Why you should choose an international school in Malaysia

Embarking upon an international education may be a daunting decision for parents raising children of this generation. Their academic success and future career prospects require a thoughtful approach that duly considers family circumstances and finances. 

The International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL) was established as a non-profit organization in 1965 and is recognized as the leading international school in Kuala Lumpur. Set within the family-friendly Ampang neighborhood, a mere 1.5km from the city center, ISKL’s state-of-the-art campus offers a holistic learning environment.

This student-focused environment specializes in the teaching of an internationally recognized curriculum, offering a broad spectrum of subjects to reach students from both the local community and further afield. ISKL’s success is a direct consequence of enveloping an all-inclusive education for a diverse range of cultures, academic backgrounds, sporting and creative interests.

The opportunities offered to students benefit an inquiry-based approach to learning with standards set that exceed those accessible in more formal and traditional academic programs. On campus facilities are renowned to outperform any other school in the area, developing sporting, science and/or art based talent and aptitude.

Adept at welcoming students from a vast array of countries enables ISKL to adapt and transition all individuals into a robust international curriculum that combines leading North American educational frameworks. These include the esteemed International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) and Advanced Placement Program (AP).

Parents wishing to gain a perspective on the academic standard of the school need only look at aggregated standardized test results which showcase how a grade is performing and their progress over an annual term. This data is analyzed by accreditation agencies, based upon current and former students, that highlight not only the school as an educational institution but also one that withholds and values a student’s well-being. ISKL translates their program of education to students of all academic levels, focusing on individual strengths with a non-selective ethos.

The IBDP and AP frameworks are academically challenging study options that shape students into well-rounded academics with the ability to access an array of international universities.  ISKL is the longest running IB World School in Malaysia with scores that consistently reach the top 5% of IB schools in the world. In 2022 ISKL outperformed the worldwide average IB Diploma score of 32 points, achieving a score of 37 points.

ISKL is well prepared in catering to the needs of all family situations and dynamics. They understand the delicate nature of transition to offer an array of workshops and support groups to all members of their nomadic community whether they are arriving into or departing from the school, campus or grade.

Each student is able to thrive in a safe and nurturing environment with wellness being at the forefront of their ethos alongside open lines of communication between parents and teachers. An extensive and thoughtfully executed co-curricular program offers a wide breadth of subjects, sports and art options that is supported by an adaptable and well monitored bus service serving students’ and parents’ varying schedules.

ISKL’s fee structure is available online with scholarship programs available to students proving high levels of excellence. If you are interested in accessing a unique and esteemed international education for your child, that facilitates opportunities for their full potential to be reached, please head over to our website here.


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, non-profit school responsible for the learning journey of over 1,600 students aged 3-18 years representing more than 65 nationalities at its 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 purpose to prepare our students for life itself, as we believe in the importance of helping students to shape their own paths, supporting them in discovering their passions, developing their competencies, and having an ethical impact on the world.

ISKL is accredited internationally through the Council of International Schools (CIS), and in the United States through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). There is a strong focus on service and sustainability across its divisions and is a member of the Eco-Schools organization and the Green Schools Alliance.



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