Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), one of the UAE’s rapidly growing emirates, offers a diverse range of schooling options for expatriate and local families. From internationally recognised curricula like British, American, and SABIS to well-established Indian and affordable private options, RAK caters to a wide span of educational needs. Whether you’re relocating, planning long-term education for your child, or exploring affordable schools without compromising quality, this guide will help you choose confidently.
1. Ras Al Khaimah Academy
Location: Multiple campuses – Al Rams, Khuzam, Al Hamra
Curriculum: British & International Baccalaureate (IB) options
Grades: Pre-K to Grade 12
Fees (Approx.): AED 17,000 – AED 42,250 per year
Overview:
Often ranked as the top international school in Ras Al Khaimah, Ras Al Khaimah Academy combines British National Curriculum with pathways to the IB Diploma for senior students. It’s known for academic excellence, modern facilities, and a diverse student body. Classes range from early years through secondary, preparing students for global university pathways.
Best for: Parents seeking a global curriculum and university preparation in RAK.
2. GEMS Westminster School – Ras Al Khaimah
Location: Seih Al Uraibi
Curriculum: British (National Curriculum for England)
Grades: FS to Year 12
Fees (Approx.): AED 13,340 – AED 24,250 per year
Overview:
Part of the renowned GEMS Education group, this school delivers British curriculum education from foundation years to high school. It focuses on holistic development, creative learning, and co-curricular engagement. Known for strong classroom environments and diverse activities, it’s a popular choice among expatriates and UAE nationals alike.
Best for: Families seeking a well-rounded British education with balanced fees.
3. The WellSpring Private School
Location: Dafan Al Khor, RAK
Curriculum: American (AERO + Common Core standards)
Grades: Pre-K to Grade 12
Fees (Approx.): AED 18,500 – AED 42,000+ per year
Overview:
WellSpring is an established American curriculum school with a reputation for student-centred learning and strong personal development programmes. Accredited by international educational bodies, it boasts a multicultural environment and emphasis on critical thinking, collaboration, and real-world skills.
Best for: Parents wanting an American-style education focused on creativity and inquiry.
4. Emirates National School – Ras Al Khaimah
Location: Khalifa Bin Zayed City
Curriculum: IB & US Common Core
Grades: Pre-K to Grade 12
Fees (Approx.): AED 15,100 – AED 31,200 per year
Overview:
Emirates National School offers a hybrid model combining American core standards with International Baccalaureate programmes, fostering both academic rigour and global perspectives. The school’s balanced approach supports both college preparation and holistic student growth.
Best for: Families looking for hybrid American-IB learning experiences.
5. International School of Choueifat – RAK
Location: Sheikh Saqr City
Curriculum: SABIS® educational system (International)
Grades: Pre-K to Grade 12
Fees (Approx.): AED ~35,000 per year
Overview:
Part of the global SABIS® network, this school emphasises academic excellence, structured discipline, and a strong results-oriented approach. It’s known for its rigorous schedules in mathematics, science, and languages, preparing students for global competitive environments.
Best for: Students aiming for strong academic performance and disciplined learning.
6. St. Mary Private High School – Ras Al Khaimah
Location: Khalifa Bin Zayed City
Curriculum: British
Grades: Pre-K to Grade 12
Fees (Approx.): AED 13,600 – AED 26,000 per year
Overview:
This school is well-known for combining values-based education with academic growth. Emphasis is placed on core values like respect, stewardship, and excellence, while classroom engagement and extracurricular activities remain strong.
Best for: Families seeking a values-driven British education at moderate fees.
7. The Ras Al Khaimah American Academy (RAKAA)
Location: Seih Al Uraibi
Curriculum: American
Grades: KG1 to Grade 12
Fees (Approx.): AED 17,984 – AED 37,971 per year
Overview:
With a reputation for modern educational methods and a supportive learning environment, RAKAA offers an American curriculum with strong extracurricular support. The academy blends academic skills with leadership development.
Best for: Parents pursuing a full American curriculum school in RAK.
8. British School Khuzam (BSK)
Location: Khuzam
Curriculum: British
Grades: FS1 to Year 6 (expandable)
Fees (Approx.): AED 17,000 – AED 33,000 per year
Overview:
BSK focuses on delivering strong foundations in the British National Curriculum for early and primary years. With a highly diverse student body and smaller class sizes, it supports personalised learning and community engagement.
Best for: Parents looking for quality primary education in the British system.
9. Delhi Private School – RAK
Location: Khalifa Bin Zayed City region
Curriculum: CBSE (Indian)
Grades: KG to Grade 7 †
Overview:
Delhi Private School (DPS) offers the Indian CBSE curriculum, recognised for strong foundational learning and preparations for Indian board examinations. It provides structured academics and cultural adaptability for Indian expatriate families.
Best for: Indian families seeking CBSE curriculum schooling.
10. Scholars Indian School
Location: RAK city
Curriculum: CBSE (Indian)
Grades: KG to Grade 12 †
Overview:
A reputed institution following the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), Scholars Indian School offers comprehensive Indian curriculum education from early years to senior school. It emphasises balanced academics and extracurricular involvement.
Best for: Families seeking full range CBSE education in RAK.
11. Indian Public High School (IPHS)
Location: Sultan Al Kabeer Road
Curriculum: CBSE (Indian)
Grades: LKG to Grade 12
Overview:
One of RAK’s older Indian curriculum schools, IPHS focuses on comprehensive CBSE programmes with strong community ties and accessible fees.
Best for: Parents wanting long-established CBSE schooling.
12. Harvest Private School
Location: Al Dhait South
Curriculum: British
Grades: KG1 to Grade 12
Fees (Approx.): AED 9,600 – AED 22,300 per year
Overview:
A well-regarded local private school with British curriculum offerings at affordable fees, Harvest offers classroom learning balanced with sports, arts, and student club activities.
Best for: Families seeking value-based British education.
13. Ideal English School
Location: Mamourah
Curriculum: CBSE (Indian)
Grades: Pre-K to Grade 12
Fees (Approx.): AED 3,500 – AED 5,550 per year †
Overview:
One of the more affordable CBSE options in RAK, Ideal English School emphasises basic academics, community involvement, and foundational growth.
Best for: Families wanting low-fee Indian curriculum schooling.
School Fees & Education in Ras Al Khaimah
School tuition in Ras Al Khaimah varies widely based on curriculum, facilities, and school reputation. Typical ranges include:
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Affordable & Indian curriculum: AED ~3,500 – 15,000 per year
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Mid-range British & American: AED ~13,000 – 30,000 per year
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Premium International: AED ~30,000 – 45,000+ per year
Schools often add costs for registration fees, security deposits, uniforms, books, transport, and extracurricular activities.
How Admissions Work in Ras Al Khaimah
Application Timeline: Most private schools begin admissions for the next academic year (typically starting in September) in January – April. Some accept mid-year intake depending on seat availability.
Documents Required:
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Passport copies of student and parents
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Emirates ID (if resident)
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Previous school transcripts
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Immunisation records
Some schools may also require entrance assessments in English or maths for placements.
