Amman Baccalaureate School vs Modern American School

	A Amman Baccalaureate School Amman, Jordan	M Modern American School Amman, Jordan
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year JOD 7,252 - 16,913	Fees / year JOD 4,850 - 13,650
Age range	Age range 4 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type —
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), IBCP (International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme)	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), American Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 1,179	Pupils 1,000
Typical class size	Typical class size 6	Typical class size 23
Instruction language	Instruction language Arabic, English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1981	Opened 1986
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service —
Essentials	Essentials
Location	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.	Location The Modern American School is located in West Amman, Jordan. The campus address is 27 Bakhit Al Issa, Amman, Jordan, Airport Road – Building No. 00, Sweifieh. It is described as an elite international private school in West Amman and is associated with the American International Schools Worldwide Network.
Stages	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.	Stages The school serves students aged 3–18 and is organized into four divisions: Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle, and High School.
School type	School type ABS is a co-educational, private day school. It has no boarding facilities.	School type The school is co-educational, private, and operates as a day school.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	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.	Additional learning support The school provides language support through ESL (English as a Second Language) and ASL (Arabic as a Second Language) programs, and uses differentiated instruction to support individual learning needs.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation ABS identifies as a Jordanian, non-profit institution.	Country affiliation No formal country affiliation; MAS operates as an international school in Jordan and is connected with the American International Schools Worldwide Network.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation There is no formal religious affiliation. ABS is non-denominational. Public descriptions indicate no specific church or faith ownership of the school.	Religious affiliation No religious affiliation is stated; MAS emphasizes inclusive, secular education.
School day structure	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.	School day structure Open School Hours for visits are Sunday–Thursday 8:00 AM–3:00 PM; Saturday 9:00 AM–2:00 PM; Fridays and national holidays are closed.
Bus service details	Bus service details 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.	Bus service details Bus services are available for all MAS students. The buses are well maintained and meet high safety standards; drivers carry cell phones and each bus has an assistant; transportation staff are trained in First Aid.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details 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).	Fee details Fees 2025–2026 — summary and instalments - Fees are given in Jordanian Dinars (JD) and are shown as three instalments with specific due dates: 1st instalment due 1 March 2025, 2nd instalment due 1 September 2025, 3rd instalment due 1 December 2025. Total annual tuition is the sum of the three instalments listed for each grade. Application / Admission fees - Admission fee (one-time, new students, Grades 1–12): JD 500. Tuition fees by year group (per instalment and annual total) - Pre, KG 1 (meals included): 1st instalment JD 1,565; 2nd instalment JD 1,565; 3rd instalment JD 1,570; Annual total JD 4,700. - KG 2 (meals included): 1st instalment JD 1,600; 2nd instalment JD 1,600; 3rd instalment JD 1,600; Annual total JD 4,800. - Grade 1: 1st instalment JD 2,170; 2nd instalment JD 2,170; 3rd instalment JD 2,160; Annual total JD 6,500. - Grade 2: 1st instalment JD 2,240; 2nd instalment JD 2,240; 3rd instalment JD 2,220; Annual total JD 6,700. - Grade 3: 1st instalment JD 2,540; 2nd instalment JD 2,540; 3rd instalment JD 2,520; Annual total JD 7,600. - Grade 4: 1st instalment JD 2,620; 2nd instalment JD 2,620; 3rd instalment JD 2,610; Annual total JD 7,850. - Grade 5: 1st instalment JD 2,690; 2nd instalment JD 2,690; 3rd instalment JD 2,670; Annual total JD 8,050. - Grade 6: 1st instalment JD 2,750; 2nd instalment JD 2,750; 3rd instalment JD 2,750; Annual total JD 8,250. - Grade 7: 1st instalment JD 3,040; 2nd instalment JD 3,040; 3rd instalment JD 3,020; Annual total JD 9,100. - Grade 8: 1st instalment JD 3,070; 2nd instalment JD 3,070; 3rd instalment JD 3,060; Annual total JD 9,200. - American High School Diploma (Grades 9 & 10): 1st instalment JD 3,700; 2nd instalment JD 3,700; 3rd instalment JD 3,700; Annual total JD 11,100. - International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP, Grades 11 & 12): 1st instalment JD 4,550; 2nd instalment JD 4,550; 3rd instalment JD 4,550; Annual total JD 13,650. Transportation & additional mandatory / typical costs - Arabic books, supplies and services (Jordanian books, stationery, yearbook, printouts, photocopies): KG: JD 100; Grades 1–12: JD 375. - All English books (KG–Grade 12): available and sold at the school bookstore (costs charged separately). - IB & American curriculum textbooks are sold separately at the MAS Bookstore; external exam fees (IBDP, SAT, AP, ACT) are not included in tuition. - International accreditation / membership fee: JD 500 (Grades 1–12) covering accreditation-related visits and memberships. - Family discount: two siblings receive 10% each; third or more siblings receive 15% each (applies to tuition). Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition is billed in three instalments with stated due dates: 1 March 2025 (1st instalment), 1 September 2025 (2nd instalment), and 1 December 2025 (3rd instalment). Each instalment amount is listed by grade; the annual total equals the sum of the three instalments. Boarding fees - No boarding or residential fees are listed for this school; the fee schedules and admissions materials available list day-student tuition only. Uniforms, books, and school store - Uniforms and English/IB/American curriculum books are sold through the school bookstore; costs for these items are additional to tuition and are charged separately. The school provides on‑site assistance for purchases (store hours and availability announced through school communications). Refund information - No public refund policy for tuition or related fees is stated on the school's tuition, student registration, terms of use, or privacy pages. The available fee pages list instalments, admission fee and additional charges but do not publish a refund or cancellation schedule. Fee payment options - The published fee materials and admissions/registration pages list instalments, amounts and related charges but do not list specific accepted payment methods (for example: bank transfer details, credit card acceptance, or cash procedures) in the publicly available pages reviewed. Notes on scope of published information - The amounts, instalment dates, the JD currency, admission fee, additional charges (Arabic books, international accreditation fee), and sibling discount have been published as the school's 2025–2026 fee schedule. The school's public tuition and admissions pages do not publish a separate refund policy or the detailed payment-method instructions on the same pages.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options —	Food options —
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership —	Governance and ownership —
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details 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.	Curriculum details MAS offers three IB pathways and an American diploma track: IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) for ages 3–11, IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) for Grades 6–9, and IB Diploma Programme (DP) for Grades 11–12, alongside an American High School Diploma through Cognia (AdvancED). The school is an IB World School authorized to provide PYP, MYP, and DP and holds Cognia accreditation, with students prepared for external exams such as PSAT/NMSQT, SAT, AP, and GCE, and Tawjihi equivalency available for Jordanian university admission. Instruction is in English and Arabic, with two languages required; English, Arabic, and French are offered, and additional languages (Spanish, German, Japanese) may be available by demand, plus ESL and Arabic as a Second Language support. The DP emphasizes inquiry, intercultural understanding and global engagement, complemented by a mandatory community-service component (ACT) requiring a minimum 60 hours to graduate. Across all levels, MAS integrates technology (iPads in PK–6, laptops in Grades 7–12) and provides access to e-books and online learning platforms.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning —	Social & emotional learning —
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) —
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language —
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing —	Mental wellbeing —
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding —
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview —	Facilities overview —
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities —	Academic facilities —
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities —	Extra curricular facilities —
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History —	History —
Community	Community —	Community —
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual —	Academic & intellectual —
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative —
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language —
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies —
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing —
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision —	Language provision —
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
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.	Admissions 1. Meet with our Admissions Officer. The Admissions Officer meets with the parents of potential students, interviews potential students, and works with the Student Affairs Office throughout the registration process. The meeting provides firsthand information about MAS's academic programs, activities, and student support. The Admissions Officer also conducts an interview with the student and their parents that determines the preliminary admissions decision. 2. Take a Comprehensive Guided Tour of MAS. Tours allow parents and students to see the campus and facilities and to ask questions about the school. A Student Affairs officer conducts the tour, and tours typically take about 30 minutes. The tour helps families understand daily routines and the learning environment. 3. Complete a Placement Exam. The placement exam evaluates math and English abilities, with an optional Arabic section. Results determine the appropriate grade level, and high school students may meet with University & Academic Counselors for scheduling. Placement exams take about 1 hour 15 minutes and are graded immediately; language exams (Arabic and French) are used to place language courses after admission, and additional placement exams may be required for students with special educational needs. 4. Complete Application Package & Return it to Student Affairs. Parents receive an application package with forms to fill out at home and return after completion. Registration should occur before each term or school year as grade level sections may fill; if a section is full, applicants may be placed on a waiting list. Admission follows a non-discriminatory policy and depends on program fit; criteria do not include race, nationality, religion, or gender when making final decisions.
Scholarships	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.	Scholarships Academic scholarships are offered to new IBDP students for the 2025-2026 academic year. Applicants must submit an application form, past academic reports, a personal statement, and a certified birth certificate; eligible candidates are invited to an entrance exam in Math and English and to an interview. Scholarships cover tuition; awards are available to new Grade 11 students and are reviewed annually based on academic performance, with selection based on entrance test scores, past reports, references, and interviews.
Waitlist	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.	Waitlist Applicants may be placed on a waiting list if a grade level section is full.
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