as football, touch rugby and more. Some of the facilities on campus are:
- Swimming Pools
- Astroturf Pitches
- Sports Halls
Location
Khalifa City, SW17
Curriculum
British
ADEK Rating
Outstanding
Grades
FS 1 to Year 13
Annual Tuition Fees
FS 1 to Year 13: AED 49,740 to AED 67,270
Contact Information
+971-2-501-4888
FAQs
Private schools in Abu Dhabi offer different types of curricula, including British, American, Canadian, International Baccalaureate (IB) or Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE).
There are various differences between public and private schools in Abu Dhabi. Public schools in Abu Dhabi are run by the government, while various private organisations run private schools. Additionally, the medium of instruction at public schools is Arabic, whereas English is the first language in private schools in Abu Dhabi.
Many private schools in Abu Dhabi, including American Community School of Abu Dhabi and Bateen World Academy, offer transport facilities. You can view the school’s website or call to confirm.
Now that you know more about private schools in Abu Dhabi, you can make an informed decision as to where you should enrol your child. Whether you want to go for a specific curriculum or location, you can decide based on your preference. Additionally, you can look at the top-rated schools in Abu Dhabi to get a more holistic view of the education scenario in the city.
