IDRISSI International School vs Stellar International School
IDRISSI International School and Stellar International School are both in Johor Bahru, about 5 km apart. Both schools offer Cambridge IGCSE programmes. IDRISSI International School also offers Cambridge (Primary) and Cambridge (Secondary), and Stellar International School also offers IPC and Singapore. Published annual fees are close, at MYR 12,000 - 27,000 for IDRISSI International School and MYR 14,400 - 23,760 for Stellar International School. IDRISSI International School takes pupils from 4 to 16, and Stellar International School from 3 to 18. The two are similar in size, at around 500 and 600 pupils. Both keep typical class sizes around 25.
IPC (International Primary Curriculum), Cambridge IGCSE, Singapore Curriculum
Pupils
Pupils
500
Pupils
600
Typical class size
Typical class size
25
Typical class size
25
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
2015
Opened
2016
Bus service
Bus service
No
Bus service
Yes
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
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
Stellar International School is located at Puteri Harbour in Iskandar Puteri, part of the Johor Bahru district in southern Malaysia. This area is a growing waterfront township. It is situated close to popular landmarks like Legoland Malaysia, Puteri Harbour Marina, and Medini. The school is a short drive from the Malaysia–Singapore Second Link, making it accessible for families commuting from Singapore.
While public transportation options in Iskandar Puteri are still developing, the area is serviced by Causeway Link buses and other private shuttle services connecting to Johor Bahru city and surrounding neighborhoods.
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
Stellar International School (SIS) is divided into four main educational levels: Preschool, Primary, Lower Secondary, and Upper Secondary.
School type
School type
IDRISSI is a co-educational day and boarding school.
School type
Stellar International School is a co-educational day school. It does not offer any 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
SIS offers tailored academic assistance through its Intensive Foundation Programme (IFP), designed to help newly enrolled students acclimate to the school's learning environment and culture. Additionally, the school provides support classes in various subjects to assist students in assimilating into mainstream classes and to offer opportunities for supplementary learning through project-based activities .
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
The school is not affiliated with any country.
Country affiliation
The school does not have a country affiliation.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
IDRISSI is an Islamic school.
Religious affiliation
The school operates as a non-denominational institution, welcoming students from diverse 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
*Preschool Schedule* Morning Session 8:00 AM – 8:30 AM: Arrival and waiting time
8:30 AM – 9:00 AM: Assembly, Edible Garden activities, Physical Exercise, Free Play, or Music & Movement
9:00 AM – 9:40 AM: Classroom learning – subjects include English, Chinese, Malay, Phonics, Mathematics, Art & Craft, Science, or Creative Play
9:40 AM – 10:00 AM: Snack time
10:00 AM – 10:40 AM: Continued classroom learning (same subject areas as above)
10:40 AM – 11:20 AM: More subject-based learning and exploration activities
11:20 AM – 12:00 PM: Blended learning including storytelling, music, sensorial play, or other subject-based sessions
12:00 PM – 12:30 PM: Lunch break
Afternoon Session 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM: Arrival for afternoon students and opening activities such as assembly, Edible Garden, or Music & Movement
12:30 PM – 1:10 PM: Core subject lessons – English, Chinese, Malay, Phonics, Mathematics, Art & Craft, Science, or Creative Play
1:10 PM – 1:50 PM: Additional learning and enrichment such as storytelling, sensorial play, or free play
1:50 PM – 2:10 PM: Snack time
2:10 PM – 2:50 PM: Continued classroom learning (core subjects and creative play)
3:30 PM – 4:00 PM: Closing activities – Assembly, outdoor or physical exercise, Free Play, or Music & Movement
There is no publicly available information for the day structure of Primary, Lower Secondary, and Upper Secondary.
Bus service details
Bus service details
The school does not have a bus service.
Bus service details
The school offers transportation service in partnership with an independent transport company, offering bus and van services for students. The availability of routes is determined based on the number of registrations and discussions with parents, ensuring coverage aligns with student needs .
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
Annual Tuition Fees: Preschool: RM14,400 Year 1: RM15,360 Year 7: RM20,160 Year 11: RM23,760
Return Policy Application Fee: A one-time, non-refundable application fee is required upon submission of the application form.
Enrolment Fee: Upon acceptance of the offer, a non-refundable enrolment fee must be paid to secure a place in the school.
Security Deposit: A refundable security deposit equivalent to one term's fees is required. This deposit is refundable upon withdrawal, provided that the school’s withdrawal procedures are followed.
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
—
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
Stellar International School offers a curricula that guide students from Preschool through Year 11. The school integrates the Singapore National Curriculum, the Cambridge International Curriculum, and the International Primary Curriculum (IPC),
In the Preschool and Primary years (ages 3–11), SIS adopts the Singapore National Curriculum and IPC. These programs emphasize strong foundations in English, Mathematics, Science, and Phonics, while also encouraging inquiry-based and thematic learning through creative arts, environmental education, and sensorial activities. The goal at this stage is to build fundamental skills in literacy, numeracy, and independent thinking.
For Secondary students (Years 7 to 11), SIS follows the Cambridge International Curriculum, culminating in the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) examinations in Year 11. Subjects include core academic disciplines along with elective courses that develop global awareness, critical thinking, and research skills. The curriculum is structured to prepare students for pre-university pathways such as A-Levels or the IB Diploma, though these are not currently offered at SIS.
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 Application The admissions process at SIS begins with the submission of the application form. Alongside the form, parents must also submit a completed Health & Medical Form and a signed Family-School Agreement. A non-refundable application fee is required at this stage. This allows the school to collect essential student information and initiate the enrollment process.
2. Attend an Assessment and Interview Once the application and required documents are received, SIS will arrange for the student to undergo an assessment and interview.
3. Receive an Offer Letter If the student meets the admission criteria, an offer letter will be issued, usually within a week of the assessment.
4. Confirm Enrollment To secure the student’s place at the school, parents must confirm enrollment by paying the enrollment fee and completing any remaining administrative requirements. This includes reviewing and agreeing to SIS policies and finalizing the submission of any outstanding documentation.
6. Orientation and School Preparation Before the school year begins, SIS will provide orientation details for both students and parents. This includes important information such as the academic calendar, uniform and supplies list, transportation arrangements, and daily schedules. Families are also welcome to book campus tours or attend open house events to better understand the learning environment.
Scholarships
Scholarships
The school does not have any publicly available information on this.
Scholarships
The school does not currently offer formal academic scholarships.
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.