Canadian International School Abu Dhabi
About Canadian International School Abu Dhabi
Canadian International School Abu Dhabi (CIS) is a private, co-educational all-through school in Khalifa City A, delivering an authentic Canadian education based on the Province of Alberta curriculum from Kindergarten to Grade 12 (ages 4-18). Founded in 2007, it enriches the Alberta programme with Advanced Placement (AP) courses at senior high, including AP Calculus, Biology, Chemistry, French and Microeconomics, alongside the required UAE Ministry of Education subjects. Around 1,000 students from more than 70 nationalities attend, with Canadians the largest community followed by Emiratis (about 20%), and roughly 70 mostly Canadian teachers give a 1:13 student-teacher ratio. CIS was rated Outstanding by ADEK in its 2023-24 inspection, up from Very Good, and is one of the leading Canadian-curriculum schools in the capital.
Fees read from the school's published 2026-27 fee schedule; ADEK rating from its 2023-24 inspection report. Last checked 10 July 2026. How Talem verifies →
Annual tuition fees
Fees for 2026/2027, per year group. Excludes registration, uniform, and transport.
The school publishes one figure covering tuition and books, and labels it "(Includes books)". ADEK approves the two separately: the tuition shown in the approved column, plus a flat AED 2,000 books charge at every year group from KG1 to Grade 12, which is the whole of the difference. ADEK also approves transport at AED 5,000 and uniform at AED 700. Registration is non-refundable but deductible from Term 1 and is set at 5% of the ADEK tuition line, from AED 1,850 to AED 2,491. Fees are billed in three terms at 40%, 30% and 30%, and exclude transport, uniform, field trips and special student activities.
Fee Calculator
Estimate total annual fees for your family
Planning further ahead? Project the full multi-year cost with the Talem fee calculator.
ADEK Rating
ADEK 2023–2024 inspection
Stages & pathways
Kindergarten
KG1-KG2Play-based early learning in a dedicated KG wing with an air-conditioned outdoor playground, following the Alberta early-learning framework.
Elementary
Grades 1-6The Alberta elementary curriculum with Core French from the early grades and specialist arts and PE.
Junior High
Grades 7-9Alberta junior high with subject-specialist teaching, preparing students for the AP-enriched senior high.
Senior High
Grades 10-12Alberta senior high leading to the Alberta High School Diploma, enriched with Advanced Placement (AP) courses including AP Calculus, Biology, Chemistry, French and Microeconomics.
How to apply
Facilities
Science Laboratories
Dedicated science laboratories for the secondary school.
Computer Lab
A computer lab with smart boards across classrooms.
Library
A well-resourced school library.
Art Studios
Elementary and secondary art studios.
Music Room
A dedicated music room.
Dance Studio
A dedicated dance studio.
Gymnasium
An indoor gymnasium for PE and indoor sports.
Indoor Swimming Pool
An indoor swimming pool for lessons.
School leadership
Dr Shawn O'Neill
Principal
Principal of Canadian International School Abu Dhabi, leading the Alberta-curriculum, AP-enriched school through its ADEK Outstanding rating.
Colin Haydu
Head Of Secondary School
Graeme Worth
Head of Middle School
Jan Edwards
Head of Elementary School
Parent & student reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to review Canadian International School Abu Dhabi.
Questions & answers
Where we are
Khalifa City A, PO Box 3976, Abu Dhabi, UAE
