Best schools in Kuala Lumpur and Johor
Education in Kuala Lumpur
Roughly speaking, the international schools in Kuala Lumpur be divided into the ‘old’ brigade, which have been established here since the middle of the 20th century, and the ‘newbies’, which have come on the scene since the late 1990s, including outposts of some distinguished English schools.
The main ones offer British, US, Australian and international programmes. The locations are largely in the central, east, south and western areas of the city, often 20 minutes or more from the centre - spots generally chosen to provide more spacious campuses. Several schools are located near popular gated residential enclaves such as Mont’ Kiara and Damansara Heights, making these schools walkable and giving them a friendly neighbourhood feel. For schools further out, bus services abound.
Choosing a school in Kuala Lumpur
Among the older schools, the curricula are either English or International Baccalaureate all the way through. You’ll also find schools offering the American High School Diploma and Advanced Placement courses. There are alternatives eg New South Wales curriculum leading up to the NSW High School Certificate, and a fully French education.
Apart from curriculum, the other distinct choice that you have is whether you opt for the boarding route or not. If you do, there are options ranging from around an hour’s drive outside of central KL to an hour away by plane - technically in the country but in reality much closer to Singapore.
