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Amman Baccalaureate School

Jordan, Amman

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The school at a glance
Instructs in Arabic, English
Fees JOD 7,252 - 16,913
Ages 4 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 1179
Type Co-educational
Opened 1981
Bus Service Yes
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), IBCP (International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme)
Taught languages Arabic, English, Spanish, French
Typical class size 6
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, Languages
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Social and Hobbies, Community and Service, Leadership and Professional, Lifestyle and Wellbeing
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Middle School, High School
Introduction

The Amman Baccalaureate School (ABS) is a bilingual, co-educational day school located in western Amman. Established in 1981, it holds the distinction of being the first school in the region authorized to offer the full International Baccalaureate (IB) Continuum, including the Primary Years, Middle Years, Diploma, and Career-related Programmes. The curriculum emphasizes bilingual proficiency in Arabic and English, ensuring students maintain strong ties to local culture while pursuing international qualifications.

Al-Hijaz St., Amman, Jordan

The Essentials

Amman Baccalaureate School has 1,179 pupils, typical class sizes of 6, instruction in Arabic, English.

Location
The Amman Baccalaureate School is located on Al Hijaz Street in the Dabouq area of Amman, Jordan. The mailing address is PO Box 441, Sweileh 11910. The campus is in western Amman and is served by ABS's own transportation network for students and staff.

Stages
ABS is organized into three divisions: Primary School (KG–Grade 6) offering the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP); Middle School (Grades 7–10) following the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP); and the IB College (Grades 11–12) which offers the IB Diploma Programme. The IB College is housed in a dedicated facility designed for Grades 11–12, with the middle and primary sections located on campus.

Type
ABS is a co-educational, private day school. It has no boarding facilities.

Additional learning support
ABS provides tailored support for learners with additional educational needs (AEN) through an AEN department and an Access and Inclusion Policy. The school uses a Waves of Intervention model (Wave 1: inclusive quality teaching; Wave 2: targeted support; Wave 3: specialized support) with personalised plans (IEPs) and collaboration with families; in-class support and external referrals are used as needed.

Country affiliation
ABS identifies as a Jordanian, non-profit institution.

Religious affiliation
There is no formal religious affiliation. ABS is non-denominational. Public descriptions indicate no specific church or faith ownership of the school.

School day structure
ABS operates a full-day schedule aligned to IB requirements. The school day typically begins around 8:00 am and runs Sunday through Thursday, with periods varying by division (7 periods for primary. 7–8 periods for middle and IB college). After-school supervision and activities are available.

Bus service
ABS owns 21 modern buses providing transportation for students and staff. Bus service is available depending on area and bus capacity, with options for full-year or semester usage and prioritized seating for pre-paid round trips. Buses are equipped with seat belts, fire extinguishers, first aid kits, onboard cameras, and tracking. A Head Driver oversees operations, with ABS maintaining a dedicated garage and two mechanics for daily maintenance.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
ABS uses a formal school uniform for all students. The uniform includes a formal shirt and tie, with grey or charcoal trousers or a skirt; shirts must be buttoned at the collar when wearing the tie, and the PE kit is a black T‑shirt with a house color. Uniforms are sold at FORM & AL-UM on Taghreed Street, Sweifieh.

Food Options
ABS operates on-site cafeterias across the campus: IB College Cafeteria – Blue Fig; Middle School Cafeteria (The Village) – Blue Fig; Primary School Cafeteria (The Hive) – Crums; Sports Complex Cafeteria – Blue Fig. Menu details and dietary options are not specified on ABS pages.

House System
ABS maintains a house system. In the Middle Years and beyond, each student is assigned to a Mentor Group and a House, with House activities and wellbeing programmes; there is also a Student Council and a Student Voice.

Governance and Ownership
ABS is governed by a Board of Trustees; the Chair is HRH Princess Sumaya bint El Hassan. The school is a Jordanian, non-profit institution.
Fees

Annual tuition at Amman Baccalaureate School ranges from JOD 7,252 to JOD 16,913 for 2026/27.

Application and Registration Fees

- Administration fee: JOD 100 payable at the time of application; non‑refundable.
- Enrolment (confirmation) fee: JOD 1,500 payable by all students (KG1–Grade 12) upon confirmation of entry; non‑refundable.
- Waiting‑list / registration fees (existing practice for places on waiting list): a previously charged registration fee of JOD 500 is refundable at JOD 450 in certain cases; a new registration fee of JOD 100 is non‑refundable (effective 1 July 2024).

Tuition fees by year group (annual and per‑term where a three‑instalment plan is used)

- Primary School (KG1): Annual tuition JOD 7,252. Per term (if paid in three equal instalments): JOD 2,417.33 per instalment.
- Primary School (KG2): Annual tuition JOD 7,252. Per term (3 instalments): JOD 2,417.33.
- Grade 1: Annual tuition JOD 7,789. Per term (3 instalments): JOD 2,596.33.
- Grade 2: Annual tuition JOD 7,789. Per term (3 instalments): JOD 2,596.33.
- Grade 3: Annual tuition JOD 7,789. Per term (3 instalments): JOD 2,596.33.
- Grade 4: Annual tuition JOD 8,892. Per term (3 instalments): JOD 2,964.00.
- Grade 5: Annual tuition JOD 8,892. Per term (3 instalments): JOD 2,964.00.
- Grade 6: Annual tuition JOD 10,032. Per term (3 instalments): JOD 3,344.00.
- Grade 7: Annual tuition JOD 10,515. Per term (3 instalments): JOD 3,505.00.
- Grade 8: Annual tuition JOD 11,305. Per term (3 instalments): JOD 3,768.33.
- Grade 9: Annual tuition JOD 12,101. Per term (3 instalments): JOD 4,033.67.
- Grade 10: Annual tuition JOD 13,227. Per term (3 instalments): JOD 4,409.00.
- Grade 11 (IB College): Annual tuition JOD 16,113. Per term (3 instalments): JOD 5,371.00.
- Grade 12 (IB College): Annual tuition JOD 16,913. Per term (3 instalments): JOD 5,637.67.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Seat reservation fee: JOD 1,000 payable by January 31, 2026 by existing students to secure a place for the next academic year; this amount is deductible from the tuition fee.
- Timing and instalment options: Total annual tuition may be paid in full in advance, or by three (3) post‑dated cheques in equal amounts dated 31 March 2025, 30 September 2025 and 31 January 2026 (or within one week of acceptance). If payment in full or by post‑dated cheques is not received by the due date, the school reserves the right to admit students from the waiting list in place of existing students.

Boarding fees

- Boarding is not applicable; the school operates as a day school. There are no boarding fees.

Other costs and fees

- Transport (bus) fees (all grades): Round‑trip (morning AND afternoon) JOD 935 per year or JOD 495 per semester; One‑way (morning OR afternoon) JOD 580 per year or JOD 315 per semester. Preference in bus allocation is given to students registered for both morning and afternoon for the whole year; the bus fee is non‑refundable except in specified circumstances.
- Supervision fees (applies only to Primary School KG1–KG2): Before AND After school JOD 950 per year or JOD 520 per semester; Before OR After school JOD 475 per year or JOD 260 per semester. This supervision fee is non‑refundable unless the student withdraws from the school.
- Textbooks and stationery: Ministry textbooks and stationery items are supplied by the school. Costs of other textbooks (including international titles), examination entry fees, field trips, special courses, university entrance fees, co‑curricular activities and Summer School activities are payable separately.
- Additional learning / SEN support: If a fully modified curriculum is necessary for a primary student, a supplementary fee of 30% of tuition will be added. Individual assessment fees are: JOD 175 (KG1–KG2), JOD 325 (Grades 1–9), and JOD 75 for assessments related to Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome (SSS).

Refund and withdrawal terms

- Administration and enrolment fees are non‑refundable.
- Waiting‑list / registration fee refund policy: where the older JOD 500 registration fee was paid, JOD 450 may be refundable in certain cases; a new registration fee of JOD 100 carries no refund (effective 1 July 2024).
- Seat reservation fee is non‑refundable if the decision to withdraw is taken after January 31, 2026.
- Notice on withdrawal during the academic year: if a student is withdrawn during the academic year after fees have been paid, one month's fee (calculated as 1/9 of the tuition fee) is due for each month or partial month of notice not given, starting from the due date of the first payment.

Fee payment options

- Payment formats explicitly stated: payment of the total annual fee in advance, or payment by three (3) equal post‑dated cheques (dated as specified above).
- In‑person payment: payments can be made at the HRH Princess Sarvath El Hassan Welcome Center (school office hours indicated for in‑person payment).
Academics

Amman Baccalaureate School teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), IBCP (International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme) for students aged 4 to 18.

Curriculum
Amman Baccalaureate School (ABS) is an IB World School in Amman offering a bilingual Arabic–English education. The Primary Years Programme (IBPYP) is offered for Kindergarten through Grade 6, implemented within an inquiry-based framework centered on the IB learner profile. In Grades 7–10, ABS follows the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP), with bilingual instruction and a mix of compulsory and option subjects such as Arabic Language and Literature, English, Mathematics, Arabic/French/Spanish, Sciences, Design and ICT, Arts, Religious Studies, and Physical Education. The Senior School (Grades 11–12) provides the IB Diploma Programme (full DP) or Diploma Courses, and the Career-related Programme (CRP). Full DP requirements include CAS, Theory of Knowledge, and the Extended Essay, and students can pursue Jordanian Tawjihi equivalence by meeting MOE requirements published in the IB College handbook.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
ABS provides a dedicated Counselling and Wellbeing Department offering Psychological Counselling, Career Counselling, and University Counselling. Specialist staff serve each school stage: Primary KG1-5 is supported by Sajidah Shamaileh; Middle Years by Hala Hamad; and the IB College by Rasha Jazi; there are three full-time University Counsellors: Suha Talhouni (Director of University Counselling), Hanan Qubrosi, and Eric Wight. The department follows a Comprehensive Guidance and Counselling model to support students' academic, personal, and social development, including individual and group appointments and partnerships with families and community institutions. Confidentiality is respected, and in serious safeguarding matters the Safeguarding Officer or Deputy Safeguarding Officer is informed confidentially, in line with ABS's Child Rights framework (ABS Deceleration of Child Rights). The wellbeing program is implemented through Mentor Groups and a House system, overseen by the Deputy Head (Wellbeing) and the Wellbeing Team, with encouragement for students to participate in cultural, sporting, and service activities.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The school does not publicly disclose information regarding Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision or whether it operates as a specialist SEN institution. Publicly available information describes counselling and wellbeing and a bilingual IB-aligned program, but does not specify any SEN support services or dedicated SEN staff.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
English as an Additional Language support is delivered through a bilingual education approach. ABS provides bilingual education in Arabic and English, and most Grades 7-10 students study bilingually in the IB Middle Years Programme. In Primary School, a bilingual programme includes Arabic Language and English Language with Arabic as the language of instruction, and additional languages such as Spanish or French are offered in Grades 4-6. There is no separate EAL department named. Language support is integrated via the bilingual IB framework rather than a standalone EAL programme.

Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is supported through the Counselling and Wellbeing Department, which provides Psychological, Career, and University Counselling. Specialists operate by school phase: Sajidah Shamaileh (Primary), Hala Hamad (Middle Years), and Rasha Jazi (IB College), with three full-time University Counsellors: Suha Talhouni, Hanan Qubrosi, and Eric Wight. The department follows a Comprehensive Guidance and Counselling model and offers confidential services, including individual and group sessions and coordination with families and community partners.

Safeguarding
Safeguarding is overseen by a Safeguarding Officer and Deputy Safeguarding Officer, with confidential referrals for serious safeguarding matters. Confidentiality is observed as part of ABS's safeguarding framework, described as in line with ABS Deceleration of Child Rights. Procedures for safeguarding referrals and reporting are integrated with counselling and the wider school support system.
Parent Experience

History
Amman Baccalaureate School was founded in 1981 by Their Royal Highnesses Prince El Hassan and Princess Sarvath to provide a demanding bilingual education in Arabic and English that remains rooted in Jordanian culture. The school operates as a Jordanian not-for-profit educational institution licensed by the Ministry of Education and governed by a Board of Trustees. Since September 2021 the Board has been chaired by HRH Princess Sumaya bint El Hassan, succeeding the earlier leadership of HRH Princess Sarvath El Hassan. ABS began implementing International Baccalaureate programs early and was the first school in Jordan and the Middle East to be authorised for the IB Middle Years Programme in 2002. It holds accreditation from CIS and NEASC, reflecting ongoing international recognition of its programs.

Community
ABS describes its community as bilingual and internationally oriented, with the majority of families Jordanian and the students fully bilingual in English and Arabic. In 2022, the school celebrated its Founders' Day to honor its co-founders and leadership. The school hosts a long-running Model United Nations program, AMMUN, founded in 2002 and growing into a THIMUN-affiliated conference hosted at ABS. Co-curricular offerings, including Performing Arts and athletics, contribute to a broad, active school community.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) at ABS exists as an advisory body to promote communication and collaboration between the School and parents to enhance the ABS student experience. The PTA is governed by by-laws that establish a 16-member Committee: eight teachers (distributed across Primary, Middle Years, and IB College) and eight parent representatives, with one parent serving as the PTA representative on the Board of Trustees; the Chair is the Principal, with a Vice-Chair, Secretary and Treasurer elected by the Committee. The PTA meets at least once per academic year in a General Body meeting, and elections and minutes follow a formal process outlined in the by-laws. The PTA organizes events such as school fairs, festivals, lectures, educational films and excursions, and it supports fundraising campaigns aligned with the School's master plan; it also participates in school evaluation and accreditation activities alongside the leadership. The PTA bylaws and supporting governance documents outline these structures and activities, and the school maintains a dedicated PTA resource area for communications and events.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
ABS operates a purpose-built campus with a dedicated IB College Building for grades 11–12. The IB College Building houses specialized spaces for languages, sciences, mathematics, humanities and arts, with communal social and dining areas for post-16 students. The school maintains five Media Centres across the IB College, Middle Years and Primary School, offering thousands of Arabic, English and French materials and access to online databases via Destiny Library Management System. Information and Communications Technology resources support a 1:1 device program and integrated digital learning across the curriculum. Cafeterias serve the IB College, Middle School, Primary School and the Sports Complex, supporting the school community.

Sports Facilities
The Sports Hall provides an indoor, versatile space with courts for volleyball, badminton and basketball. The Badminton Court area has up to nine courts for recreational or competitive play. Two outdoor Tennis Courts are available with floodlights. The Football Fields feature a FIFA-pro full-size artificial turf pitch with two seven-a-side pitches, floodlights, and a 1,600-seat stadium overlooking the field.

Academic Facilities
The school provides five Media Centres across the IB College, Middle Years and Primary School, with thousands of materials in English, Arabic and French and access to multiple online databases, all managed by the Destiny Library Management System. The IB College Media Centre holds approximately 4,400 materials; the Middle Years School Media Centre holds roughly 26,000 materials and several print periodicals. The Media Centres offer print, multimedia and digital resources to support inquiry-based learning. Information and Communications Technology resources support a 1:1 device program and digital platforms across the curriculum, with ICT integrated into teaching and learning.

Extra Curricular Facilities
The Performing Arts Department offers drama, music and dance activities, with annual major productions and in-school performances. ABS is a member of the International School Theatre Association (ISTA) and hosts ISTA festivals. The Main Theatre provides indoor performance space with audio-visual facilities. The Dance Studio is an airy space with mirrors and speakers for dance practice.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
ABS offers a broad set of co-curricular activities that support academic enrichment and intellectual development. The program includes chess, robotics, debating, scrabble, and Lego League, which foster critical thinking and problem-solving. ABS also runs Amman Model United Nations (AMMUN), a longstanding student conference that develops research, public speaking, and diplomatic skills. In-house publications provide opportunities for student journalism and literary writing with school magazines and book sales.

Arts & Creative
ABS's Performing Arts Department offers world drama, music and dance activities. The program includes annual major productions, concerts, talent shows, and in-school performances, with opportunities to participate in theatre, music, or technical roles. ABS is a member of ISTA and hosts ISTA festivals, providing workshops and opportunities to work with visiting artists. Additional creative outlets include drama, film, photography, guitar, dance, and visual arts across the school.

Cultural & Language
The co-curricular program includes Spanish and French language activities. Cultural activity options include Dabka, a traditional Jordanian dance, and other performing arts that reflect regional heritage. Model United Nations (AMMUN) provides exposure to international cultures, diplomacy, and cross-cultural understanding. AMMUN is supported by a leadership structure and local conferences.

Social & Hobbies
Students participate in social and hobby clubs including Lego League, Scrabble, band, choir, photography, origami, and jewellery making. Dance and drama productions provide additional creative outlets and opportunities for collaboration. The school supports a range of informal interest-based groups that complement academic life. These activities foster peer-to-peer interaction and social development.

Community & Service
ABS includes community service elements through a set of awards coordinated by the El Hassan Youth Award Office, including the Duke of Edinburgh International Award and the El Hassan Youth Award Bronze and Silver levels, as well as the Sarvath El Hassan Award and the Al Sawsanah Award. The AMMUN program emphasizes civic responsibility and engagement as part of its leadership activities. Students participate in local and regional conferences that often involve service-oriented topics and community outreach.

Leadership & Professional
Leadership development is supported by AMMUN's leadership teams and the student officer structure. ABS participates in the Round Square network, which emphasizes leadership, service, and international-mindedness. A House system and mentor groups provide structured opportunities for student leadership and wellbeing initiatives. The school also offers programs that foster mentoring, teamwork, and professional skills through co-curricular activities.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
ABS operates a House and mentor system with a dedicated wellbeing program to support student welfare. The El Hassan Youth Award framework promotes personal development, resilience, and goal setting. The Round Square network reinforces wellbeing alongside service and outdoor learning experiences. Overall, the co-curricular program is designed to balance academics with physical activity, mindfulness, and social-emotional growth.
Languages

Language Provision
Languages taught include Arabic, English, French, and Spanish. Arabic and English are core languages across the school, with Grades 4–6 offering Spanish or French as additional languages taught by specialists. In the IB Middle Years Programme (Grades 7–10), language options include Arabic Language and Literature or Arabic Language Acquisition, English Language and Literature, and French or Spanish Language Acquisition. For the Diploma Programme (Grades 11–12), the language of instruction is English, and IB language subjects include Arabic B, Arabic A LAL, French B, and Spanish AB.

Bilingual Teaching
ABS provides a bilingual education in Arabic and English. In Kindergarten (KG1–KG2), each class has a bilingual teaching team with one Arabic homeroom teacher and one English homeroom teacher. In Primary (Grades 1–6), the programme integrates Arabic Language with the English component—English language and Units of Inquiry form the backbone of the English side—and Grades 4–6 offer Spanish or French as an additional language taught by specialists. In Middle School (Grades 7–10), most students study bilingually as part of the IB Middle Years Programme.

Immersion Programs
ABS uses its bilingual framework as the core immersion model for language learning. The Primary School KG classes feature bilingual Arabic–English instruction, and the Primary Programme maintains a bilingual approach across Grades 1–6. In Grades 7–10, many students study bilingually within the MYP, and an International Section exists for non-Arabic-speaking students from Grade 7 onward, with Arabic language learning at their level and World Religions taught for International Section students.
Admissions

Admissions
Step 1: Initiate the application through ABS's online admissions portal. An Administration Fee of 100 JOD is payable at the time of application and is non-refundable. For Primary applications, payments can also be made at the HRH Princess Sarvath El Hassan Welcome Center during Sunday–Thursday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM. The Admissions team is available to answer questions as you begin the process.

Step 2: Complete the required assessments and interviews. Admission tests and interviews assess mathematics skills and proficiency in the languages of instruction (English and Arabic), with a note that International Students starting Grade 6 may have a language accommodation. The school emphasizes a bilingual program and ensures applicants can participate fully in the ABS curriculum. Language proficiency in both English and Arabic is important for the process.

Step 3: Expect potential references and verification. ABS reserves the right to contact an applicant's previous schools for confidential references. Assessment results and interview outcomes are the governing factors for admission from KG1 onward. You may be asked to provide prior records to support the application.

Step 4: If demand exceeds places, your child will be placed on a waiting list. Applicants are listed in order of date of application, with priority governed by the Admissions Department's policies. The policy aims to manage placement fairly when spaces are limited.

Step 5: If a place is offered, proceed with entry enrollment. The Enrollment Fee is 1,500 JOD and is payable upon confirmation of entry (non-refundable). The school also notes that the Enrollment Fee is distinct from other fees and secures entry into ABS.

Step 6: For existing ABS families, a seat reservation may be required to secure a seat for the next academic year. The Seat Reservation Fee is 1,000 JOD, due by January 31, 2026, and is deductible from the tuition fee. If the fee is not paid, ABS reserves the right not to guarantee a seat for the next year.

Step 7: Arrange tuition payment according to the stated schedule. Total tuition fees are due by March 31, 2025, with options to pay the full annual amount or via three post-dated cheques dated 31 March 2025, 30 September 2025, and 31 January 2026 (or as otherwise accepted). ABS reserves the right to offer seats to waiting list candidates if payments are not received by the due date.

Step 8: Be aware of Additional Learning Needs and related fees. If a student requires a fully modified curriculum for Additional Educational Needs, an extra charge of 30% will be added to tuition. Separate Assessment Fees apply (KG1–KG2: 175 JOD; Grades 1–9: 325 JOD; SSS assessments: 75 JOD). These costs cover the necessary supports and specialized services.

Step 9: Understand withdrawal terms. If you withdraw after January 31, 2026, the Seat Reservation Fee becomes non-refundable. If withdrawal occurs during the academic year after fees have been paid, one month's fee (calculated as 1/9 of the tuition) is due for each month or partial month of notice not given. This ensures a clear, orderly transition.

Scholarships
ABS offers academic merit scholarships and financial assistance distinct from general tuition. The Academic Scholarship Programme recognises outstanding results for Grades 7–10 and provides a 20% tuition discount for eligible Year‑to‑Year students; awards are made by the Academic Scholarship Committee at the end of each academic year and are not automatically renewable except that Grade 11 scholarships can roll over to Grade 12 if disciplinary standards are exemplary. Eligibility includes maintaining a minimum overall average (6.7 or higher), strong behavior, and active participation in enrichment programs; there is no formal application process, as the committee selects recipients. Renewal requires maintaining the same academic standard and exemplary conduct, with possible discretionary adjustments in exceptional cases. The scholarship is applied retrospectively at the start of the new academic year. BEF scholarships and the Financial Assistance Programme provide additional support: BEF-funded bursaries and the Financial Assistance Programme are available to attract and retain high‑quality entrants and to support existing families who have been enrolled for at least one year.

Waitlist
ABS uses a waiting list rather than a pool system. When application numbers exceed the number of places available at a grade level, applicants are placed on a waiting list in order of the date of application. Priority is determined by the Admissions Department's policies, which guide how seats are allocated as spaces become available. This means earliest applicants have a higher likelihood of entry as vacancies arise.
School Events
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