Top 10 International Schools in Kuala Lumpur

Feb 24, 2020

The standard of education in Kuala Lumpur is generally very good and the expatriate parents do not struggle to find a good school for their children. Schools in Kuala Lumpur are either public, private or international. Malay is the language of instruction for most subjects at public schools and English in private and international schools. There is a broad range of private and international schools in Kuala Lumpur catering to the diverse population of expatriates who consider the city as their home. Most of the expatriates prefer international schools because of its wide appeal and acceptability of education degree worldwide. The international schools promote international education, in an international environment, either by adopting a curriculum such as that of the International Baccalaureate (an international educational foundation headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, and founded in 1968), Edexcel (a multinational education and examination body owned by Pearson. Pearson Edexcel, the only privately owned examination board in the UK), Cambridge Assessment International Education ( a provider of international qualifications, offering examinations and qualifications to 10,000 schools in more than 160 countries) International Primary Curriculum or by following a national curriculum that is different from that of the school's country of residence. Listed below are the best international schools in Kuala Lumpur.

 

1) Garden International School

Founded in 1951, GIS is one of the oldest and most prestigious private schools in Malaysia. GIS strives to bring out the best in everyone, both inside and outside of the classroom through a unique learning culture where it pursues passions and strives for excellence; all in the spirit of respect, integrity and well being. The school offers outstanding learning opportunities for students from a wide range of academic backgrounds and with a wide range of abilities. The school consistently achieves some of the finest academic results in the country and the students achieve value-added results that reflect outstanding progress. Garden International School’s academic results position it among the best British international schools in the world. In 2019, there are currently 246 GIS graduates studying in 86 universities worldwide including Oxford, Cambridge, and Harvard. The unique learning method starts following EYFS (the UK Early Years Foundation Stage) Curriculum and advance stages are practiced as the academic years increase. The team of dedicated, highly-qualified and experienced staff actively promote positive relationships and support children in developing effective communication skills. The interesting CCA (Co-curricular Activities) programs include a wide variety of sporting, performing and creative arts opportunities. The CCA programs are also enriched with many inspiring trips, camps, and visits throughout each academic year. GIS is one of the best international schools in Kula Lumpur because of its core values. The core values include respecting and caring for each other, excellence, communication, integrity, being passionate, and an enjoyable environment.

Jalan Bukit Kiara, Off, Jalan Kiara 3, Mont Kiara, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
https://www.gardenschool.edu.my/
[email protected]
+60 3-6209 6888
 

2) Alice Smith School

Alice Smith School is a not-for-profit international school in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia founded in 1946. Students from 47 countries study in the school of which 34% are from Britain, Ireland, New Zealand, and Australia. 85% of teaching staff are from the United Kingdom. The vision of the school is to lead the pursuit of excellence in learning through nurturing, inspiring and enriching the lives and characters of young people. Giving equal attention to every individual, bringing out the best in them and to create an enduring sense of belonging to something very special is the philosophy of the school. The Alice Smith Early Years Curriculum follows the English National Curriculum, that concentrates on communication and language, physical development, personal, social and emotional development. From the primary level basic subjects like English, Maths, Computing skills, science, Food preparation and cooking skills, Geography, History, Art, Physical Education, Modern Foreign Language skills along the various co-curricular skills are nurtured. The dedicated Sixth Form Centre, smoothly bridge the gap between school and university-style learning to support students in their studies. Study booths, relaxation zones, lecture theatre add value to the environment of learning. At the Primary Campus, children go on trips throughout the year to reinforce what they learned in the classrooms. In Years 4, 5 and 6, they go on residential trips within Malaysia, to experience that promotes independence, collaboration and the development of personal skills. At the Secondary Campus, students take an active part in international works like United Nations fundraising, helping in the community, personal challenge awards, cultural days, extracurricular activities, wider learning days, Creative and Expressive Arts performances, participating in international sporting competitions, trips, and expeditions.

2, Jalan Bellamy, 50460 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
https://www.alice-smith.edu.my/
[email protected]
+60 3-2148 3674
 

3) Hibiscus International School

Hibiscus International School believes in advanced academic quality in a safe and supportive environment. It enables young learners to realize their potential and develop maturity, responsibility, and awareness in becoming responsible global citizens. The early years of the school constitute two years of pre-school from the ages of 3 to 5-year-olds. At this time proper care is taken for both transition from home to school and preparation for formal schooling. Attributes like disposition and attitudes, social development, emotional development, communication, language and literacy, mathematical development, knowledge, and understanding of the world, physical development, creative development are taken care of. From the primary curriculum, the foundation for secondary education and preparation for the international curriculum is initiated. Hibiscus international school applies the Cambridge Checkpoint tests at the end of secondary school. These tests are designed for the end of Cambridge Secondary 1 and for extra-curricular activities and other subjects such as PE (Physical Education), ICT (Information Communication and Technology), Music, Arts, Geography, History, Biology and along with the educational trips related to the subjects. The school provides wide range of facilities like SCS (Smart Campus Solutions), TIE (Technology Integrated Education), outdoor games facilities, Mac and Windows labs, futsal (football played on a hard court, smaller than a football pitch with 5 players on each side), basketball, badminton, volleyball, library, separate playground for kids, biology, chemistry, and physics labs, wi-fi campus, art room, music room, cafeteria, and Surau (Prayer Room). Hibiscus International School aims to provide a holistic education of the highest standard and support students in their passage to adulthood.

No. 2, Jalan Udang Harimau 3 Kepong Business Park, Taman Sri Segambut, 51200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
http://www.hibiscus.edu.my/
[email protected]
+60 3-6243 5544

 

4) Taylor's International School Kuala Lumpur

Taylor's International School Kuala Lumpur is affiliated with the Australian International School Malaysia, Garden International School, Nexus International School, Taylor's University College, and Taylor's College Sri Hartamas through the Taylor's Education Group. The school provides exceptional educational experiences that make learning joyful, meaningful and challenging. TIS started its journey in 1991 when it was first established as a school for the Badminton Association Malaysia players. The school reached its heights and become one of the best international schools in Kuala Lumpur by going through an enormous transformation, including the introduction of the international curriculum and the change of name to Taylor’s International School. At the early stage of students, the school offers IEYC (the International Early Years) curriculum. This is the precursor to IPC (the International Primary Curriculum), ensuring a variety of learning. Basic attributes of learning that include independence and interdependence, communicating, enquiring, healthy living and physical well-being are taught during this time. The secondary school follows the footsteps of the primary school along with the supports like language education in English, Bahasa Malaysia, and Mandarin. All necessary subjects are taught in secondary school and the expert group of teachers are always ready to help the pupils of the school. Secondary students choose among the core subjects like Maths, English, and Science, as well as elective subjects such as Business Studies, Economics, English Literature, Additional Mathematics, and many others. The last 2 years of the secondary school merges with the IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) course that culminates in examinations administered by CAIE (Cambridge Assessment International Education). The school is one of the best international schools in Kuala Lumpur as the school believes in integrated, research-based educational practices that improve a student's performance.

9, Jalan 1/75c, Maluri, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
https://www.tis.edu.my/
[email protected]
+60 3-9200 9898
 

5) Mutiara International Grammar School

Mutiara International Grammar School is an educational institution that strives to deliver a quality learning experience to students from reception to the culmination of their IGCSE examinations. Mutiara students gain an education in a distinctive, friendly family atmosphere, and have fond memories of their school that last a lifetime. With a student body of over 300, representing 25 nationalities the school builds a unique community where world-class education does not overshadow the unique needs of individuals. Functioning over 22 years, Mutiara International Grammar School continues to provide quality international education in Ampang, Kuala Lumpur. The success of the school is rooted in the beliefs of students having diverse learning styles and needs. By offering a curriculum that combines academic excellence with co-curricular activities such as sports, arts, music, and excursions, Mutiara strives to provide a well-rounded experience to the students and guide them towards realizing their true potential. The EYFS (Early Years Foundational Stage) curriculum is infused with the Reggio Emilio approach of student-centered, self-directed, play-based learning with Montessori learning skills. The curriculum in Senior School is based on the National Curriculum for England, with enhancements made by Mutiara to cater to the unique needs of an international student community. CCA (Co-Curricular Activities) comprising clubs and activities, especially on Thursdays make Mutiara one of the best international schools in Kuala Lumpur. Numerous school clubs encourage students to nurture their inner talents. Craft Club, Drawing Club, Traditional Games, Dance Club, Literary Club (Oratory and Poetry), First Aid Club, Sewing Club, Environmental Club, Young Actors Club, Painting and Drawing Club are a few of them. Sports activities like Basketball, Tee-ball, Netball, Rounders, Football, Futsal, Throwball, Tug of War, Badminton, Basketball, Boxing, Kendo, Rugby, Table Tennis, and Zumba Fitness are also encouraged among the students. Mutiara strives to deliver quality learning at all times by working closely together in a distinctive, friendly family atmosphere of teachers and staff along with the students.

51, Jalan Damansara, Kuala Lumpur Sentral, Jalan Damansara, Kuala Lumpur Sentral, 50490 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
https://migs.edu.my/
[email protected]
+603 4252 1452, +603 4257 8678
 

6) St. John's International School

Saint John's International School is an international school located in Kuala Lumpur next to the neighboring school, SJI (St. John's Institution) the oldest school in Kuala Lumpur and a public all-boys school. SJIS is privately funded and has a collaboration with the La Salle brothers, a post-secondary arts institution in Singapore. The school caters to students from lower secondary to the A levels. For admission in the school, students should possess at least 5 credits in SPM, IGCSE, GCE O Level subjects, including English. The school provides various facilities to its students like Library, Multipurpose outdoor court (for Futsal and Tennis), 2 Science Labs (Physics lab and Chemistry Biology Lab), ICT lab, Air Conditioned Classrooms, and Canteen. The salient feature of the school is, its after school classes including Chinese class (offered by Language Tree), extra classes (all subjects), French class, Computer programming class, German class to name a few. ECA (extracurricular activities) and CCA (co-curricular activities) are encouraged by the school along with the various clubs, such as the Saint John's Ambulance Malaysia club, Nature Club, football and basketball club, etc.

Jalan Bukit Nanas, Kuala Lumpur, 50250 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
https://www.stjohn.edu.my/v5/
+60 3-2078 2846
 

7) Dwi Emas International School

Situated in the city center of Shah Alam, Dwi Emas International School is the platform where young trailblazers are grown. Combining the award-winning ACE EdVenture Approach and the Powerpreneur Programme, the teaching and learning approach of the school makes it Malaysia’s First Entrepreneurial School. Subjects taught in the primary school include English, Chinese, Bahasa Melayu, science, mathematics, thematic learning along with art, social intelligence, physical and fitness education, world culture, and drama. In the secondary section IGCSE English, biology, physics, chemistry, history, geography, ICT, Islamic studies (for Muslim students) are taught along with elective subjects like economics, additional mathematics, accounting, global perspectives and more. The school promotes entrepreneurship and so it concentrates not just on improving reading, writing, and arithmetic but entrepreneurship, innovation, and creativity too.

No. 5, Jalan Ikhtisas 14/1, Seksyen 14, Pusat Bandar Shah Alam, 40000 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia.
https://dwiemas.edu.my/
[email protected]
+60 3-5524 3692


8) Seven Skies International Schhol

Seven Skies International School is a leading Islamic International School in Petaling Jaya, proudly standing for reputation in educational excellence by providing a well-rounded British Primary Curriculum along with offering the Cambridge International Curriculum at the Secondary Level. The school's vision is to be the best Islamic premium school that embodies a holistic and caring environment that fosters excellence in academic and moral education. It aims to create responsible leaders to serve humanity. Following the UK National Curriculum, the school life of students is divided into blocks of years called ‘key stages’. At the end of each key stage, the teacher formally assesses the child’s performance. Character Development is a central pillar of the school. The Character Development Programme is a multi-faceted program where the faculty of the school spends time with the students to lay foundations of character and moral values that go beyond the normal classroom experience. The Islamic International School works hard on the four key elements of character building of its students that are social themes (previously known as term themes), boot camps, entrepreneurship, and extra-curricular activities.

Lor Teknologi C, Taman Sains Selangor, 47810 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia.
https://www.sevenskies.edu.my/
[email protected]
+60 3-6151 6952
 

9) Tenby School Setai EcoHill

Tenby International School Setia EcoHill is part of the Tenby Schools group, one of the pioneers of international education in Malaysia with nearly 60 years of heritage in the country. Tenby Schools is a part of the ISP (International Schools Partnership), a dynamic network of 43 schools in 11 different countries committed to an organizational learning culture of ‘getting better’. The vision of the school is to be the leading international school in quality and in scale, with schools of choice recognized across local communities and the global education sector for amazing learning, ambition, and growth. TIS offers its students a complete international educational journey starting from their foundational years up to the time when they become young adults. This academic pathway guides students through different levels of learning at a pace that challenges them appropriately. All educators and staff offer crucial support to the students in this journey of learning. The school encourages all CCA (Co-curricular activities) and they are taught by experienced instructors, some of whom come from the teacher community and others are hired as external experts who are fully qualified to teach students and take every precaution to ensure a safe yet enjoyable learning environment.

6, Jalan Ecohill 1, Mukim, Setia EcoHill, 43500 Semenyih, Selangor, Malaysia.
https://tenby.edu.my/setia-ecohill/
+60 3-8725 5625
 

10) UCSI International School - Subang Jaya

As one of Malaysia’s foremost education providers, UCSI International School believes in the transformational power of education, bringing the best people and the best learning approaches together to empower young minds. Following the IGCSE (the International General Certificate of Secondary Education) curriculum, the School is a strong draw for learners who prefer a British curriculum that opens doors for them as they mature. Based on the very best early year's practice, the IPC (International Primary Curriculum) helps children develop in a way that is wholly appropriate for their age. It ensures rigorous learning but also makes learning exciting, active and meaningful for children. Learning with the IPC takes a global approach helping children to connect their learning to where they are living now as well as looking at education from the perspective of other people in other countries. Cambridge Secondary builds upon the learning in Cambridge Primary and develops children’s knowledge in the core subjects. The IMYC (International Middle Years Curriculum) is a challenging, engaging, internationally-minded, concept-focused curriculum designed specifically for the unique learning needs for secondary students. The school also provides facilities like Library, Laboratories, Multi-Purpose Hall, Art Room, Music Room, and Sheltered Arch (a cozy corner where students relax during breaks and lunch hours).

5-7, Jalan SS 13/4, Subang Jaya Industrial Estate, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia.
http://www.ucsiinternationalschool.edu.my/sj/
[email protected]
+603 5637 7108/ 7109

Article Posted in: Academics

Sudipto Das

Sudipto writes educational content periodically for MyPrivateTutor Malaysia and backs it up with extensive research and relevant examples. He's an avid reader and a tech enthusiast at the same time with a little bit of “Arsenal Football Club” thrown in as well. He's got more than 5 years of experience in digital marketing, SEO and graphic designing.

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