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Dalat International School

Malaysia, Penang

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees MYR 21,000 - 57,200
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 725
Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding), Online/Hybrid
Opened 1999
Bus Service Yes
Academic offering
Curriculum Advanced Placement (AP), American Curriculum
Taught languages Malay, Mandarin, Spanish
Typical class size 20
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, STEM, Academic Enrichment, Service and Sustainability
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Social and Hobbies, Community and Service
Stages Elementary, Middle School, High School
Introduction

Dalat International School in Penang, Malaysia, serves students from preschool through Grade 12 and delivers a North American, Christian-based education. All instruction is in English, with English as an Additional Language (EAL) support offered up to Grade 8 . The school offers 17 Advanced Placement (AP) courses, including AP Biology, Computer Science, Microeconomics, and Music Theory, with students typically taking up to six APs during high school . Its 1-to-1 laptop program supports digital learning across all levels. A notable feature is the school’s capstone and independent studies program, encouraging self-directed learning. Students also participate annually in local and overseas service-learning trips, with a mandatory 10 hours of community service per year. The Distance Learning Resource Center and a focus on Standards-Based Teaching and Learning (SBTL) further support flexible academic pathways. The campus is located in Tanjung Bunga and enrolls over 700 students from 22 countries.

Jalan Tanjung Bungah, 11200 Tanjung Bungah, Pulau Pinang

The Essentials

Dalat International School has 725 pupils, typical class sizes of 20, instruction in English.

Location
Dalat International School is situated in Tanjung Bunga, a coastal suburb of Penang, Malaysia. The area offers a blend of residential neighborhoods and beachside living, with convenient access to local amenities.

Public transportation options, including Rapid Penang bus routes 101, 102, and 103, serve the vicinity, facilitating easy commutes to and from the school.

Stages
The school caters to students from Preschool (age 3) through Grade 12 (age 18). It is organized into three divisions: Elementary School (Preschool to Grade 4), Middle School (Grades 5–8), and High School (Grades 9–12).

Type
Dalat International School is a co-educational institution offering both day and boarding options. Boarding facilities are available for students in Grades 6 through 12, providing a family-style living environment on campus.

Additional learning support
The school provides support for students with mild to moderate special educational needs through its Learning Support program. Services include individualized education plans, classroom support, and consultative services aimed at fostering student independence and success.

Country affiliation
Dalat International School follows an American curriculum and is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI).

Religious affiliation
The school is a Christian institution that welcomes students from diverse faith backgrounds. Its programs incorporate Christian values and spiritual development as part of the educational experience.

School day structure
The standard school day runs from 8:00 AM to 3:10 PM, Monday through Friday. Preschool programs may have adjusted hours, with dismissal at 12:00 PM.

Bus service
Dalat International School offers a school bus service.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
The boarding program houses up to 36 dorm students per dorm family. Dorms are family‑style and co‑ed, with siblings placed together in the same dorm and students typically remaining with the same dorm family for the duration of their stay. Each dorm family includes younger and older students (grades 6–12). The two dorms, named Ziemer and Jaffray, are housed in the Lighthouse building and feature common areas such as a lounge, kitchen, dining room, study room, and a balcony with an ocean view. After curfew, students stay in their own dorms, but may visit friends in other dorms. Breakfast is prepared by dorm parents, lunch is served in the cafeteria, and dinner is served in the cafeteria at 5:30 pm; a community time from 6:00–7:00 pm offers activities before evening routines.

Uniform Requirement
All students wear the uniform during the entire school day; a separate PE uniform is worn for physical education classes. Middle school students must purchase a performing arts polo shirt for concerts and black dress pants. Uniforms are sold by appointment with sign‑up required; sizes can be tried on before purchase, and payment can be cash or charged to the school account.

Food Options
Kindergarten through Grade 12 students are offered a healthy lunch program served in the cafeteria for a fee. Students may bring their own lunch and sit in the cafeteria, with beverages available. Morning and afternoon snacks are available for preschool and elementary students for a fee.

Governance and Ownership
Dalat is governed by a Board of Governors, the school's highest level of governance. The board comprises members including Will Brooks, Rachel Brooks, Jean Setzland, Jennifer Hu, Stewart Stemple, Pearl Lim, Lee Khai, Ashley Tee, and Kelsey Branum, and operates under the Carver Model of Policy Governance to set long‑term goals directed by the mission and vision. The board supports the accreditation process, and Dalat has been accredited by ACSI and WASC for more than 35 years.
Fees

Annual tuition at Dalat International School ranges from MYR 21,000 to MYR 57,200 for 2026/27.

Application & Enrollment Fees:
* Application Fee: MYR 800 (non-refundable)
* Placement Test Fee: MYR 300 (non-refundable; applicable for Kindergarten–Grade 12)
* Remote Test Fee: MYR 150 (if applicable)

Registration Fee:
* Preschool 3–4 / Kindergarten: MYR 2,000 (non-refundable; credited toward Grade 1 registration)
* Grades 1–12: MYR 5,000 (non-refundable)
* Position Holding Deposit: MYR 1,500 per family (refundable upon proper withdrawal notice)

Tuition Fees (Annual)
* Preschool 3–4: MYR 21,000
* Kindergarten: MYR 26,000
* Grades 1–2: MYR 30,500
* Grades 3–4: MYR 40,500
* Grades 5–6: MYR 49,800
* Grades 7–8: MYR 55,500
* Grades 9–12: MYR 57,200

Boarding Fees (Annual)
* Room and Board (Grades 6–12): MYR 43,040

Technology Fees (Annual)
* Kindergarten–Grade 4: MYR 400
* Grades 5–6: MYR 2,100
* Grades 7–12: MYR 400

Optional Meal Plans (Annual)

* Lunch
* Kindergarten–Grade 4: MYR 1,800
* Grades 5–12: MYR 2,160

* Snacks
* Morning snack (Preschool–Kindergarten): MYR 800
* Afternoon snack (Grades 1–4): MYR 800

EAL (English as an Additional Language) Fees
* Kindergarten–Grade 3: MYR 3,000 (one-time, if required)
* Grades 4–8: MYR 5,000 (one-time, if required)

Billing Schedule and Payment Terms
* Tuition fees are due in full by the first day of each semester.
* A 10% monthly surcharge applies to outstanding balances after 30 days.
* Payment can be made via bank transfer (details provided upon enrollment).

Refund Policy
* Tuition refund for early withdrawal:
* Within 36 class days: 50% refund
* Between 37–54 class days: 25% refund
* After 54 class days: No refund
* Boarding fees are non-refundable once the semester begins.
* Position holding deposit is refundable upon proper notice of withdrawal.

Other Costs
* School uniforms are required and available for purchase at the school store.
Academics

Dalat International School teaches Advanced Placement (AP), American Curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
Dalat International School follows a U.S.-based college preparatory curriculum from Preschool through Grade 12. In the elementary years (Preschool to Grade 4), students follow a broad-based program focusing on core literacy, numeracy, science, social studies, and character education, along with art, music, physical education, and world languages. Middle School (Grades 5–8) builds on this foundation with increased subject specialization and the introduction of electives, exploratory subjects, and advisory programs. In High School (Grades 9–12), students complete coursework required for a U.S. high school diploma and may choose from a range of Advanced Placement (AP) courses for university preparation. High school students also participate in service learning, leadership programs, and co-curricular activities as part of their graduation requirements. Instruction is in English, with Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin, and Spanish offered as world language options.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Dalat International School incorporates Social and Emotional Learning through its character education programs and advisory periods across school divisions. Teachers and counsellors facilitate classroom discussions on topics such as self-awareness, empathy, responsible decision-making, and conflict resolution. The school’s chapels and community service programs also support emotional development and interpersonal relationships. Middle and High School students participate in small group mentoring and homerooms that encourage peer support and reflection.

Dedicated counselling staff are available to work with students individually or in small groups when needed. SEL is integrated into the curriculum and school culture rather than offered as a standalone program.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The school offers Learning Support services for students with mild to moderate learning needs, such as dyslexia, ADHD, and executive functioning challenges. Services include individualized support plans, in-class assistance, and direct intervention by learning specialists. These services are designed to help students access the general curriculum with appropriate accommodations.

Dalat is not a specialist SEN institution and may not be able to support students with significant cognitive, behavioral, or physical disabilities. Admission is determined on a case-by-case basis, based on assessment and available support capacity.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Dalat provides structured EAL support for students whose first language is not English and who require additional help to access the curriculum. The EAL program is available for students in Kindergarten through Grade 8, with a focus on building academic language and literacy.

Support is delivered through a combination of pull-out sessions, in-class collaboration with subject teachers, and targeted small-group instruction. A one-time EAL fee is charged based on the student’s grade level. Admission for EAL students includes language proficiency assessment to determine the level of support needed. High school students are expected to be proficient in English prior to enrollment.

Mental Wellbeing
The school has a dedicated counselling team that supports students’ emotional and psychological wellbeing through one-on-one counselling, group sessions, and referrals where needed. School counsellors are available at each division and provide resources for stress management, transitions, and peer relationships. Teachers and staff are trained to identify signs of distress and refer students to the appropriate support services. Dalat promotes a caring environment through advisory periods, homerooms, and student leadership programs that encourage community connection. Mental health topics are also addressed through health education and occasional school-wide initiatives.

Safeguarding
Dalat International School maintains a formal child protection policy aligned with international safeguarding standards. All staff undergo background checks and receive regular training on child safety, mandatory reporting, and appropriate boundaries. A designated Child Protection Officer oversees safeguarding procedures and ensures policies are consistently applied. The school has clear protocols for responding to disclosures or concerns, including referral pathways and documentation requirements. Visitors to campus must comply with sign-in procedures and supervision protocols, and students are supervised during all school activities. Safeguarding expectations are shared with families and reinforced throughout the school community.

Safeguarding Policy
Parent Experience

History
Founded in 1929 in Da Lat, Vietnam, Dalat International School began as a boarding school for children of missionaries. Due to the Vietnam War, the school relocated to Thailand in 1965, then to the Cameron Highlands in Malaysia in 1966. In 1971, Dalat settled in its current location in Penang, Malaysia. In 1999, it transitioned to an independent educational trust governed by an interdenominational board.

Community
Dalat fosters a vibrant community through various events and traditions that bring together students, families, and staff. Annual events include the Junior-Senior Banquet, Spiritual Emphasis Week, Missions Emphasis Week, and cultural celebrations like the International Food Fair. These activities promote cultural exchange, community service, and spiritual growth.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) at Dalat plays an active role in school life, organizing events such as Family Fun Day, Thanksgiving Staff Appreciation Lunch, and the Christmas Mingle Jingle. The PTO also supports initiatives like the International Food Fair and Teacher Appreciation Week. Funds raised by the PTO contribute to various school projects, including support for the athletics department, fine arts, and student programs. Parents are encouraged to participate in PTO activities, fostering a strong partnership between families and the school.
Gallery
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Dalat International School sits on a 7.5-acre beachfront campus in Penang, Malaysia. The campus includes classrooms, administration, athletic and boarding facilities. Purpose-built facilities on site include a marina, a state-of-the-art auditorium, a library, athletic facilities, and an open-air cafeteria. The campus offers sea views and tropical surroundings.

Sports Facilities
The campus provides dedicated athletic facilities. Athletics offered include volleyball, basketball, track and field, rugby league, and soccer.

Academic Facilities
The school teaches in English and offers an American, college-preparatory curriculum from P3 through Grade 12. It is grounded in a biblical worldview and provides an Education for Life. Dalat's programs are fully accredited by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), and it is a member of East Asia Regional Council of Schools (EARCOS) and the Association of International Malaysian Schools (AIMS). The school uses Standards-Based Teaching and Learning with a five-level proficiency scale and a 4.0 unweighted GPA. It offers seventeen Advanced Placement (AP) courses, with students typically taking about six APs during high school and a maximum of eight; the school does not issue class rank. For 2025-2026, enrollment is 728 students from 23 countries.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Extracurricular offerings include a range of Special Interest Clubs such as CrossFit, Cross Country, Chess, Space Agency, History Bee & Bowl, Student Government, Worship Team, and ECHO. Performing Arts comprise Concert Band, Choir, and Theatre Arts. The school supports outreach, volunteering programs, and a Venture Program, along with a broad Athletics program that includes volleyball, basketball, track and field, rugby league, and soccer.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Community & Service
Charity options include Care and Share and the Impact Trip scholarship fund, with approval from the Venture coordinator.

Leadership & Professional
The Venture Program fosters an entrepreneurial mindset and provides high school students the opportunity to start and run a small business on campus with an approved business license. The application process includes an interest form, a screening step, and two paths: X-block mentoring or enrollment in Entrepreneurship. Students submit a business plan and a signed memorandum of understanding, and mentoring occurs with a faculty mentor at least twice per month, with quarterly meetings with the venture coordinator.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Dalat Athletics offers six varsity programs with youth teams down to the U11 level. Varsity sports include soccer, volleyball, basketball, track and field, touch rugby, and crossfit. Dalat is a founding member of the Asia Christian Schools Conference (ACSC), which provides international tournaments in soccer, volleyball, basketball, and track and field; the school also competes in the Penang Schools Athletic Conference (PSAC).
Reputation

Awards
* Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) Exemplary Accreditation: In 2019, Dalat became the first international school outside the U.S. to receive ACSI's Exemplary Accreditation status, acknowledging its outstanding academic and spiritual programs.

* ACSC Program of the Year: In the 2022–2023 school year, Dalat was named the Association of Christian Schools Conference (ACSC) Program of the Year, recognizing its outstanding performance in core ACSC tournaments.

Accreditations
* Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI): Dalat holds full accreditation from ACSI, a global body that evaluates Christian schools on academic quality, spiritual development, and operational integrity. In 2019, Dalat became the first international school outside the U.S. to earn ACSI’s Exemplary Accreditation status, recognizing its commitment to continuous improvement and excellence.

* Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC): Accreditation by WASC ensures that Dalat meets rigorous U.S. educational standards, facilitating student transfers and university admissions worldwide.

* East Asia Regional Council of Schools (EARCOS): As a member of EARCOS, Dalat connects with a network of international schools in East Asia, promoting professional development and collaboration.

* Association of International Malaysian Schools (AIMS): Membership in AIMS allows Dalat to engage with other international schools in Malaysia, sharing best practices and resources.

* Child Safety and Protection Network (CSPN): Dalat’s affiliation with CSPN underscores its commitment to safeguarding and child protection standards.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Schedule a campus tour (optional).
While not mandatory, prospective families are encouraged to schedule a campus tour to familiarize themselves with the school's environment and facilities. Tours are typically conducted from February to April for the August intake and from September to November for the January intake. Appointments should be scheduled in advance, as unscheduled visits may not be accommodated.

2. Complete and submit the online application.
Fill out the appropriate online application form for your child's grade level. Include a recent photograph and submit the application along with the required fees: MYR 800 for Kindergarten through Grade 12 (comprising a MYR 600 application fee and a MYR 200 testing fee). For Preschool applicants, the fee is MYR 600. Boarding applicants must also complete additional boarding application forms.

3. Provide supporting documents.
Submit all necessary documents, including:
* School records from the past two years
* Standardized test scores (if available)
* Teacher and Principal/Counselor reference forms (for Grades 1–12)
* Student health and physical evaluation forms
* Immunization records
* Photocopies of the student's and parents' passports
Applications are reviewed only after all required documents are received.

4. Undergo placement testing and assessments.
Applicants from Kindergarten through Grade 12 may be required to take standardized placement tests, such as the MAP test, to determine appropriate grade placement. Non-native English speakers will be assessed for English proficiency to determine if EAL support is needed. Additional assessments may be requested for applicants requiring learning support.

5. Await admissions decision.
The admissions committee, comprising the admissions director, deputy head of school, principals, and counselors, reviews completed applications. Decisions are made during committee meetings held in March, April, October, and November. Applicants will be notified of the outcome, which may be an offer of enrollment, placement in the wait pool, or non-acceptance.

6. Complete enrollment upon acceptance.
Accepted students must pay the registration fee within four weeks to secure their place. Additional documents, such as the physical evaluation form and immunization records, must be submitted before the first day of school. Non-Malaysian students are required to obtain a student visa or pass, with assistance provided by the school for boarding students.

Scholarships
Dalat International School offers financial assistance to families in need, particularly those involved in mission work. Scholarships are awarded based on financial need and are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Families seeking financial aid are encouraged to contact the admissions office for more information and to discuss eligibility criteria.

Waitlist
Dalat International School operates a wait pool system rather than a traditional waitlist. Qualified applicants may be placed in the wait pool if no immediate openings are available in the desired grade level. The wait pool is maintained at approximately 5% of the grade level capacity. Admission from the wait pool is not based on the order of application submission but on the overall qualifications of the applicants and the availability of space. Families are encouraged to maintain communication with the admissions office regarding their child's status.
School Events
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