We are delighted to welcome you to Dubai American Academy!  

DAA is committed to ensuring that our new families have a welcoming and seamless on-boarding experience. 

This DAA Family Welcome site is designed to provide you with preliminary information to help you prepare for your child(ren)’s first days of school.  Please review each section for useful information and reach out to us at communication_daa@gemsedu.com or registrar_daa@gemsedu.com if you require additional information. 

Important: To ensure you receive all important updates and information from us, please ensure you have the correct primary email address listed. Please also ensure that you update your mobile number with us to your local number as soon as possible. To confirm or change your primary email address and mobile number on file please kindly inform our receptionist team on receptionist_daa@gemsedu.com. 

I haven't received my GEMS connect login details? 

Please email receptionist_daa@gemsedu.com and our team will share the login details and password. Please note it is one login per family.

I can only see one child on the GEMS Connect app, however two are enrolled? 

Please email registrar_daa@gemsedu.com 

Where can I complete course selection?

Head to the Middle School page and complete the form

Head to the High school page and complete the form 

Complete course selection with your home email addresses. 

How do we get detailed information on course selection?

On the welcome pack division pages. You can also reach out to divisional counselors with any questions, their emails are listed on the divisional pages.

When will we get timetables and schedules? 

These will be received over summer, before the first day of school. You can arrange a meeting with your counsellors on the orientation days to discuss any scheduling concerns. 

If we made a mistake on course selection, can we change?

Yes, our team will take the most recently completed course selection form. 

When and how can we order uniform?

Our uniform is sold exclusively with THREADS and you can book an appointment for uniform purchasing in store or purchase online. We also have a campus pop up store August 20-26th. 

How many Family pass lanyards do you get?

Each Family gets three free lanyards and passes. You can purchase additional if required, on the GEMS Connect App or with our Accounts office. 

For the first tuition payment, will we subtract the deposit amount?

Yes, deposit will be adjusted to term 1 fees. 

Will finance email us an invoice for tuition ahead of the first day of school?

Yes, please check the primary email address registered. You can also visit our accounts office in person or email finance_daa@gemsedu.com. 

What happens if we miss orientation day?

If you child is going to miss orientation day, please reach out to the grade level counselor (MS/HS) listed on the divisional page so that we can help them adjust on their first day. 

When can we register for after school activities?

This will be advertised at the beginning of the school year, usually after two weeks. 

My children obtain their EIDs second week of August, is this an issue?

No issue, please share as soon as received. 

Who is the head of special education in Grade 9?

The HS head of Inclusion is Jessica Lee, j.lee_daa@gemsedu.com

Will there be a special drop off and pick up for MS building?

Yes, we are working on the redesign of traffic flow. The specific drop off and pick up routes will be shared before the start of the school year. Students can also access the MS building by entering through the main building too. 

What time does bus pick up?

The pick up and drop off times depend on the routes. Once STS recieve your registration they can provide a specific time and routes for your child's bus service. 

Will slices be available on the first day?

Yes, the Slices Classroom Delivery google form will be open to order the previous week from Tuesday to Friday 11am to pre-order classroom delivery for KG to Grade 2.  Slices Lunch service will also be available to students in Grade 3 to Grade 12 for Lunch purchases. For morning break time, parents should provide students with a snack. 

Are there social media groups for GEMS Parents?

Yes, our DAA Parent Association have grade level WhatsApp groups that open at the beginning of the year. This is shared via SPOTS newsletter, and we kindly advise for you to also read the whatsapp guidelines before joining. 

Is it possible to get copies of books during vacation? 

Most of our resources for AP and IB are online, however some courses do issue textbooks. These will be distributed through classes during the first weeks of school. 

When do we know class allocation and teachers?

You will receive a welcome letter in august from the classroom/homeroom teacher. 

Is there homework for middle school?

Yes, there is some expectation for homework. It varies at grade levels and should support and be relevant to what is happening in class.

When are athletics try outs?

Our sports teams run in 3 seasons, with try outs beginning after the first week of school for the first season. This information will be shared in your first week. You can contact Athletics Director Sam Leacock s.leacock_daa@gemsedu.com

During orientation day, is the parent expected to stay full day or a few hours?

Our orientation days should not be more than a few hours long. Specific timings and agenda will be shared in August. 

Will DAA shut during the holidays?

During Summer break, Accounts, Admissions and Reception offices remain open to support our new families. Our hours will be shortened, usually 8am to 2pm. You are welcome to visit our campus during this time and also arrange a school tour. 

Who to contact: 

For Elementary School specific questions, please kindly email t.gandhi_daa@gemsedu.com for assistance and any questions, such as how we support transitioning for KGs. 

For Middle School course selection questions, please email the grade level counselor found on the Middle School page.

For High School general questions, kindly email Ashley Szar, High School Principal at a.szar_daa@gemsedu.com. For High School course selection questions, please email Crystel Santiago, HS Counseling Secretary, at c.santiago1_daa@gemsedu.com. 

For bus information, visit the page in the STS page or email Vilina our STS representative directly. 

Key Contacts over summer:

Admissions office: registrar_daa@gemsedu.com

Accounts: Finance_daa@gemsedu.com

Communications: communications_daa@gemsedu.com

Reception: Receptionist_daa@gemsedu.com