American Academy in Al Mizhar is committed to meeting the needs of families with an international outlook who have chosen an American education. By offering a co-educational early childhood program for dual language learners leading to a single gender college preparatory school for girls, our mission is to promote intellectual curiosity, independent and critical thinking, communication and problem solving skills, a lifelong passion for learning, and an exposure to and a respect for cultural diversity. By expecting academic excellence, we inspire personal growth and develop intrinsically motivated global citizens who are committed to being leaders in community service and environmental responsibility.

1. Curriculum
Curriculum Overview
Our goal is to provide an education that emphasizes academic rigor as well as the essential skills of
critical thinking and creativity. AAM endeavors to serve the whole child and uses these vehicles to meet
the needs of our students:
Standards Based Curriculum
AAM was one of the first schools in the UAE to use standards based curriculum by adopting the Kent
County curriculum from the state of Michigan. Over the past few years, the standards approach to
creating curriculum and student outcomes has caught on nationally and internationally. Standards have
become refined and changed to be more authentic and clear. Before, most standards were generalized
for elementary, middle and high school grades. Now, many US and international standards are grade
level specific. Michigan is one of the forerunners and has created Grade Level Content Expectations
(GLCEs). Michigan also makes available companion documents that help teachers chart the progress of
their students to meet each standard. The California scope and sequence of the standards offered a
smooth implementation to allow us to offer AP courses in social studies.
AAM began updating its curriculum in 2008 using the Michigan GLCEs for English Language Arts and
using California standards for social studies. As we go through the updating process with science and
math, we will utilize the Michigan standards as well. When appropriate, we will also supplement with
other reputable and rigorous standards from California and Aero (American / International).
Michigan Department of Education: http://www.michigan.gov/mde
California Department of Education: http://www.cde.ca.gov/index.asp
American Education Reaches Out: http://www.projectaero.org/
Reaches Out: http://www.projectaero.org/

2. Understanding by Design
At AAM, we are undergoing curriculum design change to begin with the end in mind. Utilizing the
backwards design model, developed by nationally recognized educators Grant Wiggins and Jay McTighe,
standards drive the curriculum rather than textbooks.
Constructivist Approach Toward Learning
AAM staff will give students regular opportunities to do more than memorize what teachers and books
tell them. For deep learning to occur, students need to deal with information and experience and put it
together to make meaningful sense. (click on the title for more information)
Differentiation
AAM strives to make its curriculum rigorous and achievable. Our goal is to meet the needs of all
learners.
Our curriculum strives for effectiveness, improvement and public assurance. AAM is in the candidacy
stage of a 10-year accreditation cycle. We are proud to announce that we are on track as our programs
have been put into place for over a year. We are committed to help our graduates easily transition to
higher education institutions. (click on the title for more information)
IT Acceptable Use Policy
AAM encourages all students to use technology to complete school assignments. Please click here to
view our policy governing the use of computers and the internet at AAM.
AAM KHDA Ranking
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www.americanacademy.ae