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GEMS American Academy Qatar has 1,600 pupils, typical class sizes of 22, instruction in English.
Location
GEMS American Academy Qatar is located in Al Wakrah, in the Al Wukair area, south of Doha. The campus sits in a growing residential district near Ezdan Mall Al Wakrah and is a short drive from the Al Janoub Stadium. The school occupies a new 20,000-square-metre facility with modern learning spaces, libraries, science labs, arts facilities and sports amenities.
Stages
The school offers a full Pre-K through Grade 12 program, serving children roughly from age 3 to 18. It is organized into Lower School (Early Years and Elementary) and Upper School (Middle School and High School).
Type
GEMS American Academy Qatar is a co-educational day school with no boarding facilities.
Pupil Nationality Mix
The student body represents nearly 80 nationalities (with reported figures in the mid-to-upper 70s range). There is no publicly published single national majority or exact local-to-international ratio.
Additional learning support
There is a Student Support Team with personnel at each grade level providing additional academic assistance and language support (English as a Second Language). The school also runs a Gifted and Talented program. Admission notes that there are limited spaces for students with special learning needs, and an entrance assessment is required.
Country affiliation
No formal country affiliation.
Religious affiliation
No formal religious affiliation; Arabic and Islamic studies are offered at native and non-native levels for Muslim students as part of the curriculum.
School day structure
From Sunday to Thursday, students may enter the school building from 7:10 a.m. The schedule for most students is 7:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. PK and KG1 start at 7:30 a.m. and may dismiss at 12:30 p.m., with later pick-up at 2:15 p.m. on Sundays–Wednesdays or 1:30 p.m. on Thursdays. KG2–Grade 12 follow 7:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m., with Thursday dismissal at 1:30 p.m.
Bus service
The official transport provider is School Transport Services (STS). Buses include GPS monitoring, CCTV, and bus guardians on board. A Qatar Rail–based Ras Bu Fontas shuttle operates to serve staff and students traveling via the rail line. Doha and Al Wakrah routes cover numerous areas, including Al Wakrah, Al Wukair, Lusail and The Pearl; transport fees are published for the 2025–2026 year and inquiries can be directed to the transport contact listed by the school.
Diving Deeper
The school has not added this information
Fees
Annual tuition at GEMS American Academy Qatar ranges from QAR 35,150 to QAR 59,650 for 2026/27.
Application / Registration Fees
- One-time, non-refundable registration fee payable when you accept a place: KG1 – KG2: QAR 3,200; Grades 1–12: QAR 3,500. - Assessment fee for entry assessments (payable on assessment day): QAR 200. No assessment fee for KG1 and KG2.
Tuition fees (Academic Year 2025–2026) — term and annual amounts (all amounts in Qatari Riyals)
- KG1 – KG2: Term 1: QAR 15,140 · Term 2: QAR 10,005 · Term 3: QAR 10,005 · Yearly total: QAR 35,150. - Grade 1: Term 1: QAR 17,980 · Term 2: QAR 11,760 · Term 3: QAR 11,760 · Yearly total: QAR 41,500. - Grade 2: Term 1: QAR 18,560 · Term 2: QAR 12,195 · Term 3: QAR 12,195 · Yearly total: QAR 42,950. - Grade 3: Term 1: QAR 19,060 · Term 2: QAR 12,195 · Term 3: QAR 12,195 · Yearly total: QAR 43,450. - Grade 4: Term 1: QAR 20,140 · Term 2: QAR 13,005 · Term 3: QAR 13,005 · Yearly total: QAR 46,150. - Grade 5: Term 1: QAR 20,680 · Term 2: QAR 13,410 · Term 3: QAR 13,410 · Yearly total: QAR 47,500. - Grade 6: Term 1: QAR 21,200 · Term 2: QAR 13,800 · Term 3: QAR 13,800 · Yearly total: QAR 48,800. - Grades 7–9: Term 1: QAR 23,600 · Term 2: QAR 15,450 · Term 3: QAR 15,450 · Yearly total: QAR 54,500. - Grades 10–12: Term 1: QAR 25,660 · Term 2: QAR 16,995 · Term 3: QAR 16,995 · Yearly total: QAR 59,650.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Term payment due dates: Term 1 payment due: August 31; Term 2 payment due: January 1; Term 3 payment due: April 1. Tuition fees are payable in advance of attendance and invoiced from the time of admission. Tuition fees are due prior to the start of each term. - Re-registration deposit (current students) is payable at re-enrolment to guarantee a place for the following academic year; the deposit is deductible from the total tuition fees and is non-refundable. Students with outstanding fee balances or missing MOE registration documents will not be able to re-enrol. - Tuition invoices are issued from admission; if a student joins mid-year, tuition may be charged from the beginning of the month of enrollment. Report cards and official records will be withheld until all outstanding fees (including for lost/damaged books) are cleared.
Boarding fees
- Boarding is not applicable. GEMS American Academy Qatar operates as a day school.
Other costs and fees
- Annual stationery: QAR 1,000 per student per year. Parents may either pay this stationery fee or provide every item listed on the school stationery list before the start of the year. The published yearly fees include stationery & books as indicated in the fee schedule; textbooks are provided on loan. Parents are responsible for breakages, loss or damage to books and for charges related to field trips, external after-school activities and materials required for practical classes. - Uniforms and uniform payments: Approved uniforms and accessories are available through Threads (Ezdan Mall – Al Gharrafa). Threads accepts cash and credit card payments for uniform purchases. Exact uniform prices are set by the supplier. - Assessment-related or miscellaneous charges: assessment fee for entry QAR 200 (no fee for KG1/KG2); charges for specific external examinations, certain after-school options, field trips, and replacement/damage of school property may be invoiced separately. Textbooks are loaned; parents must pay for lost/damaged items.
Refund information
- The one-time registration fee is non-refundable once a place is accepted and the registration payment date is set. The re-registration deposit is non-refundable but deductible from total tuition for the year. Other refund terms for tuition payments are not stated in the fee summary; outstanding accounts must be cleared in order to receive transfer documentation and records. Transfer certificates and records will not be issued until all outstanding fees and obligations are cleared.
Discounts and corporate arrangements
- Sibling discount: 15% for the fourth child and 25% for the fifth child. Referral program: a tuition discount of 4% per successful referral, with conditions that both families attend two weeks of school and Term 1 fees are paid; the program can provide up to 100% of a child's annual tuition if referral conditions are met. Corporate agreement discounts (10% per child for the 2025–2026 year) apply for employees of specified partner organisations listed by the school.
Fee payment options
- Accepted payment methods: Cash, credit card, current or post-dated cheque, wire transfer (bank details provided by the Accounts department on request), and online payments via the GEMS Parent Portal. Contact the Accounts department for bank details and Parent Portal access assistance. Uniform purchases at the approved supplier accept cash and credit cards.
Notes on withdrawals and issuance of records
- To withdraw a student, complete the Student Exit Form and clear all accounts during the last week prior to withdrawal. Records, transcripts and Transfer Certificate packets are issued only after all accounts are cleared and all school property is returned. The Reception/Registrar processes withdrawal requests and will notify when the Transfer Certificate packet is ready.
(Fees and policies above are presented as published for AY 2025–2026.)
Academics
GEMS American Academy Qatar teaches American Curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.
Curriculum
GEMS American Academy Qatar offers an enriched American curriculum from Pre-K through Grade 12, culminating in the American High School Diploma with the option to take 20+ Advanced Placement (AP) courses and to earn an AP Capstone Diploma. In the Early Years and Elementary levels (KG2–Grade 5), instruction follows the U.S. Common Core standards for English Language Arts and Math, with NGSS for Science and C3 for Social Studies, and Arabic is offered for native and non-native speakers along with introductions to Spanish and French, plus regular classes in Art, Information Technology and Qatar History. From Grade 6 onward, the Middle School and High School programs use the College Board's Springboard curriculum for Math and English, aligned to Common Core to prepare students for AP coursework. In Grades 9–12, students may enroll in more than 20 AP courses and can pursue the AP Capstone Diploma, which includes Seminar and Research components. The curriculum emphasizes university readiness, independent thinking and holistic development through integrated academics, the arts, athletics and character education.
Wellbeing
The school has not added this information
Parent Experience
The school has not added this information
Facilities
The school has not added this information
Extra-Curricular Activities
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Languages
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Reputation
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Admissions
Admissions
1. Review age and grade placement using the Age Requirements and Grade Placement chart. The chart maps American UK equivalents and typical ages from Pre-K (3-4) through Grade 12 (17-18). 2. Submit an online application via Apply Online on the Admissions page. The Admissions Process page links to Apply Online and to Admissions FAQ for guidance. 3. Use the Virtual Admissions Center or schedule a campus tour to learn more about the school and see the facilities. 4. Review tuition and fees. Tuition is set in accordance with the fee structure set by GEMS Education and approved by Qatar's Ministry of Education (MOE). 5. Check Admissions FAQ for additional information and next steps.
School Events
The school has not added events
FAQs
What curriculum does GEMS American Academy Qatar follow?
GAAQ follows an American curriculum with a play-based approach for early years and a "doing-by-learning" methodology. Approximately 20 Advanced Placement (AP) courses are offered at the high school level. The school emphasizes real-world problem-solving and cross-curricular engagement.
Where is GEMS American Academy Qatar located?
GAAQ is located in Al Wukair, Al Wakrah, south of central Doha. The campus is at Building 26, Street 237, in the Al Meshaf area.
What age range does the school serve?
GEMS American Academy Qatar serves students from age 4 to 18, covering The school operates Early Years (Pre-K, KG1), Elementary (KG2 through Grade 5), Middle School (Grades 6-8), and High School (Grades 9-12)..
How many students attend GEMS American Academy Qatar?
Approximately 1600 students are enrolled at GEMS American Academy Qatar.
What are the tuition fees?
Annual tuition ranges from PHP 35,150 to PHP 59,650 depending on year group.
Is GEMS American Academy Qatar religiously affiliated?
No formal religious affiliation; Arabic and Islamic studies are offered at native and non-native levels for Muslim students as part of the curriculum.
Is the school co-educational?
GEMS American Academy Qatar is co-educational.
When was GEMS American Academy Qatar founded?
GEMS American Academy Qatar was founded in 2014. GEMS American Academy Qatar opened for the 2014–2015 academic year as GEMS Education's flagship American school in the country. It is backed by GEMS Education, the largest operator of K–12 schools in ...
What languages are taught at the school?
The school offers an enriched American curriculum with AP course options (20+). The Early Years and Elementary programs emphasize an American approach to learning, with English-language instruction supported by ESL services for students learning English as an additional language.
What facilities does the school offer?
The campus includes the first Music Production Studio in Qatar at an international school, the first NAAAS Aquaponic Greenhouse in Qatar, a health clinic with school nurses, library facilities, and sports facilities.
Does GEMS American Academy Qatar offer special educational needs support?
SEN-related support is described as part of ‘special programs' including ELL, learning support and Arabic, with resources allocated to these areas. English is the principal language of instruction, and ELL and learning-support provisions are explicitly included within the school's language policy. T...
What is the admissions process?
1. Review age and grade placement using the Age Requirements and Grade Placement chart. The chart maps American UK equivalents and typical ages from Pre-K (3-4) through Grade 12 (17-18). 2. Submit an online application via Apply Online on the Admissions page. The Admissions Process page links to App
What extracurricular activities are available?
The school offers an American curriculum aligned to U.S. national standards and the Common Core, with Advanced Placement (AP) courses. AP courses include AP Biology, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP English Language and Composition, AP Spanish Language and Culture, and AP French Language and Cultu
Does GEMS American Academy Qatar offer a bus service?
School transport services are available for students.
What accreditations does GEMS American Academy Qatar hold?
NEASC (New England Association of Schools and Colleges) - Full accreditation from the US-based regional accrediting body.
Eco-Schools Green Flag Award - Third school in Qatar to receive this environmental sustainability recognition.
QGBC School Sustainability Award (2020) - Qatar Green Building Coun
Who is the head of school?
The head of school at GEMS American Academy Qatar is Dr. Susan Borden.
