There are no shortcuts when it comes to choosing the right school for your children. From proximity to your house to curriculum, fees and more – there’s a lot to consider. Fret not, for we’ve made the process a little easier with a guide to the best schools in Abu Dhabi.
While the cost of living in the capital is definitely an important set of parameters to consider, there are unsurprisingly a lot of options in Abu Dhabi with something for every family.
With so many excellent schools in Abu Dhabi offering diverse curricula from British and American to Indian and IB, it can sometimes feel overwhelming to narrow down the options, though.
To help, we’ve put together a list of the best schools in Abu Dhabi, sorted by area and curricula, making it easier to find the one that best suits your child’s educational journey.
A closer look at the best schools in Abu Dhabi by area
Top schools in Khalifa City
. Al Yasmina Academy (British Curriculum)
One of the most sought-after schools in Abu Dhabi, Al Yasmina offers the British curriculum with a strong focus on academics, sports, and extracurricular activities. Aldar Academies’ Yasmina British Academy delivers strong academic outcomes under the British curriculum, with excellent GCSE & A-Level results.
It emphasises well-rounded student development, including arts, sports, and community engagement. The school has also been rated “Outstanding” by ADEK, making it a top contender in the capital.
Details:
Fees: AED 42,900 – AED 61,150 per annum
Contact: Call +971 2 501 4888 or visit Yasmina British Academy
The International School of Choueifat (SABIS Curriculum)
A well-established name across the UAE, Choueifat provides a structured learning environment with a strong reputation for academic excellence.
Part of the global SABIS network, the school provides holistic learning that covers both theory and practicals for a balanced outlook. In addition to the ser curriculum, the school also provides training for IGCSE, A-Levels, SAT, and APs, ensuring all students are well-equipped for admission to universities worldwide.
Details:
Fees: AED 20,560 – AED 36,220 per annum
Contact: Call 02 556 2555 or visit ISC Khalifa City
Sunrise International School (Indian Curriculum)
Popular among Indian families, this school follows the CBSE curriculum, blending academics with cultural activities.
Built on the three-decade long legacy of Sunrise English Private School, this is one of the most popular CBSE schools in Abu Dhabi that continues to deliver results. The campus is also well-known and lauded for seamlessly integrating technology into the classroom for a more real-world experience.
Details:
Fees: AED 7,800 – AED 11,500 per annum
Contact: Call 02 552 9989 or visit Sunrise English Private School
Best schools on Saadiyat Island
Cranleigh Abu Dhabi (British Curriculum)
Cranleigh is known for its strong academic programme and impressive arts and sports facilities, modelled after its UK counterpart.
Catered for students aged 3 to 18, Cranleigh combines rigorous academics with character education. It offers broad extracurricular opportunities and has a reputation for producing students who thrive both locally and internationally.
Details:
Fees: AED 65,000 to AED 96,333 per annum
Contact: Call +971 2 497 0000 or visit Cranleigh Abu Dhabi
Repton School (British/IB Curriculum)
Offering a mix of British and IB pathways, Repton has modern facilities and a reputation for excellence in both academics and holistic learning.
Repton is well known for its academic rigour and strong facilities. Within the campus, you can be sure your children are in safe hands as they’re guided and molded into stellar citizens of the future.
Details:
Fees: AED 52,863 – AED 103,325 per annum
Contact: Call +971 2 508 1900 or visit Repton School
Schools on Al Reem Island
Repton Foundation School (British Curriculum)
A popular choice for younger children, this school prepares students for a smooth transition into the wider Repton network.
The school offers both the British curriculum in the earlier years and IB in the upper years. The newer Al Reem campus adds modern infrastructure to the storied history of the school, reflected further with an ADEK Outstanding certification.
Details:
Fees: AED 52,863 – AED 103,325 per annum
Contact: Call +971 2 508 1900 or visit Repton School
Nord Anglia International School (British/IB Curriculum)
Nord Anglia International School refers to a family of international schools that offer both the British Curriculum (e.g., through the English National Curriculum from early years to sixth form) and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (IBDP) in the final two years of secondary education.
The best part? The school collaborates with renowned organisations like MIT, The Juilliard School, Apple, and UNICEF to further open doors for their students.
Details:
Fees: AED 65,000 – AED 95,000 per annum
Contact: Call +971 2 699 3333
Schools in Mushrif Area
Lycée Louis Massignon (French Curriculum)
A highly reputed French school in Abu Dhabi, offering students a rigorous education under the French national system.
From nursery to high school, they offer multilingual, international education that prepares students for life in an open, intercultural world. Caring and inclusivity are at the heart of all they do here, and the school also boasts an impressive alumni record.
Fees: AED 22,780.- AED 41,940 per annum
Contact: Call +971 2 444 8085 or visit LLM
Al Muna Academy (British Curriculum)
Located in central Abu Dhabi, this primary school delivers the British curriculum in a nurturing and inclusive environment. Another multicultural haven, Al Muna Academy follows the British National Curriculum, encompassing the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), Primary, and Secondary stages up to A-Levels.
In the UAE, the curriculum is enhanced with Arabic, Islamic Studies, and Social Studies to meet Ministry of Education requirements.
Details:
Fees: AED 50,936 for Foundation Stage (FS1-FS2) to Year 6, and AED 56,538 for Years 7 to 9
Contact: Call +971 2 501 4777
Schools in Mohamed Bin Zayed City
Abu Dhabi Indian School (Indian Curriculum)
One of the largest Indian schools in Abu Dhabi, ADIS offers the CBSE curriculum and is highly regarded within the community.
The Abu Dhabi Indian School (ADIS) emphasises holistic development, critical thinking, and co-curricular activities like arts and sports. As a non-profit private school, ADIS is licensed by the Ministry of Education in Abu Dhabi and follows CBSE standards for its academic programs, including the All India Secondary Examination (AISSCE) for Grade 12 students.
Details:
Fees: AED 6,400 to AED 11,390 per annum
Contact: Call +971 2 448 8025
GEMS United Indian School (Indian Curriculum)
Founded in 1990, Our Own English School was renamed as GEMS United Indian School following a restructuring and building of a new, state-of-the-art campus in 2015. GUIS is affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), New Delhi.
The school’s vision is to transform students to become forward-thinkers while equipping them with the requisite attitudes, values and skills in order to become responsible citizens of tomorrow.
Details:
Fees: AED 9,840 – AED 19,560 per annum
Contact: Call +971 2 205 9777
While this list of schools in Abu Dhabi covers some of the most respected institutions across the city, there are certainly a lot more options that might be a closer match to what you seek. Whether you’re searching for the best schools in Abu Dhabi offering British, American, Indian, French, or IB education, there are plenty of excellent options to consider.