Charis International School vs Jesselton International School
Charis International School and Jesselton International School are both in Sabah. Both schools offer Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary) and Cambridge IGCSE programmes, and Jesselton International School also offers British and Cambridge A Levels. Published annual fees are close, at MYR 15,000 - 39,600 for Charis International School and MYR 14,190 - 37,500 for Jesselton International School. Charis International School takes pupils from 4 to 16, and Jesselton International School from 4 to 18. Jesselton International School is the larger school, with around 250 pupils to Charis International School's 60. Typical class sizes are 5 at Charis International School and 14 at Jesselton International School.
British Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels
Pupils
Pupils
60
Pupils
250
Typical class size
Typical class size
5
Typical class size
14
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
2014
Opened
2018
Bus service
Bus service
No
Bus service
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Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
Charis International School is situated in Tawau, a coastal town in Sabah, East Malaysia. The school occupies four floors within Calvary Crown, a ten-story multipurpose building located in the heart of Tawau. The campus is approximately a 35-minute drive (30 km) from Tawau Airport, offering convenient access for both local and international families.
Location
Jesselton International School is situated at Lot 1, Jalan Kemajuan, Karamunsing, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia. The school is located in a central area of Kota Kinabalu, providing convenient access to various parts of the city. This location offers ease of transportation for families residing in and around the city.
Stages
Stages
Charis International School follows the Cambridge International Curriculum. The structure includes: Kindergarten: Ages 4–6 Primary: Years 1–6 (Ages 6–11) Lower Secondary: Years 7–9 (Ages 12–14) Upper Secondary: Years 10–11 (Ages 15–16)
Stages
Jesselton International School follows the British curriculum, preparing students for IGCSE and A-Level examinations and is structured as follows: Kindergarten: Ages 4–6 Primary School: Years 1–6 Secondary School: Years 7–11 A-Level Programme: Years 12–13
School type
School type
Charis International School is a co-educational and provides boarding facilities, known as "Charis Home," for outstation and international students. This boarding option is available to students from Year 7 onwards.
School type
Jesselton International School is a co-educational day school. It does not offer boarding facilities.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
Charis International School does not explicitly mention dedicated programs or facilities for students with Additional Learning Needs (ALN) or Special Educational Needs (SEN) on its official website.
Additional learning support
The school provides support for students with additional learning needs, including those requiring special educational assistance.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
Charis International School is a private Malaysian institution and is not affiliated with any foreign government or international national system.
Country affiliation
Jesselton International School does not have a formal affiliation with any country.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
Charis International School does not explicitly state any religious affiliation on its official website.
Religious affiliation
The school is non-denominational and does not have any religious affiliation.
School day structure
School day structure
At Charis International School, the school day usually operates from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM on weekdays, specific daily start and end times for classes are not detailed on the official website.
School day structure
Specific details about the daily schedule, including start and end times, as well as break and lunch periods, are not publicly provided.
Bus service details
Bus service details
Charis International School does not list a dedicated school bus or coach service on its official website.
Bus service details
Jesselton International School does not publicly specify the provision of a school bus or transportation service.
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
One-Time Payment Application Fee: MYR 200 (non-refundable), payable upon application. Enrollment Fee: MYR 2,000 (non-refundable) Capital Contribution: First child: MYR 5,000 Second child: MYR 4,000 Subsequent siblings: MYR 3,000 each Refundable Deposit: Equivalent to one term’s tuition fee, refundable with appropriate notice.
Annual Tuition Fees (Malaysians) Kindergarten (K1 & K2): MYR 14,400 Year 1: MYR 18,750 Year 2: MYR 19,320 Year 3: MYR 19,890 Year 4: MYR 20,460 Year 5: MYR 21,030 Year 6: MYR 21,600 Year 7: MYR 24,525 Year 8: MYR 25,950 Year 9: MYR 27,375 Year 10: MYR 30,300 Year 11: MYR 31,725
Annual Tuition Fees (non-Malaysians) Kindergarten (K1 & K2): MYR 15,000 Year 1: MYR 23,400 Year 2: MYR 24,120 Year 3: MYR 24,840 Year 4: MYR 25,560 Year 5: MYR 26,280 Year 6: MYR 27,000 Year 7: MYR 30,600 Year 8: MYR 32,400 Year 9: MYR 34,200 Year 10: MYR 37,800 Year 11: MYR 39,600
*This fee structure includes miscellaneous fees and meals (optional).
Payment Methods Fees can be paid through several methods: Cheques / Banker's Draft (in MYR): Payable to Charis Education Sdn. Bhd.
Cash in Ringgit Malaysia (MYR): While cash payments are not encouraged for security reasons, they can be made at the Admissions Office from Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM.
Telegraphic Transfer in Foreign Currency: Account Name: Charis Education Sdn. Bhd. Account Number: 1002 00000 72718 Bank Name: Bank Muamalat Malaysia Berhad (Tawau Branch) Bank Address: Lot 69 & 70, Ground & 1st Floor, Kubota Square, Jalan Kubota, 91000 Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia Bank Telephone: +60-89-771 488 / 489 / 490 Bank Fax: +60-89-771 494 SWIFT Code: BMMBMYKL XXX
*Important Note: A copy of the bank transaction report must be forwarded to the School’s Fee Collection Office via: Fax: +60-89-762487 Email: charistawau@outlook.com WhatsApp: +60-17-2178830
Annual Tuition Fees Kindergarten (1–2): MYR 14,190 Year 1–2: MYR 21,270 Year 3–4: MYR 25,230 Year 5–6: MYR 27,390 Year 7–8: MYR 31,350 Year 9: MYR 32,000 Year 10–11: MYR 36,840 Year 12–13: MYR 37,500
Other Fees Supplies and Equipment: Primary 1–4: MYR 180 per term Primary 5–6: MYR 320 per term Secondary: MYR 320 per term A-Level: MYR 500 per term
Sports Activities: Kindergarten: MYR 100 per term Primary 1–4: MYR 200 per term Primary 5–6 and Secondary: MYR 480 per term
Kindergarten Afternoon Care: MYR 490 every month After-School Activities: MYR 50 registration fee per activity per term, additional fees may apply for specialist coaches.
Examination Fees: IGCSE: MYR 500–700 per subject A-Level: as per examination board rates.
Uniform: Available for purchase from the school.
Textbooks: Primary: Purchase from the school Secondary and A-Level: Purchase as per the book list.
Visa Application (if applicable): MYR 500.
Sibling Discounts Second child: 5% discount Third child: 10% discount Fourth and subsequent children: 15% discount
Billing Schedule and Payment Terms The school operates on a three-term academic year. Payments are due within 28 days from the date the invoice is issued. Early annual payment of tuition fees (all three terms in one payment) attracts a 100% discount on Supplies and Equipment Fees for the academic year.
Refund Information The enrolment fee is non-refundable. The deposit is refundable upon withdrawal, subject to the school's terms and conditions.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
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Food options
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House system
House system
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House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership
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Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
Charis International School offers the Cambridge International Curriculum from Kindergarten through Year 11. In the Kindergarten years (ages 4–6), students engage in foundational learning across communication, literacy, numeracy, science, art, music, and physical development, with exposure to English, Malay, and Chinese. Primary students (Years 1–6) follow the Cambridge Primary Programme, studying English, Mathematics, Science, and Global Perspectives, alongside computing, PE, moral/religious education, and additional languages. Lower Secondary (Years 7–9) continues with the Cambridge Lower Secondary Programme and introduces subjects such as Social Studies, Art, Music, and ICT. In Upper Secondary (Years 10–11), students prepare for the IGCSE exams and can choose between science or commerce streams, with subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Business Studies, Accounting, ICT, and languages. Instruction is in English, and the curriculum is supported by co-curricular activities and project-based learning.
Curriculum details
Jesselton International School offers a British-based curriculum from Early Years through to A Levels. In the Kindergarten stage (ages 4–6), the school follows a play-based learning approach aligned with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The Primary School curriculum (Years 1–6) includes English, Maths, Science, Humanities, Art, Music, PE, and Languages (Malay and Mandarin). At the Secondary level (Years 7–11), students follow the Cambridge curriculum, preparing for IGCSE examinations in a range of core and elective subjects. In Years 12 and 13, students pursue Cambridge International A Levels, selecting from academic subjects in sciences, humanities, and mathematics. English is the medium of instruction, with additional support for non-native speakers.
Schedule a School Tour or Trial Class (Optional) Families can book a school tour, admissions test, or trial class by downloading and submitting the enquiry form available on the school's website. This provides an opportunity to experience the school's environment and facilities firsthand.
Complete and Submit the Application Form Download and fill out the Admissions Form. Along with the form, prepare the following documents: Four recent passport-sized photos of the student. A copy of the student's birth certificate, MyKid, or passport. Copies of parents' MyKads or passports, and visas. The student's most recent school report. *Boarding applicants must complete the boarding application form.
Pay the Application Fee A non-refundable application fee of MYR 200 is required. Payments can be made by cash, cheque, online transfer, or telegraphic transfer.
Await Application Review and Notification The admissions team will review the application and send a notification of the outcome via email. If successful, further instructions regarding enrollment and orientation will be provided.
For International Students: Visa Application and Arrival Preparations Upon receiving an offer, international students should apply for a student visa through the appropriate visa center. After obtaining the visa, arrange travel to Tawau, Malaysia, and prepare for the start of the academic term. International students should note the following steps: Apply for a student Visa with the Visa Centre Book a flight ticket and arrive at school Pay school and misc. fees Buy and collect your books and uniforms from the school office Collect the Academic Calendar, timetable, name tag and Club activity form Download the school2me app
Admissions
Schedule a School Visit or Attend an Open House Parents are encouraged to visit the campus to meet with staff and understand the school's environment.
Complete the Application Form Students must submit a registration form and ensure that all the required documents, such as previous school reports and identification, are included.
Assessment and Interview Depending on the year group, students may be required to undergo assessments or interviews to determine appropriate placement and support needs.
Offer and Acceptance Successful applicants will receive an offer letter. To secure the place, parents must confirm acceptance and pay the enrolment fee of MYR 6500 and a deposit of MYR 2000 due at registration.
Orientation and Commencement Before the academic year begins, new students may attend orientation sessions to familiarize themselves with the school community and routines.
Scholarships
Scholarships
Charis International School offers scholarships to high-achieving students. Top-performing students are encouraged to sit for an assessment exam, and scholarships are awarded based on the results.
Scholarships
As of the current information available, Jesselton International School does not publicly advertise any scholarship programs.
Waitlist
Waitlist
Charis International School does not explicitly mention the operation of a waitlist or pool system on its official website. Admissions are processed on a rolling basis, subject to availability.
Waitlist
Jesselton International School does not publicly specify the use of a waitlist or pool system. Admissions are processed on a rolling basis, and placements are subject to availability in the desired year group.
