Mount Safa International School vs Sri Ara International & Private School

	M Mount Safa International School Johor Bahru, Malaysia	S Sri Ara International & Private School Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year MYR 17,051 - 22,671	Fees / year MYR 10,230 - 29,520
Age range	Age range 4 - 16 years	Age range 3 - 17 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum Cambridge (Primary)	Curriculum Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE
Pupils	Pupils 210	Pupils 130
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size 10
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2012	Opened 1997
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	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.	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 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.	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 The school is co-educational and does not offer boarding facilities. It provides day schooling for students from ages 4 to 16.	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 —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	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.	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 does not have a formal affiliation with any particular country.	Country affiliation The school operates independently without formal affiliation to any specific country.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation The school has an Islamic affiliation and offers a comprehensive Islamic studies program integrated with its academic curriculum.	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 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.	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 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.	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 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.	Fee details —
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement The school has a uniform. A Uniform Sizing Chart is published on the site.	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options The school has a canteen on site.	Food options —
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	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).	Governance and ownership The school is led by a Chairman, Puan Nooraini Mohd. Yasin. Sri Ara Schools is registered with Cambridge Assessment International Education and offers the Cambridge Pathway (Cambridge Primary, Lower Secondary and IGCSE) alongside the Malaysian National Curriculum. The school is located at 23, Jalan Straits View, 80200 Johor Bahru, Johor.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	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.	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) .
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 View document
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	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.	Social & emotional learning Sri Ara encourages students to be active, responsible, and take on leadership roles within the student body. The Students’ Representative Council oversees student welfare and organizes events, fostering a sense of community and responsibility.
Special educational needs (SEN)	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.	Special educational needs (SEN) Specific SEN programs are not detailed on the school's website.
English as an additional language	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.	English as an additional language English is the primary medium of instruction at the school. While specific EAL support programs are not mentioned, the school's diverse student body suggests an inclusive approach to language learning.
Mental wellbeing	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.	Mental wellbeing The school emphasizes a secure and caring environment, aiming to support students' overall development. Specific mental health programs are not detailed, but the school's philosophy underscores the importance of a nurturing atmosphere.
Safeguarding	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 Sri Ara Schools outlines specific safeguarding commitments in its privacy policy, emphasizing the protection of student data and the importance of safe handling of personal information. The school states that all personal data collected is kept confidential and used only for educational and administrative purposes. It also highlights efforts to protect children from harm and abuse in both the physical and online environments, indicating that safeguarding is an integral part of school operations. While not a detailed safeguarding policy, this statement shows a clear awareness of child protection responsibilities and data security. For more comprehensive procedures, direct contact with the school may be necessary.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	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.	Facilities overview —
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	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.	Academic 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.	Extra curricular facilities The school places emphasis on extra-curricular activities and includes physical education and sports in the timetable. Speech and Drama are part of the curriculum and help develop confidence and communication for university and professional life later on. The environment and sustainability are emphasised in curriculum planning. Charity work and giving back to the community are inculcated through various activities in the school calendar, and students participate in the year-end school concert. After-school activities are offered, and students are required to take part in at least two per year. Available activities include Dance & Zumba Club, Red Crescent, Environmental Club, Robotic Club, Art & Craft Club, Speech & Drama Club, Taekwondo, Home Science, Pafa-agama, Street Soccer and Swimming.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	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.	History Sri Ara International School was founded in 1997 and grew out of the former Tun Dr Ismail International School. It was established to offer both national and international curriculum options within one institution. The school is privately owned and has expanded its programs to include Cambridge IGCSE and plans for A-Level pathways. Its name, “Sri Ara,” was introduced to reflect a new identity with a continued focus on Malaysian and global educational contexts.
Community	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.	Community The school hosts various community events such as Hari Raya celebrations, International Day, and annual concerts. These events aim to promote cultural awareness and family involvement. Students also participate in outreach and fundraising initiatives through clubs and house teams.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association While specific details about Mount Safa's PTA are not publicly available, the school emphasizes strong collaboration between parents and teachers.	Parent teacher association Sri Ara’s PTA is actively involved in supporting school events, communication between parents and staff, and planning community activities. PTA members assist with the coordination of festive celebrations and support new families with orientation. They are also involved in organizing the school’s Family Day and charity drives. Meetings are held regularly and serve as a forum for feedback and collaboration. Parents are encouraged to volunteer for specific events or become part of working committees throughout the year.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	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.	Academic & intellectual —
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative —
Cultural & language	Cultural & language The school provides Trilingual Education with fluency in English, Arabic, and Bahasa Malaysia, supporting international opportunities and cultural understanding.	Cultural & language —
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies —
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional The Principal is Madam Nur Akmal. The school highlights a holistic development approach and invites partnerships with external organizations to support learning.	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	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.	Lifestyle & wellbeing —
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	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.	Language provision The school uses English as the main medium of instruction throughout. It offers two curricula: Cambridge International Examinations leading to IGCSE, and the Malaysian National Curriculum with emphasis on English. Mandarin is taught as a language subject, and Malay language is offered for Malaysian nationals. Cambridge Lower Secondary and IGCSE programs include English as a first or second language, with Mandarin and Malay taught as language subjects.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching Trilingual education in English, Arabic, and Bahasa Malaysia.	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards As of now, there are no publicly documented awards for Mount Safa International Islamic School in the past five years.	Awards —
Accreditations	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.	Accreditations Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE): Sri Ara is accredited to offer the Cambridge International curriculum, including the IGCSE examinations. CAIE is part of the University of Cambridge and is widely recognized for its global academic standards. Ministry of Education Malaysia (MOE): The school operates with approval from Malaysia's Ministry of Education, ensuring compliance with national regulations for private and international schools.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	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.	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 As of now, Mount Safa International Islamic School does not publicly advertise any scholarship programs.	Scholarships —
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.	Waitlist Sri Ara International School does not publicly advertise a waitlist or pooled admissions system.
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