Top 13 Best Schools in Abu Dhabi

Choosing the right school in Abu Dhabi is one of the most important decisions for parents. The emirate is home to more than 200 private schools with varied curricula — British, American, IB, Canadian and more — inspected and rated by ADEK (Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge) through the Irtiqaa framework. Parents increasingly look for quality education that blends academic excellence, extracurricular opportunities, global recognition, and value for money.

Here’s an in-depth look at the top 13 best schools in Abu Dhabi in 2025, including detailed profiles of each school, annual fees, location, curriculum and key strengths.

1. American Community School of Abu Dhabi (ACS)

Location: Saadiyat Island
Curriculum: American + IB Diploma option
ADEK Rating: Outstanding
Fees (Approx.): AED 56,000 – AED 99,000 per year

Overview: ACS is consistently ranked among the top private schools in Abu Dhabi. It follows a US-based curriculum with an optional IB Diploma for grades 11-12. Known for strong academics, arts, athletics, and university preparation programs, ACS attracts diverse international families.

Who it’s good for: Families seeking an American curriculum with a global reputation that supports higher education in the US and worldwide.

2. Cranleigh School Abu Dhabi

Location: Saadiyat Island
Curriculum: British
ADEK Rating: Outstanding
Fees (Approx.): AED 71,500 – AED 105,980 per year

Overview: Part of the global Cranleigh family, this British curriculum school delivers high academic standards infused with extracurricular activities in arts, sports, leadership and community engagement. It has a strong global reputation and premium facilities.

Who it’s good for: Parents wanting a traditional British curriculum with modern dynamism and wide co-curricular options.

3. Bateen World Academy

Location: Al Manhal
Curriculum: British + IB
ADEK Rating: Outstanding
Fees (Approx.): AED 54,000 – AED 75,310

Overview: A top-tier school combining the English National Curriculum with the IB in senior years. Bateen World Academy is part of Aldar Education and provides a well-rounded global education with strong academic results and student support systems.

Who it’s good for: Families seeking both British and IB qualifications under one roof.

4. Repton School Abu Dhabi

Location: Al Reem Island
Curriculum: British
ADEK Rating: Outstanding
Fees (Approx.): AED 62,600 – AED 80,900

Overview: Repton blends UK-style education with modern campus facilities. With specialist classrooms, sports facilities, music and visual arts, it emphasizes holistic development while maintaining academic excellence.

Who it’s good for: Students who thrive in a British curriculum with broad extracurricular opportunities.

5. The British School Al Khubairat (BSAK)

Location: Al Mushrif
Curriculum: British (IGCSE & A-Level)
ADEK Rating: Outstanding
Fees (Approx.): AED 51,410 – AED 74,560

Overview: One of the longest-established British schools in Abu Dhabi with a strong emphasis on pastoral care, broad academics and personal development. BSAK’s leadership and community spirit are among its hallmarks.

Who it’s good for: Parents wanting a reputable, heritage British school with consistent performance.

6. Canadian International School (CIS)

Location: Khalifa City
Curriculum: Canadian (Alberta curriculum)
ADEK Rating: Outstanding
Fees (Approx.): AED 37,000 – AED 49,800

Overview: CIS offers the Canadian Alberta curriculum blended with global educational best practices. Known for student-centred teaching and strong values, CIS is an excellent choice for families seeking North American schooling outside the US.

Who it’s good for: Parents wanting Canadian curriculum advantages — focus on inquiry, creativity and global citizenship.

7. Merryland International School

Location: Mussaffah
Curriculum: British + Cambridge International Examinations
ADEK Rating: Outstanding
Fees (Approx.): AED 25,850 – AED 45,220

Overview: A long-standing British curriculum school with strong academics and character education. Merryland offers solid Cambridge programmes and has notably affordable fees relative to other top schools.

Who it’s good for: Value-conscious families seeking quality British curriculum education.

8. Muna British Academy

Location: Al Danah
Curriculum: British
ADEK Rating: Outstanding
Fees (Approx.): AED 50,936 – AED 56,538

Overview: Previously Al Muna Academy, this school is primary-focused but has plans to expand to full secondary school. It fosters a nurturing environment emphasising critical thinking and collaborative learning.

Who it’s good for: Families prioritising a supportive primary education foundation.

9. The Sheikh Zayed Private Academy for Boys

Location: Al Khalidiyah
Curriculum: American
ADEK Rating: Outstanding
Fees (Approx.): AED 45,000 – AED 78,050

Overview: A respected American curriculum school with a structured approach to learning, leadership training and community values. It continues the legacy of high performance throughout primary and high school years.

Who it’s good for: Families preferring a US-style education with strong academic grounding.

10. The Sheikh Zayed Private Academy for Girls

Location: Al Manhal
Curriculum: American
ADEK Rating: Outstanding
Fees (Approx.): AED 33,910 – AED 78,160

Overview: The girls’ sister school to the boys’ academy, known for its academic focus, co-curricular programmes and supportive environment, particularly for girls pursuing STEM and leadership tracks.

Who it’s good for: Families seeking high-quality American curriculum for girls.

11. The British International School Abu Dhabi (BISAD)

Location: Zayed City
Curriculum: British + IB Diploma
ADEK Rating: Outstanding
Fees (Approx.): ~AED 56,330 – 76,950

Overview: A Nord Anglia International School that blends British National Curriculum with IB Diploma options for senior years. It benefits from global partnerships in arts and science, supporting ambitious academic goals.

Who it’s good for: Parents wanting British + IB advantages, global experiences and innovative learning.

12. Brighton College Abu Dhabi

Location: Abu Dhabi (central)
Curriculum: British
Fees (Approx.): ~AED 48,900 – AED 80,780

Overview: Part of Brighton’s global network, this British independent school offers academically rigorous programmes and a focus on character development. It’s known for students progressing to first-class universities globally.

Who it’s good for: Families seeking highly selective, academically competitive environments.

13. GEMS American Academy, Abu Dhabi

Location: Khalifa City
Curriculum: American + IB option
Fees (Approx.): Up to ~AED 70,500

Overview: Part of the GEMS network, GAA combines American education with opportunities to pursue IB in senior years. It’s known for strong leadership, technology integration and student engagement.

Who it’s good for: Families who value a broad American-IB hybrid educational model.

Entrance, Fees, and Admissions – Abu Dhabi Insights

Fees in Abu Dhabi Schools

School fees vary widely based on curriculum, facilities and reputation:

• Affordable options: ~AED 20,000 – AED 45,000

• Mid-range: ~AED 45,000 – AED 75,000

• Premium: ~AED 75,000 – AED 105,000+
  Fees typically do not include transport, uniforms, books, registration deposit, or extracurricular and exam costs.

Admissions Timeline

• Applications typically open January – June for the next academic year starting in September.

• Popular schools fill up quickly; apply 6–12 months ahead.

ADEK Inspection Ratings

ADEK’s Irtiqaa ratings (Outstanding, Very Good, Good, Acceptable, Weak) are widely used by parents to assess quality — Outstanding is the highest and most desired rating.

Comparison at a Glance – Abu Dhabi Schools (Quick Table)