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Two Dubai schools have merged, what it means to you

Dubai - Tuition fees come to mind.

 One of GEMS Education's oldest and its newest American curriculum schools, Dubai American Academy (DAA) and GEMS Nations Academy (GNA) will be integrated to form Dubai American Academy - Nations.
GEMS has announced its intention to move Dubai's only outstanding American school out of its nearly 20-year-old campus into the new campus at GNA in September 2017, merging the two schools. The school will then provide premium infrastructure and benefits that match the very highest of international standards while retaining DAA's outstanding heritage.
GNA will be integrated into DAA and its focus on cutting edge robotics, coding and technology will prove to be a powerful combination for both schools. In addition, DAA's entire teaching staff will transfer to the new school.
"We have created a partnership which will benefit both the GEMS Nations Academy and Dubai American Academy communities as the two schools integrate to produce an institution which we believe will go beyond outstanding. DAA's outstanding heritage blended with the future focus that GEMS Nations has, will accelerate the growth and development of all our students," said Dino Varkey, chief executive officer, GEMS Education.
DAA - Nations will feature an array of facilities that will provide GEMS students with greater opportunities for their personal and academic development. The bright, interactive classrooms, break out zones for each grade, dedicated science labs, technology suite, visual arts studios, ultra-modern auditorium, drama classrooms, a fully resourced recording and broadcasting studio, dance studio, and Mac lab all contribute to an environment that enable students to develop into well rounded learners, according to GEMS.
The new campus will offer more opportunities for students in terms of courses, specialist teaching, enhanced college counselling advice, sports teams and ECAs. The tuition fees for families at this school will continue to follow the DAA fees.
"We recognise that DAA families have asked for upgrades to infrastructure and facilities, while families at GNA have asked for a more extensive offering. This integration will help meet needs of both families."
With GEMS Nations Academy founder Tom Farquhar returning to retirement, the entire teaching staff at DAA will transfer to the new school to join the highly accredited GNA teaching staff, under the leadership of Tammy Murphy.
"With a heavy heart we must also share the news that Tom Farquhar has taken the decision to return to retirement at the end of this academic year. Tom has been with us for over three years and his tireless enthusiasm and passion has been greatly appreciated by the team here at GEMS. We thank Tom for all that he has done here at Nations," Varkey added.
reporters@khaleejtimes.com