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LUCA International School

Malaysia, Johor Bahru

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees MYR 20,400 - 26,400
Ages 7 - 17 years
Pupil numbers 320
Type Co-educational
Opened 2018
Bus Service Yes
Academic offering
Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE
Taught languages Malay, Mandarin
Typical class size 20
Strengths Visual and Creative Arts, STEM, Academic Enrichment, Service and Sustainability
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Community and Service, Leadership and Professional, Lifestyle and Wellbeing
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School
Introduction

LUCA International School caters to students from age 7 to 17, offering a personalized learning journey grounded in the Cambridge International Curriculum. Education at LUCA is structured across five developmental stages from Early Years to IGCSE level. The school is built around a small-class philosophy, averaging 15 to 20 students per class, to foster close student-teacher interaction and individualized attention. LUCA emphasizes 21st-century learning, combining academics with leadership, creativity, and emotional intelligence. Its facilities include science and computer labs, a multi-purpose performance hall, and creative spaces that support both academic and co-curricular engagement. The school’s thematic learning approach also encourages real-world application, while diverse co-curricular activities such as STEM Club, Media Production Club, Master Chef, Dance, and Art & Design promote creative thinking and collaboration.

6, Jalan Kempas Utama 2/4, Taman Kempas Utama, 81300 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia

The Essentials

LUCA International School has 320 pupils, typical class sizes of 20, instruction in English.

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.

Stages
The school offers a structured educational journey for early years, primary and secondary levels.

Type
LUCA International School is a co-educational day school. LUCA does not provide boarding facilities.

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.

Country affiliation
The school does not have formal affiliation with any country.

Religious affiliation
LUCA International School is also a non-denominational institution with no religious affiliation.

School day structure
Elementary & Primary: 7:30 AM – 2:30 PM
Secondary: 7:30 AM – 3:15 PM

Bus service
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.
Diving Deeper

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.

Governance and Ownership
The school was founded in 2018 by Golden Lampstand Baptist Church and LUCA is run by the church.
Fees

Annual tuition at LUCA International School ranges from MYR 20,400 to MYR 26,400 for 2026/27.

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.
Academics

LUCA International School teaches British Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE for students aged 7 to 17.

Curriculum
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.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
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.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The school does not have a dedicated SEN department.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The school does not have publicly available information regarding EAL.

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.

Safeguarding
The school does not have publicly available information regarding safeguarding policies.
Parent Experience

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.

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.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
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.
Gallery
Facilities

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.

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.
Extra-Curricular Activities

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
Languages

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.
Reputation

Awards
Malaysia Influential Educators Award (2022): Acting Principal Ms. Esther Yong was honored with this award, highlighting the school's commitment to educational excellence.

Accreditations
Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE): LUCA International School is authorized to offer the Cambridge IGCSE curriculum, ensuring students receive a globally recognized education.
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

Waitlist
The school does not have a waitlist.
School Events
The school has not added events
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