Al-Farid Star Academy & Schools vs International Pioneers Academy
Al-Farid Star Academy & Schools and International Pioneers Academy are both in Amman, about 1 km apart. Both schools offer Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels, Pearson Edexcel IGCSE and American programmes. Al-Farid Star Academy & Schools also offers BTEC Qualification and Advanced Placement (AP), and International Pioneers Academy also offers Bespoke. Published annual fees are close, at JOD 1,785 - 5,170 for Al-Farid Star Academy & Schools and JOD 1,820 - 5,500 for International Pioneers Academy. Both take pupils from 3 to 18.
Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels, Pearson Edexcel IGCSE, BTEC Qualification, American Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP)
Curriculum
American Curriculum, Bespoke Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels, Pearson Edexcel IGCSE
Pupils
Pupils
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Pupils
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Typical class size
Typical class size
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Typical class size
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Instruction language
Instruction language
Arabic, English
Instruction language
Arabic, English
Opened
Opened
2019
Opened
2004
Bus service
Bus service
No
Bus service
No
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
Located in Al-Jubaiha, a quiet area in West Amman. It serves many areas in West Amman.
Location
International Pioneers Academy is located in Amman, Jordan. Public listings place the campus on Adib Awamleh Street in the Jubeiha area, Amman 11910, with coordinates around 32.0335 N, 35.8882 E. Transport links and nearby residential and commercial areas are typical of western Amman locations.
Stages
Stages
Kindergarten; The First Three Grades Section; The Girl's Section; The Boy's Section; The International Section
Stages
The school is described as offering an international education program for primary and secondary students.
School type
School type
Private school
School type
The school operates as a private, co-educational day school.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
Diverse mix of local and international students
Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
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Additional learning support
There is no publicly published information about Additional Learning Needs (SEN) provisions.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
Jordan
Country affiliation
Jordan.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
Islam
Religious affiliation
No religious affiliation is listed in public directories.
School day structure
School day structure
Official timings: 7:30 AM – 2:00 PM, Sunday to Thursday
School day structure
School days are described with morning start times around 7:30–8:00 a.m. and end times around 3:00–3:15 p.m., with variations across listings. Some sources also note Saturday hours or half-day patterns.
Bus service details
Bus service details
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Bus service details
Public information about a school bus service is not readily available from public listings.
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Application and admission fees - Registration (seat reservation) fee: JOD 150. This registration fee is credited toward the annual tuition balance. - First-time admission fee (one-off): JOD 100. This fee is separate from tuition and is charged when a student is accepted. - Transportation reservation fee (when applicable): JOD 100. This fee is treated as a reservation and is non-refundable under the school's withdrawal rules.
Per-term breakdown and billing schedule - Required deposit / first payment: 50% of the annual tuition is payable upon successful completion of the admission interview and assessments (this payment acts as the first instalment). - Remaining balance: Parents are required to provide a post-dated, non-transferable cheque covering the remaining annual tuition balance dated 2 January 2027; this follows settlement of the first-semester fees. This creates a two-part billing structure in practice: the initial 50% instalment and the remaining balance collected in the second instalment. - Early-payment option: A 5% discount on tuition is applied when the full annual tuition is paid in full before 31 August 2026. - Payment methods accepted: cash, cheque (including post-dated cheques as required), debit card, and eFAWATEERcom (electronic bill payment).
Transportation (bus) fees and billing - Transportation is charged by zone; listed one-way monthly examples (JOD): - Zone 1: JOD 350 (round trip JOD 250 for one-way listing indicates rates for directions are published). - Zone 2: JOD 510 (one-way JOD 350). - Zone 3: JOD 630 (one-way JOD 450). - Zone 4: JOD 690 (one-way JOD 480). - Zone 5: JOD 740 (one-way JOD 530). - Zone 6: JOD 800 (one-way JOD 550). - Zone 7: JOD 850 (one-way JOD 600). - Zone 8: JOD 900 (one-way JOD 640). - Areas not listed are assigned to the nearest zone and fees are decided by the Administration/Transportation Department. For safety reasons buses do not enter narrow or unpaved roads. Transportation fees are billed separately from tuition and are not included in tuition discounts.
Other recurring or optional charges - Student waiting service (kindergarten and Grades 1–3): JOD 20 per month per student; additional children on the same service: JOD 15 per month each. These charges are added to the tuition account and paid with tuition instalments. - Student accident insurance: coverage for accidents on school premises and on school transport is provided free of charge, with a maximum compensation cap stated by the insurer (coverage terms apply). - Textbooks and uniforms: Parents purchase textbooks and uniforms at the start of the year after settling first-semester tuition instalments; specific prices for textbooks and uniforms are handled at point of sale. - Extracurricular activities, field trips, examination or external assessment fees (where applicable) may be charged separately when relevant to particular grades or programmes.
Boarding fees - Boarding is not applicable. The school operates as a day school with transportation and day services; there is no published boarding programme or associated boarding fees.
Refund and cancellation rules - The registration fee of JOD 150 and the transportation reservation fee of JOD 100 are non-refundable if withdrawal occurs after 30 June 2026. The registration fee is nevertheless credited toward the tuition balance at enrolment. - Enrollment contracts are issued for a single academic year and are not automatically renewed; required student documentation must be submitted by stated deadlines or the school may decline enrollment even if tuition has been paid. Parents should note these conditions when considering cancellation.
Summary of accepted payment methods and administrative notes - Accepted payment methods: cash, cheque (including post-dated cheques), debit card, and eFAWATEERcom. Post-dated cheques are used to secure the remaining annual balance (example date required by policy: 2 January 2027). - Discounts apply to tuition only (not to transportation). Sibling and merit-based discounts are applied per the school's discounts policy; early full payment earns a 5% tuition discount if completed by 31 August 2026.
Fee details
Registration and Application Fees
New Student Fee: A one-time registration fee of JOD 100 applies to new students.
Health Insurance: An annual fee of JOD 25 covers health and accident insurance.
High School (Grades 9–12): Grade 9 JOD 4300, Grade 10 JOD 4475, Grade 11 JOD 4755, Grade 12 JOD 5075.
Vocational: Grade 10 BTEC is JOD 5500; Grade 11 BTEC is JOD 4150.
Additional Costs and Information
Miscellaneous Fees: JOD 100 generally. International students pay JOD 120 (Grades 1–3), JOD 190 (Grade 6), or JOD 230 (Grade 8).
Books: National program books range from JOD 15 to JOD 85. International program books range from JOD 165 to JOD 190+, varying by grade and plan.
Graduation Fees: KG JOD 60; Grade 12 National JOD 100; Grade 12 International JOD 150.
Optional Services: Waiting service (until 3:00 PM for KG–Grade 3) is JOD 160 annually.
Exclusions: Fees do not cover uniforms or external international exams.
Discounts
A 5% discount applies to Kindergarten and Grade 1 students.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
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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
Cambridge Path Accreditation is held, offering Cambridge Primary (K-5), Secondary (6-8), Upper Secondary (IGCSE/O-Level) (9-10), and Cambridge Advanced (A-Level) (11-12). Cognia accreditation for the American pathway is also held, with Cognia delivering the American High School Diploma. Beginning with the 2025–2026 academic year, the Kindergarten Department is bilingual. The International Section uses the British curriculum through Cambridge, Edexcel, and Oxford AQA, while the American pathway uses Cognia, AP College Board, and EST. The English-language reading program contains 19 levels to develop reading and listening skills, with French added as a third language and Arabic remaining core. A BTEC qualification has been introduced in Grade 10 in both the International Section (Information Technology) and the National Section (Business Administration and Information Technology).
Curriculum details
International Pioneers Academy (IPA) in Amman, Jordan offers two curricula: the National Program aligned to Jordan's national curriculum and the International Program aligned with Cambridge International Examinations. IPA's campuses include Kindergarten, a Girls' School, a Secondary Boys' School, and an International Program division. The International Program follows Cambridge standards and has Cambridge-related achievements, including Outstanding Cambridge Learner Award recognitions. Graduates are tracked separately by program, with distinct International Program Graduates and National Program Graduates listed in IPA's alumni records. The curriculum scope includes enrichment programs, supportive education, and educational technology, with digital learning platforms and e-School integration.
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
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Social & emotional learning
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Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
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Special educational needs (SEN)
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English as an additional language
English as an additional language
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English as an additional language
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Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
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Mental wellbeing
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Safeguarding
Safeguarding
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Safeguarding
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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
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Sports facilities
Sports facilities
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Sports facilities
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Academic facilities
Academic facilities
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Academic facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
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Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
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History
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Community
Community
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Community
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Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
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Parent teacher association
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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
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Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
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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) Age-based eligibility for admission. Admission is organized by grade level and birth year. First Grade is for children born in 2020; Preparatory is for those born in 2021; Nursery (Bustan) is for those born in 2022; Play Class is for those born in 2023. The school reviews applicants to determine alignment with these age requirements.
2) Documents for new entrants in nursery or first grade (Jordanian inside the Kingdom). A certified birth certificate showing the national number. A copy of the family book (father's page, mother's page, and student's page). A copy of the immunization card. Two passport-size photos. The certificate from the previous year for the grades seven, eight, and nine.
3) Documents for non-Jordanians inside the Kingdom. Palestinians: birth certificate and a copy certified by the embassy, the approval from Follow-up and Inspection, and a passport copy for Gaza residents. Syrians: security card, a letter from the Commission, and a certified copy of the birth certificate or a passport copy. Iraqis, Egyptians, and other nationalities: birth certificate copy with the original, a passport copy certified by the respective embassy, and a residence card (except Gulf states without residence).
4) Students from outside the Kingdom. Parents must bring the documents described above or their equivalents certified by authorities from the previous country, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the embassy, and then the Ministry of Education / Private Education Department. The documents must be brought before 30/09/2026.
5) Documents for students in grade 2 and above. The complete student file from the previous school, including the birth certificate and the items described in (2). Certificate of the last grade studied (first and second terms) plus certificates for seventh and eighth grades. Grade results certificate. Student status record. Transfer letter certified by the Directorate of Education / Private Education Department indicating clearance or settlement of financial obligations with the school being transferred from.
6) Grounds for admitting new students. Admission of a new student, if a seat is available, depends on: passing the personal interview with the head of the section (bringing the last year's certificate). The student and guardian must review and sign the Student Code of Conduct. Passing the admission tests in Arabic, English, and Mathematics.
7) Note on missing documents. If the required file and documents are not brought by the scheduled date, the schools reserve the right to refuse admission even if tuition has been paid.
8) After acceptance and enrollment. The student is admitted and registered in the school according to the above steps. After passing the interview and tests, the guardian pays 50% of the tuition. A registration fee of 150 dinars and a transfer fee of 100 dinars apply if withdrawal occurs after 30/06/2026. The guardian may pay tuition in installments. The registration contract is for one academic year and is not automatically renewed.
Admissions
1. Admissions season and initial priority. The admissions season begins annually in April. IPA provides priority registration for current IPA students until the end of June. After June, new applicants from outside IPA and returning IPA students have equal priority, and admission is determined on a first-come, first-served basis. The annual registration bulletin is part of the registration contract for the upcoming school year.
2. New student admissions by grade. For Kindergarten, admission requires a personal interview conducted by the kindergarten administration. For students in Grades 1 through 3, admission requires a personal interview with the school administration. For Grades 4 through 10, admission requires a written test in Arabic, English, and Mathematics, followed by a personal interview with the school administration. For Grades 11–12, there are two tracks: the National Program requires a written test in core subjects and a personal interview; the International Program uses external exam results plus an interview.
3. Enrollment contract and initial steps after admission. After acceptance, the registration contract covers one academic year and is not automatically renewed; parents must review the contract with the admissions office, sign it, and pay the applicable fees to enroll the student for the next year. The contract and the terms are tied to the annual registration bulletin, which is considered part of the contract.
4. Renewal of existing students and ongoing requirements. For renewing existing students, payments must be made according to the official fee schedule and the parent must sign the registration contract for the new academic year after reviewing it. The renewal process is described as part of the contract renewal requirements.
5. Next steps and contact. For additional details, families can contact the admissions team at +962 65 300 888. IPA is located in Amman, Jordan (11910), on Adib Awamleh Street, Jubeihah. These contact points are published for prospective families seeking clarification about admissions timelines, documents, and fees.
Scholarships
Scholarships
Sibling discount on tuition totals: second child 5%, third 10%, fourth 15%, fifth 20%, sixth 25%. Quran memorization scholarships apply to tuition: full memorization yields 100% discount; partial memorization yields a proportional discount based on the number of parts memorized; the scholarship lasts one year and begins for eligible students (memorization intake begins 2/7/2026 for students advancing from primary to secondary). For students arriving from outside the schools, a minimum average of 90% is required, and the scholarship is awarded to the top ten evaluations. Academic excellence discounts: for 4th–10th grade (national program) the top student receives 20% and the second top student 10%. For Grade 11 (First Secondary) a 25% discount is awarded to the student with 97–100% average; for Grade 12 a 50% discount is awarded for 95–97%; 100% is awarded for 97.1% and above. Early payment discount: 5% off the tuition if the full amount is paid by 31/8/2026. Union and military discounts: 5% off for qualifying families. Children of employees: 50% discount for two children. Discount rules: all discounts apply to tuition only and do not include transportation; discounts cannot exceed 100% of the tuition; discounts do not stack; when multiple discounts apply, the highest discount is used. The top three students in each section of the primary grades receive a certificate of appreciation and a physical prize.
Scholarships
IPA maintains a Scholarships, Discounts and Rewards page, and the annual Registration Bulletin includes information about procedures and requirements for registration, including scholarships. Current-year scholarship options and eligibility are not published in accessible pages and must be requested from the admissions office.
Waitlist
Waitlist
The waiting service is provided for nursery and the first three grades at 20 dinars per month, and waiting lasts until the third hour of the day; during Ramadan it lasts until the second hour and during final exam periods. If there is more than one child in the waiting service, a monthly fee of 15 dinars is charged for each additional child. Waitlist fees are included in tuition installments and paid with the tuition installments.
Waitlist
There is no formal waitlist or pool system described in IPA's published admissions policies.