GEMS Dubai American Academy
Also known as: DAA
GEMS Dubai American Academy is a private American and IB curriculum school in Al Barsha 1 (Al Barsha South First in KHDA’s records), Dubai, for boys and girls from KG1 to Grade 12. KHDA rated the school Outstanding in its 2023–24 inspection. Tuition for 2026–27 is AED 66,185 to AED 93,300 a year, depending on the year group.
Sources: KHDA inspection report 2023–24, p. 6; KHDA Fees Fact Sheet 2026–27.
- rating
- Outstanding: level 6 of 6 on KHDA’s scale, from Very weak to OutstandingKHDA 2023–24, p. 6What Outstanding means
- fee
- AED 66,185 – 93,300a year, KG1 to Grade 12, 2026–27Fees by year group at every school
- whole
- Which year group?See its fee and the cost to the end of school
- students
- 3,320 students2024–25, KHDA school directory
The map shows the streets and places around the school. The same places are counted in «Within 1 km» below.
© OpenStreetMap contributors
Fees at this school, 2026–27
AED 66,185 – 93,300a year, KG1 to Grade 12, 2026–27
Not included: transport, uniform, books, trips, sibling discounts.
KHDA Fees Fact Sheet 2026–27.
Overview
Admissions
- Places
- KHDA does not publish how many places are free at a school or its waiting list. Ask the school directly, and early.
- Year groups
- KG1 to Grade 12Which year group for your child? → September 2027 intake →
- Age on entry
- Counted on 31 December of the year of entry, for a child registering in a UAE school for the first time from 2026–27 (31 August before that).Source UAE Ministry of Education, 17 December 2025
- Apply
- gemsaa-dubai.com+971 4 704 9777sco_daa@gemsedu.comTelephone and e-mail as KHDA's school directory lists them, checked 18 September 2026. What its own website says about admissions → How admission works across Dubai →
- Fees on entry
- «New Students — Application Fees : AED 500 (Assessment fees included)»«New Students — Enrolment Fees : Up to 10% of the tuition fees non refundable & deductible from the 1st term fees»Source KHDA Fees Fact Sheet 2026–27, KG1
- Inspections
- This school's latest full inspection report is 2023–24. KHDA’s visits resume in 2026–27. A full inspection brings a new rating; a shorter monitoring visit does not. Ratings and reports →Source KHDA, 3 June 2026
The school
- Curriculum
- American, IB
- Year groups
- KG1–Grade 12
- Gender
- Co-educational Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24Report wording: Boys and girls
- Languages of instruction
- English
- Founded
- 1997
- Name registered with KHDA
- GEMS Dubai American Academy - Dubai Branch
- External examinations
- AP, IBDP Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Accreditation
- NEASC/ IB Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Extra-curricular activities
- Football, Basketball, Volleyball, Cricket and more, 26 confirmed
- Principal
- HELENA ISABEL DA COSTA PEREIRA RASO
- Website
- gemsaa-dubai.com
- Back to text, source A
KHDA school directory 2024–25
Checked 16 September 2026.
- Back to text, source B
Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Page 3
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
Kindergarten (KG) children's achievement is outstanding across all subjects. Mathematics attainment in middle school has been improved and is now outstanding as are student achievement outcomes in almost all phases in English, math and science. Improvements are evident in Islamic education and Arabic as an additional language. Students' learning skills remain excellent as they become increasingly independent and capable of leading their own learning.
Personal and social development
Students demonstrate excellent self-discipline in classrooms and around the school, demonstrating increasing maturity, an independence of mind, confidence to voice their opinions and a sense of self-reliance. Students exhibit mutual respect for one another in a highly diverse learning environment and resolve differences with an open mind. Students in all phases demonstrate a very strong work ethic, contributing to sustainability campaigns and innovative projects.
Teaching, curriculum and care
Effective lesson planning and the use of resources positively develop students range of reading literacy and writing skills. Almost all teachers are skilled in asking probing questions that stimulate critical thinking through literary analysis, especially in the high school phase. ICT is embedded throughout the school and effectively extends, enhances and reinforces learning. Teachers also encourage independent learning, research, and inquiry.
Wellbeing
The well-being of students is a priority for leaders. Staff, students and parents all contribute to a shared vision which the school community values. Highly skilled leaders are developing the well-being culture across the school; however, it is not firmly embedded in all classes. The monitoring of students needs is exemplary and ensures that targeted support can quickly be given to students who might be struggling with anxiety or emotional challenges.
Inclusion
Leaders at the school, experts in special educational needs, deliver a high-quality, tailored curriculum for students of determination. Skilled staff provide dedicated support for complex challenges, breaking down individual needs into specific learning goals, with 1:1 and small group assistance. Teachers, familiar with each student, adapt the curriculum as needed. Parents are closely involved in creating and reviewing education plans. The curriculum, dynamically modified, meets students' social, emotional, and academic needs, with rigorous tracking to monitor progress.
Leadership and management
The superintendent leads principals and leaders, by example, in demonstrating professional expertise, blended with experience, to sustain a high performing school committed to inclusivity and diversity. The school leadership is committed to nurturing talent and empowering emerging leaders to create sustainable succession planning. The insightful local governing board ensures that governance in the school reflects and responds sensitively to the views of all stakeholders.
- 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.
What parents told KHDA (survey, 2018–19)
The 2023–24 inspection report has no parents’ survey section; this is how the 2018–19 report, the newest with one and 7 years old, sums up parents’ answers, in the inspectors’ words.
2018–19 inspection Source A: Full Inspection Report 2018–19
Safety and care
Parents report that they are well informed and that their children are safe and provided for well.
Enjoyment
Parents report being happy with the quality of education at the school.
Leadership
They agree that leaders and teachers listen to them and act on their views.
Fees and value
A few parents comment about high fees, but a large majority report that the school offers value for money.
- Back to text, source A
Full Inspection Report 2018–19
Page 20
Checked 16 September 2026.
Fees 2026–27
GEMS Dubai American Academy tuition for 2026–27 is AED 66,185 (KG1 and KG2) to AED 93,300 (Grade 1 to Grade 12) across 14 year groups, as published in the school's KHDA Fees Fact Sheet 2026–27.Note 1Source A: Fees Fact Sheet 2026–27
Tuition is unchanged from 2025–26 in every year group.
Annual tuition by year group, GEMS Dubai American Academy, 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 | ||
| KG1 | AED 66,185 | AED 66,185 |
| KG2 | AED 66,185 | AED 66,185 |
| Primary | ||
| Grade 1 | AED 93,300 | AED 93,300 |
| Grade 2 | AED 93,300 | AED 93,300 |
| Grade 3 | AED 93,300 | AED 93,300 |
| Grade 4 | AED 93,300 | AED 93,300 |
| Grade 5 | AED 93,300 | AED 93,300 |
| Grade 6 | AED 93,300 | AED 93,300 |
| Secondary | ||
| Grade 7 | AED 93,300 | AED 93,300 |
| Grade 8 | AED 93,300 | AED 93,300 |
| Grade 9 | AED 93,300 | AED 93,300 |
| Grade 10 | AED 93,300 | AED 93,300 |
| Post-16 | ||
| Grade 11 | AED 93,300 | AED 93,300 |
| Grade 12 | AED 93,300 | AED 93,300 |
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 14 year groups.
Checked 16 September 2026.
- Back to text, source B
Fees Fact Sheet 2025–26
Tuition for 14 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.
GEMS Dubai American Academy fees 2026–27 by year group Also the 2025–26 figures, fees since 2022–23 and other charges.
What a year costs, KG1, 2026–27
Showing KG1. Choose another year group above to see its costs.
- Tuition
- AED 66,185
- KHDA's total for the year
- AED 66,185
Required, but not in KHDA's total: uniform, books and the like, bought from the school or elsewhere
- Uniform
- AED 500 to AED 2,500
- Laptop/Digital Device
- AED 100 to AED 515
- School ID Card ReplacementOnly when needed; not paid every year
- up to AED 31
A year, before optional servicesAED 66,785 to AED 69,200
Joining and re-enrolling
- Re-enrollment fees · Existing Students
- Up to 5% of the tuition fees or AED 500 (whichever is higher), non-refundable and deductible from the 1st term fees
- Application Fees · New Students
- AED 500 (Assessment fees included)
- Enrolment Fees · New Students
- Up to 10% of the tuition fees, non-refundable and deductible from the 1st term fees
Other discounts the school states
- School Employees
- up to 100%
- Sibling 4
- up to 25%
- Sibling 5
- up to 50%
- Privilege Cards
- up to 3%
- Scholarship
- up to 100%
- Humanitarian Financial Aid
- up to 100%
The sheet's sibling discounts start at «Sibling 4», as it names them.
The school requested not to increase the tuition fees for the academic year 2026–27. Fees Fact Sheet 2026–27
Ranges are shown as KHDA prints them, never as a single middle figure.
Inspection
Overall rating
Earlier reports
Inclusion Dubai focus area
Checked 16 September 2026.
KHDA ratings
KHDA ratings in the Full Inspection Report 2023–24. Source A: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
KHDA’s visits resume in 2026–27. A full inspection brings 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: Outstanding in 9 reports and Good in 3 reports.
WellbeingStudents’ personal development and wellbeing
Not available2023–24
InclusionProvision for students of determination
Same as 2022–23 Earlier: Outstanding in 1 report.
LeadershipLeadership and management
Same as 2022–23 Earlier: Outstanding in 1 report.
Checked 16 September 2026.
Wellbeing, 2022–23 report: Very high
«The quality of wellbeing provision and outcomes is at a very high level:» p. 9
In 2021-22 and 2022-23 KHDA judged wellbeing on its own scale — Very high, High, Moderate, Low — not the six inspection words, so it is shown in its own words and not compared with them.
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.
What the KHDA scale means
KHDA rates schools on six levels. Good is the level KHDA expects of every school; Acceptable is the minimum level it requires.
- «Quality of performance substantially exceeds the expectation of the UAE»23 schools in Dubai hold it now
- «Quality of performance exceeds the expectation of the UAE»47 schools in Dubai hold it now
- «Quality of performance meets the expectation of the UAE»«This is the expected level for every school in the UAE»85 schools in Dubai hold it now
- «Quality of performance meets the minimum level of quality required in the UAE»«This is the minimum level for every school in the UAE»52 schools in Dubai hold it now
- «Quality of performance is below the expectation of the UAE»No school in Dubai holds it now
- «Quality of performance is significantly below the expectation of the UAE»No school in Dubai holds it now
GEMS Dubai American Academy was rated Outstanding in 2023–24, one of 23 schools at this level.
Reports before 2015–16 used four levels, not these six. 21 of Dubai's 228 open schools hold no six-level rating yet. Counted the way Market Statistics counts ratings, for the schools open today.
Source UAE School Inspection Framework 2015–16, p. 19 (KHDA)
History
12 KHDA inspection reports on file, 2008–09 to 2023–24.
History of GEMS Dubai American AcademyOverall 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 2015–16Report not online
- 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)
- 2011–12Up from GoodFull 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.
Findings
8 findings in the last report: 5 strengths, 3 development points.
Leadership and self-evaluation
Note 11 strength, 1 development point
Strength
Highly-effective leadership and governance.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 5
Development required
Review and modify those improvement strategies which are not having the desired impact.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 11
Attainment and progress
1 strength
Strength
Sustained excellent student outcomes and learning skills.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 6
Inclusion of students of determination
1 strength
Strength
Commitment to an inclusive culture which embraces wellbeing.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 7
Personal development and wellbeing
1 strength, 1 development point
Strength
Students’ continued excellent personal and social skills.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 8
Development required
Design impact indicators to support the development of the wellness, inclusion, safeguarding and emotional/social support (WISE) initiative.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 13
Staffing, facilities and resources
1 strength
Strength
A stimulating and futuristic learning environment.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 9
Reading and literacy
1 development point
Development required
Develop, embed, and monitor a whole-school reading literacy strategy whose impact can be regularly reviewed.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 12
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.
Leadership
- Principal at the 2023–24 inspection
- Ethan Joe David Hildreth Source A: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Appointed 8 Jan 2022, as the report prints it. The current principal is under Location.
- Principals since 2011–12
- 4 changes of principal
- Robin Appleby, 2011–12 to 2013–14 → Dr. James Hardin, 2014–15 to 2015–16 → Tammy Murphy, 2017–18 to 2018–19 → Ethan Joe David Hildreth, 2022–23 to 2023–24 → HELENA ISABEL DA COSTA PEREIRA RASO, in KHDA's directory on 2026-09-18
- Back to text, source A
Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Page 3
Checked 16 September 2026.
Subjects
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, GEMS Dubai American AcademyIslamic Education, by inspection report
| Rated | 2015–16 | 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Requirements | Met fully | Not in this report |
| International and Benchmark Achievement | ||
| Teaching and Learning: Improving reading literacy | ||
| Overall, school standards in the National Agenda Parameter | Not in this report |
Registration requirements: Met fully
- Over the last three cycles of the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS), students’ outcomes have increased by 41 points giving an overall score of 629 points in 2021, exceeding the target by 34 points.
- Students sustained very good judgements in benchmark assessments in English and science, and improved science to outstanding over a two-year period.
- Emirati students improved their outcomes in English and science from acceptable to very good.
- They remained good in mathematics.
Earlier reports
- 2022–23: Progress in international assessment — is above expectations
- 2018–19: Overall, the schools progression to achieve the UAE National Agenda targets — is above expectations
- 2017–18: students’ attainment on the N.A.P test — is above 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 curricula, 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.
- IB: the IB Diploma, or six IB subject certificates at grade 3 or above with 21 points, including English, maths and a science.
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.
Calendar 2026–27: term dates and holidays
31 Aug 2026 to 2 Jul 2027 · 185 school days
- First midterm break
- 14 Oct 2026 to 16 Oct 20263 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
- Second midterm break
- 11 Feb 2027 to 12 Feb 20272 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).
Source Source A: KHDA school directory 2026–27
Fridays: every private school in Dubai finishes by 11:30, since 9 January 2026.Source The National, 19 Dec 2025 (opens in a new tab)
During Ramadan, whose dates follow the moon, KHDA caps the school day at five hours; each school confirms its own times.Source Gulf News (opens in a new tab)
How these dates compare with other Dubai schools: holidays 2026–27, break by break
- Back to text, source A
KHDA school directory 2026–27
Checked 18 September 2026.
Activities
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 · Soccer · Grades 4-5
- Basketball · Grades 4-5
- Volleyball · Middle School and High School
- Cricket · Cricket Club
- Rugby · Touch Rugby
Water sports
- Swimming · Middle School and High School · swim squads
Racket sports
- Tennis · Middle School and High School
- Badminton · Middle School and High School
- Table tennis
Individual sports
- Athletics · Track and Field · Grades 4-5
- Golf · Middle School and High School
- Yoga & fitness · Fitness Club
Dance
- Dance (other) · Dancing and Movement
Theatre
- Drama · theater festivals · IB Theater studies
- Musicals · Musicals/Productions · school productions
Music
- Choir & singing · elementary choir club · high school choir
- Orchestra & bands · band · orchestra
- Instrument lessons · Ukulele Club
Art & design
- Art · Arts and Crafts · Harry Potter Crafts
- Photography & film · Stop Motion Animation · ES Video News Club
Science & technology
- Robotics
· - Coding · AI Future Gens' Fluencies Program
- Science & engineering club · Science Club
Debate & strategy
- Debate & public speaking · Forensics · Middle School and High School
- Model United Nations
Award programmes
- Duke of Edinburgh / IAYP · Duke of Edinburgh’s Award program
Facilities
- Art studio
- Music rooms
- Theatre or auditorium
- Playing field
- Running track
- Swimming pool
- Sports hall
Mentioned in earlier KHDA reports
- Design & fashion
- Chess
- Gymnastics
Also mentioned: Baseball, Softball, Boys baseball team, Girls baseball team
- 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 · Children in KG1 and KG2 have two lessons, or 90 minutes, of Arabic language per week.
Facilities
- Wellness room
Courses after 16
- US High School Diploma · The US High School Diploma program
- Advanced Placement · Advanced Placement (AP) courses
- IB Diploma · The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program
Support for students of determination and the gifted
- Specialist staff are trained to manage students with more complex behavior issues. p. 21
- They know the needs of their individual students, including those with gifts and talents, and plan appropriate learning tasks matched to their needs. p. 21
- Parents are involved with the development of individual education plans (IEPs). p. 22
- Students receive individual and small group support to help them to work towards their targets. p. 22
- Back to text, source A
Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Page 4
Checked 16 September 2026.
On the school's website
What the school says about itself on gemsaa-dubai.com, read on 22 September 2026. The school's own words, not checked by KHDA; a figure here is the school's own count. Bus routes and bus fees can change each year, so confirm with the school. The site's name beside a line opens that page.
Exam results
- «2 students achieved an outstanding score of 44 points.» gemsaa-dubai.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «9 students earned the Bilingual Diploma, further highlighting the exceptional achievements of our learners.» gemsaa-dubai.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «16 students scored 40 points or higher. Considering that only 5% of students worldwide achieved 40 or more, this accomplishment truly underscores the excellence of our students.» gemsaa-dubai.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «46% scored 35 points or higher.» gemsaa-dubai.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
Where leavers go
- «Financial aid offers from universities totaled more than $3,500,000.» gemsaa-dubai.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «NYU Abu Dhabi, Clark University, Loyola University of Chicago, Chapman University, Northeastern University, Fordham University, Pace University, St. John’s University Queens, Boston University, University of St. Thomas, Trinity University, Manhattanville College and Waterloo University offered sizable financial packages to our students.» gemsaa-dubai.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «Princeton University» gemsaa-dubai.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «New York University» gemsaa-dubai.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
Class size
- «G1 – G.12: Average of 25» gemsaa-dubai.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «For K through grade 2, there is one teacher and one educational assistant in each class.» gemsaa-dubai.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «For grades 3-5, there is an educational assistant shared between two classes.» gemsaa-dubai.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
Admissions
- «We charge a non-refundable Application Fee of AED 500 + AED 25VAT upon submission of an application and prior to assessment.» gemsaa-dubai.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «Following an offer of admission, a registration deposit of 10% of the total tuition fee is payable and is deductible from the total tuition fees for the academic year.» gemsaa-dubai.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «Tours are offered at 9am for MS and 9:30am for ES/HS Monday through Thursday.» gemsaa-dubai.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «Registration for the 2026-2027 school year is now open.» gemsaa-dubai.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
School bus and transport
- «STS Bus Transport operates the bus service for our students to and from DAA.» gemsaa-dubai.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «One way routes are also an option.» gemsaa-dubai.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «Forms and registration information are found at the STS counter in our main atrium on campus and can be found on our website» gemsaa-dubai.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «To apply for the school bus services, please print and complete the following forms and submit to the onsite Service Delivery Executive.» gemsaa-dubai.com 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.
Students
From KHDA’s 2023–24 inspection report, unless another year is named.
- Students, 2024–25
- 3,320 Source A: KHDA school directory 2024–25
- Teachers
- 244 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Students of determination
- 326 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Emirati students
- 62 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Largest nationality group
- American Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- KHDA gives no share. Context only, never used in results.
- Guidance counsellors
- 12 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Back to text, source A
KHDA school directory 2024–25
Checked 16 September 2026.
- Back to text, source B
Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Page 3
Checked 16 September 2026.
Snapshots by year
Students and staff by academic year, GEMS Dubai American Academy
| Year | Students | Teachers | Teacher turnover |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024–25 | 3,320 | Not available | Not available |
| 2023–24 | 3,066 | 244 | Not available |
| 2022–23 | 2,969 | 240 | 9% |
| 2021–22 | 2,870 | Not available | Not available |
| 2020–21 | 2,502 | Not available | Not available |
| 2019–20 | 2,736 | Not available | Not available |
| 2018–19 | 2,763 | 232 | 19% |
| 2017–18 | 2,594 | 233 | Not available |
| 2016–17 | 2,269 | Not available | Not available |
| 2015–16 | 2,293 | 193 | 25% |
| 2014–15 | 2,312 | 185 | 20% |
| 2013–14 | 2,271 | Not available | Not available |
| 2012–13 | 2,236 | Not available | Not available |
| 2011–12 | 2,169 | Not available | Not available |
| 2010–11 | 2,203 | Not available | Not available |
Not available: KHDA did not publish that figure for the year.
Location
- Address
- Al Barsha South First
- Phone and email
- +971 4 704 9777sco_daa@gemsedu.comPrincipal: HELENA ISABEL DA COSTA PEREIRA RASO
- As KHDA's directory listed it on 2026-09-18. Source A: KHDA school directory 2026–27
Around the school
Schools nearby
Within 10 km, by straight-line distance, not a route.
- American School of Dubai
0.5 km · 2023–24 · American
- GEMS Wellington International School
0.9 km · 2023–24 · British, IB
- Al Arqam Private School
0.9 km · 2023–24 · MOE
- The International School of Choueifat
1.0 km · 2023–24 · Other, SABIS (UK/US)
- Next Generation School
1.1 km · 2023–24 · American
All 8 schools in Al BarshaAll IB schools in DubaiAll American curriculum schools in Dubai
- Back to text, source A
KHDA school directory 2026–27
Checked 18 September 2026.
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 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)
Not online: the 2016–17 report. The timeline takes that year’s rating from KHDA’s open data.
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)
School website · web page, English
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