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Garden International School Early Years Centre

Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur

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· Reviewed by · B2C Marketing Manager

What makes this school unique

Our Early Years specialists champion play-based learning as the most effective way to engage young children.

Through our Jungle School programme, students reconnect with nature while building focus, creativity, and curiosity.

Early Years Mandarin programme creates an immersive environment through music, storytelling, art & interactive dialogue.

The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees MYR 52,440 - 62,340
Ages 3 - 5 years
Pupil numbers 200
Type Co-educational
Opened 1951
Bus Service Yes
Availability Available places?
Part of
Nicola Nelson
School Principal
Academic offering
Curriculum British Curriculum, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)
Taught languages English, Malay, Mandarin
Typical class size 22
Strengths STEM, Academic Enrichment, Outdoor Education
Clubs Arts and Creative, Community and Service, Lifestyle and Wellbeing
Stages Early Years
Introduction

At our Early Years Centre (EYC), learning extends beyond the classroom through a comprehensive British-based curriculum designed to bring out the best in every child. Recognising that each child is unique, we build strong foundations in essential skills while nurturing individual interests and curiosity. Guided by early years specialists, our environment is happy, safe, and inspiring, encouraging creativity and a lifelong love of learning. Nursery and Reception (Age 3 – 5) Our skilled practitioners take the time to truly understand each child, supporting their development in communication, motor skills and early mark-making. By building on their individual interests, we keep them engaged, curious and confident, gently guiding them to become independent learners as they explore the world around them.

This campus is part of Garden International School

1 Jalan 41/70A, Desa Sri Hartamas, 50480 Kuala Lumpur.

The Essentials

Garden International School Early Years Centre has 200 pupils, typical class sizes of 22, instruction in English.

Location

Garden International School (GIS) has two nearby campuses in Kuala Lumpur: the Early Years Centre in Desa Sri Hartamas and the Main Campus (Primary through Sixth Form) in Mont Kiara. The area is well connected by major expressways and public transit, and is surrounded by an international, expatriate-friendly community with plenty of amenities.

Stages

GIS Early Years Centre educates students from Early Years (ages 3–5).

Type

GIS is a co-educational, day school without boarding facilities.

Additional learning support

While the EYC page doesn’t detail specialized SEN or additional learning provisions, the school broadly provides strong teacher-to-child support and enriched learning environments—both indoors and outdoors—designed to nurture diverse learner needs.

Country affiliation

The school is not affiliated with any country.

Religious affiliation

The school has no religious affiliations.

School day structure

The school day at Garden International School’s Early Years Centre begins at 8:00 am each day. Nursery classes finish at 1:30 pm Monday to Thursday and 12:30 pm on Fridays, while Reception classes end at 1:40 pm Monday to Thursday and 12:40 pm on Fridays.

Bus service

Though not specified exclusively for EYC, the broader GIS network includes a bus service that likely serves the Early Years Centre.
Fees

Annual tuition at Garden International School Early Years Centre ranges from MYR 52,440 to MYR 62,340 for 2026/27.

Enrolment Fees
The following fees are applicable upon application and enrolment.

Application Fee: RM1,590 (including 6% Service Tax).

A non-refundable fee, this is payable upon submission of an application.

Registration Fee (Nursery & Reception): RM10,000

A one-off, non- refundable fee, this is payable upon receipt of the Letter of Offer.

For Reception and Nursery: Please note that when students enter Year 1, the difference in the registration fee at the time must then be paid to top-up the registration fee.

Tuition Fees for 2026/27

Tuition Fees are invoiced termly and are payable upon commencement of each of the three terms within an academic year.

Nursery
* Fee Per Term: RM 17,480
* Fee Per Year: RM 52,440

Reception
* Fee Per Term: RM 20,780
* Fee Per Year: RM 62,340
Academics

Garden International School Early Years Centre teaches British Curriculum, EYFS (Early years foundation stage) for students aged 3 to 5.

Curriculum

Garden International School follows the British National Curriculum, tailored for an international setting. At the Early Years Centre (ages 3–5), children engage with the EYFS framework, progressing through Nursery and Reception classes that emphasize play-based learning and development across all areas of early learning.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

At the EYC, Jungle School is a core part of daily learning, where Nursery and Reception children explore a contained jungle environment that encourages communication, resilience, problem-solving, and risk-taking in a natural play context. Teachers and supervising adults support children's reflection and independence, helping develop confidence through hands-on experiences like tree climbing, den building, and nature art. The school does not publicly disclose any additional SEL-specific programmes or dedicated staff roles beyond Jungle School and classroom teacher support.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

GIS is not a specialist SEN institution, but it is responsibly inclusive. The school employs a dedicated Learning Support team—qualified teachers who deliver in-class and additional support across all year groups, tailored to individual student needs, including social, emotional, academic, and physical needs within internal capacity.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

There is no publicly available information on EAL provisions specifically for the Early Years Centre. The school does not currently detail EAL support programs, staff, or initiatives for Nursery or Reception.

Mental Wellbeing

While there is a general belief at GIS in supporting children’s wellbeing via pastoral care and counsellors across the school, there is no publicly disclosed information on mental wellbeing programmes, staff, or initiatives specific to the Early Years Centre.

Safeguarding

There is no publicly available information about safeguarding or child protection policies specific to the Early Years Centre. Details on EYC-level procedures or staff for safeguarding are not disclosed on public platforms.
Parent Experience

History

Garden International School was founded in 1951 by Mrs Sally Watkins in the Lake Gardens of Kuala Lumpur, initially serving expatriate families with just two students. Over the decades, the school relocated several times—moving to Bukit Bintang in 1955 and eventually to the current Mont Kiara campus in 1996. Today, GIS is part of Taylor’s Education Group, a private Malaysian education company.

Community

GIS hosts a variety of community and cultural events that bring families, staff, and students together. One notable annual highlight is the Garden Party, a festive day featuring family activities, food stalls, games, and fundraising in support of community partners.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

The school does not publicly mention a formal PTA or its specific activities on its website. However, parent involvement is evident through their active participation in events and activities organised by the school.
Gallery
Garden International School Early Years Centre — international school in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Facilities

Facilities Overview

The Early Years Centre follows a British-based curriculum designed to bring out the best in young learners. Nursery and Reception (ages 3–5) are taught under the Early Years Foundation Stage framework, with practitioners supporting communication and language, gross and fine motor skills and mark making while encouraging independence. Learning happens through play, with play-based learning promoting brain development, emotional intelligence, creativity and communication skills. Mandarin Immersion and Jungle School are part of the EYC, and the campus features immersive outdoor spaces that extend learning beyond the classroom.

Sports Facilities

The school offers a Dragons programme for young athletes. Outdoor spaces support active learning and exploration. Jungle School programs reconnect students with nature and bring learning outdoors.

Academic Facilities

The Early Years curriculum provides a strong foundation for learning, with young learners given opportunities to learn through play while developing literacy and numeracy. Practitioners support development in communication and language, gross and fine motor skills and mark making, while encouraging independent, curious learners. The EYFS framework guides Nursery and Reception (age 3–5). Mandarin Immersion and Jungle School are integrated to expand language and outdoor learning within the academic program.

Extra Curricular Facilities

Mandarin Immersion uses music, storytelling, art and interactive dialogue to build vocabulary and language skills. Jungle School programs reconnect students with nature and bring learning outdoors for sustained concentration and creativity. The Dragons programme offers sport-related opportunities for young athletes. Orchestra and musical opportunities are available as part of co-curricular offerings.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

The school uses a British-based curriculum with Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) for Nursery and Reception (age 3–5). The environment is designed to be happy, safe and enabling, with early years experts supporting each child's learning.
Languages

Language Provision

The Early Years Centre follows a British-based curriculum. Nursery and Reception (Age 3–5) are part of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Learning in the Early Years emphasises play-based approaches and development of communication, language, motor skills and mark making. Mandarin immersion is described as a language program; no other languages are listed.

Immersion Programs

Mandarin Immersion is offered at the Early Years Centre. Children learn Mandarin through an immersive environment that uses music, storytelling, art and interactive dialogue sessions. The program aims to help children absorb new vocabulary and grammar.
Reputation

Awards

The school does not publicly disclose any awards that it has received in the past five years.

Accreditations

* Council of International Schools (CIS): GIS is accredited by CIS, a global organization that evaluates international schools against professional standards and supports continuous improvement. It was most recently re-accredited on 6 January 2025.

* Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC): GIS is recognized by WASC, a U.S.-based accrediting body that ensures the school meets high educational standards comparable to American institutions.

* Federation of British International Schools in Asia (FOBISIA): GIS is a member of FOBISIA, a regional association fostering collaboration, events, and professional development among British-style schools in Asia.

* Assessment and Qualifications Alliance (AQA): GIS is accredited by AQA, one of the UK's major exam boards, enabling the school to offer recognized qualifications such as GCSEs and A-Levels.

* Cambridge Assessment International Education & Pearson Edexcel centre: GIS is authorised as a centre for both Cambridge IGCSE/A-Level and Pearson Edexcel examinations, ensuring students can sit these qualifications on campus.

* Apple Distinguished School: GIS has been designated an Apple Distinguished School, meaning it has received Apple’s recognition for its use of technology in learning and leadership in digital innovation.
Admissions

Admissions

doris recommends that you start by speaking to admissions. This connects you directly to the school's admissions team who can respond with answers, more information, and next steps.

The Early Years Centre follows a British-based curriculum and offers Nursery and Reception (ages 3–5) under the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The learning approach emphasizes learning through play and the development of literacy and numeracy foundations. Mandarin Immersion and Jungle School programmes are part of the Early Years Centre. The campus features immersive outdoor spaces designed for nature-based exploration. Registration is available via Enquire Now or Register Now on the site.