International Modern Arabic School vs Spectrum International School

	I International Modern Arabic School Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia	S Spectrum International School Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year MYR 9,500 - 14,500	Fees / year MYR 14,100 - 29,900
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IEYC (International Early Years Curriculum), British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels	Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, Islamic Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 2,600	Pupils 800
Typical class size	Typical class size 25	Typical class size 25
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2007	Opened 2016
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location The school is located in Precinct 14 of Putrajaya, Malaysia’s planned administrative capital. It's conveniently reachable via major highways and the Nadi Putra city bus service, which links to Putrajaya Sentral, the city’s main public transport hub offering both MRT and KLIA Transit lines. This setting offers a well-connected yet calm environment, ideal for families moving to the city.	Location The school is situated in the Kenny Hill (Lorong Tun Ismail) neighborhood of central Kuala Lumpur, offering a calm, elevated setting within easy reach of the city’s core. Transport connections are straightforward, and the area combines quiet residential charm with convenient access to urban amenities.
Stages	Stages The school provides education from Early Years (Nursery/Kindergarten) through Primary, Secondary, and Pre-University/Sixth Form levels, covering ages approximately 3 to 18 years	Stages Spectrum KL serves children from Early Childhood (Pre-KG through KG) up to Sixth Form (A Levels), covering an age range of approximately 3 to 18 years.
School type	School type IMAS is co-educational in Primary; in Secondary, boys and girls are taught separately but share the campus facilities.	School type The school is co-educational.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support There’s no specific information on the official IMAS site regarding support for Additional Learning Needs (SEN). For clarity, you may wish to contact the school admissions team to ask if they offer tailored learning assistance or external specialist partnerships.	Additional learning support The website does not explicitly mention specific provisions for Additional Learning Needs or SEN support.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation There is no formal affiliation to any single country.	Country affiliation The school is not affiliated with any country.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation The school incorporates Islamic education as part of its curriculum, indicating an Islamic orientation, but it operates as an international bilingual school rather than a faith-exclusive institution.	Religious affiliation The school has no religious affiliations.
School day structure	School day structure The school day at IMAS Putrajaya typically starts at 7:30 AM and finishes around 1:30 PM for younger students, with slightly longer hours for older year groups. The schedule includes academic lessons, language instruction in English and Arabic, religious studies, and regular breaks for meals and rest. This structure provides a steady rhythm across Kindergarten, Primary, Secondary, and Sixth Form levels.	School day structure The school does not provide information about its day structure.
Bus service details	Bus service details IMAS offers a school transportation service, provided via a third-party operator (FST). Details on routes or scheduling are available on the provider’s site.	Bus service details Spectrum provides a transport service for families in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, assisting with daily school commutes. The specifics—such as routes, operators, or pricing—aren’t outlined on the website.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application and Registration Fees A one-time Registration Fee of MYR 1,200 applies for all new students. This fee is non-refundable. Tuition Fees – Early Years to Secondary * Early Years (KG1 & KG2): MYR 9,500 per year (discounts available for siblings: 2nd child 5%, 3rd child 10%, 4th child 15%). * Primary (Grades 1–6): MYR 13,000 per year (same sibling discount scheme). * Secondary (Grades 7–11): MYR 14,500 per year (same sibling discount scheme). Tuition Fees – A-Level Programme (18 months = 3 semesters) * 3 Subject Package: MYR 18,500 tuition, total MYR 19,800 including registration. * 4 Subject Package: MYR 20,300 tuition, total MYR 21,600 including registration. Other Costs * Chromebook device: MYR 2,050 (one-time). * Technology & Resources Fee: MYR 450 annually. * Books: MYR 300–1,000 depending on grade. * Uniforms: MYR 100–200 depending on grade. * Co-Curricular Fee: MYR 100 plus additional charges depending on the club chosen. * Transportation: Available, cost varies by location. Billing Schedule and Payment Terms * Fees are billed per semester: * All fees must be settled in advance, within 14 days of billing. * A 4% early-payment discount is given if the full year’s fees are paid. * Late payment penalties may apply, and the school reserves the right to withhold reports, certificates, and access to school systems. Refund Policy Registration, technology, and administrative fees are non-refundable. In cases of enforced school closure by government authorities, no tuition refunds will be made. Payment Options Payments are accepted via bank transfer and other approved methods; parents must ensure fees are cleared by due dates.	Fee details Application and Registration Fees * Application Fee: RM 500 (non-refundable, one-time, payable upon admission application) * Registration Fee: RM 2,500 (non-refundable, one-time, payable upon confirmation) * Device Registration Fee: RM 250 (for Chromebook/Notebook configuration, one-time) * Security Deposit: RM 5,000 (refundable, conditions apply) Annual Tuition Fees (per year group) * Pre-KG (Discoverer): RM 16,100 * KG1 (Explorer): RM 17,100 * KG2 (Adventurer): RM 19,100 * Year 1–3 (Lower Primary): RM 20,600 * Year 4–6 (Upper Primary): RM 23,100 * Year 7–9 (Lower Secondary): RM 27,050 * Year 10–11 (Upper Secondary, IGCSE): RM 33,250 * Year 12 (A Level Sixth Form): RM 33,250 Fees include tuition, learning resources, and compulsory activities. Billing Schedule and Payment Terms * Fees are payable per semester (two semesters annually) or in full for the year. * Semester 1 fees: due by May–June; Semester 2 fees: due by November–December. * Tuition, learning resource, and activity fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. Other Costs * S-Clubs (after-school clubs): charged per club selection. * Books & uniforms: purchased online via Parent Zone; paid directly to vendors. * Visa fees, transport services, canteen meals, and educational trips: billed separately. * Cambridge exam fees: billed separately per session. Refund Policy * Only the security deposit is refundable (terms apply). Tuition and other core fees are non-refundable. Payment Methods * Accepted methods: cash, cheque, telegraphic/online transfer, credit card (with processing fees).
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 owned and managed by Al Noor Academy.	Governance and ownership —
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details The International Modern Arabic School (IMAS) Putrajaya follows a British-based curriculum integrated with Arabic and Islamic studies. In the Early Years and Primary School (KG1–Grade 6), students study core subjects such as English, Mathematics, and Science, alongside Arabic, Islamic Studies, and Bahasa Malaysia. The Secondary School (Grades 7–11) prepares students for the Cambridge IGCSE examinations, offering a range of subjects including the sciences, mathematics, humanities, and languages. At the Sixth Form (Grades 12–13), students can pursue the Cambridge A-Level programme, choosing between three or four subject packages depending on their university aspirations. Across all stages, the school balances academic subjects with co-curricular activities, ICT integration, and religious learning. This bilingual approach ensures students are equipped with internationally recognised qualifications while maintaining cultural and linguistic ties to Arabic and Islamic traditions.	Curriculum details Spectrum International School offers a British-based curriculum following the Cambridge International framework. Early Childhood (Pre-KG, KG1, KG2) combines play-based learning with the Finnish HEI Schools model and Islamic education, preparing students for primary schooling. Primary years (Years 1–6) follow Cambridge Primary, focusing on core subjects such as English, Mathematics, and Science, along with Arabic, Islamic Studies, and Bahasa Malaysia. Lower Secondary (Years 7–9) continues with Cambridge Lower Secondary, building subject depth while incorporating STEAM activities and co-curricular programmes. Students in Years 10–11 take the Cambridge IGCSE, choosing from a range of academic and language subjects, and Year 12 offers Cambridge A Level qualifications for pre-university preparation. Across all levels, the curriculum integrates co-curricular activities, competitions, and religious studies to develop both academic and cultural understanding.
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 View document	Academic calendar View document
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning In the Early Years Centre, the curriculum is explicitly designed to support children’s personal, social, and emotional development through the International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC). It emphasizes play-based enquiry, reflection, and activities like “Story Circle,” which build communication and social confidence. The Primary and Secondary brochures also highlight goals such as emotional well-being, social interaction, leadership skills, and spiritual awareness as part of holistic development.	Social & emotional learning The school does not publicly disclose information regarding SEL programmes, dedicated staff, or structured initiatives.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) The school does not publicly disclose information regarding Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision or specific services for students requiring additional learning support. There is no mention of specialist SEN staff, facilities, or programmes on the school's website.	Special educational needs (SEN) The school does not publicly disclose information regarding SEN provision or the types of needs it supports. There is no indication that it is a specialist SEN institution.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language The school does not publicly disclose information regarding English as an Additional Language (EAL). While English is the primary medium of instruction, there are no details on targeted support for students who are not native English speakers.	English as an additional language The school does not publicly disclose information regarding EAL support programmes, staff, or interventions.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing There is no specific information available about mental health counselling services, staff, or formal programmes.	Mental wellbeing The school does not publicly disclose information regarding mental wellbeing support programmes, staff roles, or mental health services.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding The school does not publicly disclose information regarding its safeguarding or child protection policies.	Safeguarding The school does not publicly disclose a safeguarding or child protection policy in its publicly accessible documents.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview —	Facilities overview The school operates two campuses: Putrajaya and Kuala Lumpur. On-site facilities include interactive classrooms, an ICT lab, a science lab, and a sports club. Spectrum Academy runs after-school programs from 3:45 PM to 6:00 PM, with offerings across sports, Tahfiz Quran memorization, and language development. Transportation services are available for areas around Kuala Lumpur and Selangor.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities The Sports Academy provides training in Netball, Football, Volleyball, Table Tennis, Handball, Fencing, Basketball, Badminton, and Silat.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities —	Academic facilities The school offers Early Years, Primary, and Secondary programs. The Cambridge IGCSE framework is used for examinations, with students achieving Cambridge IGCSE results.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities CCA Handbook is available to view or download. E-IMAS Online School Brochure is available to view and download.	Extra curricular facilities Spectrum Academy includes Tahfiz Academy, Language Academy (English, Malay, Arabic), and Sports Academy. There are additional extracurricular activities such as various sports and arts, and field trips.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History The International Modern Arabic School (IMAS) was founded in 2007 by the Alnoor Foundation as a non-profit international school. It opened with around 220 students and has since expanded to educate more than 2,600 students from over 45 nationalities. The school was established to integrate British education with Arabic and Islamic studies, creating a bilingual model. Over time, IMAS has grown into one of the larger international schools in Malaysia, with campuses in Putrajaya and UNITEN, supported by recognition such as becoming a Google for Education Reference School.	History Founded in Malaysia in 2016, Spectrum International School (KL Campus) originated as part of a network by Muslim investors whose first venture was the Tajan Azharian Language Institutes in Egypt (established 2006). The school expanded to its Putrajaya campus in 2018, continuing its mission to provide Islamic-centred education based on Cambridge standards. Its framework is part of a broader educational effort including Seven Pillars International School in Egypt and a forthcoming AIMS International School, reflecting ongoing growth.
Community	Community The IMAS community reflects its multinational student body, with learners from dozens of cultural backgrounds. The school provides brochures that emphasize the role of co-curricular activities (CCAs) such as performing arts, sports, and public speaking, which contribute to a vibrant student life. Cultural traditions are also embedded in school events; for example, Primary and Secondary students are shown participating in multicultural dress and performances, reinforcing intercultural exchange.	Community Spectrum hosts a variety of events that reflect its inclusive, culturally rich school life. These include celebrations like the Annual Ramadan Food Basket Initiative, Graduation Ceremonies, Sports Days, and Multicultural Day activities. The school also organizes festivals, Readathons, STEAM Fairs, and academic conferences to strengthen community bonds and student engagement.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association The school does not publicly disclose information on a formal Parent Teacher Association (PTA). There are no available references to organized PTA groups, events, or parent-led committees. Parent involvement is mentioned more generally through activities such as parent meetings and opportunities to engage with children’s learning, but there are no details of a structured PTA body or specific PTA-led initiatives.	Parent teacher association The school’s publicly available materials—including newsletters—highlight active family and school collaboration, such as Family Engagement Day, Parent–Teacher Conferences (PTC Day), and participation in events like Readathons and STEAM Fairs. While a formal PTA isn’t explicitly named, the school clearly encourages parent involvement in community and academic activities through these structured engagements.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual —	Academic & intellectual Spectrum participates in international collaborative programs and AI coding experiences through the Google Reference Schools Exchange, including a Year 10 Computer Science exchange with Al Haraki School, Indonesia.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative —
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language Spectrum participates in international exchanges and cross-cultural projects through the Google Reference Schools Exchange.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies —
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service Spectrum runs community service initiatives, including Back to School with Palestinian Children on March 4, 2025, in collaboration with JAKIM, MAIWP, and Malaysian humanitarian groups, with tuition waivers amounting to about RM400,000.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing —
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision —	Language provision The school teaches English, Arabic, and Bahasa Malaysia. Bahasa Malaysia is compulsory for all students from Year 1 to Year 9 and is an IGCSE option for Year 10 and 11. Arabic language instruction and Quranic studies are part of the Islamic education program.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards The school does not publicly disclose any awards it has won in the past five years.	Awards The school’s website does not list any awards received by the institution itself in the past five years.
Accreditations	Accreditations * Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE): IMAS is a registered Cambridge school, which allows it to deliver Cambridge programmes such as IGCSE and A-Levels and administer official Cambridge examinations. * Google for Education Reference School: The school is recognised as a Google Reference School, which means it actively integrates Google technology in teaching and learning and has certified educators supporting digital learning. * Ministry of Education Malaysia (KPM) Licence: IMAS operates under approval from the Ministry of Education Malaysia as a licensed private international school, ensuring compliance with national education standards.	Accreditations * Ministry of Education, Malaysia: Confirms the school meets national education standards set by the Malaysian government. * Cambridge Assessment International Education: Authorizes the school to offer internationally recognized Cambridge programmes and qualifications. * Google Reference School (1st in Malaysia): Indicates the school is a model site for integrating Google tools into teaching and learning. * Microsoft Certified Educator: Signifies that the teachers have received certification in using Microsoft technology effectively for education. * PowerSchool User: Means the school employs the PowerSchool system for transparent tracking of academic progress and communication. * UMCCED Foster School (University of Malaya): Reflects the school’s partnership role with the UM Centre for Continuing Education in educational projects. * Recognition by Islamic Religious Department of the Federal Territory (JAWI): Forms part of the integration of Islamic religious standards and recognition by the federal religious authority. * Recognition by Islamic Religious Department of Selangor: Specifically allows the conduct of weekly Friday prayers at the Putrajaya campus under Selangor’s religious jurisdiction. * HRD Corp Registered Training Provider: Indicates registration with Malaysia’s Human Resource Development Corporation for approved training delivery.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Application Form Parents start by completing the school’s online application form with the required details. This includes the student’s personal information and academic background. 2. Enrolment Confirmation Once submitted, parents receive a confirmation email from the Admissions Team. This confirms the student’s year group, subjects, tuition fees, and the available payment methods. 3. Welcome Call A member of the Admissions Team contacts parents by phone. They introduce the team, explain the next steps, and answer any questions or concerns. 4. Payment Parents then submit the chosen method of safe and secure payment. Full details for payment are provided in the enrolment confirmation. 5. Login Details After payment, parents receive school login and admission details via email. These credentials provide access to the school’s communication and information systems. 6. First Orientation Held a few days before lessons begin, this session gives an overview of school life. The child also receives an induction from their phase leader. 7. Second Orientation Another call from the Admissions Team helps address any follow-up questions or concerns before the child fully starts classes. 8. Ongoing Continuous Support Throughout the school week, the admissions and pastoral team remain available to support families and students as they settle into school life.	Admissions 1. Online Application Parents start by filling out the school’s online admissions form to secure a seat. The form must be completed accurately to avoid delays. This step initiates the process, and applicants should ensure all details, including supporting documentation, are correctly entered. 2. Entry Test After submission, the school contacts parents within two days to arrange a placement test. * Primary & Secondary: Students take a Cambridge Placement Test in English and Mathematics and attend an AIQ Interview (Arabic, Islamic Studies & Quran). * Early Childhood: Applicants undergo an Academic Interview. 3. Agreement Within two days of the entry test, parents receive results and are invited to sign an admission agreement. At this point, families confirm their child’s place and complete final steps such as fee payment and documentation. 4. Welcome and Orientation The child is officially enrolled and invited to the Spectrum Onboarding Program, which is run before the start of the school year. Parents receive further guidance to ensure a smooth transition.
Scholarships	Scholarships IMAS offers scholarships for deserving students. All Malaysian students are automatically eligible for a tuition reduction: 50% deduction for Primary and Secondary levels and 40% deduction for Kindergarten. This applies as part of the school’s financial support initiatives for local families.	Scholarships The school does not publicly disclose information about scholarship programmes or financial aid.
Waitlist	Waitlist IMAS does not publicly state that it operates a waitlist or pool system. Admission depends on space availability and successful completion of the placement and application process.	Waitlist The school does not publicly disclose information regarding a waitlist.
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