The First Academy (TFA), Ajman, is a private, co-educational American curriculum school in Al Hamidiya 1, Ajman, approved by the UAE Ministry of Education. Reported founding dates vary by source; some cite 1998, others describe the school as having started operations in 2012, so parents specifically interested in the school's history should confirm directly. TFA is accredited by both Cognia (US) and the UAE Ministry of Education, and today serves over 2,000 students from KG1 through Grade 12.
TFA's curriculum is based on the American Common Core State Standards, the National Science Education Standards, the National Curriculum Standards for Social Studies, and the National Association for Sport and Physical Education Standards, combined with the UAE Ministry of Education guidelines for Arabic, Social Studies, and Islamic Studies. The school emphasises a broad, balanced, student-centred environment, incorporating Islamic and religious subjects (Quran and Hadith) alongside its American academic framework, and prepares senior students for IELTS, SAT, and Advanced Placement university entrance exams.
TFA suits families specifically seeking an American curriculum education that incorporates Islamic values and instruction into the school day, at a mid-range fee level in Ajman.
TFA sits in Al Hamidiya 1, Ajman, opposite the Health Centre. Al Hamidiya is a residential district with a mix of apartments and villas.
For nearby areas, see our Al Jurf Area Guide, and for a broader look at Ajman's freehold options, see Ajman Freehold Properties: Best Areas, Price Trends & Buyer's Guide.
Curriculum: TFA follows an American curriculum based on the Common Core State Standards, the National Science Education Standards, the National Curriculum Standards for Social Studies, and the National Association for Sport and Physical Education Standards, combined with the UAE Ministry of Education requirements for Arabic, Social Studies, and Islamic Studies.
Grades: KG1 through Grade 12.
Gifted and Talented programme: Grade 6 and Grade 7 students who show outstanding ability in Mathematics and English can study advanced coursework.
University preparation: The school provides coaching for IELTS, SAT, and other advanced university entrance exams for senior students.
Academic calendar: The school year runs from the last week of August to the last week of June.
Accreditation: TFA is accredited by Cognia (US) and the UAE Ministry of Education.
Admission process: Parents interested in TFA admissions must submit required documents. If the student is transferring from a private school in Ajman, a transfer certificate from the previous school and a copy of the last report card are required.
Registration fee: AED 500, non-refundable, though this amount is included within (credited toward) the tuition fee rather than charged as an additional cost.
Fees: Reported annual tuition varies significantly by source, with ranges from approximately AED 13,900 to AED 26,800 depending on grade and the specific source consulted. Given this variance, parents should treat published figures as indicative only and confirm the current, specific fee structure directly with the school. Fees do not include the cost of participation in extracurricular activities.
Sibling discounts: Reported inconsistently across sources; some describe a sibling discount of around 5% to 10% on tuition for the second and subsequent children, while at least one other source indicates no sibling discount is offered. Confirm the school's current policy directly with the admissions office.
Transportation: School transportation is available for an additional fee. Confirm current rates directly with the school.
TFA's campus includes a canteen where students can have lunch, described as clean and hygienic.
Extracurricular activities: Students can participate in Thursday Clubs and elective classes, as well as differentiated lessons and after-school support classes for students needing additional help in English, Arabic, Maths, and Arts.
Communication with parents: Parents can join grade-specific WhatsApp groups for updates on school news and their child's progress.
We could not independently verify a detailed, itemised list of academic facilities, such as specific laboratories, library, or sports facilities, from consistent official sources at the time of writing. Parents should confirm the full list of current facilities directly with the school.
Address: Al Hamidiya 1, opposite the Health Centre, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
Main telephone: +971 6 741 7111
Website: www.firstacademy.org
TFA follows an American curriculum based on Common Core State Standards, combined with UAE Ministry of Education requirements for Arabic, Social Studies, and Islamic Studies.
No. They share only a name. The First Academy, Ajman is a separate, UAE Ministry of Education-approved school with no connection to the US school.
Reported annual tuition varies by source, from approximately AED 13,900 up to AED 26,800 depending on grade. Given the variance across sources, confirm current fees directly with the school.
Yes, AED 500, non-refundable, though this amount is credited toward the tuition fee rather than charged separately.
Reports are inconsistent; some sources cite a 5% to 10% discount for additional children, while others indicate no discount is offered. Confirm the current policy directly with the school.
Yes, the school is accredited by Cognia (US) and the UAE Ministry of Education.
Yes, Grade 6 and Grade 7 students showing outstanding ability in Mathematics and English can study advanced coursework.
Yes, the school provides coaching for IELTS, SAT, and other advanced university entrance exams for senior students.
The school year starts in the last week of August and ends in the last week of June.
The school is located in Al Hamidiya 1, Ajman, opposite the Health Centre.
