Dubai American Academy Gems, Dubai

The Dubai American Academy GEMS offers education in 4 different phases:

Dubai American Academy GEMS follows the American curriculum for students of preschool to Grade 10 and the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme for students of Grades 11 to 12.

The primary language of educational instruction is English, and the pedagogy includes core subjects, electives, digital learning experiences, visual and performing arts, and world languages. Islamic education is offered to Muslim students, while native/non-native residents can focus on fundamental concepts like learning Arabic language, arts, Maths, other languages, science, and social studies.

KINDERGARTEN (KG-1 AND KG-2)

GEMS Dubai American Academy focuses on learning readiness skills, socialisation, and a holistic self-concept in Kindergarten I and II. Applying the latest and trending technological means, the curriculum is based on the ‘Inquiry-Based/Design Thinking Model of Learning’ that encourages innovative thinking and ensures that the little ones develop and sharpen their foundational skills of literacy and numeracy.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (GRADE 1 – GRADE 5)

The curriculum for students in Grades 1 - 5 is rewarding and interactive, and it introduces higher-level skills to stimulate the thinking and interests of students.

• The curriculum focuses on core curricular areas of reading, writing, mathematics, science, and social studies.
• Special attention is given to the participation of students in physical education, music, art, library science, and instructional technology.
• Arabic language and Islamic education are introduced depending on individual demands, and special emphasis is laid on the promotion of future-focused learning.
• The DAA Elementary School Division offers English Language Learners (ELL) in the mainstream classroom.                                    
• The Inclusion Program (SEND), under the Dubai Inclusive Education Policy Framework, is available for students who require additional support in all grades.
• Counselling Services are provided to offer academic, emotional, social, and personal support and development to each student.
• Activities included are Arts and Crafts, Musical productions, Dance class, Mask making, Coding, Drama, Karate, and World languages.
• DAA athletics teams are encouraged in Soccer, Track and Field, DAA swim squads, and Basketball
• 1:1 iPad Program that enhances learning through Common Sense Education on Digital Citizenship, with ‘Everyone Can Code’ lessons regularly.

MIDDLE SCHOOL (GRADE 6 – GRADE 8)

Dubai American Academy GEMS offers a holistic Middle School learning program that encourages active engagement and independence through a range of exploratory and elective offerings in addition to mandatory core subjects. It includes:

• The Middle School academic program aims to promote a developmentally responsive, challenging, empowering, and equitable culture in all learning experiences.
• The curriculum focuses on practical know-how with the upgradation of skills that students need to succeed in the future.
• Introduction of the ‘Transformation and Discovery’ (T&D) program that encourages Future-focused mindsets and advanced technology applications.

The Middle School curriculum consists of both core subjects and electives:

The High School follows an American school curriculum for grades 9 through 12, which is a pre-university program that is academically challenging. Its key features are:

• Students in Grades 11-12 are given the option to choose from a full International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, IB Certificate courses, and Advanced Placement (AP) classes.  
• Graduation requirements include community service for each year at DAA and a minimum of 22 credits.
• Students are encouraged to participate in co-curricular activities and think of career aspirations and future educational plans while working in partnership with teacher and parent guidance.  

The curriculum is based on U.S. national standards and best practice research

Here is the procedure to apply to Dubai American Academy Gems

Step 1 – Online Application

Parents must apply online and click on the Apply Now link, which can be accessed on the school’s website. After an inquiry is submitted, you will receive an Inquiry number as a reference for all future correspondence and queries. An acknowledgement will be emailed containing the next steps.

Step 2 – Registration Process

After paying an Application Fee of AED 525, parents are required to upload documents to proceed with the registration process. Supporting Documents required are:

• Sponsor's Emirates ID
• Student’s Photo
• Parent's (sponsor) Visa and Passport
• Student’s recent school/nursery report (at least two years if applicable)
• Student’s Visa and passport
• Student’s immunisation

Step 3 – Appear for the Assessment Test

Assessment tests include:

KG1 and KG2 - All students must meet the age level requirements, meet academic grade level requirements, listen to and follow directions, and display classroom readiness. They should be able to separate from their caregiver, be bathroom independent, and demonstrate fine and gross motor skill development at age appropriate level.

Grades 1 -12 - The evaluation process includes a review of the student's application, past school records, and Dubai American Academy entrance assessments. An online computer-based testing system (CAT4) is based on testing skills in Math, Reading, and Language.   

Step 4: Admission Confirmation

After receiving a confirmation of the selection of the child, you must secure the seat by making a payment of the tuition fee and registration amount as stipulated.

The fee structure of Dubai American Academy Gems has been given below:

Parents can use the following modes of payment:

• Online fee payment
• Bank transfer payment
• Cash or Cheque payment
• Credit cards
• Parents can use the GEMS FAB Mastercard to pay annual tuition fees in advance and SAVE 4.25% on GEMS school fees.

Dubai American Academy Gems also offers sibling discounts:

 There are some additional fees as well:

Dubai American Academy Gems has partnered with School Transport Services or STS, a transportation organisation offering safe school commute services. The commitments of STS include a secure, timely, and safe journey of students to school, and it is the only ISO-certified school transport provider. To apply for the transport facility, parents must complete the following steps and submit them to the onsite Service Delivery Executive.

• Student Registration Form
• Agree to the bus Terms and Conditions
• Review and sign the Student Bus Behavior Document
• View the STS Transport Rate List for Dubai American Academy
• Pay bus fees online or visit the STS Website

Dubai American Academy Gems provides a range of sports options encouraging students to discover new interests. It has three basketball courts, an Olympic-size pool, a tennis court, a running track, a soccer field, fitness trails, running tracks, and access to training and development programs. Students can participate in gymnastics, baseball, softball, and golf.

• Phone Number: +971-4-704-9777
• E-mail ID: communicationdaa@gemsedu.com
• Website: https://www.gemsaa-dubai.com/
• Fax No: NA
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gems_daa/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GEMSDubaiAmericanAcademy/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/gems_daa