- Most American curriculum schools in Abu Dhabi follow the U.S. Common Core State Standards for English Language and Mathematics, and Next Generation Science Standards for Science.
- Students in secondary school (Grade 9 and onwards) studying in an American curriculum school can personalize their education experience by choosing from a range of elective subjects.
Progression
- Entry to Pre-Kindergarten typically begins at age 3.
- Students complete 12 years of schooling beyond Kindergarten.
- Typically, in high school, courses are expressed as “Credits”, representing the number of hours of study the student engages in.
- Students graduate with a High School Diploma, a school-leaving qualification that reflects their academic work 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 | 1 |
| 7-8 | 2 |
| 8-9 | 3 |
| 9-10 | 4 |
| 10-11 | 5 |
| 11-12 | 6 |
| 12-13 | 7 |
| 13-14 | 8 |
| 14-15 | 9 (Freshman) |
| 15-16 | 10 (Sophomore) |
| 16-17 | 11 (Junior) |
| 17-18 | 12 (Senior) |
Assessments
- Assessments in the American system may be internal (i.e. set and marked by the teacher), or external (MAP®, AP, etc.).
- Unlike most other curricula, there is no external exam or qualification that students must pass to obtain a high school diploma. Students only receive a Grade Point Average (GPA) as an indication of their academic achievement at the end of their schooling.
- Optional Advanced Placement (AP) Assessments are standardized tests taken by high school students to demonstrate mastery in subjects.
- High performance in an AP exam may be accepted by some colleges and universities as credits toward the student’s bachelor's degree.
- In Grade 11, students can take the SAT or the ACT, two standardized tests that are a prerequisite for applying to colleges in the U.S.
- In Grade 8, 9 or 10, students may choose to take the PSAT (based on their relevant grade), a preparatory version of the SAT.
- All students in Grades 3-9 studying a U.S. curriculum have to take NWEAMAP® or Iowa Assessments, in English (Reading/Language Usage),Mathematics and Science.
Accreditation
Schools may be accredited with one of five regional U.S. Accreditation agencies:
- American International Accreditation Association (AIAA).
- 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).