Compare American Curriculum International Schools in Johor bahru, Malaysia

MindChamps PreSchool Sentosa JB is at 201 Jalan Sutera, Taman Sentosa, 80150 Johor Bahru, Johor. It sits in the heart of Johor Bahru town within the residential Taman Sentosa neighbourhood. It is opposite Sekolah Kebangsaan Sri Tebrau primary and about a 5-minute drive from Mid Valley SouthKey, with roughly 15 minutes to the Johor Bahru Immigration and Customs.

MindChamps PreSchool Sentosa JB offers learning and enrichment programmes for children from 18 months to 6 years old. These are delivered across playgroup, nursery and kindergarten levels.

MindChamps PreSchool Sentosa JB is a preschool centre in Malaysia. The page does not specify gender policy or boarding facilities.

The nationality mix is not disclosed on the centre page.

The centre uses the S.M.I.L.E.S. methodology, incorporating neuroscience and child psychology with theatre. It offers a bilingual curriculum designed to support holistic development and transition to primary school.

Malaysia.

Not stated.

The centre lists hours as Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. Weekend hours or sessions are not listed.

No school bus service is listed on the centre page.

The school has a gourmet area as part of its indoor and outdoor facilities.

MindChamps PreSchool Sentosa JB serves children from 18 months to 6 years across playgroup, nursery and kindergarten levels. The bilingual core curriculum combines Fun with Language, MindChamps Reading & Writing (Natural Literacy) from Nursery Two to Kindergarten Two, Enquiry Teaching & Learning, Numeracy Strategies, and Love for Chinese and Malay Languages. Enrichment programmes include Music for the Mind, NeuroMooves, Creativity & Theatrical Strategies, and Gourmet Moments. The S.M.I.L.E.S. methodology—Sensory, Motor, Intellectual, Linguistic, Emotional and Social—guides learning, complemented by the Bamboo Metaphor and the 10 Key Roots of the Bamboo as foundational framing. In Kindergarten 2, the final two terms include the Here I Come, P1! theme, and teachers undergo up to 200 hours of compulsory training and accreditation to ensure highly qualified instruction.

MindChamps PreSchool Sentosa JB supports SEL through its S.M.I.L.E.S. methodology, which integrates neuroscience, child psychology and theatre with education to foster holistic development and self-confidence in Champs.

The school does not publicly disclose information about Special Educational Needs SEN support or whether it operates as a specialist SEN institution.

The curriculum is bilingual, designed to nurture language development, with MindChamps describing its S.M.I.L.E.S. methodology and bilingual curriculum at Sentosa JB.

The page emphasizes holistic development and self-confidence but does not specify any formal mental wellbeing programmes or staff-led mental health provisions.

The page does not publicly disclose safeguarding or child-protection policies for MindChamps PreSchool Sentosa JB.

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Forest City International School is located in the Forest City development in Gelang Patah, Johor, Malaysia, close to the Second Link bridge connecting to Singapore. The school is approximately 40 minutes from Johor Bahru city center and about 15 minutes from the Tuas checkpoint. It is situated in a gated, coastal township with residential and resort developments, providing convenient access for families relocating to the region.

The school offers a full K–12 program, structured into Early Childhood (ages 3–5), Lower School (Grades 1–5), Middle School (Grades 6–8), and Upper School (Grades 9–12). Students typically graduate at age 18, with opportunities to take Advanced Placement (AP) courses in high school.

FCIS is a co-educational international school that accepts both day and boarding students. Boarding is available for students in the upper primary years and above. The school caters to both local and expatriate families.

The school states that it supports differentiated learning and offers guidance for students with diverse educational needs. However, it does not advertise a formal special education department or dedicated SEN facilities on its public platforms.

The school is affiliated with the U.S. educational system and follows a curriculum aligned with the American Common Core Standards, including AP options.

However, the school does not have a formal national or embassy affiliation.

FCIS is a secular school and does not have a religious affiliation.

The school day typically runs from around 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM, with short breaks between lessons and a designated lunch period. The exact schedule may vary by grade level. Extracurricular activities often take place after regular class hours.

FCIS offers a school transport service for day students. The bus routes and coverage areas are arranged based on student locations, and services are managed by the school or a designated provider. Details on pick-up times, safety measures, and fees can be obtained directly from the admissions office.

Boarding options include Full Boarding and Weekly Boarding. Full Boarders join students from many countries and participate in weekend trips around Johor and Singapore. Weekly Boarding runs five days with Friday home time and Sunday return by 6pm for study hall.

Forest City International School operates as part of CATS Global Schools (CGS) since July 1, 2024.

Forest City International School offers an American-style curriculum based on the U.S. Common Core State Standards. Students in the Lower School (Grades 1–5) study core subjects including English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies, alongside classes in Art, Music, Physical Education, and World Languages. In Middle School (Grades 6–8), the curriculum expands to include more subject-specific learning such as Life Sciences, U.S. History, and introductory courses in STEM and technology. High School students (Grades 9–12) follow a credit-based system with required courses in core subjects and a range of electives, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses in subjects like Calculus, Biology, and English Literature. World Languages are offered throughout the school, with instruction tailored to language background and proficiency. The curriculum is designed to support university readiness, with guidance available for college admissions.

FCIS incorporates social and emotional learning into its curriculum, particularly within the Lower School program. The school utilizes the Second Step program to support students in developing social-emotional skills. Additionally, the Early Childhood School emphasizes the importance of social-emotional development as a foundation for future learning.

FCIS considers applications from students with additional learning needs and evaluates whether it has the resources to support each student's academic requirements. The school does not operate as a specialist SEN institution and may not be equipped to support all types of special educational needs.

FCIS offers an English as an Additional Language (EAL) program to support students whose first language is not English. All applicants are assessed during the admissions process to determine if EAL support is necessary. The EAL program is designed to help students develop proficiency in English to access the full curriculum effectively.

The school prioritizes the health and academic success of its students. The Health Centre operates from Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 17:00, and on Saturday from 08:00 to 12:00, providing medical support as needed.

FCIS places importance on safeguarding and child protection, adhering to relevant policies and procedures to ensure student safety. The school complies with applicable regulations and standards to maintain a secure environment for all students.

1. Book a school tour or open house
Families are encouraged to schedule a campus tour or attend an open house event. These visits provide an opportunity to view facilities, speak with staff, and understand the school environment. Appointments can be arranged through the admissions team.

2. Submit an application
Complete the application form and submit the required documents, including a copy of the student’s passport or MyKid, previous school reports, and any relevant academic or behavioral records. A non-refundable application fee of MYR 1,000 is payable at this stage.

3. Assessment and interview
Applicants may be required to complete an entrance assessment to determine academic and language readiness. This may include an English proficiency test, especially for students whose first language is not English. An interview with the student and/or parents may also be scheduled.

4. Offer and placement
If the application is successful, the school will issue an offer letter. To confirm the place, parents must pay the enrolment deposit of MYR 5,200 (for day students) or the relevant boarding deposit. Orientation information will be provided ahead of the start date.

The school does not publicly advertise a formal scholarship program. Any merit-based or financial assistance opportunities are subject to internal review and are typically considered on a case-by-case basis. Families interested in this should discuss directly with the admissions team during the application process.

Forest City International School does not currently operate a waitlist or pool system. Admissions are considered on a rolling basis, subject to availability of places in each year group. Parents are encouraged to apply early, especially for mid-year entries or high-demand levels.

Cherie Hearts International Preschool’s Setia Tropika branch is located at 2 & 6, Jalan Setia Tropika 1/18, Taman Setia Tropika, 81200 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia. Situated in the mature and family-centric township of Taman Setia Tropika, the preschool benefits from being part of a well-planned and secure neighborhood that caters to both residential and educational needs.

The area is reasonably well connected by public transportation. Bus services such as routes P112 and P113 serve Taman Setia Tropika, linking it to other key areas in Johor Bahru, including Larkin Sentral and Taman Impian Emas. In addition, the GEMAS–JB Sentral Shuttle train line runs in proximity to Setia Tropika, adding another layer of connectivity for families.

Cherie Hearts offers programs for:

Infant Care: 18 months to 2 years
Playgroup: 2 to 3 years
Nursery: 3 to 4 years
Kindergarten 1: 4 to 5 years
Kindergarten 2: 5 to 6 years

Cherie Hearts is a co-educational preschool and does not offer boarding facilities.

Cherie Hearts adopts the PIESL framework, which stands for Physical, Intellectual, Emotional, Social, and Language development. This approach ensures that every child receives comprehensive support across all critical areas of growth.

In addition to its core curriculum, Cherie Hearts offers Student Care and Flexi-Care programs to accommodate the diverse needs of families.

Student Care: Designed for children aged 7 to 12 years, this program provides a safe and supportive environment after school hours. It includes dedicated homework guidance and structured activities that promote learning, growth, and social skills development.

Flexi-Care: Catering to children aged 2 months to 6 years, the Flexi-Care program offers flexible childcare solutions for families with varying schedules. Whether parents require care for a few hours, specific days, or a customized timetable, Flexi-Care adapts to their unique needs.

The school is affiliated with Singapore.

Cherie Hearts is a secular institution with no religious affiliation.

Half Day - 8am to 12pm
Full Day - 8am to 5pm

Cherie Hearts provides a school bus service.

Cherie Hearts Setia Tropika (Johor Bahru) is a regional franchisee. The branch is part of CH Global Resources Sdn. Bhd. (843265-W), the corporate entity listed for Cherie Hearts. CH Global Resources Sdn. Bhd. is headquartered at Sunway Nexis Retail, Kota Damansara, Selangor, and the Johor Bahru branch has local contact details (017-751 1248).

Cherie Hearts International Preschool delivers a curriculum grounded in the PIESL developmental framework, which focuses on the Physical, Intellectual, Emotional, Social, and Language growth of young learners. The curriculum is inspired by Singapore’s early childhood education model, which emphasizes inquiry-based and experiential learning. It is designed to cater to children aged 2 months to 6 years, offering tailored programmes such as Infant Care, Playgroup, Nursery, and Kindergarten levels (K1 & K2).

In line with its philosophy of nurturing well-rounded individuals, Cherie Hearts integrates play-based learning with structured academic preparation, ensuring children are school-ready by the time they transition to primary education. The curriculum promotes language and literacy, early numeracy, sensory exploration, and emotional resilience. English is the main language of instruction, and some branches also introduce Mandarin or Bahasa Malaysia as additional languages to support multilingual development. The school also incorporates character education and values-based learning to instill empathy, teamwork, and responsibility.

Cherie Hearts implements the PIESL framework, focusing on Physical, Intellectual, Emotional, Social, and Language development. This holistic approach ensures that children's emotional and social growth is nurtured alongside cognitive development. Activities are designed to promote empathy, cooperation, and effective communication from an early age.

The school does not offer any specialized programmes for SEN.

The school does not have publicly available information on EAL.

Structured daily routines provide children with a sense of security and predictability, which is crucial for mental wellbeing. Positive reinforcement strategies are employed to encourage desired behaviors, boosting children's confidence and self-esteem. For instance, teachers at Cherie Hearts use praise and rewards to acknowledge children's efforts and achievements, reinforcing positive behavior and promoting a growth mindset.

The school does not have their safeguarding policies publicly available.

Schedule a visit to the campus to meet with staff, understand the curriculum, and assess the environment.

Complete the enrollment form and submit necessary documents, including the child's birth certificate and medical records.

Pay the registration fee and any applicable deposits to secure the child's placement.

The school does not have a waitlist.

Raffles American School is located in Iskandar Puteri, Johor, Malaysia, about 30 minutes from Singapore via the Tuas Second Link. The school sits within a residential and development zone popular with international families. It is accessible by private transport, and a school bus service covers routes across Johor and into Singapore. The surrounding area includes retail centres, healthcare, and international business hubs.

The school serves students from Pre-Kindergarten (age 3) to Grade 12 (age 18). It is organized into three divisions: Elementary School (Pre-K to Grade 5), Middle School (Grades 6–8), and High School (Grades 9–12).

It is a co-educational day and boarding school. Boarding is available to students from Grade 5 onwards, with weekday and full boarding options.

While specific programs for Additional Learning Needs are not detailed on the school's website, the Resource Hub offers a variety of resources and facilities to enhance the learning experience.

The school follows an American curriculum and is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

The school has no religious affiliation.

The school day runs from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM, Monday to Friday. Breaks and lunch times are scheduled by grade level, with time allocated for academic lessons, specialist subjects, and physical activity. After-school activities generally take place from 3:45 PM to 5:00 PM.

The school offers a bus service covering multiple areas in Johor and selected locations in Singapore, including Jurong East MRT. Transportation is managed by RAS staff drivers, with door-to-door service available upon request.

Bus fees are charged per semester, and routes are adjusted based on student locations. The service includes safety protocols and regular communication with families.

Boarding is available for students aged 12 years and older. The program provides 24/7 care in a secure, home-like environment. Boarding includes meals and laundry. Transportation to and from Senai airport is included, and students may leave the boarding house on weekends and long holidays.

Uniforms include RAS polo tops in white or orange and a grey long-sleeve top, plus grey trousers or skirts; a grey hooded sweatshirt may be worn. The PE uniform is an orange or white T-shirt with grey shorts. Skirts and shorts must be tailored and reach no more than one hand-width above the knee. Footwear rules prohibit beach sandals; sandals must have a back strap; high heels are not allowed. House color T-shirts are worn on Color Days or Casual Fridays.

Day students receive two daily snacks and a full lunch. Boarding students receive three meals and two snacks daily, seven days a week. Meals are prepared by an in-house kitchen and feature a variety of cuisines, with themed events such as International Week.

The school operates a house system. House color shirts are worn on Color Days or Casual Fridays.

The school follows an American curriculum from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12. The program is aligned with U.S. Common Core, Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), and AERO frameworks.

Elementary and Middle School emphasize foundational skills, while High School students follow a credit-based system leading to a U.S. High School Diploma. Advanced Placement (AP) courses are available in Grades 10 to 12.

The curriculum also includes physical education, visual and performing arts, languages, and experiential learning through programs like Explore Week. English is the main language of instruction, with Mandarin and Bahasa Malaysia taught as additional languages.

The school emphasizes social and emotional growth, particularly in its Middle School program. Students participate in daily advisory meetings and receive support from counselors to foster self-esteem and a sense of belonging. The program also incorporates project-based learning, encouraging students to develop resilience and navigate academic and social challenges effectively.

While Raffles American School offers educational assistance through its Learning & Resource Hub, specific details regarding support for Special Educational Needs (SEN) are not provided on the school's website.

The school offers English Language programs such as- English Immersion Program (EIP), English Language Learning (ELL), RAS Camp Program, aimed at fostering linguistic development in students whose primary language is not English.

These programs are designed to enhance English language skills, providing a supportive environment for non-native speakers.

Raffles American School supports students' mental wellbeing through its Learning & Resource Hub, which offers resources and facilities to promote academic, social, and emotional growth. The school also provides Winter and Summer Camp programs that combine English language instruction with extracurricular activities, contributing to students' overall wellbeing.

The school's Child Protection Policy emphasizes creating a safe and supportive environment for all students. The policy outlines the school's commitment to student safety and wellbeing.

1. Schedule a campus visit or attend an admissions event.
While not mandatory, visiting the campus or participating in an admissions event can provide valuable insights into the school's environment and offerings.

2. Complete the online application form.
Submit the application through the school's online system, ensuring all required information and documents are provided.

3. Submit required documents.
Provide necessary documents, which may include academic records, recommendation letters, and other relevant materials as specified by the admissions office.

4. Participate in an admissions evaluation and interview.
Once all documents are received, the admissions team will process the application and may schedule an evaluation or interview to assess the applicant's suitability.

5. Receive the admissions decision.
After the evaluation process, the school will inform you of the admissions decision and provide further instructions for enrollment if accepted.

Raffles American School accepts applications year-round, subject to availability. In cases where a grade level is at capacity, applicants may be placed on a waitlist. The admissions team will notify families if this applies and provide updates as openings become available.

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.

Stellar International School (SIS) is divided into four main educational levels: Preschool, Primary, Lower Secondary, and Upper Secondary.

Stellar International School is a co-educational day school. It does not offer any boarding facilities.

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 .

The school does not have a country affiliation.

The school operates as a non-denominational institution, welcoming students from diverse religious backgrounds.

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)

2:50 PM – 3:30 PM: Subject-based learning continues

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.

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 .

Independent educational institution in Johor Bahru, Malaysia; part of the Stellar Education Group, which has over 30 years of experience delivering quality education in Malaysia and abroad.

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.

SIS integrates SEL into its curriculum, particularly in the early years, focusing on communication, physical development, and personal, social, and emotional growth. Activities like Messy Play sessions provide sensory experiences that enhance social interaction and emotional regulation.

The school does not have any dedicated special education needs programmes.

SIS does offer an English language support class. Social and academic English instruction will be provided to students whose native language is not English. Students are placed in this programme based on their English proficiency and they will be supported until they reach the Literature level. This programme provides a gentle integration into the school curriculum, while also building up these students’ reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills.

The school promotes mental wellbeing by organizing talks and workshops on topics such as autism and anxiety and many more , providing students and parents with valuable insights and coping strategies.

The school does not have any publicly available information on their safeguarding policy.

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.

The school does not currently offer formal academic scholarships.

The school does not have a waitlist.