Rawdat Al-Maaref Schools & College (RAMS) vs Retaal International Academy School
Rawdat Al-Maaref Schools & College (RAMS) and Retaal International Academy School are both in Amman, about 6 km apart. Both schools offer American, British and Cambridge IGCSE programmes. Rawdat Al-Maaref Schools & College (RAMS) also offers Cambridge A Levels, and Retaal International Academy School also offers Cambridge International AS Levels. Published annual fees are JOD 0 - 7,350 at Rawdat Al-Maaref Schools & College (RAMS) and JOD 1,365 - 5,045 at Retaal International Academy School, which puts Rawdat Al-Maaref Schools & College (RAMS) roughly 15% higher. Both take pupils from 4 to 18. Retaal International Academy School is the larger school, with around 1,110 pupils to Rawdat Al-Maaref Schools & College (RAMS)'s 300.
American Curriculum, British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels
Curriculum
American Curriculum, British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels
Pupils
Pupils
300
Pupils
1,110
Typical class size
Typical class size
20
Typical class size
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Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
Arabic, English
Opened
Opened
1989
Opened
2011
Bus service
Bus service
Yes
Bus service
Yes
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
RAMS is located at 676 Khalda, Amman 11821, Jordan. It sits in the Khalda district of western Amman, an area with residential and commercial amenities. The campus is accessible by main roads and local bus routes in Amman.
Location
The school is located in Amman, Jordan, at the intersection of Jordan Street and Yajooz Street, beside the Higher Education Bridge. The campus is listed as being on AL-Urdon Street with the Jordan–Yajooz intersection, in central Amman and accessible via main roads. The address places the school in the Jordan Street/Yajooz corridor near the Higher Education area.
Stages
Stages
RAMS is organized into multiple schools and departments: KG Department, International Primary School, National Primary School, Secondary School, IGCSE Department, Special Needs Department, Counseling Centre, and Administration. The arrangements cover early years through secondary levels, including IGCSE offerings.
Stages
Retaal International Academy offers education from early childhood through secondary. It runs KG1/FS2 through G12/Y13, and provides daycare services for younger children. The school operates both national and international curricula as part of its programs.
School type
School type
RAMS is a co-educational school and operates as a day school. It also provides on-site boarding through on-campus Residence Halls for students in boarding arrangements.
School type
The school is a private day school that serves both male and female students. Listings indicate sectioning for boys and girls, reflecting a gender-diverse student body.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
RAMS has a Special Needs Department. Diagnostic exams are used to identify learning difficulties and special needs, informing appropriate support.
Additional learning support
The school provides a dedicated support and remedial education section to assist learners with Additional Learning Needs (SEN). This includes a defined support pathway within the school structure.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
RAMS does not have a formal country affiliation. It functions as a Jordanian private school that offers international programs. It follows Jordanian Ministry of Education requirements and also offers international curricula such as IGCSE and SAT.
Country affiliation
There is no formal country affiliation listed for the school. It offers both national and international curricula within Jordan.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
There is no formal religious affiliation stated for RAMS. Religion is taught as a school subject within the curriculum when relevant.
Religious affiliation
No official religious affiliation is listed; however, Qur'an content appears in some programs as part of the curriculum.
School day structure
School day structure
A typical RAMS day runs from about 07:30 to 15:00, with variations by grade level and program.
School day structure
The school day commonly runs from 8:00 to 15:00 on weekdays, with Friday typically closed. Weekend hours vary by source, with Saturday and Sunday showing activity hours in listings.
Bus service details
Bus service details
RAMS operates a Transportation Department with 40 modern buses. Buses are driven by qualified drivers, with diploma-holding escorts on each bus and hydraulic doors. A maintenance team supports operations with spare parts.
Bus service details
Bus service details are not publicly published. Inquiries should be directed to the school's contact channels for transport arrangements. The school can be reached at +962 791367150 or info@retaalacademy.edu.jo.
- No separately published application fee, joining fee, or registration fee is available in the public fee listings found for the school. The school's public profile lists only the annual tuition figures above.
Per-term fees and billing schedule
- A per-term fee schedule is not published in the available fee listings. Only annual tuition by year group is published; per-term amounts and the school's billing frequency or term breakdown are not provided in the publicly listed material. (Annual figures above can be used to calculate per-term amounts if you know the number of billed terms used by the school, but an official per-term billing schedule is not published.)
Boarding fees
- No boarding or hostel fees are published. The school is presented as serving KG1 through Grade 12 without any published reference to boarding facilities; boarding fees therefore do not appear to be applicable based on available public information (inference from the school listing and school profile).
Other costs and additional fees (uniforms, transport, activities, exams, insurance, deposits, etc.)
- No separate uniform, transport, activity, exam, insurance, deposit, or other recurring additional-fee amounts are published in the public fee listings that list annual tuition. These costs are not specified in the available public fee information.
Refund information
- No published refund policy or details about refunds for fees (for withdrawal, early departure, term prorations, or administrative cancellations) are available in the public fee listings. Refund terms are not published in the materials reviewed.
Fee payment options and accepted payment methods
- No published details on accepted payment methods (for example bank transfer, credit/debit card, cheque, online payment portal, or cash) are present in the public fee listings reviewed. Payment method information is not provided in the publicly listed material.
Notes on published currency and conversions
- The tuition figures above are published in Jordanian Dinars (JOD). Some third‑party listings show converted values (for example converted monthly or USD figures), but the school's publicly listed, native currency fee items are JOD amounts as shown above.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
The school has two on-campus residence halls for boarding students. A dry cleaners house provides cleaning and ironing services for boarding students and visiting delegations.
Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
—
Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
There are on-campus dining facilities, including restaurants and cuisine on campus; the kindergarten section notes a breakfast restaurant on site.
Food options
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House system
House system
—
House system
—
Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership
—
Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
RAMS combines the Jordanian Ministry of Education requirements with an international program, offering a holistically rigorous liberal arts curriculum and a strong emphasis on critical thinking, communication, and technology.
Curriculum details
Retaal International Academy School offers two curriculum streams: the National (Jordanian) program and an International program comprising IGCSE, AHSD (American High School Diploma), and a BTEC Jordan Project. It serves students from kindergarten through secondary, with registration open for all levels. The International track provides IGCSE qualifications in the secondary years, with AHSD or BTEC Jordan Project pathways in upper years; the BTEC Jordan Project includes specializations in Business Administration and Information Technology. The National stream follows the Jordanian national curriculum for its grade progression. The school is located in Amman, Jordan.
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
RAMS supports social and emotional learning through a dedicated Counseling Centre that provides educational counseling services and coordinates with external trainers and lecturers to support students.
Social & emotional learning
The school does not publicly disclose information regarding Social and Emotional Learning (SEL). The site lists general features such as Online Virtual Learning and collaboration with parents but does not describe any SEL curriculum, staff, or initiatives. There are no published SEL policies or program descriptions in publicly accessible materials. The school does not publicly disclose information regarding SEL provision, staff responsible for SEL, or related initiatives. Based on publicly accessible sources, no verifiable SEL program is described for the school.
Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
RAMS has a Special Needs Department that provides special education for diagnosed cases, with individual or small-group instruction, curriculum modifications, a one-to-one focus, and a counseling component.
Special educational needs (SEN)
The school does not publicly disclose information regarding Special Educational Needs (SEN) support. Public materials do not specify any SEN department, specialist SEN provision, or individualized SEN support. There are no published SEN policies or formal access arrangements available on the site. The school does not publicly disclose information regarding the kinds of SEN it can support or whether it operates as a specialist SEN institution. No verifiable SEN support details can be confirmed from public sources.
English as an additional language
English as an additional language
RAMS offers a highly developed English language program; English is the language of instruction for Science and Mathematics from the first grade, and French is offered from KG through grade 6.
English as an additional language
The school does not publicly disclose information regarding English as an Additional Language (EAL) provision. Public materials do not specify EAL programs, staffing, or language support strategies. There are no published EAL policies or procedures available in publicly accessible materials. The school does not publicly disclose information regarding EAL provision or staff. No verifiable EAL support details can be confirmed from public sources.
Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is supported via the Counseling Centre, which provides educational counseling and coordinates with trainers inside and outside Jordan to support student welfare.
Mental wellbeing
The school does not publicly disclose information regarding mental wellbeing provision. Public materials do not describe wellbeing services such as counselling, mental health programmes, or staff roles in student wellbeing. There are no published mental wellbeing policies on the site's publicly accessible materials. The school does not publicly disclose information regarding mental wellbeing provision or programmes. No verifiable mental wellbeing details can be confirmed from public sources.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding
The school does not publicly disclose information regarding safeguarding and child protection.
Safeguarding
The school does not publicly disclose information regarding safeguarding and child protection. Public materials do not include safeguarding policies or procedures, or designated safeguarding staff. There are no published safeguarding policies on the site's publicly accessible materials. The school does not publicly disclose information regarding safeguarding provision or policies. No verifiable safeguarding details can be confirmed from public sources.
Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
RAMS sits on a 41,000-square-meter campus in Khalda, Amman, with a broad range of facilities to support academic life and student well-being. An indoor, central-heated swimming pool and an Olympic-size pool (12 m by 26 m, depth 4.5 m) support swimming programs. There are 12 Olympic-size outdoor courts for basketball, volleyball, badminton and tennis, along with a football court. The central library covers about 750 square meters, houses around 40,000 titles, is computerized with a barcode system, and is supported by two full-time librarians and assistants. RAMS provides five advanced science laboratories (two general science labs, physics, chemistry, biology) with a preparation room; a language laboratory and computer labs support ICT, and on campus there are a museum, music and art spaces, vocational workshops, a school clinic, restaurants, and residence halls.
Facilities overview
The school offers daycare services and online virtual learning. It is located in Amman, Jordan.
Sports facilities
Sports facilities
RAMS offers extensive sports facilities on a 41,000-square-meter campus, including a football court and 12 Olympic-size courts for basketball, volleyball, badminton and tennis. It has a central-heated indoor gym and an indoor swimming pool, plus an Olympic-size pool (12 m x 26 m) with a depth of 4.5 m and separate changing rooms. Outdoor spaces include grass fields and additional arenas for PE and team sport.
Sports facilities
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Academic facilities
Academic facilities
Five advanced laboratories, each about 160 square meters, include two general science labs and dedicated physics, chemistry, and biology labs with a preparation room. A language laboratory and multiple computer labs support ICT across the curriculum. The library is a central 750-square-meter facility with around 40,000 titles and full barcode cataloging. KG classrooms feature hexagon designs and dedicated spaces to support early learning.
Academic facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
Creative facilities include dedicated music and art rooms and a drama space, supported by Fine Arts programs. Vocational workshops and a video presentation room complement creative activities. A museum on campus expands science learning and cultural engagement. The library's reading programs and activities support student engagement.
Extra curricular facilities
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Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
RAMS traces its roots to a Jerusalem school founded in 1896 by Sheikh Mohammed Suleiman Al-Saleh. After his death, his descendants extended the family's educational work, with Naimeh Barakat and her husband Jamil Barakat establishing two model schools in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. In 1989, Barakat family members established RAMS in Amman, Jordan, creating a private educational village for KG through Grade 12. RAMS adopted international programmes from the outset, with the IGCSE and related foreign curricula beginning in 1989 as the Jordan campus developed. The Amman campus spans about 41,000 square meters and hosts multiple schools and departments as part of RAMS.
History
Retaal International Academy School was established in 2011 in Amman, Jordan. It is governed by a Directing Board, with Prof. Omar Shdaifat serving as Chairman. The school serves students from KG1 through Grade 12 and operates as a mixed-gender, co-educational institution. The leadership emphasizes staff development and governance through the Directing Board, including training initiatives and ongoing efforts to align educational practices with community needs. The school notes collaboration with parents and civil organizations as part of its educational approach.
Community
Community
RAMS' community is built through school‑led engagement with families across KG to Grade 12, with an organized plan that divides teachers into committees (Religious, Social, School Broadcast, Volunteer, School Activities, Excellence, and School Discipline) to coordinate activities. The committees coordinate events and activities that involve families as part of school life. Parent engagement is formalized through welcoming parents and students at the start of each semester, monthly renewal of corridor and classroom boards, birthday celebrations, and a ‘one family' culture linking administration, teachers, and parents. The RAMS community includes literacy events such as annual book fairs, and it participates in international recognitions like the Queen Rania UK Learning Awards. RAMS also runs community events including Run For Life to engage the broader community.
Community
The school states a shared goal with parents, indicating active parental involvement in its educational mission. Public postings show community events and cultural programming, including Ramadan-themed activities and certificates of appreciation for students. Online learning and digital resources support community engagement and continuity of learning.
Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
RAMS organizes parent involvement through school‑led committees that coordinate activities. The committees include Religious, Social, School Broadcast, Volunteer, School Activities, Excellence, and School Discipline, which organize events and activities with family participation. Parent engagement is formalized through welcoming parents and students at the start of each semester, with monthly renewal of corridor and classroom boards to maintain a shared environment. Students' birthdays are celebrated weekly with department support, and students are encouraged to participate in the school broadcasts to build confidence and public speaking. RAMS emphasizes community service and vocational education as core elements of its program, including Vocational skills, University Orientation, and Community Service. The Run For Life initiative demonstrates RAMS' engagement with families and the wider Jordanian community.
Parent teacher association
There is no publicly published information confirming a formal Parent-Teacher Association at Retaal International Academy School. Parent involvement is described in general terms as a shared goal with parents rather than through a named PTA. School governance materials describe collaboration with parents and civil organizations as part of its educational activities. No PTA committees, meetings, or parent volunteer groups are listed on the official pages or common directories. If you want, I can help verify PTA-related details by contacting the school directly.
Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
RAMS offers a holistically rigorous academic program that combines Jordanian MOE requirements with elements of an international curriculum. English is the language of instruction for Science and Math from the first grade, supported by a strong English language program. French is offered from kindergarten through grade 6, and ICT classes begin in KG and continue through the upper grades. The program also includes University Orientation and Community Service, with Special Education Needs support; explicit STEM, robotics, debate, or math-competition clubs are not listed on RAMS's program pages.
Academic & intellectual
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Arts & creative
Arts & creative
RAMS provides arts and creative activities through Fine Arts classes, including music, art, and drama. The school has dedicated spaces for the arts, including three music halls and four ateliers to present student works. RAMS also supports performing arts, with a ballet/dance program and a dedicated dance space. Overall, arts are integrated across the curriculum to develop creativity and expression.
Arts & creative
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Cultural & language
Cultural & language
RAMS emphasizes language development, with English as the language of instruction for Science and Math and French offered from KG through grade 6. The school community includes students from 33 nationalities, reflecting a diverse cultural environment. Library activities include reading initiatives and author visits; English language offerings include Oxford English and additional French study as part of the program. The RAMS site notes language and cultural programming as part of its curriculum.
Cultural & language
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Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
RAMS runs a Scouting and Guiding Squad to foster adventure, discipline, and teamwork. Regular physical education classes and access to extensive sports facilities support student well-being. Library activities and reading-related events provide intellectual enrichment outside class hours. The arts and performing arts offerings also contribute to social and creative engagement.
Social & hobbies
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Community & service
Community & service
Community Service is a core component of RAMS's educational program. Students participate in volunteering and social responsibility initiatives as part of their learning. The school has hosted outreach activities such as Run For Life in partnership with community organizations. These programs connect academic study with service learning.
Community & service
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Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
University Orientation is provided to support post-secondary planning. Vocational skills are included as part of the educational program, highlighting practical and career-ready elements. The RAMS site does not list explicit student leadership programs or entrepreneurship clubs on its program pages. Leadership development appears to be embedded in the overall program rather than as separate named clubs.
Leadership & professional
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
RAMS offers extensive sports facilities, including a football court, 12 basketball/volleyball/tennis courts, a central indoor pool, and a large multi-use gym. A dedicated swimming pool and indoor gymnasium support physical education and competitive teams. Primary-level programs include two weekly physical education sessions and use of the school's comprehensive athletic facilities. The school also supports outdoor and fitness activities as part of its wellbeing approach.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
English is the language of instruction for Science and Math from Grade 1, supported by a highly developed English language program. French is offered from KG through Grade 6. Arabic is taught as a core language; in the IGCSE program all subjects are taught in English except for Arabic, Religion and Social Studies; for non-Arabic speakers, Religion and Social Studies are taught in English and intensive Arabic classes are provided as needed. In Kindergarten, English and Arabic are taught bilingually, with French available as a second language.
Language provision
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Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching is implemented in the Kindergarten Department (KG I and KG II). Each KG class has two homeroom teachers for English and Arabic, delivering bilingual instruction in the language of instruction. French is offered as a second language in kindergarten.
Bilingual teaching
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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
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Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
1. Application submission: Start the process by submitting the online admission application through the Addmission Application form. The form asks for detailed Student Information (including Name, Gender, Date of Birth, Religion, Nationality), Father and Mother details, Last School, Residence information, and Brothers and Sisters information. It also requires an Agreement indicating that the parent has read and agrees to the school regulations, with an I Agree checkbox that must be ticked. After submission, a confirmation message appears indicating that the inquiry was submitted successfully.
2. Required assessments and interviews: The admission criteria include personal interviews and exams in English language, mathematics, and science, along with diagnostic exams for students with learning difficulties or special needs. These assessments form the basis for evaluating eligibility for RAMS. Parents should prepare their child for English, math, and science content as part of the process.
3. Admissions window and scheduling: Admission starts each year during the second semester and continues until the end of the summer vacation, in accordance with RAMS' admission rules. This window is when families complete the assessments and submit any remaining documents required for consideration. The timing is governed by the school's published admission rules.
4. Admission decision and next steps: Admission decisions are made based on the criteria described above (interviews and subject exams). If admitted, families move to the Enrollment phase through the Admission & Registration options, which include access to Scholarships and the Admission Application. Public timelines for notification are not published, so families should expect direct communication from RAMS with the outcome and next steps.
5. Enrollment and registration: Following a positive admission decision, enrollment proceeds via the Admission & Registration area. RAMS provides links to Scholarship information, the Students Admission page, and the Addmission Application as part of the enrollment workflow. Families should prepare to supply documentation and complete any registration steps required by RAMS during this phase.
6. Scholarships: RAMS offers scholarships for students who excel academically and who excel in particular sports. Scholarships are also awarded to brothers of the same family and to certain pioneer institutions in the community. Scholarships are available to students across all classes and stages.
Admissions
1. Complete the Online Registration Form. The form is labeled Registration Form and requests details including the Student's Full Name, Date of Birth, Gender, Grade Applying For, and the Academic Year (2025/2026 or 2026/2027). It also asks for the Parent's Full Name (in English), Relationship to Student, Phone Number, and Email Address. The online registration submission is an application only and does not constitute a contract.
2. In-Person Contract Signing is required to complete registration. The online form is not a contract. You must visit the school location to sign the registration contract to complete the registration requirements.
3. For assistance with the process or to coordinate the next steps, contact the school. Phone: +962 791367150. Location: Amman, Jordan.
Scholarships
Scholarships
RAMS grants scholarships to students who excel academically and in sports. Scholarships are also available to brothers of the same family and to some pioneer institutions in the community, and they are offered to students across all classes and stages.
Scholarships
There is no published information about scholarships on the site. No scholarships are described in the admissions materials.
Waitlist
Waitlist
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Waitlist
There is no published waitlist or enrollment pool information. The admissions materials do not describe any waitlist process or pool system.
