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Mount Safa International School

Malaysia, Johor Bahru

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees MYR 17,051 - 22,671
Ages 4 - 16 years
Pupil numbers 210
Type Co-educational
Opened 2012
Bus Service Yes
Academic offering
Curriculum Cambridge (Primary)
Taught languages Arabic
Strengths STEM, Academic Enrichment
Clubs Community and Service, Leadership and Professional, Lifestyle and Wellbeing
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School
Introduction

Mount Safa International Islamic School, established in 2012 in Johor Bahru, offers a distinctive education combining the Cambridge International curriculum, Malaysian KSSR/KSSM syllabus, and a robust Islamic studies program. Catering to students aged 4 to 16, the school teaches primarily in English, with Arabic and Malay as additional languages. A signature feature is its Jilul Quran Program, which emphasizes Quranic memorization and understanding alongside academic studies. The campus includes modern science labs, ICT suites, and dedicated spaces for STEAM and robotics programs. Specialized support is available through the Special Needs Development Unit (SPDU) and enrichment tracks like the Intensive English Program (IEP) and Mathematics Enrichment Program (MEP). Conveniently located near the Singapore border, Mount Safa attracts both local and international families seeking a structured academic path rooted in Islamic values.

Kompleks Mutiara Johor Land, Jalan Bukit Mutiara, Bandar Dato’ Onn, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia

The Essentials

Mount Safa International School has 210 pupils, instruction in English.

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
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.

Type
The school is co-educational and does not offer boarding facilities. It provides day schooling for students from ages 4 to 16.

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
The school does not have a formal affiliation with any particular country.

Religious affiliation
The school has an Islamic affiliation and offers a comprehensive Islamic studies program integrated with its academic curriculum.

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
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.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
The school has a uniform. A Uniform Sizing Chart is published on the site.

Food Options
The school has a canteen on site.

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).
Fees

Annual tuition at Mount Safa International School ranges from MYR 17,051 to MYR 22,671 for 2026/27.

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.

Academics

Mount Safa International School teaches Cambridge (Primary) for students aged 4 to 16.

Curriculum
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.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
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)
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 (EAL)
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
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
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.
Parent Experience

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
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 (PTA)
While specific details about Mount Safa's PTA are not publicly available, the school emphasizes strong collaboration between parents and teachers.
Gallery
Facilities

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.

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
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.
Extra-Curricular Activities

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.

Cultural & Language
The school provides Trilingual Education with fluency in English, Arabic, and Bahasa Malaysia, supporting international opportunities and cultural understanding.

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
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.
Languages

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
Trilingual education in English, Arabic, and Bahasa Malaysia.
Reputation

Awards
As of now, there are no publicly documented awards for Mount Safa International Islamic School in the past five years.

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
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
As of now, Mount Safa International Islamic School does not publicly advertise any scholarship programs.

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.
School Events
The school has not added events
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