Dalat International School

Dalat International School is situated in Tanjung Bunga, a coastal suburb of Penang, Malaysia. The area offers a blend of residential neighborhoods and beachside living, with convenient access to local amenities.

Public transportation options, including Rapid Penang bus routes 101, 102, and 103, serve the vicinity, facilitating easy commutes to and from the school.

The school caters to students from Preschool (age 3) through Grade 12 (age 18). It is organized into three divisions: Elementary School (Preschool to Grade 4), Middle School (Grades 5–8), and High School (Grades 9–12).

Dalat International School is a co-educational institution offering both day and boarding options. Boarding facilities are available for students in Grades 6 through 12, providing a family-style living environment on campus.

The school provides support for students with mild to moderate special educational needs through its Learning Support program. Services include individualized education plans, classroom support, and consultative services aimed at fostering student independence and success.

Dalat International School follows an American curriculum and is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI).

The school is a Christian institution that welcomes students from diverse faith backgrounds. Its programs incorporate Christian values and spiritual development as part of the educational experience.

The standard school day runs from 8:00 AM to 3:10 PM, Monday through Friday. Preschool programs may have adjusted hours, with dismissal at 12:00 PM.

Dalat International School offers a school bus service.

Dalat International School follows a U.S.-based college preparatory curriculum from Preschool through Grade 12. In the elementary years (Preschool to Grade 4), students follow a broad-based program focusing on core literacy, numeracy, science, social studies, and character education, along with art, music, physical education, and world languages. Middle School (Grades 5–8) builds on this foundation with increased subject specialization and the introduction of electives, exploratory subjects, and advisory programs. In High School (Grades 9–12), students complete coursework required for a U.S. high school diploma and may choose from a range of Advanced Placement (AP) courses for university preparation. High school students also participate in service learning, leadership programs, and co-curricular activities as part of their graduation requirements. Instruction is in English, with Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin, and Spanish offered as world language options.

Dalat International School incorporates Social and Emotional Learning through its character education programs and advisory periods across school divisions. Teachers and counsellors facilitate classroom discussions on topics such as self-awareness, empathy, responsible decision-making, and conflict resolution. The school’s chapels and community service programs also support emotional development and interpersonal relationships. Middle and High School students participate in small group mentoring and homerooms that encourage peer support and reflection.

Dedicated counselling staff are available to work with students individually or in small groups when needed. SEL is integrated into the curriculum and school culture rather than offered as a standalone program.

The school offers Learning Support services for students with mild to moderate learning needs, such as dyslexia, ADHD, and executive functioning challenges. Services include individualized support plans, in-class assistance, and direct intervention by learning specialists. These services are designed to help students access the general curriculum with appropriate accommodations.

Dalat is not a specialist SEN institution and may not be able to support students with significant cognitive, behavioral, or physical disabilities. Admission is determined on a case-by-case basis, based on assessment and available support capacity.

Dalat provides structured EAL support for students whose first language is not English and who require additional help to access the curriculum. The EAL program is available for students in Kindergarten through Grade 8, with a focus on building academic language and literacy.

Support is delivered through a combination of pull-out sessions, in-class collaboration with subject teachers, and targeted small-group instruction. A one-time EAL fee is charged based on the student’s grade level. Admission for EAL students includes language proficiency assessment to determine the level of support needed. High school students are expected to be proficient in English prior to enrollment.

The school has a dedicated counselling team that supports students’ emotional and psychological wellbeing through one-on-one counselling, group sessions, and referrals where needed. School counsellors are available at each division and provide resources for stress management, transitions, and peer relationships. Teachers and staff are trained to identify signs of distress and refer students to the appropriate support services. Dalat promotes a caring environment through advisory periods, homerooms, and student leadership programs that encourage community connection. Mental health topics are also addressed through health education and occasional school-wide initiatives.

Dalat International School maintains a formal child protection policy aligned with international safeguarding standards. All staff undergo background checks and receive regular training on child safety, mandatory reporting, and appropriate boundaries. A designated Child Protection Officer oversees safeguarding procedures and ensures policies are consistently applied. The school has clear protocols for responding to disclosures or concerns, including referral pathways and documentation requirements. Visitors to campus must comply with sign-in procedures and supervision protocols, and students are supervised during all school activities. Safeguarding expectations are shared with families and reinforced throughout the school community.

1. Schedule a campus tour (optional).
While not mandatory, prospective families are encouraged to schedule a campus tour to familiarize themselves with the school's environment and facilities. Tours are typically conducted from February to April for the August intake and from September to November for the January intake. Appointments should be scheduled in advance, as unscheduled visits may not be accommodated.

2. Complete and submit the online application.
Fill out the appropriate online application form for your child's grade level. Include a recent photograph and submit the application along with the required fees: MYR 800 for Kindergarten through Grade 12 (comprising a MYR 600 application fee and a MYR 200 testing fee). For Preschool applicants, the fee is MYR 600. Boarding applicants must also complete additional boarding application forms.

3. Provide supporting documents.
Submit all necessary documents, including:
School records from the past two years
Standardized test scores (if available)
Teacher and Principal/Counselor reference forms (for Grades 1–12)
Student health and physical evaluation forms
Immunization records
Photocopies of the student's and parents' passports
Applications are reviewed only after all required documents are received.

4. Undergo placement testing and assessments.
Applicants from Kindergarten through Grade 12 may be required to take standardized placement tests, such as the MAP test, to determine appropriate grade placement. Non-native English speakers will be assessed for English proficiency to determine if EAL support is needed. Additional assessments may be requested for applicants requiring learning support.

5. Await admissions decision.
The admissions committee, comprising the admissions director, deputy head of school, principals, and counselors, reviews completed applications. Decisions are made during committee meetings held in March, April, October, and November. Applicants will be notified of the outcome, which may be an offer of enrollment, placement in the wait pool, or non-acceptance.

6. Complete enrollment upon acceptance.
Accepted students must pay the registration fee within four weeks to secure their place. Additional documents, such as the physical evaluation form and immunization records, must be submitted before the first day of school. Non-Malaysian students are required to obtain a student visa or pass, with assistance provided by the school for boarding students.

Dalat International School offers financial assistance to families in need, particularly those involved in mission work. Scholarships are awarded based on financial need and are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Families seeking financial aid are encouraged to contact the admissions office for more information and to discuss eligibility criteria.

Dalat International School operates a wait pool system rather than a traditional waitlist. Qualified applicants may be placed in the wait pool if no immediate openings are available in the desired grade level. The wait pool is maintained at approximately 5% of the grade level capacity. Admission from the wait pool is not based on the order of application submission but on the overall qualifications of the applicants and the availability of space. Families are encouraged to maintain communication with the admissions office regarding their child's status.