The information on this school’s profile is taken from publicly available sources, and has been collated by AI and curated by human moderators. Every effort has been taken to ensure accuracy, but factual inaccuracies are possible. If you would like to report inaccurate information please email support@doris.school
Charis International School, established in 2014, is the first registered international school in Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia. It offers the Cambridge International Curriculum from Kindergarten through Year 11, with instruction in English and additional language subjects including Mandarin and Malay. The school is housed within Calvary Crown, a ten-storey multipurpose building in central Tawau, with four dedicated floors for academic use. Facilities include science labs, computer rooms, and creative spaces that support project-based and STEAM learning. Charis is known for its small class sizes, which promote a focused, student-centered environment. A standout feature is “Charis Home,” its boarding facility designed to provide a secure, supportive environment for outstation and international students. Co-curricular opportunities range from futsal and robotics to community service through the Interact Club.
TB4111, Taman Setia, Mile 2, Jalan Datuk Chong Thien Vun, 91000 Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia
The Essentials
Charis International School has 60 pupils, typical class sizes of 5, instruction in English.
Location
Charis International School is situated in Tawau, a coastal town in Sabah, East Malaysia. The school occupies four floors within Calvary Crown, a ten-story multipurpose building located in the heart of Tawau. The campus is approximately a 35-minute drive (30 km) from Tawau Airport, offering convenient access for both local and international families.
Stages
Charis International School follows the Cambridge International Curriculum. The structure includes: Kindergarten: Ages 4–6 Primary: Years 1–6 (Ages 6–11) Lower Secondary: Years 7–9 (Ages 12–14) Upper Secondary: Years 10–11 (Ages 15–16)
Type
Charis International School is a co-educational and provides boarding facilities, known as "Charis Home," for outstation and international students. This boarding option is available to students from Year 7 onwards.
Additional learning support
Charis International School does not explicitly mention dedicated programs or facilities for students with Additional Learning Needs (ALN) or Special Educational Needs (SEN) on its official website.
Country affiliation
Charis International School is a private Malaysian institution and is not affiliated with any foreign government or international national system.
Religious affiliation
Charis International School does not explicitly state any religious affiliation on its official website.
School day structure
At Charis International School, the school day usually operates from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM on weekdays, specific daily start and end times for classes are not detailed on the official website.
Bus service
Charis International School does not list a dedicated school bus or coach service on its official website.
Fees
Annual tuition at Charis International School ranges from MYR 15,000 to MYR 39,600 for 2026/27.
One-Time Payment Application Fee: MYR 200 (non-refundable), payable upon application. Enrollment Fee: MYR 2,000 (non-refundable) Capital Contribution: First child: MYR 5,000 Second child: MYR 4,000 Subsequent siblings: MYR 3,000 each Refundable Deposit: Equivalent to one term’s tuition fee, refundable with appropriate notice.
Annual Tuition Fees (Malaysians) Kindergarten (K1 & K2): MYR 14,400 Year 1: MYR 18,750 Year 2: MYR 19,320 Year 3: MYR 19,890 Year 4: MYR 20,460 Year 5: MYR 21,030 Year 6: MYR 21,600 Year 7: MYR 24,525 Year 8: MYR 25,950 Year 9: MYR 27,375 Year 10: MYR 30,300 Year 11: MYR 31,725
Annual Tuition Fees (non-Malaysians) Kindergarten (K1 & K2): MYR 15,000 Year 1: MYR 23,400 Year 2: MYR 24,120 Year 3: MYR 24,840 Year 4: MYR 25,560 Year 5: MYR 26,280 Year 6: MYR 27,000 Year 7: MYR 30,600 Year 8: MYR 32,400 Year 9: MYR 34,200 Year 10: MYR 37,800 Year 11: MYR 39,600
This fee structure includes miscellaneous fees and meals (optional).
Payment Methods Fees can be paid through several methods: Cheques / Banker's Draft (in MYR): Payable to Charis Education Sdn. Bhd.
Cash in Ringgit Malaysia (MYR): While cash payments are not encouraged for security reasons, they can be made at the Admissions Office from Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM.
Telegraphic Transfer in Foreign Currency: Account Name: Charis Education Sdn. Bhd. Account Number: 1002 00000 72718 Bank Name: Bank Muamalat Malaysia Berhad (Tawau Branch) Bank Address: Lot 69 & 70, Ground & 1st Floor, Kubota Square, Jalan Kubota, 91000 Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia Bank Telephone: +60-89-771 488 / 489 / 490 Bank Fax: +60-89-771 494 SWIFT Code: BMMBMYKL XXX
Important Note: A copy of the bank transaction report must be forwarded to the School’s Fee Collection Office via: Fax: +60-89-762487 Email: charistawau@outlook.com WhatsApp: +60-17-2178830
Academics
Charis International School teaches Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE for students aged 4 to 16.
Curriculum
Charis International School offers the Cambridge International Curriculum from Kindergarten through Year 11. In the Kindergarten years (ages 4–6), students engage in foundational learning across communication, literacy, numeracy, science, art, music, and physical development, with exposure to English, Malay, and Chinese. Primary students (Years 1–6) follow the Cambridge Primary Programme, studying English, Mathematics, Science, and Global Perspectives, alongside computing, PE, moral/religious education, and additional languages. Lower Secondary (Years 7–9) continues with the Cambridge Lower Secondary Programme and introduces subjects such as Social Studies, Art, Music, and ICT. In Upper Secondary (Years 10–11), students prepare for the IGCSE exams and can choose between science or commerce streams, with subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Business Studies, Accounting, ICT, and languages. Instruction is in English, and the curriculum is supported by co-curricular activities and project-based learning.
Charis International School emphasizes a nurturing environment, particularly in its Kindergarten program, where children are individually guided through a holistic development program. The school's commitment to a supportive atmosphere is evident in its efforts to provide a "home away from home" for students.
Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The school does not explicitly mention specialized programs or facilities for students with Special Educational Needs (SEN) on its official website.
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Charis International School offers English as a Second Language (ESL) programs, particularly at the Lower Secondary level. This provision supports students who are not fluent in English, helping them to develop the necessary language skills to access the broader curriculum effectively.
Mental Wellbeing
While the school emphasizes a caring and supportive environment, specific programs or initiatives targeting mental wellbeing are not detailed on the official website.
Safeguarding
Charis International School has established rules and disciplinary procedures to maintain a safe and respectful learning environment. The school has a zero-tolerance policy towards bullying, with immediate parental involvement and formal warnings issued in such cases. These measures underscore the school's commitment to safeguarding and child protection.
Admissions
Admissions
Schedule a School Tour or Trial Class (Optional) Families can book a school tour, admissions test, or trial class by downloading and submitting the enquiry form available on the school's website. This provides an opportunity to experience the school's environment and facilities firsthand.
Complete and Submit the Application Form Download and fill out the Admissions Form. Along with the form, prepare the following documents: Four recent passport-sized photos of the student. A copy of the student's birth certificate, MyKid, or passport. Copies of parents' MyKads or passports, and visas. The student's most recent school report. Boarding applicants must complete the boarding application form.
Pay the Application Fee A non-refundable application fee of MYR 200 is required. Payments can be made by cash, cheque, online transfer, or telegraphic transfer.
Await Application Review and Notification The admissions team will review the application and send a notification of the outcome via email. If successful, further instructions regarding enrollment and orientation will be provided.
For International Students: Visa Application and Arrival Preparations Upon receiving an offer, international students should apply for a student visa through the appropriate visa center. After obtaining the visa, arrange travel to Tawau, Malaysia, and prepare for the start of the academic term. International students should note the following steps: Apply for a student Visa with the Visa Centre Book a flight ticket and arrive at school Pay school and misc. fees Buy and collect your books and uniforms from the school office Collect the Academic Calendar, timetable, name tag and Club activity form Download the school2me app
Scholarships
Charis International School offers scholarships to high-achieving students. Top-performing students are encouraged to sit for an assessment exam, and scholarships are awarded based on the results.
Waitlist
Charis International School does not explicitly mention the operation of a waitlist or pool system on its official website. Admissions are processed on a rolling basis, subject to availability.
FAQs
What age range does Charis International School serve?
Charis International School serves students from age 4 to 16.
What curriculum does Charis International School follow?
Charis International School offers the Cambridge International Curriculum from Kindergarten through Year 11.
What are the tuition fees at Charis International School?
Annual fees range from approximately 15,000 to 39,600. Additional application and registration fees may apply.
Is Charis International School a day school or boarding school?
Charis International School offers both day and boarding options.
Is Charis International School co-educational?
Yes, Charis International School is a co-educational school welcoming both boys and girls.
Where is Charis International School located?
Charis International School is situated in Tawau, a coastal town in Sabah, East Malaysia. The school occupies four floors within Calvary Crown, a ten-story multipurpose building located in the heart of Tawau.
When was Charis International School founded?
Charis International School was established in 2014.
How many students attend Charis International School?
Charis International School has approximately 60 students.
Does Charis International School provide learning support for students with additional needs?
The school does not explicitly mention specialized programs or facilities for students with Special Educational Needs (SEN) on its official website.
How do I apply to Charis International School?
**Schedule a School Tour or Trial Class (Optional)**
Families can book a school tour, admissions test, or trial class by downloading and submitting the enquiry form available on the school's website.
What extracurricular activities are available at Charis International School?
Charis International School follows the Cambridge International curriculum for its primary and secondary programmes. The school is MOE-approved and serves kindergarten to Year 11. Charis is a Cambridge International examination centre for IGCSE.
What languages are taught at Charis International School?
English is the main medium of instruction. Mandarin and Malay are offered as second-language subjects. English First Language (EFL) and English as Second Language (ESL) are part of the English curriculum.
Does Charis International School provide a bus service?
Charis International School does not list a dedicated school bus or coach service on its official website.
What accreditations does Charis International School hold?
**Ministry of Education (Malaysia)**
Charis International School is fully accredited by the Malaysian Ministry of Education, ensuring compliance with national educational standards.
