Application Tips
Follow the helpful tips below for a successful application to Raha International School.
Apply Early
Applications at Raha International School open 12 months before the start of the next academic year and do not carry over from previous years. Every year is a fresh start for applications.
Set a reminder in your calendar for the first of September so you can be among the first to apply.
For overseas applicants, go ahead and apply even if you aren’t sure you are coming. It’s completely free (and relatively painless, we promise!) and at least you get your name on the waiting list instead of leaving it too late.
Check the Grade
Make sure you apply for the right grade. It can be confusing with changing between curriculums or when schools have different academic calendars.
Start by checking our grade equivalency chart. The admissions team can also advise you if you are still unsure.
Note: As of 26 January 2021, the age cut-off date for new students joining Minis, EY1, EY2 and Grade 1 is 31 August.
| Condition of placement | Age Guide | Raha | UK | USA/Euro | French |
|---|
| 3 years old on or before 31 August | 3+ | KCC Minis | FS1 | Pre-K | PS |
| 4 years old on or before 31 August | 4+ | EY1 | FS2 | KG1 | MS |
| 5 years old on or before 31 August | 5+ | EY2 | Year 1 | KG2 | GS |
| 6 years old on or before 31 August | 6+ | Grade 1 | Year 2 | Grade 1 | CP |
| Valid transfer certificate | 7+ | Grade 2 | Year 3 | Grade 2 | CE1 |
| Valid transfer certificate | 8+ | Grade 3 | Year 4 | Grade 3 | CE2 |
| Valid transfer certificate | 9+ | Grade 4 | Year 5 | Grade 4 | CM1 |
| Valid transfer certificate | 10+ | Grade 5 | Year 6 | Grade 5 | CM2 |
| Valid transfer certificate | 11+ | Grade 6 | Year 7 | Grade 6 | Sixieme |
| Valid transfer certificate | 12+ | Grade 7 | Year 8 | Grade 7 | Cinquieme |
| Valid transfer certificate | 13+ | Grade 8 | Year 9 | Grade 8 | Quatrieme |
| Valid transfer certificate | 14+ | Grade 9 | Year 10 | Grade 9 | Troiseme |
| Valid transfer certificate | 15+ | Grade 10 | Year 11 | Grade 10 | Seconde |
| Valid transfer certificate | 16+ | Grade 11 | Year 12 | Grade 11 | Premiere |
| Valid transfer certificate | 17+ | Grade 12 | Year 13 | Grade 12 | Terminale |
Grade level placement is conditional upon final approval by ADEK (Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge).
Involve Your Child
Involve your child in choosing the right school. Children will have an easier transition if they feel they have had a voice in choosing their new school. Bring them on a tour and let us answer any questions or concerns they may have.
They usually want to know what kind of food is served in the canteen and if they will make friends. We love hearing from students! Let us reassure them and get them excited about coming to school.
Visit Us
Research
Do your research. Just like we ask our students to be curious, we encourage parents to be curious too.
Take an active interest in your child’s education. Many parents may not be familiar with the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum and you can find more information here on our website.
The Admissions team can also guide you to the latest research to help you choose the right curriculum. There are no silly questions and we will always be happy to answer them or if we are stumped, we can direct you to someone who can.
Check Documents
Check your documents. You won’t need any documents to apply, but you will need some along the way and to formally register with the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) once accepted.
In order to avoid any delays or surprises, it’s best to check the full list of documents right from the start so you can be prepared.
Documentation