Dubai American Academy, part of the GEMS Education group, is one of the most highly rated schools in the Dubai international schools market. Founded in 1997 and based in Al Barsha South, it teaches around 3,000 pupils from Kindergarten to Grade 12 on a dual track that combines the American High School Diploma with the International Baccalaureate Diploma, supported by Advanced Placement courses. The KHDA has rated it Outstanding for more than a decade of consecutive inspections, a record no other American curriculum school in the emirate matches. It is also covered in our editorial roundup of the IB schools in Dubai.
This profile sets out the dual American and IB pathway, the premium fee band, the admissions calendar and the community around the school. GlobalSchoolGuide is independent and no school pays to be listed.
Dubai American Academy at a glance
| Curriculum and exam boards | American curriculum with US High School Diploma, IB Diploma Programme and Advanced Placement |
|---|---|
| Stage range | Kindergarten to Grade 12 (ages 4 to 18) |
| Founded | 1997 |
| Regulator and rating | KHDA rated Outstanding (more than a decade of consecutive cycles) |
| Fee band | Premium tier (see Dubai fees guide) |
| Campus area | Al Barsha South, off Hessa Street |
Curriculum and academics
Dubai American Academy runs a dual pathway that few schools attempt at scale. The core is a United States curriculum leading to the High School Diploma, with Advanced Placement courses for academic stretch, but at sixth form pupils can also take the IB Diploma Programme instead of or alongside the American route. That choice lets families pick the American GPA and Diploma for United States university entry, or the IB Diploma for a broader profile favoured by universities in the United Kingdom, Europe and beyond.
The combination is unusual because it asks the school to resource two demanding senior programmes at once, which is part of why its sustained Outstanding rating carries weight. Pupils progress to universities across the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and Europe, with the pathway chosen to match the destination.
Choosing between the American and IB pathways at DAA?
Take our five minute school finder quiz. We shortlist three Dubai schools matched to your child's age, target qualification and your budget.
Dubai American Academy fees
| Stage | Annual tuition |
|---|---|
| KG1 / KG2 | AED 66,185 |
| Grades 1 to 12 | AED 93,300 |
Source: Dubai American Academy, GEMS (KHDA). American/IB (KHDA). The school publishes a flat Grade 1 to 12 band. Fees are the most recent published figures and exclude one-off costs such as registration, deposits and capital levies. Always confirm current fees directly with the school.
Dubai American Academy sits in the premium tier of the Dubai market, the band that also holds Dubai College, Repton and GEMS Wellington. Published tuition runs from around AED 66,000 in Kindergarten to roughly AED 93,000 in the senior grades, as set out in our Dubai school fees guide. The pricing reflects both the Outstanding rating and the cost of resourcing the dual American and IB offer.
Plan for the premium tier extras on top of tuition. Expect a registration charge, a capital or facility levy, transport if you live outside the immediate area, and examination entry fees for Advanced Placement and the IB Diploma in the senior years. Across the premium Dubai schools, total cost of place typically runs 22 to 28 per cent above the headline tuition once these are included. Families weighing the strongest IB options can compare it within our best IB schools in Dubai guide.
Admissions and intake
Dubai American Academy runs an August to June academic year and admits across year groups subject to availability, with Kindergarten the main entry point and sixth form a second key intake as pupils choose between the American and IB routes. As one of the most sought after schools in the city, it frequently operates waiting lists at popular grades, so early application in the published window is important for families relocating to Dubai.
Admission is based on prior school reports, age appropriate assessment and, in the senior school, evidence that the applicant can manage either the American Advanced Placement or the IB Diploma workload. Applicants should prepare recent report cards, passport and visa documents and a transfer certificate where the KHDA requires one.
Location and who goes there
The campus is in Al Barsha South, off Hessa Street in central western Dubai, within a short drive of Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Lake Towers, Emirates Hills, the Springs and the Meadows and the Sheikh Zayed Road corridor. This puts it in one of the densest school clusters in the city, surrounded by the villa and apartment communities where its largely professional, internationally mobile parent body lives. The central location keeps commutes manageable for families across the western half of Dubai.
For the wider picture of how the American and IB sectors sit alongside the British, German and Indian schools across the emirate, see the Dubai schools hub.
Dubai American Academy reviews
No verified parent reviews of Dubai American Academy have been submitted to GlobalSchoolGuide yet. Despite the school's strong regulatory record, we do not publish a star rating until we have collected enough verified first hand accounts to be fair and useful, and we never fabricate ratings. If your family attends or has attended DAA, please share your experience through our school reviews page.
Frequently asked questions
How much are Dubai American Academy fees?
Published tuition at Dubai American Academy runs from around AED 66,000 in Kindergarten to roughly AED 93,000 in the senior grades, placing it in Dubai's premium fee tier. Add the usual premium tier extras for registration, capital levy, transport and examination entry.
Does Dubai American Academy offer the IB?
Yes. Dubai American Academy offers the IB Diploma Programme at sixth form alongside its American High School Diploma and Advanced Placement courses, letting families choose the pathway that suits their university destination.
Is Dubai American Academy a good school?
The KHDA has rated Dubai American Academy Outstanding for more than a decade of consecutive inspections, the only American curriculum school in the emirate to hold that record. It is widely regarded as one of the city's strongest schools.
When do Dubai American Academy applications open?
DAA runs an August to June year and opens admissions ahead of each session, with Kindergarten and sixth form the main intakes. It often runs waiting lists, so apply early.
Where is Dubai American Academy located?
Dubai American Academy is in Al Barsha South, off Hessa Street, close to Dubai Marina, Emirates Hills and the Springs and Meadows communities.
