High School Curriculum at DAA

High School

For students seeking advanced pathways, the school provides two internationally recognized options. Our Advanced Placement (AP) program includes 17 courses across English, math and computer science, history and social science, social studies and the arts, alongside the two AP Capstone courses: AP Seminar and AP Research. Our International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme features more than 40 courses spanning six subject groups: studies in language and literature, language acquisition, individuals and societies, sciences, mathematics and the arts.

The Program of Studies allows students to combine the strength of an American high school diploma with the challenge and global recognition of AP and IB studies, tailoring their academic journey to their interests and future aspirations.

To graduate, students must earn a minimum of 22 credits, as outlined by Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA).


Ashley Szar

High School Principal

Meet The High School Principal

A point of pride in our high school is our focus on preparing our students to be university ready from the start of high school. All IB/AP teachers also teach in grades 9 and 10 to expose our students to the vocabulary, skills and assessment style required to be ready for these rigorous courses and therefore transition to university with confidence.

Top Students

Student Spotlight

  • I am so grateful for the education my teachers have given me but also the confidence they helped me build over the past four years. Thank you to all the educators who always pushed me to reach the best I could and for believing in me. I have found a great passion for learning and I am excited to embark on my next journey at Cornell University. I will always carry a part of DAA with me - thank you to everyone who helped me get here.

    Camille Parisot

    Recipient of the Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Award for Excellence (to be verified), score of 44, Class of 2025

  • DAA was not just a school—it was a community of kind-hearted leaders who pushed me to my limits. I have only this community to thank for the person I have grown into.

    Bernardo Tavares Da Costa De Sousa Cardoso

    Score of 44, Class of 2025

  • The past two years have taught me that passion is our most powerful asset because it drives you to work harder. With the support of my teachers, a school environment that has encouraged me to thrive, and my own passion for learning, I am proud to have graduated as an IB student with High Honours with Distinction, received the Citizenship and Service Award in Grade 11, taken my passion for Theatre outside of the classroom by directing and acting in a play originally used for coursework, and been awarded the Wardlaw Scholarship for academic excellence to study at the University of St Andrews. There, I will pursue International Relations and Management to develop the skills required to one day lead an NGO and create meaningful change in the world.

    Emilia Karalius

    Score of 38, Class of 2025

  • Achieving a 42 IB score is achieved by about 4% of students worldwide. I’d like to thank my family for supporting me, my teachers for educating me, and the whole DAA community for fostering an environment to do so much more than simply study for my diploma. I look forward to taking my experiences further as I study law at King’s College London.

    Alexander Ghorayeb

    Score of 42, Class of 2024

Top Stats

  • 11
    %

    DAA students achieved a score of 40 or higher

  • 33

    was the average score our IB students

  • 65
    %

    of graduating class elected to complete challenging IB Diploma program

  • 144

    full IB diploma students

Explore our High School

  • Overview

    To be successful, students must begin to think of career aspirations as well as educational plans for their years after high school and then set realistic goals for their academic program at Dubai American Academy. 

    In addition, students are encouraged to participate in co-curricular activities to supplement their academic program. At Dubai American Academy, it is expected that students assume responsibility for their own achievements in education while working in partnership with teacher and parent guidance.  

  • Curriculum Overview

    The curriculum is based on U.S. national standards and best practice research, and the language of instruction is in English.

    The core program emphasizes reading and the language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, Arabic language for native and non-native speakers, and Islamic Education for Muslim students. In addition, students in preschool through Grade 10 receive instruction in health and physical education with an emphasis on healthy living and good moral character. All students continue their studies in the core areas while being exposed to a wide variety of electives such as, digital video, visual and performing arts, and world languages.

    Academically, GEMS Dubai American Academy provides future-focused learning experiences that will empower and enable students to become the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs and leaders capable of challenging, influencing and sustaining the world they will inherit.

    Through the provision of highly-distinguished and world-class education delivering outstanding outcomes and experiences for all students, GEMS Dubai American Academy prepares students to meet the challenge of a university education. Those who are exceptionally motivated may choose to pursue Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate courses. 

    Beyond academics, GEMS Dubai American Academy strives to instill in all students a culture of kindness, a positive attitude toward lifelong learning, an appreciation for cultural diversity, with mastery of multiple literacies and fluencies to support genuine personal growth and future readiness.


     

  • Academic Performance

    This year heralded another successful university application season for Dubai American Academy. With one of the largest cohorts in the Middle East, our students have much to be proud of.

     

    Celebrating IB results at DAA


    DAA

    UAE

    World

    Number of candidates registered

    192

    2977

    202,103

    Number of Diploma students

    149

    -

    -

    Number of students receiving the full Diploma

    95.3%

    90.87%

    81.26%

    Average points of candidates receiving the Diploma

    34

    32.63

    30.58

    Average grade per subject

    5.35

    5.15

    4.89

    Highest Diploma points awarded to a candidate

    44

    45

    45

    Mean of points awarded for Core (TOK and EE)

    1.97

    1.73

    1.24

    DAA students achieved an impressive pass rate of 95.3%. Students will continue their education in several countries, with the largest percentage going to the United States, followed by Canada, the United Kingdom, Europe and Asia.           

    DAA has a long history of helping students to achieve excellent IB results. From our very first year of offering the IB Diploma program, DAA’s students have scored significantly above the world averages in both individual subjects and overall results. Our program has grown substantially over the years to include all students who wish to undertake the challenging diploma program.

  • Athletics and Activities

    Middle East South Asia Conference (MESAC) (Grades 9 - 12)

    At Dubai American Academy there is a strong emphasis on developing a lifelong commitment to a healthy lifestyle, and on acquiring team skills to learn and compete cooperatively with others. Dubai American Academy offers its students a variety of sports catering for the different talents within the student population. 

    The year is broken down into three activity seasons (Fall, Winter and Spring), each providing a range of opportunities for our students. All sports and activities are provided with skilled, experienced and passionate coaches to help our students reach their personal best in whatever activity they choose. Our athletes compete locally against other international schools in the Dubai and Abu Dhabi regions. Additionally, all Junior Varsity and Varsity teams travel to the Middle East South Asia Conference (MESAC) which is an international conference comprising of six leading schools in the UAE.

      

    The Athletics and Activities for each season are as follows:

    • Season 1 – Volleyball, Golf, Swimming and Academic Games
    • Season 2 – Basketball, Soccer, Cross-Country, Tennis and Senior Fine Arts
    • Season 3 – Badminton, Track & Field, Baseball, Softball, Forensics and Junior Fine Arts.

    Dubai American Academy provides students with many free/low-cost opportunities to develop their particular interests and abilities. This association with students who share the same interests allows for camaraderie that fosters an increased sense of purpose and a feeling of belonging outside of the classroom. Athletics, school government, class organizations and special interest clubs provide a hands-on opportunity for students to learn and participate in leadership skills. 

  • High School Student Government

    The high school student government is an organization dedicated to providing leadership opportunities for students, providing services to the school and community and making the lives of students more enjoyable. The organization serves as a link between students and teachers, organizes social activities, and assists the greater school community in various events and activities throughout the year. Students from grades 9-12 are eligible to serve on the student government and are elected by their peers to serve as class representatives or members of the executive council. Together with the staff and administration, the student government has created eligibility requirements for students wishing to serve on the student government. It is considered a privilege to be selected, and students involved with the student government are leaders who demonstrate the qualities of exceptional and successful students.  

    Examples of Student-Led Clubs and Charities include: 

    • South Asian Culture Club
    • Cybersecurity club
    • The Rashid Stars
    • Video Production Club
    • Anime Club
    • Leopards Cheerleading Club
    • Little Learners
    • Chinese culture club
    • Arduino Engineering
    • Black Student Union (BSU)
    • Business Club
    • Running Club
    • Business Entrepreneurship club
    • I'm Your Genie
    • Music and culture (appreciation club)
    • Sign Language Club
    • Art-RUBIX Club
    • Model United Nations
    • Environmental club
    • Chemistry Club
    • E-Tutors
    • Digital Art Club
    • SAT Club
    • Athletics Department Coaching
    • Economics Club
    • Film Club
    • Book Tasting
    • Math Olympiad club
    • DAA Investment Club
    • TEDxYouth@DAA
    • Inspire Club
    • TILE Club
    • Mission: Recyclable
    • Art 101
    • Eureka
    • Go Green
    • Photography Club
    • Green Machine
    • Save The Children
    • Medical Aspirants
    • World Building Club
    • Venture Capitalism Club
    • Leaders of Tomorrow
    • Movie Club
    • Dubai Cares
    • Table Tennis Club
    • Debate Club
    • Alex's Lemonade Stand
    • IB art club
    • Spanish Club
    • Physics Club
    • Scrabble Club
    • Mind your Money
    • Psychology and Charity
    • African Culture Club
    • Supporting South Sudan
    • MS Coding Club
    • Ski Club
    • Global Politics Society
    • AI Impact
    • Debating Club
    • Deeds for Special Needs
    • Physics Club (Year 1)

  • al significance, gives them an opportunity of self-determination and satisfaction for initiating and completing their plan. 

 

SUMMER LEARNING
High School

We have created Summer Learning opportunities for our students. View our High School Summer Learning website for a variety of resources and suggested learning opportunities for students over the summer months.  

high-school-link-

Resources and Downloads

 

How the DP Helps Students

The DP is able to develop the students to posses the qualifications below. Click here to learn more.

 
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