Cities / Abu Dhabi / Abu Dhabi International School
Abu Dhabi International School
One of the older private schools in the capital, running both American and IB Diploma tracks across an Al Karama campus and a newer MBZ City branch.
In brief
One of the older private schools in the capital, running both American and IB Diploma tracks across an Al Karama campus and a newer MBZ City branch.
Founded in 1992 by superintendent Jihan Nasr, AIS celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2022 and added the IB Diploma in 2005. A third campus is in development on Saadiyat. The school is mid-fee by Abu Dhabi standards at roughly AED 25,000 to AED 48,000.
AIS has a long-standing reputation for handling a range of learners well, including students with mild learning needs, and parents praise the structured SEND support. Long-tenured teachers and a family-feel community come up repeatedly. Academics are solid rather than elite, with steady IB results and broad university outcomes. Families weighing this school usually compare it against Al Najda, Al Mushrif and the older Abu Dhabi Island establishments rather than the premium Saadiyat schools.
Fees
Annual fees
| Year level | Age | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| S-NY Tuition | 3 | AED 25,000 |
| KG Tuition | 4 | AED 31,800 |
| Prep Tuition | 5 | AED 31,800 |
| Grade 1 Tuition | 6 | AED 37,200 |
| Grade 2 Tuition | 7 | AED 37,200 |
| Grade 3 Tuition | 8 | AED 38,850 |
| Grade 4 Tuition | 9 | AED 38,850 |
| Grade 5 Tuition | 10 | AED 40,500 |
| Grade 6 Tuition | 11 | AED 40,500 |
| Grade 7 Tuition | 12 | AED 43,000 |
| Grade 8 Tuition | 13 | AED 43,000 |
| Grade 9 Tuition | 14 | AED 45,450 |
| Grade 10 Tuition | 15 | AED 45,450 |
| Grade 11 Tuition | 16 | AED 47,950 |
| Grade 12 Tuition | 17 | AED 47,950 |
One-time fees
| Item | Age | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| DP Examination (Grade 12) | 17 | AED 3,500 |
| Registration | AED 1,500 |
Reviews
One of Abu Dhabi's longest-running private schools, with the original Al Karama campus and a newer MBZ City sister site under the same family ownership. ADEK rates it Very Good in the 2025-26 cycle. Headline exam results are strong: 100% pass rates at IB, A Level and IGCSE, and an IB average above the global mean. The flip side comes through in the inspection detail and in staff-side commentary, where middle school teaching and consistency of progress are weaker than the top-line numbers suggest. Parents who post tend to praise the teachers and the family feel; the harder edges sit with staffing and stretch for the strongest students.
Positives
- ADEK Very Good and headline exam results. Rated Very Good in the 2025-26 ADEK cycle, up from Good a decade ago. IB, A Level and IGCSE cohorts post 100% pass rates, with an IB average around 35 and roughly a third of A Level grades at A*-A.
- Multi-pathway curriculum. US Common Core through middle school, then a choice of American/AP, British IGCSE and A Level, or IB Diploma at the MBZ sister campus. Useful for families who want optionality without changing school.
- Teaching and pastoral feel. Parents who post talk about responsive teachers, a welcoming atmosphere, and strong communication. Inspectors also note positive student attitudes and engaged parent participation.
Considerations
- Uneven progress and stretch for top end. Internal MAP data flags weaker progress in reading and maths than the exam pass rates would imply. Middle school teaching is rated only Good, with limited independence and inconsistent challenge for advanced learners. Gifted and talented provision is less developed than support for students of determination.
- Staff-side friction. Teacher reviews come up around admin pressure, pay below what staff feel they are worth, and turnover. Work-life balance scores are low. It does not surface in parent commentary but is consistent enough on the staff side to flag.
- Two campuses, different vintages. The Al Karama site is the original 1992 campus and feels its age; the MBZ City campus opened in 2015 and is the newer, fuller-spec build. Worth visiting both before choosing, since facilities and curriculum offer differ.
Leadership
Mr. Boghos Terzian
Mr. Boghos Terzian brings over 15 years of successful leadership experience. He possesses extensive expertise in the American, Canadian, International Baccalaureate Diploma Program, and Advanced Placement curricula. Mr. Boghos is certified as both a principal and a social sciences subject specialist by the Ontario College of Teachers and the Ontario Principal's Council. He holds a Master's degree in Educational Leadership and Policy from the University of Toronto and is currently a Doctor of Education candidate. A passionate advocate for shared responsibility in academic growth and social development, Mr. Boghos is committed to nurturing compassionate, responsible, and active citizens who make a positive impact.
Academic results
- IB Diploma 2025 average 35
- IB Diploma 2025 pass rate 100%
- IB Diploma 2025 highest score 43
- IB Diploma 2025 % Score 5+ 81%
- IB Diploma 2025 % Score 6+ 55%
- AP 2025 % Scores 4-5 43%
- AP 2025 AP Scholar 10
- AP 2025 AP Scholar with Honor 6
- AP 2025 AP Scholar with Distinction 1
- A Levels 2025 pass rate 100%
- A Levels 2025 % A*-A 36%
- A Levels 2025 % A*-B 58%
Location
Al Karamah St,Al Rowda Area - 110 Bab Al Nabil St - Al Manhal - W14 01 - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates