Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! We truly believe that being part of the inclusive and welcoming ISKL community is one of the best aspects of being an ISKL Panther. Students can access various academic programs, co-curricular activities, clubs, and leadership opportunities. The campus boasts state-of-the-art facilities, ensuring a rich and diverse educational experience. 

But don’t take our word for it, ask our parents what they think.

While there is no formal deadline to apply, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible! With our rolling admissions and applications from families worldwide, enrollment in all school divisions typically runs at or near capacity, with limited vacancies for new students. 

Please note that:

• High School students can enroll anytime until March 24. 

• Elementary and Middle School students can enroll anytime until May 1.

Click here to find out how to apply

Click here to learn more about our Admissions Essentials

A placement test may be required to determine an appropriate level of class placement. 

Learn more about our Admissions Essentials

To ensure your application is processed efficiently, we encourage you to gather all necessary documents. You can click here to find out how to apply and learn more about our Document Checklist.

Click here to learn more about our Admissions Essentials

Typically, around 70% of revenue is invested in recruiting and retaining top international educators who are experts in their field and skilled in creating the best possible learning environment for our students. Fees are subject to ISKL Board approval annually and are published annually in February. 

Please visit our Fees page for more information.

ISKL’s status as a non-profit school sets us apart from the majority of for-profit international schools in Kuala Lumpur. It makes a huge difference for our community to know that the fees they pay are invested solely into providing their children with the best international educators and the best learning environment possible, however we do not offer sibling discounts nor financial incentives. Please visit our Fees page for more information.

Yes, ISKL offers the Pathways Scholarship for Malaysian students who have completed their Form 3 school assessment. The merit and need-based scholarship covers full tuition as well as external exam fees and is equivalent to a four-year High School program (Grades 9-12).

Every effort is made to place students in the appropriate grade based on academic experience and chronological age. A grade placement equivalent chart can be found here.

Please contact the Admissions team at admissions@iskl.edu.my if you have any questions regarding grade-level placement.

ISKL policy states that students must reside full-time with at least one parent or legal guardian while enrolled. Please direct questions regarding guardianship to the Admissions team at admissions@iskl.edu.my at the time of inquiry or application.

ISKL is a day school and does not offer boarding facilities. Students are required to reside with their parents or a legal guardian while attending ISKL.

ISKL operates on a rolling admissions policy, which means we accept students throughout the year if positions are available. Please note that the latest start date for new students in Elementary and Middle School is the first week of May, and for High School, it's the third week of March. Click here for information abour our Timeline and Decisions for application.

All prospective families are going through the same admissions process. Kindly note that ISKL has an admissions priority list, which include embassies and High Commissions families. For more information about our ISKL Priority of Admissions, please click here.

At ISKL, every offer of admission is guided by our commitment to ensuring the best possible learning journey for your child. Our careful review process considers various factors, including your child’s age, developmental stage, and unique learning profile.  We understand that determining the correct grade level placement based on age can be complex for international families, and we partner with you throughout this admissions process. Click here to download our Grade Placement Equivalent.

Yes, ISKL follows specific age placement rules for student enrollment. For our youngest students; spanning Early Childhood to Grade 1; placement is determined by chronological age based on set monthly cutoffs. You can find comprehensive details regarding these specific admissions requirements and our school schedule in the School Hours, Class Size, and Schedule section of our official website.

It is the 1,000-point question! While many schools have a marketing pitch, the heart of the ISKL experience is our inclusive and welcoming community. Being an ISKL Panther means joining a diverse international school in Kuala Lumpur where every student belongs.

Our holistic approach ensures a rich educational journey through:

• Diverse Programs: A wide range of academic, co-curricular, and leadership opportunities.
• Vibrant Student Life: Access to numerous clubs and activities that build character and connection.
• Top-Tier Environment: A state-of-the-art campus in the heart of KL designed to support every student’s growth.

Beyond the classroom, it is the spirit of our community that truly defines the ISKL experience.

ISKL is an international school with a diverse community catering to students from various nationalities and cultural backgrounds. While ISKL offers an international curriculum that combines leading North American educational frameworks with global best practices, it is not an American school. 

Find out more about our curriculum here.

ISKL offers an international curriculum that combines leading North American educational frameworks with global best practices.

At the High School level, Grade 11 and 12 students have the choice to study either the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) or the Pursuits Program. Advanced Placement (AP) classes are offered from Grade 10 onwards.

ISKL uses a global best practice curriculum which is North American based and further developed by our Director of Learning, our Administrators and experts in their fields. The curriculum reflects the diversity of our community and is student centered preparing them for the Internaitonal Baccalaureate Diploma in the final grades. The British curriulum is based on the UK's national curriculum which is more subject focused preparing the students for the (I)GCSE's and the A Levels.

Due to ISKL’s North American educational framework, we do not offer IGCSE exams in Grades 9 and 10. At the end of the year, students sit internal exams based on their learning during the year.

We do not offer the Primary Years Programme (PYP) or Middle Years Programmes (MYP). ISKL is a World IB School that provides the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP).

The IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) is not mandatory. In Grades 11-12, students may choose between taking the IBDP or undertaking Pursuits, a two-year program enabling students to combine individual IB, Advanced Placement, Global Online Academy, and High School Diploma courses to create their own program of study.

All students who meet ISKL’s graduation requirements will receive an ISKL High School Diploma, which is the equivalent of a U.S. High School Diploma. This includes students who complete the IBDP and Pursuits program.

To earn the IB Diploma, students are required to study six subjects (three at Higher Level and three at Standard Level) and complete the Diploma Programme (DP) Core comprising an Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge, and CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service). Students are assessed internally and externally at the end of the program.

The primary aim of the ISKL World Language program is to empower students to communicate confidently and effectively in another language.

We cultivate empathetic global citizens by encouraging students to build on their diverse cultural identities and make meaningful connections between the target language and their own. Language learning at ISKL; whether for native proficiency or second language acquisition; fosters both effective communication skills and deep intercultural appreciation.

To see the specific languages offered per division, please consult our dedicated Curriculum page.

ISKL uses technology to create innovative teaching practices that encourage authentic learning experiences. Technology resources enhance student learning, and integrating technology into the curriculum supports the individual or class's educational needs.

ISKL operates on a Northern Hemisphere calendar, with the academic year commencing in August. Our school year comprises two semesters:

• August to December

• January to June

Please click here to see our school’s academic year calendar.

ISKL is a non-profit school. Every parent or guardian automatically becomes a member of the Society for the duration of their child's enrollment. ISKL is governed by the Board of Directors.

Parent volunteering is not compulsory but is definitely a way to feel part of the ISKL community. There are many ways to get involved with the school, and our amazing Parent Teacher Association (PTA) is a great starting point for these connections!

ISKL parents are allowed to utilize our fantastic facilities at designated times, when students' learning is not impacted. ISKL aims to provide an open, welcoming campus that serves as a hub for various programs and activities for our community.

ISKL’s status as a non-profit school sets us apart from the majority of other international schools in Kuala Lumpur, which are for-profit. It makes a huge difference for our community to know that the fees they pay are invested solely into providing their children with the best international educators and the best learning environment possible.

There are a multitude of activities/events that parents can participate in to become more involved with the ISKL community. In addition to the extensive parent information/training sessions and workshops run by ISKL, there are parent events hosted by the PTA or country liaisons such as the annual International Fest.

Yes, ISKL works towards ensuring every student has the opportunity to achieve the best academic outcome possible within a comfortable social framework that enables your child to benefit from all our school has to offer.

Depending on the grade level, our English as an Additional Language (EAL) program is available to students with limited or no English proficiency.

Please click here to find out more about ISKL’s EAL program.

The Learning Resource (LR) team collaborates with all teachers to ensure that all students are supported in their academic, social, and behavioral learning needs.

ISKL teachers are available for students to ask questions and receive assistance should they face any academic challenges. ISKL’s teachers also work with the Counseling Team to support students in and out of the classroom.

While ISKL does not have a specific program for gifted students, there are opportunities for students to choose courses where they learn at an accelerated pace.

We have a team of full-time nurses in ISKL’s two fully equipped clinics to care for students who become ill or injured or need treatment or medication administration. Our nurses also actively participate in classroom and community education and conduct health screenings throughout the school year.

Life-Centered Education (LCE) is an extension of the Learning Resource Department. It is the highest level of support designed to meet the needs of students with more significant intellectual learning and/or developmental differences. 

Please click here to learn more about LCE at ISKL.

Our EAL program is designed for students who are learning English as an additional language. Elementary School accepts a managed number of students with a wide range of language proficiency while Middle and High School require a minimum level of proficiency in English. Admission to Middle and High School is subject to a language assessment, available space, and the student's ability to meet grade-based criteria for acceptance. For more information about our Entrance criteria, please click here.

ISKL offers a wide range of school-wide co-curricular activities such as swimming, rock climbing, play production, debate, sustainability clubs, and so much more! It is part of our school philosophy to encourage students to participate, pursue their passions, and try out new activities.

To see more examples of the available activities, please click here.

The ISKL Athletics program offer a comprehensive range of athletic activities such as cross country, soccer, swimming, rugby, tennis and more that is tailored to each age group and skill level, designed to foster a love for sports while instilling important values such as teamwork, discipline, sportsmanship, both on and off the field. 

Students also compete in local and regional events throughout the year, which enable them to connect with peers from other schools.

ISKL students can join Strings, Band, or Choir music programs beginning in Elementary School and expanding through Middle and High School.

While students can take a music class as part of their timetable, there are also after-school music programs available, such as the ISKL Philharmonic Youth Orchestra.

Whether your child is an artist, a budding actor, a talented musician, or a passionate dancer, the performing arts program is designed to ignite their creativity and shine on stage!

Students are able to explore a variety of creative exploits, such as gamelan, dance, and ukulele, and they can also be part of clubs such as the International Thespians Society and Art Society.

ISKL is a part of the Association of International Malaysian Schools (AIMS) and the Interscholastic Association of Southeast Asia Schools (IASAS), where students have the opportunity to represent ISKL in seasonal sports tournaments for Cross Country, Football (Soccer), Volleyball, Basketball, Rugby/Touch, Swimming, Tennis, Badminton, Baseball, Golf, Softball, and Track and Field.

ISKL students participate in field trips from Elementary School onwards.

Our students begin with overnight trips in Grades 4 and 5, then on to one of the highlights of Middle School - Malaysia Week (Grades 6-8), an amazing outdoor learning experience for our students.

Students in Grades 9-11 participate in ISKL’s Global Action Program (GAP), which is a mandatory component of the High School curriculum. Students acquire essential life skills during GAP and engage in meaningful service learning and community outreach across Southeast Asia.

Service and sustainability learning is at the heart of our curriculum, shaping ISKL students into global learners with enduring values. While it is not mandatory, our school encourages students to engage in diverse clubs, fostering engaging, inclusive, and challenging experiences while honing leadership and communication skills.

The bus routes cover various areas of Kuala Lumpur. ISKL families live in areas such as Ampang, KLCC, Mont Kiara, Sri Hartamas, Bangsar, and Damansara. 

Click here for more information about ISKL’s extensive bus network.

Every bus has a ride-along bus monitor to support students.

All ISKL cafeterias offer local and international cuisine that is pork-free and nut-free. The menu clearly displays all allergens, and vegetarian and vegan options are also available.

The downloadable school year calendar can be found here. Parents can also access a community calendar via the Parent Portal to stay updated with upcoming events.

All students are required to wear the ISKL school uniform. This policy reflects sensitivity to living in a multicultural community and meets the requirements of regulatory authorities that students be in an appropriate school uniform.

The ISKL uniform is available at ISKL’s on-campus store, the Panther Hut.

• Early Childhood programs (Prep Reception and Prep Junior): 8:00 am to 12:30 pm

• Elementary School (Prep Senior to Grade 5): 8:00 am to 2:45 pm

• Middle School: 8:00 am to 2:45 pm

• High School: 8:00 am to 3:00 pm

Please click here to find out more about the school hours

Each period of classes ranges from 75 to 90 minutes.

Welcoming people, diverse cultural festivities, and a fantastic variety of cuisines are just some of the reasons why Malaysia is Truly Asia—and beyond that, a great place to call home.

At the heart of Malaysia is Kuala Lumpur (KL), a bustling city that perfectly blends modernity with tradition. Nestled within this vibrant city is our 25-acre Ampang Hilir campus, where the ISKL community enjoys stunning views of the KL skyline daily. For an overview of Ampang, check out this video from Danial Marzuki, ISKL Class of 2017.

Take a stroll to see the iconic Petronas Twin Towers, immerse yourself in the vibrant street markets, historic temples, and lush parks, and experience the best of what KL has to offer. The city's multicultural atmosphere means there's always a festival to celebrate, whether it's Lunar New Year, Deepavali, Hari Raya, or Christmas. 

With its friendly people and numerous attractions, Kuala Lumpur is not just a city to visit but a place to truly experience and enjoy!

Malaysia is 8 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and 16 hours ahead of United States Pacific Standard Time (PST).

Bahasa Melayu is the national language, but English is also widely spoken, and people frequently mix both Bahasa Melayu and English in their speech. Chinese and Tamil are also commonly spoken in Malaysia.

Malaysian Sign Language (Bahasa Isyarat Malaysia) is the principal language used by the deaf community of Malaysia.

The electricity supply is a 240-volt, 50-cycle system, and the power sockets used are of type G.

Malaysia's health care is excellent. There are first-class hospitals and medical facilities comparable to the best in the world. Medical care is also relatively inexpensive.

The national currency is the Ringgit Malaysia (RM). Foreign currencies can be changed at banks or authorized money-changers throughout the country.

Most major credit cards are accepted, Visa and MasterCard being the most common, and American Express is accepted in selected places in major tourist areas.

Many banks are also linked to international banking networks such as Cirrus, Maestro, and Plus, allowing withdrawals from overseas savings or checking accounts.

Kuala Lumpur offers a modern and efficient transportation system, including the LRT and MRT trains. Buses provide an inexpensive way to travel around the city, with extensive routes available.

Taxi services and GrabCar are also readily accessible for convenient travel.

For longer distances, flights in and out of Malaysia are plentiful, with Kuala Lumpur being a hub for several regional and global carriers.