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Charis International School

Malaysia, Sabah

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees MYR 15,000 - 39,600
Ages 4 - 16 years
Pupil numbers 60
Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Opened 2014
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE
Taught languages English, Malay, Mandarin
Typical class size 5
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, Academic Enrichment, Outdoor Education
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Social and Hobbies
Stages Primary School, Secondary School, Kindergarten
Introduction

Charis International School, established in 2014, is the first registered international school in Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia. It offers the Cambridge International Curriculum from Kindergarten through Year 11, with instruction in English and additional language subjects including Mandarin and Malay. The school is housed within Calvary Crown, a ten-storey multipurpose building in central Tawau, with four dedicated floors for academic use. Facilities include science labs, computer rooms, and creative spaces that support project-based and STEAM learning. Charis is known for its small class sizes, which promote a focused, student-centered environment. A standout feature is “Charis Home,” its boarding facility designed to provide a secure, supportive environment for outstation and international students. Co-curricular opportunities range from futsal and robotics to community service through the Interact Club.

TB4111, Taman Setia, Mile 2, Jalan Datuk Chong Thien Vun, 91000 Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia

The Essentials

Charis International School has 60 pupils, typical class sizes of 5, instruction in English.

Location
Charis International School is situated in Tawau, a coastal town in Sabah, East Malaysia. The school occupies four floors within Calvary Crown, a ten-story multipurpose building located in the heart of Tawau. The campus is approximately a 35-minute drive (30 km) from Tawau Airport, offering convenient access for both local and international families.

Stages
Charis International School follows the Cambridge International Curriculum. The structure includes:
Kindergarten: Ages 4–6
Primary: Years 1–6 (Ages 6–11)
Lower Secondary: Years 7–9 (Ages 12–14)
Upper Secondary: Years 10–11 (Ages 15–16)

Type
Charis International School is a co-educational and provides boarding facilities, known as "Charis Home," for outstation and international students. This boarding option is available to students from Year 7 onwards.

Additional learning support
Charis International School does not explicitly mention dedicated programs or facilities for students with Additional Learning Needs (ALN) or Special Educational Needs (SEN) on its official website.

Country affiliation
Charis International School is a private Malaysian institution and is not affiliated with any foreign government or international national system.

Religious affiliation
Charis International School does not explicitly state any religious affiliation on its official website.

School day structure
At Charis International School, the school day usually operates from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM on weekdays, specific daily start and end times for classes are not detailed on the official website.

Bus service
Charis International School does not list a dedicated school bus or coach service on its official website.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
The school offers boarding for outstation and international students, with Charis Home available as a home-away-from-home option. A boarding form is required for boarding applicants.

Uniform Requirement
Secondary students are required to wear full formal uniform. After assembly, the blazer and the waistcoat may be removed, but the tie must be worn all day.

Governance and Ownership
The school is governed by a Board of Governors. The Chairman is Radaha Krishnan; the Treasurer is Soon Yee Fun; Board Members are Teh Yung Huat, Tan Kian Chong and Tay Ming Yih. The school is MOE-approved and a Cambridge International Examination Centre offering Cambridge IGCSE.
Fees

Annual tuition at Charis International School ranges from MYR 15,000 to MYR 39,600 for 2026/27.

One-Time Payment
Application Fee: MYR 200 (non-refundable), payable upon application.
Enrollment Fee: MYR 2,000 (non-refundable)
Capital Contribution:
First child: MYR 5,000
Second child: MYR 4,000
Subsequent siblings: MYR 3,000 each
Refundable Deposit: Equivalent to one term’s tuition fee, refundable with appropriate notice.

Annual Tuition Fees (Malaysians)
Kindergarten (K1 & K2): MYR 14,400
Year 1: MYR 18,750
Year 2: MYR 19,320
Year 3: MYR 19,890
Year 4: MYR 20,460
Year 5: MYR 21,030
Year 6: MYR 21,600
Year 7: MYR 24,525
Year 8: MYR 25,950
Year 9: MYR 27,375
Year 10: MYR 30,300
Year 11: MYR 31,725

Annual Tuition Fees (non-Malaysians)
Kindergarten (K1 & K2): MYR 15,000
Year 1: MYR 23,400
Year 2: MYR 24,120
Year 3: MYR 24,840
Year 4: MYR 25,560
Year 5: MYR 26,280
Year 6: MYR 27,000
Year 7: MYR 30,600
Year 8: MYR 32,400
Year 9: MYR 34,200
Year 10: MYR 37,800
Year 11: MYR 39,600

*This fee structure includes miscellaneous fees and meals (optional).

Payment Methods
Fees can be paid through several methods:
Cheques / Banker's Draft (in MYR):
Payable to Charis Education Sdn. Bhd.

Cash in Ringgit Malaysia (MYR):
While cash payments are not encouraged for security reasons, they can be made at the Admissions Office from Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM.

Telegraphic Transfer in Foreign Currency:
Account Name: Charis Education Sdn. Bhd.
Account Number: 1002 00000 72718
Bank Name: Bank Muamalat Malaysia Berhad (Tawau Branch)
Bank Address: Lot 69 & 70, Ground & 1st Floor, Kubota Square, Jalan Kubota, 91000 Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia
Bank Telephone: +60-89-771 488 / 489 / 490
Bank Fax: +60-89-771 494
SWIFT Code: BMMBMYKL XXX

*Important Note: A copy of the bank transaction report must be forwarded to the School’s Fee Collection Office via:
Fax: +60-89-762487
Email: charistawau@outlook.com
WhatsApp: +60-17-2178830
Academics

Charis International School teaches Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE for students aged 4 to 16.

Curriculum
Charis International School offers the Cambridge International Curriculum from Kindergarten through Year 11. In the Kindergarten years (ages 4–6), students engage in foundational learning across communication, literacy, numeracy, science, art, music, and physical development, with exposure to English, Malay, and Chinese. Primary students (Years 1–6) follow the Cambridge Primary Programme, studying English, Mathematics, Science, and Global Perspectives, alongside computing, PE, moral/religious education, and additional languages. Lower Secondary (Years 7–9) continues with the Cambridge Lower Secondary Programme and introduces subjects such as Social Studies, Art, Music, and ICT. In Upper Secondary (Years 10–11), students prepare for the IGCSE exams and can choose between science or commerce streams, with subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Business Studies, Accounting, ICT, and languages. Instruction is in English, and the curriculum is supported by co-curricular activities and project-based learning.

Academic calendar
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Charis International School emphasizes a nurturing environment, particularly in its Kindergarten program, where children are individually guided through a holistic development program. The school's commitment to a supportive atmosphere is evident in its efforts to provide a "home away from home" for students.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The school does not explicitly mention specialized programs or facilities for students with Special Educational Needs (SEN) on its official website.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Charis International School offers English as a Second Language (ESL) programs, particularly at the Lower Secondary level. This provision supports students who are not fluent in English, helping them to develop the necessary language skills to access the broader curriculum effectively.

Mental Wellbeing
While the school emphasizes a caring and supportive environment, specific programs or initiatives targeting mental wellbeing are not detailed on the official website.

Safeguarding
Charis International School has established rules and disciplinary procedures to maintain a safe and respectful learning environment. The school has a zero-tolerance policy towards bullying, with immediate parental involvement and formal warnings issued in such cases. These measures underscore the school's commitment to safeguarding and child protection.
Parent Experience

History
Charis International School was established on August 24, 2014, making it the first registered international school in Tawau and the third in the East Malaysian state of Sabah. Charis International School is located within Calvary Crown, a ten-story multipurpose building strategically situated in the heart of Tawau town. The school offers the Cambridge International Curriculum from Kindergarten through Upper Secondary levels.

Community
Charis International School fosters a diverse and inclusive community, celebrating various cultures and traditions. An example of this is the annual International Day event, which showcases a kaleidoscope of color, music, and culture. The event features performances such as the Kindy Dance, Seni Maharatu Dance, Chinese Dance, shadow play, and choir. Students, teachers, and parents participate in a national costume competition, and parents actively assist in decorating booths and preparing desserts from different countries.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
Charis International School has an active Parent-Teacher Association that plays a significant role in the school's community. The PTA organizes meetings and events that encourage collaboration between parents and teachers. These gatherings provide a platform for discussing students' progress and school activities. The PTA's involvement enhances the school's environment by fostering strong relationships among parents, teachers, and students.
Gallery
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Charis International School provides purpose-built facilities to support modern learning. The school uses ICT-enabled classrooms and a Resource Room. It hosts a Computing Lab, Science Labs, a Library, an Auditorium, and a Multi-Purpose Hall. Additional spaces include a Health & Fitness Centre, a Dance & Music Studio, and a Music Room.

Sports Facilities
The school has a Health & Fitness Centre for physical education. It also offers co-curricular sports through Sports Club, Swimming Club, Track & Field Club, and Archery Club.

Academic Facilities
Academic facilities include ICT-enabled classrooms and a Resource Room to support learning, plus a Computing Lab, Science Labs, and a Library. Cambridge Pathway education is provided through the Cambridge Primary, Lower Secondary, and Upper Secondary routes, and Charis is a Cambridge International School. English is the main medium of instruction with Chinese and Malay offered as second languages. The school is MOE-approved and located in Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia. Blended classroom learning and ongoing faculty development are part of the approach.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Groups and clubs cover academics, arts, language and sport, including Little Professors Club, Story-telling Club, Dream Makers Club, Interact Club, Leaderonomics Club, Chess Club, English Club, Chinese Club, Science Club, Suru Club, Sports Club, Swimming Club, Table-tennis Club, Badminton Club, Hiking Club, Cooking & Baking Club, Dancing Club, Drama Club, Movies Club, Photography Club, Track & Field Club, and Archery Club.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Charis International School follows the Cambridge International curriculum for its primary and secondary programmes. The school is MOE-approved and serves kindergarten to Year 11. Charis is a Cambridge International examination centre for IGCSE. The IGCSE qualification is widely recognized as an entrance standard to many colleges and universities worldwide.

Arts & Creative
Diverse co-curricular activities provide a creative platform to nurture holistic growth. Character First education is incorporated to develop leadership qualities. The program supports engagement in a broad range of co-curricular activities as part of its holistic development approach.

Cultural & Language
The English language is the main medium of instruction, with Chinese and Malay offered as second languages. The curriculum supports multilingual international culture. International staff and students from diverse backgrounds enrich the learning environment.

Social & Hobbies
Charis offers diverse co-curricular activities including recreational clubs and hobby groups. These activities complement classroom learning and promote teamwork and communication. The school emphasizes holistic development through an active student-centered approach.

Leadership & Professional
Character First education develops leadership qualities and is integrated into the co-curricular program. The school aims to cultivate lifelong learners with global perspectives and essential generic learning skills such as research, analysis, collaboration and communication.
Languages

Language Provision
English is the main medium of instruction. Mandarin and Malay are offered as second-language subjects. English First Language (EFL) and English as Second Language (ESL) are part of the English curriculum. Mandarin and Malay are taught across primary and secondary levels as part of the Cambridge pathway.

Bilingual Teaching
English is the main medium of instruction. Mandarin and Malay are taught as second languages within the curriculum.
Reputation

Awards
2022 Asia International Book of Records – Malaysia Top 100 Schools Award
Recognized as one of Malaysia's top 100 schools by the Asia International Book of Records, highlighting the school's commitment to excellence.
charis.edu.my

Duke of Edinburgh International Awards (2023)
On 18 November 2023, 24 secondary students from Charis International School received the Duke of Edinburgh International Awards at bronze and silver levels, acknowledging their achievements in personal development and community service.

Accreditations
Ministry of Education (Malaysia)
Charis International School is fully accredited by the Malaysian Ministry of Education, ensuring compliance with national educational standards.

Cambridge International Examination Centre
The school is a registered Cambridge International Examination Centre, authorized to administer the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) examinations.
Admissions

Admissions
Schedule a School Tour or Trial Class (Optional)
Families can book a school tour, admissions test, or trial class by downloading and submitting the enquiry form available on the school's website. This provides an opportunity to experience the school's environment and facilities firsthand.

Complete and Submit the Application Form
Download and fill out the Admissions Form. Along with the form, prepare the following documents:
Four recent passport-sized photos of the student.
A copy of the student's birth certificate, MyKid, or passport.
Copies of parents' MyKads or passports, and visas.
The student's most recent school report.
*Boarding applicants must complete the boarding application form.

Pay the Application Fee
A non-refundable application fee of MYR 200 is required. Payments can be made by cash, cheque, online transfer, or telegraphic transfer.

Await Application Review and Notification
The admissions team will review the application and send a notification of the outcome via email. If successful, further instructions regarding enrollment and orientation will be provided.

For International Students: Visa Application and Arrival Preparations
Upon receiving an offer, international students should apply for a student visa through the appropriate visa center. After obtaining the visa, arrange travel to Tawau, Malaysia, and prepare for the start of the academic term. International students should note the following steps:
Apply for a student Visa with the Visa Centre
Book a flight ticket and arrive at school
Pay school and misc. fees
Buy and collect your books and uniforms from the school office
Collect the Academic Calendar, timetable, name tag and Club activity form
Download the school2me app

Scholarships
Charis International School offers scholarships to high-achieving students. Top-performing students are encouraged to sit for an assessment exam, and scholarships are awarded based on the results.

Waitlist
Charis International School does not explicitly mention the operation of a waitlist or pool system on its official website. Admissions are processed on a rolling basis, subject to availability.
School Events
The school has not added events
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