IDRISSI International School vs Mount Safa International School
IDRISSI International School and Mount Safa International School are both in Johor Bahru, about 20 km apart. Both schools offer Cambridge (Primary) programmes, and IDRISSI International School also offers Cambridge (Secondary) and Cambridge IGCSE. Published annual fees are close, at MYR 12,000 - 27,000 for IDRISSI International School and MYR 17,051 - 22,671 for Mount Safa International School. Both take pupils from 4 to 16. IDRISSI International School is the larger school, with around 500 pupils to Mount Safa International School's 210.
IDRISSI International School EduCity is located at Block A, EduCity Complex 2, Persiaran Canselor 1, EduCity Iskandar, 79200 Iskandar Puteri, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia. It is situated within the EduCity hub, a prominent education zone in southern Johor near the Malaysia–Singapore Second Link. The school is accessible via the EduCity free shuttle bus line (IP), with the nearest stop at Newcastle University of Medicine Malaysia, which is about a 6-minute walk from the school premises.
Location
The school is located in Bandar Dato’ Onn, a planned residential area in Johor Bahru known for its quiet neighbourhoods and community facilities. It is easily accessible via major highways such as the Pasir Gudang Highway and Eastern Dispersal Link.
The location is about a 30–45 minute drive from the Singapore-Johor Causeway, making it convenient for cross-border families.
Stages
Stages
The school caters to students from Preschool (Kindergarten 1–3) for ages 4 to 6, Primary (Years 1–6) for ages 7 to 12, and Secondary (Years 7–11) for ages 13 to 16.
Stages
The school is structured into three main levels: Early Childhood Education for ages 4 to 6, Primary School for ages 7 to 12, and Secondary School for ages 13 to 16. Each level follows the Cambridge International curriculum alongside Islamic studies, with the option to pursue the Malaysian National syllabus at the secondary level.
School type
School type
IDRISSI is a co-educational day and boarding school.
School type
The school is co-educational and does not offer boarding facilities. It provides day schooling for students from ages 4 to 16.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
—
Pupil nationality mix
—
Additional learning support
Additional learning support
The school offers Personal Learning Assistant (PLA) services to students who need academic reinforcement. Additionally, the school also runs a Loving After-Care programme for children who remain on campus after school hours.
Additional learning support
The school offers dedicated support through its Special Needs Students Development Unit (SPDU), providing tailored learning assistance for students with additional learning needs. Support programs focus on helping students develop academic skills and confidence within an inclusive classroom environment.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
The school is not affiliated with any country.
Country affiliation
The school does not have a formal affiliation with any particular country.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
IDRISSI is an Islamic school.
Religious affiliation
The school has an Islamic affiliation and offers a comprehensive Islamic studies program integrated with its academic curriculum.
School day structure
School day structure
Preschool students attend from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM, Monday through Thursday, and 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Fridays.
Primary students have classes from 8:00 AM to 3:20 PM, Monday through Thursday, and 8:00 AM to 12:40 PM on Fridays.
Secondary students follow the longest schedule, from 8:00 AM to 3:50 PM, Monday through Thursday, and 8:00 AM to 12:40 PM on Fridays.
School day structure
The school day typically starts at 8:00 a.m. and ends at 3:30 p.m., with variations for younger age groups. Students have scheduled breaks for morning snacks and lunch, with dedicated time for midday prayers.
Bus service details
Bus service details
The school does not have a bus service.
Bus service details
A school bus service is available for students, with routes covering key residential areas in Johor Bahru. Transport arrangements are managed directly through the school, and parents can inquire about specific routes and fees during the admissions process. The service is optional and subject to availability based on demand.
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
One-Time Fees (Non-Refundable) Application Fee: RM 300 (payable upon submission of the application form) Registration Fee: RM 1,500 (due upon acceptance of placement offer)
Refundable Deposit Security Deposit: RM 5,000 (refundable upon withdrawal with required notice and without outstanding dues)
Annual Tuition Fees (Payable in full or in installments per term) Preschool (Kindergarten 1–2): RM 12,000 / year Primary (Grades 1–5): RM 22,800 / year Upper Primary (Grade 6): RM 24,000 / year Secondary (Grade 7–9): RM 25,800 / year Secondary (Grade 10–11 / IGCSE Level): RM 27,000 / year
Boarding (Optional for Secondary Students) Boarding Fee: RM 27,000 / year
Boarding Deposit: RM 2,000 (refundable)
Refund Policy The RM5,000 deposit is refundable only if a written withdrawal notice is given at least four (4) months in advance.
The deposit is refunded only if all school fees are fully paid and no outstanding dues exist.
If withdrawal notice is given after the term starts, no school fees will be refunded.
A RM200 administrative charge applies to all withdrawals.
Refunds (if eligible) are processed within two months via cheque
Payment Methods The school has no publicly information on payment methods.
Fee details
Application and Registration Fees: * A one-time registration fee of MYR 1,400 is required upon enrollment. * A refundable deposit of MYR 2,500 is also payable at the time of registration.
Tuition Fees: * Kindergarten 1 to Kindergarten 3 (Ages 3–5): MYR 17,051 per annum. * Grade 1 to Grade 3 (Ages 6–8): MYR 20,429 per annum. * Grade 4 to Grade 6 (Ages 9–11): MYR 22,671 per annum.
*Note: Tuition fees are billed termly, every three months.*
Billing Schedule and Payment Terms: * Invoices are issued on a termly basis, with each term spanning three months. * Payments are due upon receipt of the invoice.
Additional Costs: * Uniforms, textbooks, and other learning materials are not included in the tuition fees and are billed separately. * Extracurricular activities may incur additional charges, depending on the activity.
Refund Information: * The deposit is refundable upon withdrawal, provided that all accounts are settled, and a written notice is given as per the school's policy. * The registration fee is non-refundable.
Fee Payment Options: * Payments can be made via bank transfer or credit card. * Detailed payment instructions are provided on the invoice.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
—
Boarding arrangements
—
Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
—
Uniform requirement
—
Food options
Food options
—
Food options
—
House system
House system
—
House system
—
Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
—
Governance and ownership
—
Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
IDRISSI International School offers a blended curriculum that combines the Cambridge International Curriculum with Islamic education and eco-conscious learning.
Primary (Years 1–6) Subjects include English, Mathematics, Science, Global Perspectives, ICT, and Physical Education. The curriculum focuses on foundational academic skills, critical thinking, and inquiry-based learning.
Secondary (Years 7–9) This stage uses the Cambridge Lower Secondary Curriculum, which builds on primary knowledge and introduces more subject specialization. Subjects typically include English, Mathematics, Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics), History, Geography, and ICT.
Upper Secondary (Years 10–11) Students prepare for the Cambridge IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education). At this level, students take core and elective subjects based on their interests and strengths. These will include English as a First or Second Language, Mathematics, Additional Mathematics, Sciences, and elective options like Business Studies, Accounting, and Global Perspectives.
Curriculum details
The school follows the Cambridge International curriculum across all levels, combined with the Malaysian National KSSR/KSSM syllabus and a dedicated Islamic studies program.
Early Childhood Education (ages 4–6) uses the Cambridge Early Years curriculum, focusing on foundational literacy, numeracy, and Quranic studies. Primary School (ages 7–12) continues with the Cambridge Primary curriculum, offering core subjects like English, Mathematics, Science, and ICT, alongside Islamic subjects and Arabic language studies. Secondary School (ages 13–16) prepares students for the Cambridge IGCSE examinations and offers the option to pursue the Malaysian SPM qualification.
Throughout all levels, students participate in the Jilul Quran Program, which focuses on Quran memorization and understanding. English is the main language of instruction, with Arabic and Malay taught as additional languages.
1.Campus Tour or Open Week Participation Prospective families are encouraged to schedule a personalized school tour or participate in the school's Open Week events. These visits offer a firsthand experience of IDRISSI's eco-friendly campus, nature-based learning environments, and boarding facilities.
2.Application Submission To formally apply, submit the completed application form along with the required documents, which typically include:
Child’s passport copy Birth certificate Academic reports Vaccination records A recent passport-sized photograph
This documentation assists the admissions team in assessing eligibility and determining appropriate placement, especially for students transitioning from different educational systems.
3.Assessment and Trial Classes Preschool Applicants (Ages 4–6): Children are invited to participate in a trial class at the Nature-Based Preschool, where their social, emotional, communication, and motor skills are observed. It's important to note that all preschoolers must be toilet-trained before joining the school.
Primary and Secondary Applicants: Students undergo an entry assessment tailored to their age group. This assessment evaluates academic readiness and helps in appropriate class placement. The admissions team will provide details about the assessment schedule and format.
4.Curriculum Consultation After assessments, the admissions team will discuss the Cambridge International Curriculum pathway with you, ensuring it aligns with your child's academic background and future aspirations. They will also explain how Islamic studies and eco-values are integrated into the curriculum.
5.Fee Structure and Enrollment Confirmation Review the detailed fee structure, which includes tuition fees, registration fees, deposits, and any additional costs. Once you agree to the terms, you'll be guided through the payment process to secure your child's enrollment. The admissions team will also provide information on uniforms, transportation options, and other logistical details.
6.Final Enrollment and Orientation Upon successful completion of the above steps, your child's enrollment will be confirmed. The school will share orientation schedules, academic calendars, and other essential information to ensure a smooth transition into the IDRISSI community.
Admissions
1. Submit an Online Application Once you've connected with the admissions team, complete the online admission form to reserve a seat for your child. Ensure that all information provided is accurate to avoid any delays in the admission process.
2. Entry Assessment After submitting the application, an admissions officer will contact you within two days to schedule an entry assessment. For Primary and Secondary applicants, this includes the Cambridge Placement Test (English and Mathematics) and the AIQ Interview (Arabic, Islamic Studies, and Quran). Early Childhood applicants will undergo an Academic Interview.
3. Receive Assessment Results and Finalize Enrollment Results are typically communicated within two days of the assessment. If successful, you'll be invited to complete the enrollment process by signing the agreement and fulfilling any remaining formalities.
4. Join the Mount Safa Community Upon completion of the enrollment process, your child will be welcomed into the Mount Safa community and invited to participate in the school's onboarding program.
Scholarships
Scholarships
The school does not have any publicly available information on this.
Scholarships
As of now, Mount Safa International Islamic School does not publicly advertise any scholarship programs.
Waitlist
Waitlist
IDRISSI International School operates on a first-come, first-served basis. However, due to high demand, especially in certain grade levels, a waitlist may be implemented when classes reach capacity. Families on the waitlist are prioritized based on the date of application submission and are notified promptly when a spot becomes available. It's advisable to apply early and maintain regular communication with the admissions team to stay informed about your application status.
Waitlist
Mount Safa International Islamic School does not publicly specify a waitlist or pool system. Admissions are processed on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to seat availability.
