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Cempaka International School Damansara Heights, founded in 1983 and relocated to its current campus in 1989, provides education for children aged 2 to 18 in a leafy residential suburb about five kilometres from central Kuala Lumpur. The school offers a progression from early childhood through to Cambridge IGCSE and A Levels, beginning with its Michelia programme for ages two to five, which draws on Reggio Emilia principles. Primary students follow a Finnish curriculum model that emphasizes creativity and exploration, while secondary students transition into IGCSE and pre-university A Levels. Instruction is in English, with Malay, Mandarin, and French taught as additional languages. Distinctive features include the Cempaka Performing Arts Company, which stages original musicals, and the Cempaka Awards Scheme, which combines expeditions, service, and leadership development.
19, Jalan Setia Bakti 1, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Cempaka International School Damansara Heights has 2,000 pupils, typical class sizes of 24, instruction in English.
The school is situated in Damansara Heights, a well-established and pleasant residential suburb of Kuala Lumpur. This location provides a quiet environment for the campus. It is accessible via major roads and public transport, including several bus routes.
The school is structured into four main levels, all on a single campus. It begins with "Michelia" for early childhood education, followed by Primary School, Secondary School, and finally a Pre-University programme offering A-Levels.
Cempaka is a co-educational day school and does not offer boarding facilities for its students.
The school has a system in place to support students with additional learning needs. Collaborative teacher teams work to tailor learning to individual requirements, aiming to provide a successful school experience for every student.
The school does not have a formal affiliation with any specific country.
The school does not have any religious affiliation.
The school day for primary and secondary students generally runs from 8:00 am to around 3:15 pm, with slight variations depending on the year group. The early childhood center has more flexible timings, including half-day options.
The school does not directly provide a school bus service.
Annual tuition at Cempaka International School Damansara Heights ranges from MYR 27,000 to MYR 73,380 for 2026/27.
Cempaka International School Damansara Heights teaches British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels for students aged 1.5 to 18.
The Early Years education, known as "Michelia," is based on a Reggio Emilia-inspired approach. In Primary School, students follow a curriculum that combines the British International Curriculum with the Finnish School Model. This dual approach continues into Secondary School, where students work towards Cambridge IGCSE qualifications. For certain IGCSE subjects, such as Computer Science and Business, the school uses the Oxford AQA curriculum, while Physical Education follows the Edexcel Pearson syllabus. Upon completion of their IGCSEs, students can continue into the Pre-University program to study for their A-Levels.
The school supports students' social and emotional development through a variety of initiatives. Its "Cempaka Awards Scheme" is designed for well-rounded development and includes sections for community service, school events, and expeditions. The house system, which includes all students and staff, promotes a sense of community and inclusion. Students participate in house events covering sports, academics, and performing arts, which helps build teamwork and a sense of belonging.
The school has a Special Educational Needs (SEN) system to support students with learning difficulties. The school is not a specialist SEN institution, and the specific needs it can support are not detailed on its website. The school uses collaborative teacher teams to tailor learning to individual student needs.
Information regarding English as an additional language support is not publicly available.
The school fosters a supportive environment for students, with a focus on their overall development. The "Cempaka Awards Scheme" encourages participation in a wide range of activities, including community service and expeditions, which can contribute to a sense of accomplishment and wellbeing. The school's ethos, centered on the idea of being "a school by a family for a family," promotes a caring atmosphere.
Detailed information about their specific policies and procedures for child protection and safeguarding have not been made publicly available.
1. Arrange a visit.
The admissions team encourages prospective families to visit the campus. You can arrange a guided tour to see the facilities, observe classes, and meet with faculty, which will help you get a better feel for the school environment.
2. Submit an application.
You will need to complete the application forms and submit them along with the required documents. These typically include passport-sized photographs, a copy of your child's birth certificate and passport, and their most recent school reports. An application fee is also required at this stage.
3. Entrance Examination and Interview.
Once the application is submitted, your child will be required to sit for an entrance examination. The exam subjects vary by year level but generally include English, Maths, and Science. An interview with the school is also part of this stage.
4. Receive an Offer.
The school will notify you in writing of the outcome of your application within a week of the examination and interview. If your child is offered a place, you will receive an Offer Letter via email with details on how to secure the place, including payment of the first term's fees and a security deposit.
Cempaka Schools offer scholarships for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme for students entering Year 12. These scholarships cover the last two years of secondary schooling. The key requirement is that applicants should be about to enter the first year of the IBDP and be at least 15 years old at the time of enrolment. The school looks for students who can demonstrate intellectual curiosity and independent thinking.
The school does not explicitly state whether it operates a waitlist or pool system.