Arab Model Schools

Community Profile: International Flavour, Jordanian Soul

Arab Model Schools occupies an interesting position in Amman's educational landscape: it is simultaneously a local institution with deep Jordanian roots and an international school that welcomes families from across the world.

Student Demographics

Approximately 800 students are currently enrolled, representing around 25 nationalities. However, the demographic balance is distinctly local: roughly 85% of students are Jordanian, with international (expatriate) students making up approximately 15%. This ratio — about 17:3 local to international — distinguishes AMS from expatriate-majority international schools. The school is genuinely integrated into the Amman community rather than being a bubble of foreign nationals.

A Day School with a Community Focus

AMS is exclusively a day school; it has no boarding programme. This means the school community is deeply embedded in Amman family life, with parents and students closely connected to the city. The school's location in Tela'a Al Ali — a residential neighbourhood in west Amman — places it within reach of most of the city's residential areas, with school buses covering all major districts.

The Tafawok Scholarship: Investing in Local Talent

The school's flagship scholarship, the Tafawok Academic Scholarship Programme, is exclusively available to Jordanian citizens or legal residents with a minimum 85% academic average from Grade 8 onwards. This merit-based programme underscores the school's commitment to recognising and rewarding local academic excellence, making the international programme accessible to high-achieving Jordanian students who might otherwise be priced out.

Uniform and School Culture

All students are required to wear the school uniform, a practice that the school explicitly links to fostering a sense of community and shared identity across the school's diverse nationalities and backgrounds. Combined with the bilingual environment, the shared uniform serves as a daily equaliser that brings together students from different social and national backgrounds under a common banner — the Falcon.

From Humble Beginnings to a Multi-Curriculum Institution

Arab Model Schools (AMS) was established in 1983 by a group of dedicated educators and community leaders in Amman, Jordan, with the goal of creating an academically excellent school rooted in Arab heritage. The school began as a kindergarten-to-Grade 6 institution following the Jordanian national curriculum, but its ambitions were always larger.

By 1991, AMS had expanded to a full K–12 program, offering both Literary and Scientific streams at the secondary level — a significant milestone that positioned the school as a serious academic destination for Amman families. The school's commitment to high standards and the philosophy of 'learning by doing' drove steady growth in both enrollment and reputation.

The most transformative chapter came in 2008, when AMS was approved to launch the Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) program through the British Council, followed by Edexcel A-Levels for Grades 11–12. This opened the door for students seeking internationally recognised qualifications, attracting expatriate families and locally ambitious Jordanian students alike.

In 2019, AMS took another leap forward by receiving accreditation to offer the American AP (Advanced Placement) program, adding a third academic track and becoming one of the few schools in Jordan to offer British, American, and Jordanian curricula simultaneously. This evolution reflects the school's ongoing mission to maximise educational opportunities and prepare graduates for universities worldwide.

Today, with approximately 800 students from around 25 nationalities, AMS stands as a testament to four decades of purposeful growth — a school that has consistently expanded its horizons while staying true to its founding mission of nurturing an Arab identity and a love of learning.

How AMS Selects Its Students

Admissions at Arab Model Schools are designed to be accessible rather than exclusionary. There is no formal written entrance examination — a deliberate policy that lowers the barrier to entry and reflects the school's commitment to serving a broad cross-section of the Amman community.

The Application Process

Prospective students apply by submitting their academic records (transcripts from previous schools), after which they are invited to attend an in-person interview. For younger students this is typically informal; for older applicants, particularly those entering the international programme at secondary level, the interview is a more substantive assessment of fit and readiness. There is no separate parent interview requirement published, though families are naturally involved in the process.

Availability and Waiting Lists

Places are offered based on availability, and AMS does maintain waiting lists for some grades when demand exceeds capacity. This suggests that the school is popular and that early application is advisable, particularly for the international programme. Applications for the following academic year typically open in the spring, with the scholarship programme's application window running through approximately April.

Programme Selection

At the point of application, families choose between the Jordanian National Programme and the International Programme (British IGCSE/A-Level or American AP). This choice shapes the student's academic journey and examination pathway. Students enrolled in the national programme sit Tawjihi; those in the international programme pursue IGCSE, A-Levels, or AP qualifications.

Language Considerations

While AMS does not publish a formal English language test requirement, the international programme is delivered primarily in English. Students joining the international track are expected to have sufficient English proficiency to access the curriculum, and the school offers additional English language support classes for those who need assistance settling in. Similarly, Arabic language support is available for non-native Arabic speakers joining either track.

A Rare Multi-Curriculum Approach

One of AMS's most distinctive features is its ability to offer three distinct academic pathways within a single school community. This is unusual even by international school standards and gives the student body a breadth of options rarely found outside major capital cities.

The Jordanian National Track

Students enrolled in the national program follow the Ministry of Education curriculum, culminating in the Tawjihi (General Secondary Certificate Examination). This track is deeply rooted in Arabic language, Islamic studies, and Jordanian social sciences, providing a strong grounding in local heritage and culture. It remains the pathway for students planning to attend Jordanian universities or whose families prioritise continuity with the national education system.

The British International Track (IGCSE/A-Level)

Launched in 2008 in partnership with the British Council, this track prepares students for Cambridge IGCSE examinations in Grades 9–10, followed by Pearson/Edexcel A-Level examinations in Grades 11–12. The British track is widely recognised by universities in the UK, Europe, the Middle East, and beyond. Subject offerings include English Language & Literature, Mathematics, the Sciences (Physics, Chemistry, Biology), Computer Science, Business Studies, and Economics, among others.

The American Track (AP/SAT)

Approved in 2019 and bolstered by AMS's designation as an official College Board AP and SAT testing centre, the American track allows students to earn Advanced Placement credits recognised by US universities. This relatively new track has broadened the school's appeal to families with links to North America.

Assessment and University Outcomes

The multi-track model means that AMS students sit a wide variety of external examinations, which the school supports through dedicated preparation. Approximately 98–100% of AMS graduates go on to higher education, with alumni attending universities in Jordan, Turkey, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and further afield. While specific destination statistics are not published, the school's track record of near-universal university acceptance is a strong endorsement of its academic culture.

The Falcons Way: A Philosophy for Life

At the heart of Arab Model Schools' educational identity is 'The Falcons Way' — an honor code that governs not just academic conduct but the entire character development journey of every student. Rather than a set of rules, The Falcons Way is framed as a lifelong philosophy, one that students are expected to carry well beyond their time at AMS.

Core Values in Action

The school articulates six core values that define The Falcons Way: Integrity, Excellence, Courage, Curiosity, Unity, and Respect. These are not merely displayed on classroom walls; they are embedded in the school's approach to discipline, community service, student leadership, and daily interaction. The emphasis on integrity and trust-building reflects a belief that character is as important as academic attainment.

Mission and Vision

AMS's mission statement — "We nurture a generation rooted in Arab heritage, values, and traditions—empowered to lead, innovate, and contribute to a unified, free and thriving Arab society" — is unusually specific in its cultural focus. Unlike many international schools that adopt a generic global-citizen framework, AMS positions the strengthening of Arab identity as a core educational goal. The vision complements this: "To provide an education that strengthens Arab identity, fosters patriotism, and blends heritage with innovation to prepare future leaders."

Learning by Doing

The pedagogical expression of The Falcons Way is the principle of 'learning by doing'. AMS describes its teaching as taking education into the 'space age' with cutting-edge techniques, emphasising active, experiential, and project-based learning. This approach is reflected in the school's investment in STEM and robotics programmes, Model UN and Model Arab League participation, and community service activities.

A Bilingual, Bicultural Identity

The philosophy is also inherently bilingual. Arabic is the language of national identity and cultural pride; English is the language of international opportunity. By operating both tracks — and by encouraging students to excel in both languages — AMS cultivates graduates who are comfortable navigating Arab and global contexts simultaneously. This dual identity is arguably the school's most distinctive philosophical contribution.