Calendar and School Hours
ISKL’s calendar is accessible below and includes start and end dates for each semester, ISKL and public holidays, IASAS events, GAP, and Malaysia Week programs.
Are you an existing ISKL Parent?
Find out more information, including upcoming events, via the Parent Portal.
Looking Ahead
ISKL Calendar School-wide
ISKL HS Youth Service Summit
all day
On-Campus
ISKL Calendar School-wide
ISKL Middle School Malaysia Week
all day
Off Campus
ISKL Calendar School-wide
ISKL Middle School Malaysia Week
all day
Off Campus
ISKL Calendar School-wide
ES Earth Week Celebration
all day
On Campus
ISKL Calendar School-wide
ISKL Middle School Malaysia Week
all day
Off Campus
ISKL Calendar School-wide
ES Earth Week Celebration
all day
On Campus
ISKL Calendar School-wide
ISKL Middle School Malaysia Week
all day
Off Campus
You can download the PDF version of ISKL school year calendar here:
School Hours, Class Size, and Schedule
| Division | Grade | Age by September 1 | Average Class Size | School Hours | Break Times | Co-Curricular Activities |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elementary School |
Prep Reception | 3 Years old | Up to 18 | 8:00 am - 12:30 pm |
30 minutes Morning Break |
30 minutes Recess |
|
| Prep Junior | 4 Years old | Up to 18 | 8:00 am - 12:30 pm |
30 minutes Morning Break |
30 minutes Recess |
||
| Prep Senior | 5 Years old | Up to 20 | 8:00 am - 2:45 pm |
15 minutes Morning Break |
50 minutes Lunch |
2:45 pm - 3:45 pm |
|
| Grade 1 | 6 Years old | Up to 20 | 8:00 am - 2:45 pm |
15 minutes Morning Break |
50 minutes Lunch |
2:45 pm - 3:45 pm |
|
| Grade 2-5 | 7-10 Years old | Up to 22 | 8:00 am - 2:45 pm |
15 minutes Morning Break |
50 minutes Lunch |
2:45 pm - 3:45 pm |
|
| Middle School | Grade 6-8 | 11-13 Years Old | Up to 24 | 8:00 am - 2:50 pm |
10 minutes Morning & Afternoon Break |
45 minutes Lunch |
3:10 pm - 4:10 pm |
| High School | Grade 9-12 | 14-17 Years Old | Up to 24 | 8:00 am - 3:00 pm |
10 minutes Morning & Afternoon break |
40 minutes Lunch |
3:10 pm - 6:00 pm |
Eight-day Rotating Schedule
ISKL uses an internationally recognized 8-day rotating schedule, a model used by many leading schools worldwide to maximize student learning.
Research shows that students perform better in different subjects at varying times of the day and the rotating schedule ensures all students access each subject during their optimal focus times.
How it works
- Days 1–8 rotate continuously. For example, if Monday is Day 1, then Wednesday is Day 8, with Thursday starting again as Day 1.
-
8 periods alternate every other day (e.g., odd periods on odd days, even periods on even days) with classes ranging from 75 – 80 minutes, depending on the division.
Benefits
- Encourages deeper learning and collaboration with longer class periods.
-
Minimizes the impact of absences or schedule changes on any single subject.
-
Offers variety, keeping students engaged and reducing stress.
School-wide, students also benefit from regularly scheduled protected time to work independently, on a collaborative project, or with a teacher.
Depending on the division, students may also engage in regularly scheduled sessions over a period of time in order to review or develop certain skill sets or prepare for an upcoming event. These also may be student-initiated or teacher-recommended.
When used effectively, protected time results in less stress and less homework and fosters self-directed learning.
Common Questions from New Families
At ISKL, we understand how important it is for families to plan ahead. Our academic calendar is carefully designed to support students in their learning achievements and overall well-being alike. The schedule balances engaging academic experiences with meaningful breaks, helping students stay immersed throughout the school year.
When does the ISKL academic year typically begin and end?
Our academic year typically runs from August until mid-June and is divided into two vibrant semesters. The first semester starts in August and ends in December, while the second semester begins in January and wraps up in June. This practice provides a rhythm that supports both learning and community connection.
What major holidays and breaks are included in the school calendar?
Throughout the year, we honor the diversity of our international community and the rich cultural traditions of Malaysia by providing several extended breaks.
Families can look forward to a one-week Mid-Semester break in both October and March, a three-week Mid-Year break in December and January, and time off for the Lunar New Year and Hari Raya.
We also celebrate important local holidays such as Hari Raya, Deepavali, Lunar New Year and Malaysia’s National Day, ensuring our community feels connected and supported.
What are the key annual events for students and parents?
The ISKL school year is filled with meaningful community events that bring students, families, and teachers together.
We begin with Open House nights in August and continue with Parent-Teacher Conferences each semester, fostering open communication and partnership.
Students of all ages take part in experiential learning journeys, including Malaysia Week for Middle School and the Global Action Program for High School.
Our campus also accommodates numerous IASAS sporting and cultural exchanges, celebrating the talents and passions of our diverse community