Navigating International Education in Jordan: A Parent’s Guide to Choosing the Right School

Understand the Educational Landscape in Jordan

 Jordan’s education system encompasses several pathways beginning with free, compulsory schooling in public institutions where instruction is primarily in Arabic and English is taught as a mandatory subject After completing 10 years of basic education (ages 6–16), students enter two years of secondary schooling (ages 16–18), choosing between an academic track leading to university via the Tawjihi examination, or a vocational track aimed at preparing them for community colleges or the workforce. Alternatively, many private and international schools offer globally recognized curricula—such as the IB, British IGCSE/A-Levels, American Common Core with AP/SAT options, or Canadian/SABIS programs—that may lead to equivalency with the Tawjihi for access to higher education in Jordan

Clarify Your Family’s Priorities

When choosing a school, it’s essential to assess how well the curriculum aligns with your child’s needs whether you prefer internationally recognized frameworks like the IB, British, or American systems, or a bilingual model that gives equal emphasis to both Arabic and English; gauge how smoothly your child may adapt linguistically and culturally, keeping in mind that younger learners often embrace Arabic quickly, supporting better integration; clarify your academic objectives whether the aim is preparation for Jordanian universities or global pathways involving exams like IB, A-Levels, or SAT; reflect on the environment and values that matter most, be it academic excellence, holistic growth, cultural heritage, extracurricular engagement, or religious and ethical guidance; and finally, if your child would benefit from language acquisition support or has special educational needs, ensure the school offers appropriate resources, though it's important to recognize that while dedicated language support is increasingly available, especially for Arabic learners, formal special-needs services remain limited across both public and private sectors in Jordan.

Navigate the Selection Process

1. Define What Matters Most - Are you looking for international mobility, superior arts/sports programs, a strong sense of tradition, or a safe and inclusive community?
2. Research Curriculum Types - Decide whether the IB, British A-Levels, American AP/SAT, or a hybrid model aligns best with your child’s growth and university goals.
3. Visit & Interact - our potential schools, meet faculty, speak with current families, and observe the school’s atmosphere.
4. Request Key Information - Ask about academic outcomes, language support, university placements, extracurricular offerings, and student well-being initiatives.
5. Review Application Requirements - Gather necessary documents, prepare for assessments or interviews, and note admission timelines and fees.