At a glance
The International Community School began in 1990 as a single villa school and has grown into a group running several campuses across the capital, serving thousands of pupils from nursery to Grade 12. Its distinguishing feature is breadth: families can choose between a British route, an American route and the International Baccalaureate within the same organisation, with the IB Diploma authorised at the Mushrif campus. You can place it within the wider market of international schools in Abu Dhabi through our city hub, and compare it with other IB schools in Abu Dhabi.
| Detail | Summary |
|---|---|
| Curriculum and exam boards | National Curriculum for England, American curriculum, International Baccalaureate; IB Diploma at the Mushrif campus |
| Stages | Nursery to Grade 12 (ages 3 to 18) |
| Founded | 1990 (originally Ibrahimya School) |
| Accreditation | Authorised IB World School at the Mushrif campus; licensed by ADEK |
| Fee band | Value to mid (see the Abu Dhabi fees guide) |
| Campus area | Several campuses across Abu Dhabi, including Mushrif |
Curriculum and academics
ICS is unusual in the capital for running three internationally recognised pathways under one roof. Depending on the campus a family chooses, a child can follow the National Curriculum for England leading to GCSEs and A Levels, an American curriculum leading to the High School Diploma, or the International Baccalaureate, with the IB Diploma authorised at the Mushrif campus. That spread makes the group a useful option for families who are unsure which system they will end up in or who want continuity if they move again. As with any multi campus group, quality and facilities vary by site, so it is worth visiting the specific campus and year group your child would join rather than judging the group as a whole. Ask each campus for recent examination results, IB Diploma averages and university destinations to judge outcomes in detail.
The International Community School fees
The International Community School fees sit in the value to mid band for the capital, which makes ICS one of the more affordable routes to an IB Diploma in Abu Dhabi. Annual tuition rises by grade and varies by campus and pathway, so a like for like comparison depends on the site and route you choose. We do not print a single headline figure here because the school revises fees each year and issues the current schedule to applicants, and you can sense check the band against our guide to international school fees in Abu Dhabi. Beyond tuition, budget for a registration or assessment fee, a seat deposit, examination entry fees in the senior years and optional transport from your neighbourhood.
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Admissions
Admission runs across the academic year, which starts in late August, with the main intake at the start of the year and rolling entry where places exist. Because the group runs several campuses, availability differs by site and grade, so apply to the specific campus you want and ask about the position on any waiting list. Assessment is age appropriate, with informal observation for the youngest children and curriculum based testing in English and mathematics for older applicants, plus reports from the previous school. Entry to the IB Diploma at Mushrif is guided by prior grades and subject choices, which the campus sets out during the process.
Location and who goes there
ICS operates across several sites in Abu Dhabi, including its Mushrif campus in the central inland district, which spreads its reach across the city rather than tying it to one neighbourhood. The group has long served a broad, value conscious international community, with strong Arab, South Asian, African and other expatriate enrolment alongside families drawn by the IB option at a lower price point than the premium schools. The right campus for your family usually comes down to commute and the pathway you want. For the wider picture of where families settle across the capital, return to the Abu Dhabi city hub.
Reviews
No verified reviews yet. GlobalSchoolGuide is independent and no school pays to be listed, so we publish parent reviews only once they are verified. If your child attends or has attended The International Community School, you can submit a review to help other relocating families. We never display a star rating without real, checked reviews behind it.
Frequently asked questions
How much are The International Community School fees?
The International Community School fees sit in the value to mid band for the capital, which makes it one of the more affordable routes to an IB Diploma in Abu Dhabi. Tuition rises by grade and varies by campus and pathway. Budget separately for registration, a deposit, examination entry fees and optional transport. The school issues current rates to applicants.
Is The International Community School a good school?
ICS is a long established group founded in 1990 that grew from a single villa school to several campuses, with an authorised IB World School at its Mushrif campus alongside British and American pathways. Whether it suits your child depends on budget, the pathway you want and which campus is closest.
What curriculum does The International Community School follow?
Across its campuses ICS offers the National Curriculum for England, an American curriculum and the International Baccalaureate, with the IB Diploma authorised at the Mushrif campus.
When do The International Community School applications open?
Admission runs across the academic year, which starts in late August, with the main intake at the start of the year and rolling entry where places exist. Register early for popular grades and campuses.
Where is The International Community School located?
ICS operates several campuses across Abu Dhabi, including its Mushrif campus, serving families in the central districts and the wider city.
