MAS IBDP Admissions Policy - Updated

MODERN AMERICAN SCHOOL ‫المدرسة األمريكية الحديثة‬ International Baccalaureate Programmes (IB PYP, IB MYP & IBDP) American High School Diploma Program COGNIA for Schools (AdvancED)

Admissions Policy

IB Mission Statement The International Baccalaureate aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. To this end, the organization works with schools, governments and international organizations to develop challenging programmes of international education and rigorous assessment. These programmes encourage learners across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners, who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.

MAS Vision Statement The Vision of the Modern American School in Amman is to nurture lifelong learners and global thinkers to become responsible citizens with leadership qualities and universal values while instilling pride in one’s cultural identity.

MAS Mission Statement The Mission of the Modern American School is to provide learners with an engaging and challenging blended learning environment within a diverse community. The school focuses on international programs, caters to learners’ well-being, fosters international-mindedness, and offers various opportunities and experiences that contribute to learners’ growth.

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School Philosophy The Modern American School aims to foster a high standard of comprehensive dual education, from its pre-k through grade 12 programs, that meets and integrates national and international standards.

The philosophy of MAS rests on the conviction that students should be prepared to become contributing and responsible world citizens and participants in an evolving multicultural society. MAS, in partnership with parents and the wider community, instils in its students the spirit of culture, flexibility, international understanding, pride, creativity, respect, and appreciation for their heritage and environment. Students are encouraged to see all human beings as equal, irrespective of religion, culture, ethnic origin or gender, and to deal with each other with mutual respect and compassion. Through its rigorous yet diverse programs, the school aims to guide students in discovering fulfilment and enjoyment in ethical, intellectual, and artistic achievements of human endeavor.

MAS views each student as a unique individual to be challenged, thereby achieving their potential and experiencing the opportunity to succeed. In light of a rapidly evolving world, it is necessary to prepare MAS students to be leaders, ready to meet the challenges of technology, global changes and peacebuilding. Thus, it is the school’s mission to direct the energy of our youth into a creative force, shaping their characters into mature, healthy, independent, well-rounded, and conscientious members of the community capable of critical thinking and problem-solving.

The Modern American School shall consider for admission students who meet all the admission requirements set forth by MAS and the Ministry of Education and will strive to excel in their studies and personal growth.

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General Policy The Modern American School is an elite international co-educational school that caters to all levels from pre-kindergarten to grade 12 and is open to students who can contribute successfully to our multicultural community without discrimination of gender, race, religion or nationality. Our student body is multicultural and comprises citizens from 52 different countries. We revel in our heterogeneity and capitalize on the global benefits we receive from such a diverse understanding of the world.

MAS accepts students as long as they are of the required age and whose records and experiences indicate that they will succeed in and profit from the challenging international programs offered by the school with limited services for students with special learning needs.

The Modern American School adheres to the Jordanian Ministry of Education rules and regulations for Admissions.

Admission Procedures and Requirements Admission into MAS is based on the following requirements: • Successful completion of all registration procedures • Personal statement explaining why the applicant wishes to enroll in the American Program or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme at MAS • Successful completion of entry tests and an interview with the Admission Committee • Receiving all required documents Students coming from local schools: •

Transfer letter from the previous school

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Latest Ministry report card

Students coming from outside Jordan are required to have their last report card certified by the following entities: •

Ministry of Education/ Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the country of origin

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Jordanian Embassy/ Cultural Attaché in the country of origin

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Students with school transcripts from the UK must have their report cards certified by the British Council in Amman, Jordan.

Students with school transcripts from the USA must have their report cards certified by the AMIDEAST in Amman, Jordan.

Completing an application for admission into MAS is not a guarantee of acceptance. The following areas will be taken into consideration by the Admissions Committee when evaluating an application: •

English Language Proficiency

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Entrance Testing

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Learning Support

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Disciplinary Records

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Availability of Seats

All candidates will meet with the Admissions department. Applicants for grades 9- 12 will have the opportunity to meet with the Academic Advisor and/or IBDP Coordinator to help guide them in selecting the appropriate level of courses or selection of electives while paying close attention to the course prerequisites and graduation requirements.

IBDP Scholarship The Modern American School offers a scholarship program for the IBDP to recognize and support outstanding students who demonstrate strong academic potential, leadership qualities, and a commitment to community engagement. Scholarships are awarded through a competitive process that may include academic records, entrance examinations, interviews, and recommendations. The program is designed to make the IBDP accessible to deserving students and to encourage excellence, responsibility, and international mindedness. Scholarship recipients are expected to maintain high academic standards and uphold the values of the school throughout their participation in the programme.

Language Criteria English is the primary language of instruction throughout the school. Students who are not proficient in English will be accepted if they are able to develop proficiency in English sufficient to enter the American High School Diploma Program or the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.

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Learning Support Applicants with learning differences, difficulties, or language needs will be considered for admission following evaluations by the academic support team to ensure the school can meet the student’s needs.

Academic support is the strategies, practices, accommodations, and resources that provide learning support to students in languages, math, and unit of inquiry (science and social studies).

The academic support team meets with the parent/guardian of the applicant, introduces the programs offered by the school and signs a letter of agreement according to which the student will be registered for the academic support program (ASL). If require an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) will be developed and implemented to cast light on the student’s needs. Besides, the student will receive accommodations with exams, homework, and other assessment areas. Specific comments will be mentioned in the student’s report card, indicating the support given. The learning support will continue until the academic support team confirms the student’s progress and improvement to be withdrawn from the program.

Parents/ legal guardians of students with a specific need must submit complete reports with the application. Applicants with learning issues will be considered for admission following evaluations by the learning support team to ensure the school can meet the needs of the student.

Academic Integrity Students are expected to maintain personal integrity in conduct and work habits, following the academic honesty expectations and integrity policy of MAS based on national and international standards.

Student Rights and Responsibilities Students have the right to a safe, healthy, and engaging learning environment. They are entitled to have the opportunity to learn, set goals, reflect, act responsibly to effect change, and participate in school activities free from discrimination of any nature. Students must conduct themselves in a manner conducive to learning and work to the best of their abilities to succeed academically. They are expected to demonstrate respect for themselves and all school community members.

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Access to Admission Policy The policy may be accessed on the school’s website and the school's admission office. Whenever the policy is updated, a new version is made available.

Admission Policy Review The development, implementation, and regular review of the Admission Policy are collaborative responsibilities shared by stakeholders. Teachers, programme coordinators, and school leadership collectively ensure that the policy continues to reflect the school’s mission and the principles of fairness, inclusion, and transparency in student admissions.

The IB Programme Coordinator is responsible for ensuring that any new or updated IB guidance related to admissions, access, or inclusion is reflected in the school’s Admission Policy.

The last review meeting was held on May 2025.

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