Cornerstone International School vs Sri Ara International & Private School

	C Cornerstone International School Johor Bahru, Malaysia	S Sri Ara International & Private School Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year MYR 9,600 - 17,160	Fees / year MYR 10,230 - 29,520
Age range	Age range 5 - 19 years	Age range 3 - 17 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE	Curriculum Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE
Pupils	Pupils 220	Pupils 130
Typical class size	Typical class size 25	Typical class size 10
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2023	Opened 1997
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	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.	Location Sri Ara International School is located at 23 Jalan Straits View in the Straits View neighborhood of Johor Bahru, Malaysia. The school is situated in a residential area, providing a tranquil environment for students.
Stages	Stages Primary, Secondary	Stages The school offers education from Preschool (Nursery) through sixth form, accommodating students aged 3 to 17. It follows the Cambridge International curriculum, preparing students for the IGCSE examinations.
School type	School type Cornerstone International School is a co-educational day school. Boarding facilities are not offered.	School type Sri Ara International School is a co-educational day school, welcoming both male and female students. The school does not provide boarding facilities.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support The school does not have publicly available information on additional learning support.	Additional learning support Sri Ara International School does not identify as a specialist SEN institution, but it states that it aims to support students with different learning needs where possible.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation The school is not affiliated with any country.	Country affiliation The school operates independently without formal affiliation to any specific country.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation The school is not affiliated with any religion, it is a secular school.	Religious affiliation Sri Ara International School is a secular institution with no religious affiliation. It welcomes students from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds.
School day structure	School day structure The school does not have publicly available information on their day structure.	School day structure The school operates from Monday to Thursday, starting at 8:00 AM and ending at 3:15 PM. On Fridays, the day concludes slightly earlier at 3:00 PM. Extra-curricular activities are scheduled after school hours from Monday to Thursday .
Bus service details	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.	Bus service details Information regarding a dedicated school bus or coach service is not specified on the school's official website.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	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.	Fee details —
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 a private international school registered with the Ministry of Education and a Cambridge examination centre since 2022.	Governance and ownership The school is led by a Chairman, Puan Nooraini Mohd. Yasin. Sri Ara Schools is registered with Cambridge Assessment International Education and offers the Cambridge Pathway (Cambridge Primary, Lower Secondary and IGCSE) alongside the Malaysian National Curriculum. The school is located at 23, Jalan Straits View, 80200 Johor Bahru, Johor.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	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.	Curriculum details Sri Ara International School follows the Cambridge Pathway, offering a structured progression from primary through secondary education. Students in Years 1 to 6 engage with the Cambridge Primary curriculum, focusing on core subjects such as English, Mathematics, and Science. Years 7 to 9 follow the Cambridge Lower Secondary curriculum, building on foundational knowledge and preparing students for higher-level studies. In Years 10 and 11, students undertake the Cambridge IGCSE program, with subjects including English Language, Mathematics, Sciences (Combined or Coordinated), Business Studies, Accounting, Economics, Geography, History, Art, ICT, and languages like Malay and Mandarin . The school plans to introduce Oxford AQA examinations for Sixth Form (Years 12 and 13) .
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 View document
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	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 .	Social & emotional learning Sri Ara encourages students to be active, responsible, and take on leadership roles within the student body. The Students’ Representative Council oversees student welfare and organizes events, fostering a sense of community and responsibility.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) The schools doe not offer any specialized programme for SEN.	Special educational needs (SEN) Specific SEN programs are not detailed on the school's website.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language The school does not have publicly available information on EAL.	English as an additional language English is the primary medium of instruction at the school. While specific EAL support programs are not mentioned, the school's diverse student body suggests an inclusive approach to language learning.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing The school does not have publicly available information.	Mental wellbeing The school emphasizes a secure and caring environment, aiming to support students' overall development. Specific mental health programs are not detailed, but the school's philosophy underscores the importance of a nurturing atmosphere.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding The school does not have publicly available information on their safeguarding policy.	Safeguarding Sri Ara Schools outlines specific safeguarding commitments in its privacy policy, emphasizing the protection of student data and the importance of safe handling of personal information. The school states that all personal data collected is kept confidential and used only for educational and administrative purposes. It also highlights efforts to protect children from harm and abuse in both the physical and online environments, indicating that safeguarding is an integral part of school operations. While not a detailed safeguarding policy, this statement shows a clear awareness of child protection responsibilities and data security. For more comprehensive procedures, direct contact with the school may be necessary.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
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.	Facilities overview —
Sports facilities	Sports facilities The sports facility is located on Level 3A of City Plaza. It includes two futsal courts and one basketball court.	Sports 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.	Academic facilities —
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Extracurricular activities include Leadership & Character Development and Life Skills, with additional ECAs offered.	Extra curricular facilities The school places emphasis on extra-curricular activities and includes physical education and sports in the timetable. Speech and Drama are part of the curriculum and help develop confidence and communication for university and professional life later on. The environment and sustainability are emphasised in curriculum planning. Charity work and giving back to the community are inculcated through various activities in the school calendar, and students participate in the year-end school concert. After-school activities are offered, and students are required to take part in at least two per year. Available activities include Dance & Zumba Club, Red Crescent, Environmental Club, Robotic Club, Art & Craft Club, Speech & Drama Club, Taekwondo, Home Science, Pafa-agama, Street Soccer and Swimming.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	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 .	History Sri Ara International School was founded in 1997 and grew out of the former Tun Dr Ismail International School. It was established to offer both national and international curriculum options within one institution. The school is privately owned and has expanded its programs to include Cambridge IGCSE and plans for A-Level pathways. Its name, “Sri Ara,” was introduced to reflect a new identity with a continued focus on Malaysian and global educational contexts.
Community	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.	Community The school hosts various community events such as Hari Raya celebrations, International Day, and annual concerts. These events aim to promote cultural awareness and family involvement. Students also participate in outreach and fundraising initiatives through clubs and house teams.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association The school does not have a PTA.	Parent teacher association Sri Ara’s PTA is actively involved in supporting school events, communication between parents and staff, and planning community activities. PTA members assist with the coordination of festive celebrations and support new families with orientation. They are also involved in organizing the school’s Family Day and charity drives. Meetings are held regularly and serve as a forum for feedback and collaboration. Parents are encouraged to volunteer for specific events or become part of working committees throughout the year.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
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.	Academic & intellectual —
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.	Arts & creative —
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.	Cultural & language —
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies Extracurricular activities include Leadership & Character Development and Life Skills as part of ECAs, with many additional options available.	Social & hobbies —
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.	Community & service —
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.	Leadership & professional —
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.	Lifestyle & wellbeing —
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.	Language provision The school uses English as the main medium of instruction throughout. It offers two curricula: Cambridge International Examinations leading to IGCSE, and the Malaysian National Curriculum with emphasis on English. Mandarin is taught as a language subject, and Malay language is offered for Malaysian nationals. Cambridge Lower Secondary and IGCSE programs include English as a first or second language, with Mandarin and Malay taught as language subjects.
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.	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards The school does not have publicly available information on awards.	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations The school is registered with the Ministry of Education Malaysia.	Accreditations Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE): Sri Ara is accredited to offer the Cambridge International curriculum, including the IGCSE examinations. CAIE is part of the University of Cambridge and is widely recognized for its global academic standards. Ministry of Education Malaysia (MOE): The school operates with approval from Malaysia's Ministry of Education, ensuring compliance with national regulations for private and international schools.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	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.	Admissions 1. Arrange a school tour or information session. The school welcomes prospective families to visit the campus and meet with staff. Tours can be scheduled directly with the admissions office and are a good opportunity to ask specific questions and observe the learning environment. 2. Submit application documents. Parents must complete the registration form and submit it along with a non-refundable RM2,500 registration fee. Supporting documents include previous academic records, a copy of the child’s birth certificate, passport or MyKad, and passport-sized photographs. 3. Assessment and interview (if applicable). Depending on the year group, the school may conduct academic assessments or request an interview to determine placement suitability. These are generally informal for younger children and more structured for older students. 4. Placement confirmation and payment of deposit. Once a place is offered, parents are required to confirm enrolment by paying a refundable deposit equal to one term’s tuition fee. Further information about uniforms, textbooks, and term start dates is provided after confirmation.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist There is no waitlist for the school.	Waitlist Sri Ara International School does not publicly advertise a waitlist or pooled admissions system.
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