School Advisor Articles

3 top international schools that shape young minds in Malaysia

Published by SchoolAdvisor | Feb 19, 2025

It’s often said that the foundation of anything important is built early, and this is also true of education.

Early childhood education plays a vital role in shaping a child’s future by giving them the skills they need to succeed in school and beyond. Preschool programmes are not just about learning the basics like reading and counting — they’re about setting children up for lifelong growth.

These formative years, from birth to around age eight, are when children’s brains develop rapidly. Early education programmes for this stage focus on nurturing cognitive, social and emotional skills through play-based learning and hands-on activities.

Studies have shown that the first five years are particularly crucial, as children learn best through play during this time. The experiences they have now can have a lasting impact on their learning, health and behaviour down the road. 

How does this happen? It’s all tied to the incredible brain development that occurs during these years. By the time a child turns three, their brain is already 80% the size of an adult’s and has more synapses than it will ever have again.

This rapid development presents a unique opportunity for early childhood education. Interactive and engaging experiences at this stage can significantly boost cognitive growth. A child’s brain is highly receptive, absorbing information quickly, which leads to swift cognitive, emotional and physical development.

Parents must ensure that children make the most of these early years. Creating stimulating environments — through outdoor activities, diverse play and experiences like music — can significantly enhance development. An international kindergarten offers precisely this, setting children on the path to success.

Here are three international schools in Malaysia that provide early childhood education programmes that focus on cultivating holistic development:

At ISKL, young children's curiosity is sparked and nurtured through guided play.

1. The International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL)

At ISKL, the Early Childhood Programme is all about sparking curiosity and encouraging children to learn through play. Designed for children in Prep Reception, Prep Junior, and Prep Senior, the program focuses on developing the whole child — socially, emotionally, cognitively, physically, and creatively.

ISKL’s educators create structured yet flexible environments that empower children to explore, discover, and grow. Using research-based practices, teachers guide students through active learning experiences where they build skills, make choices and develop meaningful relationships with peers and adults.

The programme values collaboration with parents, recognising the importance of connecting school and home to lay a strong foundation for lifelong learning.

What sets ISKL apart?

• Small class sizes ensure personalised attention in a warm, caring environment.
   
• Spacious, well-equipped classrooms encourage independence and creativity.
   
• Prep Senior students begin learning Chinese or Spanish in the World Language Program.
   
• Child-friendly spaces like kitchens, gardens, art studios, and an outdoor climbing wall support hands-on learning.
   
• Specialist faculty provide tailored support for language, literacy, and physical development.
   
• With purpose-built facilities and a dedicated team, ISKL’s Early Childhood Program inspires children to embrace learning with joy and curiosity, setting them on the path to a bright future.
   

GIS's Early Years programme builds a strong foundation for each child's success through a personalised approach that supports their individual learning needs.

 2. Garden International School (GIS) 

At the GIS's Early Years Centre (EYC), learning goes far beyond the classroom. The British-based curriculum is designed to bring out the best in every child, helping them build a strong foundation while nurturing their individual interests.

Every child is unique, and EYC embraces that. The focus is on developing essential literacy and numeracy skills while encouraging creativity, curiosity, and a love for learning. With the guidance of early years experts, children thrive in a happy, safe and stimulating environment.

Learning through play is at the heart of EYC’s approach. Whether exploring numbers and letters or engaging in hands-on activities, children gain the confidence and skills needed for future success. Beyond the classroom, the Jungle School programme takes learning outdoors, encouraging children to connect with nature, think independently and develop problem-solving skills in an open, natural setting.

Mandarin lessons at EYC are designed to be fun and immersive. Through music, storytelling, art and interactive dialogue, children naturally absorb new words and phrases, making language learning enjoyable.

 

BSKL’s young learners engage in a carefully planned mix of activities, including languages, reading, music, outdoor play, and social interaction.

 3. The British International School of Kuala Lumpur

At the BSKL, the Early Years environment is where children learn, play and grow in a fun and supportive setting. Every day is designed to help them reach key milestones while enjoying a mix of structured activities and free play.

A typical day at BSKL

• Each morning, children are warmly greeted by the Head of the Year, making them feel safe and welcome. The day starts with engaging activities like puzzles, games, reading, and building — helping them develop critical early skills.
   
• Language learning is a daily highlight. Children spend 30 minutes learning either Mandarin or Spanish, giving them a head start in today’s global world. 
   
• After a healthy hot meal or packed lunch, it’s time for outdoor fun! Running, climbing, cycling, and sliding keep children active while they develop coordination and motor skills.
   
• Phonics lessons help build strong communication skills, with teachers tailoring activities to each child’s learning level. Hands-on learning is also a big part of the day, with painting, sculpting, and crafting sparking creativity.
   

The best part? With a low teacher-to-student ratio, every child gets the care and attention they need. At BSKL, learning is about more than just lessons — it’s about curiosity, discovery, and having fun every step of the way. 

In essence, early childhood education is more than just preparation for primary school. It’s the beginning of a lifelong journey of learning and discovery. By enrolling children in high-quality early years programmes, parents give them a strong foundation for the future, ensuring they grow into confident, capable and curious learners.