Types of Schools in Abu Dhabi
- Public and Private Schools
The public schools in Abu Dhabi follow the UAE national curriculum and serve mainly Emirati students. However, there are a majority of private schools in Abu Dhabi, catering to different nationalities by offering varied curricula and modern facilities.
Popular private schools in Abu Dhabi are - Repton School, Brighton College, Cranleigh, GEMS Education schools and The British School Al Khubairat.
- International Curriculum Schools
There is a strong emphasis on international education in Abu Dhabi. Parents have a choice between British (IGCSE & A-Levels), American (US High School Diploma), International Baccalaureate (PYP, MYP & DP), Indian (both CBSE & CISCE), and other international curricula such as French and Canadian.
Best Schools in Abu Dhabi - By Location
- Schools in Al Reem Island
Al Reem Island is a popular residential area, with easy access to elite schools such as Repton School Abu Dhabi and GEMS World Academy.
- Schools in Khalifa City
Brighton College and American Community School are the two most popular schools in the locality. Families prefer the best schools in Khalifa City because of their spacious campuses and academic excellence.
- Schools in Al Mushrif
Al Mushrif, the neighbourhood is sought after by families for its central location. A popular school in the locality is The British School Al Khubairat.
- Schools near Saadiyat Island
Saadiyat Island is noted for providing high-quality educational opportunities, like the prestigious Cranleigh Abu Dhabi School, popular for its British curriculum.
Top-Rated Schools Based on ADEK Inspections
- Outstanding Schools
These schools display outstanding academic performance, leadership, standard of teaching, and student wellness. Such schools include Cranleigh Abu Dhabi School and Brighton College Abu Dhabi.
- Very Good Schools
These schools have a track record of providing the best education with outstanding academic results and well-rounded development for children. Repton School Abu Dhabi is a well-known school in this category
- Good Schools
Good-rated schools are those that fulfill ADEK requirements for quality as well as a stable learning environment with prospects for improvement in certain aspects.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best School in Abu Dhabi
- Teaching Environment and Academic Standards
Some of the best schools in Abu Dhabi place great emphasis on qualifications, methodology, international standards, and assessments to promote academic excellence.
- Campus, Infrastructure and Learning Facilities
The best schools in Abu Dhabi offer modern classrooms, learning centres for science and technology, sports facilities, libraries, and creativity spaces to facilitate experiential learning.
- Student Wellbeing, Safety and Pastoral Care
Education institutions stress on the importance of safety protocols, counselling services, inclusive practices, and pastoral arrangements for emotional and social welfare of students.
- Extracurricular Activities and Holistic Development
Apart from academic fields, various other activities like sports, arts, leadership programmes, social service activities, etc are given equal importance.
- Support for Expat Families
The international schools in Abu Dhabi maintain curriculum continuity while providing multicultural settings, language support, and structured bridging programmes that enable expatriate students to transition smoothly.
Fee Structure and Admission Process in the Best Schools in Abu Dhabi
- Fees in the best schools in Abu Dhabi vary widely based on the curriculum, school reputation, facilities, and grade level.
- On average, parents can expect annual fees to start from around AED 2,000–30,000, while premium international schools offering IB, British, or American curricula may charge AED 50,000 to over AED 65,000 per year, especially in senior grades.
- In addition to tuition, families should also budget for registration fees, uniforms, transport, books, and extracurricular activities, which can add to the overall cost.
- Applications generally open from October or March, with the academic sessions commencing from August or September. The admission process in Abu Dhabi schools consists of filling an application form, submitting the previous year’s academic records, entry tests, and interviews. Waiting lists do exist in good schools, hence it is advisable to start the admission process well in time.
Visit our website, Edustoke, for more details, and our team will assist you until you finish your child’s admission.
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