PYPDP★ 5.1/10
American International School in Abu Dhabi
Airport Rd and 29th Street, Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, U.A.E.
2
IB Programmes
5.1/10
Rating
58
Reviews
$20K - $55K
Salary Range
At a Glance
TypePrivate
BoardingBoarding available
LanguagesEnglish
IB RegionIB Africa, Europe, Middle East
GenderCo-educational
LanguageENGLISH
IB Authorized27 March 1996
University CounsellorYes
IB Programmes
PYP
Primary Years ProgrammeAuthorized 04 December 2008Language: ENGLISH
DP
Diploma ProgrammeAccreditations
Council of International SchoolsMiddle States AssociationInternational BaccalaureateEducational Collaborative for Intl Schools
Teacher Reviews
American International School Abu Dhabi presents a divided picture, with experiences varying significantly based on timing and department. The school has undergone substantial leadership and organizational turmoil, including ownership disputes, administrative turnover, and staffing challenges. While some teachers appreciate supportive colleagues and certain students, many report concerns about academic integrity, behavior management, compensation issues, and leadership practices that have contributed to exceptionally high turnover rates.
Pros
- +Some teachers report positive relationships with colleagues and genuinely enjoy working with students despite academic challenges.
- +The school's central location in Abu Dhabi's embassy district offers convenient access to the city and cultural opportunities.
- +Teachers who successfully build relationships with students and adapt to the cultural context can find rewarding moments in the classroom.
- +Abu Dhabi provides good travel opportunities with affordable regional flights and access to diverse cultural experiences.
Cons
- –Chronic payment delays appear throughout multiple years, with salaries, housing stipends, flight reimbursements, and other benefits frequently paid late or withheld entirely.
- –The school facilities are outdated and poorly maintained compared to other Abu Dhabi schools, with persistent issues including inadequate classroom space, unreliable internet, and housing accommodations that multiple teachers describe as moldy or substandard.
- –Student behavior management is a significant challenge, with teachers reporting bullying, harassment, attendance issues, and limited administrative consequences for serious misconduct, particularly involving students from influential families.
- –Academic standards and integrity are repeatedly questioned, with multiple teachers describing grade inflation, changed grades under parental pressure, and a culture where obtaining diplomas appears prioritized over genuine learning.
- –Leadership practices have generated widespread dissatisfaction, with teachers across multiple years describing administrative turnover, poor communication, retaliation against departing staff, and management approaches that have contributed to exceptionally high teacher turnover rates exceeding 50% in some years.
Contact
Airport Rd and 29th Street, Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, U.A.E.