Finding the right school in Abu Dhabi: a guide for families
For families moving to Abu Dhabi, choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions they’ll make. With a growing number of international schools, parents have plenty of options. Abu Dhabi’s education landscape is evolving rapidly, particularly in areas like Reem Island. Schools now offer a range of curricula, teaching approaches, and enrichment opportunities, giving families more flexibility than ever. While this variety is a huge advantage, it can also make the decision feel overwhelming.
Beyond its schools, Abu Dhabi is an incredible place to raise a family. Safety, diversity, and quality of life make it a top choice for expats. Beyond its schools, Abu Dhabi is an incredible place to raise a family. Parents often tell us they love the balance the city offers, a dynamic, forward-thinking environment where children can thrive academically while enjoying a fantastic quality of life. The international community is welcoming and vibrant, with families from all over the world choosing to make it home. Schools play a big role in this, allowing children and their families to connect with different cultures and form lifelong friendships.
A school that feels like home
Many of our families live on Al Reem Island, making Nord Anglia International School Abu Dhabi (NAS Abu Dhabi) an easy choice. With students just a short walk, bike, or scooter ride away, the school sits at the heart of a lively neighbourhood. We also welcome families from Saadiyat Island, Yas Island, and beyond. With Abu Dhabi’s well-connected roads, the school run is smooth and manageable, even from further afield.
For families relocating to Abu Dhabi, finding a school where children feel a strong sense of belonging is essential. The mix of cultures at NAS Abu Dhabi creates a unique environment where students learn from one another’s experiences, broadening their perspective on the world. Our mother-tongue language programme supports this further, helping students stay connected to their roots while embracing an international education.
What makes NAS Abu Dhabi different?
Among Abu Dhabi’s many international schools, NAS Abu Dhabi stands out for its forward-thinking approach. Our focus on metacognition helps students go beyond learning facts: they learn how to think critically, solve problems, and apply their knowledge in meaningful ways. These skills serve them well beyond their school years.
Being part of the Nord Anglia Education family means our students benefit from partnerships with world-leading institutions like MIT and Juilliard. Our teachers also have access to professional development through King’s College London. For expat families, this global network offers continuity and reassurance, helping children feel at home even when moving between Nord Anglia schools.
We also know that flexibility matters to families, which is why we introduced a flexible day and an initiative called #MEtime. This allows students to start their day at either 7:30 am or 8:30 am, giving families options that fit their schedules, routines and needs. Our wide range of before-school and after-school enrichment activities ensures that children can explore their interests, whether in sports, STEAM, or creative pursuits.
Language learning is another key part of our curriculum. From FS1 onwards, students can study Mandarin, German, French, or Spanish, with pathways for both native and second-language learners. This approach supports cultural identity while preparing students for global opportunities.
Most importantly, NAS Abu Dhabi is built around community. From the moment families step into the school, they become part of a welcoming environment where every child is encouraged to grow, explore, and thrive.
A smooth transition for families
Relocating to a new country is an exciting journey, and we work closely with families to make the transition as smooth as possible. Our admissions process is straightforward and reassuring, giving parents and children the chance to visit the school, meet teachers, and get a feel for daily life before their first day.
To make sure every child feels supported, we offer The Oasis, a dedicated wellbeing space open to all students. Whether they need a quiet place to recharge, a chat with our school counsellor, or support from our pastoral team, The Oasis is there to help them feel comfortable and cared for.
Choosing the right school for your family
Finding the right school is one of the biggest decisions a family will make when moving to Abu Dhabi. The good news is: there are many excellent options, each offering something different. Whether you're looking for an academically challenging curriculum, a creative environment, or a strong sense of community, there’s a school that will be the right fit for your child.
If you're considering NAS Abu Dhabi, we’d love to welcome you for a tour and help you decide if our school is the right choice for your family. Get in touch with our admissions team today to find out more and book your visit.
At Nord Anglia International School Abu Dhabi, we understand that choosing a new school for your child is a significant decision. To make this process smoother, we've compiled answers to common questions parents have when considering a switch.
The school primary years are pivotal in shaping a child’s academic, social, and personal development. These formative years lay the foundation for lifelong learning, as children develop key skills like problem-solving, literacy, and numeracy while building confidence in how they interact with the world around them.
This week’s Winter Concerts at NAS Abu Dhabi have been a vibrant celebration of music, creativity, and community. From our youngest performers in EYFS to the skilled musicians in Secondary, every moment reflected the energy, talent, and commitment of our students, and the importance of an education that values the creative and performing arts.
