American Academy for Girls
American curriculum, Al Mizhar First, Pre-KG–Grade 12
Latest documents: Full Inspection Report 2023–24Source A: Full Inspection Report 2023–24, Parent Report 2023–24Source B: Parent Report 2023–24, summary only, Fees Fact Sheet 2026–27Source C: Fees Fact Sheet 2026–27
Overall rating
Earlier reports
Wellbeing Dubai focus area
Inclusion Dubai focus area
Checked 16 September 2026.
- Back to text, source A
Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Checked 16 September 2026.
- Back to text, source B
Parent Report 2023–24
Summary only
Checked 16 September 2026.
Found only in the summary for parents. Answers do not use it as evidence.
- Back to text, source C
Fees Fact Sheet 2026–27
Checked 16 September 2026.
Overview
The school
- Curriculum
- American
- Year groups
- Pre-KG–Grade 12
- Languages of instruction
- English
- Founded
- 2005
- External examinations
- AP Source B: Full Inspection Report 2022–23
- Accreditation
- NEASC Source B: Full Inspection Report 2022–23
- Extra-curricular activities
- Football, Basketball, Netball, Volleyball and more, 14 confirmed
Students and staff
From KHDA’s 2022–23 inspection report, unless another year is named.
- Students, 2024–25
- 569 Source A: KHDA school directory 2024–25
- Teachers
- 51 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2022–23
- Teacher–student ratio
- 1:10 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2022–23
- Students of determination
- 72 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2022–23
- Emirati students
- 393 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2022–23
- Largest nationality group
- Emirati Source B: Full Inspection Report 2022–23
- KHDA gives no share. Context only, never used in results.
- Guidance counsellors
- 2 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2022–23
Leadership
- Principal at the 2022–23 inspection
- Lisa Ranae Johnson Source B: Full Inspection Report 2022–23
- Appointed 12 Jan 2019, as the report prints it.
- Principals since 2012–13
- 3 changes of principal Source B: Full Inspection Report 2022–23
- Delicia Ann Scotto, 2012–13 → Delice Ann Scotto, 2013–14 → Bridget Justen, 2014–15 to 2018–19 → Lisa Ranae Johnson, 2022–23
Contact
- Address
- Al Mizhar First
- Phone and email
- +971 4 288 7250principal@americanacademy.ae
- As KHDA's directory listed it on 2026-09-18. Source C: KHDA school directory 2026–27
Around the school
The map shows the streets and places around the school. The same places are counted in «Within 1 km» below.
© OpenStreetMap contributors
- Back to text, source A
KHDA school directory 2024–25
Checked 16 September 2026.
- Back to text, source B
Full Inspection Report 2022–23
Page 3
Checked 16 September 2026.
- Back to text, source C
KHDA school directory 2026–27
Checked 16 September 2026.
Quality
KHDA ratings in the Full Inspection Report 2023–24. Source A: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
KHDA visits schools again from 2026–27. A full inspection gives a new rating; a shorter monitoring visit does not.Source KHDA, 3 June 2026 (opens in a new tab)
OverallOverall performance
Same as 2022–23 Earlier: Good in 12 reports.
WellbeingStudents’ personal development and wellbeing
First rated in 2023–24
InclusionProvision for students of determination
Same as 2022–23 Earlier: Good in 1 report.
LeadershipLeadership and management
Same as 2022–23 Earlier: Good in 1 report.
Checked 16 September 2026.
Ratings by phase, 2023–24KHDA rates these in each phase, with no single rating for the whole school. Phases are named as the report names them.
| Area | KG | Elementary | Middle | High |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TeachingTeaching for effective learning | ||||
| Assessment | ||||
| CurriculumCurriculum design and implementation | ||||
| Adapting the curriculumCurriculum adaptation | ||||
| SafeguardingHealth and safety, including child protection |
- Back to text, source A
Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Page 6
Checked 16 September 2026.
KHDA in brief
KHDA’s own one-page summary of its 2023–24 inspection, written for parents, word for word. The full inspection report remains the reference. Source A: Parent Report 2023–24, summary only
Students’ achievement
Children in Kindergarten (KG) perform better in science than English and mathematics. The large majority of KG students make better than expected progress in all these three subjects. The majority of elementary students achieve above curriculum standards in all subjects in middle and high school. The progress of students is variable, with the large majority of them making better than expected progress in mathematics, science Islamic Education and Arabic as an additional language in elementary and high school. A majority of students in middle school make better than expected progress across all subjects.
Personal and social development
Across all grade levels, students have very positive attitudes towards each other and in their approach to learning activities. Students are well-behaved while learning in climates of mutual respect. Students understand that it’s important to keep healthy with a focus on emotional health. Students have a secure understanding and appreciation of Islamic values and UAE heritage and culture. They are enthusiastic participants in school and student directed programs to promote sustainability, recycling, and conservation.
Teaching, curriculum and care
Most teachers at the school exhibit solid subject knowledge and adept pedagogical skills, effectively promoting collaborative and independent learning among students. Across all educational phases and subjects, teachers are wellacquainted with their students' needs and strengths, maintaining high expectations, particularly at kindergarten and elementary levels. They encourage critical thinking, employing higher-order questioning techniques to facilitate meaningful learning. Formal, internal testing is closely aligned with the curriculum, enabling precise assessment of student learning.
Wellbeing
Wellbeing is part of the climate and culture across the school. Leaders and teachers model good well-being practice, and a well-qualified, skilled and experienced well-being team supports students experiencing challenges. Surveys to collect data to measure the well-being climate across the school is in place but not yet fully developed. Students, as well as parents, feel they belong at the American Academy, and they look on the school as an extension of their own family where there are high levels of positivity.
Inclusion
An inclusion governor and the inclusion leads drive the promotion of inclusion across the school. Students are assessed on admission to KG which leads to accurate identification and appropriate intervention where required. Parents and students are involved in ILP reviews. School communications are regular and informative. The school adapts provision for students of determination, promoting engagement across subjects. Curriculum modifications develop independence and interventions, like pull-out sessions, foster confidence and resilience.
Leadership and management
The principal and senior leadership team establish a unifying vision and promote UAE national priorities. They embrace Islamic values in all aspects of the school daily life. They exhibit strong curriculum knowledge and effective teaching and learning practices and work closely with the middle leaders to develop their capacity. The operations of the school runs very smoothly. School is well equipped with resources that are effectively used in all subjects. The excellent communication with parents support the school in its initiatives.
- Back to text, source A
Parent Report 2023–24
Summary only
Page 1
Checked 16 September 2026.
Found only in the summary for parents. Answers do not use it as evidence.
School year
31 Aug 2026 to 2 Jul 2027 · 185 school days
- First midterm break (MoE Schools)
- 12 Oct 2026 to 16 Oct 20265 days
- National Day
- 2 Dec 2026 to 3 Dec 20262 days
- Winter break includes New year’s day
- 14 Dec 2026 to 1 Jan 202719 days
- Eid al-Fitr
- 8 Mar 2027 to 11 Mar 20274 daysexpected, subject to moon sighting
- Spring break
- 5 Apr 2027 to 9 Apr 20275 days
- Eid al-Adha
- 17 May 2027 to 18 May 20272 daysexpected, subject to moon sighting
Public holidays are tentative and subject to official government announcements (KHDA).
- Back to text, source A
KHDA school directory 2026–27
Checked 16 September 2026.
Academics
Attainment by subject and phase, 2023–24KHDA words for each subject in each phase.
| Subject | Foundation Stage | Primary | Secondary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Islamic Education | Not in this report | ||
| Arabic | Not in this report | ||
| English | |||
| Mathematics | |||
| Science |
Source Source A: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Arabic at every school in Dubai: at least 4 lessons a week from Year 2 to Year 10 for a child of non-Arab nationality. Arab children have 4 to 6 lessons to Year 13; Muslim children also study Islamic Education.Source KHDA, Guidelines on National Mandatory Subjects, page 14 (opens in a new tab)
Subjects over the years
KHDA's words in every Full Inspection Report since 2015–16, each row and phase as the reports print them.
Subjects over the years, American Academy for GirlsIslamic Education, by inspection report
| Rated | 2015–16 | 2016–17 | 2017–18 | 2018–19 | 2022–23 | 2023–24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Islamic Education attainmentMiddle | ||||||
| Islamic Education attainmentElementary | ||||||
| Islamic Education attainmentHigh | ||||||
| Islamic Education progressMiddle | ||||||
| Islamic Education progressElementary | ||||||
| Islamic Education progressHigh |
International and benchmark tests
The National Agenda section of each Full Inspection Report since 2015–16: the school's results in PISA, TIMSS, PIRLS and benchmark tests against KHDA's targets. The only results in the reports that are not an inspector's judgement.
KHDA's verdicts, 2023–24
| Aspect | Whole school | Emirati cohort |
|---|---|---|
| International and Benchmark Achievement | ||
| Teaching and Learning: Improving reading literacy |
Registration requirements: Met Fully
- Students' progression in their benchmark assessments in English, mathematics and science is very good, with gains of two levels or more in some year groups, across all subjects.
Earlier reports
- 2022–23: Progress in international assessment — meets expectations
- 2018–19: The impact of leadership — is approaching expectations
- 2017–18: Overall, the school's provision for achieving the National Agenda targets — meets expectations
- 2016–17: Overall, the school’s improvement towards achieving its National Agenda targets — meets expectations
- 2015–16: no verdict read
Recognised by UAE universities?
UAE universities ask for the Ministry of Education’s equivalency of the Grade 12 certificate. For this school’s curriculum, the student needs:
- American: five approved subjects a year in Grades 10 to 12 (D or 60%), an English score (EmSAT 1100, IELTS 5.0 or TOEFL iBT 61) and a maths score (EmSAT 500 or SAT 450). Without the scores, the equivalency is limited.
Arab students also need Arabic, and Muslim students Islamic Studies, in each of the last three years.
KHDA attests the certificate first. Ask the school which body accredits it.Source Ministry of Education, equivalency service, read 24 September 2026 (opens in a new tab)
- Back to text, source A
Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Page 6
Checked 16 September 2026.
School life
Sports and activities
What the school lists on its own website and what KHDA’s inspectors mention in their reports. An activity missing here may still be offered.
Ball sports
- Football · Football Club
- Basketball
- Netball
- Volleyball
- Rugby
Water sports
- Swimming · Swimming Club · compulsory part of our PE curriculum in Pre-KG through to Grade 7
Racket sports
- Badminton · Badminton Club
Individual sports
- Gymnastics · Trampolining Club · Advanced Gymnastics
Theatre
- Drama · Drama Club
Music
- Instrument lessons · playing the keyboard
Art & design
- Art · Painting
Science & technology
- Robotics
Debate & strategy
- Debate & public speaking · Public Speaking
- Model United Nations · Model United Nations (MUN)
Facilities
- Swimming pool
· - Playing field
- Sports hall
· - Music rooms
· - Theatre or auditorium
- Art studio
· - Makerspace
Mentioned in earlier KHDA reports
- Yoga & fitness
- Chess
Also mentioned: Cooking/Baking, Rounders, Book Club, Fundraising Falcon club, Mental Health club, House Student Forums, ECO ambassadors, Sugar Gram Entrepreneurship Business Showcase, Internship Program
- Back to text, source A
School website, read 23 September 2026
Checked 23 September 2026.
What the school offers
As the 2023–24 inspection report mentions them. Inspectors name these in passing, so this is not the school's full list: something not named here may still be offered. A line's page opens the report's sentence.
Languages besides English
- Arabic · Arabic is taught in KG by one teacher for four lessons per week and in accordance with the standards set by the Ministry of Education (MoE).
Courses after 16
- Advanced Placement · Advanced Placement (AP) courses
External examinations
- AP
Support for students of determination and the gifted
- There are effective systems for identifying students of determination including those who are gifted and talented. p. 4
- There are systems for identifying students of determination including those who are gifted and talented. p. 21
- The inclusion leaders and teaching staff are committed to early identification and to designing interventions which are appropriately challenging to assist students’ progress. p. 21
- The school adapts provision for students of determination, promoting engagement across subjects. p. 22
- Curriculum modifications are helping to develop independence and interventions, and pull-out sessions foster confidence and resilience. p. 22
- Back to text, source A
Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Page 3
Checked 16 September 2026.
On the school's website
What the school says about itself on americanacademy.ae, read on 22 September 2026. The school's own words, not checked by KHDA; a figure here is the school's own count. The site's name beside a line opens that page.
Where leavers go
- «Boston University» americanacademy.ae on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «Northeastern University» americanacademy.ae on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «University of Texas at Austin» americanacademy.ae on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «Fordham University» americanacademy.ae on the school's website, opens in a new tab
Admissions
- «The re-registration fee is AED2,000» americanacademy.ae on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «Students with any outstanding fees may not be eligible to re-register for the following academic year.» americanacademy.ae on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «Please also note when the school is unable to register students with KHDA due to incomplete documentation, you may be asked to wait to take up your school place until the process is complete, which will result in your child not being able to join their class.» americanacademy.ae on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «Charges incurred due to the extra support will be discussed and agreed with you prior to the commencement of any language/learning support.» americanacademy.ae on the school's website, opens in a new tab
School buses
- «At American Academy For Girls (AAG) and Taaleem have contracted Arab Falcon Bus Rental LLC, a highly experienced and established bus transportation company.» americanacademy.ae on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «All vehicles used by Arab Falcon follow the strictest Road & Transport Authority (RTA) safety standards and guidelines.» americanacademy.ae on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «All bus drivers are highly experienced and authorized and trained by the RTA. A bus helper/'nanny’ will travel with each vehicle.» americanacademy.ae on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «All buses feature CCTV cameras and a Tracking System for the purposes of our students’ safety and attendance.» americanacademy.ae on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- Back to text, source A
School website, read 22 September 2026
Checked 22 September 2026.
Fees
Tuition across 15 year groupsNote 1
AED 45,618 to AED 71,113Source A: Fees Fact Sheet 2026–27
Pre-KG to Grade 12, 2026–27
Tuition is the same as in 2025–26 for every year group.
Annual tuition by year group, American Academy for Girls, 2026–27 compared with 2025–26
| Year group | 2026–27Source A: Fees Fact Sheet 2026–27 | 2025–26Source B: Fees Fact Sheet 2025–26 |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation Stage | ||
| Pre-KG | AED 45,618 | AED 45,618 |
| KG1 | AED 45,618 | AED 45,618 |
| KG2 | AED 45,618 | AED 45,618 |
| Primary | ||
| Grade 1 | AED 53,671 | AED 53,671 |
| Grade 2 | AED 53,671 | AED 53,671 |
| Grade 3 | AED 53,671 | AED 53,671 |
| Grade 4 | AED 53,671 | AED 53,671 |
| Grade 5 | AED 63,062 | AED 63,062 |
| Grade 6 | AED 63,062 | AED 63,062 |
| Secondary | ||
| Grade 7 | AED 63,062 | AED 63,062 |
| Grade 8 | AED 63,062 | AED 63,062 |
| Grade 9 | AED 71,113 | AED 71,113 |
| Grade 10 | AED 71,113 | AED 71,113 |
| Post-16 | ||
| Grade 11 | AED 71,113 | AED 71,113 |
| Grade 12 | AED 71,113 | AED 71,113 |
Checked 16 September 2026.
- Back to text, note 1
The range names the lowest and highest tuition on one Fees Fact Sheet. Fees are never averaged across year groups.
- Back to text, source A
Fees Fact Sheet 2026–27
Tuition for 15 year groups.
Checked 16 September 2026.
- Back to text, source B
Fees Fact Sheet 2025–26
Tuition for 15 year groups.
Checked 16 September 2026.
- Back to text, note 2
Change compares the same year group in the two fact sheets. Fees are never averaged across year groups.
What a year costs, 2026–27
Choose a year group above to see KHDA's total for it, what the school requires you to buy, and the services you can add.
Findings
11 findings in the last report: 4 strengths, 7 development points, 5 recurring across the last 5 reports.
Attainment and progress
Note 11 strength, 1 development point
StrengthKG and Elementary
Students’ outcomes in the KG and Elementary as a result of effective teaching, learning and use of assessment.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 5
Development required, recurring in 3 of the last 5 reportsNote 2Middle school
Improve students’ outcomes in all subjects in the middle school.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 13
Health, safety and safeguarding
1 strength
Strength
The health and safety and the pastoral care and support for students
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 6
Parents and community
1 strength
Strength
The school’s excellent partnership with parents and the community
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 7
Leadership and self-evaluation
1 strength, 2 development points
Strength
The effective day-to-day management of the school
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 8
Development required, recurring in 3 of the last 5 reports
Improve the understanding of wellbeing by all leaders and staff to ensure that it is an integral part of the school’s day-to-day life.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 10, paragraph 9
Development required, recurring in 3 of the last 5 reports
Consider combining the existing mission and vision statements, programs, and wellbeing initiatives into one succinct policy with clearly identified targets.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 10, paragraph 10
Teaching
1 development point
Development required, recurring in 5 of the last 5 reports
Implement a school wide approach to: - identifying best practices in teaching, learning, assessment, and curriculum modification, and - disseminating the best practices across the different subjects and phases to improve students’ outcomes.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 10
Reading and literacy
1 development point
Development required
Enhance the reading abilities of all students across all subjects to support their understanding of the taught curriculum.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 14
Assessment
1 development point
Development required, recurring in 2 of the last 5 reports
Immediately analyze the results from the reading tests and then ensure that interventions are enacted swiftly to enable students to improve their overall scores.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 9, paragraph 4
External benchmark tests
1 development point
Development required
Further improve students’ performance in external benchmark tests.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 9, paragraph 5
Findings from 1 of 9 reports
- Back to text, note 1
Topics follow the order of the KHDA inspection framework, not how good or bad a finding is.
- Back to text, note 2
Recurring counts the school’s last 5 reports, 2016–17 to 2023–24. Findings come only from Full Inspection Reports, never from Parent Reports.
History
13 KHDA inspection reports on file, 2008–09 to 2023–24.
History of American Academy for GirlsOverall rating by academic year, newest first
- 2026–27Inspections resume this year. No report yet.
- 2024–25 and 2025–26KHDA paused full inspections. The 2023–24 rating is still the latest. About the pause
- 2023–24Same as 2022–23Note 1Full Inspection Report 2023–24 (opens in a new tab)
- 2022–23Same as 2018–19Full Inspection Report 2022–23 (opens in a new tab)
- 2019–20 to 2021–22No inspection.
- 2018–19Same as 2017–18Full Inspection Report 2018–19 (opens in a new tab)
- 2017–18Same as 2016–17Full Inspection Report 2017–18 (opens in a new tab)
- 2016–17Same as 2015–16Full Inspection Report 2016–17 (opens in a new tab)
- 2015–16Same as 2014–15Full Inspection Report 2015–16 (opens in a new tab)
- Six-level scale starts in 2015–16. Earlier reports used four levels.
- 2014–15Same as 2013–14Full Inspection Report 2014–15 (opens in a new tab)
- 2013–14Same as 2012–13Full Inspection Report 2013–14 (opens in a new tab)
- 2012–13Same as 2011–12Full Inspection Report 2012–13 (opens in a new tab)
- 2011–12Same as 2010–11Full Inspection Report 2011–12 (opens in a new tab)
- 2010–11Same as 2009–10Full Inspection Report 2010–11 (opens in a new tab)
- 2009–10Same as 2008–09Full Inspection Report 2009–10 (opens in a new tab)
- 2008–09First reportFull Inspection Report 2008–09 (opens in a new tab)
Checked 16 September 2026.
- Back to text, note 1
Change compares each report with the school’s previous report. Years with no inspection are skipped, never counted as a change.
Snapshots by year
Students and staff by academic year, American Academy for Girls
| Year | Students | Teachers | Teacher turnover |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024–25 | 569 | Not available | Not available |
| 2023–24 | 548 | Not available | Not available |
| 2022–23 | 498 | 51 | 14% |
| 2021–22 | 495 | Not available | Not available |
| 2020–21 | 488 | Not available | Not available |
| 2019–20 | 572 | Not available | Not available |
| 2018–19 | 606 | 58 | 31% |
| 2017–18 | 633 | Not available | Not available |
| 2016–17 | 600 | 50 | 14% |
| 2015–16 | 640 | 49 | 40% |
| 2014–15 | 664 | Not available | Not available |
| 2013–14 | 672 | Not available | Not available |
| 2012–13 | 668 | Not available | Not available |
| 2011–12 | 622 | Not available | Not available |
| 2010–11 | 546 | Not available | Not available |
Not available: KHDA did not publish that figure for the year.
Sources
Every document behind this page. Official documents open on the KHDA site in a new tab.
Full Inspection Reports · PDF, English
- Full Inspection Report 2023–24 (opens in a new tab)
- Full Inspection Report 2022–23 (opens in a new tab)
- Full Inspection Report 2018–19 (opens in a new tab)
- Full Inspection Report 2017–18 (opens in a new tab)
- Full Inspection Report 2016–17 (opens in a new tab)
- Full Inspection Report 2015–16 (opens in a new tab)
- Full Inspection Report 2014–15 (opens in a new tab)
- Full Inspection Report 2013–14 (opens in a new tab)
- Full Inspection Report 2012–13 (opens in a new tab)
- Full Inspection Report 2011–12 (opens in a new tab)
- Full Inspection Report 2010–11 (opens in a new tab)
- Full Inspection Report 2009–10 (opens in a new tab)
- Full Inspection Report 2008–09 (opens in a new tab)
Parent Reports · PDF, English
A shorter summary for parents. Findings and answers use the Full Inspection Report.
Fees Fact Sheets · web page, English
KHDA school directory · web page, English
KHDA school directory 2026–27 (opens in a new tab)KHDA school directory 2024–25 (opens in a new tab)KHDA school directory 2023–24 (opens in a new tab)