LUCA International School vs Mount Safa International School

	L LUCA International School Johor Bahru, Malaysia	M Mount Safa International School Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year MYR 20,400 - 26,400	Fees / year MYR 17,051 - 22,671
Age range	Age range 7 - 17 years	Age range 4 - 16 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE	Curriculum Cambridge (Primary)
Pupils	Pupils 320	Pupils 210
Typical class size	Typical class size 20	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2018	Opened 2012
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location LUCA International School is situated in Taman Kempas Utama, a tranquil and residential area of Johor Bahru. It’s accessible via the North-South Expressway and Jalan Kempas Lama, and takes about 30–45 minutes by car from the Singapore border. The surrounding area is developing steadily, with access to key facilities like AEON Mall Bandar Dato' Onn, parks, and medical centers such as Sultanah Aminah Hospital.	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 offers a structured educational journey for early years, primary and secondary levels.	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 LUCA International School is a co-educational day school. LUCA does not provide boarding facilities.	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 LUCA International School emphasizes the importance of nurturing both the academic and emotional growth of its students through a variety of support systems beyond the standard curriculum. A standout feature is their coaching support program, which provides personalized academic and life guidance through certified coaches. These sessions, offered in both individual and group formats, aim to empower students to take responsibility for their own progress, while also equipping them with emotional resilience and critical thinking skills.	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 does not have formal affiliation with any country.	Country affiliation The school does not have a formal affiliation with any particular country.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation LUCA International School is also a non-denominational institution with no religious affiliation.	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 Elementary & Primary: 7:30 AM – 2:30 PM Secondary: 7:30 AM – 3:15 PM	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 LUCA International School offers a school bus service for its students. This service aims to ensure safe and convenient transportation for students residing in different parts of Johor Bahru. Specific details about the bus routes and timings are typically provided upon enrollment or can be obtained by reaching out to the school's administrative office.	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 Tuition Fees (Annually) Years 1–6: RM 20,400 Years 7–9: RM 24,000 Years 10–11: RM 26,400 Other Fees Application Fee: RM 500 (non-refundable, one-time) Enrolment Fee: RM 1,500 (non-refundable, one-time) Student Support Fees: Includes coaching services (detailed cost not publicly listed) Refund Policy Application & Enrolment Fees: Both are one-time, non-refundable payments. Tuition Fees: The refundability of tuition fees is not specified publicly. It's recommended to consult the school's administrative office for detailed information. The school has not disclosed their payment methods publicly.	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 The school has a uniform. A Uniform Sizing Chart is published on the site.
Food options	Food options —	Food options The school has a canteen on site.
House system	House system LUCA International School has a house system with four houses: Lion, Eagle, Orca, and Stag. The houses are represented by biblical animals and are color-coded as Yellow Lion, Red Eagle, Blue Orca, and Green Stag, with current scores shown for each house.	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The school was founded in 2018 by Golden Lampstand Baptist Church and LUCA is run by the church.	Governance and ownership The school is governed by a Board of Governors and a Board of Directors. The Chairman of the Board of Governors is Tuan Haji Md Noor Haron, who is also the CEO of Mount Safa International School. The Board of Directors includes Prof. Dato' Sri Dr. Captain Razali Yaacob (Chairman), Datuk Dr. Mohd Farhan Razali, and Tuan Mohammad Irshad Razali; they are associated with Safa International Sdn Bhd (SISB).
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details LUCA delivers a fully Cambridge-based curriculum for students from Early Years through Year 11. The academic journey is thoughtfully structured into five developmental stages: Enlightenment, Foundation, Consolidation Basic, Exploration and Development, and Directional. These stages guide students from foundational knowledge to advanced preparation for the Cambridge IGCSE exams. LUCA emphasizes a 21st-century learning model that integrates thematic teaching, entrepreneurial thinking, and personal development across all subjects.	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.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning LUCA International School takes a structured approach to SEL through its Coaching Support program, which functions as an in-school mentorship and emotional support service. Students are encouraged to express themselves, set personal goals, and develop coping strategies.	Social & emotional learning Mount Safa International Islamic School integrates SEL into its curriculum through programs like the Tarbiyah Module, which emphasizes character development, moral values, and spiritual growth. Additionally, the school offers individual psychotherapy sessions to help students understand themselves better, work through behavioral patterns, and provide a safe space to de-stress and address personal challenges.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) The school does not have a dedicated SEN department.	Special educational needs (SEN) The school provides support for students with special educational needs through its Special Needs Students Development Unit (SPDU). This unit offers tailored learning assistance, focusing on helping students develop academic skills and confidence within an inclusive classroom environment. While the school supports various learning needs, it is not a specialist SEN institution.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language The school does not have publicly available information regarding EAL.	English as an additional language Mount Safa International Islamic School offers an Intensive English Program (IEP) designed to support students for whom English is an additional language. This program aims to enhance English language proficiency, ensuring students can access the broader curriculum effectively.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing The creative and recreational co-curricular activities offered at the school including dance, music, cooking, and visual arts serve as expressive outlets that reduce anxiety, build identity, and support emotional balance.	Mental wellbeing The school emphasizes mental wellbeing by providing individual therapy sessions, allowing students to explore their thoughts and feelings in a supportive environment. These sessions aim to help students gain clarity on their values, manage stress, and work through personal challenges.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding The school does not have publicly available information regarding safeguarding policies.	Safeguarding While specific safeguarding policies are not detailed in the available information, the school's mission includes preparing students to be morally and socially responsible citizens guided by the teachings of the Quran and Sunnah.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The school is located at 6, Jalan Kempas Utama 2/4, 81300 Johor Bahru, Malaysia. It delivers Cambridge International Education Programme across Elementary & Primary, Lower Secondary, and Upper Secondary. Elementary & Primary offers 11 subjects including English, Mathematics, Science, Chinese, Bahasa Malaysia, STEAM, Arts & Design, Music, Physical Education, and Life Education. Upper Secondary provides two streams—Combined Science and Pure Science—for the IGCSE, with Life Education. The school's motto is "I Learn, I Love, and I Live by Good Example" and it is guided by LUCA values; it was founded in 2018 by Golden Lampstand Baptist Church. The Our Facilities gallery includes a science laboratory and a music room.	Facilities overview Mount Safa International School has STEAM robotics facilities, a canteen, and transportation services. Books and uniforms are available via Tekbookmart. The campus is located at Mount Safa International School Kompleks Mutiara Johor Land Taman Bukit Mutiara Bandar Dato' Onn 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities LUCA follows the Cambridge International Education Programme across Elementary & Primary, Lower Secondary, and Upper Secondary. Elementary & Primary offers 11 subjects including English, Mathematics, Science, Chinese, Bahasa Malaysia, STEAM, Arts & Design, Music, Physical Education, and Life Education. Lower Secondary (Year 7–9) includes English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Chinese, Bahasa Malaysia, STEAM, Arts & Design, Music, Physical Education, Life Education. Upper Secondary (Year 10–11) offers two streams—Combine Science and Pure Science—for the IGCSE and includes Life Education. LUCA emphasizes 21st-century skills and life coaching, with Life Education and goal-setting, leadership, global awareness, and innovation integrated into the program.	Academic facilities Mount Safa International School offers three curricula: International Curriculum, Malaysian Curriculum, and Islamic Studies. The International Curriculum includes International Primary Programme, International Lower Secondary, International Level Examinations, International Recognition, and University Pathways Worldwide. The Malaysian Curriculum comprises KSSR and KSSM, Bahasa Malaysia Excellence, National Identity & Heritage, and MOE Compliance. The Islamic Studies program includes Quran & Tajweed Mastery, Arabic Language (Fusha), Islamic Tarbiyah & Akhlaq, Sirah & Islamic History, and Fiqh & Aqidah Fundamentals. Jilul Quran Tahfiz Program provides Quran memorization with Tajweed, and Arabic is taught by native speakers. The STEAM Robotics program uses state-of-the-art facilities for science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities —	Extra curricular facilities Co-curricular activities include Karate, Swimming, and Kadet Remaja Sekolah (KRS). The program has three core activities, with over 200 active participants and 100% student engagement. Activities focus on leadership, discipline, and teamwork. Most CCA sessions run after school hours, typically once or twice per week.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History LUCA International School was established in 2018 in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, as a response to the challenges educators faced while implementing 21st-century learning models. Although Malaysia introduced this educational approach in 2013, many teachers experienced isolation and limited support while trying to put it into practice. Wanting to restore the core purpose of education, the founding team of LUCA took initiative. They explored teaching practices from institutions around the world and engaged in deep reflection and planning to rediscover what truly matters in learning. Their guiding belief “education is life impacts life” became the foundation for LUCA's vision. Over time, and through trial and error, the school refined its direction, turning setbacks into valuable insights. This journey helped shape LUCA's developmental framework and long-term goals. The school's values are built on what they call the "LUCA Beliefs". Love the truth as a guiding principle (L), Understand and celebrate one another’s uniqueness (U), Commit to building core competencies (C), and Adapt to challenges with resilience (A). These principles reflect the heart of the LUCA community and shape the school culture.	History Mount Safa International Islamic School was co-founded in 2012 by Singaporean Asmadi Ahmad, an alumnus of Raffles Institution and Nanyang Technological University. He served as the school's principal until September 2022. The school is owned and operated by Safa International Schools Berhad, with plans to expand to Iskandar Puteri by 2026.
Community	Community LUCA International School fosters a close-knit community with small class sizes, averaging 15–20 students. The school emphasizes character building, leadership, and holistic development. Co-curricular activities, including clubs like STEM, Master Chef, Media Production, Dance, and Art & Design, provide students with opportunities to explore their interests and develop essential life skills.	Community The school community comprises students from Malaysia, Singapore, and other countries, fostering a diverse and inclusive environment. Community events include cultural celebrations like Eid gatherings and food festivals, promoting cultural exchange and unity among students and families.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association The school does not have publicly available information regarding PTA. However, LUCA places a strong emphasis on collaboration between parents and educators. Regular Parent-Teacher Conferences (PTCs) are held to discuss student progress and development.	Parent teacher association While specific details about Mount Safa's PTA are not publicly available, the school emphasizes strong collaboration between parents and teachers.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual LUCA International School follows the Cambridge International Education Programme across Elementary, Lower Secondary, and Upper Secondary. In Elementary & Primary, the curriculum offers 11 subjects including English, Mathematics, Science, Chinese, Bahasa Malaysia, STEAM, Arts & Design, Music, Physical Education, and Life Education. Lower Secondary (Years 7–9) includes English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Chinese, Bahasa Malaysia, STEAM, Arts & Design, Music, Physical Education, and Life Education. Upper Secondary (Year 10–11) uses Cambridge IGCSE and provides two streams—Combined Science and Pure Science—along with Life Education. The curriculum emphasizes 21st-century skills and Life Education.	Academic & intellectual The school uses a triple-integrated curriculum, combining International Curriculum, Malaysian Curriculum, and Islamic Studies. The International Curriculum includes International Primary Programme, International Lower Secondary, International Level Examinations, International Recognition, and University Pathways Worldwide. The Malaysian Curriculum covers KSSR (Primary) and KSSM (Secondary), Bahasa Malaysia Excellence, National Identity & Heritage, and MOE Compliance. Islamic Studies cover Quran & Tajweed Mastery, Arabic Language (Fusha), Islamic Tarbiyah & Akhlaq, Sirah & Islamic History, and Fiqh & Aqidah Fundamentals. The Jilul Quran Tahfiz Program is a core offering. The school presents itself as a premier Islamic international school in Johor Bahru with a focus on holistic development.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Arts & Design and Music are listed as subjects in Elementary & Primary (Years 1–3 and 4–6) and continue in Lower Secondary. Arts & Design and Music are included in the Lower Secondary curriculum as part of the Cambridge International Education Programme. The program supports creativity and self-expression across levels.	Arts & creative —
Cultural & language	Cultural & language The Elementary & Primary levels include English, Mathematics, Science, Chinese, Bahasa Malaysia (compulsory for Malaysian students), STEAM, Arts & Design, Music, Physical Education, and Life Education. Lower Secondary includes English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Chinese, Bahasa Malaysia. Students have opportunities to learn from foreign educators and participate in cultural exchanges. Chinese is part of the language offerings, alongside Bahasa Malaysia.	Cultural & language The school provides Trilingual Education with fluency in English, Arabic, and Bahasa Malaysia, supporting international opportunities and cultural understanding.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies LUCA operates a House System to foster unity, community, and a spirit of healthy competition across school activities. The Student Representative Council (SRC) provides student leadership opportunities for Year 10 and Year 11, with elected members engaging in school events to develop people management and project management skills over a 15‑month training period. Life Education is a subject across levels, complemented by Life Coaching sessions that help students set goals and navigate personal and academic challenges. Small class sizes are emphasized to enable personalized guidance and closer student–teacher relationships.	Social & hobbies —
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional The school offers a Student Representative Council (SRC) that focuses on leadership development. SRC members are Year 10 and Year 11 students elected to lead school events and gain experience in people management and project management over a 15‑month training period. This leadership structure provides formal opportunities for students to practice organizational skills and collaborative leadership.	Leadership & professional The Principal is Madam Nur Akmal. The school highlights a holistic development approach and invites partnerships with external organizations to support learning.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Life Education is a core subject alongside Physical Education, supporting holistic wellbeing. Life Coaching sessions are provided to help students understand themselves, set meaningful goals, and navigate personal and academic challenges. LUCA emphasizes intentionally small class sizes to enable personalized guidance and support for students. The House System also promotes unity and community spirit beyond academics.	Lifestyle & wellbeing The campus emphasizes a balanced environment with Islamic practices and character formation as part of daily life, including a musollah for daily prayer and Tarbiyah modules within the Islamic education framework.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision LUCA International School follows the Cambridge International Education Programme from Elementary through Lower Secondary, with Upper Secondary completing the Cambridge IGCSE. Languages taught as subjects include English, Chinese, and Bahasa Malaysia, with Bahasa Malaysia compulsory for Malaysian students. In Elementary & Primary, Year 1–3 and Year 4–6 include English, Mathematics, Science, Chinese, Bahasa Malaysia (compulsory for Malaysian students), STEAM, Arts & Design, Music, Physical Education, and Life Education. In Lower Secondary, Year 7–9 include English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Chinese, Bahasa Malaysia (compulsory for Malaysian students), STEAM, Arts & Design, Music, Physical Education, and Life Education; Upper Secondary offers IGCSE subjects.	Language provision The school teaches English, Arabic, and Bahasa Malaysia as core languages. Arabic language studies and Quran-focused instruction are integrated into the Islamic studies program. Bahasa Malaysia is taught as a core language within the Malaysian curriculum. In Early Childhood Education, children communicate effectively in English and Bahasa Melayu.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching Trilingual education in English, Arabic, and Bahasa Malaysia.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards Malaysia Influential Educators Award (2022): Acting Principal Ms. Esther Yong was honored with this award, highlighting the school's commitment to educational excellence.	Awards As of now, there are no publicly documented awards for Mount Safa International Islamic School in the past five years.
Accreditations	Accreditations Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE): LUCA International School is authorized to offer the Cambridge IGCSE curriculum, ensuring students receive a globally recognized education.	Accreditations Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE): Mount Safa International Islamic School is authorized by CAIE to offer the Cambridge curriculum, including Early Years, Primary, Secondary, and IGCSE programs. This accreditation ensures the school meets international standards for academic excellence and provides students with globally recognized qualifications. Malaysian Ministry of Education (MOE): The school is registered with the MOE, allowing it to offer the Malaysian National Curriculum (KSSR/KSSM) alongside its international programs. This accreditation ensures compliance with national educational standards and enables students to sit for national examinations like the SPM.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Trial Class: LUCA offers trial classes for prospective students to experience the school's environment and teaching approach. 2. Assessment & Interview: Applicants may undergo assessments and interviews to determine their suitability for the school's programs. 3. Document Submission: Required documents	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 —	Scholarships As of now, Mount Safa International Islamic School does not publicly advertise any scholarship programs.
Waitlist	Waitlist The school does not have a waitlist.	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.
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