Raha International School, Abu Dhabi

Raha International School, Al Raha Gardens Campus is a leading IB World School located in Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi. Established in 2006, it was the first school in the capital to offer the full International Baccalaureate continuum and has since built a strong reputation for academic excellence and holistic education. As part of the Taaleem group, the campus delivers the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP), offering seamless education from Early Years 1 (EY1) to Grade 12.

The Al Raha Gardens Campus serves a diverse international community, with students and staff representing more than 80 nationalities. The school promotes inquiry-based learning, critical thinking and global citizenship, ensuring pupils develop both academically and personally. Around 10% of students are identified as having Special Educational Needs, supported through inclusive practices and specialist provision designed to help every learner thrive.

According to the most recent inspection results, the school holds a “Very Good” rating from the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK). Annual tuition fees range from AED 41,960 for EY1 to AED 66,030 for Grade 12, positioning the school competitively within Abu Dhabi’s premium IB sector. With its established reputation, experienced faculty and strong IB outcomes, Al Raha Gardens Campus remains one of the most sought-after international schools in Abu Dhabi.

• Location: Al Raha Gardens
• School fee: AED 41,960 – AED 66,030
• Curriculum: International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum
• Co-ed or segregate: Co-education
• ADEK rating: Very Good
• Years offered: EY1 - Grade 12

Raha International School is in Khalifa City. The original campus is now referred to as Raha Gardens Campus while the newly launched facility is known as the Khalifa City campus. Since both campuses are based in Khalifa City, they can be easily accessed by families living in:

• Al Maqtaa
• Al Reef
• Masdar City

Al Maqtaa is a huge residential district tucked away from the city centre of Abu Dhabi. It is a quiet residential area dominated by villas for rent and sale. Al Reef is an area close to the Abu Dhabi International Airport. It emerged as one of the most popular areas for buying villas and apartments in the UAE capital.

Masdar City is a mega sustainable development in the UAE capital offering mixed-use properties. This new establishment aims to become the world’s first zero-carbon emission city.

Those who want to settle near the campuses to enjoy the best of living in Khalifa City can consider:

• Apartments for rent near Raha International School
• Villas for rent near Raha International School
• Villas for sale near Raha International School

The Raha Gardens Campus lined by palm trees is based amidst the beautiful landscapes of Raha Gardens, Khalifa City. Spread across 14 acres, the building features wide walkways, outdoor play areas and spacious classrooms equipped with the latest technology to facilitate research and effective resources sharing. Raha International Garden Campus facilities include:

Raha International School Gardens Campus is located in Al Raha Gardens, Khalifa City, close to Al Mireef Street and Ahmed Bin Abul Aziz Al Mubarak Street.

The popularity of Raha International School amongst parents looking for the best IB curriculum schools in Abu Dhabi isn’t surprising. Raha is one of the first of the few schools accredited to run the full IB programme, including the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP) and the Diploma Programme (IBDP). It also secured an “Outstanding” ranking during the previous two ADEK inspections.

The IBDP is highly regarded by the leading Russell and Ivy League universities worldwide. Raha graduates head to the UK, the US, Canada and mainland Europe and have successfully secured admissions into reputable universities around the world.

The comprehensive personal learning programme at Raha is at the heart of the school’s curriculum. All students are encouraged to improve their critical thinking skills and ask questions to extend their learning beyond the classroom. Since the school follows The International Baccalaureate that is widely recognised worldwide, graduating students emerge as inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people. Teachers strive to instil 21st-Century learning skills to help young learners take up the more challenging, responsible role in the future. RIS is also one of the best schools in Abu Dhabi.

Raha International School is accredited by:

• The Council of International School (CIS)
• The International Baccalaureate (IB)

The SEN department, which includes a team of 16 specialist staff, is perhaps the most interesting RIS feature. The school also has a Full-time Counsellor for primary and secondary grades students to help them with Social, Emotional and Behavioural counselling.

Raha Gardens Campus is an all-through school offering education from Early Years (Kindergarten) to Grade 12, following the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework. The year groups are structured according to the IB continuum, with students progressing through the Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma pathways. In addition, the school is expanding its post-16 provision through the IB Career-related Programme.

Raha International School Khalifa City follows the IB curriculum. PYP, MYP and IBDP are offered to primary, middle and high school students, respectively. The curriculum is balanced and academically challenging to transform children into independent learners and global, responsible citizens.

The full range of International Baccalaureate programmes is considered a gold standard for university entry. The broad and well-balanced curriculum has proved to prepare students for their future.

The IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) focuses on the well-rounded development of kids aged 4 to 11 years. At Raha, The Early Years programme is offered in EY1, EY2 and Grade 1. Key features of this phase are:

• Play-based inquiry
• Creating strong relationships with students and their families
• Creating and maintaining interactive play areas
• Offering opportunities for play-based learning and symbolic exploration and expression

The six main subjects identified during the PYP are:

• Language
• Social studies
• Personal, social and physical education
• Mathematics
• Science
• Technology
• Arts

Primary school students are taught in English and study Arabic as an additional language. The school extends support to students who are new to the language. Native Arabic speakers also get the required assistance for developing cognitive skills and maintaining cultural identity.

The IB Middle Year Programme or MYP is offered from Grade 6 to Grade 10 catering to students aged 11 to 16 years. The curriculum is organised and pays attention to:

• Learning and teaching in context
• Conceptual understanding
• Developing and applying knowledge and skills in unfamiliar contexts
• Community service
• Language and identity

Middle Year Programme students must learn two languages – the primary language of instruction and an additional language.

Eight core subjects during these years are:

• Language and literature
• Language acquisition
• Individuals and societies
• Sciences
• Mathematics
• Arts
• Design
• Physical & health education

In the final year, students have to take a personal and independent project to demonstrate skills and understanding.

The IB Diploma Programme (DP) offered at Raha International School is a challenging, balanced academic programme for students aged 16 to 19. In Grades 11 and 12, students prepare for success during university life and beyond.

The IB Diploma programme includes six core subjects, namely:

• Language and Literature
• Language Acquisition
• Science
• Mathematics
• Arts
• Individual and Societies

During the last phase of their school education, students are encouraged to:

• Develop their physical, intellectual and emotional skills
• Develop a positive attitude toward learning that will help them during the higher education phase
• Study at least two languages and increase their understanding of diverse cultures
• Create links between traditional academic disciplines and the IB programme’s knowledge course
• Undertake in-depth research into an area of interest through the extended essay
• Enhance their creativity

ADEK launched the ‘Irtiqaa’ programme in 2012 to assure education quality in public and private schools across Abu Dhabi. Raha International School Gardens campus is currently rated “Very Good” by the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK).

The academic calendar for Raha International school is given below:

Those interested in Al Raha International School admission can easily apply online via the school website. Parents are asked to provide some basic information on the application at this stage such as name and contact information. After submitting the admission form, parents receive a confirmation email within two working days. The admission team then informs parents about the availability of seats. The school entertains the application on a first come first serve basis. In case there is no seat available, the application will be placed on the waiting list.

If the seat is available, parents receive an invitation from the school and information regarding the assessment schedule.

Applicants who are applying for EY1 to Grade 1 are exempted from formal assessment. The applicant of these grades may be called for informal play while they stay in the classroom and experience the school environment. In case the applicant is outside UAE, other arrangements are arranged for families that live outside of Abu Dhabi.

Applicants who are applying for Grade 2 and above, have to sit for a computerised cognitive test. An applicant who resides outside the UAE has to take the test virtually. At this level, Arabic is also assessed.

Once the assessment process is completed, Al Raha International School reviews the application and result of the assessment and parents receive feedback in a week. Once the seat is confirmed, parents receive an official offer letter and are asked to pay a non-refundable deposit of 5% to confirm the seat. A seat cannot be reserved unless the deposit is paid. It is not possible to change campuses once a place has been accepted.

Parents must upload these documents with the admission form:

• One photograph of students
• Copy of valid residence visa
• Residential address or electricity bill GPS coordinates
• Completed online medical form
• Copy of student’s vaccination card
• For Grade 2 to Grade 11, ESIS final report printed by the current school from the ADEK system
• Official transcripts from Grade 9 and above (applicable for Grade 10 and 11)

Transfer certificate must have:

• Signature of the school Principal and the school stamp
• The Ministry of Education in the current school’s location
• The UAE embassy of the current school’s location

For students coming from other emirates in the UAE, the Transfer Certificate must:

• Be attested by the Ministry of Education of the current Emirate
• Be signed by the School Principal
• Have the school stamp

For applicants from Australia, Canada, the USA and Western Europe, the TC must be signed by the school Principal and have the school stamp.

If the student is coming from any other school in Abu Dhabi, no transfer certificate is required.

Parents must present the Emirates ID cards of the students and both parents at the admission office

You can learn more about the documentation process on the official website.

Raha International School reserves the right to place your child in the grade level deemed the most appropriate as per ADEK guidelines.

This is based on the age of the students on 31st July (for schools beginning in April) and 31st December (for schools beginning in September). Source: ADEK

* This is to cater to students transferring from systems that admit students of a younger age)

Raha International School, Abu Dhabi fee structure is as follows:

DP Exam fees for grade 12 are AED 3,250 per annum.

Raha International Khalifa City has partnered with Slices to provide healthy and delicious meals for students from Grade 1 to Grade 12.

Slice runs a school food programme. It believes that children have to eat well so it provides healthy and nutritious balanced meals. Slices Nutrition Standards comply with UAE School Food Guidelines. International best practices followed in the US, UK and Finland are followed in the Slices kitchen.

An executive chef at Slices designed a four-week menu for Raha International School students in collaboration with the nutritionist. The menu meets the needs of different age groups and students from different cultural backgrounds.

Soup, salad, meat/vegetarian option, starch, vegetables, fruit, dessert, milk/laban, and water make up the students’ daily meal. The school has a no nut policy, and gluten-free options are also available.

Raha International School partners with School Transport Services (STS) Group to provide safe and reliable student transportation across Abu Dhabi. Each bus is supervised by trained staff, equipped with CCTV and tracking systems, and adheres to all Department of Transport safety regulations.

Raha International School Gardens campus has two football pitches, two tennis courts and two swimming pools. There are spacious indoor and outdoor play areas in addition to the three fully equipped gyms to encourage students to remain active.

Raha Khalifa City Campus that opened in September 2020 also has exceptional facilities for sports. One can find an 8 lane 25-metre swimming pool and an indoor gym with a running track beside the two football pitches.

RIS also runs a competitive sports programme. Students who are part of the sports team will train at least once per week and participate in a fixture. Raha International School is an active participant in the tournaments and competitions organised by the Abu Dhabi International School Sports Association (ADISSA).

Raha International Schools has designed an exciting Extracurricular Activities Programme for students across all grades. The school also coordinates with external clubs to give students an enriched experience. Activities are organised and led by teachers as per their area of expertise and experience. Parents are also invited to volunteer and actively participate in the activities. The activities continuously evolve as per new trends.

Raha has also partnered with several external providers that offer additional specialised activities.

Students can sign up for these activities at the start of the academic year with the relevant external providers. School buses are provided for some extra-curricular activities.

RIS also has an engaging Performing Arts programme to allow students to participate in auditions and theatre production.

The health centre at Raha International School is a licensed medical facility based between the senior gym and the Gardens Campus’s dining hall. It has two medical nurses.

If a student has to take any medication during school hours, it should be sent to the health centre by a parent or caregiver with clear labelling, instructions and dosage. The medication must have the student’s name, the prescriber’s name and the dosage schedule.

If a child has any chronic illness and medical condition such as allergies, asthma, epilepsy, it should be mentioned in the medical health form.

Parent Portal and iParent App are the primary platforms for communicating with parents. General news, school-wide events and alerts are communicated through the app and the parent portal throughout the academic year. Parents can register on the parent portal through an email that is sent upon joining the school.

The portal also has the contact information of the relevant teacher, academic calendar and important documents and policies. Parents are advised to check the communicator in the morning before school. You can view the entire list of resources in the Parents’ Area on the official website.

• Telephone:
  • Gardens Campus: +971-2-556-1567
  • Khalifa City Campus: +971-2-550-5271
• Email (General Enquiries): frontdesk@ris.ae
• Raha International School Website
• Raha International School Facebook

What are the timings of the school?

The school is operational from 7:45 am to 3 pm.

How many grades/years are there in the school?

The school offers classes from EY1 to Grade 12.

Does the school follow a co-education model?

Yes, Raha International School has a co-education model.

Please describe the academic calendar of the school.

The school year starts in August and ends in July.

Please mention the range of the tuition fee charged by the school.

The tuition fee ranges from AED 41,960 to 66,030 AED.

Does the school have a cafeteria or a canteen on campus?

Yes, the school has a cafeteria where students can sit and have their lunch.

Does the school arrange field trips?

Yes, the school takes students on field trips.