Top International Schools in Doha: Curriculum & Accreditations

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Explore top international schools in Doha offering diverse curricula, exceptional facilities, and global education experiences.

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1. American School of Doha (ASD) 

  • Curriculum: American-style Pre-K to Grade 12, with IB Diploma Programme and Advanced Placement (AP) options

  • Accreditation: Member of Council of International Schools (CIS), accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), IB World School

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  • Why it's notable: Known for a purpose-built, world-class campus (2007) designed for learning; student body of ~2,250 representing over 80 nationalities; high academic standards and global university placements 

2. Doha College 

  • Curriculum: British-style National Curriculum, IGCSE & A‑Levels 

  • Accreditations/Awards: CIS, British Schools Overseas (BSO), Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI); ranked among The Schools Index top 150 private schools globally and top 15 in the Middle East

  • Why it's notable: Founded in 1980, not-for-profit, academically selective, with over 2,000 students from 76+ nationalities; excellent IB/A-Level and IGCSE performance 

3. Doha British School (DBS)

  • Curriculum: National Curriculum for England, IGCSE, AS/A-Levels, BTEC, IB Diploma Programme

  • Accreditations: CIS, QNSA (Qatar National Schools Accreditation), BSO, IB World School, BSME member 

  • Why it's notable: Multi-campus network (Ain Khaled, Al Wakrah, Rawdat Al Hamama), extensive sixth-form pathways, active in inter-school initiatives (e.g. BISQ Games), known for breadth and flexibility in post-16 tracks 

4. Compass International School Doha (Part of Nord Anglia Education) 🌍

  • Curriculum: IPC (International Primary Curriculum), British National Curriculum, IGCSE, A‑Levels, IB Diploma 

  • Accreditations/Awards: CIS accreditation; first school in Middle East with IPC accreditation; global collaborations with MIT and Juilliard 

  • Why it's notable: Operates three modern campuses across Doha; strong academic environment enriched by global partnerships and varied curricula

5. ACS Doha International School

  • Curriculum: International Baccalaureate (PYP, MYP, DP) and American High School Diploma; AP courses available 

  • Accreditations: NEASC, CIS, full IB World School authorizations 

  • Why it's notable: Opened in 2011; new expanded campus in 2020 serving ~2,470 students from 70+ nationalities; known for academic rigor, excellent facilities, holistic community ethos 

6. Qatar International School (QIS) 🇬🇧

  • Curriculum: British-patterned IGCSE and A‑Levels (Key Stages 1‑5) 

  • Accreditations/Awards: Rated “outstanding in every area” by British School Overseas (BSO), one of only three schools globally; first in the Middle East to receive fast-track CIS accreditation; only regional provider of UK-based OLEVI teacher training courses 

  • Why it's notable: Founded in 1977, ~2,000 students, highly recognized globally and regionally for quality teaching and inspection performance 

7. Sherborne Qatar 🇬🇧

  • Curriculum: British curriculum across multiple preparatory and senior campuses; includes SEN provision via Sherborne Qetaf 

  • Accreditations/Awards: Described as “good school with significant outstanding features” in BSO inspection; part of Qatar Supreme Education Council’s Outstanding Schools Program; recognized by COBIS, IAPS, BSME 

  • Why it's notable: Established in 2009; multi-site structure offering single-sex and co-ed streams; known for pastoral care, academic consistency, and national-level quality endorsement 

Quick Comparison Table

School Curriculum Accreditation / Awards Highlights
ASD American / IB / AP NEASC, CIS Large, multicultural AP/IB prep, world-class facilities
Doha College British (IGCSE / A‑Level) CIS, BSO, ISI Highly selective, one of ME top 15 via The Schools Index
DBS British / IGCSE / A‑Level / IB / BTEC CIS, QNSA, IB, BSO Multi campus, multiple post‑16 pathways, active school community
Compass IB, British, IPC, A‑Level CIS, IPC accreditation Nord Anglia global partnerships, 3 campuses, varied curricula
ACS Doha IB & American / AP NEASC, CIS, full IB authorization Modern campus, strong student diversity and community
QIS British (IGCSE / A‑Level) Outstanding BSO, fast‑track CIS, OLEVI partner Prestigious inspection ratings, early-established and trusted
Sherborne Qatar British BSO praises, Outstanding Schools Program Mix of SEN and mainstream, strong pastoral focus and British ethos

Picking the Best Fit

  • Curriculum alignment: Choose between British systems (IGCSE/A‑Level), American/AP, full IB, or BTEC.

  • Inspection & accreditation quality: QIS stands out with top-tier BSO and CIS ratings; DBS adds national QNSA and CIS recognition.

  • Academic performance & rigor: Doha College is known for academic selectiveness; QIS and Compass also rank highly.

  • Facilities & networks: ACS and Compass offer modern campuses and global collaborations (MIT, Juilliard).

  • Community & ethos: ASD and ACS focus on inclusive, supportive environments; Sherborne is praised for pastoral and SEN care.

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