American Gulf School Sharjah is a new school that opened in August 2021.

The story so far...

American Gulf School is a new US curriculum school that, according to the SPEA (Sharjah Private Education Authority) website and a spokesman who provided information to the UAE press, opened in August 2021. There appears to be some confusion surrounding the school - it has been named both as American Gulf and Gulf American in various press statements.

We know that the school is based in the Al Rahmaniya/Shaghrafah 4 area of Sharjah and that the school is currently open from pre-KG to Grade 9; High School grades will follow as the school grows.  Since opening, the school has achieved accreditation through Cognia - a vital step to ensuring that any High School Diploma is may issue will be recognised both in the US and internationally.

The school motto is 'Aspire, Grow, Succeed'
Its Vision states "We aim to create an environment where everyone aspires to build a peaceful world, to grow through intercultural understanding and respect, and to succeed in the 21st century."
And the school Mission is to provide a "Safe and friendly environment, innovative 21st century curriculum, promotes design thinking skills, nurturing academic excellence, fun engaging lessons."

In Autumn 2022, the school announced the appointment of a new Principal - highly regarded Mr. James Lynch, who has been Principal of two IB based schools in Dubai - Ambassador International Academy (which uses the UK-curriculum for content, and the IB programmes for its delivery), and Dubai International Academy Al Barsha, where he was the Founding Principal of what is an all-through IB World School.  It would seem the the owners of AGS are showing full commitment to the plans to offer an IB-based curriculum in place of a pure US curriculum going forward - a key differentiating factor for the school.

What about the curriculum?

In an apparent change of direction, whilst the school teaches the content of the US Common Core curriculum for students from pre-kindergarten to grade 12, AMG is a candidate school for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme and Middle Years Programme. American Gulf School will also pursue authorization for the IB Diploma and IB Courses Programmes to become an IB World School. The school curriculum is project-based and student-centered. It encourages, requires, and builds critical thinking, driven by inquiry combined with both knowledge and comprehensive skills. This allows learners to make authentic connections between different theories and be able to apply this knowledge in unfamiliar real-life situations.

What about the facilities?

The school states that it occupies a brand new, world-class campus, with facilities that include but are not limited to a multipurpose sports complex, three STEAM/Robotics labs, two canteens, two libraries with digital and print books, one resources center for KG, two special resources rooms, one indoor soft play area in the KG, Sciences labs, visual and performing (Drama/Music) arts rooms, a media studio, design cafe, and state of the art playgrounds.  Certainly the virtual tour of the school, available on its website, is impressive. 

The Buzz

With the early confusion over the school's name and curriculum plans, relatively little is currently known about the success of the school in its first year, nor the opinions of parents towards it.  Clearly, the decision to follow International Baccalaureate curriculum route and to replace the former Principal with someone who is clearly highly skilled and experienced in leading a school following this programme, is a significant commitment on the part of the school's owners.  

If you are a parent, teacher or older student at American Gulf School, please share your opinions and experiences with other potential members of your community and complete our Survey.

What about the fees?

Tuition Fees, which incorporate a 30% discount on the SPEA approved fees for 2022-23, start at AED 25,058 for pre-KG, rising to AED 45,148 for Grade 9. Fees for Grade 12 will be AED 52,988. 

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