Deciding on the right school for your children is a pivotal step in ensuring their academic and personal growth. For families in Penang, whether local Malaysians or expatriates, international schools present a diverse range of educational opportunities tailored to global standards. It is crucial for parents to understand the financial commitments involved. In this article, we explore the list of Year 1 annual tuition fees for international schools in Penang island and on the Penang mainland!
Between RM10,000 and RM20,000
1. Pelita International School
Nestled on the beautiful island of Penang, Malaysia in Tanjung Bungah, the school’s mission is to foster and nurture your children ’s natural curiosity, ensuring that their learning journey extends beyond the classroom. The school was established in 2013 and offers the British Curriculum and IGCSE examinations. They believe in cultivating a love for learning that is intrinsic and lifelong and their approach goes beyond traditional reading and memorization. The emphasis is on hands-on, practical involvement as much as academic study. Students are accepted at preschool, primary and secondary levels at the school.
2. St Christopher's International Primary School
Established in 1963, St. Christopher’s International Primary School (SCIPS) offers a comprehensive British-based curriculum designed to cater to our diverse community. The school accepts students from Nursery level to Year 8. With pupils from over 32 different nationalities, St Christopher’s delivers primary education in a warm and nurturing environment. The school is renowned for offering a joyful and positive school environment that emphasizes the values of friendship, respect, trust, and integrity. They refer to their community as the ‘SCIPS Family’ and extend a heartfelt welcome to all who join them. SCIPS is located in Georgetown.
3. Wesley Methodist School Penang (International) (WMSPI)
Established in 2018, WMSPI is now in its sixth year of operation, offering early years, primary and secondary education. The school follows the internationally recognized Cambridge International curriculum, enriched with additional subjects such as Chinese, Bahasa Melayu (National Curriculum), Music and Drama (Trinity College London). Their focus is on fostering Academic excellence, Character values, and Extra-curricular activities (A.C.E.). Owned by the Methodist Council of Education, Methodist Church in Malaysia, WMSPI is affiliated with Methodist College Kuala Lumpur (MCKL). For more information about Wesley Methodist School, Penang, visit their website here.
Between RM20,001 and RM30,000
Dalat International Schools is one of the most established international schools in Penang. The school has been operating since 1971 and offers the American Curriculum. The school is located in Tanjung Bungah and accepts students aged three to 18 years of age. The school also provides boarding for its students with separate bedroom wings for boys and girls, each with ensuite bathrooms and study rooms. There are shared living and dining areas, a dorm parent apartment, a medical infirmary and a resident nurse on site for boarding students.
The Prince of Wales Island International School (POWIIS) is founded in 2011 in Balik Pulau. The school delivers a comprehensive education based on the English National Curriculum for students aged 11-19. On Penang Island, they have two campuses. One in Tanjung Bungah that caters to students aged 3 – 13 while the one in Balik Pulau with boarding facilities caters to students aged 11 – 19. For more information about POWIIS Primary, visit their website here.
3. Stonyhurst International School Penang
Stonyhurst International School, Penang, is a coeducational day school for students between 3 and 18 years from all religious denominations and secular belief systems. The school also encourages intellectual curiosity, moral integrity and social responsibility through education rooted in the Ignatian tradition. Their motto, ‘Quant Je Puis’ (as much as I can), permeates their approach to education. They commit to knowing and caring for every child and expect their students to demonstrate care, compassion and commitment towards others throughout the school. For more information about Stonyhurst International School, visit their website here.
4. Straits International School Penang
Straits International School Penang, established in 2012, provides affordable, high-quality international education for families in the southern region of Penang Island. The school offers the British Curriculum and IGCSE examinations. Students at preschool, primary and secondary levels are accepted at this school. The school’s experienced educators are dedicated to nurturing young minds, encouraging perseverance, challenging students to find the best solutions and celebrating their success as they grow beyond their expectations. For more information about Straits International School Penang, visit their website here.
Tenby Schoo Penang is part of the Tenby Schools group, a pioneer of international education in Malaysia with nearly 60 years of heritage. The campus hosts two schools: Tenby International School, offering Cambridge IGCSE and A Levels, and Sekolah Sri Tenby, offering the Malaysian National curriculum. Tenby School Penang encourages students to be critical learners and to take ownership of their education. The school strives to provide every opportunity for students to meet and exceed their potential, with a philosophy of Amazing Learning that prepares them for success both locally and globally. The school accepts students from kindergarten to the secondary level. For more information about Tenby School, Penang, visit their website here.
6. The International School of Penang (Uplands)
Established in 1955, Uplands is the oldest international school in Penang and one of the oldest schools in Malaysia. The Uplands’ campus is on a 4-acre site in the growing resort town of Batu Feringghi. It’s just 30 minutes from Georgetown city, located on a scenic hill with views of the beachfront. The school offers the IB Primary Years Programme, IGCSE examinations and the IB Diploma Programme. Boarding facilities are available at the school. Students aged four to 18 are accepted at Uplands. Leadership is an important skill that is inculcated at Uplands. Students are guided by the motto, ‘Respect for Self. Respect for Others,’. Each student leadership group learns to organize, lead and support their peers in various ways. For more information about The International School of Penang, visit their website here.
7. XCL International School Penang (BXCL)
The British Curriculum encompasses a student’s whole school experience from the ages of 3 to 18. This progression begins first with our BXCL Early Years’ Foundation programme and goes right through to their Primary, Secondary and Pre-University programme
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