10 Best International Schools in Abu Dhabi 2025–2026 — Fees, Admission & Reviews

The American Community School of Abu Dhabi is the emirate's only ADEK Outstanding-rated non-profit American curriculum school, established in 1972 and relocated in January 2024 to a purpose-built campus on Saadiyat Island, offering KG1 through Grade 12 for over 1,300 students from 80+ countries, with annual fees of AED 56,526 to AED 99,060 for 2025–2026 — the most expensive school in this guide.

American Community School: What You Need to Know

• The American Community School of Abu Dhabi is the only non-profit American-curriculum school in Abu Dhabi and the only one to achieve ADEK Outstanding status, which it reached for the first time in the May 2023 inspection after holding Very Good across three previous cycles.
• The American Community School's new Saadiyat Island campus — opened January 2024 — is double the size of its 50-year-old Al Bateen site and features a 650-seat theatre, AI/robotics/VR labs, a fully-equipped science wing, and an expansive art gallery; the campus is 400 metres from New York University Abu Dhabi.
• The American Community School offers both the IB Diploma Programme and Advanced Placement (AP) courses at High School, giving students two internationally recognised post-16 pathways; approximately 94% of graduating seniors sit one or more IB examination.
• The American Community School's community is heavily North American in character — approximately 71% of students hold American or Canadian passports — and the school is affiliated with the US State Department's Office of Overseas Schools, making it the de facto school of choice for US diplomatic and government families in Abu Dhabi.

American Community School: School Performance

Source: ADEK Irtiqaa Inspection 2022–23

School Fees Page

American Community School: Annual Fees 2025–2026

Source: Yalla Abu Dhabi (2025–26 confirmed: AED 56,526 KG1 to AED 99,060 Grades 9–12). A non-refundable application fee (AED 630 including VAT) and a Capital Fee (one-time, supports facility upgrades) apply for new students. A Reservation Fee is also required before the school year begins and is applied toward annual tuition. Confirm full current schedule at acs.sch.ae/join-us/admissions/tuition-fees. Transport provided through Imperial Transport (GPS-monitored, seat-belted).

American Community School: Admission Process

1. Complete a Pre-Application Form at acs.sch.ae/join-us/admissions; the Veracross system will email login credentials to access the full Admissions Portal.
2. Log into the Admissions Portal, complete the application form, upload required documents, and pay the non-refundable application fee of AED 630 (including 5% VAT).
3. The Admissions Office reviews all applications; results are communicated by email. ACS is selective and not all applicants receive offers.
4. On acceptance, pay the Reservation Fee (applied toward annual tuition) and the Capital Fee (one-time facility contribution) to secure the place.
5. Transport through Imperial Transport can be arranged at the time of enrolment. The academic year runs August/September to June. Age placement is based on age as of 31 August.

The American International School Abu Dhabi (AISA) is an ADEK Good-rated American and IB curriculum school in Al Aman / Muroor, established in 1995 by ESOL Education — the first school in the UAE to offer the IB Diploma Programme — offering Pre-K through Grade 12 for approximately 1,400 students from 80 nationalities, with annual fees of AED 32,950 to AED 59,900 for 2025–2026; the school was downgraded from Very Good to Good in the 2024–25 ADEK inspection.

Editorial Note: AISA held a Very Good ADEK rating from 2015 through to 2021–22 before being downgraded to Good in the 2024–25 inspection round. Parents researching AISA should read the most recent inspection report carefully before applying.

American International School Abu Dhabi: What You Need to Know

• The American International School Abu Dhabi was the first school in the UAE to offer the IB Diploma Programme, and later the first in Abu Dhabi to be authorised for the IB Primary Years Programme, giving it a nearly 30-year track record in dual-pathway US/IB education that no other school in this guide can match.
• The American International School Abu Dhabi was downgraded from Very Good to Good in the 2024–25 ADEK inspection — a change parents should investigate carefully; the school retained Very Good through three previous inspection cycles (2015–16, 2017–18, 2021–22).
• The American International School Abu Dhabi's secondary school is gender-segregated from Grade 6 upwards, with boys and girls taught in separate classes — this is one of the distinguishing operational features of the school and should be factored into family decision-making, particularly for families coming from co-educational systems.
• The American International School Abu Dhabi uses MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) assessments from KG2 to Grade 11 to personalise learning; maximum class sizes of 22 are among the lowest in Abu Dhabi, ensuring individual attention across all phases.

American International School Abu Dhabi: School Performance

Source: ADEK Irtiqaa Inspection 2024–25 (Good — downgraded from Very Good)

School Website | Tuition Fees

American International School Abu Dhabi: Annual Fees 2025–2026

Source: Bayut (2025: AED 32,950 KG1 to AED 59,900 Grade 12). A non-refundable enrolment fee of AED 2,000 applies for new students and is credited toward first-term fees. Fees paid in a minimum of three equal instalments. Transport: AED 500 advance deposit applies. Contact school for full ADEK-approved per-grade schedule at aisa.sch.ae/admissions/tuition.

American International School Abu Dhabi: Admission Process

1. Contact the admissions team at admissions@aisa.sch.ae for a personalised virtual meeting; admission enquiries open from the beginning of November each year.
2. Complete and submit the online application form; documents required include passport, UAE residence visa, Emirates ID, previous school reports, immunisation records, and Transfer Certificate.
3. Students applying from Grade 3+ may be assessed; applicants to the IB Diploma Programme in Grade 10/11 sit entrance exams in English, Math, and Science.
4. All students bring their own device (BYOD) from Grade 1 upwards; confirm device requirements at the time of application.
5. Gender-segregation applies from Grade 6 in Middle School; IB Diploma students in Grades 11–12 are taught co-educationally. Academic year: August–June.

GEMS American Academy Abu Dhabi (GAA) is an ADEK Very Good-rated American and IB curriculum school in Khalifa City, established in 2007 by GEMS Education and part of the group's global network, offering KG1 through Grade 12 for approximately 2,000 students from a wide range of nationalities, with annual fees of AED 52,870 to AED 73,670 for 2025–2026.

GEMS American Academy Abu Dhabi: What You Need to Know

• GEMS American Academy Abu Dhabi has held a Very Good ADEK rating across multiple inspection cycles, confirmed in the 2024–25 round, with inspectors noting a "rich and innovative curriculum" that fuses the IB framework with US Common Core Standards — described in the 2017–18 report as "outstanding" in curriculum design.
• GEMS American Academy Abu Dhabi offers both the IB PYP in Elementary School and the IB Diploma Programme in Grades 11–12, positioning it as one of the most comprehensive dual US/IB schools in Abu Dhabi; it is the only GEMS-operated US curriculum school in the emirate.
• GEMS American Academy Abu Dhabi operates a school library with over 25,000 volumes, ICT embedded throughout the campus, and a specialist programme in Physical Education, Health, Arabic Studies, Music, Art, and English Language Learners (ELL) — ensuring academic rigour is matched by breadth.
• GEMS American Academy Abu Dhabi's textbooks, supplementary books, and school supplies are included in tuition fees; fees do not cover uniforms, lunches, or transport, and sibling discounts apply from the third child enrolled.

GEMS American Academy Abu Dhabi: School Performance

Source: ADEK Irtiqaa Inspection 2024–25

School Website | Tuition Fees

GEMS American Academy Abu Dhabi: Annual Fees 2025–2026

Source: YallaSchools (AED 52,870–73,670 confirmed). Textbooks and school supplies included in fees. Uniforms, lunches, and transport are separate charges. 5% non-refundable registration fee on acceptance (deducted from first-term fees); re-enrolment fee of 5% for returning students. Sibling discount from third child. Confirm at gemsaa-abudhabi.com/en/Admissions/Tuition-Fees.

GEMS American Academy Abu Dhabi: Admission Process

1. Visit gemsaa-abudhabi.com and submit an online application; contact the registrar at registrar_gaa@gemsedu.com for document requirements and year group queries.
2. Documents required: UAE residence visa, Emirates ID, Transfer Certificate, official transcripts, immunisation record, and other ADEK-specified documents. All documents must be available before ADEK registration can be completed.
3. Age placement follows ADEK guidelines; students transferring from non-English medium schools may require additional English language assessment.
4. A 5% non-refundable registration fee is charged upon offer acceptance and is deducted from first-term tuition. Re-enrolment for existing students also carries a 5% fee.
5. Students not registered with the Ministry due to missing documentation or with outstanding fee balances cannot re-enrol for the following academic year. Academic year: September–July.

Yas American Academy (YAA) is an ADEK Good-rated (with Very Good features) American curriculum school on Yas Island, established in 2016 as the first US curriculum school opened by Aldar Academies, following the prestigious Massachusetts State Curriculum from KG to Grade 12 for approximately 1,100 students, with annual fees of AED 53,940 to AED 65,060 for 2025–2026 — and the only American school in Abu Dhabi offering the Massachusetts State Curriculum Framework.

Yas American Academy: What You Need to Know

• Yas American Academy is the only school in this guide — and one of very few in Abu Dhabi — to follow the Massachusetts State Curriculum Framework, the most highly regarded US state curriculum and the basis for many of the standards used by Harvard and MIT admissions benchmarks.
• Yas American Academy was rated Good with Very Good features in the 2024–25 ADEK inspection, a consistently held rating since the school's first inspection in 2016–17, with WhichSchoolAdvisor noting it is "much more likely to offer a genuine American school experience" than many American-in-name-only schools in the emirate.
• Yas American Academy transitioned to a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) model from Grade 1 upwards for 2025–26, using iPads as learning tools supported by the Aldar Education Digital Safety Package, and offers extensive facilities including two AstroTurf fields, multiple swimming pools, a dance studio, sports hall, music recording studio, and auditorium.
• Yas American Academy offers scholarships saving 20% of annual tuition fees and a referral programme giving families 4% back when they introduce new students; boys and girls study separately from Grade 6 upwards in Middle and High School.

Yas American Academy: School Performance

Source: ADEK Irtiqaa Inspection 2024–25

School Website | Fee Schedule

Yas American Academy: Annual Fees 2025–2026

Source: WhichSchoolAdvisor (confirmed 2025–26). Fees exclude uniforms, food services, transport, examination fees, and external ECA providers. Transport via Emirates Transport: AED 5,000/year. 5% registration fee on acceptance; 5% re-registration fee for returning students (both deducted from final-term fees per ADEK guidelines). 10% welcome discount available for new Pre-KG/KG1 joiners; 20% scholarship available. Source: yasamericanacademy.ae/academy-fees.

Yas American Academy: Admission Process

1. Apply online via yasamericanacademy.ae; campus tours are offered daily by appointment or virtually.
2. Aldar Academies priority placement applies: Nursery graduates from other Aldar Academies schools receive a guaranteed place; primary graduates receive priority over external applicants.
3. Documents required: passport, UAE residence visa, Emirates ID, Transfer Certificate (attested if required), previous school reports.
4. 5% non-refundable registration fee due on offer acceptance; 5% re-registration for returning students. Both deducted from final-term fees per ADEK regulations.
5. Flexible instalment plans available through FAB, ADIB, and ENBD for monthly payments. Most teacher-led ECAs are included in tuition; external provider ECAs are charged separately.

The British International School Abu Dhabi (BISAD) is an ADEK Outstanding-rated school in Zayed City / Khalifa City, established in 2009 and part of the Nord Anglia Education global network, offering FS1 through Year 13 for approximately 1,800 students from 74 nationalities, with annual fees of AED 52,816 to AED 74,980 for 2025–2026 — and the only Abu Dhabi school holding Outstanding in two separate ADEK inspection frameworks.

British International School Abu Dhabi: What You Need to Know

• British International School Abu Dhabi is the only school in Abu Dhabi to hold an Outstanding ADEK rating in both of the authority's inspection frameworks — a distinction that Nord Anglia Education highlights directly on the school's website.
• British International School Abu Dhabi's 2025 IB Diploma results averaged 34.1 points, well above the global average of 30, with the highest score of 43 out of 45; its first BTEC cohort averaged D*DD — exceptional results in its inaugural year.
• British International School Abu Dhabi offers exclusive collaborations with MIT, UNICEF, The Juilliard School, and IMG Academy — enabling students to engage with world-leading organisations through projects, workshops, and global summits that are built directly into the curriculum.
• British International School Abu Dhabi opened a new three-storey multi-purpose science block for the 2025–26 academic year, added BTEC Hospitality Management, and won two Parent Partnership Awards in 2025 for community engagement.

British International School Abu Dhabi: School Performance

Source: ADEK Irtiqaa Inspection 2021–22

School Fees & Inspection Page

British International School Abu Dhabi: Annual Fees 2025–2026

Textbooks and curricula materials included in fees. Uniforms purchased separately from Zaks Uniforms. Exam fees chargeable from 2025–26. Fees charged across 10 months (no payments in July/August). 5% non-refundable registration fee deducted from tuition on joining. Source: nordangliaeducation.com/bis-abu-dhabi/admissions/tuition-fees.

British International School Abu Dhabi: Admission Process

1. Contact the admissions team via nordangliaeducation.com/bis-abu-dhabi; the school commits to responding within 24 hours (excluding weekends and national holidays).
2. The school accepts applications all year round; once interest is confirmed, arrange a campus tour or a virtual meeting if not yet in Abu Dhabi.
3. Every applicant completes a short assessment; content varies by age and may include English language fluency, writing, and cognitive skills.
4. A 5% non-refundable registration fee is charged on offer acceptance; this is deducted from tuition once the student joins.
5. Fees are charged across 10 monthly instalments; if the company is paying fees, BISAD's Admissions and Finance Teams guide the process. From enquiry to offer should take no longer than two weeks.

Nord Anglia International School Abu Dhabi (NAS Abu Dhabi) is an ADEK Very Good-rated British curriculum school on Al Reem Island, opened in 2023 as the newest member of Nord Anglia Education's UAE family, currently offering FS1 through Year 12 (expanding to Year 13 in August 2026), with approximately 970 students and annual fees of AED 65,000 to AED 95,000 for 2025–2026.

Nord Anglia International School Abu Dhabi: What You Need to Know

• Nord Anglia International School Abu Dhabi opened in 2023 and already holds a Very Good ADEK rating — a strong result for a school in only its second full inspection cycle — and won the TES International Schools Award for Staff Wellbeing 2025 within its first two years of operation.
• Nord Anglia International School Abu Dhabi operates a World Languages Programme in which every student from FS1 onwards learns a language, with options including Arabic, French, German, Mandarin, and Spanish — an unusually broad multilingual offering for a primary-age British curriculum school.
• Nord Anglia International School Abu Dhabi benefits from the Nord Anglia network's exclusive collaborations with The Juilliard School, UNICEF, and MIT, as well as access to the Nord Anglia Global Campus digital learning platform and the global Student Summit on the UN SDGs.
• Nord Anglia International School Abu Dhabi is growing by one year group each year; Year 13 opens in August 2026 and the first A Level cohort will graduate in June 2027 — families with older secondary students should factor this timeline into their planning.

Nord Anglia International School Abu Dhabi: School Performance

Source: ADEK Irtiqaa Inspection (most recent cycle)

School Website | Tuition Fees

Nord Anglia International School Abu Dhabi: Annual Fees 2025–2026

Note: The above ranges are sourced from WhichSchoolAdvisor and uaestories.com; confirm exact per-year-group fees at nordangliaeducation.com/nas-abu-dhabi/admissions/tuition-fees. Year 12 joiners in 2025–26 receive 10% off for their full two-year stay.

Nord Anglia International School Abu Dhabi: Admission Process

1. Apply online via nordangliaeducation.com/nas-abu-dhabi; the school accepts applications throughout the year for all open year groups.
2. Campus tours are available by appointment; virtual tours are available for families not yet in Abu Dhabi.
3. All applicants complete an assessment; content varies by age. The school provides results and admission decisions promptly.
4. Exam fees are charged separately for I/GCSE and A Level; re-sit fees also apply per ADEK regulations.
5. Academic year runs September to July; the school day is 8:30 AM–3:30 PM, with enrichment activities until 4:30 PM and Nord Anglia Global Campus sessions until 5:00 PM. Fridays the school day ends at 12:00 PM.

Muna British Academy is an ADEK Outstanding-rated British curriculum school, part of Aldar Academies, established in 2009 and relocated in August 2025 to a purpose-built Estidama Pearl 5-rated campus at Saadiyat Lagoons — the first school in Abu Dhabi and the first educational project in the region to achieve the Pearl 5 sustainability rating — currently expanding from FS1 to Year 7, with annual fees of AED 46,620 to AED 48,510.

Muna British Academy: What You Need to Know

• Muna British Academy holds consecutive ADEK Outstanding ratings and TIMSS scores at the Advanced International Benchmark — exceptional primary attainment data confirmed across multiple inspection cycles, and the school is described as one of the most consistently high-performing primary British curriculum schools in Abu Dhabi.
• Muna British Academy's new Saadiyat Lagoons campus earned Estidama Pearl 5 — making it the first school in Abu Dhabi, the first educational project in the region, and only the third building in all of Abu Dhabi to achieve this sustainability standard.
• Muna British Academy is currently expanding from a primary school into an all-through FS1–Year 13 school; Year 7 opened for the first time in August 2025, with secondary provision expanding by one year group annually until Year 13 is reached in 2031–32 — this is a significant transition for a school historically known as an exceptional primary.
• Muna British Academy's Aldar Academies membership gives Nursery graduates a guaranteed place in FS2, and primary graduates priority placement at Aldar secondary schools including Bateen World Academy, Mamoura British Academy, and Yasmina British Academy.

Muna British Academy: School Performance

Source: ADEK Irtiqaa Inspection 2022–23

Aldar Academies Fee Table | School Website

Muna British Academy: Annual Fees 2025–2026

A non-refundable registration fee of 5% of annual tuition is due on acceptance (adjusted against Term 3 fees). Re-registration for existing students is 5% in Term 2. Transport via Emirates Transport: AED 5,000/year. Source: aldaracademies.com/academy-fees.

Muna British Academy: Admission Process

1. Apply online via munabritishacademy.ae/lagoons-admissions or book a tour at aldaracademies.com/book-a-tour; tours are offered daily.
2. Nursery graduates from within Aldar Academies receive a guaranteed FS2 place; all other applicants are assessed based on year group availability.
3. Admissions for 2025–26 are open for Nursery through Year 7; the school will expand by one year group each August through to Year 13 in 2031–32.
4. Documents required: passport with valid UAE residence visa, Emirates ID, Transfer Certificate (attested where applicable), previous marksheets.
5. Aldar Academies uses a priority placement system: Nursery graduates → guaranteed FS2; primary graduates → priority at Aldar secondary schools. This pathway is a significant advantage for families planning ahead.

Bright Riders School (BRS) is an ADEK Very Good-rated CBSE school in Mohammed Bin Zayed City, Abu Dhabi, established in 2013 (growing from a kindergarten founded in 1978), offering KG1 through Grade 12 for approximately 3,900 students with annual fees of AED 9,470 to AED 19,650 — the largest Very Good-rated Indian curriculum school in this guide, recognised with the ADEK Award for most improved school.

Bright Riders School: What You Need to Know

• Bright Riders School holds a Very Good ADEK rating and has won the ADEK Award for the most improved school category — recognition of meaningful, data-driven institutional progress over multiple inspection cycles.
• Bright Riders School supports approximately 3,900 students with 214 teachers and 14 teaching assistants, and the school operates mixed-gender classrooms from KG through Grade 5, transitioning to gender-specific classes from Grade 6 onwards.
• Bright Riders School's Grade 12 board examination results have included subject-level scores as high as 97.6% in Science and 96.4% in Commerce, and the school provides access to clubs, aerobics, swimming, art, vocal and instrumental music, and dance alongside its academic programme.
• Bright Riders School's purpose-built campus in Mohammed Bin Zayed City features smart classrooms, advanced science and computer laboratories, a library, auditorium, and sports facilities, all designed to international education standards.

Bright Riders School: School Performance

Source: ADEK Irtiqaa Inspection (most recent cycle)

Bright Riders School Website | ADEK Ratings Profile

Bright Riders School: Annual Fees 2025–2026

Source: WhichSchoolAdvisor. Contact brightriders.ae to confirm the current ADEK-approved fee schedule.

Bright Riders School: Admission Process

1. Complete the online admission registration at brightriders.ae; a confirmation email is sent upon receipt of the completed form.
2. An admission assessment is conducted for Grade 3 and above; Grades 1 and 2 have direct admissions subject to seat availability.
3. Documents required: valid passport with UAE residence visa, Emirates ID, CBSE registration card (Grade 9 and above), previous school marksheets, original Transfer Certificate (from India: Ministry of Education/CBSE Regional Office → Indian Embassy; from other UAE emirates: Ministry of Education; from GCC: Ministry of Education of origin country).
4. Internal Abu Dhabi transfers can be processed online; age placement is based on 31 March as the cutoff date.
5. Academic year runs April to March; the school observes mixed-gender to Grade 5 and gender-specific classes from Grade 6.

International Indian School Abu Dhabi (IIS) is an ADEK Good-rated CBSE school in Baniyas West, Abu Dhabi, established in 2016 and managed by Global Education Solutions, offering Pre-KG through Grade 12 for over 830 students with annual fees of AED 12,220 to AED 17,222 — a newer school that has grown rapidly and includes board exam fees within its annual fee structure.

International Indian School Abu Dhabi: What You Need to Know

• International Indian School Abu Dhabi has maintained a Good ADEK rating since its first inspection in 2018–19 and again in the most recent 2024–25 inspection round, delivering consistent academic quality since opening — notable given the school's rapid growth from 600 to over 830 students in just a few years.
• International Indian School Abu Dhabi is the sister school to the long-established Global English School in Al Ain, and is managed by Global Education Solutions — a company with deep roots in CBSE school management in the UAE going back over 30 years.
• International Indian School Abu Dhabi's fee structure is transparent and all-inclusive: annual fees cover tuition, books, and uniforms with no hidden costs, and CBSE board examination fees for Grades 10 and 12 are included — unusual among Abu Dhabi CBSE schools.
• International Indian School Abu Dhabi offers scholarships of 10–20% for academic excellence, sports, and co-curricular activities, as well as sibling discounts of 5% for the second child and 10% for the third child and beyond, making it a genuinely cost-effective option for larger families.

International Indian School Abu Dhabi: School Performance

Source: ADEK Irtiqaa Inspection 2024–25

[Inspection Report — Available under the Inspections tab on the WhichSchoolAdvisor profile for International Indian School Abu Dhabi]

International Indian School Abu Dhabi: Annual Fees 2026–2027

Annual fees include tuition, books, and uniform. Board exam fees for Grades 10 and 12 are included. 5% early-payment discount if full year paid by 30 March. Source: iischoolabudhabi.com/tuition-fee. Fees are payable in 4 instalments.

International Indian School Abu Dhabi: Admission Process

1. Visit iischoolabudhabi.com/admission to begin the application process; a virtual tour of the campus is also available at 360.iischoolabudhabi.com.
2. Documents required: passport with valid UAE residence visa, Emirates ID, Transfer Certificate (attested as appropriate for country of origin — see ADEK guidelines), previous academic results.
3. For transfers from India: TC must be attested by the District Education Officer/CBSE Regional Office, then the Indian Embassy Abu Dhabi, then UAE Foreign Affairs. For other countries, follow the equivalent attestation chain.
4. Board Examination fees for Grades 10 and 12 are included in the annual fees — parents do not need to budget separately for these.
5. Academic year runs April to March; fees are payable in 4 equal instalments. A 5% discount applies on full-year advance payment by 30 March.

The Model School (also known as Model Private School or the New Indian Model School) is an ADEK Good-rated CBSE school in Mussafah, Abu Dhabi, established in 1987 as a branch of the New Indian Model School Dubai under Dr. M.K. Kamaluddin, offering KG through Grade 12 with CBSE up to Grade 12 and an optional Kerala Board from Grade 8, with fees of approximately AED 4,600 to AED 7,200 — the most affordable school in this guide and one of the most affordable private schools in Abu Dhabi overall.

The Model School: What You Need to Know

• The Model School achieved a Good ADEK rating in the 2024–25 inspection round — a meaningful improvement after years at the Acceptable level — demonstrating that consistent efforts by the school's leadership have translated into measurable quality gains for students and families.
• The Model School is the only school in this guide to offer the Kerala State Board curriculum as an alternative from Grade 8 to Grade 12, alongside the CBSE pathway — particularly relevant for families from Kerala who wish to maintain continuity with the Kerala examination system.
• The Model School's fee range of approximately AED 4,600 to AED 7,200 makes it the most affordable school in this guide, and one of the most affordable private schools in Abu Dhabi, making it a strong option for Indian families seeking quality education at a genuinely accessible price point.
• The Model School campus in Mussafah includes well-equipped science laboratories, a library, sports playground, and a range of extracurricular activities — sports coaching in basketball, volleyball, badminton, table tennis, and cricket is available after regular class hours under qualified trainers.

The Model School: School Performance

Source: ADEK Irtiqaa Inspection 2024–25

[Inspection Report — Available under the Inspections tab on the WhichSchoolAdvisor profile for The Model (New Indian) Private School Abu Dhabi]

The Model School: Annual Fees 2025–2026

Source: WhichSchoolAdvisor. Contact The Model School directly or visit themodel.ae under the Fee Structure section to confirm the current ADEK-approved schedule.

The Model School: Admission Process

1. Visit themodel.ae to access the Admission 2026–2027 section, which includes the selected and qualified lists for each grade.
2. Documents required: passport (first and last pages) with valid UAE residence visa, Emirates ID, Transfer Certificate (attested as appropriate for country of origin), previous academic marksheets.
3. For siblings of existing students, additional documents include original passports and updated Emirates IDs.
4. If no seats are available at the time of application, the applicant is placed on a waiting list.
5. The Model School follows both the CBSE and Kerala Board pathways; students in Grade 8 and above can choose their preferred examination board. The academic year runs April to March.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which international school in Abu Dhabi has the best ADEK rating?

Three schools in this guide hold ADEK Outstanding ratings: the American Community School (ACS) on Saadiyat Island, the British International School Abu Dhabi (BISAD) in Khalifa City, and Muna British Academy on Saadiyat Island. ACS is the only Outstanding-rated non-profit American curriculum school open to all nationalities. BISAD is uniquely the only school in Abu Dhabi to hold Outstanding in two separate ADEK inspection frameworks. Muna British Academy has earned consecutive Outstanding ratings and is now expanding into secondary education for the first time on a new Estidama Pearl 5 campus.

What is the most affordable international school in Abu Dhabi with a good ADEK rating?

Abu Dhabi International School (AIS) offers the best fee-to-rating combination among American curriculum schools, at AED 13,660–32,280 with a Very Good ADEK rating across both its campuses. Among CBSE schools, Bright Riders School is Very Good-rated at AED 9,470–19,650 and The Model School is the most affordable of all at AED 4,600–7,200 with a Good ADEK rating. For British curriculum, Muna British Academy is Outstanding-rated at AED 46,620–48,510 — strong value given its inspection pedigree.

How do I choose between an American, British, and CBSE school in Abu Dhabi?

The right choice depends on your family's long-term plans. American curriculum schools (ACS, GAA, AISA, YAA) lead to a US High School Diploma and are the strongest pathway for university entry in North America; those offering IB Diploma or AP also provide global flexibility. British curriculum schools (BISAD, NAS Abu Dhabi, Muna British Academy) lead to IGCSE and A Level qualifications, widely accepted at UK and international universities. CBSE schools (Bright Riders, IIS, The Model School) follow the Indian national board, are the most affordable, and are the right fit for families planning to return to India or preferring the CBSE structure. AIS is unique in offering all three pathways under one school banner.

Which international schools in Abu Dhabi offer the IB Diploma Programme?

Four schools in this guide offer the IB Diploma Programme: ACS (IB DP alongside AP), AISA (IB DP or US High School Diploma), GAA (IB DP alongside US Common Core), and BISAD (IB DP or BTEC Level 3). Abu Dhabi International School (AIS) also offers the IB Diploma at its MBZ City campus from Grade 9. Nord Anglia International School Abu Dhabi will launch its first A Level cohort in 2025–26 (not IB DP). Among the CBSE schools, none offer IB.

When should I apply to international schools in Abu Dhabi for September 2026 entry?

For American and British curriculum schools targeting September 2026, applications should ideally be submitted by January–March 2026. ACS is the most competitive — begin the pre-application process immediately as the school is selective and popular KG1 and middle school year groups fill up well in advance. BISAD and NAS Abu Dhabi accept applications year-round, but early enquiry is advised. For Muna British Academy, the 2025–26 year groups on the new Saadiyat Lagoons campus are in high demand given the school's Outstanding reputation and new facilities. For CBSE schools (Bright Riders, IIS, The Model School) targeting April 2026 entry, the application window typically opens in January–February 2026.

Are there international schools in Abu Dhabi suited specifically to Indian families?

Yes — Bright Riders School in MBZ City and International Indian School Abu Dhabi (IIS) in Baniyas West are both CBSE schools suited to Indian families. Bright Riders is the larger and more established, with ~3,900 students, a Very Good ADEK rating, and fees of AED 9,470–19,650. IIS is newer (2016) but growing rapidly, Good-rated, and notable for including board exam fees, books, and uniforms in its annual fee — making the true cost transparent. The Model School in Mussafah is the most affordable option at AED 4,600–7,200, recently improved to Good, and unique for also offering the Kerala State Board from Grade 8.

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Conclusion

Abu Dhabi's international school landscape in 2025–2026 offers genuine choice across all three major curriculum families — from ACS at AED 99,060 on a brand-new Saadiyat Island campus to The Model School at AED 4,600 in Mussafah, and from three ADEK Outstanding schools to strong Very Good options like BISAD, GAA, Bright Riders, and AIS. The city has 13 Outstanding-rated private schools overall, and this guide covers institutions across the full fee spectrum, curriculum range, and community character. Whether you are an American family prioritising IB and AP pathways, a British expat family seeking IGCSE continuity, or an Indian family weighing CBSE affordability against ADEK quality, Abu Dhabi has a verified option. Schedule campus tours by March 2026 — competitive year groups at Outstanding-rated schools and the new Saadiyat campuses are filling up early.