Accreditations

Within a decade, GEMS American Academy Qatar has been honored with awards for school leadership, environmentally sustainable practices, parent satisfaction ratings and academic excellence.  Additionally, GAAQ is associated with a number of local, regional and international organizations that serve to support student achievement and community relations.

Accreditations & Partnerships

Local, regional and international organizations that help support student achievement and community relations.

New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)

It’s official – GAAQ is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).  NEASC is an independent, voluntary, non-profit membership organization which connects and serves over 1,500 public, independent and international learning communities in the United States and worldwide.  Specifically, NEASC accreditation is a system of accountability that is ongoing, voluntary and comprehensive in scope based on a rigorous set of standards which define the characteristics of high quality, effective learning communities and encompass all aspects of a school’s operation.

MOEHE Qatar Culture & Identity Accreditation

Qatar’s Ministry of Education Higher Education (MOEHE) and their National Identity Reinforcement Evaluation (NIRE) committee conducts evaluations on Qatar schools to assess how educational institutions within the country respect and reinforce Qatar history, culture and traditions. Additionally, education quality, as well as health and safety, are critical aspects that are equally graded in order to receive the Qatar Culture & Identity accreditation.

Advanced Placement (AP)

Advanced Placement (AP) is a program in the United States and Canada created by the College Board which offers college-level curricula and examinations to high school students.  These colleges and universities may grant placement and course credit to students who obtain high scores on the examinations.  The AP curriculum is created for the College Board by a panel of experts and college-level educators in particular fields of study.  For a high school course to have this designation, the course must be audited by the College Board to ascertain that it satisfies the AP curriculum.  If a course is approved, the school may use the AP designation and the course will be publicly listed on the AP Course Ledger.

National Honor Society

The National Honor Society (NHS) is a nationwide organization for high school students in the United States and American curriculum schools abroad. Selection is based on four criteria: scholarship (academic achievement), leadership, service and character. The National Honor Society requires some sort of service to the community, school or other organizations. Through NHS, schools can recognize their highest achieving students in Grades 10 – 12 with a unique experience that provides a springboard to life. Overall, the NHS distinction encourages student achievement, serves community, supports faculty and students members and brings a tradition of excellence to any school.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is the world’s leading youth achievement award which equips young people for life in over 140 countries and territories across the globe.  At GAAQ, this Award will be available to Grade 9 – 12 students.  The Award encourages students to design their own program of activities, set their own goals and challenge themselves to achieve their aims.  Since its launch 60 years ago, the Award has inspired millions of young people.  Through non-formal education, the Award can play a critical role in the individual and personal development of GAAQ’s high school students.

Qatar Private Primary Schools Sports Association (QPPSSA)

The Qatar Private Primary Schools Sports Association (QPPSSA), consisting of 30 schools, is dedicated to designing, implementing and promoting quality sports events and activities through an inter-school program to its member schools and student participants. GAAQ is a current member of QPPSSA.

Qatar United English Speaking Schools (QUESS)

The Qatar United English Speaking Schools (QUESS) provides a meaningful, competitive opportunities to secondary school students aged 11 years or older.  The overall goal is to develop and protect the ideals of the sporting bodies within Qatar as well as promote the fundamental principles and values in the fields of sports and education.  GAAQ is a current member of QUESS.

Schools Olympic Program (SOP)

The Qatar Olympic Committee in partnership with Supreme Education Council is behind the Schools Olympic Program (SOP).  The School Olympic Program develops and promotes fitness and a healthy lifestyle by organizing multisport competitions among schools in Qatar ranging from 5 to 18 years of age. The sport seasons culminate in a celebration of achievement during the Girls and Boys Final taking place in the Aspire Dome.  GAAQ is a current member of the Schools Olympic Program.

Qatar Green Building Council (QGBC)

Qatar Green Building Council (QGBC) is a non-profit, membership-driven organization providing leadership and encouraging collaboration in conducting environmentally sustainable practices for green building design and development in Qatar.  GAAQ was the recipient of their Qatar Sustainability Award in the category of “University/School Sustainability” for the school’s commitment to an aquaponic greenhouse, fish and turtle pond, palm trees, paper recycling program, replacing paper cups with reusable water bottles and Earth Day celebrations.  Additionally, a considerable amount of our staff have received QGBC’s Green Classroom Professional certification.

Eco Schools, Green Flag Award

The Foundation of Environmental Education (FEE) Eco-Schools is the largest global sustainable school program – it starts in the classroom and expands to the community by engaging the next generation in action-based learning.  The Eco-Schools program is a two-year commitment program.  It encourages young people to engage in their environment by allowing them the opportunity to actively protect it.  Through the program, young people experience a sense of achievement at being able to have a say in the environmental management policies of their school, ultimately steering them towards certification and the prestige which comes with being awarded a Green Flag.

The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS)

The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) is a UK-based organization whose main role is to operate the application process for British universities. Services provided by UCAS include several online application portals, several search tools, and free information and advice directed at various audiences, including students considering higher education, students with pending applications to higher education institutes, parents and legal guardians of applicants, school and further education college staff involved in helping students apply as well as providers of higher education (universities and HE colleges).

The Creative Curriculum

The Creative Curriculum for Preschool (ages 3 – 5) empowers children to be confident, creative and caring learners through play-based, hands-on investigations – a research-based approach that incorporates language, literacy and mathematics throughout the day. Being recognized as the only Creative Curriculum Ambassador School in the MENA (Middle East North Africa) region means that GEMS American Academy will serve as an example of using the curriculum at the highest fidelity with evidence of increased student outcomes, year-over-year.