LUCA International School vs Matahari International School

	L LUCA International School Johor Bahru, Malaysia	M Matahari International School Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year MYR 20,400 - 26,400	Fees / year MYR 17,030 - 24,000
Age range	Age range 7 - 17 years	Age range 3 - 19 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE	Curriculum Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels
Pupils	Pupils 320	Pupils 200
Typical class size	Typical class size 20	Typical class size 20
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2018	Opened 2013
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location LUCA International School is situated in Taman Kempas Utama, a tranquil and residential area of Johor Bahru. It’s accessible via the North-South Expressway and Jalan Kempas Lama, and takes about 30–45 minutes by car from the Singapore border. The surrounding area is developing steadily, with access to key facilities like AEON Mall Bandar Dato' Onn, parks, and medical centers such as Sultanah Aminah Hospital.	Location Matahari International School is located in Taman Nusantara Prima, Iskandar Puteri, Johor. The area is a residential neighborhood with local shops and services, and is part of the Iskandar Malaysia development zone. It is accessible via major road networks connecting Johor Bahru and surrounding townships.
Stages	Stages The school offers a structured educational journey for early years, primary and secondary levels.	Stages The school is structured into seven levels under the Viisaus Programme, starting from Early Years (ages 3–6) through to Stage 6 (ages 17–19). These roughly align with international equivalents such as Nursery/Reception, Primary (Stages 1–2), Lower Secondary (Stages 3–4), Upper Secondary (Stage 5), and Pre-University (Stage 6). The curriculum integrates Cambridge International content, preparing students for assessments such as IGCSE and A-Level.
School type	School type LUCA International School is a co-educational day school. LUCA does not provide boarding facilities.	School type This is a co-educational, English-medium day school. It does not offer any boarding facilities.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support LUCA International School emphasizes the importance of nurturing both the academic and emotional growth of its students through a variety of support systems beyond the standard curriculum. A standout feature is their coaching support program, which provides personalized academic and life guidance through certified coaches. These sessions, offered in both individual and group formats, aim to empower students to take responsibility for their own progress, while also equipping them with emotional resilience and critical thinking skills.	Additional learning support The school provides additional academic support through its Functional Classroom model, which groups students by academic level rather than age. This allows targeted teaching for subjects such as English, Mathematics, and Science theory. Support is structured rather than specialist, and the school does not describe itself as a dedicated SEN institution.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation The school does not have formal affiliation with any country.	Country affiliation The school does not have an official affiliation with any country.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation LUCA International School is also a non-denominational institution with no religious affiliation.	Religious affiliation The school has no religious affiliation and operates as a secular institution.
School day structure	School day structure Elementary & Primary: 7:30 AM – 2:30 PM Secondary: 7:30 AM – 3:15 PM	School day structure The exact start and end times of the school day at Matahari International School are not publicly published on the school’s official website.
Bus service details	Bus service details LUCA International School offers a school bus service for its students. This service aims to ensure safe and convenient transportation for students residing in different parts of Johor Bahru. Specific details about the bus routes and timings are typically provided upon enrollment or can be obtained by reaching out to the school's administrative office.	Bus service details A school transport service is available and managed by the school.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Tuition Fees (Annually) Years 1–6: RM 20,400 Years 7–9: RM 24,000 Years 10–11: RM 26,400 Other Fees Application Fee: RM 500 (non-refundable, one-time) Enrolment Fee: RM 1,500 (non-refundable, one-time) Student Support Fees: Includes coaching services (detailed cost not publicly listed) Refund Policy Application & Enrolment Fees: Both are one-time, non-refundable payments. Tuition Fees: The refundability of tuition fees is not specified publicly. It's recommended to consult the school's administrative office for detailed information. The school has not disclosed their payment methods publicly.	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 LUCA International School has a house system with four houses: Lion, Eagle, Orca, and Stag. The houses are represented by biblical animals and are color-coded as Yellow Lion, Red Eagle, Blue Orca, and Green Stag, with current scores shown for each house.	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The school was founded in 2018 by Golden Lampstand Baptist Church and LUCA is run by the church.	Governance and ownership The Matahari International School is part of the Matahari Education Group within the VIM Education Group.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details LUCA delivers a fully Cambridge-based curriculum for students from Early Years through Year 11. The academic journey is thoughtfully structured into five developmental stages: Enlightenment, Foundation, Consolidation Basic, Exploration and Development, and Directional. These stages guide students from foundational knowledge to advanced preparation for the Cambridge IGCSE exams. LUCA emphasizes a 21st-century learning model that integrates thematic teaching, entrepreneurial thinking, and personal development across all subjects.	Curriculum details Matahari International School follows the Viisaus curriculum model alongside the Cambridge International Curriculum. The school begins with the Viisaus Early Years Program (ages 3–6), followed by Stages 1 to 6 (ages 6–19), aligned with Cambridge checkpoints. Students take the Cambridge Primary Checkpoint at Stage 2, followed by IGCSE in Stage 5 (ages 15–17) and A-Level qualifications in Stage 6 (ages 17–19). Functional Classrooms focus on English, Mathematics, Malay, Chinese, and Science (theory), while Home Classrooms support project-based learning in subjects like global perspectives, geography, and arts. Lessons are delivered using a mix of traditional and collaborative methods. Science labs, art rooms, and music spaces support subject-specific instruction.
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 LUCA International School takes a structured approach to SEL through its Coaching Support program, which functions as an in-school mentorship and emotional support service. Students are encouraged to express themselves, set personal goals, and develop coping strategies.	Social & emotional learning Social and emotional learning is integrated into classroom activities and project-based learning, especially through Home Classrooms, where students engage in teamwork, discussion, and collaborative tasks. The school encourages peer interaction across age groups and promotes self-expression through creative and hands-on subjects. Teachers oversee group dynamics and guide students in developing interpersonal skills. SEL is further supported by counseling services available on campus. These services help students reflect on their behavior, relationships, and decision-making. The school places emphasis on age-appropriate personal development alongside academic instruction.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) The school does not have a dedicated SEN department.	Special educational needs (SEN) Matahari International School does not operate as a specialist SEN school.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language The school does not have publicly available information regarding EAL.	English as an additional language English is the medium of instruction at the school, and it offers English as a subject within the Functional Classroom structure. Students with limited English proficiency are supported through targeted language classes and smaller group teaching. While the school supports EAL learners, there is no indication of a specialized EAL department or full immersion program.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing The creative and recreational co-curricular activities offered at the school including dance, music, cooking, and visual arts serve as expressive outlets that reduce anxiety, build identity, and support emotional balance.	Mental wellbeing The school provides access to in-house psychological counselling, which students can seek for academic stress, emotional challenges, or personal development. Career and academic guidance services also support students during transitional stages such as exam preparation and course selection.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding The school does not have publicly available information regarding safeguarding policies.	Safeguarding —
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The school is located at 6, Jalan Kempas Utama 2/4, 81300 Johor Bahru, Malaysia. It delivers Cambridge International Education Programme across Elementary & Primary, Lower Secondary, and Upper Secondary. Elementary & Primary offers 11 subjects including English, Mathematics, Science, Chinese, Bahasa Malaysia, STEAM, Arts & Design, Music, Physical Education, and Life Education. Upper Secondary provides two streams—Combined Science and Pure Science—for the IGCSE, with Life Education. The school's motto is "I Learn, I Love, and I Live by Good Example" and it is guided by LUCA values; it was founded in 2018 by Golden Lampstand Baptist Church. The Our Facilities gallery includes a science laboratory and a music room.	Facilities overview Matahari International School - Iskandar Puteri is located at No. 2-18, Jln Iskandar Putri 1/4, Tmn Nusantara Prima, 79200 Iskandar Puteri, Johor. The school facilities include Art Room, Canteen, Class Room, Computer Room, Laboratory, Lecture Hall, Library, Matahari Hall, Meeting Room, Multimedia Tutorial Room, Reception, Recycle Room, Security Room, and Visitor Lounge.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities LUCA follows the Cambridge International Education Programme across Elementary & Primary, Lower Secondary, and Upper Secondary. Elementary & Primary offers 11 subjects including English, Mathematics, Science, Chinese, Bahasa Malaysia, STEAM, Arts & Design, Music, Physical Education, and Life Education. Lower Secondary (Year 7–9) includes English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Chinese, Bahasa Malaysia, STEAM, Arts & Design, Music, Physical Education, Life Education. Upper Secondary (Year 10–11) offers two streams—Combine Science and Pure Science—for the IGCSE and includes Life Education. LUCA emphasizes 21st-century skills and life coaching, with Life Education and goal-setting, leadership, global awareness, and innovation integrated into the program.	Academic facilities The school provides Class Rooms, a Computer Room, a Laboratory, a Lecture Hall, and a Library.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities —	Extra curricular facilities —
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History LUCA International School was established in 2018 in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, as a response to the challenges educators faced while implementing 21st-century learning models. Although Malaysia introduced this educational approach in 2013, many teachers experienced isolation and limited support while trying to put it into practice. Wanting to restore the core purpose of education, the founding team of LUCA took initiative. They explored teaching practices from institutions around the world and engaged in deep reflection and planning to rediscover what truly matters in learning. Their guiding belief “education is life impacts life” became the foundation for LUCA's vision. Over time, and through trial and error, the school refined its direction, turning setbacks into valuable insights. This journey helped shape LUCA's developmental framework and long-term goals. The school's values are built on what they call the "LUCA Beliefs". Love the truth as a guiding principle (L), Understand and celebrate one another’s uniqueness (U), Commit to building core competencies (C), and Adapt to challenges with resilience (A). These principles reflect the heart of the LUCA community and shape the school culture.	History Matahari International School was established in 2013 under the Matahari Education Group, which also manages various educational institutions in Malaysia. The school offers the Cambridge International Curriculum, catering to students from Early years to Year 13. It is part of the VIM Education Group, which includes Viisaus and IEM educational systems.
Community	Community LUCA International School fosters a close-knit community with small class sizes, averaging 15–20 students. The school emphasizes character building, leadership, and holistic development. Co-curricular activities, including clubs like STEM, Master Chef, Media Production, Dance, and Art & Design, provide students with opportunities to explore their interests and develop essential life skills.	Community The school fosters a vibrant community through various events and activities. Students participate in cultural celebrations, field trips, and community service projects. For instance, students have engaged in activities like exploring local farms, which promote hands-on learning and community involvement.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association The school does not have publicly available information regarding PTA. However, LUCA places a strong emphasis on collaboration between parents and educators. Regular Parent-Teacher Conferences (PTCs) are held to discuss student progress and development.	Parent teacher association There is no publicly available source (as of now) that explicitly confirms the existence or structure of a Parent Teacher Association (PTA) at Matahari International School.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual LUCA International School follows the Cambridge International Education Programme across Elementary, Lower Secondary, and Upper Secondary. In Elementary & Primary, the curriculum offers 11 subjects including English, Mathematics, Science, Chinese, Bahasa Malaysia, STEAM, Arts & Design, Music, Physical Education, and Life Education. Lower Secondary (Years 7–9) includes English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Chinese, Bahasa Malaysia, STEAM, Arts & Design, Music, Physical Education, and Life Education. Upper Secondary (Year 10–11) uses Cambridge IGCSE and provides two streams—Combined Science and Pure Science—along with Life Education. The curriculum emphasizes 21st-century skills and Life Education.	Academic & intellectual —
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Arts & Design and Music are listed as subjects in Elementary & Primary (Years 1–3 and 4–6) and continue in Lower Secondary. Arts & Design and Music are included in the Lower Secondary curriculum as part of the Cambridge International Education Programme. The program supports creativity and self-expression across levels.	Arts & creative —
Cultural & language	Cultural & language The Elementary & Primary levels include English, Mathematics, Science, Chinese, Bahasa Malaysia (compulsory for Malaysian students), STEAM, Arts & Design, Music, Physical Education, and Life Education. Lower Secondary includes English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Chinese, Bahasa Malaysia. Students have opportunities to learn from foreign educators and participate in cultural exchanges. Chinese is part of the language offerings, alongside Bahasa Malaysia.	Cultural & language —
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies LUCA operates a House System to foster unity, community, and a spirit of healthy competition across school activities. The Student Representative Council (SRC) provides student leadership opportunities for Year 10 and Year 11, with elected members engaging in school events to develop people management and project management skills over a 15‑month training period. Life Education is a subject across levels, complemented by Life Coaching sessions that help students set goals and navigate personal and academic challenges. Small class sizes are emphasized to enable personalized guidance and closer student–teacher relationships.	Social & hobbies —
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional The school offers a Student Representative Council (SRC) that focuses on leadership development. SRC members are Year 10 and Year 11 students elected to lead school events and gain experience in people management and project management over a 15‑month training period. This leadership structure provides formal opportunities for students to practice organizational skills and collaborative leadership.	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Life Education is a core subject alongside Physical Education, supporting holistic wellbeing. Life Coaching sessions are provided to help students understand themselves, set meaningful goals, and navigate personal and academic challenges. LUCA emphasizes intentionally small class sizes to enable personalized guidance and support for students. The House System also promotes unity and community spirit beyond academics.	Lifestyle & wellbeing —
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision LUCA International School follows the Cambridge International Education Programme from Elementary through Lower Secondary, with Upper Secondary completing the Cambridge IGCSE. Languages taught as subjects include English, Chinese, and Bahasa Malaysia, with Bahasa Malaysia compulsory for Malaysian students. In Elementary & Primary, Year 1–3 and Year 4–6 include English, Mathematics, Science, Chinese, Bahasa Malaysia (compulsory for Malaysian students), STEAM, Arts & Design, Music, Physical Education, and Life Education. In Lower Secondary, Year 7–9 include English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Chinese, Bahasa Malaysia (compulsory for Malaysian students), STEAM, Arts & Design, Music, Physical Education, and Life Education; Upper Secondary offers IGCSE subjects.	Language provision —
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards Malaysia Influential Educators Award (2022): Acting Principal Ms. Esther Yong was honored with this award, highlighting the school's commitment to educational excellence.	Awards Excellence in Early Childhood Education Award (2024): In June 2024, the head teachers of four branches of Tadika Matahari, affiliated with Matahari International School, received this award. It recognizes outstanding contributions to early childhood education in Malaysia
Accreditations	Accreditations Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE): LUCA International School is authorized to offer the Cambridge IGCSE curriculum, ensuring students receive a globally recognized education.	Accreditations Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE): Matahari International School is accredited by CAIE, enabling it to offer the Cambridge curriculum, including IGCSE and A-Level qualifications. This accreditation ensures that the school's programs meet international educational standards.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Trial Class: LUCA offers trial classes for prospective students to experience the school's environment and teaching approach. 2. Assessment & Interview: Applicants may undergo assessments and interviews to determine their suitability for the school's programs. 3. Document Submission: Required documents	Admissions 1. Attend an Open Day or Schedule a Visit: The school regularly hosts Open Days, providing an opportunity to explore the campus, meet teachers, and learn about the curriculum. If you cannot attend an Open Day, you can arrange a private visit by contacting the school at +607 510 2388 or via WhatsApp at +6016 753 8088. 2. Submit an Application Form: Complete the appropriate registration form based on your child's educational level (Primary, Secondary, or A-Level). These forms are available on the school's official website. 3. Provide Required Documentation: Along with the application form, submit necessary documents such as your child's birth certificate, previous school reports, and any other relevant records. The admissions team will inform you of the specific documents needed. 4. Await Admission Decision: After reviewing the application and documents, the school will communicate their decision. If accepted, you'll receive further instructions on enrollment and orientation procedures.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships The school offers financial aid options, including scholarships, bursaries, and study loans. These are designed to support students who demonstrate academic excellence or require financial assistance. Details about eligibility criteria and application procedures can be obtained by contacting the school's admissions office.
Waitlist	Waitlist The school does not have a waitlist.	Waitlist Matahari International School does not publicly disclose a formal waitlist or pool system.
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