The International Academy -, Amman
Key Stats
Annual Fees: US$5K - US$22K
Curriculum: IB
Age Range: 3-18
Students: ~1,200
Location: Tla'a Al-Ali, Amman
Updated April 2026
In Brief
IAA is a solid mid-tier IB option in Amman - not the results powerhouse that Amman Academy is, but a genuinely international community with strong pastoral care and a campus that works for families based in the northern suburbs. If you are comparing IB schools and Amman Academy is out of reach on fees or waitlist, IAA is the natural next conversation.
IAA opened in 2004 and has built a reputation as a school where the community is genuinely diverse - around 25 nationalities, which in Amman terms is meaningful. It sits on Tla'a Al-Ali, one of the quieter residential parts of the city, and the student body reflects the families who live nearby: a mix of Jordanian returnees, Arab diplomatic households, and international families posted to Amman. Unlike ACS, which tilts American, IAA is genuinely mixed in the way IB schools tend to be.
The school claims a 100% IB Diploma pass rate and reports that the vast majority of graduates score 36 or above. An overall average around 35 is credible for a school at this price point - below Amman Academy's exceptional 41.6, but competitive with most non-Nord Anglia IB schools in the region. Director Hana Kanan has been at the school for several years. Families who move here from other IB postings find the admissions process predictable and the teaching quality consistent. Teachers on Reddit threads describe the students as demanding, which in context means high parental expectations - common in schools that serve a professional class.
The main friction point is the jump in fees at the IB Diploma stage - JOD 15,928 per year for Grades 11-12, nearly double what KG2 costs. Add the JOD 1,200 registration fee and JOD 150 testing fee in Year 1, and the first year at a senior level becomes expensive. The school carries a waiting list at some grade levels; contact admissions early if you are targeting a specific year group.
What parents value
- –Genuinely international student body, 25+ nationalities, in a city where most schools are predominantly Jordanian. If you need your child to maintain social connections that travel internationally, this is one of the few places in Amman where that happens naturally.
- –Full IB continuum from Pre-K through Grade 12, accredited by CIS and NEASC. The institutional infrastructure is solid - library, sports facilities including a pool, semi-Olympic track, and dedicated theatre.
- –Director with established tenure; families describe a school with clear leadership and prompt communication when issues arise.
Points of consideration
- –Fees escalate sharply in the Diploma years - JOD 15,928 for Grades 11-12 puts IAA in the same bracket as ABS but without ABS's 35-year track record. Factor this in if you are comparing value across the IB schools.
- –Teacher feedback on international forums notes high parental pressure and demanding student expectations. If your child is coming from a more relaxed international school environment, the pace adjustment is worth discussing with admissions.
Annual Fees
| Year Group | Age | USDTotal Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| KG1 (Pre-K) | 3 | NaN |
| KG2 | 4 | NaN |
| KG3 | 5 | NaN |
| Grade 1 | 6 | NaN |
| Grade 2 | 7 | NaN |
| Grade 3 | 8 | NaN |
| Grade 4 | 9 | NaN |
| Grade 5 | 10 | NaN |
| Grade 6 | 11 | NaN |
| Grade 7 | 12 | NaN |
| Grade 8 | 13 | NaN |
| Grade 9 | 14 | NaN |
| Grade 10 | 15 | NaN |
| Grade 11 (IB Year 1) | 16 | NaN |
| Grade 12 (IB Year 2) | 17 | NaN |
Fees converted from JOD. For the most up to date and accurate figures please double check with the school.
Additional Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | NaN |
| Screening and Testing Fee | NaN |
| Registration Fee | NaN |
Academic Results
| IB DP Average | 35 |
Key results: IB DP Average 35.
Extra Curriculars
Contact the school for details on co-curricular activities and facilities. Ask what a normal week looks like outside lessons for your child's age group.
Inspections & Accreditations
Inspection
No published inspection details are currently available.
Accreditations
Accreditation details are not publicly listed.
Memberships
Membership details are not publicly listed.
Student Body
Amman's international schools draw a mix of Jordanian families, diplomatic households, and families on corporate packages. Contact the school for current enrolment breakdown by nationality.
Leadership
School leadership
Contact the school for current leadership details.