Crescendo-HELP International School vs Excelsior International School
Crescendo-HELP International School and Excelsior International School are both in Johor Bahru, about 15 km apart. Both schools offer British, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary) and Cambridge IGCSE programmes. Crescendo-HELP International School also offers IPC, Cambridge International AS Levels and Cambridge A Levels, and Excelsior International School also offers IB and Bespoke. Published annual fees are MYR 25,200 - 35,000 at Crescendo-HELP International School and MYR 25,800 - 64,000 at Excelsior International School, which puts Excelsior International School roughly 49% higher. Crescendo-HELP International School takes pupils from 3 to 18, and Excelsior International School from 4 to 18.
IPC (International Primary Curriculum), British Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels
Crescendo-HELP International School is located at PTD 204446, Lebuh Cemerlang, Taman Desa Cemerlang, 81800 Ulu Tiram, Johor, Malaysia. The school is strategically positioned in a growing suburb of Johor Bahru and sits adjacent to Crescendo International College, allowing for shared educational and infrastructural benefits.
In terms of public transport, CHIS is accessible via Causeway Link route 6B, which connects the Johor Bahru Sentral railway station to the Ulu Tiram Bus and Taxi Terminal. Taxis and ride-hailing services like Grab are also widely available.
CHIS benefits from its proximity to NSK Trade City, food kiosks, and well-known outlets such as McDonald's. The nearby township of Ulu Tiram also houses a number of small retail stores, clinics, and service providers, offering additional convenience for school families.
Location
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Stages
Stages
CHIS provides educational program spanning from:
Early Years: Ages 3–5 Primary School: Years 1–6 Secondary School: Years 7–11 Pre-University: A Levels
Stages
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School type
School type
CHIS is a co-educational day school and does not offer on-campus boarding facilities.
School type
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Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
Crescendo-HELP International School has established The Learning Pathways (TLP) Department to deliver personalised learning support tailored to individual student needs. This department is led by a team of specialists in Inclusion and English as an Additional Language (EAL), and provides a tiered system of support. Students are assessed and placed in short, medium, or long-term instructional pathways based on their specific learning challenges. Teaching takes place in both small-group and larger class settings, and is aligned with the UK’s Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) framework for children and young people aged 0 to 25, ensuring structured and inclusive educational support.
The TLP Department employs a data-driven approach, starting with baseline assessments that evaluate students’ abilities in spelling, reading, and writing. Based on these diagnostics, students are grouped according to the severity of their learning gaps, and appropriate support measures are implemented. Progress is reassessed after 12 weeks to determine the effectiveness of the intervention. If a student does not demonstrate the expected growth, an additional layer of support is introduced to intensify the learning assistance and improve outcomes through more focused, individualised attention.
CHIS offers several targeted intervention programmes through the TLP team. The Catch-Up Literacy Intervention Programme improves reading fluency and spelling through a kinesthetic, phonics-based approach that has shown remarkable gains up to 24 months of reading progress in just six weeks. The EAL programme supports students with low verbal and vocabulary skills by addressing all core language domains: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Additionally, the school provides 1:1 Specific Learning Disability (SpLD) sessions for students with diagnosed conditions such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, or dyspraxia. These sessions, conducted three times a week, offer tailored tutoring, exam prep support, and structured study guidance to help students overcome specific learning barriers.
Additional learning support
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Country affiliation
Country affiliation
The school does not have a country affiliation.
Country affiliation
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Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
CHIS is a secular institution with no religious affiliation.
Religious affiliation
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School day structure
School day structure
Primary School:
Monday to Thursday: 7:50 AM – 2:40 PM Friday: 7:50 AM – 12:15 PM
Secondary School:
Monday to Thursday: 7:50 AM – 3:10 PM Friday: 7:50 AM – 1:15 PM
These timings are without Co-Curricular Activities (CCAs).
School day structure
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Bus service details
Bus service details
The school offers a school bus service.
Bus service details
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Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
General Fees (All Levels) -Application Fee: RM 250 (one-time, non-refundable) -Registration Fee: RM 2,000 (one-time, non-refundable; due upon offer acceptance) -Deposit (Refundable): RM2,500 (Primary & Secondary), RM 5,000 (A-Level) -Resource Fee (Primary to Secondary): RM 600 per year -Technology Fee: RM 750 (for Year 3 onwards, spread across 3 years)
Annual Tuition Fees Year 1 & 2: RM 25,200 Year 3 & 4: RM 26,460 Year 5 & 6: RM 27,090 Year 7 & 8: RM 28,350 Year 9 – 11 (IGCSE): RM 31,500
A-Level Programme Fees (Years 12–13) -Tuition Fee for Full Course (2 Years): RM 35,000 Paid across 5 terms: RM 7,000 per term -Lab Fee (Per Science Subject for Entire Course): RM 960 -Resource Fee (Entire 2-Year Course): RM 2,400 Paid across 5 terms: RM 480 per term -Special Bursary for CHIS Students: RM 5,000 discount available
Per‑term tuition (school operates two academic terms; per‑term amounts shown are the annual tuition divided by two) - Nursery / KG1 / KG2: RM 12,900 per term. - Grade 1 – 3: RM 17,500 per term. - Grade 4 – 5: RM 20,250 per term. - Grade 6 – 8: RM 23,375 per term. - Grade 9 – 10: RM 26,500 per term. - Grade 11 – 12: RM 32,000 per term.
Billing schedule & payment terms - Tuition is set and published as an annual amount and is billed on the school's academic cycle; per‑term invoices follow the school's term structure (the school operates a two‑term academic year). - Registration fee is payable to obtain the enrolment package; the enrolment (acceptance) fee is payable on acceptance of the offer and is non‑refundable. - Security deposit: an amount equal to 20% of the annual tuition, payable as a deposit. The security deposit is refundable when the student leaves provided at least one term's written notice of withdrawal is given; refund is subject to deductions for damage or outstanding charges. - Resource / stationery / meal charges and other annual ancillary charges are invoiced separately from base tuition and are payable according to the school's billing schedule. Specific ancillary charges (examples listed below) are billed in addition to tuition.
Boarding fees (where applicable) - Boarding is offered on campus. Indicative boarding charge quoted in local school listings: RM 26,000 per year (boarding charged in addition to tuition).
Other costs and recurring charges - Meal fee (Early Years): RM 1,750 per year (applies to Nursery, KG1 and KG2 as an annual charge; older students use a pay‑as‑you‑consume system using a student ID card deposit). - Stationery & resource / resource fee (annual, by year group): - Nursery – KG2: RM 500 (stationery/resource) — (school listing). - Grade 1 – 5: from RM 600. - Grade 6 – 8: from RM 650. - Grade 9 – 10: from RM 700. - Grade 11 – 12: from RM 850. - Additional resource charges (listed on some school summaries) may include textbook rental, laboratory/ICT fees, examination fees (IGCSE/IB) and optional yearbook/graduation charges; these are additional to tuition and ancillary charges. Examination and external assessment fees (IGCSE, IB) are not included in tuition.
Refund information - Registration and enrolment (acceptance) fees are stated as non‑refundable. - Security deposit is refundable subject to the condition that at least one term's written notice of withdrawal is given and after deductions (if any) for damage or outstanding charges.
Fee payment options - Meal payments for Early Years and pay‑as‑you‑consume catering for older students are handled via funds deposited to the student ID card system. - The school issues invoices and manages fee collection through its finance office and the school's published billing cycle; parents should use the school's published payment channels when settling registration, enrolment, deposit and tuition invoices.
Notes on extra / conditional charges - Additional charges may apply for special programmes, learning support/EAL, external examination entries (IGCSE/IB), optional co‑curricular activities, school transport and medical/insurance for international students. These charges are billed separately from base tuition.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
The school requires uniform items and the uniform costs are additional to the annual school fees.
Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
The school has a cafeteria on campus.
Food options
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House system
House system
The CHIS House System is a traditional feature of British schools. Students are placed in Houses to promote leadership, teamwork and healthy competition. They earn House Points for participating in House Events and for Merit Certificates; a House Cup is awarded at the end of the school year.
House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
The school is part of the HELP Group of Schools. It is a joint venture between Crescendo Corporation Berhad and the HELP Education Group.
Governance and ownership
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Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
Crescendo-HELP International School (CHIS) offers a British-style curriculum anchored in the Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) framework. The school provides academic journey beginning from Early Years (Ages 3–5), continuing through Primary (Years 1–6) and Secondary (Years 7–11), and culminating in the Cambridge A-Level Programme (Years 12–13). At the Primary level, CHIS integrates the International Primary Curriculum (IPC), emphasizing thematic, inquiry-based learning to develop key competencies in literacy, numeracy, and personal growth.
As students advance into the Secondary years, they follow the Cambridge Lower Secondary and IGCSE curriculum, where they are offered a broad range of subjects including English, Mathematics, Sciences, Humanities, and Languages. The IGCSE programme culminates in internationally recognized examinations, preparing students for pre-university pathways. In the Sixth Form, CHIS offers Cambridge International AS & A Levels, allowing students to specialize in subjects aligned with their university and career aspirations. Subjects include Further Mathematics, Psychology, Economics, and Computer Science, among others. The curriculum is supported by pastoral care, university guidance, and leadership development, aiming to cultivate academic excellence and personal growth.
The school adopts the International Primary Curriculum (IPC), which includes personal learning goals aimed at developing qualities such as resilience, adaptability, and respect. These goals are designed to help students become thoughtful and responsible individuals.
Additionally, CHIS encourages participation in Co-Curricular Activities such as basketball, water polo, story& drama and so on which are instrumental in fostering teamwork, leadership, and interpersonal skills. These activities provide students with opportunities to engage in various interests, promoting a well-rounded development beyond academics.
Social & emotional learning
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Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
CHIS is committed to inclusivity and provides support for students with Special Educational Needs. The school has an Inclusion Department that works closely with students requiring additional assistance.
Special educational needs (SEN)
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English as an additional language
English as an additional language
CHIS offers EAL programs.
English as an additional language
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Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
CHIS prioritizes the mental wellbeing of its students by organizing event like Wellness Day, a school-wide event designed to prioritize mental health and wellbeing. The Inclusion Team and school counselors curated a series of engaging activities for both Primary and Secondary students. These activities aimed to foster self-awareness, resilience, and emotional balance among students.
The school also implemented a Peer Supporter Program for Secondary students. This initiative trains selected students from Years 9 to 12 to provide peer-to-peer support, facilitating workshops, weekly meetings, and creative wellbeing initiatives such as the Mental Health Carnival and Connect Corner. These programs encourage open dialogue about mental health and promote a culture of empathy and understanding within the student body.
Mental wellbeing
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Safeguarding
Safeguarding
CHIS places a strong emphasis on the protection and safety of its students. In alignment with their Mission, Vision, and Guiding Principles, the school has established clear guidelines and procedures regarding acceptable behavior within the school environment, including child protection and safety.
The school campus includes air-conditioned classrooms. It houses two swimming pools, six science laboratories, a dance studio, and music and art rooms. A sports hall, a football field, tennis courts, and a fitness gymnasium support physical education and extracurricular activities. The campus is monitored by CCTV in all corridors and common areas, with security guards on duty around the clock, and a safeguarding policy to support student welfare.
Facilities overview
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Sports facilities
Sports facilities
Two swimming pools are available for swimming programmes and extra-curriculars. A dedicated sports hall supports indoor PE and events. A football field and tennis courts are used for team sports and practices. A fitness gymnasium provides facilities for strength and conditioning.
Sports facilities
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Academic facilities
Academic facilities
Air-conditioned classrooms provide comfortable learning spaces. There are six science laboratories for science investigations. The campus includes music and art rooms to support arts education, and a dance studio for movement and performance-related activities.
Academic facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
CHIS offers a broad range of extracurricular activities, including sports, arts, music, drama, and more. The campus supports these activities with a dance studio and music and art rooms. Students participate in co-curricular activities that complement the academic curriculum. Extracurricular programs promote holistic development and student engagement.
Extra curricular facilities
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Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
Established in February 2017, Crescendo-HELP International School (CHIS) is a collaboration between Crescendo Corporation Berhad and the HELP Education Group. The school was founded with the vision of providing affordable, high-quality international education in Johor Bahru. Since its inception, CHIS has experienced rapid growth, enrolling over 1,200 students within its initial years. The institution offers a blend of the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) and the Cambridge International Curriculum, aiming to cultivate well-rounded global citizens.
History
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Community
Community
CHIS fosters a close-knit community atmosphere, emphasizing collaboration among students, parents, and staff. The school organizes various events and activities to strengthen community bonds and enhance student development. Notably, CHIS participated in a week-long music festival alongside other HELP Group schools, showcasing the talents of students aged 8 to 17.
Community
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Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
The school does not have publicly available information on PTA.
Parent teacher association
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Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
CHIS offers IPC Primary (Year 1–6), the IPC-accredited primary curriculum. The IGCSE International Secondary School programme (Year 7–11) uses the English National Curriculum adapted for Southeast Asia, followed by Cambridge IGCSE. The Sixth Form Cambridge A-Levels (Year 12–13) provides a pre-university pathway with a Cambridge A-Level qualification. CHIS is a Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) centre delivering IGCSE and A-Level courses.
Academic & intellectual
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Arts & creative
Arts & creative
Facilities include a dance studio, music and art rooms. CHIS offers a broad range of co-curricular activities in sports, arts, music and drama. The campus supports arts and creative development through these activities.
Arts & creative
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Cultural & language
Cultural & language
Beyond English, Mandarin and Malay are available to students. An Inclusion Department provides English as an Additional Language (EAL) support for learners with diverse needs. CHIS is a Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) centre delivering IPC and Cambridge curricula.
Cultural & language
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Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
The CHIS House System promotes leadership and teamwork, with House Points awarded for participation and merit. A social community is fostered through activities such as Friends of CHIS. The school is a member of the HELP Group of Schools.
Social & hobbies
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Community & service
Community & service
CHIS maintains an action-packed calendar of activities, events and trips for students. Parents can engage through the Friends of CHIS community. The school is part of the HELP Group of Schools.
Community & service
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Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
Leadership is one of CHIS's ten Masteries, developing students who can lead on global issues. The Masteries also include Career and International Mindedness. Cambridge A-Levels prepare students for university study.
Leadership & professional
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Student wellbeing is a priority; the campus is monitored by CCTV with security guards on duty around the clock, and a safeguarding policy governs staff welfare. CHIS operates Monday to Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:15 PM, with a calendar balancing local and international holidays. Facilities include two swimming pools, six science labs, a dance studio and other sports amenities to support physical and mental health.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Beyond English, students can learn Mandarin and Malay, supporting multilingual proficiency. EAL support is offered, and an Inclusion Department assists students with diverse learning requirements. The language provision supports inclusive education for students from diverse linguistic backgrounds.
Language provision
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Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching
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Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
The school does not have any publicly available information on awards.
Awards
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Accreditations
Accreditations
Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) – Accredited to offer Cambridge Primary, Lower Secondary, IGCSE, and A-Level programmes.
International Primary Curriculum (IPC) Accreditation (2024–2028) – First and only school in Johor Bahru to receive IPC Accreditation. – Awarded by the International Curriculum Association (ICA). – Recognizes high-quality implementation of a globally respected primary curriculum.
Federation of British International Schools in Asia (FOBISIA) Member – Official member of FOBISIA, a respected network of top-tier British international schools in Asia.
Accreditations
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Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Schedule an assessment date via email or phone at least one day in advance. On the assessment day, submit the application form along with a non-refundable RM250 application fee.
The assessment serves as a baseline to determine the most suitable grade placement for the child.
Upon successful assessment, a Letter of Offer is sent via email. Parents have 10 working days to sign and return the letter.
Submit all required documents, including identification, birth certificate, previous school reports, and medical records.
Pay the registration fee, refundable deposit, one term's school fees, and miscellaneous fees.
Once all steps are completed, the student's enrollment is confirmed.
Admissions
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Scholarships
Scholarships
The CHIS Founders' Award recognises students with strong academic ability, leadership potential and a collaborative mindset. The award offers a bursary towards school fees, with Gold, Silver and Bronze awards given to the most deserving candidates. It is open to students who are planning to join us in Year 7 or to continue their A Level studies in Year 12 and Year 13.
Crescendo-HELP is also providing a 5% Bursary , which is a reduction from the published Primary and Secondary annual school fees, not only for the first year but for each year that the student remains in school.
