Raha International School, Abu Dhabi

Raha International School is one of the most sought-after IB schools in Abu Dhabi based in Khalifa City. Established in 2006, the school became the first fully accredited IB curriculum facility in the capital city. It is one of the first schools in Abu Dhabi to be awarded ADEK’s highest rating of “Outstanding.” As a member of the Taaleem family of schools, Raha International students achieve academic success and become responsible global citizens.

Being an International Baccalaureate World School, Raha International School Gardens Campus offers classes from Early Years until Grade 12. Having more than 3,200 students aged 3 to 18 years and 161 teachers belonging to over 80 nationalities, RIS is all about inspired, imaginative teaching. 10% of students are identified to have Special Education Needs.

In 2019, Raha International School decided to launch the second expansive campus, known as Raha International School Khalifa City Campus, also based in the beautiful community of Khalifa City. Presently, the new campus only offers education from Early Years until Grade 3, but it will include secondary classes until Grade 8 for the 2021-2022 academic year.

The new Raha International campus aims to expand until Grade 12 in subsequent years. The management has made plans to ensure that culture, standards and ethos remain the same across both campuses.

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

As stated earlier, Raha International School has two expansive buildings in Khalifa City.

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:

• Three well-stocked libraries
• Well-equipped science labs for Chemistry, Physics and Biology
• Dedicated studios for product design, drama, visual arts and music
• Tennis courts
• Hubs for digital design and Arabic
• Auditorium with a capacity of 600 people and an orchestra pit
• Kiln room
• Three fully equipped gymnasiums
• Swimming pools
• Football pitches
• Dining hall
• Play areas for FS and Primary school students
• Health centre
• Practice rooms for music, sensory room and a dedicated mindfulness room
• Serenity Garden
• Cafe for parents and visitors

At a 7-minute drive from the Raha Gardens building is the newly established Raha International School Khalifa City Campus. Boasting a purpose-built Early Years Centre with spacious indoor and outdoor play areas and learning spaces, state-of-the-art facilities at the new building include:

• An 8-lane swimming pool
• An indoor gym with a running track
• Football pitches
• Well-equipped science labs
• Dedicated studios for product and digital design
• Special suite for IB Diploma Programme

Please note that Phase 1 of Khalifa City Campus is complete, which caters to Early Years to Grade 3. Phase 2 expansion for classes until Grade 8 is underway and the opening is scheduled for September 2021. The Khalifa City Campus will eventually cater to more than 3,000 students from Early Years until Grade 12. It is designed by Architects CPG from Singapore.

Raha International School Gardens Campus is located in Al Raha Gardens, Khalifa City, close to Al Ishoush Street and Hadaiq Al Raha Street. Since Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Road serves the area, the campus can be easily accessed from other neighbouring areas.

Raha International School, Khalifa City Campus is based on Al Mutafani Street – Khalifa City Sector 13 – Abu Dhabi. Those looking to further expand their options can check out other reputable schools in Khalifa City.

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 classes from Kindergarten to Grade 12. Years offered at the school are divided into three programmes as per the IB curriculum guidelines.

Raha Khalifa City Campus presently offers the IB education programme for Early Years. Plans are underway to add classes until Grade 8 for the 2021-2022 academic year.

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

MYP 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

You can know more about the Raha curriculum for Grades 1 to 12 by viewing the curriculum guides available on the official website.

ADEK launched the ‘Irtiqaa’ programme in 2012 to assure education quality in public and private schools across Abu Dhabi. Raha International School Gardens campus successfully maintained its “Outstanding” rating during the latest ADEK inspection from February 05 to February 08, 2018.

As per the Raha International School ADEK rating and report, the following parameters were rated outstanding:

• The overall performance of the school
• Students’ overall achievement
• Students’ learning skills
• Students’ personal and social development
• Awareness of Islamic values and the understanding of Emirati Culture
• Quality of the school curriculum
• Quality of protection, care and guidance for all students
• School’s overall leadership and management

ADEK’s report highlighted areas that require improvement. Raha International School Gardens Campus must:

• Improve writing in the Arabic language across primary and middle school
• Develop a comprehensive program to enhance students’ entrepreneurship skills

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)

The above-mentioned fee is payable in three instalments.

• Term 1- 2nd August
• Term 2- 6th December
• Term 3 – 14th March

The above fee also includes the textbook expense for EY 1 to Grade 10. Parents must buy Diploma textbooks for Grade 11 and 12 from external providers.

Please note that the annual RIS tuition fee quoted above does not include the cost of:

• Registration/re-registration
• Uniforms
• Transport
• Materials for extracurricular programs
• IB Examination fee
• Special education needs/EAL support

The school requires a 5% non-refundable deposit of the tuition fee as a re-registration deposit to confirm existing students’ spots in the new academic year. New students must pay 5% of the annual school fees to secure the place.

Raha International School has introduced a new uniform, which will be made compulsory from September 2021. You can read more about the revised uniform policy and buy new uniforms from Zaks. The approved PE uniform and sports kits must only be purchased from Kukri. There will be no exceptions to this rule.

Parents can contact the external providers for extracurricular activities and make direct payments.

Raha does not entertain fee and deposit returns; however, it may choose to refund the deposit under special circumstances. All refunds will be calculated as per the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge bylaws. You can read more about the Raha International School fee terms and conditions or contact the school’s Admission Team should you have any questions.

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 has partnered with Seven Stars Transport Company for the school bus service. Seven Stars is a well-established bus service compliant with the Abu Dhabi National Transport Authority (NTA) rules. A bus monitor travels in each vehicle for students’ security. CCTV cameras and Tracking systems are used to ensure students’ safety and attendance.

Seven Stars Transport is responsible for new registration, re-registration, transport fee collection, route planning and customer service.
Costs for school bus service charges are AED 5,750 per annum, and it has to be paid in three instalments. Students who have not cleared their term fees will not be allowed to use the bus service. The bus instalment has to be paid as follows:

• 1st Instalment – September to December – AED 2,000
• 2nd Instalment – January to March – AED 1,500
• 3rd Instalment – April to June – AED 1,500

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
• Raha International School website
• Email (General Enquiries): frontdesk@ris.ae
• Raha International School Twitter
• Raha International School Facebook
• Raha International School Instagram
• RIS YouTube

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.

How many students are currently studying in the school?

The school has 3,200 students.

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 39,300 to 61,900 AED.

How does the school communicate with parents?

Raha International Khalifa City has the iSAMS Parent Portal or iSAMS Parent app to keep parents up-to-date. The school also posts the latest updates on its Facebook page. For details about extracurricular activities, excursions and other events, parents can use the SchoolsBuddy portal through the school website.

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.