2007-2008
The American Community School of Abu Dhabi (ACS) is an independent, coeducational day school, which offers an educational program from preschool through grade 12 for English-speaking students of all nationalities. The School was founded in 1972. The school year comprises 2 semesters extending from late August to December and from January to June.
Organization: The School is governed by an 8-member Board of Trustees. All members are elected for overlapping 2-year terms by members of the ACS Association, which is comprised of parents of children enrolled in the School. Officers of the Board are elected by the Board of Trustees.
Curriculum: The curriculum is similar to that of U.S. general academic public schools through grade 8. From grade 9, the curriculum is college-preparatory. Instruction is in English. Spanish, French, and Arabic are taught as foreign languages. A full program of extracurricular activities is offered, including sports, drama, band, and chorus. Advanced Placement courses and the IB program are offered in high school, and an integrated technology curriculum and a wide selection of elective courses are offered in the middle and high schools. Various fine arts options and service opportunities are also available. The School is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
Faculty: In the 2007-2008 school year, there are 70 full-time and 15 part-time faculty members.
Enrollment: At the beginning of the 2007-2008 school year, enrollment was 847 (Kdg. I-grade 5: 387; grades 6-8: 199; and grades 9-12: 261).
Facilities: The School has 60 regular classrooms, a media center, 4 computer laboratories, a health and counseling center, and special rooms for art, science, and music. Facilities also include a cafeteria completed in August 2006, 2 gymnasia, a swimming pool, a fitness center, an auditorium, and 2 lighted playing fields. All rooms are carpeted and air-conditioned. The main building was completed in 1975; the elementary school was completed in September 2000; and the athletic complex was completed in March of 2002.
Finances: In the 2007-2008 school year, about 99% of the School's income derives from tuition. Annual tuition rates are as follows: PK-$5,549; Kdg. II-grade 5: $11,334; grades 6-8: $12,270; grades 9-10: $14,010; grades 11-12: $14,211. There is a one-time capital fee of $2,877 for each new student starting from Kdg. II. (All fees are quoted in U.S. dollars.)
