GAA is a young school but already recognized as a great place for children. We continue to build our reputation for quality teaching and learning, engagement and results.We are a proud learning community that works to ensure the conditions which encourage and support children as they develop new understandings of themselves and the world around them. Our ‘Culture of Kindness’ frames how individuals in our community interact with each other and results in a safe, caring, respectful and dignified learning environment. Our school is a happy, joyful place of learning.We are both American and international in our identity. We celebrate internationalism, recognize the uniqueness of each nationality represented among our students and build appreciation of American culture and approaches to education. Our educational standards are from the USA, as are many of our teachers and most of our teaching resources.We benefit, also, from the perspective that membership in the Council of International Schools (CIS) brings and through our association with GEMS schools across the UAE and around the world.Our Khalifa City A campus is quite spectacular . Access to world class facilities allow us to redefine teaching and learning as well as the GEMS experience for the students, families and communities we serve. We now support world class performances across an even wider range of activities for students 3 through 18 years of age (KG 1 – Gr 12).In May of 2011 our school was awarded Candidate Status with both the Council of International Schools and the International Baccalaureate Organization with the goal of full accreditation by June 2013. Membership in these bodies ensures academic rigor, promotion of ‘international mindedness, and a commitment to continuous improvement. We are pleased to provide our community with the benefits that membership in these organizations brings.The information on our website will give you a deeper understanding of our curriculum and of the GEMS Core Values. You will see from our materials, how variety and choice in our programs are used to personalize the learning experience, build skills and self confidence and engender a lasting love of learning. You will see too how the ideas of responsibility, service and stewardship are imbued into daily routines.The materials available here and on our website provide a good introduction to our school but there really is no substitute to a visit. Please come, if you can, and spend some time with us.We invite you to take a look around our fantastic new campus and to speak with faculty, parents and students about their experiences and aspirations. We promise you a warm welcome.With kind regards,Ian DeakinPrincipal and CEOGEMS American Academy - Abu Dhabi