Education is vital to every child’s growth, helping to shape their talents, interests and aspirations. For every parent, choosing the right school requires careful thought and attention, especially when parents need to navigate an unfamiliar school system. For parents looking for schools in Abu Dhabi, this guide is here to help.
You can be confident that your child will receive a high-quality and well-rounded education in Abu Dhabi. With well-established and respected schools teaching various curriculums, parents can apply for a school that suits their child’s goals and interests.
This article will give prospective parents information about what Abu Dhabi schools offer, as well as an overview of what a successful school application looks like.
The Abu Dhabi Educational System
In a city with a growing population and where most families are expatriates, it’s no surprise that Abu Dhabi schools are diverse and multicultural. International schools impart knowledge to learners in a variety of languages and through a wide range of curriculums.
For English-speaking families, the main choices are the following:
- British curriculum
- American curriculum
- Indian curriculum
- International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum
English-speaking Abu Dhabi learners can benefit from an internationally recognised curriculum that will prepare them for entrance to universities around the world and open up outstanding career opportunities.
ADEK
The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) monitors the quality of education in Abu Dhabi. This organisation aims to nurture an outstanding education system that exceeds international standards and promotes innovations in teaching and learning.
ADEK inspectors consider some schools to be Outstanding or Very Good, following rigorous and comprehensive evaluations. These schools include GEMS American Academy – Abu Dhabi and GEMS World Academy – Abu Dhabi.
Overview of Abu Dhabi Schools
Schools in Abu Dhabi offer high-calibre academic standards with excellent teaching and examination results to match. Abu Dhabi schools send former pupils to world-leading universities each year. Many schools provide access to highly qualified and innovative teachers. Modern campuses and state-of-the-art facilities support their teaching.
However, one of the key ingredients to the success of the best schools in Abu Dhabi is their commitment to providing excellent experiences beyond classroom learning. Children are supported to participate in activities that foster their talents in diverse areas like music, sports and debate. Through these enrichment activities, children develop strong social skills as well as confidence, determination and motivation.
Community is at the heart of the best Abu Dhabi schools. Students, teachers and parents are highly supportive of each other, creating a positive, respectful multicultural environment where everyone is valued.
The School Admissions System in Abu Dhabi
The admissions procedures vary from school to school in Abu Dhabi. Once you have shortlisted the schools you are interested in, you can check their individual requirements and gather the appropriate information before embarking on the application process.
You are likely to need to:
- complete an application form
- attend an admissions appointment to discuss your child’s needs
- provide proof of identity before your child can enrol
- supply reports and academic records from your child’s previous school
- pay school fees before enrolment
Some schools may ask your child to attend an interview or take some tests as well. As per ADEK requirements, these are intended for classroom placement purposes only and are there to determine what additional support your child may need. Schools cannot deny entry based on test outcomes.
School Starters
The school’s curriculum choice determines the age for school admission in the UAE. Children attending British curriculum schools can begin as young as two years old in a nursery class. In American, IB and Indian curriculum schools, children can start schooling at three years old.
More formal learning begins across the curriculums at four or five years old in kindergarten or reception classes; before then, parental choice determines the right time for a child to start. All schools will welcome the opportunity to discuss this with you.
Tips for Abu Dhabi School Admissions
Here are three tips to ensure your child secures a school placement successfully.
- Do your research
There are many excellent schools in Abu Dhabi to choose from. However, they vary in terms of:
- ethos
- facilities
- location
- extra-curricular activities
- qualification pathways
- fees and scholarships
Take your time to consider all the details and whether a school is the right match for your family.
- Engage with prospective schools
Excellent schools are always happy to answer questions from prospective parents. Get in touch with them early on to express your interest in their school. Take the opportunity to attend tours and open days and talk to as many teachers, students and parents as possible. Conversations with the school community will also help you decide whether the school is right for your child.
- Get help from admissions consultants
The best schools in Abu Dhabi have dedicated admissions teams. Their role is to simplify the admissions process for prospective parents and be on hand to answer all your questions, big or small. These people will be an excellent resource as you make your decision and begin the application process.
With their help, the tips offered here, and the knowledge to be gained from researching Abu Dhabi’s excellent school options, you should feel confident that an outstanding school is there to help your child prepare for a bright future.
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