Yas American Academy builds strong bonds between families, students, and staff through real, meaningful partnership
PARTNER CONTENT: Discover how Yas American Academy’s community-based approach builds a thriving school for staff, students and families alike
Education isn’t confined to the classroom at Yas American Academy (YAA); it’s a shared journey between students, families, and educators, where connection, communication, and culture are at the heart of everything.
Under the leadership of Principal Sarah Griffiths, the school has cultivated a vibrant environment where every voice is valued, and every family is welcomed as an essential partner in student success.
The school’s approach to family involvement goes far beyond traditional parent-teacher meetings.
From open houses to interactive workshops, and regular invitations to attend school events, families are given meaningful opportunities to participate in their child’s educational journey.
These moments create a sense of unity and shared purpose; something that’s deeply embedded in the school culture.
But Yas American Academy’s vision of community isn’t limited to parents and staff; it extends to every member of the school body.
Exciting events for the entire community
Throughout the year, the school hosts a range of community-building initiatives such as the Principal’s Awards Lunch, International Universities Fair, House events, and community service projects.
These initiatives are designed not only to foster school spirit but also to celebrate diversity and build lasting bonds.
“One of the most powerful things we do is create spaces where students, parents, and staff come together; not just to learn, but to laugh, share, and grow. That’s where real connection happens,” Sarah explains.
Open and transparent communication is a cornerstone of this partnership. YAA utilises multiple channels including weekly newsletters, Class Dojo, Seesaw, and regular progress updates to ensure families are informed and involved.
This inclusive spirit is especially important given the diverse cultural backgrounds of the school community. YAA is deeply committed to making every student and family feel seen and celebrated.
Through culturally inclusive events, multilingual communication, and a curriculum that reflects global perspectives, the school ensures that every individual feels a genuine sense of belonging.
That commitment shines through in initiatives that extend learning beyond the classroom.
Take the Principal’s Awards Lunch, for example; a joyful event where students are recognised for exceptional attendance, punctuality and behaviour, with parents invited to join in the celebration.
Other standout examples of partnership include the school’s International Universities Fair, where students and parents meet global representatives to explore future academic paths, and Parent-Led Workshops and Career Talks, where family members share real-world insights from their professional lives.
Find out more about the school’s valuable programmes
Other initiatives like the Arabic Buddy Reading Program, where older students mentor younger ones and parents support reading habits at home, have helped strengthen both literacy and cross-age relationships.
Meanwhile, Wellness and Mental Health Awareness Campaigns, hosted in collaboration with healthcare experts, offer support for the emotional and digital wellbeing of students and their families.
All these programmes reflect a holistic, inclusive philosophy where every family is a valued member of the learning journey.
YAA is committed to building not just a place of learning, but a place of belonging. And as the school continues to grow, so too does its unwavering belief that the strongest education begins with partnership.
More about the house points system
One of the most successful initiatives that has been introduced in recent times is the house points system, which is a positive reinforcement strategy used at YAA to encourage good behaviour and engagement.
“Students earn points for actions like helping others, showing respect, or achieving academic goals,” says Vice-Principal and Dean of Students, Gary Carroll.
“Students can redeem their points through an online shop for rewards. Alternatively, they may choose to spend their points on experiences, like exclusive time in the school’s esports arena.
“This system motivates students by recognising their efforts and giving them tangible, fun incentives for making positive choices,” he continues.
Other valuable initiatives such as the Parent Ambassador Program, Coffee Mornings with the principal, and cultural celebrations invite families to take part in school life.
Parent engagement
YAA also offers workshops to help parents support learning at home. “When parents are actively engaged, students thrive both academically and socially. Parents are not just spectators; they’re partners in the educational journey,” he notes.
Student and parent wellbeing is supported through pastoral care, counselling services, and consistent communication. The school values feedback, using annual surveys and event forms to inform improvements.
“We listen, we act, and we keep families informed,” he concludes. This collaborative culture strengthens every student’s sense of belonging and motivation at the school.
Yas American Academy’s unwavering support
For Rachel Pope, guardian of two students in the school, Shayne and Joshua, the decision to enrol them at YAA was about far more than academics. It was about finding a place where they could belong, heal and thrive.
The Pope family’s journey with YAA took a deeply personal turn when Shayne and Joshua tragically lost their mother in the UAE last year. In the face of such heartbreak, the school became a pillar of strength for the students.
Rachel recalls how the YAA staff went far beyond the call of duty, offering not only academic guidance but also genuine emotional support during an unimaginably difficult time.
Remote learning options, consistent check-ins, help with university applications, and, most importantly, pastoral care – all were extended with warmth and sincerity.
“From the moment we stepped through the door, we felt at home,” Rachel shares. “The compassion and empathy shown to Shayne and Joshua are beyond words. The YAA team didn’t just support us; they embraced us from day one.”
Throughout their journey, the school’s frequent updates and personal outreach reassured Rachel that the Shayne and Joshua are not just students; they are part of a caring, attentive community.
For the students, the school became a safe haven, a community bound by empathy, and a family that stood by them in one of the most challenging chapters of their lives.
A supportive network
At YAA, students feel a strong sense of community and support, which fosters both academic and personal growth.
High school students Dionysia from Greece, Lisa-Marie from the Netherlands, Hannah from South-Africa and Mustafa from Palestine and Iraq, represent the cultural diversity of the school.
They are quick to highlight the school’s unique approach to teaching, where they feel that teachers genuinely care about their well-being and success.
“The teachers really want to make a difference, and they take the time to understand our perspectives and how we learn,” says Mustafa.
This supportive environment extends beyond academics. Students appreciate the close-knit atmosphere, where everyone is encouraged to succeed and feel valued.
“No one is left behind,” Diana notes, emphasising the inclusive culture where all students are part of the group, regardless of their background or abilities.
Diversity club
Parents are also deeply involved in the school community throughout. Take the Diversity Club for example, where students showcase and celebrate their cultures at different events throughout the year.
“Parents help with activities and keep up with what we’re doing in school, which really builds a good relationship with the school,” adds Lisa-Marie.
“The school helps us grow, not just academically, but also as individuals,” says Hannah. These efforts prepare students for future success, both in school and beyond.
For further information, visit Yas American Academy
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