American Curriculum

Most American curriculum schools in Abu Dhabi follow the U.S. Common Core State Standards for English Language, Mathematics, Social Studies, Technical Subjects, and Next Generation Science Standards. These academic standards facilitate a broad-based approach, ensuring all graduates are well-prepared for college and future careers.

Moreover, the curriculum nurtures various practical skills and knowledge beneficial in non-academic environments. The curriculum also allows secondary school students to personalize their educational journey by choosing from a range of career pathways and elective subjects to match their future aspirations.

Progression

Pre-KG enrolment starts at age 3.
Students complete 12 years of schooling after kindergarten.
In high school, courses are measured in "credits," which represent the number of hours students spend studying.
Students receive a high school diploma upon graduating, which reflects their academic performance from Grades 9-12.

The table below shows the academic journey that a student studying an American curriculum is expected to take

Age	Grade
3-4	Pre-Kindergarten (Pre-K)
4-5	KG1
5-6	KG2
6-7	Grade 1
7-8	Grade 2
8-9	Grade 3
9-10	Grade 4
10-11	Grade 5
11-12	Grade 6
12-13	Grade 7
13-14	Grade 8
14-15	Grade 9
15-16	Grade 10
16-17	Grade 11
17-18	Grade 12

Assessments

In the American system, assessments include internal formative, summative assessments, and external assessments. Students studying the curriculum in Grades 3-9 must take the NWEA MAP® in English (Reading/Language Usage), Mathematics, and Science.
Unlike other curricula, there are no high-stakes external exams or qualifications that students must pass to obtain a high school diploma. Instead, students engage in school-based summative assessments and receive semester grades, along with a Grade Point Average (GPA), to indicate their academic achievement at the end of their schooling.
Optional Advanced Placement (AP) Assessments are external standardized tests available for high school students to demonstrate mastery in specific college-level subjects.
Outstanding performance on an AP exam may be accepted by colleges and universities as credits toward the student’s bachelor's degree.
In Grade 11, students may take the SAT or the ACT college placement assessment, two standardized tests that are a prerequisite for applying to colleges in the U.S.
In Grades 8, 9 or 10, students may take the PSAT (based on their relevant grade), a preparatory version of the SAT.

Middle States Association-Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS).
New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).
Accrediting Commission for Schools-Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACS-WASC).
Cognia (previously AdvancED): the world's largest accrediting agency as an umbrella organization that includes: SACS-CASI, NCA-CASI, and NWAC.
Most American high schools are also registered with the American College Board and offer Advanced Placement exams in various subjects.

More details on the Common Core Standards are available. Click Here
More details on the Next Generation Science Standards are available. Click Here

Find a Nursery or School

American Curriculum

Progression

Assessments

Accreditation

Further Details