At a glance
ISKL opened in 1965 as the first school in Malaysia to teach an American curriculum, beginning with a few dozen pupils and growing into one of the country's flagship international schools. It has been an authorised IB World School since 1989, the longest running in Malaysia, and in 2018 brought all three of its divisions together on a purpose built campus in Ampang Hilir. It is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges in the United States and by the Council of International Schools. You can place it within the wider market of international schools in Kuala Lumpur through our city hub.
| Detail | Summary |
|---|---|
| Curriculum and exam boards | American style curriculum, US high school diploma, Advanced Placement and the IB Diploma Programme |
| Stages | Pre Kindergarten to Grade 12, ages 3 to 18 |
| Founded | 1965 |
| Accreditation | WASC accredited; Council of International Schools; authorised IB World School since 1989 |
| Fee band | Premium (see the Kuala Lumpur fees guide) |
| Campus | Ampang Hilir, eastern Kuala Lumpur |
Curriculum and academics
ISKL teaches an American style programme from the elementary years, leading to a US high school diploma, with Advanced Placement courses and the IB curriculum Diploma available in the final two years. This dual pathway lets pupils graduate with a recognised high school diploma while choosing the IB Diploma or AP courses according to their university plans, and the school's standing as the longest running IB World School in the country means a deep history with the programme. Teaching is in English, and graduates progress to universities in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and across Asia.
The combination of WASC accreditation and CIS membership gives ISKL the external scrutiny expected of a top tier international school. As ever, families should ask the school for the most recent results and university destinations rather than relying on summary figures. The Ampang Hilir campus is large and well resourced, reflecting the school's premium positioning.
The International School of Kuala Lumpur fees
ISKL fees sit at the premium end of the Kuala Lumpur market, among the highest in the city. Annual tuition rises with each grade and is at its highest in the senior school, and a service tax applies to the published figures. We do not quote a single headline figure here because the school revises fees each year; the admissions office issues the current schedule on request, and you can sense check the band against our guide to international school fees in Kuala Lumpur.
Beyond tuition, budget for an application or enrolment fee, a capital or facilities charge and optional costs such as the school bus and lunches. At a premium school these first year additions can be substantial, so weigh the total package rather than tuition alone when comparing ISKL with other offers.
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Admissions
Admission runs across the academic year, which starts in August, with places allocated as they arise. Popular grades, particularly the early years and the entry points into middle and high school, can carry waiting lists, so families relocating to Kuala Lumpur should apply as early as a move is confirmed. The school asks for previous school records, reports and references, and assessment is age appropriate. Entry into the upper grades takes account of prior attainment and, for the IB Diploma, readiness for the programme. For a structured comparison against other shortlisted schools, our compare tool puts the details side by side.
Location and who goes there
The campus is in Ampang Hilir on the eastern side of Kuala Lumpur, close to the embassy district and the established expatriate residential areas of Ampang and U Thant. That position has long made ISKL a natural choice for diplomatic and corporate families, and the surrounding neighbourhoods hold a dense international community. The single site brings the elementary, middle and high schools together with shared sports, arts and science facilities. For the broader picture of where families settle, return to the Kuala Lumpur city hub.
Reviews
No verified reviews yet. GlobalSchoolGuide is independent and no school pays to be listed, so we publish parent reviews only once they are verified. If your child attends or has attended ISKL, you can submit a review to help other relocating families. We never display a star rating without real, checked reviews behind it.
Frequently asked questions
How much are ISKL fees?
Fees sit at the premium end of the Kuala Lumpur market, among the highest in the city, rising with each grade and peaking in the senior school, with a service tax on top. The school revises fees annually and issues the current schedule on request; budget separately for enrolment, a capital charge and optional bus and lunch costs.
Is ISKL a good school?
ISKL is Malaysia's longest running IB World School, accredited by WASC and CIS, with a long record of graduates progressing to selective universities worldwide. Whether it suits your child depends on stage, budget and whether the American style and IB pathway fits your plans.
What curriculum does ISKL follow?
It teaches an American style curriculum leading to a US high school diploma, with Advanced Placement courses and the IB Diploma Programme available in the final two years. It has been an authorised IB World School since 1989.
When do ISKL applications open?
Admission is rolling across the August to June academic year, with popular grades carrying waiting lists, so families should apply as early as a move is confirmed.
Where is ISKL located?
The campus is in Ampang Hilir on the eastern side of Kuala Lumpur, near the embassy district and the established expatriate areas of Ampang and U Thant.
