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Al-Rayan International School

Ghana, Accra

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees GHS 112,000 - 178,000
Ages 1 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 665
Type Co-educational
Opened 2003
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), IBCP (International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme)
Taught languages Arabic, English, French, Spanish, Mandarin, German, Hindi
Typical class size 18
Strengths STEM, Visual and Creative Arts, Sport
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Community and Service
Stages Infant/Toddler Care, Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School
Introduction

ARIS is one of Ghana’s leading IB World Schools, committed to inclusion, collaboration and innovation. Our educational model places students at the centre through personalised learning, meaningful experiences and student agency. ARIS is fully authorised to offer all four IB programmes: the PYP, MYP, DP and CP, becoming the first IB Continuum School in Africa to offer all four. From Early Years to graduation, we develop global citizenship, international-mindedness and our core values of collaboration, communication and believing in the greatness of everyone. With over 50 nationalities, ARIS is a diverse community where students develop intercultural understanding while remaining connected to their own identities. Students can study Arabic, English, French, Spanish, Mandarin, and local languages. Our personalised learning and counselling services, alongside the ARIS Wellbeing Model, strengthen inclusion and ensure students with varying needs and abilities can thrive. Our professional learning community of educators works closely with families to support each learner’s journey. Through strong home-school partnerships, innovation and continuous professional development, ARIS prepares students to lead, create and contribute confidently in a rapidly changing world.

East Legon, Accra

The Essentials

Al-Rayan International School has 665 pupils, typical class sizes of 18, instruction in English.

Location
East Legon Boundary Road, Accra, Ghana (P.O. Box AC-84, Accra Central). The campus comprises Blocks A, B and C on the Boundary Road site, with facilities including science labs, a Design Studio, two infirmaries, and spaces for art, performing arts, and sports. The campus is designed to accommodate about 1,200 students.

Stages
Early Years; Primary Years Programme (PYP); Secondary School (MYP, IBDP, IBCP)

Type
IB World School (International school)

Pupil Nationality Mix
665 students enrolled in 2025-2026; 59 nationalities represented.

Additional learning support
Wellbeing model; personalised learning support; guidance services.

Country affiliation
Ghana

Religious affiliation
Islamic

School day structure
Primary Schedule: Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 7:45 am–3:15 pm; Wed 7:45 am–1:15 pm. Early Years Group 3: Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 7:45 am–3:00 pm; Wed 7:45 am–1:00 pm. Secondary Schedule: Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 7:45 am–3:20 pm; Wed 7:45 am–1:20 pm.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
No boarding. ARIS is a day school only.

Uniform Requirement
ARIS is a uniform school; students wear the prescribed ARIS uniform daily and non-ARIS-branded clothing is not allowed. Primary School uniforms are teal polo, blue skirt/short, PE set, cap, navy socks/tights, cardigan, and approved shoes; Secondary School uniforms are white button-up with logo, navy blue tie, navy blue trousers/skirt, PE set, navy socks/tights, cardigan/hoodie, and approved shoes. Crocs or sandals are not permitted. On Fridays, students may wear optional Friday wear or a House T-shirt with navy PE bottoms; ARIS cloth is available in the school store and House T-shirts are permitted on that day.

Food Options
ARIS has a canteen service where meals can be purchased; students may also bring their own packed lunch.

House System
ARIS uses a House system; students may wear their House T-shirt with Navy Blue PE bottoms on Fridays; ARIS cloth is sold in the school store.

Governance and Ownership
The ARIS Board of Trustees governs ARIS. The Board consists of elected and appointed members, primarily parents and GISER members, and they are the legal authorising body. They appoint the Director, oversee the school's finances and policies, and meet monthly via four subcommittees.
Fees

Annual tuition at Al-Rayan International School ranges from GHS 112,000 to GHS 178,000 for 2026/27.

Application & admission charges

- Application fee: USD 50 (payable at the start of the admissions process; non-refundable, non-transferable).
- Assessment fee: USD 100 (charged for applicants from Year 3 upwards; payable at admission; non-refundable, non-transferable).
- Registration fee (one-time, payable at admission; non-refundable, non-transferable):
- Foundation / Early Years (Playgroup, Nursery, Reception): USD 1,500.
- Primary Years Programme (PYP: Years 1–6): USD 2,500.
- Middle Years Programme (MYP: Years 7–11): USD 2,500.
- Diploma Programme / Career-related Programme (DP / CP: Years 12–13): USD 2,500.

Capital levy (seat reservation) — payable at admission

- Capital Levy (one-time at seat confirmation; non-refundable, non-transferable):
- Foundation / Early Years: USD 800.
- PYP (Years 1–6): USD 1,100.
- MYP (Years 7–11): USD 1,100.
- DP / CP (Years 12–13): USD 1,100.

Annual tuition (total per academic year) and instalment options

- Annual tuition (total for the full academic year):
- Foundation / Early Years (Playgroup, Nursery, Reception): USD 7,160 per year.
- Primary Years Programme (PYP: Years 1–6): USD 9,030 per year.
- Middle Years Programme (MYP: Years 7–11): USD 10,690 per year.
- Diploma Programme (IB DP) / Career-related Programme (IB CP: Years 12–13): USD 11,600 per year.

- Instalment / payment options for tuition:
- Option A (Full payment): pay the full annual tuition amount as a single payment at the time invoiced.
- Option B (Two-payment split): tuition may be paid in two instalments on a 60% / 40% basis. The typical timing shown is 60% due on admission and the remaining 40% due by 30 November. Example instalment amounts (60% / 40% of the annual tuition):
- Foundation / Early Years: USD 4,296 (60%) then USD 2,864 (40%).
- PYP (Years 1–6): USD 5,418 (60%) then USD 3,612 (40%).
- MYP (Years 7–11): USD 6,414 (60%) then USD 4,276 (40%).
- DP / CP (Years 12–13): instalment values follow the same 60%/40% split of USD 11,600 total.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Capital Levy (seat reservation) is payable to reserve a place and is typically required by 30 April; the seat reservation is commonly held until the end of the seat-holding period. Full-tuition deadlines and invoice due dates are set by the school each year; invoices list due dates and accepted payment methods. As a courtesy, the tuition amount is often allowed to be split 60%/40% with the final instalment required by 30 November.
- Tuition invoices are to be paid within a short period after issuance (stated terms require prompt settlement; the school provides written invoices with exact due dates). Annual tuition is non-refundable and non-transferable. New students who join after a term starts are normally charged for the entire semester. Sibling discounts apply: 10% on the second concurrently enrolled child, 20% on the third child and onward.
- Late/returned-payment actions and charges: returned checks incur a USD 100 fee and restrictions on future check payments; the school's historic fee notices include a flat late-fee of USD 100 plus an additional interest/penalty rate of 5% per month on overdue balances. Accounts significantly delinquent may be subject to seat cancellation.

Boarding

- ARIS is a day school only; no boarding provision is offered and therefore no boarding fees apply.

Other compulsory or typical additional costs

- The published fee schedules exclude uniforms, stationery, school bag, identity-card replacement, snacks, and lunch; these are charged separately.
- Typical additional one-off or recurring fees and examples (amounts where provided):
- Year 6 exhibition fee: USD 150.
- School software / EYP–PYP–MYP–CP–DP software fee: USD 125.
- Year 12 IBDP calculator (optional): USD 175.
- Year 13 graduation fee: USD 150.
- Parent School Association (PSA) fee per family: USD 30.
- Personalized Learning (per semester): One-on-One support USD 2,500; Pupil Support Plan (PSP) USD 1,500; English as an Additional Language (EAL) USD 1,500; combined EAL+PSP USD 2,250.
- External exam registration charges (IB/CAIE/other) and subject candidate fees apply for senior programmes; missed/late IB registrations attract additional administrative charges.

Refunds and non-refundable items

- Annual tuition is stated as non-refundable and non-transferable. Registration fees and the Capital Levy are non-refundable and non-transferable. Assessment and application fees are non-refundable. Other specific fees (exam registration, personalized learning charges, and certain activity charges) are refundable or non-refundable according to the specific fee rules shown on the invoice and the school's fee policy.

Accepted payment methods and payment instructions

- Accepted methods: bank direct deposit / wire transfer, bank cash deposit, checks (subject to the returned-check policy), and debit/credit card for certain payments. All payments must be made free of bank charges and should include the student ID or name on remittance instructions; proof of payment should be emailed to the student-accounts contact shown on invoices. Returned checks and payment disputes are managed according to the accounts procedures (returned-check fee applies).
- Bank details and correspondent banks are provided on invoices for USD and GHS payments; international-wire instructions (correspondent bank details) are available for USD transfers. Parents are asked to include the student ID/reference and to email proof of payment to Student Accounts.

Notes on tuition presentation and what these charges do / do not cover

- Tuition covers core instructional costs, classroom resources, and major operating expenses; it generally does not include uniforms, personal stationery, lunch, optional trips, some external examination charges, or certain co-curricular extras—each of which is billed separately. Families are billed for additional items shown on the invoice.

(Fees and schedules follow the school's published tuition structure and invoice practice for the 2024/2025 academic schedule and related invoice communications; payment timing and exact invoice amounts and deadlines are confirmed on each year's invoice.)
Academics

Al-Rayan International School teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), IBCP (International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme) for students aged 1 to 18.

Curriculum
ARIS uses the International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum across all school levels, offering Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), Diploma Programme (IBDP), and Career-related Programme (IBCP). ARIS is an IB World School and the only school in West Africa to offer the Full IB Continuum program. The ARIS educational model focuses on personalised learning and student agency within a student-centered IB framework. The Approaches to Learning (ATL) framework underpins teaching and learning, emphasising inquiry, reflection, and the development of the whole person.

Student Teacher Ratio
5:1

Exam Results
Passing rates are 98% for MYP, 94.4% for IBDP, and 100% for IBCP. 100% University Acceptance.

Higher Education Progression
ARIS provides a University Acceptance guidance programme with a handbook of universities. The University Acceptance List shows graduates admitted to universities across the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, Germany, the Netherlands, France, Spain, Lebanon, Japan, the United Arab Emirates, Ghana and more. Examples include UK institutions such as University of Manchester, University of Edinburgh, and King's College London; Canada such as University of Toronto and York University; USA such as Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), Illinois Institute of Technology, and Howard University; and Ghana such as University of Ghana.

Gifted and Talented
Enrichment & Enhancement Programme provides support for diverse learning differences (SEN) and offers challenging opportunities for gifted and talented learners. Each student on the Enrichment Programme has a Personalised Learning Plan (IEP), regular progress reports, and English as an Additional Language (EAL) support. Enrichment programming includes extended opportunities such as Olympiads, Model United Nations (MUN), internships, and leadership projects.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The Wellbeing Department is dedicated to supporting the emotional, social, and physical wellbeing of the school community. Emotional Counselling is available to all students, staff, and parents, providing academic and emotional wellbeing guidance and resources. The University and Career Counselling Programme is a comprehensive, developmental program designed to assist students in making informed educational and occupational choices. ARIS has 8 specialists in the Wellbeing department.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The Enrichment & Enhancement Programme offers Special Education, Gifted and Talented, and English as an Additional Language (EAL) programmes. These services address diverse academic and developmental needs.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
English as an Additional Language (EAL) programmes are provided as part of the Enrichment & Enhancement Programme.

Mental Wellbeing
The Wellbeing Department supports emotional, social, and physical wellbeing. Emotional Counselling is available to students, staff, and parents. University and Career Counselling supports post-secondary planning as part of a developmental program. ARIS has 8 specialists in the Wellbeing department.

Safeguarding
ARIS has a Child Protection Policy. The Child Protection Policy and Safeguarding Document outline safeguarding commitments, including policies, procedures, staff responsibilities, and a focus on fostering a safe, nurturing environment.
Parent Experience

History
ARIS began in September 2003 as a small Montessori early-years center, with the opening ceremony held in 2003. The first graduating class appeared in 2016/2017 as the school expanded its programmes. ARIS offers the full IB continuum (PYP, MYP, IBDP) and the IB Career-related Programme, positioning it among Africa's early CP adopters. ARIS is governed by a Board of Trustees comprised of elected parents and GISER members; the Board is the legal authorising body, not-for-profit, and delegates day-to-day leadership to the Director; it develops a strategic plan every 3-4 years, with the most recent plan presented in 2019.

Community
ARIS has over 50 nationalities among its student body and offers Arabic, English, French, Spanish, Mandarin, Hindi and local languages. ARIS PSA is a non-profit, volunteer organization of parents, teachers and community members that supports the school, encourages parental involvement, and coordinates programmes and fundraising. PSA events include the Sustainable Art Festival and Fam Jam, among other activities, and PSA welcomes new families to build a sense of community.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
ARIS PSA is a non-profit, volunteer organization made up of parents, teachers and community members. Its main objective is to support, advise and assist the school management by creating a rich learning environment, encouraging parental support and participation, and implementing various programmes and fundraising events. PSA also welcomes new families and promotes a spirit of community by offering information and friendship. PSA has a Constitution. The 25/26 PSA team includes a Chairperson, PRO, Secondary Vice Chair, Primary Vice Chair, Internal Affairs Vice Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer. PSA meeting dates are posted, and there are listed past events such as the PSA Sustainable Art Festival, Fam Jam, SIP Paint events and more.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
ARIS is located on East Legon Boundary Road and provides Primary (Early Years and PYP) and Secondary (MYP, IBDP, IBCP) education. Block A is a three-story secondary hub with a Reception area, 12 classrooms, science labs, a Design Studio, two infirmaries, and administrative and emotional wellbeing offices. Block B includes three classrooms, an Art room, a Performing Arts Studio, a Multipurpose Hall, and administrative offices. Block C is the primary school block, spread across three floors with classrooms, specialised rooms, and a library. A Block D construction project was planned for completion in October 2024 to create classrooms of the future with open and flexible spaces and inclusive design; the campus is designed to accommodate about 1,200 students and all ARIS classrooms have Wi‑Fi, big screens, and interactive smartboards; sustainability and Ghanaian culture are embedded in the design.

Sports Facilities
There is a gym on campus. Basketball and volleyball courts are available. A football pitch is available. These facilities support physical education and team sports for students. Outdoor spaces and indoor courts are integrated within the campus.

Academic Facilities
Block A is a three-story secondary hub with a Reception, 12 classrooms, science labs, a Design Studio, two infirmaries, and administration/emotional wellbeing offices. Block B contains three classrooms, an Art room, a Performing Arts Studio, a Multipurpose Hall, and administrative offices. Block C is the primary school block, spread across three floors with classrooms, specialised rooms, and a vibrant library. All ARIS classrooms are equipped with Wi‑Fi, big screens, and interactive smartboards, and the blended learning approach is used across the campus. A Block D construction project was planned to create future-oriented classrooms, and the campus is designed to accommodate about 1,200 students, with sustainability and Ghanaian culture embedded in its design.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Clubs and Teams are offered. Student Leadership Programmes are offered. Trips are organised. Athletics and Sports are provided. Activities are offered as part of ARIS Extended Learning.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
ARIS offers a range of academically oriented co-curricular activities. The Olympiad Club prepares students for international Olympiads in English, Mathematics, Science, and Economics. Model United Nations (ARIS MUN) provides opportunities to practice debate, research, and diplomacy. First Lego League Robotics and Robotics supplement STEM learning.

Arts & Creative
ARIS provides arts and music offerings. Primary Activities include Acrodance, Art Workshop, Ballet, Dance Classes, Piano, and Violin. The ARIS Band is a featured music group. Secondary Activities include Guitar, Yearbook, Paint a Canvas, and Dance Classes, among other creative activities.

Cultural & Language
American Sign Language is offered as a Secondary Activity. Islamic Studies is listed as a Secondary Activity. Book Club, English Clinic, and English Olympiad are also part of ARIS's language and culture activities.

Social & Hobbies
ARIS provides social and hobby activities across clubs and informal groups. Chess, Gardening, and Storytelling are offered as co-curricular activities. Table Tennis is available as a sport; Yearbook is listed as a student-led activity.

Community & Service
Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Club is part of ARIS Extended Learning. It offers the Duke of Edinburgh Award program that involves outdoor adventures and volunteering. The program emphasizes service, personal development, and challenge.

Leadership & Professional
ARIS MUN provides leadership through Model United Nations participation. Toastmasters' Gavel Club offers public speaking development. Student Leadership Programmes are part of ARIS's extended learning options.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Athletics and Sports include Basketball, Football, Tennis, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, and Gymnastics. The co-curricular schedule is organized across the week to allow students to participate in activities of their choice.
Languages

Language Provision
English is the main language of instruction. Language Arts is taught in English; other languages offered as part of the program include French, Arabic, Hindi, Spanish and Mandarin. Languages may be studied as Language B and Language C from Nursery to Year 6, with grouping by language and ability. EAL support is provided to help learners access the curriculum, with differentiated English instruction and dedicated EAL teachers.

Bilingual Teaching
Early Years classes are bilingual, with English and French language instruction full time.

Immersion Programs
ARIS offers a multilingual language program across Primary and Secondary. Languages taught include French, German, Spanish, Mandarin, Arabic and Hindi. Language B (second language) and Language C (third language) programs are provided, allowing students to choose among the offered languages. English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is available with a personalised learning plan and trained EAL teachers.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Decide suitability and engage with ARIS resources. ARIS provides online resources to help determine if ARIS is suitable for the family, and the Admissions Manager helps guide pre-application research. Experiencing the school environment in person is encouraged to make an informed decision. The admissions process is designed to be clear and transparent to support planning. 2. Submit online application. When you are ready, fill out and submit the online application, with requirements varying by the child's age. The Admissions Manager will acknowledge receipt and outline the next steps. 3. Review and next steps. Within two weeks of receiving a completed application, the Admissions Manager communicates the next steps, though timing may shift during peak admission seasons. Communication remains open as the process progresses and additional information may be requested if needed. 4. Admissions decision and assessment. The file is reviewed by the Admissions Manager with SMT and the Head of Primary/Secondary, and other team members as appropriate. If accepted and space is available, an admission assessment is arranged (cognitive in Secondary). After the assessment is marked, a place may be offered with a welcome letter. 5. Enrollment and waitlist. Applications are handled on a first-come-first-served basis. When spaces are limited, some candidates may be placed on the waiting list, with priority given to siblings of current students in good standing. A child's place on the waiting list is determined by the date the application is completed and all documentation and payments are received. 6. Denial or acceptance and enrollment. ARIS may deny admission if it is not the most appropriate environment. If accepted, a starting date is agreed, an Enrollment Contract is signed. The registration fee is non-refundable and must be paid along with full tuition, and all documents must be complete before commencement. Admission is conditional on parental agreement that students participate fully in the curriculum and activities, and the school's curriculum does not include elements that disrespect race or religion.

Scholarships
ARIS offers two IB Career-related Programme (IBCP) scholarships. The Malek Saleh Moussa Scholarship and the Anam Sultan Muiz Scholarship are awarded to two outstanding students who are not currently enrolled at ARIS. The scholarships aim to provide a career-focused education and help recipients develop lifelong 21st-century career and life skills.

Waitlist
ARIS handles applications on a first-come-first-served basis. When spaces are limited, some candidates may be offered places on the waiting list, with priority given to siblings of current students in good standing. A child's place on the waiting list is determined by the date the application is completed and all documentation and payments are received.
School Events
The school has not added events
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