Matahari International School vs Mount Safa International School

	M Matahari International School Johor Bahru, Malaysia	M Mount Safa International School Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year MYR 17,030 - 24,000	Fees / year MYR 17,051 - 22,671
Age range	Age range 3 - 19 years	Age range 4 - 16 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels	Curriculum Cambridge (Primary)
Pupils	Pupils 200	Pupils 210
Typical class size	Typical class size 20	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2013	Opened 2012
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	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.	Location The school is located in Bandar Dato’ Onn, a planned residential area in Johor Bahru known for its quiet neighbourhoods and community facilities. It is easily accessible via major highways such as the Pasir Gudang Highway and Eastern Dispersal Link. The location is about a 30–45 minute drive from the Singapore-Johor Causeway, making it convenient for cross-border families.
Stages	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.	Stages The school is structured into three main levels: Early Childhood Education for ages 4 to 6, Primary School for ages 7 to 12, and Secondary School for ages 13 to 16. Each level follows the Cambridge International curriculum alongside Islamic studies, with the option to pursue the Malaysian National syllabus at the secondary level.
School type	School type This is a co-educational, English-medium day school. It does not offer any boarding facilities.	School type The school is co-educational and does not offer boarding facilities. It provides day schooling for students from ages 4 to 16.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	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.	Additional learning support The school offers dedicated support through its Special Needs Students Development Unit (SPDU), providing tailored learning assistance for students with additional learning needs. Support programs focus on helping students develop academic skills and confidence within an inclusive classroom environment.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation The school does not have an official affiliation with any country.	Country affiliation The school does not have a formal affiliation with any particular country.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation The school has no religious affiliation and operates as a secular institution.	Religious affiliation The school has an Islamic affiliation and offers a comprehensive Islamic studies program integrated with its academic curriculum.
School day structure	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.	School day structure The school day typically starts at 8:00 a.m. and ends at 3:30 p.m., with variations for younger age groups. Students have scheduled breaks for morning snacks and lunch, with dedicated time for midday prayers.
Bus service details	Bus service details A school transport service is available and managed by the school.	Bus service details A school bus service is available for students, with routes covering key residential areas in Johor Bahru. Transport arrangements are managed directly through the school, and parents can inquire about specific routes and fees during the admissions process. The service is optional and subject to availability based on demand.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details —	Fee details Application and Registration Fees: * A one-time registration fee of MYR 1,400 is required upon enrollment. * A refundable deposit of MYR 2,500 is also payable at the time of registration. Tuition Fees: * Kindergarten 1 to Kindergarten 3 (Ages 3–5): MYR 17,051 per annum. * Grade 1 to Grade 3 (Ages 6–8): MYR 20,429 per annum. * Grade 4 to Grade 6 (Ages 9–11): MYR 22,671 per annum. Note: Tuition fees are billed termly, every three months. Billing Schedule and Payment Terms: * Invoices are issued on a termly basis, with each term spanning three months. * Payments are due upon receipt of the invoice. Additional Costs: * Uniforms, textbooks, and other learning materials are not included in the tuition fees and are billed separately. * Extracurricular activities may incur additional charges, depending on the activity. Refund Information: * The deposit is refundable upon withdrawal, provided that all accounts are settled, and a written notice is given as per the school's policy. * The registration fee is non-refundable. Fee Payment Options: * Payments can be made via bank transfer or credit card. * Detailed payment instructions are provided on the invoice.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement The school has a uniform. A Uniform Sizing Chart is published on the site.
Food options	Food options —	Food options The school has a canteen on site.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The Matahari International School is part of the Matahari Education Group within the VIM Education Group.	Governance and ownership The school is governed by a Board of Governors and a Board of Directors. The Chairman of the Board of Governors is Tuan Haji Md Noor Haron, who is also the CEO of Mount Safa International School. The Board of Directors includes Prof. Dato' Sri Dr. Captain Razali Yaacob (Chairman), Datuk Dr. Mohd Farhan Razali, and Tuan Mohammad Irshad Razali; they are associated with Safa International Sdn Bhd (SISB).
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	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.	Curriculum details The school follows the Cambridge International curriculum across all levels, combined with the Malaysian National KSSR/KSSM syllabus and a dedicated Islamic studies program. Early Childhood Education (ages 4–6) uses the Cambridge Early Years curriculum, focusing on foundational literacy, numeracy, and Quranic studies. Primary School (ages 7–12) continues with the Cambridge Primary curriculum, offering core subjects like English, Mathematics, Science, and ICT, alongside Islamic subjects and Arabic language studies. Secondary School (ages 13–16) prepares students for the Cambridge IGCSE examinations and offers the option to pursue the Malaysian SPM qualification. Throughout all levels, students participate in the Jilul Quran Program, which focuses on Quran memorization and understanding. English is the main language of instruction, with Arabic and Malay taught as additional languages.
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 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.	Social & emotional learning Mount Safa International Islamic School integrates SEL into its curriculum through programs like the Tarbiyah Module, which emphasizes character development, moral values, and spiritual growth. Additionally, the school offers individual psychotherapy sessions to help students understand themselves better, work through behavioral patterns, and provide a safe space to de-stress and address personal challenges.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) Matahari International School does not operate as a specialist SEN school.	Special educational needs (SEN) The school provides support for students with special educational needs through its Special Needs Students Development Unit (SPDU). This unit offers tailored learning assistance, focusing on helping students develop academic skills and confidence within an inclusive classroom environment. While the school supports various learning needs, it is not a specialist SEN institution.
English as an additional language	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.	English as an additional language Mount Safa International Islamic School offers an Intensive English Program (IEP) designed to support students for whom English is an additional language. This program aims to enhance English language proficiency, ensuring students can access the broader curriculum effectively.
Mental wellbeing	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.	Mental wellbeing The school emphasizes mental wellbeing by providing individual therapy sessions, allowing students to explore their thoughts and feelings in a supportive environment. These sessions aim to help students gain clarity on their values, manage stress, and work through personal challenges.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding While specific safeguarding policies are not detailed in the available information, the school's mission includes preparing students to be morally and socially responsible citizens guided by the teachings of the Quran and Sunnah.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	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.	Facilities overview Mount Safa International School has STEAM robotics facilities, a canteen, and transportation services. Books and uniforms are available via Tekbookmart. The campus is located at Mount Safa International School Kompleks Mutiara Johor Land Taman Bukit Mutiara Bandar Dato' Onn 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities The school provides Class Rooms, a Computer Room, a Laboratory, a Lecture Hall, and a Library.	Academic facilities Mount Safa International School offers three curricula: International Curriculum, Malaysian Curriculum, and Islamic Studies. The International Curriculum includes International Primary Programme, International Lower Secondary, International Level Examinations, International Recognition, and University Pathways Worldwide. The Malaysian Curriculum comprises KSSR and KSSM, Bahasa Malaysia Excellence, National Identity & Heritage, and MOE Compliance. The Islamic Studies program includes Quran & Tajweed Mastery, Arabic Language (Fusha), Islamic Tarbiyah & Akhlaq, Sirah & Islamic History, and Fiqh & Aqidah Fundamentals. Jilul Quran Tahfiz Program provides Quran memorization with Tajweed, and Arabic is taught by native speakers. The STEAM Robotics program uses state-of-the-art facilities for science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities —	Extra curricular facilities Co-curricular activities include Karate, Swimming, and Kadet Remaja Sekolah (KRS). The program has three core activities, with over 200 active participants and 100% student engagement. Activities focus on leadership, discipline, and teamwork. Most CCA sessions run after school hours, typically once or twice per week.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	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.	History Mount Safa International Islamic School was co-founded in 2012 by Singaporean Asmadi Ahmad, an alumnus of Raffles Institution and Nanyang Technological University. He served as the school's principal until September 2022. The school is owned and operated by Safa International Schools Berhad, with plans to expand to Iskandar Puteri by 2026.
Community	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.	Community The school community comprises students from Malaysia, Singapore, and other countries, fostering a diverse and inclusive environment. Community events include cultural celebrations like Eid gatherings and food festivals, promoting cultural exchange and unity among students and families.
Parent teacher association	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.	Parent teacher association While specific details about Mount Safa's PTA are not publicly available, the school emphasizes strong collaboration between parents and teachers.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual —	Academic & intellectual The school uses a triple-integrated curriculum, combining International Curriculum, Malaysian Curriculum, and Islamic Studies. The International Curriculum includes International Primary Programme, International Lower Secondary, International Level Examinations, International Recognition, and University Pathways Worldwide. The Malaysian Curriculum covers KSSR (Primary) and KSSM (Secondary), Bahasa Malaysia Excellence, National Identity & Heritage, and MOE Compliance. Islamic Studies cover Quran & Tajweed Mastery, Arabic Language (Fusha), Islamic Tarbiyah & Akhlaq, Sirah & Islamic History, and Fiqh & Aqidah Fundamentals. The Jilul Quran Tahfiz Program is a core offering. The school presents itself as a premier Islamic international school in Johor Bahru with a focus on holistic development.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative —
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language The school provides Trilingual Education with fluency in English, Arabic, and Bahasa Malaysia, supporting international opportunities and cultural understanding.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies —
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional The Principal is Madam Nur Akmal. The school highlights a holistic development approach and invites partnerships with external organizations to support learning.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing The campus emphasizes a balanced environment with Islamic practices and character formation as part of daily life, including a musollah for daily prayer and Tarbiyah modules within the Islamic education framework.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision —	Language provision The school teaches English, Arabic, and Bahasa Malaysia as core languages. Arabic language studies and Quran-focused instruction are integrated into the Islamic studies program. Bahasa Malaysia is taught as a core language within the Malaysian curriculum. In Early Childhood Education, children communicate effectively in English and Bahasa Melayu.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching Trilingual education in English, Arabic, and Bahasa Malaysia.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	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	Awards As of now, there are no publicly documented awards for Mount Safa International Islamic School in the past five years.
Accreditations	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.	Accreditations Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE): Mount Safa International Islamic School is authorized by CAIE to offer the Cambridge curriculum, including Early Years, Primary, Secondary, and IGCSE programs. This accreditation ensures the school meets international standards for academic excellence and provides students with globally recognized qualifications. Malaysian Ministry of Education (MOE): The school is registered with the MOE, allowing it to offer the Malaysian National Curriculum (KSSR/KSSM) alongside its international programs. This accreditation ensures compliance with national educational standards and enables students to sit for national examinations like the SPM.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	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.	Admissions 1. Submit an Online Application Once you've connected with the admissions team, complete the online admission form to reserve a seat for your child. Ensure that all information provided is accurate to avoid any delays in the admission process. 2. Entry Assessment After submitting the application, an admissions officer will contact you within two days to schedule an entry assessment. For Primary and Secondary applicants, this includes the Cambridge Placement Test (English and Mathematics) and the AIQ Interview (Arabic, Islamic Studies, and Quran). Early Childhood applicants will undergo an Academic Interview. 3. Receive Assessment Results and Finalize Enrollment Results are typically communicated within two days of the assessment. If successful, you'll be invited to complete the enrollment process by signing the agreement and fulfilling any remaining formalities. 4. Join the Mount Safa Community Upon completion of the enrollment process, your child will be welcomed into the Mount Safa community and invited to participate in the school's onboarding program.
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.	Scholarships As of now, Mount Safa International Islamic School does not publicly advertise any scholarship programs.
Waitlist	Waitlist Matahari International School does not publicly disclose a formal waitlist or pool system.	Waitlist Mount Safa International Islamic School does not publicly specify a waitlist or pool system. Admissions are processed on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to seat availability.
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