- By Ian Ryder
- Posted 19 September, 2019
Top 20 International Schools in Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur has over 70 international schools, many of which offer the English National Curriculum due the British colonial past and general links to the UK. In addition, you can find IB, French, German, Australian, Islamic and a few American schools.
The city itself has nearly 2 million residents with people from all over Asia and Europe making it their home. Depending on which part of the city you opt to live in, traffic can be slow at peak times so make sure the school you select is within easy reach. Other cities in Asia such as Bangkok or Jakarta are worse but it is still something to take into consideration.
Popular areas for expats include Mont Kiara which is in easy reach of schools such as Mont’Kiara International School, Lycée Français Kuala Lumpur and Garden International School. Alternatively, Bangsar is popular with schools such as Sri Dasmesh or Havil International School.
The official language in Malaysia is Malay but there are many other languages spoken; Cantonese, Mandarin, Hindi Tamil. For European expats, the good news is that English is widely spoken and major tourist areas will have English signage. For eating out, most restaurants will have English menus as well.
Where international schools are distributed (view our city list to see a live map):
There's a full list of schools in Kuala Lumpur or the top 20 below.
THE BEST INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS IN KUALA LUMPUR
Note: our rankings are based on parent, pupil and teacher reviews. If you think your Kuala Lumpur school should be in the top 20, get reviewing - we want to hear from real people with real experiences at schools so parents, teachers and pupils get the real story when they choose their next school! You can find your school in the Kuala Lumpur list, or search by name here.
St. John's International School
Add Your Review| Curriculum: | IB, English | Primary Language: | English |
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| Age Range: | 11 to 18 |
St. John’s International School or SJIS is a private-funded International School that is an associate La Salle School in collaboration with the La Salle Brothers in Malaysia. The establishment of SJIS is in keeping with one of the priorities of the Lasallian Family in Malaysia to cater to the needs of young Malaysians, and also to link the school with a Lasallian organisation that has an outstanding and reputable long-history of delivering excellent education not only in Malaysia but in 82 countries worldwide. SJIS presents a new milieu for students from different cultures and backgrounds to be nurtured in education, sports and extra-curricular activities excellence. We realise that a holistic education is also one that promotes values of respect for all and a sense of responsibility. Good discipline and strong student-faculty relationship are emphasised to create a mutual and respectful learning environment within the school.
Visit school profileIdrissi International School
Add Your Review| Curriculum: | English, Islamic | Primary Language: | English |
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| Age Range: | 5 to 18 |
IDRISSI School is a unique international school with a homely learning environment. A school made from love, our children are watered with love, and guided to seed their love for Allah SWT and all of His creations. Despite being right in the heart of a city, we bring our children closer to nature by getting them involved in our farm patch - they care for the plants and feed the farm animals, all in the name of learning. The school was founded by individuals who are parents themselves – they believe that learning should not be limited to the classroom, and that memorising is not the only way to learn. Our school is a welcoming, homely and inclusive school where students of all backgrounds are equally valued. It is a place where Islamic values are nourished and exemplified in all facets of school life. We pride ourselves in providing a safe sanctuary for our students where they can thrive with confidence and self-esteem. We strive to fuel their thirst for enthusiasm and learning.
Visit school profileAlice Smith School
Add Your Review| Curriculum: | English | Primary Language: | English |
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| Age Range: | 3 to 18 |
We provide an outstanding and thriving all-round education based on the British curriculum for 3 to 18 year olds across our two campuses. From our flexible teaching spaces, rich in technology, to our state-of-the-art sports facilities, our school is purposefully designed to stimulate and engage your child. We are committed to academic excellence, achieved through a rich and challenging curriculum and nurturing the personal growth and development of every child in all aspects of their learning journey. Our students have a genuine love of learning and are taught by exceptional teachers who go the extra mile. This exceptional combination, together with our care, guidance, support and enriched curriculum, ensure boundless opportunities that enable each child to thrive academically, socially, physically and emotionally. Year on year, our students attain the very highest levels in external examinations and are successful at gaining places at the very best universities in the world.
Visit school profileGarden International School
Add Your Review| Curriculum: | IB, English | Primary Language: | English |
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| Age Range: | 3 to 18 |
Garden International School (GIS) is one of the world’s leading international schools with a strong academic track record. We provide British-based education for students ages 3 to 18 years of age across our Early Years Centre (Nursery to Reception), Primary School (Year 1 to Year 6) and Secondary School (Year 7 to Year 13). Our high quality, holistic education ensures that our students leave us well equipped for life; it is not surprising that GIS students are in demand across the world and are sought after by the world’s best universities.
Visit school profileThe British International School of Kuala Lumpur
Add Your Review| Curriculum: | English | Primary Language: | English |
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| Age Range: | 2 to 18 |
Welcome to The British International School of Kuala Lumpur (BSKL). We are one of the leading schools in Kuala Lumpur, providing an exceptional education from Early Years through to Sixth Form, for children aged 2-18.
Visit school profileAustralian International School Malaysia
Add Your Review| Curriculum: | Australian | Primary Language: | English |
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| Age Range: | 3 to 18 |
Founded in 2000, Australian International School Malaysia (AISM) has continued to deliver excellent education through exploration and Visible Learning, helping every child extend their potential and excel in their chosen paths. We continue to strive for the best through the globally-recognised Australian curriculum which is designed to arm your child with skills necessary for their future.
Visit school profileRafflesia International School
Add Your Review| Curriculum: | IB | Primary Language: | English |
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| Age Range: | 3 to 18 |
Education is not just a process of transferring knowledge and gaining grades but also a lifelong process creating an understanding of moral and ethical values to guide them in the right path. The International Early Year Curriculum (IEYC) and International Primary Curriculum (IPC) which are comprehensive, thematic, creative curriculum with their clear process of learning and specific learning goals. This encourages the child’s personal learning development on the aspects of international-mindedness. The strong foundation at primary prepares them to face the challenges of academic rigour required for the Cambridge Secondary level; irrespective of, the students’ ability. This progression is carefully designed to be relevant and challenging to the demands of the future global trends. At Rafflesia, we are proud to ensure the students are given every possible opportunity to become confident, thoughtful and academically sound by setting high standards and expectations to bring out the best in them. With dedicated teachers and support staff forming a conducive environment, students will be our main focus. This is an essential part of character building of happiness and their sense of belonging and love towards the school.
Visit school profileMont'Kiara International School
Add Your Review| Curriculum: | IB,American | Primary Language: | English |
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| Age Range: | 3 to 18 |
Situated on a single campus in the suburb of Mont’Kiara, M’KIS consistently ranks as a top international school in Malaysia and rated a five star school by the Malaysian Ministry of Education. In operation since 1994, we are a fully accredited North American Curriculum pre-kindergarten through grade 12 international school that predominantly caters to expatriate families. We pride ourselves on being globally minded and internationally diverse. This is reflected by a student population of over 55 nationalities. M’KIS is licensed by the Ministry of Education, Malaysia, and certified by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency. We are accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), U.S.A and authorized as an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School. We believe in offering a challenging and stimulating curriculum with an international perspective that prepares children for the intellectual, societal and global demands of the 21st Century.
Visit school profileThe International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL)
Add Your Review| Curriculum: | American,IB | Primary Language: | English |
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| Age Range: | 3 to 18 | Max Class Size: | 18 |
Established in 1965, The International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL) has become known as a center of excellence in the world of international education. ISKL is a co-educational private, not-for-profit school responsible for the learning journey of over 1,750 students aged 3-18 years from over 65 countries at its state-of-the-art campus in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. ISKL offers a robust international curriculum which combines leading North American educational frameworks with global best practice. The curriculum recognizes that students are on a lifelong learning journey and is driven by ISKL’s mission to challenge each student to “Be All You Are” and develop the attitudes, skills, knowledge, and understanding to become a highly successful, spirited, socially responsible global citizen. ISKL is an IB World School and has been authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organization to provide the prestigious International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) since 1989. In addition to the full IBDP, students also have the option of combining individual IB, Advanced Placement and High School Diploma courses to create a customized program tailored to their abilities, interests, and aspirations. The flexibility of ISKL’s academic program creates global opportunities; the graduating class of 2019 received more than 400 acceptances from over 200 universities in 14 countries spanning four continents. ISKL is also accredited internationally through the Council of International Schools (CIS), and in the United States through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). ISKL has a strong focus on service and sustainability across its divisions and is a member of the Eco-Schools organization and the Green Schools Alliance.
Visit school profileGlobal Modern International School
Add Your Review| Curriculum: | English | Primary Language: | English |
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| Age Range: | 3 to 18 |
Global Modern International School (GMIS) was established in 2016. We, in GMiS, are always keen to deliver high-quality education and the management is committed to allocating sufcient resources to achieve the school’s long-term objectives. We stress on self-discipline and nurturing our students to achieve the highest standard of achievement to enable them to enrol into universities of high repute in Malaysia and overseas. In GMiS, our students are always involved in challenging learning environments from kindergarten to primary and secondary levels in international syllabi which follow the Cambridge curriculum (IGCSE). Independently and through effective communication skills, students in GMiS are always trained to strive for the best in life is utmost importance through our endeavour to deliver the best for them.
Visit school profileIGB International School
Add Your Review| Curriculum: | IB | Primary Language: | English |
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| Age Range: | 2 to 18 |
At IGBIS, we recognise that to prepare students for our increasingly complex and interconnected world, we must provide them with new ways of thinking and new ways of collaborating in solving our most pressing global issues. As such, our mission goes far beyond preparing students for good universities and successful careers; we want to create globally-minded and critical-thinking innovators ready to re-shape the world for the better. In short we live our vision and mission, as well as our catch phrase Igniting Minds : Impacting Lives.
Visit school profileKingsgate International School
Add Your Review| Curriculum: | English | Primary Language: | English |
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| Age Range: | 2 to 18 |
At Kingsgate International School we believe in offering a unique opportunity for students to maximize their academic potential and achieve life goals. High quality education opens doors but more importantly it provides young people with the skills, confidence and ability to forge new pathways. Success in a global world requires more than just high grades and academic achievement. It requires courage and determination as well as the understanding and the skills to be able to operate globally. Our school is committed to developing global leaders who will make a difference throughout the world in which they live. Our teachers are experienced and committed professionals who will work with all members of the education community to ensure success. We are building an education team that can best prepare students for the unique global world we live in. They will very quickly set a fine example in the region for their professionalism, knowledge and skills for education and but also as leaders of reform and change. They know in their hearts that the product of their energy will be leaders of tomorrow in across the Asia Pacific Region and the global world they live in.
Visit school profileAbedeen Academy International School
Add Your Review| Curriculum: | Islamic | Primary Language: | English |
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| Age Range: | 5 to 17 |
If there is one gift we can give to our children, is a great education. At Abedeen Academy (Abedeen) our students are imbued with Islamic values and a meaningful connection to their common cultural heritage, at the same time given a solid academic grounding. A rock solid academic programme together with a strong foundation of the Islamic teaching is a core part of the curriculum, earning Abedeen the Islamic Education Excellence award as the best Islamic school in Malaysia. Abedeen develops world leaders by combining outstanding academic achievement, character building, knowledge based unlimited exposure, multicultural awareness, international environment readiness and deep understanding of Islam and life values. Welcome to our school! Explore our site to find out how Abedeen encourages critical and creative thinking, engages students intellectually and fosters the growth of moral integrity. Whether in Selangor or Putrajaya, call us for a personal tour of Abedeen Academy, your private international Islamic school.
Visit school profileVictoria International School
Add Your Review| Curriculum: | English | Primary Language: | English |
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| Age Range: | 5 to 18 |
Victoria International School is the first international school in the district of Kuala Langat. It is strategically located just outside Banting town within an hour’s drive of Port Dickson, Bandar Saujana Putra and Klang. The school was founded and is owned by a team of career educators who are passionate about learning. The newly-renovated urban campus provides a comfortable and secure learning environment for students and ample parking space for parents’ vehicles. Part of the school culture is instilling in children a reading habit. There is no greater gift than a passion for reading, a hobby that allows you to live a thousand different lives during a single lifetime. A student who develops a passion for reading becomes a life-long learner.
Visit school profileMatrix International School
Add Your Review| Curriculum: | English | Primary Language: | English |
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| Age Range: | 4 to 16 |
Matrix Global Schools comprise of Matrix Private School, Matrix International School and Matrix International Preschool. Our schools share one campus, one vision and one mission. Our philosophy is to challenge our students to be intellectually curious, responsive and persistent; to be committed to and expressive of their ideas. Our goal is to ensure all will become articulate, courageous and will develop a realisation that the world is their classroom and that our lessons are for life. To achieve this, we nurture a close partnership with parents and the community. Learning is truly a global and Second to None experience on our 20 acre campus.
Visit school profileNexus International School Malaysia
Add Your Review| Curriculum: | English, IB | Primary Language: | English |
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| Age Range: | 3 to 18 |
Nexus International School Malaysia is an internationally minded community which focuses on nurturing learners to become globally responsible and educated citizens. Our method is the Nexus Way where we provide a learning environment that is innovative, progressive, and grounded in trust, compassion, and respect. Nexus is a learning focused school empowering learners through the Nexus Way, which consists of four elements – Relationships, Inclusion, Innovation, Mindsets. It is the foundation and philosophy that reflects in our teachers and learners. We believe that developing a set of general competencies and a positive mindset underpins academic success as well as happiness and personal growth. Developing children as effective learners requires paying attention to developing their attitudes, skills, strategies, and behaviours as well as their content knowledge and academic skills. Nexus balances academic demands with an emphasis on growing good citizens. We help our learners to become self-aware and to develop the skills for good decision-making.The recognition of Nexus International School by Apple Inc. as an Apple Distinguished School highlights our success as an innovative and compelling learning environment that engages students and provides tangible evidence of academic accomplishment. Students at Nexus are called ‘learners’ for a reason. They are not passive recipients or consumers of content they are actively involved in the process of finding, creating and understanding content.
Visit school profileTempler Park International School
Add Your Review| Curriculum: | American | Primary Language: | English |
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| Age Range: | 4 to 17 |
Templer Park International School (TPIS) is uniquely situated on more than 17 beautiful acres and embraces vast green areas, lakes, gazebos, playgrounds, pool, and gardens yet is only 20 minutes away from the metropolitan area. We believe that learning in a park-based environment plays a crucial role in developing the physical and mental health for children, as it encourages and promotes movement across the spacious landscapes granting the students more fun and subsequently enhancing the mental, spiritual, physical health in addition social interaction. TPIS is dedicated to providing a highest quality American educational program with the cornerstones of morals, self-worth, and quality performance among students and staff.
Visit school profileTanarata International School
Add Your Review| Curriculum: | English | Primary Language: | English |
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| Age Range: | 5 to 18 |
Tanarata International School (or TiS) is an extended day (7:50am to 3:30pm) full facilities school modelled on the British Cambridge University education curriculum leading to the IGCSE & AS/A Level qualifications. Located just south of Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, the school caters to students mainly living in Kajang, Bangi, Putrajaya, Kuala Lumpur and other parts of the Klang Valley. The School has a multicultural, multiracial and multinational community having its roots in Malaysia with its unique blend of cultures and its history of dynamic international, inter-ethnic exchange. The school community consists of students of both sexes aged 5+ to 18 years – as well as their parents/guardians.
Visit school profileSri Dasmesh International School
Add Your Review| Curriculum: | English | Primary Language: | English |
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| Age Range: | 5 to 16 |
‘A school should not be a preparation for life, a school should be Life!’ is the underlying philosophy at Sri Dasmesh – a school which vibrates enthusiasm, excitement and opportunity for each individual who walks through the school gates. Eager and joyful young learners are greeted with courtesy and personal care as they make their way around the school halls and walkways. Opportunity for discovering the best in them waits at every turn, be it in their personal grooming, their language or their habits. Established in the year 2001 we are non-profit based and our fee structure is about the lowest amongst international schools in Malaysia. Effective January 2014, we are a full-fledged Cambridge International School offering the Cambridge curriculum, with students sitting for the IGCSE examinations (International General Certificate of Education) in Year 11.
Visit school profileDwi Emas International School
Add Your Review| Curriculum: | English | Primary Language: | English |
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| Age Range: | 5 to 17 |
The ACE EdVenture group has been perfecting its approach to 21st Century education over the past 22 years starting with our Founder, Anne Tham, and her sister, Melinda Lim, together with their award-winning team. It began in 1995 when Anne, then a college lecturer, observed how students were so unprepared after 12 years of formal primary and secondary school education (it still happens). She set out to infuse elements she felt were needed to create a rich and engaging educational experience: gamification, simulation, presentation, and coursework to name a few. Fast forward to today, the ACE EdVenture Approach has impacted over 15,000 students and continues to grow confident and creative young individuals. And now with Dwi Emas, our next big feat is nurturing future entrepreneurial leaders. Innovation is the name of the game for us. While ACE EdVenture has been around for over two decades, our methodology and delivery evolves with time to ensure that students are getting the best education possible.
Visit school profileDon't forget!
This is just the first few schools listed according to their review scores. There are plenty more amazing schools in our database.
Thanks for reading!
See the rest of the schools in Kuala Lumpur
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