International schools in Zarqa are a small group of private programmes that most commonly offer British (Cambridge/IGCSE) and American - style pathways delivered mainly in English while keeping Arabic as a compulsory subject or mother-tongue track. The city has fewer full international-school options than Amman, so provision is smaller and more locally focused than in the capital. Many Zarqa schools do not publish detailed fee schedules online and tuition levels vary, so parents should request the current fee and extras list directly from each school. The Jordanian school year follows the national calendar (students usually start in late August or September), and international streams commonly expect completed application forms, basic English placement tests and attested academic records, so plan to begin enquiries several months before your move.
Which curricula will I find in Zarqa and how different are they?
In Zarqa you will most often encounter British (Cambridge/IGCSE) and American-style programmes or international streams that run alongside the Jordanian national programme; fully authorised IB schools are uncommon in Zarqa itself and are concentrated elsewhere in Jordan. The main differences are in assessment and progression: British programmes use IGCSEs and (where offered) A-levels, American programmes follow credit and diploma models, and the national Tawjihi track remains a separate Jordanian qualification.
What language(s) are used for teaching and how is Arabic handled?
International streams in Zarqa teach most subjects in English, with Arabic taught either as first language (for Jordanian students) or as a compulsory second language for international pupils. Schools typically balance English instruction with Arabic language and cultural studies to meet national requirements and to support bilingual families.
How much should we budget for school fees in Zarqa?
Tuition in Zarqa varies considerably and many schools do not publish full fee schedules online, so there is no single standard figure to rely on; fees in Zarqa generally tend to be lower than the premium international fees in Amman. Always ask each school for a written fee schedule that shows tuition, registration/application charges and likely extras (transport, uniforms, exams and school trips).
When should we apply and what does the admissions process usually involve?
Because Jordanian schools follow a late-August/September start, families relocating should begin enquiries and submit applications several months before term begins; many schools run admissions checks, English placement tests and require attested academic records or transcripts. Private international programmes commonly charge a non-refundable application fee and may hold interviews or entrance assessments for older year groups, so check each school’s published admissions timetable and documentation requirements early.
What practical things should a relocating family check when comparing Zarqa schools?
Look for clear information on the language of instruction, the curriculum and how the school supports English learners and Arabic speakers, as well as published policies on assessment, fees and transport. Also check student-teacher ratios, special educational needs (SEN) provision, and whether the school will assist with document attestation and equivalency for transfers - regional disparities in provision mean these operational details can vary widely between schools.
