The Alberta curriculum in Abu Dhabi
What the Alberta curriculum is
The Alberta curriculum is the programme of studies set by Alberta Education, the education ministry of the Canadian province of Alberta, and Maplewood teaches it in Abu Dhabi as an Alberta accredited international school. Students follow it from KG1 to Grade 12 and graduate with the Alberta High School Diploma, the same diploma students earn in Alberta. Grades 6 and 9 sit provincial achievement tests, and Grade 12 sits the Alberta Diploma exams. Every student also studies Arabic, Islamic Studies, Moral Education and UAE Social Studies, as ADEK requires.
A route you can see
Alberta measures progress against a provincial standard at three points: Provincial Achievement Tests in Grades 6 and 9, and the Alberta Diploma Exams in Grade 12. In between, students in Grades 1 to 9 sit MAP assessments each October and May, so a family can see where their child stands every year, not only at the end. Grade 12 is the largest year group in the school, and two thirds of it joined us from Grade 9 onwards, because families choose the Alberta diploma.
Learning that lasts: outcomes, not only marks
Every Alberta programme of studies is written as learning outcomes: what a student will know and be able to do by the end of the year. Maplewood's report cards rate each outcome, and a student who has secured one is rated Proficient or Mastery. About three quarters of outcomes from KG to Grade 9 are at those levels, and the school's PISA and TIMSS results are above international averages (ADEK, May 2025). Safeguarding and care are rated Very Good in every phase, and the school is rated Good overall by ADEK.
Kindergarten, KG1 & KG2
Play-based early learning that turns curiosity into a lifelong love of school.
Maplewood is listed by name on the Government of Alberta’s register of Alberta Accredited International Schools.
Elementary School, Grades 1-6
Literacy, numeracy and character built through hands-on Alberta lessons.
Middle School, Grades 7-9
Core subjects taught by specialists, with science labs and inter-school sport.
High School, Grades 10-12
Diploma Exams, university guidance and a qualification recognised worldwide.
Science & Digital Learning
Cutting-edge laboratories and Google for Education tools in every classroom.
Fine & Performing Arts
Visual art, drama and music from KG1 to Grade 6, and Drama at secondary level.
Athletics Programme
U15 and U19 football and basketball, badminton, swimming and physical education.
After-School Care & Clubs
A safe, stimulating afternoon for KG1 and KG2, plus clubs across the arts, sport and service.
- 100%
Alberta Accredited
Admissions Process
A simple, four-step admissions journey
Step 1: Book a School Tour
Walk the campus, meet our teachers and see Alberta learning in action before you commit.
Step 2: Submit Your Application
Complete the Maplewood registration form and send us your child’s most recent school reports.
Step 3: Assessment & Placement
A short assessment confirms the right grade placement under the Alberta programme of studies.
Step 4: Welcome to Maplewood
Pay the 1,000 registration fee, collect the uniform and arrange transport, then we see you on day one.
Why Choose Maplewood Canadian International School
Why families across Abu Dhabi choose Maplewood
Canadian-certified teachers, an inclusive classroom culture and a world-recognised diploma give every Maplewood student a genuine head start.
Canadian-Certified Teachers
Every Maplewood teacher is Canadian-certified. Canadian teachers adjust their approach so each learner is met through different teaching and assessment strategies.
Alberta Accredited Curriculum
Alberta students rank in the top ten across Mathematics, Language and Science on international tests, and our diploma is recognised worldwide.
Testimonials
What our students and staff say about Maplewood Canadian International School
“For the eight years I have been attending this great school, it has allowed me to develop my knowledge, communication and learning skills, and granted me opportunities that allowed me to reach my goals.”
“Teachers and staff are committed and enthusiastic about their jobs, creating a positive and encouraging environment for students to grow and succeed.”
“After six years at Maplewood, I can confidently say it has been a privilege to be part of it. The school is fantastic for academic growth and opens doors all over the world.”
“Watching each student develop socially and academically has been extremely rewarding. It is a fantastic place to work and develop professionally as an educator.”
FAQs
Answers to the questions parents ask us most
Choosing a school raises a lot of questions. Here are clear answers to the ones we hear most from families across Abu Dhabi.
- Admissions and Registration Made Simple
- Teacher Qualifications and Alberta Accreditation
- Clear and Simple Answers for New Families
Maplewood Canadian International School follows the Alberta Education (Canadian) Curriculum from Nursery to Grade 12, taught by Canadian-certified teachers. Alongside it, every student studies Arabic, Islamic Studies, Moral Education and UAE Social Studies as required by ADEK, plus Mathematics, English Language Arts, Science, Social Studies, Physical Education, Career & Technology Studies and Fine Arts.
We accept students from KG1 through to Grade 12. For younger children, our sister nurseries take babies and toddlers from 45 days old and progress straight into KG1 at Maplewood Canadian International School.
The official school uniform is worn for all regular classes, with a separate P.E. uniform for physical education. Grades K-6 may wear P.E. kit all day on their timetabled day; Grades 7 to 12 change for each gym class. On theme or free-dress days, modest and culturally appropriate attire is still required. A uniform shop operates on site with flexible opening hours.
Students in Grades 1 to 9 sit MAP assessments each October and May, Grade 3 begins with Student Learning Assessments, Grades 6 and 9 sit Provincial Achievement Tests, and Grade 12 sits Alberta Diploma Exams. Written reports covering academic performance, behaviour and social development are issued at regular intervals.
Yes. School transport is available to all students including KG1 and KG2, one-way or two-way, operated by a dedicated transport team under Department of Transport regulations. Complete the transportation form during admissions.
Yes. Our After School Care Programme lets KG1 and KG2 students stay until the Grades 1 to 12 dismissal time. It is deliberately non-academic, arts and crafts, storytime, music and movement, outdoor play and free play, supervised by our experienced staff.
Both lead to universities around the world; they differ in how a student gets there. The British route takes students through GCSEs at 16 and then usually three or four A levels, so students specialise early, and UK universities make their offers on A level grades. The Alberta route keeps a wider range of subjects through Grade 12 and ends with the Alberta High School Diploma, which universities in Canada, the USA, Europe, Australia and the UAE recognise. The British route suits a student set on a UK degree in a subject chosen early; the Alberta route suits families aiming for Canada or the USA, or a student who wants to keep options open. Each university sets its own entry requirements, so check them for the universities your child is considering; Maplewood offers university guidance in High School.
Our campus
World-class facilities in Mohamed Bin Zayed City
Maplewood has the facilities to support effective teaching, learning and extra-curricular activity while caring for the wellbeing of your child.
Science laboratories
Fully equipped labs where students run experiments from Grade 1 upward.
Swimming pool
A large indoor pool used for PE, swimming lessons and the athletics programme.
State-of-the-art gym
An indoor gymnasium for basketball, volleyball, badminton and PE.
Outdoor sports field
A full outdoor field and play structures for football and break times.
Libraries
Age-banded libraries supporting reading across every grade.
Prayer rooms
Dedicated prayer rooms for students and staff.
Canteen
An on-site canteen serving healthy meals and snacks.
Clinic
A staffed clinic, with many of our team trained in first aid and CPR.
Our Sister Settings
One family, three settings
Starting before KG1, or looking for a nursery in Al Ain rather than Abu Dhabi? Our early-years settings take children from a few weeks old right up to the day they join us in Kindergarten.
Maplewood Canadian International Nursery
Our own nursery, a short walk from the school. Little Explorers, Discoverers, Explorers and Adventurers move up together and progress straight into KG1 at Maplewood Canadian International School.
Little Regent Nursery, Al Ain
A warm, home-like nursery in Al Ain where children learn through play in small classes, with a key person for every child, from Busy Bees through to Clever Cubs.
Maplewood Canadian International School
The next step after nursery: a full Alberta-accredited Canadian school taking children from Kindergarten through to the Alberta High School Diploma.