Sharjah American International School, Abu Dhabi

Sharjah American International School, also known as Sharjah American International Private School, is a project of Dr Aysha Ali Bin Sayyar and Dr Nawaf Mohamed Fawaz. SAIS AUH is the fourth addition to the list of Sharjah-based schools.

The first branch of Sharjah American International School opened in 1997 in Sharjah. However, after witnessing the school’s success, the management decided to open other branches in different emirates. The second branch, Sharjah American International School Dubai, opened in 2005. The third branch — Sharjah American International School Umm Al Quwain, opened in 2014, and in 2016, Abu Dhabi became home to the fourth campus.

Sharjah American International School of Abu Dhabi offers an engaging American curriculum from preschool to Grade 12. The school is based on the California State Education Framework model. From KG 1 to Grade 4, children are taught in a co-educational setup. From Grade 5 and above, boys and girls are taught separately.

• Location: Shakhbout City
• School fee: AED 29,500 - AED 43,200
• Curriculum: American (California State Standards, CCSS, NGSS)
• Co-ed or segregate: Co-education until Grade 4
• ADEK rating: Very Good
• Years offered: Preschool to Grade 12

The current location of Sharjah American International School is close to the following residential areas.

• Al Shawamekh
• Al Mafraq Industrial Area
• Baniyas North
• Zayed City (Khalifa City C)

Al Shawamekh is the nearest area that offers various lifestyle amenities. Those looking to relocate near the school can check out the below-mentioned options.

• Apartments for rent near SAIS Abu Dhabi
• Villas for rent near SAIS Abu Dhabi
• Villas for sale near SAIS Abu Dhabi

The purpose-built Sharjah American International School Abu Dhabi campus is divided into three sections: KG department, elementary school, and middle and high school, which is further divided into boys’ and girls’ sections.

Sharjah Private International American School is located on Al Ramz Street in the bustling Shakhbout City. Residents have access to several lifestyle facilities, including schools, mosques, commercial properties and entertainment venues.

Sharjah American International School Shakhbout City has plenty of accomplishments. It is part of a group that provides quality education in four different emirates. The education board frequently meets to discuss the school’s future while considering all invested stakeholders’ needs and requirements, such as students, parents, teachers, and the community.

Similarly, the school has established an Advisory Board that includes parents, senior students, and staff. Meetings take place every month to provide feedback and improve weak areas.

The school received a 'Very Good’ rating for the academic year 2024 – 2025. With the right amount of improvisation, SAIS School will soon make it to the top American schools in Abu Dhabi.

SAIS in Abu Dhabi is an all-through facility that delivers the American curriculum from Preschool until Grade 12.

Sharjah American International School in Shakhbout City offers the American curriculum based on the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for English and Maths and NGSS standards for Science. SIAS follows the California State Education Framework.

Kindergarten

In the kindergarten section, the school follows the Desired Results Developmental Profile (DRDP), a part of the Common Core Standard KG curriculum. This technique helps teachers understand the development progress of students.

The eight core areas of development under this initiative are:

• Approaches to Learning – self-regulation
• Social and Emotional Development
• Language and Literacy Development
• English Language Development
• Cognition: Math
• Cognition: Science
• Physical Development – Health, History and Social science
• Visual and Performing Arts

Elementary School

In elementary school, apart from CCSS and NGSS framework, students are introduced to the Ministry of Education (MOE) syllabus, including Arabic, Arabic Social Studies and Islamic subjects.

Class teachers teach core subjects like English, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies, while subject specialists teach specialist classes in Arabic, Arabic Social Studies, Islamic, ICT, Music, Art, Physical Education and French.

Middle and High School

As soon as students progress to middle and then high school, they are offered a bunch of electives apart from the core subjects. In Grade 6, students can choose from French, Art or Music. Electives offered in Grades 7 and 8 allow students to study Creative Writing, Speech and Debate, Personal Finance, and Cyber Security and Engineering Technology.

The high school program at SAIS Abu Dhabi (Grades 9 to 12) offers a rigorous American curriculum aligned with California Common Core and NGSS standards. Students study core subjects such as English, Math, Science, and Social Studies, along with Islamic Studies, UAE Social Studies, and Arabic. A variety of electives—including Computer Science, Genetics, Design & Technology, and Accounting—allow students to explore their interests and develop essential skills. The program requires a minimum of 25 credits for graduation and follows a standards-based grading system to prepare students for university and future careers.

The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) is the central regulatory authority that oversees the operation and development of both public and private schools in Abu Dhabi. The current ADEK rating for Sharjah American International School is Very Good.

The 10-month-long Sharjah American International School Abu Dhabi’s academic calendar continues from August until July. A summary of the academic calendar is presented below:

Sharjah American International School Abu Dhabi’s admission process starts with the registration of your child. After successful registration, you have to submit the following mandatory documents:

• Two coloured copies of the valid passport of the student
• Two coloured copies of valid residence visa
• Two coloured copies of the attested birth certificate
• Six recent passport size photographs
• Two coloured copies of Emirates ID – both sides
• Original Emirates ID
• Two coloured copies of vaccination card for KG students
• The latest copy of the water or electricity bill
• Completed Admission Form
• Latest Report Card in ADEC format (ESIS Certificate) or transfer certificate
• Two coloured copies of a valid passport for parents
• Two coloured copies of a valid residence visa for parents
• Two coloured copies of Emirates ID for parents

The school website doesn’t mention details about the placement assessment. However, parents must ensure that their child meets the following age placement guidelines before enrollment.

This is based on the age of the students on 31st August (for schools beginning in September). Source: ADEK

* This is to cater to students transferring from systems that admit students of a younger age)

The current Sharjah American International School Abu Dhabi fee structure is mid-range. ADEK also approves the Sharjah American International School fee.

Additional charges also include.

Parents can also view terms and conditions related to tuition fees on the school website.

SAIS School Shakhbout City offers lunch facilities to students in its cafeteria. Students are served nutritious and tasty snacks and refreshments during lunchtime. Parents can also send home-packed meals with their children.

Sharjah American International School Abu Dhabi branch offers a pick-and-drop bus service. All vehicles are well-maintained and are equipped with security features. You can avail of this service for an additional AED 5,000 annually.

Students at SAIS Abu Dhabi have access to a gymnasium, football fields, volleyball and basketball courts, outdoor playing areas and two swimming pools.

Extracurricular activities offered at Sharjah International American School are:

Sharjah American International School Khalifa City B successfully tries to create a balance between learning and fun. And for this purpose, they yearly arrange various field trips to beaches, theme parks and other tourist attractions in Abu Dhabi.

You will find a well-equipped clinic in SAIS Shakhbout City that provides first-aid care and treats minor injuries. However, the doctors and the school administration will contact the parents in case of severe medical concerns.

Sharjah American International School Shakhbout City Abu Dhabi conducts parent-teacher meetings at least once every term. Parents and teachers can mutually decide how to improve students’ weak areas and maintain strong academic regions.

Other than this, you can attend several school events as a volunteer or simply cheer your child. You can always contact Sharjah American International School Abu Dhabi via the details provided below.

• Telephone Number: +971-2-586-1222
• Mobile Number: +971-56-222-7758 | +971-56-222-7759
• Emails
  • General Enquiries: info@saisabudhabi.com
• SAIS Abu Dhabi Website
• SAIS Abu Dhabi Instagram

What curriculum does Sharjah American International School, Abu Dhabi follow?

SAIS Abu Dhabi follows the American curriculum based on California State Standards (CCSS and NGSS).

What is the ADEK rating of SAIS Abu Dhabi?

The school currently holds a "Very Good" rating from ADEK.

What grades are offered at SAIS Abu Dhabi?

The school offers education from Preschool to Grade 12.

What are the annual tuition fees at SAIS Abu Dhabi?

Tuition fees range from AED 29,500 to AED 43,200 depending on the grade level.

Is school transportation available at SAIS Abu Dhabi?

Yes, school bus service is available at an annual fee of AED 5,000.

Note that the cover image belongs to Sharjah American International School, Abu Dhabi