The American Common Core Standards are designed to stretch student thinking and truly empower next-level cognitive thinking. Students will be prepared to enter university with vital tools such as self-awareness, self-advocacy, critical analysis and creative thinking. Because students will have had multiple opportunities to take Advanced Placement (AP) courses in high school, they will be exposed to university-level learning and rigor that will increase their chances of successfully completing a college or university degree in four years. Furthermore, because students have flexibility in choosing which AP courses they want to pursue, there is no pressure to take these higher-level courses in certain subjects. Students regularly graduate with no AP classes as they are not compulsory. Our students can choose from over 20 different AP courses and specialize in the courses they prefer.

Yes, our focus on Advanced Placement (AP) gives students a distinct advantage over other programs.  We ensure that students are prepared for the rigor and expectations of colleges and universities worldwide by developing their independent thought, critical analysis and creative thinking.  Additionally, our students have regular contact with both our Middle School and High School counselors; they work with students to help them identify careers they want to pursue for life as well as accountability and advice about applying for universities, paying for school, exploring universities around the world and defining a student’s university “wish list” based on their family’s preferences.

We believe in educating the “whole” child.  In addition to the rigorous and high academic expectations we have for students, we also want to have students thrive in multiple learning facets.  Our students are exposed to a variety of performing arts including concert band, choir, visual and studio art, drama and IT.  Furthermore, our Upper School students are required to take a second language throughout their Grade 6 – 12 experience either in Arabic, French or Spanish.  Moreover, our students have a plethora of afterschool activities (ASAs) to choose from including, but not limited to, photography, ukulele, eco/environmental awareness, cooking, math support and sports/athletic clubs.  If students are more geared toward athletics, we offer sports teams and opportunities including, but not limited to, football, basketball, badminton, volleyball and track and field events; these activities give students multiple opportunities to stay involved.  Our students also participate in field trips throughout Qatar and experiences that allow them to experience other cultures (like the recent trip to Tbilisi, Georgia where students were able to learn to ski over a period of five days).  Students in grades 6 - 12 must also earn a minimum of 25 service hours each year to ensure that they remain actively engaged in their community and within the school.  In fact, next year, GAAQ is planning a service-learning trip to the African country of Zambia that allows students to build schools and classrooms for underprivileged students. Lastly, programs like the MUN (Model United Nations) and Eco-Club provide forums for students to participate in worthwhile causes that have impact beyond the walls of GAAQ.