Ratings, curricula and everything families need to know
Saadiyat Island is one of Abu Dhabi’s most sought-after residential communities, combining world-class cultural attractions with an impressive choice of international schools.
Its beaches, world-renowned museums and resort-style lifestyle have helped make it one of the capital’s most desirable places to raise a family.
From British and American schools to the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) and a leading French lycée, families have access to some of Abu Dhabi’s most highly regarded educational options.
The island is also home to three ADEK-rated Outstanding schools and Harrow International School Abu Dhabi, the capital’s newest British school, which opens for the 2026–27 academic year.
Whether you’re moving to Saadiyat Beach, Mamsha Al Saadiyat or Saadiyat Lagoons, this guide compares every private school on the island, including their curricula, ADEK ratings and what makes each one unique.
Private schools on Saadiyat Island: curriculum, ages and ADEK rating
| School | Curriculum | Ages | ADEK rating* |
| American Community School of Abu Dhabi (ACS) | American/IB | 4–18 | Outstanding |
| Cranleigh Abu Dhabi | British | 3–18 | Outstanding |
| Muna British Academy | British | Currently FS1–Year 7 (expanding to Year 13) | Outstanding |
| Lycée Français International Théodore Monod (LFITM) | French | 2–18 | Very Good |
| Harrow International School Abu Dhabi | British | Opening from Early Years to Year 6 | Not yet inspected |
*ADEK Irtiqa ratings are correct at the time of writing
Why choose a private school on Saadiyat Island?
Saadiyat Island offers several highly rated schools within the same community, reducing travel times while giving families access to a choice of internationally recognised curricula.
What international curricula are available on Saadiyat Island?
Families living on the island can choose between:
- British curriculum
- American curriculum
- French National Curriculum
- IB Diploma Programme
- Day school options
- Future British boarding provision
The area is particularly attractive for families seeking modern campuses, internationally recognised qualifications and shorter daily commutes.
Private schools on Saadiyat Island: schools in detail
American Community School of Abu Dhabi (ACS)
Curriculum: American (Common Core, AP, IBDP)
Ages: 4–18
ADEK rating: Outstanding
Established in 1972, ACS Abu Dhabi is a not-for-profit, U.S.-accredited international school welcoming students from Pre-KG to Grade 12.
The school is known for its strong community spirit and purpose-built Saadiyat Island campus, featuring specialist science, technology and creative learning spaces.
Students can follow the American Common Core alongside Advanced Placement (AP) and the IB Diploma Programme, providing multiple pathways to universities worldwide.
For more information visit acs.sch.ae
Cranleigh Abu Dhabi
Curriculum: British (IGCSE, A Level, BTEC)
Ages: 3–18
ADEK rating: Outstanding
Set within Saadiyat Island’s Cultural District, Cranleigh Abu Dhabi delivers the English National Curriculum, including IGCSEs, A Levels and BTEC qualifications.
The performing arts are a particular strength, supported by c.600 co-curricular activities and excellent arts, science and sports facilities.
Rated Outstanding by both ADEK and British Schools Overseas (BSO), the school is also planning a new AED 385.8 million campus that will bring all phases of the school together on one site.
For more information, visit aldar.com
Muna British Academy
Curriculum: British
Current provision: FS1–Year 7 (expanding annually to Year 13)
ADEK rating: Outstanding
Part of Aldar Education, Muna British Academy recently relocated to its purpose-built Saadiyat Lagoons campus, evolving from a highly regarded primary school into a growing all-through school.
Currently offering FS1 to Year 7, it will add one year group each year until Year 13. Rated Outstanding by ADEK for three consecutive inspections, Muna is known for its inclusive community, personalised learning and strong pastoral care.
For more information visit https://www.munabritishacademy.ae/
Lycée Français International Théodore Monod (LFITM)
Curriculum: French National Curriculum
Ages: 2–18
ADEK rating: Very Good
Currently, the only French international school on Saadiyat Island, LFITM offers the French National Curriculum with French-English bilingual pathways leading to the French Baccalauréat.
Rated Very Good by ADEK, the school combines French academic traditions with a multilingual, internationally minded approach and reports a 100 per cent success rate in the French Baccalauréat.
Its purpose-built Saadiyat Island campus also offers a broad programme of arts, sport and wellbeing support.
For more information, visit https://lfitm.org/
Harrow International School Abu Dhabi
Curriculum: British
Opening: Early Years–Year 6 (expanding to Year 13)
ADEK rating: Not yet inspected
One of Abu Dhabi’s most anticipated school openings, Harrow International School Abu Dhabi is set to welcome its first pupils in August 2026, bringing Harrow’s 450-year educational heritage to the capital.
Operated by Taaleem, the school will initially open from Early Years to Year 6, before expanding into an all-through school.
Students will follow the English National Curriculum with Harrow’s distinctive House system and future British boarding provision, setting it apart.
For more information visit taaleem.ae
