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Malaysia, Penang
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Founded in 1929 in Da Lat, Vietnam, Dalat International School began as a boarding school for children of missionaries. Due to the Vietnam War, the school relocated to Thailand in 1965, then to the Cameron Highlands in Malaysia in 1966. In 1971, Dalat settled in its current location in Penang, Malaysia. In 1999, it transitioned to an independent educational trust governed by an interdenominational board.
Dalat fosters a vibrant community through various events and traditions that bring together students, families, and staff. Annual events include the Junior-Senior Banquet, Spiritual Emphasis Week, Missions Emphasis Week, and cultural celebrations like the International Food Fair. These activities promote cultural exchange, community service, and spiritual growth.
The Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) at Dalat plays an active role in school life, organizing events such as Family Fun Day, Thanksgiving Staff Appreciation Lunch, and the Christmas Mingle Jingle. The PTO also supports initiatives like the International Food Fair and Teacher Appreciation Week. Funds raised by the PTO contribute to various school projects, including support for the athletics department, fine arts, and student programs. Parents are encouraged to participate in PTO activities, fostering a strong partnership between families and the school.
Dalat International School in Penang, Malaysia, serves students from preschool through Grade 12 and delivers a North American, Christian-based education. All instruction is in English, with English as an Additional Language (EAL) support offered up to Grade 8 . The school offers 17 Advanced Placement (AP) courses, including AP Biology, Computer Science, Microeconomics, and Music Theory, with students typically taking up to six APs during high school . Its 1-to-1 laptop program supports digital learning across all levels. A notable feature is the school’s capstone and independent studies program, encouraging self-directed learning. Students also participate annually in local and overseas service-learning trips, with a mandatory 10 hours of community service per year. The Distance Learning Resource Center and a focus on Standards-Based Teaching and Learning (SBTL) further support flexible academic pathways. The campus is located in Tanjung Bunga and enrolls over 700 students from 22 countries.
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