Most parents may be wondering about the better choice; should I send my child to private or international school? What are the advantages and disadvantages of sending my child to either of these schools?
It can be difficult to make an informed decision, so let’s go through the process step by step – understanding what private and international schools mean, the features of each entity and how each school can navigate your child according to their needs and goals.
But first of all, what are the definitions of international and private school? What does it mean?
An international school typically refers to a school that offers a globalised curriculum in an international framework. These schools often cater to expatriate communities, diplomats’ families, and local families seeking an international education for their children.
On the other hand, a private school is an educational institution that is privately funded and operated, usually by an individual, group, or organization rather than by government agencies.
The Private Schools and their Education System?
A lot of private schools in Malaysia vary in their education systems, philosophies, and approaches to teaching and learning. However, there are some common characteristics and trends that can be observed across many private schools:
Cost & Affordability
The cost of attending a private school in Malaysia can vary significantly depending on various factors; location, reputation, facilities, curriculum, and extracurricular offerings. Here are some considerations regarding the cost of private schools:
Tuition Fees:
Tuition fees for private schools can range from moderate to high, typically targeting families in the M40 to T20 categories. It also depends on the school’s prestige, facilities, and educational offerings.
You may browse through a list of elite private schools or those located in affluent areas that tend to have higher tuition fees and better quality education.
Financial Aid and Scholarships:
Many private schools offer financial aid, scholarships, grants, or tuition assistance programs to help families afford tuition costs. These programs may be based on financial need, academic merit, talent, or other criteria.
Curriculum & Subjects Options
Curriculum Flexibility:
Private schools often have the flexibility to design and implement their own curriculum or choose from a variety of curricular options.
This can include national or international standards such as IGCSE and SPM, the International Baccalaureate (IB), or other specialized programs.
Just like the holistic curriculum of Al-Hamra Integrated School, it offers both a national and international educational framework for students to choose from to pursue their preferred academic pathways.
Focus on Specialized Areas:
Some private schools specialize in certain areas such as arts, sciences, technology, languages, or religious studies. For example, there are art-focused private schools that provide intensive training in visual arts, music, dance, or theater.
Extracurricular Opportunities:
Private schools often offer a wide range of extracurricular activities such as sports, arts, music, drama, debate, community service, and leadership programs. These activities complement academic learning and contribute to the holistic development of students.
Duration of Study
The duration of study at a private school can vary depending on several factors such as the grade levels offered, academic calendars, and specific programs or courses. Here are some common considerations regarding the duration of study at private schools:
Academic Calendars:
The academic calendar of a private school can vary. Many private schools follow a traditional academic year with two semesters (fall and spring) and a summer break. However, some private schools may have trimesters or quarters instead of semesters, or they may follow alternative calendars with year-round schooling or extended breaks.
Graduation Requirements:
High school students in private schools must typically fulfill graduation requirements set by the school or relevant educational authorities. These requirements may include completing specific courses, achieving academic standards, participating in community service, and passing standardized tests.
Examination & Grading System
The examination and grading system in private schools can vary based on factors such as the curriculum followed, educational philosophy, assessment practices, and external accreditation requirements.
Curriculum-Based Assessments:
Private schools often align their examination and grading systems with the curriculum they follow. This may include national curricula (e.g., country-specific curricula), international curricula (e.g., International Baccalaureate, Cambridge Assessment International Education), or specialized programs (e.g., Montessori, Waldorf).
Continuous Assessment:
Many private schools use a continuous assessment approach, where students’ performance is evaluated through ongoing assessments such as quizzes, projects, presentations, class participation, homework assignments, and classroom observations. This allows teachers to track students’ progress over time and provide timely feedback.
Formal Examinations:
Private schools may also conduct formal examinations at specific intervals, such as mid-term exams, end-of-term exams, or standardized tests. These examinations may assess students’ knowledge, understanding, application of concepts, critical thinking skills, and problem-solving abilities.
Pros and Cons of Private Schools?
As parents, it is important to weigh the pros and cons of private school so parents are able to make an informed decision. Below are some of the advantages and disadvantages:
Advantages:
Smaller Class Sizes:
Private schools often have smaller class sizes, which can lead to more personalized attention, individualized instruction, and closer relationships between students and teachers. This is especially beneficial for children who have social anxiety and prefer working in smaller groups.
High Academic Standards:
Private schools may have rigorous academic standards, specialized programs, advanced coursework, and challenging curricula based on the international and globalised educational framework they abide by.
Specialized Programs:
Many private schools in Malaysia offer specialized programs such as arts, sciences, technology, languages, or religious studies, providing opportunities for in-depth exploration and skill development in specific areas of interest.
Resources and Facilities:
Private schools may have access to advanced facilities, technology, extracurricular activities, specialized staff, and educational resources that enhance the learning environment and student experiences.
Parental Involvement:
Private schools may encourage or require parental involvement, fostering collaboration, communication, and partnership between parents, teachers, and the school community.
Disadvantages:
Tuition Costs:
One of the most significant drawbacks of private schools is the high tuition costs, which can be a financial burden for many middle income families and limit access to education based on socioeconomic status.
Limited Diversity:
Private schools may have less socioeconomic, racial, cultural, and religious diversity compared to public schools, which can impact students’ exposure to different perspectives and experiences.
Selective Admissions:
Private schools often have selective admissions processes based on academic criteria, interviews, assessments, or other factors, which can result in a more homogeneous student population and potential exclusivity.
Less Accessibility:
Private schools may be less accessible geographically or financially for families living in rural areas, low-income communities, or areas with limited private school options.
Lack of Public Funding:
Private schools do not receive government funding like public schools, which can affect their ability to offer certain services, programs, or financial assistance to students.
The International Schools and their Education System?
International schools are educational institutions that cater to a diverse student population from various cultural, linguistic, and national backgrounds. They typically offer a curriculum that is different from the host country’s national curriculum, often focusing on global perspectives, international standards, and multilingual education.
Cost & Affordability
Just like private schools, the cost and affordability of attending an international school can vary. Here are some considerations regarding the cost and affordability of international schools:
Tuition Fees:
Tuition fees at international schools can be substantial and are often higher than those of local schools or public schools in the host country. This is due to the lack of funding or absence of subsidisation that is typically offered in public educational institutions.
Cost of Living:
The overall cost of living in the host country or city can also impact the affordability of attending an international school. Expenses such as housing, transportation, groceries, healthcare, and leisure activities should be considered when evaluating the total cost of education abroad.
Currency Exchange Rates:
Fluctuations in currency exchange rates can affect the affordability of tuition fees and living expenses for expatriate families or students attending international schools in Malaysia. Therefore, it’s important to consider currency exchange rates and potential currency risks.
Employer Sponsorship:
In some cases, expatriate families may have their tuition fees partially or fully covered by their employer as part of an expatriate package or employee benefit. This can make international school education more affordable for families living abroad.
Curriculum & Subjects Options
Just like private schools, international schools offer diverse curricula such as the International Baccalaureate (IB), Cambridge Assessment International Education (Cambridge), American curriculum, and more.
They provide a wide range of subject options including languages, sciences, humanities, arts, and technology, catering to students’ interests, goals, and global perspectives.
Duration of Study
The duration of study at international schools typically spans from early childhood programs, such as preschool or kindergarten, to high school graduation.
Some international schools also offer post-secondary or tertiary education programs. The length of study varies based on grade levels, academic calendars, and specific program offerings.
Examination & Grading System
International schools in Malaysia often adopt diverse examination and grading systems tailored to their chosen curriculum, such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) or Cambridge Assessment International Education.
They emphasize continuous assessment, standardized tests, and holistic evaluations to measure student progress, skills development, and academic achievements across global standards.
Pros and Cons of International Schools?
Advantages:
Global Perspective:
International schools offer a multicultural environment that fosters global awareness, cultural understanding, and appreciation for diversity.
Language Opportunities:
International schools offer multilingual education, language immersion programs, and opportunities to learn and communicate in different languages.
International Community:
Students form connections with peers from around the world, promoting international networking, friendships, and collaboration.
Extracurricular Activities:
They provide a wide range of extracurricular activities, sports, arts, and cultural programs that enhance students’ holistic development.
Global Mobility:
Graduates of international schools are well-prepared for higher education and careers in a globalized world, with skills in cross-cultural communication and adaptability.
Disadvantages:
High Costs:
Tuition fees and additional expenses at international schools can be significantly higher than local or public schools, limiting accessibility for some families.
Limited Local Integration:
Some international schools may have limited integration with the local community, leading to potential challenges in cultural immersion and local understanding.
Transition Challenges:
Students may experience challenges in transitioning between different international schools or adapting to new educational systems and cultural norms.
Distance from Home Country:
For expatriate families, attending an international school abroad may lead to separation from extended family, the culture of their home country, or native language proficiency.
If you would like to explore more about our private and international school offered at Al-Hamra Integrated School, click here and begin your journey with us today.
As a conclusion, choosing the right school for your child can depend on many factors; the curriculum it offers, duration of study, cost and affordability as well as examination and grading system. However, it is important to know that there is no better option, as it completely relies on your family values, priorities and commitments.
