Frequently Asked Questions

We have a rolling admissions process. Students are accepted on a space available basis throughout the school year.

We have more than 1300 students attending AISA.

Most of our teachers are from North America. We have a few from the UK. Our Arabic-language teachers are from the Middle East.

Yes, students from Grades 2-12 are tested in English and Math.KG1 applicants will be invited to playdates to learn more about our school and meet our early years’ teachers, and KG2 and Grade 1 students will be invited to an interview.

The English Language Learning Program (ELL) at AISA supports students in grades K1 - 5. Those who are new to the language attend classes of formal instruction with a qualified ELL instructor. Students with basic English structures are supported by the ELL teacher in small groups within the classroom. Our program gives students an opportunity to learn English in a supportive environment to meet their social and academic needs. As AISA is an international school, new English language learners are welcomed at all points during the school year.

Students entering Grades 6-12 must be able to demonstrate at least intermediate proficiency in English.

In AISA elementary, learning support for 700 students is provided by 3 specialist teachers. They can offer limited support for students with mild learning needs. Limited counseling services are available.

In AISA secondary support is also limited and allows students with mild needs to be serviced. There are 2 counselors who offer support in college preparation and personal counseling.

Since we welcome many new families every year, the administration, faculty, parents and students at AISA put a lot of effort into helping families become a part of our community. 

For KG1:
The school day begins at 7:30 a.m. and ends at 1:30 p.m.

For KG2-G12:
The school day begins at 7:30 a.m. and ends at 2:45 p.m. 

Yes! We are excited to welcome Novotel Abu Dhabi Al Bustan to AISA, bringing a fresh selection of food and beverage options to our school community.

Students can enjoy a range of freshly prepared options throughout the school day, with menus designed for Elementary, and Secondary students. Choices include salads and main courses, side dishes, fresh fruit, yoghurt, and other nutritious options.

Nutritional and allergen information is included in the menus to help families make informed choices.

View Our Menus

• AISA Canteen Menu

View Canteen Menu

• Novotel Food Kiosk Menu

View Food Kiosk Menu

Please note that menu items may be subject to change depending on seasonality and product availability.

AISA is a nut-aware school, and food sharing between students is not permitted due to allergies.

We are excited for our students to enjoy the new food options available this year and look forward to a wonderful partnership with Novotel Abu Dhabi Al Bustan.

Food and Nutrition at AISA

At AISA, healthy eating is part of how we help every child learn and thrive. Good nutrition supports focus, energy, mood, and long-term health, so we make the healthy choice the easy choice across our school, from Kindergarten to Grade 12.

• A junk-food-free campus. We follow the ADEK Food and Nutrition Policy. Food and drinks high in sugar, salt, or unhealthy fat are not served or permitted on campus.

• Healthy food, made easy. Our food service partner provides fresh, nutritious, and enjoyable meals and snacks at the canteen and kiosk, before school and at lunch.

• An objective standard. We use Abu Dhabi's own guidance, the SEHHI healthy-food mark, and the Nutri-Mark A-to-E grade, so families can easily identify healthy choices.

• Water first. Water is the drink we encourage, with refill stations across campus.

• Safe and inclusive. We manage allergies carefully, respect cultural and religious dietary needs, and teach nutrition as part of everyday learning.

Read our full Food and Nutrition Policy 

• Yes. School uniforms are also sold on campus Monday to Thursdays from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Friday from 7:30 a.m to 12:30 p.m.
• Parents should purchase uniforms before the first day of school.

Arabic is mandatory for both native and non-native speakers. In addition, French and Spanish are offered in High School and as part of the IB Diploma Program.

AISA offers a wide range of extracurricular activities and clubs. Students can participate in sports, drama, music and arts, science clubs, Model United Nations or join different charity groups.  Every division offers age appropriate clubs, sports and after school activities. 

AISA provides bus service for students requiring transportation. To arrange for bus service, please complete a transportation form and present it to the Accounts office for settlement.

In case of any Query related to Transportation Please contact our Transport Coordinator Mr. Jay Kumar (JKumar@aisa.sch.ae)

Yes. The AISA Parents’ Group is an important part of the school. It provides parent volunteers to help with school activities, supports new families and helps coordinate social, cultural and academic events within the school.  It also offers a channel for communication among parents and the school administration.

To withdraw from AISA, an official withdrawal form needs to be completed and returned to the administrative assistant of the relevant division.