As a parent, you may find that finding the right international school for your children can be quite a dilemma. There are several international primary schools in Malaysia claiming to offer the best education program for your child but is that really so? Ultimately, we believe this decision depends on you and your child, as it could significantly impact their future.
We understand the excitement of moving forward in life and aiming for a stable future with a good job. However, this journey may come with obstacles that could be challenging to overcome. If that’s you, you’re in the right place. In this blog, we are going to explore the history and criteria for selecting international schools in Malaysia. Our goal is to help you feel less lost and facilitate productive discussions with your child to determine which school has the program that best fits your child’s needs.
Criteria for Evaluating International Schools
Accreditation and Curriculum
One of the main criteria when evaluating international schools falls onto their accreditation and curriculum. This is because it ensures that they are respectable and have a good reputation, along with the necessary documentation to proceed with their teaching and educational guidance for the future generation. Parents would need to look out for accreditation by reputable bodies such as CIS or IBO. On top of that, you would also need to look out for IB, CIE, or national curriculum with international perspectives. This ensures that the educational institution is legitimate.
Facilities and Resources
To ensure your child thrives in their school environment, it’s crucial to tour the entire campus to assess its infrastructure. Pay attention to details like the availability of classrooms and labs. Recreational facilities are optional but important, while the library is essential for your child’s further studies when needed. This is essential because it provides a conducive learning environment with modern technology that fosters holistic development.
Faculty Qualifications
Just like with most things, educational institutions must have qualified faculty to operate effectively. This ensures that your children receive the quality education you’re paying for. While we’re familiar with the differences between public and international schools, it’s essential to investigate the qualifications and experience of the teaching staff. International schools, in particular, are held to higher expectations due to their comparatively higher fees. For instance, parents may expect a diverse faculty with expertise in international education to enrich learning.
Student Diversity and Support Services
Furthermore, one of the main reasons why parents send their children to international schools is because of the diversity that is often lacking in public schools. In more severe cases, children need to learn the importance of diversity to foster friendships without discrimination throughout their lives. This is why parents may need to consider the student body composition and the school’s commitment to diversity. The school’s commitment to diversity should not merely be rhetoric; there should be visible evidence of advocating for the rights of people of color. However, this ultimately comes down to how you, as a parent, inquire about support services for diverse learning needs, including language support and counseling, with your education consultant.
Extracurricular Activities and Enrichment Programs
In schools, studying shouldn’t dominate a child’s education entirely. They need various forms of stimulation to thrive, which can come from engaging in different activities offered by the school. If you have a child who dislikes being confined to a classroom, they’re encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities and other enrichment programs to enhance their school experience. In today’s era, we believe that students can thrive in diverse conditions. This means that education shouldn’t be confined to textbook learning alone but should also provide opportunities for talent cultivation and holistic skill development.
International School Fees
International school fees may be high, but that comes with multiple reasons and factors, most of which are positive. In Malaysia, the range of school fees may be moderate to high as this reflects the quality of education and resources compared to other regular schools. Additionally, there are other aspects to consider when assessing fee structures, such as academic excellence, extracurricular opportunities, and support services.
Factors Influencing Fees
Firstly, location is one of the biggest factors when it comes to the overall fee structure. In Malaysia, fees may vary depending on the city or region where the school is located. Additionally, schools with better and more advanced facilities may have higher fees. Curriculum also plays a significant role. For instance, schools offering prestigious international curricula like IB may have higher fees compared to those that don’t.
Considerations When Assessing Fees
We know that parents are always looking out for their children and want to provide them with the best educational experience. So, here are the considerations you may want to look out for. Firstly, consider academic excellence. Evaluate whether the school’s academic track record is positive and if the quality of teaching suits the needs of your child. Additionally, consider if there are extracurricular opportunities for your child to shine. There should be a wide array of availability and diversity of activities for your child to join during or after school hours. Lastly, consider if their support services are satisfactory. This is crucial so that you can always inquire for their assistance whenever needed.
Are you looking for an international school in Ara Damansara, Malaysia? We offer international curricula based on your child’s needs.
