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The International School of Kuala Lumpur

Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees MYR 69,500 - 142,000
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 1750
Type Co-educational
Opened 1965
Bus Service Yes
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (DP), Advanced Placement (AP), American Curriculum
Taught languages French, Japanese, Korean, Malay, Mandarin, Spanish
Typical class size 22
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, STEM
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Social and Hobbies, Community and Service, Lifestyle and Wellbeing
Stages Early Years, Elementary, Middle School, High School
Introduction

The International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL) is a non-profit, parent-governed school catering for students aged 3 to 18, teaching the American curriculum. ISKL offers flexible academic pathways for High School students, including the globally recognized International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) or the innovative Pursuits Program, which allows students to customize their studies with individual IB, Advanced Placement (AP), and High School Diploma courses. A particularly distinctive offering is the Global Action Program (GAP) for High School students, a mandatory experiential learning initiative involving week-long trips across Asia. These trips immerse students in real-world challenges through service projects, cultural exchanges, and environmental efforts, fostering global citizenship and problem-solving skills outside the traditional classroom.

No. 2, Lorong Kelab Polo Di Raja, Ampang Hilir, 55000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

The Essentials

The International School of Kuala Lumpur has 1,750 pupils, typical class sizes of 22, instruction in English.

Location
This area is approximately 3 kilometers from the Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC). The school provides a bus service that covers various neighborhoods, including Ampang Hilir, KLCC, Mont Kiara, Bangsar, and Damansara, facilitating transport for students from different parts of the city. Ampang Hilir is known for hosting various embassies and is generally well-connected.

Stages
The school comprises an Early Childhood section, Elementary School, Middle School, and High School.

Type
ISKL is a co-educational day school.

Additional learning support
ISKL offers a "Supporting All Learners" approach, recognizing that every child learns differently. They use a Multi-Tiered System of Support to identify, assess, address, and monitor student needs. Support is tailored and can include academic, behavioral, and social-emotional assistance.

Country affiliation
ISKL is recognized as an American school.

Religious affiliation
The school does not have any specific religious affiliation.

School day structure
The school day at ISKL generally starts at 8:00 am across all divisions. For Early Childhood (Prep Reception and Prep Junior), the day concludes at 12:30 pm. Elementary School (Prep Senior - Grade 5) finishes at 2:45 pm, while Middle School (Grade 6-8) ends at 2:50 pm, and High School (Grade 9-12) concludes at 3:00 pm. Break times, including morning breaks and lunch, are scheduled throughout the day, varying slightly by division to accommodate student needs.

Bus service
ISKL offers a dedicated school bus service to transport students to and from school. This service is provided by Pandu Jaya Sdn Bhd. The bus service covers various residential areas to accommodate families relocating from overseas. The company prioritizes safety and reliability, with provisions for bus monitors on Kindergarten buses to supervise younger children.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
The school requires all students to wear the ISKL uniform, with division-specific colors. The Panther Hut stocks uniforms and related items on campus.

Food Options
ISKL cafeterias provide a nutritious, well-balanced menu with local and international options; pork- and nut-free; vegetarian and vegan options are available with allergens displayed. Minum Cafe provides beverages and snacks on campus, and packed lunches are allowed with microwaves available.

Governance and Ownership
ISKL is a non-profit school whose revenue from tuition is reinvested to recruit and retain international educators and enhance the school environment. The Board of Directors is the governing body; its role is strategic oversight and financial stewardship.
Fees

Annual tuition at The International School of Kuala Lumpur ranges from MYR 69,500 to MYR 142,000 for 2026/27.

Entry Fees

Application Fee: RM 1,780 (non-refundable)
Student Registration Fee: RM 59,000 (Prep Senior - Grade 12 only, non-refundable, one-time fee)
Non-refundable Enrollment Deposit: varies by grade level

Annual Tuition Fees

Early Years
Enrollment Deposit: RM 4,400
Prep Reception (3-year-olds): RM 69,500 per year
Prep Junior (4-year-olds): RM 92,200 per year

Primary & Middle School
Enrollment Deposit: RM 10,100
Prep Senior - Grade 5: RM 114,500 per year
Grades 6-8: RM 129,300 per year

High School
Enrollment Deposit: RM 10,100
Grades 9-12: RM 142,000 per year

Additional Fees
*Life-Centered Education support: Additional RM 49,400 per year
*Society Membership: RM 50 (one-time) + RM 20 (annual) - included in fees
*External exam fees (IB, AP): charged separately
*Global Action Program (GAP): mandatory for Grades 9-11, fee varies by destination

Payment Structure
* Fees payable in advance by semester
* RM 200 discount for paying full annual tuition in advance
50% refund available only if withdrawal notice received before first day of semester
Academics

The International School of Kuala Lumpur teaches IB (DP), Advanced Placement (AP), American Curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
In the Elementary and Middle School, the curriculum is inquiry-based and student-centered, focusing on developing foundational skills and key competencies. For High School students (Grades 11 and 12), ISKL offers flexible academic pathways. Students can pursue the rigorous International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), a globally recognized pre-university qualification. Alternatively, they can choose ISKL's innovative Pursuits Program, which allows students to combine individual IB, Advanced Placement (AP), and High School Diploma courses to create a personalized study program, including opportunities for internships and real-world experiences. All students who meet graduation requirements receive an ISKL Diploma.

Academic calendar
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
SEL is a strategic objective underpinning ISKL's vision and mission. It's embedded within their curriculum, starting in Early Childhood, developing age-appropriately. ISKL works with The Institute for Social and Emotional Learning (IFSEL) for faculty training and parent workshops (e.g., VOX ISKL series). Their specialist counselors are key in supporting students' emotional health and wellbeing, offering classroom lessons, advisory programs, one-to-one and small group counseling, and transition support.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
ISKL supports students with Special Educational Needs through its Life-Centered Education (LCE) program. This program is an extension of the school's student support services, specifically designed for students from Prep Senior age who have more significant intellectual, learning, or developmental differences. Highly-trained special educators provide personalized academic programming, including life skills courses, social skills instruction, and modified academics. Instruction takes place in dedicated LCE learning spaces, multi-sensory rooms, and within general education classrooms to foster inclusion. Individual Student Success Plans (SSP) guide each student's learning and participation in mainstream and specialist classes, promoting independence. While ISKL is not a specialist SEN institution, it provides this comprehensive support within its inclusive environment.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
ISKL strongly supports multilingual learners through its English as an Additional Language (EAL) program, recognizing the diverse linguistic backgrounds of its students. EAL teachers collaborate closely with classroom teachers to provide tailored resources and materials, making grade-level curriculum accessible. This team approach ensures students receive the necessary support to build English proficiency and thrive academically.

Mental Wellbeing
The school places a significant emphasis on student mental wellbeing, embedding Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) into its curriculum from Early Childhood through High School. ISKL's specialist counselors are central to supporting students' emotional health, offering classroom lessons, advisory programs, and individual or small group counseling sessions. They also provide transition support and organize workshops for students and parents. The school promotes an open environment for discussions on mental health and has been recognized for its well-being initiatives.

Safeguarding
ISKL maintains a strong commitment to safeguarding and child protection, considering it a top priority for creating a safe learning and working environment. The school operates under clear guidelines and procedures outlined in its Board Policies and Administrative Regulations, ensuring all members of the community are aware of their roles in protecting children. This comprehensive approach includes on-campus security protocols, a student health management system, a curriculum that teaches wellness skills, and responsive systems to monitor stress and workloads. These practices are developed in conjunction with Malaysian and international guidelines and regulations.
Parent Experience

History
The International School of Kuala Lumpur was founded in 1965, beginning modestly in an old palace on Jalan Maxwell with just 48 students. Its establishment was the result of collaborative planning to create a quality international education for expatriate families. In 2018, ISKL moved to its purpose-built, state-of-the-art campus in Ampang Hilir.

Community
ISKL fosters a dynamic and inclusive community comprising over 1,700 students representing more than 70 nationalities, along with their families, faculty, and staff. The school actively encourages community engagement through various events, such as iFest, an annual cultural festival that brings together the entire community for a day of music, international cuisine, and cultural performances. Beyond campus, students engage in service and sustainability initiatives, partnering with local and regional organizations to address real-world issues and promote global citizenship.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
ISKL has a very active Parent Teacher Association (PTA), which serves as a crucial link between parents, teachers, the administration, and the school's Board of Directors. This parent-led organization is instrumental in building and supporting the school community, particularly in welcoming new families to Kuala Lumpur. The PTA organizes a variety of community-building events throughout the year, such as the popular "Senior Treats series," which allows families, students, and staff to connect in a social setting. They also facilitate opportunities for parents to volunteer, contribute to enriching student learning experiences, and participate in social gatherings, making it a valuable resource for new families to integrate and form connections.
Gallery
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The ISKL Ampang Hilir campus is a 25-acre site in Kuala Lumpur that hosts over 1,800 students representing more than 60 nationalities. The campus is designed to support flexible learning spaces and collaboration across academics, arts, and athletics. It includes a rooftop playground, extensive playing fields, an Aquatics Centre, and a Performing Arts Centre, with city skyline views available from the campus.

Sports Facilities
Athletic facilities include an Aquatics Centre, ES Gym, The Jungle (MS/HS Gym), Main Field, and a 400m regulation track. There are multiple playing spaces such as the Asian Tigers & House of Taste Fields, a Grandstand, Tennis Courts, and a Weight Room.

Academic Facilities
Academic facilities include Elementary School (ES) Wing, Middle School (MS) Wing, and High School (HS) Wing, ES Library and MS/HS Library, and MS/HS Music spaces. The campus provides learning spaces and science laboratories designed to support flexible teaching and collaboration.

Extra Curricular Facilities
The school offers co-curricular programs in academics, arts, athletics, and community service.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
ISKL participates in IASAS competitions across three seasons, with events including Cross-Country, Soccer, Volleyball, Basketball, Rugby/Touch Rugby, Swimming, Tennis, Track & Field, Badminton, Baseball/Softball, and Golf. Model United Nations (MUN) runs from Middle School through High School, and ISKL has hosted IASAS MUN conferences. Cultural Convention (CulCon) integrates Art, Drama, Debate, Forensics, and Music as part of IASAS festival activities. Through these regional competitions and conferences, students develop critical thinking, collaboration, and communication skills.

Arts & Creative
The Performing Arts Centre hosts talent shows, plays, musicals, choirs, youth orchestras, concerts, and exhibitions. Visual arts are developed through studio work and exhibitions that emphasize creative inquiry, communication, and cultural expression. ISKL aims to provide diverse, high-quality performing arts experiences across dance, music, and theatre.

Cultural & Language
ISKL offers a broad range of language and cultural clubs as part of the co-curricular program, with clubs spanning language, culture, humanities, and arts. Malaysia Week and other cross-cultural programs expose students to Malaysia's heritage and environments, fostering cross-cultural awareness. The school hosts a diverse community with more than 60 nationalities represented on campus.

Social & Hobbies
Nearly 50 student-led clubs cover humanities, business, arts, STEM, language, wellness, advocacy, sustainability, and community partnerships; clubs are introduced at the HS Club Fair and led by faculty mentors. The program supports regional travel for sports, cultural conventions, and service activities, enabling students to pursue varied interests. Students explore hobbies and social interests through after-school activities across divisions.

Community & Service
Service learning and sustainability are central to ISKL's program. Student-led clubs focus on sustainability, advocacy, humanities, wellness, and STEM, with initiatives aligned to UN Sustainable Development Goals and local partnerships. The school runs service forums and global action projects, and philanthropy is encouraged across all divisions.

Leadership & Professional
Leadership opportunities exist through student leadership teams, MUN, club governance, and event organization. ISKL hosts IASAS conferences, developing planning, public speaking, teamwork, and diplomacy skills. The IASAS CulCon program and MUN experience provide meaningful leadership pathways for students.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Athletic facilities include an Aquatics Centre, a full-sized rugby and soccer pitch, a 400-meter track, softball and football fields, tennis courts, an indoor fitness center, and a climbing wall, with FIFA and World Rugby certifications. A Community Sports Program offers after-school and weekend training with external providers to keep students active year-round. These athletic and wellness opportunities support health, teamwork, and resilience.
Languages

Language Provision
World Language courses include Bahasa Melayu, Chinese, French, and Spanish. Bahasa Melayu is offered for Malaysian students, and others may participate if their Bahasa Melayu ability aligns with the course offering. Language study is integrated across grade levels with BM, Chinese, French, and Spanish available from Elementary through High School.
Reputation

Awards
Excellence in Education Award (2023): Awarded at the Think Global People and Relocate award ceremony in the UK, this award recognizes ISKL's outstanding education and comprehensive support for students and families, particularly in managing the transition process for those relocating internationally.

International School Award for Well-being Initiative (2021): Presented by ISC Research, this award recognized ISKL's effective initiatives in supporting student and staff well-being, specifically for developing a virtual newsroom during campus closures.

The Edge Malaysia-Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia (PAM) Green Excellence Award (2019): It signifies the school's commitment to environmentally responsible architecture and its status as a leading "green" educational facility.

Accreditations
Council of International Schools (CIS): CIS accreditation signifies that ISKL meets rigorous international standards for quality education, student welfare, and global citizenship, ensuring a consistent and high-quality learning environment.

Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC): As an accrediting commission based in the United States, WASC evaluates schools primarily in the western U.S. and internationally. ISKL's WASC accreditation indicates that its educational program, particularly its American-based curriculum and diploma, meets recognized standards of educational quality in the U.S. context, facilitating university admissions worldwide.

International Baccalaureate (IB) World School: ISKL is authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organization to offer the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP).

Green Building Index (GBI) Platinum rating: This is Malaysia's green building certification tool. ISKL's campus achieving a Platinum GBI rating signifies its commitment to environmental sustainability, energy efficiency, and a healthy indoor environment.
Admissions

Admissions
Submit your online application and required documents. This involves completing the application via ISKL's OpenApply portal and paying the application fee. You will need to upload various documents, including official academic records from the past three years, any previous learning support reports (e.g., psychological testing, IEPs), a student health form, copies of passports for the applicant and parents, and proof of Malaysian work/residence permits or an employer's letter.

Complete assessments. After submitting your application and documents, the Admissions Department will determine if an assessment is required. These assessments, such as MAP® tests for reading comprehension and math, are generally given to applicants from Prep Senior (K4) to Grade 12. For younger students (K4-Grade 1), a short pattern and sequencing assessment is given. These assessments help ensure the school can meet the student's needs.

Receive an admission decision. Once all required documents are submitted and assessments are completed and reviewed, the Admissions Department will make a determination. If a place is available and the applicant meets the criteria, an offer of admission will be extended. The school aims to provide a decision within five business days after the MAP assessment, unless further review is needed.

Scholarships
ISKL offers the ISKL Pathways Scholarship specifically for high-achieving Malaysian students. This scholarship is merit and need-based and is open to Malaysian students who have completed their Form 3 school assessment. It provides a fully funded four-year study in the High School program, covering Grades 9 to 12, including tuition and external exam fees. The school has also previously offered an ISKL IBDP Scholarship for Malaysian Form 5 students, a two-year scholarship for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. Selection for scholarships is based on academic excellence, leadership in social responsibility, and commitment to the school community.

Waitlist
ISKL operates a waiting pool system for year groups where places are not immediately available. If an applicant meets the admission criteria but there is no current vacancy in their grade level, they will be placed into this waiting pool. Places are offered from the waiting pool as vacancies arise, and the school will send an offer letter when a spot becomes available. The position in the waiting pool is determined by the school's admission criteria, not solely by the application date.
School Events
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