Beyond these walls lies not just a school but a launchpad. GEMS Dubai American Academy or DAA is a place where young minds prepare to shape the future. Founded in 1997, Dubai American Academy quickly rose to prominence. It became the most successful for-profit US curriculum school in Dubai.
Interestingly it stands next door to its older competitor the American School of Dubai. Dubai American Academy achieved an outstanding rating from the KHDA. It has impressively retained this rating for 11 inspections since 2011 to 2012.
In 2023 student numbers reached around 3100. This happened after DAA moved to the campus of GEMS Nations Academy. Originally the campus capacity was 2750. By 2024 the roll increased slightly to 3088 students. The school is co-educational serving students from KG1 to Grade 12.
Expansion plans were announced in December 2023 due to capacity constraints. The expansion includes a new student wellbeing center and a middle school building. The project also brings increased sports facilities. Moreover the project has an enhanced student canteen and new sustainability elements. These are added to the already state-of-the-art campus. The first new additions came online in January 2024. Further phases are expected by August 2024. All work should be completed in time for the start of the 2025 to 2026 academic year.
Ahead of the new phases the school unveiled the WISE Center for Wellbeing in June 2024. The center promotes wellbeing inclusion safeguarding and environment. It includes an immersive classroom and a 95-seat amphitheater. Also a private therapy room a podcast studio various meeting spaces a Family First room and a café are part of it. The DAA Parents Association office is located here.
With over 100 nationalities represented within the student body DAA has a broad international base. The largest numbers come from the US Canada and India. The student body has a 50:50 male to female ratio.
Since August 2022 Dr Ethan Hildreth has led the school. He is the Superintendent and CEO. Dr Hildreth has a varied background including experience with Nord Anglia Education. He was involved in developing a new US curriculum school in Abu Dhabi.
DAA is fully accredited by the Council of International Schools and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges since 2004. In addition to the US High School Diploma DAA offers the IB Diploma Program. This provides students a broader more internationally focused qualification.
Curriculum innovations include an AI curriculum for all students up to Grade 10. Also the school uses over 1200 iPads in the Elementary School. Students can participate in a Drone Activity agreement with Dubai Civil Aviation Authority. This enables them to build and fly drones. A focus on coding and robotics exists. Middle school students bring their own devices to school.
GEMS Dubai American Academy Elementary was recognized as an Apple Distinguished School in 2019. The school offers state-of-the-art facilities across its 70000m2 campus. These include a 50m Olympic pool and a 400m running track. There is also a large gymnasium playing fields and dedicated science labs.
In December 2023 the school announced further expansion plans and investment in the campus. A purpose-built DAA Middle School block is being developed in two phases. This will provide bespoke teaching spaces common rooms and a new canteen. There is also a research library outdoor green spaces and specialist sports facilities.
GEMS Dubai American Academy is the only school in Dubai with an American curriculum to receive an Outstanding rating by the Dubai Schools Inspection Bureau. This emphasizes its commitment to excellence.
As you stand here remember that GEMS Dubai American Academy is more than just a school. It is a vibrant community shaping global citizens. It is a place where students are prepared to be innovators thinkers and leaders.