The International School of Penang (Uplands) vs Dalat International School

The school is located in Batu Ferringhi, a beachside suburb on the northern coast of Penang Island, Malaysia. It’s approximately 30 minutes by car from George Town. The area is quieter and more residential, popular with expat families.

Uplands is divided into Primary School (ages 4–11) and Secondary School (ages 11–18). The school follows the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), IB Middle Years Programme (MYP), IGCSEs, and the IB Diploma Programme (DP). Students transition through these stages with age-appropriate academic and pastoral structures.

The school is co-educational and welcomes both day and boarding students. Boarding is available for students in Year 7 and above, with weekly and term options. The school operates on a not-for-profit basis.

The school provides Learning Support Services to students with mild to moderate additional needs. Support may include in-class assistance, small group sessions, or one-to-one intervention, depending on individual assessments. The school collaborates with parents and specialists to develop tailored support plans.

The school has no formal affiliation with any specific country.

Uplands is a secular school with no religious affiliation.

The school day typically runs from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday to Friday. Students have scheduled morning and lunch breaks, with time allocated for academic lessons, specialist subjects, and extracurricular activities. The timetable may vary slightly between Primary and Secondary levels.

The school provides a bus service operated by external providers that covers a range of residential areas around Penang Island. Buses are fitted with seatbelts and are supervised by trained personnel. Routes and pickup times are coordinated to accommodate student needs, and the school works closely with providers to ensure safety and punctuality.

The governance of The International School of Penang (Uplands) is established by the Constitution of The I.S.P. Schools Association and overseen by a Board composed of Patron Governors and Parent Governors. The Board provides strategic leadership and corporate oversight, meeting regularly to guide the school's long-term direction and ensure its continued success. Supporting the work of the Board are several committees, including the Executive Committee (EXCOM), the Trustees Committee, the Audit and Risk Committee (ARCO), and the Development Committee. The Principal is supported by a Senior Management Team, which includes the Head of Primary, Head of Secondary, Head of Administration, Head of Finance, Head of IT, Head of HR, and other senior academic staff. The school's financial matters are monitored by the Head of Finance and are subject to regular audits by an independent external auditor.

The International School of Penang (Uplands) offers a continuum of internationally recognized curricula from early years through pre-university. In the Primary School (Reception to Year 6), students follow the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), which focuses on inquiry-based learning across core subjects including English, mathematics, science, social studies, and languages. In Years 7 to 9, the school implements the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP), which includes disciplines such as language and literature, individuals and societies, design, sciences, mathematics, and the arts. Years 10 and 11 prepare students for the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) examinations across a range of subjects including English, mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, and languages. In Years 12 and 13, students undertake the IB Diploma Programme (DP), which includes six academic subjects, a 4,000-word Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge (TOK), and CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service). Language acquisition is integrated across all stages, with French, German, Mandarin, and Malay offered.

The school integrates Social and Emotional Learning through its pastoral care programme, classroom practices, and structured activities. Homeroom teachers play a central role in daily SEL, supported by year-group coordinators and student welfare teams. The school runs age-appropriate lessons on topics such as emotional regulation, friendships, and conflict resolution. Reflection and community service components, particularly in the IB programmes, further support SEL. Students also have access to counselling services where needed. Collaborative initiatives such as peer mentoring and student council provide opportunities to build empathy and leadership skills.

Uplands supports students with mild to moderate learning needs through its Learning Support Department. The school is not a specialist SEN institution but offers tailored support plans developed in collaboration with families and external professionals. Support is delivered through a mix of in-class assistance, small group sessions, and individualized intervention. Needs supported typically include dyslexia, ADHD, and specific learning difficulties in literacy or numeracy. The SEN team works closely with teaching staff to differentiate lessons and monitor student progress. Admission of students with SEN is reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

The school offers structured EAL support for students who are developing English language proficiency. Dedicated EAL teachers provide instruction both within mainstream classes and in small group settings. The level of support is based on individual assessments at the time of enrolment and is reviewed regularly. The EAL program is integrated into classroom learning, particularly in Primary and early Secondary years. As students progress, support is gradually reduced as proficiency improves. Communication with parents is maintained to monitor progress and engagement.

Students have access to trained school counsellors who provide individual support and group workshops. Wellbeing themes are integrated into tutor time, PSHE lessons, and assemblies across school levels. Staff receive training on student wellbeing awareness, and there are clear referral pathways for additional help. The school encourages an open-door policy for students seeking support and organizes peer-based initiatives such as wellbeing ambassadors. Outdoor learning, sports, and creative clubs also contribute to wellbeing. Collaboration with parents is encouraged when concerns arise.

The school follows a clearly defined Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy aligned with international standards. All staff receive mandatory safeguarding training, and procedures for identifying and reporting concerns are in place. Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) oversee all safeguarding matters and ensure compliance. Visitors to the school are screened, and campus access is strictly monitored. Regular policy reviews and audits ensure ongoing effectiveness. Age-appropriate lessons are also delivered to help students understand their rights and how to seek help.

1. Schedule a campus visit or open day (if available).
Families are encouraged to visit the school to better understand the environment and facilities. This can include a guided tour and the opportunity to speak with staff. Visits are optional but can help in making an informed decision.

2. Submit an application form.
Applications are submitted online and must include supporting documents such as academic records, passport/ID, and any relevant reports (e.g., EAL or SEN assessments). An application fee of MYR 800 is payable at this stage. Applications can be submitted year-round, but spaces may be limited in certain year groups.

3. Student assessment and review.
Depending on the age group and background, students may be invited to sit an entrance assessment and/or interview with a member of the academic team. English language proficiency and learning support needs are also reviewed to determine the level of support required.

4. Receive an offer.
If the application is successful, the school will issue an offer letter. To secure the place, parents must pay the entrance fee (MYR 7,000) and enrolment deposit (MYR 5,000) within the given deadline.

Uplands offers a limited number of academic scholarships for students entering the IB Diploma Programme (Years 12–13). These are merit-based and awarded through an application process that typically includes previous academic records, teacher recommendations, and an interview. Scholarships may cover a portion of tuition fees and do not apply to boarding or additional fees. Specific scholarship availability and application deadlines are communicated directly by the school on an annual basis.

Uplands may operate a waitlist for year groups that are already at capacity. Applicants placed on the waitlist are notified in writing and may be offered a place if one becomes available. Priority is not guaranteed and may depend on factors such as sibling attendance, date of application, and the applicant’s educational profile. The school does not operate a pooled admissions round; decisions are made on a rolling basis.

Dalat International School is situated in Tanjung Bunga, a coastal suburb of Penang, Malaysia. The area offers a blend of residential neighborhoods and beachside living, with convenient access to local amenities.

Public transportation options, including Rapid Penang bus routes 101, 102, and 103, serve the vicinity, facilitating easy commutes to and from the school.

The school caters to students from Preschool (age 3) through Grade 12 (age 18). It is organized into three divisions: Elementary School (Preschool to Grade 4), Middle School (Grades 5–8), and High School (Grades 9–12).

Dalat International School is a co-educational institution offering both day and boarding options. Boarding facilities are available for students in Grades 6 through 12, providing a family-style living environment on campus.

The school provides support for students with mild to moderate special educational needs through its Learning Support program. Services include individualized education plans, classroom support, and consultative services aimed at fostering student independence and success.

Dalat International School follows an American curriculum and is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI).

The school is a Christian institution that welcomes students from diverse faith backgrounds. Its programs incorporate Christian values and spiritual development as part of the educational experience.

The standard school day runs from 8:00 AM to 3:10 PM, Monday through Friday. Preschool programs may have adjusted hours, with dismissal at 12:00 PM.

Dalat International School offers a school bus service.

The boarding program houses up to 36 dorm students per dorm family. Dorms are family‑style and co‑ed, with siblings placed together in the same dorm and students typically remaining with the same dorm family for the duration of their stay. Each dorm family includes younger and older students (grades 6–12). The two dorms, named Ziemer and Jaffray, are housed in the Lighthouse building and feature common areas such as a lounge, kitchen, dining room, study room, and a balcony with an ocean view. After curfew, students stay in their own dorms, but may visit friends in other dorms. Breakfast is prepared by dorm parents, lunch is served in the cafeteria, and dinner is served in the cafeteria at 5:30 pm; a community time from 6:00–7:00 pm offers activities before evening routines.

All students wear the uniform during the entire school day; a separate PE uniform is worn for physical education classes. Middle school students must purchase a performing arts polo shirt for concerts and black dress pants. Uniforms are sold by appointment with sign‑up required; sizes can be tried on before purchase, and payment can be cash or charged to the school account.

Kindergarten through Grade 12 students are offered a healthy lunch program served in the cafeteria for a fee. Students may bring their own lunch and sit in the cafeteria, with beverages available. Morning and afternoon snacks are available for preschool and elementary students for a fee.

Dalat is governed by a Board of Governors, the school's highest level of governance. The board comprises members including Will Brooks, Rachel Brooks, Jean Setzland, Jennifer Hu, Stewart Stemple, Pearl Lim, Lee Khai, Ashley Tee, and Kelsey Branum, and operates under the Carver Model of Policy Governance to set long‑term goals directed by the mission and vision. The board supports the accreditation process, and Dalat has been accredited by ACSI and WASC for more than 35 years.

Dalat International School follows a U.S.-based college preparatory curriculum from Preschool through Grade 12. In the elementary years (Preschool to Grade 4), students follow a broad-based program focusing on core literacy, numeracy, science, social studies, and character education, along with art, music, physical education, and world languages. Middle School (Grades 5–8) builds on this foundation with increased subject specialization and the introduction of electives, exploratory subjects, and advisory programs. In High School (Grades 9–12), students complete coursework required for a U.S. high school diploma and may choose from a range of Advanced Placement (AP) courses for university preparation. High school students also participate in service learning, leadership programs, and co-curricular activities as part of their graduation requirements. Instruction is in English, with Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin, and Spanish offered as world language options.

Dalat International School incorporates Social and Emotional Learning through its character education programs and advisory periods across school divisions. Teachers and counsellors facilitate classroom discussions on topics such as self-awareness, empathy, responsible decision-making, and conflict resolution. The school’s chapels and community service programs also support emotional development and interpersonal relationships. Middle and High School students participate in small group mentoring and homerooms that encourage peer support and reflection.

Dedicated counselling staff are available to work with students individually or in small groups when needed. SEL is integrated into the curriculum and school culture rather than offered as a standalone program.

The school offers Learning Support services for students with mild to moderate learning needs, such as dyslexia, ADHD, and executive functioning challenges. Services include individualized support plans, in-class assistance, and direct intervention by learning specialists. These services are designed to help students access the general curriculum with appropriate accommodations.

Dalat is not a specialist SEN institution and may not be able to support students with significant cognitive, behavioral, or physical disabilities. Admission is determined on a case-by-case basis, based on assessment and available support capacity.

Dalat provides structured EAL support for students whose first language is not English and who require additional help to access the curriculum. The EAL program is available for students in Kindergarten through Grade 8, with a focus on building academic language and literacy.

Support is delivered through a combination of pull-out sessions, in-class collaboration with subject teachers, and targeted small-group instruction. A one-time EAL fee is charged based on the student’s grade level. Admission for EAL students includes language proficiency assessment to determine the level of support needed. High school students are expected to be proficient in English prior to enrollment.

The school has a dedicated counselling team that supports students’ emotional and psychological wellbeing through one-on-one counselling, group sessions, and referrals where needed. School counsellors are available at each division and provide resources for stress management, transitions, and peer relationships. Teachers and staff are trained to identify signs of distress and refer students to the appropriate support services. Dalat promotes a caring environment through advisory periods, homerooms, and student leadership programs that encourage community connection. Mental health topics are also addressed through health education and occasional school-wide initiatives.

Dalat International School maintains a formal child protection policy aligned with international safeguarding standards. All staff undergo background checks and receive regular training on child safety, mandatory reporting, and appropriate boundaries. A designated Child Protection Officer oversees safeguarding procedures and ensures policies are consistently applied. The school has clear protocols for responding to disclosures or concerns, including referral pathways and documentation requirements. Visitors to campus must comply with sign-in procedures and supervision protocols, and students are supervised during all school activities. Safeguarding expectations are shared with families and reinforced throughout the school community.

1. Schedule a campus tour (optional).
While not mandatory, prospective families are encouraged to schedule a campus tour to familiarize themselves with the school's environment and facilities. Tours are typically conducted from February to April for the August intake and from September to November for the January intake. Appointments should be scheduled in advance, as unscheduled visits may not be accommodated.

2. Complete and submit the online application.
Fill out the appropriate online application form for your child's grade level. Include a recent photograph and submit the application along with the required fees: MYR 800 for Kindergarten through Grade 12 (comprising a MYR 600 application fee and a MYR 200 testing fee). For Preschool applicants, the fee is MYR 600. Boarding applicants must also complete additional boarding application forms.

3. Provide supporting documents.
Submit all necessary documents, including:
School records from the past two years
Standardized test scores (if available)
Teacher and Principal/Counselor reference forms (for Grades 1–12)
Student health and physical evaluation forms
Immunization records
Photocopies of the student's and parents' passports
Applications are reviewed only after all required documents are received.

4. Undergo placement testing and assessments.
Applicants from Kindergarten through Grade 12 may be required to take standardized placement tests, such as the MAP test, to determine appropriate grade placement. Non-native English speakers will be assessed for English proficiency to determine if EAL support is needed. Additional assessments may be requested for applicants requiring learning support.

5. Await admissions decision.
The admissions committee, comprising the admissions director, deputy head of school, principals, and counselors, reviews completed applications. Decisions are made during committee meetings held in March, April, October, and November. Applicants will be notified of the outcome, which may be an offer of enrollment, placement in the wait pool, or non-acceptance.

6. Complete enrollment upon acceptance.
Accepted students must pay the registration fee within four weeks to secure their place. Additional documents, such as the physical evaluation form and immunization records, must be submitted before the first day of school. Non-Malaysian students are required to obtain a student visa or pass, with assistance provided by the school for boarding students.

Dalat International School offers financial assistance to families in need, particularly those involved in mission work. Scholarships are awarded based on financial need and are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Families seeking financial aid are encouraged to contact the admissions office for more information and to discuss eligibility criteria.

Dalat International School operates a wait pool system rather than a traditional waitlist. Qualified applicants may be placed in the wait pool if no immediate openings are available in the desired grade level. The wait pool is maintained at approximately 5% of the grade level capacity. Admission from the wait pool is not based on the order of application submission but on the overall qualifications of the applicants and the availability of space. Families are encouraged to maintain communication with the admissions office regarding their child's status.