Amman is one of the Middle East's most family-friendly capitals, and its international school sector has grown significantly over the past decade to meet the needs of a rising expat population. Whether you are arriving for a diplomatic posting, a regional corporate role, or a NGO assignment, understanding private school admissions in Amman before you land can save you weeks of stress. This step-by-step guide walks you through the full process — from choosing the right curriculum to gathering documents and navigating waiting lists.
The International School Landscape in Amman
Jordan has long been a stable, welcoming destination for expatriate families, and Amman serves as the hub for the country's international school provision. The city is home to schools following the American, British, International Baccalaureate (IB), and French curricula, catering to children from nursery age through to secondary school. The west of the city — particularly the neighbourhoods of Abdoun, Deir Ghbar, Sweifieh, and Al-Jubaiha — concentrates the majority of private international institutions, making it a logical base for expat families.
Jordan's Ministry of Education oversees the registration of all private schools, and institutions must meet national standards even when delivering a foreign curriculum. This regulatory framework gives parents reasonable confidence in school accountability. However, quality still varies considerably between institutions, so independent research and site visits remain essential.
Step 1 — Choose the Right Curriculum
Before submitting a single application, you need to decide which academic framework fits your family's circumstances. The most common options in Amman are:
American curriculum — Follows grade levels (Grade 1 through Grade 12) with SAT or AP examinations at senior level. Ideal for families with connections to the US or planning to attend American universities.
IB (International Baccalaureate) — Offers the PYP (Primary Years Programme), MYP (Middle Years Programme) and Diploma. Globally portable and highly regarded by universities worldwide.
British/Cambridge — Follows Year groups from Reception through to IGCSE and A Levels. Well suited to families relocating from the UK, the Gulf, or other British-curriculum markets.
If your children have been schooled in one system and you anticipate returning to that country after Amman, staying in the same curriculum is generally the easiest choice for continuity.
Step 2 — Research Schools and Shortlist
Once you have identified your preferred curriculum, shortlist two or three schools in accessible locations. Visit ISA's Amman directory to compare institutions side by side. Three well-established schools with strong reputations include:
Modern American School
Modern American School (MAS) is one of Amman's longest-running international institutions, delivering the American curriculum from KG through to Grade 12. The school is co-educational and caters to a large population of both expat and locally resident students. MAS is known for its rigorous academics, active student life, and wide range of extracurricular activities including robotics, debate, and performing arts. For families arriving from the US or seeking SAT preparation, MAS is a natural first choice to explore.
Mashrek International School
Mashrek International School has built a strong academic reputation over more than four decades in Amman. Offering both the IB Diploma Programme at senior level and a solid primary programme, Mashrek attracts students from across the diplomatic and international business community. The school places a particular emphasis on bilingualism, with both Arabic and English integrated throughout the curriculum, which is a valuable advantage for families seeking long-term regional integration or Arabic language development for their children.
Amman Baccalaureate School
Amman Baccalaureate School (ABS) is an IB World School offering the full continuum from PYP through to the Diploma Programme. It is one of the most internationally diverse schools in the city, with students representing more than 50 nationalities. ABS has a strong university placement record and offers extensive EAL (English as an Additional Language) support, making it particularly welcoming for students transitioning from non-English or non-IB educational backgrounds. The school's campus in the Tla'a Al Ali area is modern and well-equipped.
Step 3 — Gather Required Documents
Amman's international schools are generally consistent in their admissions requirements, though specific documents can vary slightly by institution. As a standard preparation checklist, gather the following before submitting applications:
A copy of your child's passport (and residency visa or visa application if available), the last two years of school reports or transcripts, an up-to-date immunisation record, a completed school application form, passport-size photographs, and — for secondary-level applications — a confidential reference from the current school principal or class teacher.
Some schools also require a brief informal assessment or placement test to gauge academic readiness and English proficiency. These are typically low-pressure and used to determine class placement rather than to screen students out. If your child has specific learning needs, disclose these early in the process so the school can advise on the support they are able to provide.
Step 4 — Submit Applications and Follow Up
Most Amman international schools operate September intakes aligned with the Jordanian school year (typically mid-September to mid-June). Applications for the September intake usually open in January and February, though many schools accept rolling applications throughout the year subject to availability.
For families with confirmed relocation dates, it is best practice to submit applications as soon as the school year, posting dates, and family details are known — ideally three to six months in advance. Popular schools at specific year groups, particularly at secondary level, can have waiting lists that require early planning. After submitting, follow up within two weeks if you have not received an acknowledgement, and do not hesitate to request a school tour; most Amman schools actively welcome prospective families for visits.
Step 5 — Language Assessment and EAL Support
English proficiency is assessed informally at most schools, and the majority of Amman's international institutions offer dedicated English as an Additional Language (EAL) programmes for students who are not yet fully confident in English. This is particularly relevant for families arriving from non-English-medium schooling environments. EAL support is often included in the school fees or available at a modest supplement — confirm this when reviewing the fee schedule. Arabic language instruction is widely offered across Amman's international schools, both as a foreign language for non-native speakers and as a first language for Arabic-speaking students.
Fees and Financial Planning
Private school fees in Amman are considerably lower than comparable international cities such as Dubai or Singapore. Annual tuition typically ranges from approximately JOD 3,500 to JOD 8,500 (roughly USD 5,000–12,000) depending on the year group and curriculum. Some schools charge a separate registration fee (typically JOD 150–400), a refundable or non-refundable deposit upon acceptance, and annual fees for activities, transport, and uniforms.
It is important to request the full schedule of fees — not just headline tuition — before committing, as additional charges can add 10–20% to the advertised annual cost. Some multinational employers provide education allowances as part of expatriate packages; confirm the terms of any allowance carefully, as schools often require upfront payment before employers reimburse.
Find International Schools in Amman on ISA
Browse the full directory of international schools in Amman on International School Advisor to compare institutions by curriculum, year group, fee range, and district. You can also explore the ISA ranking of best schools in Amman to see how top institutions compare.
Featured schools on the platform include: Modern American School, Mashrek International School, and Amman Baccalaureate School. Each profile includes current admissions information, fee ranges, and accreditation details.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I apply for a private school in Amman?
For the September intake, it is best to apply three to six months in advance. January and February are the busiest application months. Some schools accept rolling applications throughout the year, but popular year groups fill up early, so earlier is always better.
What documents are required for school admissions in Amman?
Standard requirements include: a copy of your child's passport, the last two years of school reports, an immunisation record, completed application form, passport photos, and (for secondary) a teacher or principal reference. Placement assessments are common and low-pressure.
Is EAL support available in Amman international schools?
Yes — most international schools in Amman offer English as an Additional Language (EAL) programmes, either included in tuition or at a modest additional cost. Many schools also offer Arabic instruction for non-native speakers, which is valuable for families planning a longer-term posting in the region.