Rising school costs strain parents amid economic challenges

AMMAN — As back-to-school season approaches, the rising costs of educational expenses and the daunting task of selecting the right school are becoming increasingly challenging for parents across the country, according to educators.

Noor Tarawneh, director of a private school in Amman, told The Jordan Times on Saturday that the costs of school supplies, tuition fees, uniforms and other essentials have surged significantly.

"In response to the economic challenges, our school has expanded its scholarship programmes to alleviate financial burdens on parents, encourage enrollment and maintain a diverse student body," Tarawneh said.

Wafaa Manaseer, a mother of two, said, “Nowadays, parents are worried about securing quality education for their children. Like many others, I've had to take out loans to cover the rising costs." She noted that she paid JD1,500 to enrol her child in the first grade at a private school known for its relatively lower tuition rates.

Meanwhile, a growing number of parents are grappling with long waitlists at top-performing and prestigious schools. Sarah Ali, a mother of two, pointed out that tuition fees at institutions with strong academic reputations range from JD10,000 to JD16,000 per year for fourth grade.

"In Jordan, we face a complex landscape of educational choices, and higher tuition fees don't always equate to better education," Ali said, adding, "We are truly stretching our budgets to provide the best opportunities for our children."

Given the financial pressures, Alaa Ajrami, a private school director, noted that sibling discounts have become a common request from parents. "These discounts typically range from 5 to 15 per cent, which provides significant relief for families facing the high costs of private education," Ajrami noted.