GEMS American Academy Qatar

Yes. We require all prospective students to take an entry assessment. Students in Pre-K - KG2 will do a hands-on "stay-and-play" session with children of their same age to gauge their understanding of basic knowledge and classroom behavior. Grades 1 - 12 will take a MAP assessment that focuses on math, reading and writing comprehension.

Pre-K, KG1 and KG2 All students must meet the age-level 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 successful 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. The following are the main criteria for consideration 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; • Demonstrated 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 entrance into the middle and high school. 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 Grade 1 – Grade 12. If the student is overseas at the time of the application, GEMS American Academy Qatar will schedule the MAP assessment for a date and time when the family arrives in Qatar. 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.

Our registration cycle is ongoing.

Yes, subject to MOEHE regulations.