Admissions Process

Good news – we are now accepting applications for the 2024 - 2025 school year!

GEMS American Academy Qatar (GAAQ) is a state-of-the-art center of inspirational learning for children from Pre-K to Grade 12. Our curriculum is based on U.S. national and Common Core State Standards and best practice research. Instruction is focused on the learning needs of the individual child with mastery of essential skills being one of the school’s fundamental goals. Our school empowers students to fully develop their intellectual, emotional, social, creative, and physical skills in a challenging and supportive environment. Beyond academics, the school strives to incorporate a positive attitude towards lifelong learning and an appreciation for cultural diversity in its students while equipping them with the higher-thinking and problem-solving skills that are necessary for success.

Student Registration Procedure

Step 1

To begin the application process, you must submit an application and register online using the GEMS Online Student Registration link. Click here to begin your application.
Please note: submitting an application does not guarantee your child a place.

Step 2

Once you have completed the online application, an acknowledgement email will be sent to the email address you provided. This acknowledgement will contain your application number which you should be careful to retain as it will be your file reference for all further communication with the school. The acknowledgement email will contain a link to complete your application and upload the required documents.  The only documents required to move on to Step 3 are recent school reports (not needed for Pre-K, KG1 or KG2), passport copies, and/or QID copies but please upload any of the other documents that you have immediately.

Step 3

You will be contacted by the school to arrange an interview and/or admissions test for your child. 

Step 4

If we are able to offer your child a place in our school, we will contact you to make the non-refundable reservation fee payment that will secure your child’s seat.

GEMS American Academy Qatar welcomes all families to apply and thanks you for considering our school. To apply, please click here or contact the admissions office directly:

Telephone: +974 4032 9000
Fax: +974 4032 9003
Email: [email protected] 

Supporting Documents

The following documents will be requested during the registration process:

• Applicant QID
• Parent (Sponsor) QID
• Applicant recent school/nursery report
• Applicant Passport
• Parent (Sponsor) Passport
• Applicant Photo

*The Qatar ID is not needed at application processing time, but will be needed before attending school.  All students need a valid Qatar ID to officially start school.

Please ensure that all relevant information regarding your child is up-to-date during the registration process:

• Information regarding allergies, special medications, etc.
• Current contact details and emergency telephone numbers for both parents.
• Please check that your child has received all necessary vaccinations; consult your physician, if in doubt.

Entry Criteria

GEMS American Academy Qatar prides itself on an admission policy that does not discriminate against any child or family.  All children are welcome to apply to GAAQ, regardless of nationality, ethnicity or religion.

Currently, GEMS American Academy has limited spaces for children with special learning needs.

GEMS American Academy offers a high standard, NEASC-accredited American curriculum to a range of students with varying learning needs and requirements.  Teachers are expected to teach each student as an individual and meet their learning and development needs accordingly.  For this reason, prospective students are required to take an entrance assessment before a placement can be offered.

Typically, students will be offered a place within 48 hours of passing the entrance assessment.  The offer letter is sent to the parents by email and will include detailed information on how to accept the offer and pay entry fees.

Throughout this process, the family is guided every step of the way by our friendly and efficient Admissions Team.

Assessment Tests

Pre-K, KG1 and KG2

All students must meet the age-appropriate requirements, meet academic grade level requirements, listen to and follow directions and display classroom readiness.  They must also conduct themselves in a respectful manner throughout the assessment.

For Pre-K and KG1 admission, children are assessed and observed in small groups.  Five main criteria are considered for entrance into the program:

• Children must be age-appropriate for the requested grade level;
• Be able to separate from their caregiver and demonstrate a readiness to participate in the classroom;
• Be bathroom independent
• Be able to follow directions while engaging in an activity;
• Be able to demonstrate fine and gross motor skill development at age-appropriate level.

For KG2 admission, the children are assessed individually and in small groups.  The following are the main criteria for entrance into the KG2 program: 

• Be age-appropriate for requested grade level;
• Be able to follow directions while engaging in an activity;
• Be able to demonstrate fine and gross motor skill development at age-appropriate level;
• Be able to identify colors;
• Be able to identify numbers 1 – 20 and write 1 – 20;
• Demonstrates early reading skills;
• Recognize letters of the alphabet with appropriate sounds.

Grades 1 – 12

GEMS American Academy Qatar employs a holistic approach to the process of evaluating students for admittance.  The evaluation process includes a review of the student’s application, past school records and/or transcripts and GAAQ entrance assessments.

The MAP assessment is administered to all students.  This is a computer-based testing system built on 30 years of research and refinement.  Basic skills of Math, Reading and Language are assessed.  The MAP assessment test is self-regulating and adapts to the child in real-time as the test progresses for a pinpoint picture of learning, achievement and readiness.

The MAP assessment is administered to all students seeking placement from Grades 3 – Grade 12.

If the student is overseas at the time of the application, GEMS American Academy Qatar will schedule a virtual MAP assessment.  If your child has recently taken a MAP assessment, please upload the reports along with the school grade reports as this may serve to expedite the admissions process.

For more information about assessment or entry requirements, please call +974 4032 9000 or email the Director of Admissions at [email protected]. 

Other Things to Consider

Families Living Overseas/In Another Country

Coming from overseas?  Not a problem!  Our Admissions team is well-versed in navigating the international school transferring process and will assist you in the process as much as possible.  If your student(s) qualify, it’s even possible to secure their seat(s) in our school well before you enter the country.  With limited space and high demand for quality education, this process gives you peace of mind that your schooling needs are taken care of before you even arrive in Qatar.  Please submit an application or reach out to our Admissions team at [email protected] for more details.

For more information about the entrance assessment or admissions requirements, please call +974 4032 9000.