International Schools in Abu Dhabi are a great choice for both local and expat families as they offer globally recognized curricula, outstanding academics plus a nurturing environment for children. Discover our selection of the best International Schools in Abu Dhabi, including reviews, fees, and why families choose them.
Table of Contents
Why choose an international school in Abu Dhabi?
Finding the right school for your child is one of the major concerns for many international families when relocating to a new country or city. Families moving to Abu Dhabi can be confident to find a wide range private international schools top choose from.These schools typically offer different curricula, with the most popular being the British, American and International Baccalaureate (IB). Many schools in Abu Dhabi offer first class education. And the school market here is still booming with many new international schools opening year after year. The majority of the schools are located in Dubai, followed by Abu Dhabi.Abu Dhabi houses federal government offices, is the seat of the United Arab Emirates Government, home to the Abu Dhabi Emiri Family and the President of the UAE, who is from this family. Abu Dhabi's rapid development and urbanisation, coupled with the relatively high average income of its population, has transformed the city into a large and advanced metropolis. Today the city is the country's center of political and industrial activities, and a major cultural and commercial centre, due to its position as the capital. Abu Dhabi accounts for about two-thirds of the roughly $400-billion United Arab Emirates economy. Approximate tuition fees range from:
- Nursery: AED 18,000 - 60,000
- Kindergarten: AED 15,000 - 66,000
- Primary School: AED 30,000 - 70,000
- Secondary School: AED 40,000 - 90,000
Schools may increase their tuition fees based on the quality of education they provide. Inspection Reports International Schools in Abu Dhabi are analyzed by the local authorities and receive an inspection report on a regular basis, rating the schools by the following:
- Outstanding
- Good
- Acceptable
- Unsatisfactory
Top rated International Schools in Abu Dhabi 2025
This International Schools list is informed by World Schools data—we consider parents and students reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.
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2025Keystone Academy
5 reviewsBeijing - ChinaInternational School - Boarding Schoolfrom 250000 to 387500 cnyKeystone Academy is an innovative and unique school in China and the world.
Why parents choose this schoolChinese EnglishAmerican Curriculum International Baccalaureate -
2025Barcelona High School
2 reviewsBarcelona - CatalunyaInternational Schoolfrom 9500 to 11500 eurFounded in 2020, Barcelona High School (BHS) is a non-traditional, dynamic and diverse international American school start-up, perfectly located in the center of Barcelona Spain, in Gracia.Why parents choose this schoolAmerican Curriculum -
2025Newington College
0 reviewsSydney - New South WalesInternational School - Boarding Schoolfrom 24390 to 42201 audNewington College is a comprehensive Early Learning Centre (ELC) to Year 12 Day and Boarding school located in Sydney, Australia. Founded in 1863, we are more than 160 years in the making and, as a Uniting Church school, offer high-quality education and a diverse co-curricular program to primary and secondary school students across four spacious campuses.Why parents choose this schoolChristianCambridge Curriculum International Baccalaureate OtherADHD Autism Dyslexia Intellectual Giftedness -
2025St. Stephen's School Rome
0 reviewsRome - LazioInternational School - Boarding Schoolfrom 28960 to 49413 eurAn IB World School located in the heart of Rome. A connected community driven by our 5 core values of Scholarship, Integrity, Creativity, Independence, and Care.Why parents choose this schoolInternational Baccalaureate -
2025St. Peter's School Barcelona
3 reviewsBarcelona - CatalunyaInternational Schoolfrom 9800 to 17289 eurSt. Peter’s school is the only school in Barcelona with the IB Continuum taught in English. We offer the three International Baccalaureate programmes: Early and Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma Programme.Why parents choose this schoolInternational Baccalaureate -
2025Dallas International School
0 reviewsDallas - TexasInternational Schoolfrom 22000 to 26500 usdFrom preschool through 12th grade, students at the Dallas International School (DIS) are introduced to a global perspective through our unique multilingual and multicultural academic programs. Students grow in an international environment and challenge themselves, explore their creativity and increase their confidence and metacognitive skills as they learn in two or more languages.Why parents choose this schoolBilingual English FrenchInternational Baccalaureate -
2025International School of Amsterdam
0 reviewsAmsterdam - North HollandInternational Schoolfrom 18775 to 26950 eurISA is a globally-recognised leader in educating for international understanding. Founded in 1964, ISA was the first school in the world to offer all core IB programmes from the age of 2 to 18.Why parents choose this schoolInternational Baccalaureate -
2025Rugby School Japan
0 reviewsTokyo - JapanInternational School - Boarding Schoolfrom 5000000 to 8200000 jpyRugby School Japan (RSJ) is located in Kashiwanoha, a designated education, Innovation and entrepreneurial hub within the greater Tokyo district, Japan. Opened in September 2023, Rugby School Japan is the second international school founded by the prestigious Rugby School group. The school is a co-educational, day and boarding school for pupils ages 11-18 years. It […]
Why parents choose this schoolBritish CurriculumIntellectual Giftedness -
2025North London Collegiate School Jeju
5 reviewsSeogwipo City - JejuInternational School - Boarding Schoolfrom 25500 to 35500 usdNLCS Jeju provides a stimulating and diverse experience in which every child is challenged and supported to realise their potential.Why parents choose this schoolBritish Curriculum International Baccalaureate -
2025Dulwich College Shanghai Pudong
0 reviewsPudong - ShanghaiInternational Schoolfrom 266000 to 390000 cnySince 2003, Dulwich Pudong has been a leading international school in Shanghai with a strong academic reputation.Why parents choose this schoolBilingual Chinese EnglishBritish Curriculum International Baccalaureate -
2025ENSR International School
4 reviewsLausanne - VaudInternational School - Boarding Schoolfrom 12200 to 25400 chfENSR International School is a leading, non-for-profit, private educational establishment in Switzerland.Why parents choose this schoolInternational Baccalaureate Swiss Curriculum -
2025The British International School Shanghai, Puxi
0 reviewsPuxi - ShanghaiInternational Schoolfrom 262385 to 375196For over 15 years, our high-scoring students have gone on to attend the top universities in the world. Our teachers coach, support and inspire students to achieve outstanding results.Why parents choose this schoolChinese EnglishBritish Curriculum International Baccalaureate -
2025Fairfax Christian School
1 reviewsSterling - VirginiaInternational School - Boarding Schoolfrom 30000 to 47800 usdThe Fairfax Christian School is the first K–12 school to receive the Presidential E–Award from the U.Why parents choose this schoolChristianAmerican Curriculum -
2025ISSH International School of Schaffhausen
0 reviewsSchaffhausen - SwitzerlandInternational School - Boarding Schoolfrom 24590 to 54090 chfThe International School of Schaffhausen (ISSH) is a place where students feel at home away from home.Why parents choose this schoolInternational Baccalaureate -
2025The Metropolitan School of Panama
0 reviewsPanama City - PanamaInternational Schoolfrom 10974 to 18123 usdThe Metropolitan School of Panama is a private IB World school and the only the only school in Panama and Central America to offer the International Baccalaureate’s continuum of programs in English.Why parents choose this schoolInternational Baccalaureate -
2025International School of Beijing
4 reviewsBeijing - ChinaInternational Schoolfrom 232800 to 333300 cnyWith a non-profit model, research-based approach to education, and world-class facilities on our beautiful campus, ISB ensures our students can achieve impressive outcomes and discover their passions.Why parents choose this schoolChinese EnglishAmerican Curriculum International BaccalaureateADHD Autism Dyslexia Intellectual Giftedness -
2025TASIS The American School in Switzerland
2 reviewsLugano - TicinoInternational School - Boarding Schoolfrom 30000 to 105000 usdFounded by international education pioneer M. Crist Fleming in 1956, TASIS The American School in Switzerland is a day and boarding school committed to creating global citizens through education, travel, and service.Why parents choose this schoolAmerican Curriculum International Baccalaureate -
2025IMG Academy
1 reviewsBradenton - FloridaInternational School - Boarding Schoolfrom 45200 to 89900IMG Academy is the world’s premier boarding school for dedicated and passionate student-athletes. It is renowned for providing a well-rounded education model that fosters the development of student-athletes and equips them with the skills they need to succeed in college and beyond. At IMG Academy, students are offered a wide range of on-campus and online experiences, which provide ample growth opportunities for all student-athletes, irrespective of their interests or skill levels.Why parents choose this schoolAmerican Curriculum
How much do International Schools in Abu Dhabi cost?
According to World Schools data, the yearly tuition fee for International Schools in ranges between $7000 and $9600. However, the cost varies significantly depending on various factors such as the school curriculum, extracurricular activities, location, and facilities, and can go up to $26300.
The average yearly cost is $8700, around $900 per month, and can go up to the maximum monthly cost of $2700.
Additionally, most schools will also charge a one-time registration fee, and you also need to count an extra budget during the year for extracurricular trips, holiday camps, etc.
If you would like to explore International Schools in with yearly fee filters, please use our advanced search filters.
Tips for Choosing an International School in Abu Dhabi
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Parent and Student Reviews of International Schools in Abu Dhabi
- IMG Academy has received high praise from parents and students for its world-class facilities, top-notch coaching staff, and engaging activities. Reviews of the academy’s tennis, baseball, and football have been overwhelmingly positive. Students benefit from a rigorous athletic program in a safe and well-maintained environment. Overall, the academy provides an exceptional training experience for athletes of all levels.Written May 7, 2024
- We have been parents here at Fairfax Christian for the past three years. We now have a child in each level of the school, lower, middle and high school. The school kept our children safe and in school during the tumultuous time of the pandemic and we will be forever grateful. We have been blessed with teachers who are attentive and care about the character and education of our children. The challenging curriculum, diverse student population and a Christian education will keep our family at Fairfax Christian.Written April 22, 2024
- Flat out the best college prep I could have ever imagined. While my new friends and classmates were struggling through the first few weeks and months of engineering at a top university, I felt right at home with the rigor of the IB Programme. I’m also thankful for the CAS program that pushed me to explore new things and encouraged me to live a more balanced lifestyle.Written June 8, 2023
- ISB prepped me most for my current career by creating constant opportunities to interact with new people and places through APAC and China Studies trips, and forcing me to work and make friends with an ever-changing international group from a wide variety of cultural, economic and linguistic backgrounds.Written June 8, 2023
- Being at ISB has allowed me to develop my skills in learning new technologies and comfortably incorporating them in my work flow. Combine that with all the different nationalities and cultural backgrounds in the classroom, it became very clear to me I was in a very special place and well-positioned for the global economy.Written June 8, 2023
- ISB provided me with a solid academic foundation and eye-opening international experiences through my participation at THIMUN and BEIMUN events. I was able to handle my undergraduate and graduate classes with relative ease thanks to the rigor of the IB curriculum at ISB, which then positioned me well to pursue a career in international developmentWritten June 8, 2023
- We have chosen St. Peter’s School because we wanted our daughter to be educated in English since that would be of great help in her future. And we also wanted to provide her with the opportunity to have friends from other nationalities, because that would enable her to get to know other cultures and traditions. What we value the most is the fact that our daughter is happy in school. We noticed this since she started at the age of 3. In her own words, St. Peter’s is “a very special place”.What we like the most about the school is that they have small groups, because that enables teachers to provide students with a very personalized education, helping every child with their needs. We like the curriculum, the activities that respond to social needs and the special events such as the “World Book Day”, the “Chocolatada Solidaria”, the “Book Fair” or the “Maths International Day”. It has been a great decision to bring our daughter to this school, we are very happy!Written February 26, 2023
- Choosing our children’s school is not an easy task. When we arrived at St. Peter we had already visited several schools, we were tired and discouraged, as none of the previous ones had met our expectations. At St. Peter, we were received with incomparable attention and, little by little, during the visit, our doubts were clarified and our insecurity was dissolved. Finally, when we entered the art room – a space with so many colors, textures and smells – we were sure that St. Peter would be our choice. We can see our son’s growth daily, his incredible linguistic development, the recognition of numbers, the writing of his own name and so many other achievements that make us sure that we made the right decision when choosing St. Peter as our school.Written February 26, 2023
- We chose St. Peters as we were drawn by its vision and mission, to nurture students with a love for life-long learning, and making meaningful contributions to society. Adapting to a new country as a family is challenging but the professionalism of the St. Peter’s family eased it for us where our child’s education is concerned. Our child enjoys going to school and we are very impressed and appreciative of the efforts and dedication of the teachers and staff, in ensuring a loving and safe environment for our child to develop and prosper. The teachers and staff constantly project an enthusiastic outlook for the betterment of the students, see every child with potential of his/her own and always strive for close partnership with parents. We saw how they rose to the occasion as an institution in overcoming the challenges of the lockdown last year and this ongoing pandemic. Our child looks forward and speaks fondly of his school experiences daily and we thank the St Peters family for this.Written February 26, 2023
- Everything’s welcoming.Written February 25, 2023
- All five of my children successfully completed their school careers at ENSR and now have embraced adulthood and entrepreneurship.Written February 25, 2023
- A School with a wonderful atmosphere where the whole family feels welcome.Written February 25, 2023
- IMG Academy has received high praise from parents and students for its world-class facilities, top-notch coaching staff, and engaging activities. Reviews of the academy’s tennis, baseball, and football have been overwhelmingly positive. Students benefit from a rigorous athletic program in a safe and well-maintained environment. Overall, the academy provides an exceptional training experience for athletes of all levels.Written May 7, 2024
- We have been parents here at Fairfax Christian for the past three years. We now have a child in each level of the school, lower, middle and high school. The school kept our children safe and in school during the tumultuous time of the pandemic and we will be forever grateful. We have been blessed with teachers who are attentive and care about the character and education of our children. The challenging curriculum, diverse student population and a Christian education will keep our family at Fairfax Christian.Written April 22, 2024
- Flat out the best college prep I could have ever imagined. While my new friends and classmates were struggling through the first few weeks and months of engineering at a top university, I felt right at home with the rigor of the IB Programme. I’m also thankful for the CAS program that pushed me to explore new things and encouraged me to live a more balanced lifestyle.Written June 8, 2023
- ISB prepped me most for my current career by creating constant opportunities to interact with new people and places through APAC and China Studies trips, and forcing me to work and make friends with an ever-changing international group from a wide variety of cultural, economic and linguistic backgrounds.Written June 8, 2023
- Being at ISB has allowed me to develop my skills in learning new technologies and comfortably incorporating them in my work flow. Combine that with all the different nationalities and cultural backgrounds in the classroom, it became very clear to me I was in a very special place and well-positioned for the global economy.Written June 8, 2023
- ISB provided me with a solid academic foundation and eye-opening international experiences through my participation at THIMUN and BEIMUN events. I was able to handle my undergraduate and graduate classes with relative ease thanks to the rigor of the IB curriculum at ISB, which then positioned me well to pursue a career in international developmentWritten June 8, 2023
- We have chosen St. Peter’s School because we wanted our daughter to be educated in English since that would be of great help in her future. And we also wanted to provide her with the opportunity to have friends from other nationalities, because that would enable her to get to know other cultures and traditions. What we value the most is the fact that our daughter is happy in school. We noticed this since she started at the age of 3. In her own words, St. Peter’s is “a very special place”.What we like the most about the school is that they have small groups, because that enables teachers to provide students with a very personalized education, helping every child with their needs. We like the curriculum, the activities that respond to social needs and the special events such as the “World Book Day”, the “Chocolatada Solidaria”, the “Book Fair” or the “Maths International Day”. It has been a great decision to bring our daughter to this school, we are very happy!Written February 26, 2023
- Choosing our children’s school is not an easy task. When we arrived at St. Peter we had already visited several schools, we were tired and discouraged, as none of the previous ones had met our expectations. At St. Peter, we were received with incomparable attention and, little by little, during the visit, our doubts were clarified and our insecurity was dissolved. Finally, when we entered the art room – a space with so many colors, textures and smells – we were sure that St. Peter would be our choice. We can see our son’s growth daily, his incredible linguistic development, the recognition of numbers, the writing of his own name and so many other achievements that make us sure that we made the right decision when choosing St. Peter as our school.Written February 26, 2023
- We chose St. Peters as we were drawn by its vision and mission, to nurture students with a love for life-long learning, and making meaningful contributions to society. Adapting to a new country as a family is challenging but the professionalism of the St. Peter’s family eased it for us where our child’s education is concerned. Our child enjoys going to school and we are very impressed and appreciative of the efforts and dedication of the teachers and staff, in ensuring a loving and safe environment for our child to develop and prosper. The teachers and staff constantly project an enthusiastic outlook for the betterment of the students, see every child with potential of his/her own and always strive for close partnership with parents. We saw how they rose to the occasion as an institution in overcoming the challenges of the lockdown last year and this ongoing pandemic. Our child looks forward and speaks fondly of his school experiences daily and we thank the St Peters family for this.Written February 26, 2023
- Everything’s welcoming.Written February 25, 2023
- All five of my children successfully completed their school careers at ENSR and now have embraced adulthood and entrepreneurship.Written February 25, 2023
- A School with a wonderful atmosphere where the whole family feels welcome.Written February 25, 2023