Schools in Khalifa City 2026: Complete Guide to All 17 Schools

Khalifa City and neighboring Masdar City have 17 schools between them. Curricula include British, American, International Baccalaureate, SABIS, Ministry of Education, and Philippine programs. Annual fees range from about 6,000 AED to nearly 79,000 AED depending on the school and grade level. Yasmina British Academy and Canadian International School are the only two schools rated Outstanding. Raha International School and Al Ittihad National Private School offer Very Good ratings at more accessible fee points. This guide covers every school, its curriculum, its rating, and its fee range so you can shortlist quickly.

Khalifa & Masdar District Overview

Khalifa City is one of Abu Dhabi's most established residential suburbs. Expat and Emirati families favor it for its villa communities and spacious layouts. Masdar City sits next door and adds a newer, sustainability-focused living option. It features modern apartments and a growing cluster of schools. The area is a reasonable drive from Abu Dhabi International Airport and central Abu Dhabi. This makes it popular with airline staff, embassy employees, and corporate professionals. Family life here centers on community parks, mosques, and a dense concentration of schools. This density makes it easy to move between grade levels without leaving the district. Parents relocating within Abu Dhabi often choose Khalifa City specifically because school switching costs are lower here than in areas with fewer options.

All Schools in Khalifa & Masdar 2026

ADNOC Schools, Sas Al Nakhl follows the American curriculum and holds a Good rating. Fees run between 27,970 and 53,040 AED. It serves families connected to the ADNOC community and wider Khalifa City residents alike.

Al Ittihad National Private School offers an American curriculum rated Very Good. Fees range from 22,480 to 47,580 AED. It is one of the district's strongest value options at this rating tier.

Al Shohub Private School delivers a British curriculum with a Good rating. Fees sit between 26,070 and 31,290 AED. The school appeals to families wanting a mid-range British education close to home.

Ambitions Private School (Al Tumooh) follows the British curriculum but currently holds a Weak rating. Fees start from 10,000 to 16,000 AED. Its low cost makes it accessible, but parents should weigh the rating carefully before enrolling.

Canadian International School offers an alternative international curriculum and carries an Outstanding rating. Fees range from 39,010 to 51,820 AED. It is the district's top-rated school and a magnet for academically ambitious families.

Crescent International Private School provides a British curriculum rated Acceptable. Fees run between 17,220 and 22,447 AED. It suits budget-conscious families seeking a British-style education.

GEMS American Academy combines the International Baccalaureate with an American curriculum, rated Very Good. Fees range from 48,870 to 78,540 AED. It sits at the premium end of the district's fee spectrum.

GEMS Founders School - Masdar City follows the British/UK curriculum but is currently Unrated. Fees sit between 26,000 and 34,000 AED. As a newer school, it is still building its inspection track record.

Horizon Private School - Branch, Khalifa City offers an American curriculum with a Good rating. Fees run from 26,160 to 55,110 AED. It gives families a well-regarded American option within the community.

Horizon Private School (MOE) follows the Ministry of Education curriculum, rated Acceptable. Fees range from 6,070 to 19,340 AED. It is among the most affordable options in Khalifa City.

Italian International School delivers the International Baccalaureate but is currently Unrated. Fees sit between 30,065 and 53,380 AED. It caters to Italian-speaking and internationally minded families.

Philippine Emirates Private School offers the Philippine curriculum rated Acceptable. Fees range from 6,140 to 13,500 AED. It is a key option for the district's Filipino community.

Raha International School provides the International Baccalaureate with a Very Good rating. Fees run from 41,550 to 65,500 AED. It is widely regarded as one of the district's leading IB providers.

Rawafed Private School follows the American curriculum with a Good rating. Fees range from 19,120 to 42,970 AED. It offers reasonable value across a wide fee band.

Ryan International School, Masdar combines International Baccalaureate, UK, and Indian curricula, rated Acceptable. Fees sit between 13,710 and 23,330 AED. It is a flexible option for families wanting curriculum choice under one roof.

The International School of Choueifat, Khalifa City uses the SABIS system blending UK and US approaches. It holds a Very Good rating. Contact the school directly for current fee information.

Yasmina British Academy, Aldar Academies delivers a British curriculum with an Outstanding rating. Fees run from 44,590 to 63,560 AED. It is the district's highest-rated British school and a top choice for families prioritizing academic excellence.

Khalifa & Masdar Schools Comparison Table

Name	Curriculum	Rating	Fees From	Fees To
ADNOC Schools, Sas Al Nakhl	American	Good	27,970 AED	53,040 AED
Al Ittihad National Private School	American	Very Good	22,480 AED	47,580 AED
Al Shohub Private School	British	Good	26,070 AED	31,290 AED
Ambitions Private (Al Tumooh)	British	Weak	10,000 AED	16,000 AED
Canadian International School	Other	Outstanding	39,010 AED	51,820 AED
Crescent International Private School	British	Acceptable	17,220 AED	22,447 AED
GEMS American Academy	IB/American	Very Good	48,870 AED	78,540 AED
GEMS Founders School - Masdar City	British/UK	Unrated	26,000 AED	34,000 AED
Horizon Private School - Branch	American	Good	26,160 AED	55,110 AED
Horizon Private School (MOE)	Ministry of Education	Acceptable	6,070 AED	19,340 AED
Italian International School	IB	Unrated	30,065 AED	53,380 AED
Philippine Emirates Private School	Philippine	Acceptable	6,140 AED	13,500 AED
Raha International School	IB	Very Good	41,550 AED	65,500 AED
Rawafed Private School	American	Good	19,120 AED	42,970 AED
Ryan International School, Masdar	IB/UK/Indian	Acceptable	13,710 AED	23,330 AED
The International School of Choueifat	SABIS	Very Good	N/A	N/A
Yasmina British Academy	British	Outstanding	44,590 AED	63,560 AED

Of the 17 schools listed, two hold Outstanding ratings, five hold Very Good, four hold Good, four hold Acceptable, one holds Weak, and two remain Unrated. American curriculum schools are the most common type in the district, followed by British curriculum schools. The fee gap between the cheapest school and the most expensive school is roughly 73,000 AED per year. This is one of the widest fee ranges of any single district in Abu Dhabi.

How to Choose a School in Khalifa & Masdar

Start with curriculum fit, since Khalifa City offers American, British, IB, and national programs side by side. Families anchored to a particular university pathway abroad should match the curriculum accordingly. A child likely to attend university in the UK usually benefits from a British curriculum school. A child heading toward a US-style university often does better on an American curriculum track.

Next, weigh rating against budget rather than choosing on price alone. Yasmina British Academy and Canadian International School justify their higher fees with Outstanding ratings. Al Ittihad and Raha offer strong Very Good performance at comparatively lower cost. This makes them worth shortlisting for parents who want quality without paying the very top fees in the district.

Consider commute distance within the sprawling Khalifa City layout as well. Even a short drive can add up during peak school hours. Visiting a school at drop-off time, rather than only during a scheduled tour, gives a truer sense of daily traffic and queuing.

Finally, always verify fees directly with the school before applying. Fee structures can change between academic years and often vary by grade level. Ask specifically whether the quoted range includes registration fees, books, transport, or uniforms. Some schools bundle these costs while others bill them separately.

Nearby Districts

Corniche & West offers a more urban, waterfront setting with its own strong school cluster. Families who work in the city center sometimes prefer this option over Khalifa City's suburban feel.

Central Downtown provides easy access to Abu Dhabi's business district and a dense mix of curricula. It suits parents who want a short commute to work alongside school options.

Mushrif & Karama is a well-established residential area with long-running, community-favorite schools. It has a similar suburban character to Khalifa City but sits closer to the city center.

Muroor & Embassies sits close to diplomatic offices and central government areas. It is popular with embassy families who need proximity to their workplaces.

Reem & Saadiyat offers newer island communities with modern schools and premium amenities. Families drawn to newer developments and waterfront living often compare this area against Khalifa City before deciding.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best schools in Khalifa & Masdar? Yasmina British Academy and Canadian International School hold Outstanding ratings, making them the district's top performers. Raha International School and Al Ittihad National Private School follow closely with Very Good ratings. GEMS American Academy also rates Very Good but sits at a higher fee point. The right choice depends on curriculum preference, budget, and rating.

How much do schools cost in Khalifa & Masdar? Fees range from around 6,000 AED at the most affordable schools, such as Horizon Private School (MOE), up to nearly 79,000 AED at GEMS American Academy. Most mid-range British and American schools fall between 20,000 and 50,000 AED annually. IB providers like Raha International School and GEMS American Academy sit toward the premium end. Families should always confirm current fees directly with the school for the 2026-2027 academic year.

Is Khalifa & Masdar a good area for families? Yes, Khalifa City is a long-established, family-friendly suburb with villa communities, parks, and a dense concentration of schools. Masdar City adds a newer, sustainability-oriented living option nearby. The area suits families wanting suburban space without being far from central Abu Dhabi. Its wide school choice also makes it easy to stay in the same district across different age groups.

Which curriculum options are available in Khalifa & Masdar? The district covers American, British, International Baccalaureate, SABIS, Ministry of Education, and Philippine curricula. This breadth is unusual for a single suburb and reflects the area's diverse expat population. Families can often find their preferred national curriculum without leaving the district. This makes Khalifa City particularly convenient for multinational households.

Are there Outstanding-rated schools in Khalifa City? Yes, Canadian International School and Yasmina British Academy both hold Outstanding ratings. These are the district's highest-performing schools by inspection standards. Both come with premium fees reflecting their strong reputations. Waiting lists can be common at this rating tier, so early application is advisable.

What is the most affordable school option in Khalifa & Masdar? Horizon Private School (MOE) and Philippine Emirates Private School offer the lowest fee ranges in the district, starting near 6,000 AED. These schools follow the Ministry of Education and Philippine curricula respectively. They provide accessible options for budget-conscious families. Parents should review ratings alongside fees, since some lower-cost schools carry Acceptable or Weak ratings.

How many schools are unrated in Khalifa City, and should I be concerned? Two schools in the district, GEMS Founders School - Masdar City and Italian International School, are currently Unrated. This usually means the school is new and has not yet completed a formal inspection cycle. It does not automatically mean poor quality. Parents considering these schools should ask directly about staff qualifications, curriculum delivery, and any interim review results.

Does a higher fee always mean a better school in Khalifa City? Not always. GEMS American Academy charges the highest fees in the district and holds a Very Good rating, not Outstanding. Meanwhile, Al Ittihad National Private School charges considerably less and also achieves Very Good. Comparing rating against fee, rather than fee alone, gives a clearer picture of value.

How do I apply to a school in Khalifa City? Start by shortlisting two or three schools based on curriculum, rating, and fee range. Contact each school directly to check seat availability for the desired grade level. Popular schools, especially those rated Outstanding, often have waiting lists. Applying at least one academic year in advance improves the chance of securing a place.

Can I switch curricula within Khalifa City if my child changes schools later? Switching curricula is possible but works best at natural transition points, such as moving between primary and secondary school. Moving mid-year or mid-curriculum can create gaps in a child's learning progression. If a family expects to relocate internationally, choosing a widely recognized curriculum like British, American, or IB from the start reduces future transition friction.