As much of the world still reels from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the future of international education remains uncertain with borders remaining closed and student visas cancelled. In one little corner of the world however, King’s Academy — a premier international boarding school in Jordan — provides reassurance that opportunities for students to pursue academic excellence and to have an exciting global cultural experience are well within reach. Read on for a few of the reasons why students should consider enrolling at King’s Academy, now.

A diverse international student body

King’s Academy is not just an education, it is an experience. In the words of His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan, the school’s founder: “Beyond learning to be independent, creative and responsible, and to think for themselves, our students learn to respect and celebrate diversity. At King’s, they quickly discover how the differences between us enrich our experiences and broaden our horizons.” With a student body of around 600 who come from 44 countries worldwide, and with over 70% of all students boarding, King’s students find that they learn as much about the world in their dorms as in the classrooms.

Uncompromising academic excellence

King’s Academy has a strong reputation for academic excellence, and a proven track record of not compromising that excellence even under the most challenging circumstances. At the start of the COVID-19 crisis, the school seamlessly transitioned to an online learning environment ensuring that learning continued to be varied and stimulating.

As the situation globally gradually improves, King’s has fully re-opened in person, enabling students to get the full benefit of the King’s Academy experience within its sprawling 144 acre campus that encompasses state-of-the-art classrooms, laboratories and athletic facilities, a 50,000 book library, a multi-faith spiritual center and an astronomical observatory.

The school’s academic program, grounded in the liberal arts and sciences, offers students Advanced Placement exams in 28 subjects, as well as a variety of electives in history, religion and the fine and performing arts. King’s co-curricular program also provides students with a wide range of opportunities — over 80 activities speaking to every passion and interest — that aim to inspire a lifelong love of learning in students.

Universities worldwide agree that King’s offers its students an excellent and well-rounded academic experience. In 2020, 280 of the world’s top universities made offers to King’s students. 

Location, location, location

King’s Academy is situated in the rural countryside near the historic town of Madaba in Jordan, which is located in the peaceful heart of the Middle East. The campus is only a half-hour drive from the country’s main international airport and from the capital, Amman. Boasting a robust residential boarding program with eight dorms and 463 single dorm rooms, King’s is within comfortable traveling distance for international students from countries in the region as well as those farther afield. Jordan has also been ranked repeatedly as one of the safest countries globally and is known for being an oasis of security in the Middle East.

Jordan’s location, and reputation for security, makes it a popular destination for international students interested in understanding the history and politics of the region, and of course, in studying Arabic. King’s Arabic Year program attracts students from the best schools in the United States, who are seeking the cultural and educational benefits of living and learning in a different part of the world. Arabic Year offers a combination of specialized courses in Arabic language, history and culture as well opportunities to soak in the history and culture of the Middle East through off-campus excursions.

Jordan has thousands of unique historical, natural and cultural offerings which means students have endless opportunities for fun, adventure, exploration and learning. Students can visit the world wonder Petra and ancient Roman city Jerash, float in the Dead Sea, and explore the desert of Wadi Rum — where movies such as Star Wars: Episode IX, Aladdin and The Martian were all filmed on location!

A safe and healthy environment

As of the end of 2021, almost 100% of King’s Academy students, faculty and staff have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, with many having also received booster shots. To support its community in protecting itself from the worse effects of the virus, King’s has organized multiple vaccination clinics, enabling students, employees, and their families to conveniently get vaccination and booster shots on campus. In parallel with its vaccination drive, the school helps to maintain confidence in the community’s health by conducting scheduled as well as random testing.