Cities / Abu Dhabi / The Sheikh Zayed Private Academy for Girls
The Sheikh Zayed Private Academy for Girls
The original Sheikh Zayed Private Academy campus, established in 2000 in Al Rowdah for girls, with a strong Emirati identity and an American curriculum leading to a US High School Diploma and AP courses.
In brief
The original Sheikh Zayed Private Academy campus, established in 2000 in Al Rowdah for girls, with a strong Emirati identity and an American curriculum leading to a US High School Diploma and AP courses.
The curriculum blends the Massachusetts Common Core framework with UAE Ministry requirements for Arabic, Islamic Studies, and social studies. The school holds CIS and NEASC accreditation and has been rated Outstanding by ADEK in recent inspection cycles.
Roughly 95 percent of students are Emirati, and programmes around Arabic, Quran, and national identity are central rather than additive. The campus is older than the boys' site, and a portion of recent feedback flags facilities that need refreshing relative to the fee level. Strongest fit for Emirati and Arab families seeking an academic, values-driven environment with a clear North American university route.
Fees
| Fee | Age | Type | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre K | 3 | Annual | AED 33,910 |
| KG1 | 4 | Annual | AED 33,910 |
| KG2 | 5 | Annual | AED 33,910 |
| Grade 1 | 6 | Annual | AED 50,000 |
| Grades 2-4 | 7 | Annual | AED 50,000 |
| Grades 5-6 | 10 | Annual | AED 56,890 |
| Grades 7-8 | 12 | Annual | AED 63,220 |
| Grade 9 | 14 | Annual | AED 69,890 |
| Grades 10-12 | 15 | Annual | AED 78,160 |
Reviews
- Public review-style material is strong on leadership, safeguarding, pastoral care, parent partnership, and Emirati cultural formation.
- Staff comments are broadly positive on pay, benefits, students, and families, but several teachers raise concerns about demanding workload, inconsistent leadership, parent influence, and student behaviour.
- The academic caveat is specific: external benchmark results are weaker than the school's overall reputation and inspection rating might imply.
Head of school
Emma Merva
Dr Emma Merva serves as Principal of Sheikh Zayed Private Academy for Girls, leading an academy built on a proud tradition of academic excellence, innovative teaching and holistic student development. She emphasises creating a learning environment that is both challenging and nurturing, where students develop their talents, gain skills for success, and prioritise high achievement, personal integrity and active community engagement.
Accreditations
- Council of International Schools 01
- New England Association of Schools and Colleges 02
Location
Mubarak Bin Mohammed St - Al Rowdah - W15 01 - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates