The 10 Best Schools in Abu Dhabi in 2024

Choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions you can make as a parent. Not only does it impact the quality of your children's education, but it often has a significant bearing on where you choose to live. This blog features the 10 best schools in Abu Dhabi in 2024 and will help you pick one that best suits you and your child's needs. These schools are rated “Outstanding” by the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) after a thorough 4-day inspection by specialised inspectors.

British International School

The British International School offers the best British and international curricula, including the English National Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). It is part of the Nord Anglia family of premium international schools known for providing life-changing learning opportunities. The school has some of the world's best teachers and partners with UNICEF, The Juilliard School, and MIT.

Grades: Nursery – Grade 13

Annual fee: AED 52,816 – AED 74,980

Location: behind Abu Dhabi University - Zayed City - Abu Dhabi

Nearby places: Mohammed Bin Zayed City, Khalifa City A, Masdar City

Cranleigh Abu Dhabi School

Cranleigh Abu Dhabi is a British curriculum school steeped in history and draws from 150 years of teaching practices from its school in the United Kingdom. The school started operating in Abu Dhabi in 2014 by preserving its core values while also adopting the cultural richness and diversity of the UAE. The school offers IGCSEs, A-Levels, and BTEC qualifications. The extracurricular activities provided by the school are singing classes, construction club, art club, and sketching club. The school also features six badminton courts, four indoor cricket nets, two indoor basketball courts, a fitness area, and two shaded swimming pools.

Grades: FS1 – Grade 13

Annual fee: AED 69,670 – AED 103,260

Location: Saadiyat Island, Near Manarat Al Saadiyat - Abu Dhabi

Nearby communities: Al Reem Island, Yas Island, Downtown Abu Dhabi

Pearl British Academy

Pearl British Academy is a primary school with a British curriculum that prides itself on delivering the highest standard of education. The school has developed an innovative, thematic curriculum that inspires creativity within its students. The teaching staff is highly qualified and professional and incorporates the latest teaching practices. The wide range of extracurricular activities, curriculum timetable, and project-based learning in all year groups at the school foster students' agility and handwork.

Grades: FS1 – Grade 6

Annual fee: AED 43,340 – AED 44,850

Location: Muroor Rd - Al Danah - Zone 1 - Abu Dhabi

Nearby communities: Al Zahiyah, Al Nahyan, Al Manhal, Al Hisn, Al Reem Island

Horizon Private School

Horizon Private School was opened in 2008 and serves approximately 1,900 Kindergarten to Grade 12 students. The Schools also cater to academically gifted students through Advanced Placement (AP) courses, which allow students to study college-level education while still in high school. Horizon Private School also provides a variety of activities and clubs once a week to ensure that students receive a well-rounded education.

Grades: Pre-KG – Grade 12

Annual fee: AED 29,100 – AED 58,800

Location: Khalifa City - Abu Dhabi

Nearby communities: Al rumaila, Al Dana, Al Seef

Merryland International School

Merryland International School is another British curriculum school established in 1978 in Abu Dhabi with only seven children. The curriculum is divided into Kindergarten, Cambridge Primary, Cambridge Secondary, Cambridge IGCSE, and Cambridge Advanced. The extra-curricular activities at the school are designed to help students become socially intelligent and responsible adults.

Grades: KG1 – Grade 12

Annual fee: AED 25,540 – AED 45,460

Location: Plot -13, Musaffah, Sector 9 - Abu Dhabi

Nearby communities: Mohammed Bin Zayed City, Khalifa City, Al Raha Beach

Muna British Academy

Muna British Academy offers primary school education and aims to provide students with a safe, nurturing environment where diversity is celebrated. The school provides a rich and varied curriculum in a creative and inspiring way. The school also offers after-school activities such as music lessons, participation in the School Production, Football, swimming, and creative clubs.

Grades: FS1 – Grade 6

Annual fee: AED 46,620 – AED 48,510

Location: Zayed The First St - Al Danah - Zone 1 - Abu Dhabi

Nearby communities: Al Reem Island, Sas Al Nakhl Island, Saadiyat Island

The American International School

The American International School, managed by Esol Education, was established in 1995. The school provides locals and expats with high-quality American education by following American standards. It was the first school to introduce the International Baccalaureate Diploma in the UAE and a pioneer in providing the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP). The extracurricular activities offered by the school are the coding club, basketball, soccer, Minecraft club, drama club, singing club, and Arabic playgroups.

Grades: KG1 – Grade 12

Annual fee: AED 32,950 – AED 59,900

Location: 29th street of Airport Road (opposite Pepsi-Cola Plant)

Nearby communities: Al Reem Island, Sas Al Nakhl Island, AL Raha Beach, Al Jubail Island

Raha International School

Raha International School offers an International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum that nurtures its students into becoming global citizens. The school provides outstanding curriculum quality and the care, guidance, and support to its students. Some of the extra-curricular activities at the school are basketball, football, rugby, Japanese club, art and craft club, swimming and robotics. The school focuses on creative and critical thinking skills to analyse and take responsible action on complex problems.

Grades: EY1 – Grade 12

Annual fee: AED 40,880 – AED 64,340

Location: Garden campus: Khalifa City 'A' - Al Raha Gardens - Abu Dhabi

Khalifa City Campus: 11 Al Mutafani St - Khalifa City Sector 13 - Abu Dhabi

Brighton College Abu Dhabi

Brighton College Abu Dhabi offers a British curriculum and aims to educate students who are confident, respectful, intellectually curious and willing to learn. The school's curriculum supports personalised learning paths, facilitating rapid progress and high academic achievement. It also focuses on developing students' independent learning skills, consistently challenging them to reach their full potential.

Grades: Nursery – Grade 13

Annual fee: AED 50,830 – AED 80,780

Location: Bloom Gardens - Khalifa Park - Abu Dhabi

Nearby communities: Downtown Abu Dhabi, Al Reem Island, Al Raha Beach, Khalifa City

British School Al Khubairat (BSAK)

British School Al Khubairat (BSAK) offers a British curriculum, with the secondary students taking IGCSEs and A Levels. BSAK has achieved an outstanding rating in quality of education across subjects, the development of students' spiritual, moral, social, and cultural growth, and ensuring the health, welfare, and safety of all students. The school handles complaints through clear procedures and demonstrates strong leadership and management practices. The school is also a finalist in Best School for Technical and Vocational STREAM Education, Best School for Architectural Design to Inspire Children, and Best School for Bursaries.

Grades: FS1 – Grade 13

Annual fee: AED 44,450 – AED 72,740

Location: Al Mushrif - Abu Dhabi

Nearby communities: Al Danah, Al Reem Island, Downtown Abu Dhabi

Conclusion

These are the ten outstanding schools in Abu Dhabi recognised for excellence by the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK). Each school offers rigorous academic programmes and enriching extra-curricular activities to cater to diverse educational needs and preferences. Whether prioritising British, American, or International Baccalaureate curriculum, these schools provide a nurturing environment where students can thrive academically and personally.