British International Academy vs Cambridge High School
British International Academy and Cambridge High School are both in Amman, about 7 km apart. Both schools offer IB programmes, and Cambridge High School also offers British. Published annual fees are JOD 3,200 - 10,150 at British International Academy and JOD 2,750 - 9,000 at Cambridge High School, which puts British International Academy roughly 14% higher. British International Academy takes pupils from 2 to 18, and Cambridge High School from 3 to 18.
The British International Academy is located in Amman, Jordan, in the Dabouq area. The commonly published address is 11831 Bakri Talib Albitar Street. The school is accessible via Amman's main roads and public transport serving the Dabouq district. The 11831 postal area is used in contact listings for the school.
Location
Cambridge High School is located in the Al Rabia area of west Amman, on Abdel Kareem Al Dabbas Street, Amman 11185, Jordan. It sits in a central, accessible part of the city with good transport links to surrounding neighbourhoods. The area is served by bus routes and local transit connections, making commuting feasible from various parts of Amman. The school is described as being in the heart of west Amman.
Stages
Stages
The school offers the International Baccalaureate continuum: Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP).
Stages
The school serves students aged approximately 3–18, spanning Kindergarten, Primary, Middle Years Programme (MYP), and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). The IB programmes run alongside a multi-stage education system that includes KG, primary, and secondary levels.
School type
School type
Girls' day school.
School type
Co-educational day school with no boarding facilities.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
Nationality mix is not publicly disclosed.
Pupil nationality mix
Enrollment is around 1,000–1,200 students aged 3–18, representing approximately 30 nationalities. The school's materials do not publicly publish the most common nationality or the exact local-to-international ratio.
Additional learning support
Additional learning support
Public information does not list dedicated SEN facilities or programs.
Additional learning support
The school operates an Inclusion Department to support Additional Learning Needs (SEN). An Inclusion Department fee of JD 350 per subject per semester applies for eligible subjects.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
No country affiliation beyond the school being located in Jordan.
Country affiliation
The school is located in Jordan and functions as an IB World School; there is no formal country-specific affiliation beyond its Jordan location.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
No religious affiliation is publicly listed.
Religious affiliation
No formal religious affiliation is publicly indicated for the school.
School day structure
School day structure
Exact start and end times are not publicly published; a third‑party listing indicates a school day approximately from 9:00 to 15:00.
School day structure
The published start time for the first semester is 8:00 am for Grades 1–10 and KG2. Daily end times and the exact break/lunch schedules are not publicly published.
Bus service details
Bus service details
A school‑provided bus service is not publicly confirmed; Amman has city buses and a bus rapid transit system operated independently of the school.
Bus service details
A school bus service operates within Amman. Transportation inside Amman costs JD 750 per year; the Airport Road route costs JD 800 per year. Each bus has an assistant to ensure child safety.
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Application and one‑time registration fees - Testing fee (new students): JOD 100 (one‑time, non‑refundable). - Registration fee (new students): JOD 500 (one‑time).
Tuition fees by year group (annual and per term) - Pre1 (Pre‑K1): Tuition JOD 2,800 per year; per term (3 equal installments) JOD 933.33. Additional annual fees JOD 400; additional per term JOD 133.33. Total annual charge JOD 3,200; total per term JOD 1,066.67. - Pre2 (Pre‑K2): Tuition JOD 2,800 per year; per term JOD 933.33. Additional annual fees JOD 400; per term JOD 133.33. Total annual JOD 3,200; per term JOD 1,066.67. - KG1: Tuition JOD 3,550 per year; per term JOD 1,183.33. Additional annual fees JOD 400; per term JOD 133.33. Total annual JOD 3,950; per term JOD 1,316.67. - KG2: Tuition JOD 3,550 per year; per term JOD 1,183.33. Additional annual fees JOD 480; per term JOD 160. Total annual JOD 4,030; per term JOD 1,343.33. - Grade 1: Tuition JOD 4,400 per year; per term JOD 1,466.67. Additional annual fees JOD 550; per term JOD 183.33. Total annual JOD 4,950; per term JOD 1,650.00. - Grade 2: Tuition JOD 4,400 per year; per term JOD 1,466.67. Additional annual fees JOD 550; per term JOD 183.33. Total annual JOD 4,950; per term JOD 1,650.00. - Grade 3: Tuition JOD 4,700 per year; per term JOD 1,566.67. Additional annual fees JOD 550; per term JOD 183.33. Total annual JOD 5,250; per term JOD 1,750.00. - Grade 4: Tuition JOD 4,900 per year; per term JOD 1,633.33. Additional annual fees JOD 550; per term JOD 183.33. Total annual JOD 5,450; per term JOD 1,816.67. - Grade 5: Tuition JOD 5,200 per year; per term JOD 1,733.33. Additional annual fees JOD 550; per term JOD 183.33. Total annual JOD 5,750; per term JOD 1,916.67. - Grade 6: Tuition JOD 5,400 per year; per term JOD 1,800.00. Additional annual fees JOD 600; per term JOD 200. Total annual JOD 6,000; per term JOD 2,000.00. - Grade 7: Tuition JOD 5,700 per year; per term JOD 1,900.00. Additional annual fees JOD 600; per term JOD 200. Total annual JOD 6,300; per term JOD 2,100.00. - Grade 8: Tuition JOD 5,900 per year; per term JOD 1,966.67. Additional annual fees JOD 600; per term JOD 200. Total annual JOD 6,500; per term JOD 2,166.67. - Grade 9: Tuition JOD 6,400 per year; per term JOD 2,133.33. Additional annual fees JOD 600; per term JOD 200. Total annual JOD 7,000; per term JOD 2,333.33. - Grade 10: Tuition JOD 7,350 per year; per term JOD 2,450.00. Additional annual fees JOD 600; per term JOD 200. Total annual JOD 7,950; per term JOD 2,650.00. - Grade 11 (Courses track): Tuition JOD 8,700 per year; per term JOD 2,900.00. Additional annual fees JOD 700; per term JOD 233.33. Total annual JOD 9,400; per term JOD 3,133.33. Grade 11 (Full Diploma with CAS): Tuition JOD 8,700; additional annual fees JOD 950; total annual JOD 9,650; per term total JOD 3,216.67. - Grade 12 (Courses track): Tuition JOD 8,700 per year; per term JOD 2,900.00. Additional annual fees JOD 1,450; per term JOD 483.33. Total annual JOD 10,150; per term JOD 3,383.33. Grade 12 (Full Diploma with CAS): Tuition JOD 8,700; additional annual fees JOD 1,700; total annual JOD 10,400; per term total JOD 3,466.67.
Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition is payable in three equal installments (three terms). All cheques should be submitted together no later than the date of registration. The dates for the three payments are: upon registration (first installment), September 1st (second installment), and January 1st (third installment). Fees are payable in Jordanian Dinars (JOD). - A completed place is guaranteed only when the required fee payments are made by the prescribed dates. The school reserves the right to review and adjust fees.
Sibling discounts and full‑payment discount - Second sibling: 10% discount on annual tuition. Third sibling: 15% discount. Fourth sibling: 20% discount. - Complete payment in cash: 7% discount on annual tuition.
Boarding - No boarding fees are listed; boarding is not applicable.
Other mandatory or optional costs - Additional fees shown above (labelled “Additional Fees”) are charged annually by grade to cover resources and specific services. These are separate from tuition and are payable with tuition according to the school's billing schedule. - Uniform fees and book fees are charged separately. Bus transport is optional and priced as follows: round trip JOD 850 per year (or JOD 550 for half a year); one trip (morning or afternoon) JOD 550 per year (or JOD 350 for half a year). - Governmental fees, Pamoja registration, external examination fees, overseas trips, extracurricular activities, summer school, cafeteria charges, and yearbook fees are payable separately on their due dates. Additional learning support for diagnosed students carries supplemental fees depending on the level and type of support required; individual assessment fees may also apply.
Refunds and cancellations - School fees are non‑refundable. The published fee policy states that school fees are set at the end of the preceding year and that the school board may review and adjust fees.
Accepted payment forms and notes on payment - The published terms specify submission of cheques together at registration and indicate that cash payment (complete payment) qualifies for the stated 7% discount. Fees must be paid in Jordanian Dinars (JOD). No separate listing of credit‑card or bank‑transfer procedures is provided in the published fee schedule.
Summary note - The amounts above reflect the published annual tuition, additional fees and the school's stated billing terms for the current fees schedule. The three‑installment billing plan divides the annual tuition into three equal term payments with the dates specified above.
Fee details
Application / joining fees
- New students in Grades 2–12 (IB): JOD 400 (one-time, non-refundable). - New students in Kindergarten, KG1, KG2 and Grade 1: JOD 200 (one-time, non-refundable).
Tuition fees by year group (annual amounts; full-year tuition)
- Tuition is published and billed as an annual amount; seats are reserved on a yearly basis and the school treats fees as payable for the full year. A per-term fee schedule is not published in the school's public fee materials.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Seats are reserved by paying the required reservation/first payment by the published reservation date for the coming academic year; accounts must be settled in full before school documents are released. Fees are non-refundable and full-year fees apply even if a student transfers during the year. - An early-payment discount is offered when tuition is paid in full by the published early-payment date (example: a 5% discount was specified for full payment made before 01/08/2024 in prior published material).
Boarding fees
- The school operates as a day school; no full or weekly boarding fees are listed.
Other costs and recurring / optional fees
- Visual Arts fee for Grades 11 and 12: JOD 150 per year. - Inclusion Department fee (special educational support): JOD 350 per subject, per semester. - Kindergarten additional supervision (one hour before and after school): JOD 300 per year. - Transportation (yearly, round trip): Inside Amman routes approximately JOD 750 per year; Airport Road route approximately JOD 800 per year. Each bus is accompanied by an assistant. - CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) educational charge for Grades 11 and 12: JOD 150 per year (due on the published due date). - Extended Essay fee for Diploma students (Grade 11): JOD 300 (published due date applied). - Graduation fee for Grade 12: JOD 300. - Intensive language lessons (where offered as an extra): examples previously published include Arabic or English intensive lessons charged at JOD 1,000 per year for the specified grades (charged on published due dates). These are optional extras and are billed separately from tuition. - Textbooks, copybooks, examination fees, graduation fees, uniform, transportation and field trips are generally excluded from the published tuition figures (Ministry of Education textbooks and on-campus accident insurance are included). Specific exclusions and inclusions follow the school's fee listing. - Sibling discount: first sibling pays full tuition; second sibling receives 10% discount; third and subsequent siblings receive 15% discount.
Refund and transfer policy
- Fees paid are non-refundable and full-year fees apply even if the student transfers out during the year. Accounts must be settled in full before official documents are released and student files are removed by the published cut-off date at the end of the academic year.
Fee payment options
- Public fee materials and the published fee pages do not present a detailed list of accepted payment methods (for example, credit card, bank transfer, or post-dated cheques are not specified in the public fee notices). Parents should use the school's finance office contact channels for the available payment methods for the relevant academic year.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
Cambridge High School operates as a day school; there are no on-site boarding facilities. The school does not offer full, weekly, or flexi-boarding. Transportation is provided by bus within West Amman where available.
Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
The school uniform is worn at all times and the PE uniform is to be worn on PE days only.
Food options
Food options
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Food options
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House system
House system
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House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership
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Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
British International Academy (BIA) in Amman, Jordan, is an International Baccalaureate World School offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP). The languages of instruction are English and Arabic across the IB continuum. The PYP (ages 3–12) provides an inquiry-based, transdisciplinary curriculum organized around six global themes, integrating language, mathematics, science, social studies, the arts, and personal-social development. The MYP (ages 11–16) uses eight subject groups and includes a culminating MYP Personal Project, with emphasis on approaches to learning and international-mindedness. The DP (ages 16–19; Grades 11–12) offers six subject groups with SL/HL options (e.g., Language & Literature, Language Acquisition, Sciences, Mathematics, the Arts/Design Technology) plus the core of Theory of Knowledge (TOK), Extended Essay (EE), and Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS); external exams are taken in May.
Curriculum details
Cambridge High School in Amman, Jordan, is an IB World School offering the Middle Years Programme (MYP) and the Diploma Programme (DP). MYP was implemented in 2016 and CHS was authorized as an MYP World School on December 13, 2018; the programme maps Year 0 to Grade 5, Year 1 to Grade 6, Year 2 to Grade 7, and Year 3 to Grade 8, with eight subject groups including Language & Literature, Mathematics, Arabic language acquisition, Sciences, Individuals & Societies, Design, Arts, Religions, and Physical & Health Education. The Diploma Programme is offered in the final two years of secondary and includes core elements Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay, and CAS; CHS describes science and arts streams and a six-subject structure with language and mathematics at SL/HL and a minimum total score aligned to 21/42. The language of instruction is English, with KG and some programmes featuring bilingual Arabic-English components; university counseling begins in Grade 10 to support higher-education planning. The CHS CAS program follows the Creativity, Activity, and Service framework integral to the DP.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio
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Exam results
Exam results
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Exam results
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Higher education progression
Higher education progression
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Higher education progression
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Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
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Gifted and talented
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Academic calendar
Academic calendar
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Academic calendar
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Wellbeing & support
Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning
Social & emotional learning
The school does not publicly disclose information regarding Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) provisions.
Social & emotional learning
Cambridge High School supports SEL through its CAS Programme and a University Counseling team that focuses on student growth, social and emotional intelligence, and the development of decision-making and time-management skills.
Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
The school does not publicly disclose information regarding Special Educational Needs (SEN) provisions or whether it is a specialist SEN institution.
Special educational needs (SEN)
The school does not publicly disclose a dedicated SEN department or the specific types of Special Educational Needs it can support; however, it notes that students who do not fit the school's profile are helped by its support staff, counsellors and student affairs.
English as an additional language
English as an additional language
English and Arabic are the languages of instruction; specific EAL programmes are not publicly disclosed.
English as an additional language
EAL and language support are evidenced by bilingual Kindergarten (two hours of English daily and one hour of Arabic) and by English-language instruction with Arabic and French offered in the Primary section.
Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
The school does not publicly disclose information regarding mental wellbeing support.
Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is supported through the University Counseling program, which aims to foster social and emotional intelligence, resilience, and self-management during the university admissions process.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding
The school does not publicly disclose information regarding safeguarding and child protection policies.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding is addressed through the school's policies, which note that counsellors and support staff assist students and that the IB learner profile informs behavior and guidance.
Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
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Facilities overview
Cambridge High School's Amman campus offers facilities across academics, sports and creative arts. The library is available to students through a Follett Destiny online catalog. The campus includes a gymnasium and a swimming facility for physical education and competitive activities. Creative spaces include an art room and music facilities, with programs in visual arts, music and audio, filmmaking and photography. The KG section features interactive classrooms and dedicated indoor and outdoor play areas, reflecting hands-on learning across the early years. These facilities support a holistic, internationally oriented education across multiple levels.
Sports facilities
Sports facilities
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Sports facilities
Facilities for sports include a gymnasium suitable for physical education and indoor activities. The school provides swimming facilities for water-based lessons. The site lists football and basketball teams as part of the sports program and mentions badminton and general fitness activities. These facilities support a broad program of physical education and team sports.
Academic facilities
Academic facilities
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Academic facilities
Academic facilities include a library with Follett Destiny online catalog access. Interactive Classrooms indicate technology-enabled spaces integrated into daily teaching. The KG section highlights interactive learning environments, underscoring the school's emphasis on modern, collaborative learning. The site references library access and interactive classrooms as key academic resources.
Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
Creative spaces include an art room and music facilities. Programs span visual arts, music and audio, filmmaking and photography, reflecting a strong arts and media focus.
Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
British International Academy (BIA) is a private girls' IB World School located in Amman, Jordan. It holds Diploma Programme authorization since March 19, 2019, and offers the IB continuum including the Primary Years Programme and Middle Years Programme. A public professional profile indicates a planned opening in September 2016 for KG1 to Grade 8, suggesting early operations prior to full IB authorization. The school is led by Head of School Ghada Zabalawi and operates from the Dabouq area of Amman as a private IB-focused institution.
History
Cambridge High School has been an IB World School since March 2004, with authorization for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. In 2008, the school obtained authorization for the Middle Years Programme, reflecting ongoing expansion of its IB offerings. The school reports enrollment of around 1000–1200 students aged 3–18, and the student body comprises learners from roughly 30 countries, indicating a multinational community. The school is located in Rabia, in western Amman, and emphasizes hard work, discipline, respect and enjoyment as core elements of its approach.
Community
Community
The student body is female and spans roughly ages 4 to 18, with instruction in English and Arabic. Graduation ceremonies are a key community event, and the 2025 graduation was held under the patronage of HRH Princess Jalila bint Ali, with attendance by families, faculty, and graduates. Such events reflect active involvement of families in the school community and a connection to Jordan's broader public life.
Community
The Cambridge High School community is multinational, with students from about 30 countries. The school emphasizes service initiatives and extracurricular activities as part of its educational approach to develop well-rounded, internationally minded learners. The school shares updates about its activities and events via social media channels, including Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. Publicly listed events illustrate a busy calendar of school-wide and community activities, such as the Winter Donation Campaign “Warm Hearts 4” and a Christmas Bazar (KG-12).
Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
A formal Parent Teacher Association for British International Academy Amman is not publicly documented in accessible sources. Public reporting highlights parent and family involvement around major events, including the 2025 graduation under royal patronage. The 2025 graduation was hosted under the patronage of HRH Princess Jalila bint Ali, with involvement of families and school leadership. No detailed PTA committees or regular meetings are described in the publicly available sources consulted. If you would like, I can search for official PTA documentation or direct contact details for confirmation.
Parent teacher association
Public information publicly available about Cambridge High School in Amman does not list a separate Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) page or officers. The school's mission and activities emphasize service initiatives and a broad range of extracurriculars, which involve families and the wider school community through events. The events calendar includes family-oriented or community activities such as the Winter Donation Campaign “Warm Hearts 4” and the Christmas Bazar, indicating active engagement with families through school-organized programs. Other events, like Grade 5 assemblies and science exhibits, show a robust schedule of student showcases that involve the broader school community. The school provides a visible social media presence (Instagram, Facebook, YouTube) to share updates and events, which aids parental and community involvement. If there is a formal PTA, it is not publicly documented on the site, and direct contact with the school would be needed to confirm any official parent-teacher collaboration structure.
Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
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Academic & intellectual
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Arts & creative
Arts & creative
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Arts & creative
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Cultural & language
Cultural & language
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Cultural & language
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Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
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Social & hobbies
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Community & service
Community & service
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Community & service
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Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
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Leadership & professional
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
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Language provision
The school teaches in English and Arabic. In the MYP, Language & Literature is offered in Arabic and English, and Arabic language acquisition is provided.
Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching
The school offers bilingual education in English and Arabic. Language & Literature is taught in Arabic and English, and Arabic language acquisition is provided.
Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
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Awards
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Accreditations
Accreditations
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Accreditations
The school is an IB World School offering the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (DP) and the Middle Years Programme (MYP).
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
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Admissions
1. Enrolment at Cambridge High School is conducted on a yearly basis. Attendance is not automatically renewed, and at the end of each academic year the school reviews every student's record to determine renewal. Parents are expected to stay informed through the school's communications and to engage with policies to support their child's continued enrollment. 2. The admissions process includes a seat reservation step. A seat reservation fee must be paid by the deadline (for the coming academic year: 1/4/2024). If seats are not reserved by that date, they are offered to students on the waiting list. 3. New students pay joining fees to begin enrollment. Joining fees are 400 JD for Grades 2–12IB and 200 JD for K, KG1, KG2, and Grade 1; these fees are non-refundable and are separate from tuition. 4. Tuition terms and what they cover are defined at enrollment. Tuition excludes textbooks, copybooks, exams, graduation, uniform, transportation, and field trips, but includes Ministry of Education textbooks and insurance for accidents on school premises. Discounts for siblings apply: first sibling pays full tuition, second sibling receives 10% off, and third and subsequent siblings receive 15% off. Early payment discounts may also apply when tuition is paid in full by the stated deadline (e.g., 1/8/2024). 5. Additional fees may apply depending on program and services. Visual Arts fees are 150 JD per year for Grades 11–12, and Inclusion Department fees are 350 JD per subject per semester. Transportation is available inside Amman (750 JD) and Airport Road (800 JD) with an accompanying bus assistant for child safety. 6. After enrollment, the school maintains ongoing governance of student progress. The school's Parent's Guide emphasizes a commitment to the IB learner profile and related policies, and notes that parents are informed whenever school support is required. Registration for the next year occurs on a yearly basis, and student records are reviewed at the end of each year to determine continued placement.
Scholarships
Scholarships
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Scholarships
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Waitlist
Waitlist
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Waitlist
The school manages a waitlist for admissions. A seat reservation deadline exists, and seats not reserved by the deadline are offered to students on the waiting list.
