Curriculum

Abu Dhabi International School > Curriculum

Among the top IBDP, British, and American Curriculum schools in Abu Dhabi

AIS is one of the first private schools in Abu Dhabi to recognize the diverse backgrounds and wide range of aspirations of its students and offer various pathways to them.

In addition to being one of the finest American curriculum schools in Abu Dhabi, we also offer students an opportunity to graduate with the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program or the British Program.

Students may also choose to continue with the High School Program. The High School Program offers the following career tracks: Engineering, Medicine & Health Sciences, Economics & Business, and Liberal Arts.

Regardless of which program they choose, AIS students will receive a thoughtfully designed, age-appropriate curriculum that focuses on their holistic development and academic success.

AIS is unique amongst private schools in Abu Dhabi because we have identified key skills from the globally recognized curricular frameworks and have integrated them into all programs to create a uniquely enriched range of offerings.

AIS Curriculum Offerings

Two students of the American Curriculum of Abu Dhabi International School working on a science project

The British Program (IGCSE and A Levels)

The British Program at AIS is headed by Program Coordinator Mr. Mahdi Abou Derhamain and is available at the AD Campus.

This program is offered in Grades 9 to 12. Students begin with the IGCSE Program in Grade 9 and 10, and then move to the AS and A Levels by Grade 11 and 12. The program is offered based on best practices and approaches and provides internationally recognized certifications enabling students to study at universities worldwide.

Find out more about IGCSE on the global site.
Find out more about A levels on the global site.

The American Program and Advanced Placement Program (AP)

AIS is one of the earliest American curriculum schools in Abu Dhabi. Our Advanced Placement program is headed by Program Coordinator Mr. Razmik Daoudian and is available at the MBZ Campus.

AIS offers an international curriculum for kindergarten, elementary school, middle school, and high school, up to Grade 12, with AP subjects being offered in Grades 11 and 12. The curriculum includes the demanding Common Core State Standards in English and Math and the Next Generation Science Standards in Science (NGSS), as well as the UAE Ministry Curriculum for Arabic subjects. The curriculum is carefully crafted to include all content and skills standards and learning outcomes that allow students to easily transition between the internationally recognized curricula.

Students opting for this program will work towards a US High School Diploma and may sit for the Advanced Placement qualification in Grades 11 and 12, granted they meet the eligibility requirements.

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP)

The IB Program at AIS is one of the finest amongst private schools in Abu Dhabi and is headed by Program Coordinator Dr. Issam Kobrsi. This program is available at our MBZ campus.

The IBDP is a rich and rigorous program that engages students with content and learning experiences that provide them an edge in their college and career readiness.

AIS offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme for students in Grades 11 and 12. Students who have successfully completed Grade 10 in the American or British Program may apply to the IBDP and should meet the eligibility requirements for admission.

Find out more about the IBDP curriculum here.
Find out more about the IBDP admissions requirements here.
Read about the IB program on the global site.

Co-curricular and Extra-curricular Pursuits

We believe our students should not have to choose between academic success and personal growth. AIS offers learning experiences across sport, the creative arts, life skills, and academic clubs. These activities take place during school hours to allow all students to optimize their time and enjoy our international-class facilities, our skilled and experienced staff, and the numerous opportunities to develop their interests and talents.

Wolf mascot of Abu Dhabi International School

To know more about the co-curricular and extra-curricular options for your child, visit the Extra and Co Curriculars page.

Learner Attributes

At AIS, we hold ourselves to high standards and encourage the same in our students. All activities are designed to foster specific learner attributes, and every member of the AIS family is aligned to these goals.

Knowledgeable:
Learners demonstrate a strong knowledge base that they use to explore and construct new ideas to engage in both academic and societal matters and issues. They make meaningful connections between concepts and ideas to deepen their understanding of the world.
Thinker:
Learners are able to think critically to analyze, evaluate, and make sound judgments; and innovatively to create solutions or construct new ideas.
Inquirer:
Learners are curious; they independently ask questions and seek to find answers and investigate and explore new ideas.
Reflective:
Learners are thoughtful and critical about their intellectual, personal, and social deliberations and take the necessary steps to improve as learners, individuals, and citizens.
Communicator:
Learners communicate their ideas clearly and express their opinions confidently, while carefully listening to and respecting the viewpoints of others.
Courageous:
Learners approach challenges and uncertainties with confidence and prudence.

Kindergarten students of AIS, one of the leading British and American curriculum schools in Abu Dhabi

Playground at the AIS campus, one of the leading British and American curriculum schools in Abu Dhabi

Determined:
Learners are determined to develop and grow as individuals and active citizens despite challenges they may face.
Compassionate:
Learners show empathy, respect and care towards others, and are committed to service that would make a positive change in the lives of others.
Tolerant:
Learners can recognize and respect other’s beliefs and differences, and accept diversity, whether in abilities, culture, traditions, as a state of being and coexisting in harmony.
Collaborator:
Learners have the skills to productively work together productively in their intellectual and social endeavors to achieve their goals.
Responsible:
Learners act responsibly towards themselves, others, and the environment. They understand the importance of their own mental, physical and emotional wellbeing, as well as that of others, and the significance of their actions in preserving the environment and the planet.
Integrous:
Learners act with integrity and honesty, and hold a strong sense of respect for the dignity and rights of others.