IDRISSI International School vs Sri Ara International & Private School
IDRISSI International School and Sri Ara International & Private School are both in Johor Bahru, about 15 km apart. Both schools offer Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary) and Cambridge IGCSE programmes. Published annual fees are close, at MYR 12,000 - 27,000 for IDRISSI International School and MYR 10,230 - 29,520 for Sri Ara International & Private School . IDRISSI International School takes pupils from 4 to 16, and Sri Ara International & Private School from 3 to 17. IDRISSI International School is the larger school, with around 500 pupils to Sri Ara International & Private School 's 130. Typical class sizes are 25 at IDRISSI International School and 10 at Sri Ara International & Private School .
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
Sri Ara International School is located at 23 Jalan Straits View in the Straits View neighborhood of Johor Bahru, Malaysia. The school is situated in a residential area, providing a tranquil environment for students.
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 offers education from Preschool (Nursery) through sixth form, accommodating students aged 3 to 17. It follows the Cambridge International curriculum, preparing students for the IGCSE examinations.
School type
School type
IDRISSI is a co-educational day and boarding school.
School type
Sri Ara International School is a co-educational day school, welcoming both male and female students. The school does not provide 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
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
Sri Ara International School does not identify as a specialist SEN institution, but it states that it aims to support students with different learning needs where possible.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
The school is not affiliated with any country.
Country affiliation
The school operates independently without formal affiliation to any specific country.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
IDRISSI is an Islamic school.
Religious affiliation
Sri Ara International School is a secular institution with no religious affiliation. It welcomes students from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds.
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 operates from Monday to Thursday, starting at 8:00 AM and ending at 3:15 PM. On Fridays, the day concludes slightly earlier at 3:00 PM. Extra-curricular activities are scheduled after school hours from Monday to Thursday .
Bus service details
Bus service details
The school does not have a bus service.
Bus service details
Information regarding a dedicated school bus or coach service is not specified on the school's official website.
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
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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
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
Sri Ara International School follows the Cambridge Pathway, offering a structured progression from primary through secondary education. Students in Years 1 to 6 engage with the Cambridge Primary curriculum, focusing on core subjects such as English, Mathematics, and Science. Years 7 to 9 follow the Cambridge Lower Secondary curriculum, building on foundational knowledge and preparing students for higher-level studies. In Years 10 and 11, students undertake the Cambridge IGCSE program, with subjects including English Language, Mathematics, Sciences (Combined or Coordinated), Business Studies, Accounting, Economics, Geography, History, Art, ICT, and languages like Malay and Mandarin . The school plans to introduce Oxford AQA examinations for Sixth Form (Years 12 and 13) .
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. Arrange a school tour or information session. The school welcomes prospective families to visit the campus and meet with staff. Tours can be scheduled directly with the admissions office and are a good opportunity to ask specific questions and observe the learning environment.
2. Submit application documents. Parents must complete the registration form and submit it along with a non-refundable RM2,500 registration fee. Supporting documents include previous academic records, a copy of the child’s birth certificate, passport or MyKad, and passport-sized photographs.
3. Assessment and interview (if applicable). Depending on the year group, the school may conduct academic assessments or request an interview to determine placement suitability. These are generally informal for younger children and more structured for older students.
4. Placement confirmation and payment of deposit. Once a place is offered, parents are required to confirm enrolment by paying a refundable deposit equal to one term’s tuition fee. Further information about uniforms, textbooks, and term start dates is provided after confirmation.
Scholarships
Scholarships
The school does not have any publicly available information on this.
Scholarships
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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
Sri Ara International School does not publicly advertise a waitlist or pooled admissions system.