Compare British, American, IB and CBSE schools plus ADEK ratings
One of the capital’s longest-established residential neighbourhoods, Mushrif is home to embassies, parks and some of Abu Dhabi’s most respected private schools.
Its central location and established character continue to attract families seeking mature communities with a wide range of well-established schools.
Families can choose from British, American, International Baccalaureate (IB) and Indian (CBSE) educational pathways, with several schools boasting decades of history and strong academic reputations.
Whether you’re relocating to Mushrif or exploring schools in central Abu Dhabi, this guide compares the area’s leading private schools, including their curricula, ADEK ratings and what makes each one unique.
Private schools in Mushrif: curriculum, ages and ADEK rating
| School | Curriculum | Ages | ADEK rating* |
| The British School Al Khubairat (BSAK) | British | 3–18 | Outstanding |
| ICS Mushrif | American + IB Diploma + AP | KG–Grade 12 | Very Good |
| Saint Joseph’s School | Indian (CBSE) | KG1–Grade 12 | Very Good |
| ICS Al Manhal | British | FS2–Year 13 | Good |
| Liwa International School Al Mushrif | American | KG–Grade 12 | Good |
*ADEK Irtiqa ratings are correct at the time of writing
Why choose a private school in Mushrif?
Mushrif offers a good selection of well-established private schools. Unlike some newer communities, many schools here have educated generations of families and have built strong reputations for academic achievement, pastoral care and university progression.
Which international curricula are available in Mushrif?
Parents living in and around Mushrif can choose:
- British curriculum
- American curriculum
- International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP)
- Indian (CBSE) curriculum
- Established schools with decades of history
- Convenient access from central Abu Dhabi
For families seeking experienced schools with mature campuses and diverse curriculum options, Mushrif remains a strong education hub.
Private schools in Mushrif: schools in detail
The British School Al Khubairat (BSAK)
Curriculum: British (IGCSE, A Levels and BTEC)
Ages: 3–18
ADEK rating: Outstanding
Founded in 1968, BSAK is one of Abu Dhabi’s most established schools and the British Embassy School in the UAE, offering an authentic British education for more than five decades.
As a not-for-profit institution, it reinvests in teaching, facilities and student wellbeing, helping to maintain its Outstanding ADEK rating and strong reputation.
Students can choose from IGCSE, A Level and BTEC pathways, with extensive opportunities in sport, the arts and wider co-curricular life. With a close-knit community and consistently strong university destinations, BSAK remains one of the capital’s most sought-after schools.
See: britishschool.sch.ae
St Joseph’s School
Curriculum: Indian (CBSE)
Ages: KG1–Grade 12
ADEK rating: Very Good
One of Abu Dhabi’s longest-established CBSE schools, St Joseph’s School, has been educating students since 1967. Operated by the Catholic Diocese of Abu Dhabi, it combines a strong academic tradition with a values-based education in a supportive community.
Rated Very Good by ADEK, the school is widely recognised for delivering high-quality, affordable CBSE education, making it a popular choice for families seeking excellent value alongside strong academic outcomes.
See: stjosephsschool.ae
International Community Schools (ICS) Al Mushrif
Curriculum: American, AP, IBDP
Ages: KG–Grade 12
ADEK rating: Very Good
ICS Mushrif follows the American Common Core curriculum and is an authorised IB World School, offering the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) and Advanced Placement (AP) courses for senior students.
Rated Very Good by ADEK, the school combines strong academic pathways with a broad co-curricular programme and an inclusive community.
See: https://mushrif.icschools.ae/
International Community Schools (ICS) Al Manhal
Curriculum: British
Ages: FS2–Year 13
ADEK rating: Good
Families looking for a smaller British school community will find an established option at ICS Al Manhal.
Located in nearby Al Khalidiya, the school follows the English National Curriculum from FS2 to Year 13, preparing students for IGCSEs and A Levels.
Rated Good by ADEK and accredited by British Schools Overseas (BSO), it offers a British education with an international outlook.
Liwa International School – Al Mushrif
Curriculum: American (Common Core and NGSS)
Ages: KG–Grade 12
ADEK rating: Good
Liwa International School – Al Mushrif follows the American Common Core curriculum alongside the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), with a strong emphasis on critical thinking, innovation and technology-rich learning.
A broad extracurricular programme and community engagement opportunities complement the academic curriculum, while the school’s central location makes it a convenient option for families living in and around Mushrif.
See: lism.ae
