Austin Heights Private & International School vs Cornerstone International School

	A Austin Heights Private & International School Johor Bahru, Malaysia	C Cornerstone International School Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year MYR 12,000 - 21,000	Fees / year MYR 9,600 - 17,160
Age range	Age range 3 - 17 years	Age range 5 - 19 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IPC (International Primary Curriculum), British Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE	Curriculum Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE
Pupils	Pupils 1,300	Pupils 220
Typical class size	Typical class size 25	Typical class size 25
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2011	Opened 2023
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Austin Heights Private & International School is located in Taman Mount Austin. This area is highly accessible via major roads such as the Pasir Gudang Highway and Eastern Dispersal Link, making commutes easy for families, including those crossing the border from Singapore (approximately 30–40 minutes by car). The school is also connected by local bus routes like P111 and T11. Mount Austin boasts a rich variety of amenities including AEON Mall, Toppen Shopping Centre, cafes, restaurants, and entertainment hubs like the Austin Heights Water & Adventure Park. Nearby medical facilities such as Sultan Ismail Hospital add to the area’s appeal, making it ideal for families seeking convenience and lifestyle amenities.	Location Cornerstone International School is located within City Plaza, a prominent commercial building along Jalan Tebrau. This central location places the school in the heart of the city, surrounded by various amenities, including shopping centers, eateries, and other educational institutions. The school's central location ensures connectivity via public transportation. Numerous bus routes operate along Jalan Tebrau, providing easy access to and from different parts of Johor Bahru. Additionally, the area is well-served by taxis and ride-hailing services.
Stages	Stages The school offers a structured educational journey for early years, primary and secondary levels.	Stages Primary, Secondary
School type	School type Austin Heights is a co-educational day school. The school does not offer boarding facilities.	School type Cornerstone International School is a co-educational day school. Boarding facilities are not offered.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support The school provides additional learning support by having Blackboard Learn, an online learning platform that allows students to review lessons, complete assignments, and access resources anytime, making learning more flexible and easier to refer to whenever its needed.	Additional learning support The school does not have publicly available information on additional learning support.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation The school does not have formal affiliation with any country.	Country affiliation The school is not affiliated with any country.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation Austin Heights does not have any formal religious affiliation and operates as a secular school.	Religious affiliation The school is not affiliated with any religion, it is a secular school.
School day structure	School day structure School start time KG1 - KG2: 8:30 KG3 - G10: 8:00 School finish time KG1: 12:30 KG2: 14:30 (Friday 12:30) KG3 - G1: 14:30 (Friday 13:10) G2 - G10: 15:40 (Friday 13:10)	School day structure The school does not have publicly available information on their day structure.
Bus service details	Bus service details Austin Heights provides a school bus service for its students.	Bus service details Cornerstone International School operates its own fleet of well-maintained buses. Each bus is equipped with a trained attendant to supervise and ensure the safety of the children during transit.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Tuition Fees (Annually) Early Years 1 & 2 (Age 3–4): RM 12,000 Years 1–3 (Age 5–7): RM 15,600 Years 4–6 (Age 8–10): RM 17,400 Years 7–9 (Age 11–13): RM 20,400 Years 10–11 (Age 14–15): RM 23,400 Years 12–13 (Age 16–17): RM 21,000 Other Fees Application Fee: RM 100 – RM 200 (non-refundable, one-time) Registration Fee: RM 1,000 – RM 2,000 (non-refundable, one-time) Security Deposit: One term’s tuition fee (refundable) Miscellaneous Fees: RM 1,000 – RM 1,500 annually Refund Policy Security Deposit: A refundable deposit equivalent to one term’s tuition fee is required upon enrollment. This deposit is refundable upon withdrawal, provided all dues are cleared and the required notice period is observed. Application & Registration Fees: Both are one-time, non-refundable payments. Miscellaneous Fees: Typically non-refundable and non-transferable. Payment Methods Bank transfers Credit/debit cards Online banking Cash or cheque payments	Fee details One-Time Enrollment Fees Diagnostic Test (Non-Refundable) - Year 1 to Year 6: MYR 200.00 Diagnostic Test (Non-Refundable) - Year 7 to Year 11: MYR 300.00 Registration Fee: MYR 1,200.00 Refundable Deposit: MYR 4,500.00 School Fees (Per Term) Reception Class (Age 4-5): MYR 2,400.00 Year 1 to Year 6: MYR 3,300.00 Year 7 to Year 8: MYR 3,960.00 Year 9 to Year 11: MYR 4,290.00 Meals - Tea and Lunch (Per Term) Reception Class (Age 4-5): MYR 450.00 Year 1 to Year 6: MYR 600.00 Year 7 to Year 11: MYR 750.00 Disclaimer: Please note that these are the published fees effective from July 2025. All fees are subject to revision at the institution's discretion.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options —	Food options —
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The school is wholly owned by Austin Heights Education Sdn. Bhd. (777277-H).	Governance and ownership The school is a private international school registered with the Ministry of Education and a Cambridge examination centre since 2022.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Austin Heights offers a dual-track education system that caters to both local and international students. The International Stream follows the British curriculum, incorporating programmes such as the International Primary Curriculum (IPC), Cambridge International Primary Programme (CIPP), Cambridge Lower Secondary, and ultimately leading to the Cambridge IGCSE examinations in Years 10 and 11. This stream emphasizes inquiry-based and thematic learning, preparing students with critical thinking and global awareness. Alongside this, the school also offers a Private Stream that follows the Malaysian National Curriculum (KSSR/KSSM), making it an excellent choice for families who prefer a local syllabus but still want a strong co-curricular and English-medium education.	Curriculum details Cornerstone International School follows the Cambridge International Curriculum from primary through to secondary levels, with a distinctive emphasis on Christian values and character education. In the primary section (Years 1 to 6), the curriculum includes English, Mathematics, Science, ICT, Global Perspectives, Art & Design and Physical Education. As students progress to secondary school (Years 7 to 11), they enter the Cambridge Lower Secondary Programme, followed by the IGCSE pathway. Subjects offered at this level include English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Business Studies, Geography, and ICT.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning The school does not have publicly available information regarding SEL.	Social & emotional learning Cornerstone International School integrates social and emotional learning by helping children increase their awareness and control of their feelings and reactions, as well as understanding their identity and relationships within a social environment . The school's approach includes providing manipulative toys and engaging activities that support young children's readiness skills, preparing them for academic subjects in grade school. This method aids in developing emotional regulation and social interaction skills from an early age. Additionally, Cornerstone offers a range of extracurricular activities, such as sports, music, art, and clubs, which help students develop new skills, build confidence, and explore their passions. These programs further enhances social and emotional competencies .
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) The school does not have a dedicated SEN department.	Special educational needs (SEN) The schools doe not offer any specialized programme for SEN.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language The school does provide EAL support that includes reading programs, language-rich classrooms, and differentiated instruction.	English as an additional language The school does not have publicly available information on EAL.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Austin Heights integrates mental wellbeing into its school culture through its nurturing environment, personal development goals, and emphasis on spiritual and emotional health. Its co-curricular programme and whole-child approach foster a supportive atmosphere and activities such as performing arts, leadership training, and physical education help relieve stress and build confidence.	Mental wellbeing The school does not have publicly available information.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding The school does not have publicly available information regarding safeguarding policies.	Safeguarding The school does not have publicly available information on their safeguarding policy.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview —	Facilities overview The school is located at Level 22, City Plaza, Jalan Tebrau, 80300 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Takzim. The campus includes a 4,000-square-foot library that is used for reading, relaxation and learning. A Level 22 arrival and meal space exists. Computer labs support coding and basic IT skills. There is a primary science laboratory for hands-on experiments. The sports facility is located on Level 3A of City Plaza and includes two futsal courts and one basketball court.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities The sports facility is located on Level 3A of City Plaza. It includes two futsal courts and one basketball court.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities —	Academic facilities Stage 1 (Year 1–6) includes English, Math, Bahasa Malaysia (BM), Science, Chinese, Social Studies and ICT. Stage 2 (Year 7–8) includes English, Math, BM, Combined Science, Chinese, Geography and Global Perspectives. Stage 3 (Year 9–11) offers a Science Stream with Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Additional Math, or a Humanities Stream with Geography, Accounting, Economics and Business Studies, plus electives. The Cambridge Pathway provides progression from Cambridge Primary (ages 5–11) to Cambridge Lower Secondary (11–14) to Cambridge Upper Secondary (14–16) with Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge O Level options. The campus includes a 4,000-square-foot library, computer labs and a primary science laboratory.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities —	Extra curricular facilities Extracurricular activities include Leadership & Character Development and Life Skills, with additional ECAs offered.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Established in 2011 by Dato’ Steve Chong Yoon On, a chartered engineer and property developer, Austin Heights Private & International School (AHIS) was founded with the vision of creating a premier international school in Johor Bahru. Situated within the Austin Heights Education Corridor, the school began with an initial cohort of 450 students and has since grown to accommodate approximately 1,000 students from over 26 countries. The campus spans a 5-acre site and is part of a larger educational hub that includes institutions like SMK Taman Mount Austin, SRJK (C) Foon Yew 5, and Sunway College Johor Bahru.	History Cornerstone International School began its journey in August 2008, initially accepting only preschoolers. By 2010, the school expanded to cater to primary-level students aged 6 to 13. The school offers an English-medium education from Year 1 to Year 11, preparing students for the internationally recognized Cambridge IGCSE examinations. The school's curriculum emphasizes the development of the three basic skills: Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic (3Rs), and incorporates technology to complement learning and research. Cornerstone International School is dedicated to helping pupils develop to their full potential, with a strong emphasis on character building and moral values . In June 2023, the school celebrated the grand opening of its new auditorium on the 23rd floor, marking a significant milestone in its development .
Community	Community AHIS boasts a diverse and multicultural student body, reflecting its international curriculum and inclusive ethos. The school emphasizes a close knitted community with having co-curricular activities like sports, performing arts, and various clubs for students to interact more with each other.	Community Cornerstone International School emphasizes community engagement through firstly, parental Involvement. The school encourages strong partnerships with parents, recognizing that collaboration between educators and families is crucial for student success. Secondly, extracurricular engagement. A variety of clubs and activities are available, allowing students to explore interests, develop talents, and build a sense of community within the school.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association The school does not have publicly available information regarding PTA.	Parent teacher association The school does not have a PTA.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual —	Academic & intellectual The school offers the Cambridge Pathway from primary through upper secondary, including Cambridge Primary (Year 1–6), Cambridge Lower Secondary (Year 7–8), and Cambridge Upper Secondary (Year 9–11). Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge O Level options are available in upper secondary. The school is a Cambridge examination centre since 2022. English is the medium of instruction for all subjects, with Bahasa Malaysia and Mandarin taught as language subjects.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative Arts and Music are included as part of the curriculum, with Art & Craft and Music listed among the other subjects. The program supports arts and creative expression through these subjects.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language English is the language of instruction; Bahasa Malaysia and Mandarin are taught as language subjects. English is used in school at all times except during language classes, and Bahasa Malaysia is encouraged on Wednesdays.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies Extracurricular activities include Leadership & Character Development and Life Skills as part of ECAs, with many additional options available.
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service Wholistic education is emphasized, with exposure to arts, social issues, and the development of character as part of the student experience.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional Leadership development is integrated through ECAs such as Leadership & Character Development. Dedicated teaching staff support students, and there is a partnership with parents to foster student growth.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing Class sizes are capped at 25 pupils to support close teacher–student interaction. The school provides a 4,000-square-foot library for study and relaxation, computer labs for coding and IT skills, and sports facilities that include two futsal courts and one basketball court. Wholistic education underpins daily life at the school.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision —	Language provision Languages taught include English as the medium of instruction; Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin, and Chinese are offered as language subjects. BM is encouraged on Wednesdays and during language classes. The Cambridge Pathway is used, with Cambridge Primary (ages 5–11), Lower Secondary (ages 11–14), and Upper Secondary (ages 14–16), offering Cambridge IGCSE or Cambridge O Level options and supporting education from age 5 to 19.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching English is the language of instruction for all subjects; Bahasa Malaysia and Mandarin are taught as language subjects. English must be spoken in school at all times except during language classes, and Wednesdays are when BM is encouraged.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards 2012: IGCSE Malay Literature – World Highest Score 2013: IGCSE Chinese – Malaysia Highest Score 2014: IGCSE Physics – Malaysia Highest Score 2014: IGCSE Accounting – Malaysia Highest Score 2015: Two students achieved World Highest Scores in IGCSE Mathematics National Association of Private Educational Institutions (NAPEI): Awarded for excellence in private international school education. Sin Chew Business Excellence Awards (2016): Received the "Excellence Award". Nanyang Siang Pau Golden Eagle Award (2016): Recognized as one of the "Top 10 Excellent Enterprises".	Awards The school does not have publicly available information on awards.
Accreditations	Accreditations Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE): Austin Heights is accredited to offer the Cambridge International Curriculum, including the International Primary Curriculum (IPC), Cambridge International Primary Programme (CIPP), and IGCSE examinations. Malaysian Ministry of Education: The school has been recognized with a 5-star rating for excellence in management and administration.	Accreditations The school is registered with the Ministry of Education Malaysia.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Application Submission: Prospective students must complete the Admission Form and pay a non-refundable application fee of RM100. 2. Entrance Assessment: Applicants are required to sit for an entrance assessment to evaluate their academic proficiency. 3. Interview session: Following the assessment, an interview with the Principal or a designated staff member is conducted to assess the applicant's English language proficiency and behavioral attributes. 4. Document Submission: Applicants must provide necessary documents. 5. Admission Decision: Admission is contingent upon satisfactory performance in the assessment and interview, as well as the availability of places. 6. MOE & Immigration Documentation: The school assists in submitting necessary documents to the Ministry of Education and, for international students, provides letters to support visa applications.	Admissions 1. Application Form Submission. Parents are required to complete the application form and submit it along with supporting documents, which typically include: Two recent passport-sized photographs A copy of the child’s birth certificate Relevant identification documents Previous academic records (where applicable) 2. Diagnostic Test & Parent Interview. As part of the admissions evaluation, the student is given a diagnostic test to assess academic proficiency. In addition, an interview with the parents is conducted. 3. Admission Decision. Based on the outcomes of the test and interview, the school will decide whether to offer a placement. 4. Enrollment. Upon receiving an offer, enrollment is completed through payment of the required admission and deposit fees.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist If no immediate placement is available, applicants are placed on a waiting list. The school reserves the right to assign admission priorities based on its criteria.	Waitlist There is no waitlist for the school.
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