City School Ajman
Curriculum
CBSE
Location
Ajman, Al Tallah 2
Fees
AED 6K - 10K
City School Ajman
The Executive Summary
City School Ajman, located on Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Road in Al Tallah 2, holds a clear and defensible claim: it is the largest CBSE school in Ajman, enrolling approximately 3,200 students across KG1 to Grade 12 and drawing from over 49 nationalities. As a project of READ - R Education and Academic Development, the education arm of R Holding, it carries institutional weight that few Ajman private schools can match. The curriculum is the CBSE curriculum as defined by the Central Board of Secondary Education in New Delhi, delivered across ten core subjects including Arabic, Islamic Education, English, Mathematics, Social Studies, UAE Social Studies, Science, ICT, Life Skills, and a choice of second languages spanning Hindi, Urdu, Malayalam, Bangla, and French. For families seeking school fees Ajman that remain firmly in the affordable bracket - Ministry of Education-approved tuition starting at AED 8,000 for KG and reaching AED 12,000 for senior grades - City School presents a genuinely compelling value proposition among Al Tallah 2 schools. The school's scale, diverse enrichment programs including Robotics, the Duke of Edinburgh Award, and the Gavel Club, and its connection to City University College of Ajman give it a profile that goes well beyond a standard Indian-curriculum feeder school.
That said, parents considering City School should enter with clear expectations. Class sizes are large - up to 32 students per class in most grades, with a 1:30 teacher-to-student ratio from Grade 2 upward - which means the school is best suited to independent learners who do not require intensive one-on-one attention. The absence of a formal emirate-level inspection framework in Ajman means there is no published quality rating to benchmark against, and published board exam result data is limited. Teacher turnover, historically in the 15-20% range, is a factor worth monitoring. For budget-conscious families from South Asian and Arab backgrounds who want a structured CBSE pathway, a genuinely diverse community, and enrichment programs that punch above the price point, City School is a strong and well-considered choice. Families prioritising small class sizes, Cambridge or IB pathways, or a premium campus experience will find better fits elsewhere in the UAE.
That said, parents considering City School should enter with clear expectations. Class sizes are large - up to 32 students per class in most grades, with a 1:30 teacher-to-student ratio from Grade 2 upward - which means the school is best suited to independent learners who do not require intensive one-on-one attention. The absence of a formal emirate-level inspection framework in Ajman means there is no published quality rating to benchmark against, and published board exam result data is limited. Teacher turnover, historically in the 15-20% range, is a factor worth monitoring. For budget-conscious families from South Asian and Arab backgrounds who want a structured CBSE pathway, a genuinely diverse community, and enrichment programs that punch above the price point, City School is a strong and well-considered choice. Families prioritising small class sizes, Cambridge or IB pathways, or a premium campus experience will find better fits elsewhere in the UAE.
Largest CBSE School in Ajman3,200+ Students Enrolled49 Nationalities RepresentedDuke of Edinburgh AwardAED 8,000 Entry Fee
“We have three children here and have had a great experience for five solid years. Teachers and staff are very experienced and professional. Highly recommended without reservations.”
— Primary and Secondary ParentAcademic Framework & Learning Style
City School follows the CBSE curriculum - the Central Board of Secondary Education framework as defined by New Delhi - which structures learning from KG1 through to Grade 12. This is the same board that governs the majority of Indian schools across the UAE, and its presence in Ajman at this scale makes City School the dominant CBSE institution in the emirate. The curriculum is delivered across ten mandated subjects: Arabic, Islamic Education, English, Mathematics, Social Studies, UAE Social Studies, Science, ICT, Life Skills, and a second language. Second language options are notably broad, encompassing Hindi, Urdu, Malayalam, Bangla, and French - a range that reflects the school's genuinely diverse student body and gives parents from multiple South Asian backgrounds a meaningful mother-tongue connection.
The Kindergarten curriculum is built around a thematic, play-based approach that is age-specific and developmentally calibrated. The school describes it as child-oriented, emphasising differentiated and collaborative learning, play and exploration, and creative thinking. At primary level, the focus shifts toward nurturing natural curiosity alongside structured skills development. The middle and secondary school programme adheres to CBSE New Delhi norms, with students in Grades 9 and 10 sitting the CBSE Grade X board examinations and Grades 11 and 12 completing the Senior Secondary cycle. The school uses external benchmark assessments including ASSET and CAT 4 to guide individual teaching and progression - a meaningful commitment to data-driven instruction that goes beyond internal testing alone.
Academic support for Students of Determination is provided through a trained team of special educators. Upon identification, individual education plans are designed and closely monitored by a Learning Support Team. Students with gifts and talents also receive additional support. The school's stated philosophy - every child can learn, though it may not be on the same day or in the same way - reflects a genuine inclusion commitment, though the large class sizes (up to 32 students) present a structural challenge to truly personalised learning. Career counselling and personality development sessions are offered to senior students to prepare them for higher education pathways. Published university destination data is not available, which is a transparency gap parents should note.
The Kindergarten curriculum is built around a thematic, play-based approach that is age-specific and developmentally calibrated. The school describes it as child-oriented, emphasising differentiated and collaborative learning, play and exploration, and creative thinking. At primary level, the focus shifts toward nurturing natural curiosity alongside structured skills development. The middle and secondary school programme adheres to CBSE New Delhi norms, with students in Grades 9 and 10 sitting the CBSE Grade X board examinations and Grades 11 and 12 completing the Senior Secondary cycle. The school uses external benchmark assessments including ASSET and CAT 4 to guide individual teaching and progression - a meaningful commitment to data-driven instruction that goes beyond internal testing alone.
Academic support for Students of Determination is provided through a trained team of special educators. Upon identification, individual education plans are designed and closely monitored by a Learning Support Team. Students with gifts and talents also receive additional support. The school's stated philosophy - every child can learn, though it may not be on the same day or in the same way - reflects a genuine inclusion commitment, though the large class sizes (up to 32 students) present a structural challenge to truly personalised learning. Career counselling and personality development sessions are offered to senior students to prepare them for higher education pathways. Published university destination data is not available, which is a transparency gap parents should note.
10
Core Subjects Offered
Including Arabic, Islamic Education, ICT, Life Skills and 5 second language options
KG1-12
Full School Range
All-through school from Kindergarten to Grade 12
ASSET + CAT4
External Benchmark Tests Used
Data-driven progression tracking for individual students
5
Second Language Choices
Hindi, Urdu, Malayalam, Bangla, French
Extracurricular Activities (ECAs)
City School's extracurricular offering is one of its most distinctive selling points - particularly given its fee positioning. The school explicitly highlights a range of enrichment programs that are unusual for a value-band CBSE school in Ajman. Robotics features prominently, with the school having hosted the City Innovista Robotics Competition, judged by external experts, where students demonstrated creative and technical projects. The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme is offered - a globally recognised personal development program that carries real weight for university applications and is rarely found at this price point in Ajman private schools. The Gavel Club develops public speaking and leadership skills. Formula One in Schools is referenced as an enrichment program, engaging students in STEM-based design and engineering challenges.
Sports provision is substantial and diverse. The school places significant emphasis on athletics, with students having access to cricket, basketball, volleyball, table tennis, swimming, martial arts (Karate and Taekwondo), and athletics including track and field disciplines such as high jump, long jump, and sprinting. Indoor and outdoor playgrounds, football fields, basketball and tennis courts, and multi-purpose sports activity spaces are all available on the 500,000 square foot campus. Performing arts are supported through dedicated performance spaces for music, theatre, dance, painting, and art lessons. The school also runs a Student Council, school clubs, and a newsletter and magazine-making program. The Annual Day - branded as City Versatalia - is a multi-day celebration of student talent that in 2026 ran across three separate events, indicating the scale and ambition of the school's co-curricular culture. Community feedback consistently highlights the extracurricular dimension as a genuine strength.
Sports provision is substantial and diverse. The school places significant emphasis on athletics, with students having access to cricket, basketball, volleyball, table tennis, swimming, martial arts (Karate and Taekwondo), and athletics including track and field disciplines such as high jump, long jump, and sprinting. Indoor and outdoor playgrounds, football fields, basketball and tennis courts, and multi-purpose sports activity spaces are all available on the 500,000 square foot campus. Performing arts are supported through dedicated performance spaces for music, theatre, dance, painting, and art lessons. The school also runs a Student Council, school clubs, and a newsletter and magazine-making program. The Annual Day - branded as City Versatalia - is a multi-day celebration of student talent that in 2026 ran across three separate events, indicating the scale and ambition of the school's co-curricular culture. Community feedback consistently highlights the extracurricular dimension as a genuine strength.
7+
Competitive Sports Disciplines
Cricket, Basketball, Volleyball, Table Tennis, Swimming, Martial Arts, Athletics
Duke of Edinburgh AwardRobotics CompetitionGavel ClubFormula One in SchoolsCity Versatalia Annual Day
Pastoral Care & Well-being
City School's pastoral philosophy is anchored in its 'No Child Left Behind' policy, which the school articulates clearly across its communications. The intent is that every child, regardless of ability or learning style, receives the attention and support needed to grow. This is reinforced by the school's core values - Perseverance, Respect, Excellence, Strength, Innovation, Dedication, and Ethics - which are framed not as abstract ideals but as qualities actively instilled in students throughout their school journey.
The school maintains a Learning Support Team that monitors individual education plans for students with differing abilities, and the inclusion of gifted and talented provision alongside SEN support suggests a genuine commitment to differentiated pastoral care. Career counselling and personality development sessions are available to senior students, addressing the transition from school to higher education. The school's connection to City University College of Ajman through the READ group adds an interesting dimension to senior student guidance, providing exposure to higher education pathways within the same institutional family. Community feedback from parents is consistently warm, with multiple families highlighting the caring and professional nature of staff, the accepting environment, and the genuine sense of community. The school's scale - over 3,200 students - does mean that individual pastoral attention at the whole-school level requires strong systems, and parents of children who need more intensive support should enquire specifically about counselling capacity and safeguarding protocols before enrolling.
The school maintains a Learning Support Team that monitors individual education plans for students with differing abilities, and the inclusion of gifted and talented provision alongside SEN support suggests a genuine commitment to differentiated pastoral care. Career counselling and personality development sessions are available to senior students, addressing the transition from school to higher education. The school's connection to City University College of Ajman through the READ group adds an interesting dimension to senior student guidance, providing exposure to higher education pathways within the same institutional family. Community feedback from parents is consistently warm, with multiple families highlighting the caring and professional nature of staff, the accepting environment, and the genuine sense of community. The school's scale - over 3,200 students - does mean that individual pastoral attention at the whole-school level requires strong systems, and parents of children who need more intensive support should enquire specifically about counselling capacity and safeguarding protocols before enrolling.
“Outstanding teachers who genuinely care about their students. A caring environment where all kids really can learn.”
— Primary School ParentCampus & Facilities
City School's campus is its most immediately impressive credential. Spread across 500,000 square feet, the school describes itself as the largest school in Ajman by campus footprint - a claim that is credible given its student numbers and the breadth of facilities documented. The main school building houses 120 classrooms, each equipped with multimedia and overhead projector technology, with interactive whiteboards installed throughout classrooms and laboratories. WiFi connectivity covers the entire building, supporting the school's ICT-integrated curriculum delivery.
Science and IT laboratories are available at primary, middle, and secondary levels, supporting hands-on learning across the curriculum. The library provision is described as well-equipped at each school phase. Performance spaces for music, theatre, dance, painting, and art are dedicated facilities - not shared multipurpose rooms - which is a meaningful distinction for a school at this price point. Sports infrastructure is extensive: indoor and outdoor playgrounds, football fields, basketball and tennis courts, multi-purpose sports activity spaces for gymnastics, Karate, and Taekwondo, and track and field facilities for high jump, long jump, and sprinting are all available on campus. The school is located on Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Road in Al Tallah 2, a position the school itself describes as offering convenient access from both Ajman and Sharjah - a practical consideration for the significant number of families who commute across emirate borders. The campus location within the Al Tallah 2 district places it within a well-established residential and educational zone. A dedicated mobile app (available on both Android and iOS) and an online parent portal support day-to-day communication and fee management.
Science and IT laboratories are available at primary, middle, and secondary levels, supporting hands-on learning across the curriculum. The library provision is described as well-equipped at each school phase. Performance spaces for music, theatre, dance, painting, and art are dedicated facilities - not shared multipurpose rooms - which is a meaningful distinction for a school at this price point. Sports infrastructure is extensive: indoor and outdoor playgrounds, football fields, basketball and tennis courts, multi-purpose sports activity spaces for gymnastics, Karate, and Taekwondo, and track and field facilities for high jump, long jump, and sprinting are all available on campus. The school is located on Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Road in Al Tallah 2, a position the school itself describes as offering convenient access from both Ajman and Sharjah - a practical consideration for the significant number of families who commute across emirate borders. The campus location within the Al Tallah 2 district places it within a well-established residential and educational zone. A dedicated mobile app (available on both Android and iOS) and an online parent portal support day-to-day communication and fee management.
500,000
Square Feet Campus Area
Largest school campus in Ajman
120
Classrooms on Campus
All equipped with multimedia and projection technology
500,000 sq ft Campus120 ClassroomsDedicated Performance SpacesFull Sports InfrastructureCampus-Wide WiFiScience and IT Labs
Teaching & Learning Quality
City School's teaching model is built on a requirement that all teachers hold a Bachelor's degree in their specialist subject field and a Bachelor of Education qualification - a dual requirement that sets a clear minimum standard. The school employs teachers from a diverse range of nationalities, reflecting the international character of the student body. In the earlier years of operation, the school employed approximately 218 teachers supported by 43 teaching assistants, numbers that have likely grown in line with the current student roll of around 3,200.
Teacher-to-student ratios vary by phase: in Kindergarten, the ratio is 2:25 (two adults per 25 students), and in Grade 1, 2:30. From Grade 2 upward, the ratio moves to 1:30, with maximum class sizes of 27 in KG and 32 across all other grades. These are large by international standards, and parents who have experienced smaller-group learning environments in other UAE curricula should factor this in. The school's pedagogical approach emphasises hands-on, activity-based learning and the practical application of concepts - a CBSE-aligned methodology that prioritises understanding over rote memorisation. Differentiated and collaborative learning are stated principles, particularly in the Kindergarten and primary phases. The school conducts regular professional development programs to keep teachers current with educational trends, and uses external benchmark data from ASSET and CAT4 assessments to inform individual teaching decisions. Teacher turnover has historically run at 15-20% per year - below the UAE international school average of approximately 20-22%, but still a factor that can affect continuity of relationships, particularly in the senior school. The school has not published specific data on the proportion of staff holding postgraduate qualifications.
Teacher-to-student ratios vary by phase: in Kindergarten, the ratio is 2:25 (two adults per 25 students), and in Grade 1, 2:30. From Grade 2 upward, the ratio moves to 1:30, with maximum class sizes of 27 in KG and 32 across all other grades. These are large by international standards, and parents who have experienced smaller-group learning environments in other UAE curricula should factor this in. The school's pedagogical approach emphasises hands-on, activity-based learning and the practical application of concepts - a CBSE-aligned methodology that prioritises understanding over rote memorisation. Differentiated and collaborative learning are stated principles, particularly in the Kindergarten and primary phases. The school conducts regular professional development programs to keep teachers current with educational trends, and uses external benchmark data from ASSET and CAT4 assessments to inform individual teaching decisions. Teacher turnover has historically run at 15-20% per year - below the UAE international school average of approximately 20-22%, but still a factor that can affect continuity of relationships, particularly in the senior school. The school has not published specific data on the proportion of staff holding postgraduate qualifications.
1:30
Teacher-to-Student Ratio (Grades 2-12)
Maximum class size of 32 students
2:25
Teacher-to-Student Ratio (KG)
Two adults per 25 KG students
15-20%
Annual Teacher Turnover
Below UAE international school average of 20-22%
Leadership & Management
City School is led by Principal Richard Monteiro, who is identified as the head of school across the school's own official communications. The school operates under the ownership of READ - R Education and Academic Development, the education arm of R Holding. R Holding is owned by H.H. Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, who serves as Chairman of the Board of Trustees - a governance connection that gives the school direct royal family involvement and signals a serious long-term institutional commitment to education in Ajman. READ launched its first educational institution, City University College of Ajman (CUCA), in 2012, and City School represents the group's entry into the K-12 private school sector. The group's ambition has also extended to the planned City American School, indicating a broader education ecosystem strategy.
The school's stated vision - to create and sustain a student-centred learning environment integrated with UAE national education goals, where educators develop independent thinkers who inspire innovation, excellence, commitment, and creativity - is coherent and appropriately aligned with both CBSE philosophy and UAE education priorities. Communication with parents is supported through a dedicated mobile app (available on Android and iOS), an online parent portal for fee payments and academic tracking, and direct WhatsApp and phone contact channels. Office hours are clearly published, with the admissions office accessible Sunday through Friday. The school's Instagram presence is active and current, with regular updates on events, graduations, and announcements - a sign of an engaged communications culture. The governance structure, with a Board of Trustees chaired by a member of the Ajman royal family, provides a level of institutional stability that smaller independent schools in the emirate cannot offer.
The school's stated vision - to create and sustain a student-centred learning environment integrated with UAE national education goals, where educators develop independent thinkers who inspire innovation, excellence, commitment, and creativity - is coherent and appropriately aligned with both CBSE philosophy and UAE education priorities. Communication with parents is supported through a dedicated mobile app (available on Android and iOS), an online parent portal for fee payments and academic tracking, and direct WhatsApp and phone contact channels. Office hours are clearly published, with the admissions office accessible Sunday through Friday. The school's Instagram presence is active and current, with regular updates on events, graduations, and announcements - a sign of an engaged communications culture. The governance structure, with a Board of Trustees chaired by a member of the Ajman royal family, provides a level of institutional stability that smaller independent schools in the emirate cannot offer.
Community Reputation & Standing
City School opened in 2017 and has built a substantial community reputation in a relatively short operational history. The school has grown to approximately 3,200 students and attracted families from over 49 nationalities, with the largest groups being Pakistani, Egyptian, and Indian families - a demographic profile that reflects Ajman's broader expatriate community. The involvement of the Ajman royal family through the Board of Trustees has been noted by community observers as a signal of genuine institutional commitment, and the school's rapid growth in student numbers - including a significant increase in Arab national students from 2019 onward - suggests strong community confidence.
Parent sentiment, drawn from community feedback, is consistently positive. Recurring themes include the quality and experience of teaching staff, the caring and professional school environment, the breadth of extracurricular activities, and the school's inclusive approach. Families with multiple children enrolled report sustained satisfaction over several years. The school's accreditation under the CBSE - Central Board of Secondary Education provides a recognised academic framework, and all admissions are subject to approval from the Ministry of Education, Ajman, confirming compliance with UAE regulatory requirements. Ajman does not have a dedicated education inspectorate equivalent to KHDA in Dubai or SPEA in Sharjah, so no official inspection rating exists - a structural feature of the Ajman education landscape rather than a reflection on this school specifically. In the context of Ajman private schools, City School's scale, institutional backing, and fee positioning make it the dominant CBSE provider in the emirate, with Delhi Private School and Crown Private School as the most relevant peer comparisons at different price points.
Parent sentiment, drawn from community feedback, is consistently positive. Recurring themes include the quality and experience of teaching staff, the caring and professional school environment, the breadth of extracurricular activities, and the school's inclusive approach. Families with multiple children enrolled report sustained satisfaction over several years. The school's accreditation under the CBSE - Central Board of Secondary Education provides a recognised academic framework, and all admissions are subject to approval from the Ministry of Education, Ajman, confirming compliance with UAE regulatory requirements. Ajman does not have a dedicated education inspectorate equivalent to KHDA in Dubai or SPEA in Sharjah, so no official inspection rating exists - a structural feature of the Ajman education landscape rather than a reflection on this school specifically. In the context of Ajman private schools, City School's scale, institutional backing, and fee positioning make it the dominant CBSE provider in the emirate, with Delhi Private School and Crown Private School as the most relevant peer comparisons at different price points.
Scale and Community Trust
With 3,200 students from 49 nationalities and consistent multi-year family retention, City School has earned genuine community trust that few Ajman private schools can match at this fee level.
Institutional Stability
Royal family governance through the Board of Trustees and ownership by the READ Group - part of R Holding - provides a level of institutional stability and long-term commitment that is a meaningful differentiator in the Ajman market.
CBSE Accreditation and MoE Compliance
Full CBSE accreditation and Ministry of Education approval for all admissions confirms regulatory compliance and ensures the school's qualifications are recognised across the UAE and India.
Transparency on Academic Outcomes
Published board exam results, Grade 10 and Grade 12 pass rates, and university destination data are not publicly available. For a school of this size and ambition, greater transparency on academic outcomes would significantly strengthen parent confidence.
Class Size Management
With ratios of 1:30 and maximum class sizes of 32 from Grade 2 upward, the school's ability to deliver genuinely differentiated learning at scale is a structural challenge. Reducing class sizes in key phases would directly improve learning quality.
Fees & Value for Money
City School's fee structure for AY 2026-2027 is Ministry of Education-approved and sits firmly in the value band for Ajman private schools. Annual tuition fees range from AED 8,000 for KG1 through to AED 12,000 for Grades 11 and 12, with a discounted tuition fee structure that parents actually pay being somewhat lower than the Ministry-approved ceiling. The registration fee is AED 105 for new students, and re-registration for existing students is AED 600 (adjusted against tuition). Importantly, there is no application fee. Uniforms and books are charged separately. A monthly KG stay-back option is available at AED 150 per month on parent request.
Payment is structured across three installments: an initial non-refundable payment at registration, a second installment due by 30 June 2026, and a third by 1 December 2026. Payments are accepted via the school's mobile app, online parent portal, credit or debit card through Network International, cash or CDM deposit at any Commercial Bank of Dubai branch, and local bank transfer. The scholarship and discount framework is notably comprehensive. Sibling discounts range from 5% to 15% depending on birth order, with the youngest child in a multi-sibling family always receiving the highest discount (15%). An Early Bird Discount of AED 500 is available for full-year payment before 30 April 2026. A Loyalty Card discount (ESAAD, FAAZA) of 25% applies for KG1 to Grade 8 and 20% for Grades 9-12. Staff discounts for City School, READ, and R Holding employees are substantial, ranging from 10% to 50%. A referral discount of AED 200 is available for existing parents who refer new families.
Compared to peer schools in Ajman, City School is among the most affordable options. Delhi Private School averages around AED 12,750 annually, while Crown Private School averages approximately AED 30,640. At AED 8,000-12,000 for a full KG-12 CBSE school with a 500,000 sq ft campus, Robotics, Duke of Edinburgh, and dedicated performance spaces, the value-for-money assessment is strong. The honest caveat is that the discounted fees (what parents actually pay) are meaningfully lower than the Ministry-approved maximums listed, so parents should confirm the actual payable amount at the time of registration.
Payment is structured across three installments: an initial non-refundable payment at registration, a second installment due by 30 June 2026, and a third by 1 December 2026. Payments are accepted via the school's mobile app, online parent portal, credit or debit card through Network International, cash or CDM deposit at any Commercial Bank of Dubai branch, and local bank transfer. The scholarship and discount framework is notably comprehensive. Sibling discounts range from 5% to 15% depending on birth order, with the youngest child in a multi-sibling family always receiving the highest discount (15%). An Early Bird Discount of AED 500 is available for full-year payment before 30 April 2026. A Loyalty Card discount (ESAAD, FAAZA) of 25% applies for KG1 to Grade 8 and 20% for Grades 9-12. Staff discounts for City School, READ, and R Holding employees are substantial, ranging from 10% to 50%. A referral discount of AED 200 is available for existing parents who refer new families.
Compared to peer schools in Ajman, City School is among the most affordable options. Delhi Private School averages around AED 12,750 annually, while Crown Private School averages approximately AED 30,640. At AED 8,000-12,000 for a full KG-12 CBSE school with a 500,000 sq ft campus, Robotics, Duke of Edinburgh, and dedicated performance spaces, the value-for-money assessment is strong. The honest caveat is that the discounted fees (what parents actually pay) are meaningfully lower than the Ministry-approved maximums listed, so parents should confirm the actual payable amount at the time of registration.
AED 8,000 - 12,000
Annual Tuition Fee Range (AY 2026-27)
AED 105
Registration Fee
PhaseAnnual Fee
Kindergarten
8,000Kindergarten
8,000Primary
8,000Primary
9,000Primary
9,000Primary
9,000Primary
10,000Middle School
10,000Middle School
10,000Middle School
10,000Secondary
10,000Secondary
10,000Senior Secondary
12,000Senior Secondary
12,000Additional Costs
Registration Fee (New Students)105(one-time)
Re-registration Fee (Existing Students)600(annual)
UniformsVariable(annual)
BooksVariable(annual)
KG Stay Back (Monthly)150(monthly)
TransportationVariable(annual)
Discounts & Concessions
Sibling Discount - 2nd Child15%%
Sibling Discount - 3rd Child15% (3rd child), 5% (2nd child)%
Early Bird Discount - Full Year PaymentAED 500
Early Bird Discount - Term PaymentAED 100 per term
Loyalty Card Discount (ESAAD/FAAZA)25% (KG1-Gr8), 20% (Gr9-12)%
CS Employee Discount50% (1 child)%
Referral DiscountAED 200
Job/Business Loss Hardship Discount10-15%%
Scholarships & Bursaries
City School offers a comprehensive discount and scholarship framework including sibling discounts (5-15%), Early Bird discounts (AED 100-500), Loyalty Card discounts (20-25%), hardship support for job/business loss (10-15%), employee discounts for City School, READ, R Holding, and affiliated organisation staff (10-50%), and a referral reward of AED 200 for existing parents. Two scholarships cannot be combined except with the Early Bird Discount; the highest applicable discount takes precedence.
The Final Verdict: Who Is This School For?
City School is a well-run, large-scale CBSE institution in Al Tallah 2 that delivers genuine value at a price point that makes quality education accessible to a broad cross-section of Ajman's expatriate community. Its scale brings real advantages: a 500,000 sq ft campus, dedicated performance spaces, Robotics, Duke of Edinburgh, Formula One in Schools, seven competitive sports disciplines, and a community of 49 nationalities. These are not trivial offerings for a school where annual fees start at AED 8,000. The institutional backing of the READ Group and royal family governance through the Board of Trustees provides long-term stability that parents can rely on. The school's consistent community reputation - built over nearly a decade and reflected in multi-year family retention - is its most honest endorsement.
The limitations are real and should not be minimised. Class sizes of up to 32 students from Grade 2 onward mean that children who need significant individual attention will be competing for teacher time. The absence of published board exam results and university destination data is a transparency gap that a school of this size and ambition should address. Teacher turnover at 15-20% annually, while below the UAE average, still means that some continuity of relationships will be disrupted. And for families whose children are accustomed to Cambridge, IB, or smaller international school environments, the CBSE framework and classroom density will feel like a significant adjustment. City School is not trying to be something it is not - and that clarity of positioning is, itself, a strength.
The limitations are real and should not be minimised. Class sizes of up to 32 students from Grade 2 onward mean that children who need significant individual attention will be competing for teacher time. The absence of published board exam results and university destination data is a transparency gap that a school of this size and ambition should address. Teacher turnover at 15-20% annually, while below the UAE average, still means that some continuity of relationships will be disrupted. And for families whose children are accustomed to Cambridge, IB, or smaller international school environments, the CBSE framework and classroom density will feel like a significant adjustment. City School is not trying to be something it is not - and that clarity of positioning is, itself, a strength.
THE “RIGHT FIT”
Families from South Asian and Arab backgrounds seeking a structured, affordable CBSE pathway in Ajman, with strong enrichment programs, a diverse community, and transparent Ministry-approved fees. Particularly well-suited to resilient, independent learners who thrive in larger classroom environments.
THE “WRONG FIT”
Families prioritising small class sizes, Cambridge or IB curriculum pathways, published academic outcome data, or a premium campus experience. Children requiring intensive one-on-one SEN support may find the 1:30 ratio a structural barrier to adequate provision.
“
The dedication of the staff has been a game-changer for my child's education - the remarkable progress and confidence he has gained in every subject speaks for itself.
— Grade 7 Parent
Strengths
- Largest CBSE school in Ajman with 3,200 students and 49 nationalities
- Impressive 500,000 sq ft campus with 120 multimedia-equipped classrooms
- Duke of Edinburgh Award and Robotics at a value-band fee point
- Ministry of Education-approved fees from AED 8,000 - genuinely affordable
- Comprehensive sibling and loyalty card discount framework
- Institutional stability backed by Ajman royal family Board of Trustees
- Five second language options including Hindi, Urdu, Malayalam, Bangla, French
- Active enrichment programs: Gavel Club, Formula One in Schools, Student Council
Areas for Improvement
- Large class sizes - up to 32 students per class from Grade 2 onward
- No published CBSE board exam results or university destination data
- Teacher turnover at 15-20% annually may affect continuity in senior grades
- No emirate-level inspection rating available for independent quality benchmarking
- Uniforms and books charged separately with no published cost guide