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.  

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.

Instructional objectives are clearly defined in all subject areas, but academic expectations are flexible enough to both support and challenge each individual learner. The “fluency” pillars will be at the epicenter of GEMS Dubai American Academy’s approach to curriculum, teaching and learning, and will define the learning experience for all students.

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 an International Baccalaureate Diploma. This qualifies students for entrance, and in many cases advanced placement, in most universities worldwide.

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.

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.

DAA students achieved an impressive pass rate of 98%. 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.

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. 

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: 

Although the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program is completed in grades 11 and 12, all students, inclusive of grade 9 and 10, take part in the CAS program.  CAS Stands for Creativity, Action and Service.  In total, we ask students to engage in at least 70 hours between the pillars of CAS - Creativity, Action and Service throughout their high school journey at DAA.

Creativity

Exploring and extending ideas leading to an original or interpretive product or performance.

Activity

Physical exertion contributing to a healthy lifestyle.

Service

Collaborative and reciprocal engagement with the community in response to an authentic need.

Through CAS our students experience new things, become more internationally minded, and have an opportunity to explore their passions outside of academics.  Through CAS, they are able to identify their strengths and develop areas for growth.  CAS empowers them to engage with issues of global significance, gives them an opportunity of self-determination and satisfaction for initiating and completing their plan.