International Academic School

The International Academic School is located at MFW 14, 08th St. Shakhbout City, Abu Dhabi, UAE. The campus sits in western Abu Dhabi in a residential district and is accessible via main road networks. The postal address is P.O. Box 4828, and the school can be contacted by phone at 02 20 50 400.

The school comprises Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle School, and High School, covering grades KG through Grade 12.

The school operates as an international curriculum school with instruction in English. The curriculum is described as American, and gender segregation begins in Grade 5, with Grades K–4 being co-educational.

Public information lists 4% UAE nationals and 6% non-local students; the school hosts a mix of nationalities beyond these percentages.

Public information does not list explicit SEN provisions for the Abu Dhabi campus. The school references inclusion in its broader ADEK context, but no specific SEN facilities are described for this location.

There is no formal country affiliation listed. The school uses an American curriculum with English-language instruction.

No formal religious affiliation is stated. Islamic education is provided as part of the UAE MOE Arabic curriculum where applicable.

Typical school days run from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for Grades 1–12; KG sessions are shorter (8:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.). Some grades offer online components (8:30 a.m. start) depending on the program.

A school bus service is available to transport students. Routes cover Inside Abu Dhabi Island and outside areas such as Khalifa City A&B, Baniyas, Shamkha, MBZ, with some remote areas subject to confirmation at registration. A Transportation Form is required to use the service.

IAS Abu Dhabi follows an American curriculum from Kindergarten through Grade 12, anchored in the California Content Standards for core subjects, with UAE MOE guidelines governing Arabic language and Islamic Studies. Kindergarten provides a developmentally appropriate program with literacy and math aligned to Californian CCSS, integrated science, social studies, art, PE, and MOE subjects Arabic and Islamic. Elementary School uses Californian Common Core Standards in English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Art, Physical Education, and ICT, with MOE Arabic A/B, Islamic A/B, Moral Education, and Social Studies. Middle School (Grades 6–8) emphasizes Virginia standards, CCSS for math and ELA, NGSS for science; English is the medium of instruction for most subjects, with Arabic/Islamic and UAE Social Studies taught in Arabic and electives such as ICT, Computer Programming, French, and Music. High School (Grades 9–12) offers a four-year US diploma with core subjects including English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, History/Social Studies, Health & PE, Arabic, and Fine Arts & Technology; students select two electives per year and undergo continuous assessment, with three parent reports annually. Grade progression is Kindergarten → Elementary (Grades 1–5) → Middle School (Grades 6–8) → High School (Grades 9–12).

The International Academic School states that Student Affairs aims to create a school environment where students feel supported academically and appreciated for their achievements. A safe and supportive learning environment is a top priority, with staff implementing plans, activities, and appropriate follow-up to help students achieve success. Life at IAS is structured to strengthen imagination, creativity, social skills, and self-confidence. IAS provides support for child protection, health, and safety. The school emphasizes well-being as a core consideration, including the aim of prioritizing students' well-being in its on‑campus environment.

The school lists an Inclusion Policy and a Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy in its School Policies. The Campus Life page notes that IAS offers support for students and staff about child protection, health, and safety. Specific information on the kinds of Special Educational Needs the school can support or whether it operates as a specialist SEN institution is not publicly disclosed. Families seeking SEN provisions should refer to the school's Inclusion Policy for governance on inclusion.

English is the medium of instruction for all courses, with Arabic and Islamic Studies taught in Arabic where required by UAE MoE guidelines. The Middle/High School pages indicate that Arabic language is taught as part of the UAE MoE requirements, alongside English instruction. No explicit EAL (English as an Additional Language) program or dedicated EAL services are described in the publicly available material. Therefore, there is no publicly disclosed EAL program beyond the stated language of instruction.

Campus Life describes IAS as having a well-structured student life intended to strengthen imagination, creativity, social skills, and self-confidence. The school states that staff provide support to students through plans, activities, and follow-up to help them achieve success. The campus explicitly notes the provision of support for student wellbeing and safeguarding, health, and safety as part of its on-campus environment. These elements together reflect a focus on students' mental and social well-being within daily school life.

The school has a Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy as part of its School Policies. The Campus Life page confirms that IAS provides support for child protection, health, and safety, indicating an emphasis on safeguarding across the student experience. An Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) Committee is listed among the school policies, demonstrating governance structures around safety. The Campus Life section also states that safeguarding and wellbeing are prioritized in daily school life.

1. Apply online or walk-in. You will receive an automated confirmation with an Application Number, which you can use to monitor your application's status. This confirms your place in the admissions pipeline and starts the process. 2. Schedule a tour or a meeting with the Senior Leadership team to learn more about IAS. The meeting provides an opportunity to see the campus, ask questions, and understand IAS's programs. It is recommended to arrange a time that fits your schedule. 3. Shortly after passing the interview/entrance exam, you will receive an acceptance letter offering a place at IAS. The 5% registration fee must be paid, and this fee will be deducted from the total tuition. The acceptance letter confirms admission pending subsequent steps. 4. Registration in the ADEK system through eSIS. This step registers the student with the UAE's licensing authority. It is required for enrollment and future reporting. 5. Fill out the Transportation Form if you wish to use School Transportation. The form collects route and pickup details. It is necessary to set up bus services if opted. 6. Proceed with payment and you will receive the Books and Uniform Slips. The collection schedule will be shared via email and the Orison School Portal. Payment completes the enrollment steps.