Discover how Yas American Academy inspires young minds to grow, thrive, and become passionate lifelong learners
PARTNER CONTENT: At Yas American Academy (YAA), education begins with intention, connection and purpose. These formative years are about far more than preparing for Grade 1.
They lay the foundation for a lifelong love of learning and nurture the building blocks of emotional, social and intellectual growth.
Curiosity, character, and confidence are recurring themes when you visit the campus at West Yas, Abu Dhabi. What sets YAA apart is its ability to take the best of the American Curriculum and blend it with the values and needs of its local community.
The result is an Early Years programme that prioritises hands-on learning, community engagement, and values-based education – wrapped in the joyful, imaginative experiences that children never forget
A curriculum of connection and purpose
From the earliest stages, YAA integrates key elements of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and STEM concepts into the curriculum – not as additions, but as meaningful, age-appropriate experiences.
In the Elementary years, this foundation is already taking shape. Whether students are engaging in purpose-driven play, exploring nature, or beginning to understand how the world works through science and sensory activities, the goal is the same: to develop thinkers and doers with empathy, creativity and individuality.
“Young children learn so much with their hands and their senses,” says Misaal Gill, Head of Elementary. “Our job is to give them the knowledge and the skills – and support them to build their own journey from there.”
That journey is supported by strong academic planning and intentional programming. Every play, field trip, and initiative is carefully reviewed. “No good school leadership team goes into the next academic year without change,” comments Misaal.
“We are reflecting now to ensure that everything we plan for next year – from the academic calendar to the enrichment activities – is purposeful and strategic. For us, intention must drive each area of the curriculum. We start by asking: what is the ‘why’ behind each experience?”
Mastering milestones through everyday moments
Incidental learning is a cornerstone of the Early Years approach at Yas American Academy, where every moment is seen as an opportunity to build on key developmental milestones.
Vocabulary is carefully nurtured through purposeful play, while science concepts are seamlessly integrated into creative writing activities, fostering a rich, interconnected learning experience. A recent open day event – hosted in partnership with Disney and Miraal demonstrated this in action.
Children moved through science rooms, storytelling corners, Arabic sessions, and music exploration spaces, engaging with literacy, languages, and scientific inquiry in joyful, meaningful ways.
“It’s these types of moments that highlight the power of the Pre-Kindergarten – Kindergarten environment here at Yas American Academy: joyful, rich with imagination, and designed to meet children where they are, developmentally and emotionally,” says Principal, Sarah Griffiths.
“Purposeful, hands-on experiences are woven into each day, enabling children to develop foundational literacy, numeracy, and communication skills in authentic ways that resonate.” Small community, big connections YAA’s Early Years setting in a vibrant residential area is deeply community oriented
Parents are not just invited, they are encouraged, to step inside the learning process. Whether through parent workshops, Come and See sessions, Drop Everything and Read days, or regular check-ins, the open-door culture means families feel seen, supported, and included.
“Partnering with the parents along the way is just as important as educating the children,” says Misaal. “We truly understand how important the care of their children is.” This human-first approach is built on strong, trusting relationships.
Teachers and school leadership work closely with families to guide every child through their own unique journey, ensuring that their first school experience is both nurturing and empowering.
As Mrs. Griffiths puts it, “We educate the whole child. That means helping them grow emotionally and socially – not just academically. Confidence and character are as essential to us at YAA as ABCs.”
Values that live in the classroom
At the heart of YAA’s Early Years education are its values – woven through the curriculum, the culture, and relationships. Connection and integration are key: themes are linked across subjects and across Year groups, ensuring breadth and balance.
This holistic approach builds emotional intelligence, resilience, and empathy – foundational qualities for success in school and beyond. “Children aged 0 – 5 are going through incredible brain development,” says Misaal. “This is the moment to get it right. And we take that responsibility very seriously.
Building confidence for the future
From open-door learning days to focused field trips and interactive science experiments, Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten at YAA are not only about preparation. They are about confidence. About character. About curiosity. And, above all, about community.
As the school reflects on the coming year, its Elementary team remains committed to building learning experiences that matter and to helping every child discover not just what they can do, but who they can become.
For families new to Abu Dhabi or seeking a warm, values-driven school community, Yas American Academy offers a PreK and KG experience that is grounded in joy and built for growth. Because at Yas American Academy, it doesn’t just start here. It thrives here.
To learn more, visit Yas American Academy
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