Academic Overview | Universal American School | Al-Futtaim, UAE

Academic Overview

Our students follow a clear academic journey that begins in Early Years and continues through to graduation, taught through the New York State Standards and enriched by the International Baccalaureate. It is rigorous, personalised, and built around the kind of learner we want them to become: curious, confident, and ready to think for themselves. 

What Shapes Learning at UAS

 

Elementary School (Grades 1–5)
Learning is aligned to the New York State Standards (NYSS) and taught through the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP). This gives students a strong academic foundation while building the habits of inquiry, reflection, and independent thinking.
Middle School and Early High School (Grades 6–10)
In Grades 6–10, students explore a wide range of courses aligned to the New York State Standards. This is purposeful. It gives students time to discover strengths, interests, and goals before they choose their graduation pathway.
Grade 10 is a Key Decision Point
During Grade 10, students, teachers, counsellors, and parents work closely together to select the most appropriate graduation pathway for Grades 11 and 12.

 

 

Graduation Pathways at UAS

UAS provides pathways to graduation designed to support students in reaching their top-choice university. In Grade 11, students choose one of the following:

  • IB Diploma Programme

  • Advanced Placement (AP) and NYSS pathway

     

  • Students in the IB pathway also earn the IB Diploma.
  • Students in the AP/NYSS pathway can earn university credits through successful performance in AP exams.
Both pathways lead to an American high school diploma.

UAS has a diverse student body, and graduating seniors go on to universities around the world. Through these personalised pathways, the school aims to develop students who are confident, empowered, and globally aware.

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