Dalat International School

About Dalat International School

Dalat International School was founded in 1929 in Vietnam to serve the children of Christian missionaries in Southeast Asia. The school relocated to its current hilltop campus in Tanjung Bungah, Penang in June 1971 and has operated there for over five decades. The beachfront campus overlooks the Straits of Malacca and serves a diverse international student body drawn from numerous nationalities.

Dalat is accredited by WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges) and ACSI (Association of Christian Schools International). The school runs from Preschool 3 (age 36 months) through Grade 12, covering Elementary, Middle, and High School divisions. As a Christian institution, Dalat integrates biblical principles across all areas of school life, from classroom instruction to boarding and co-curricular programmes.

Curriculum at Dalat International School

Dalat follows an American college-preparatory curriculum. Elementary School (Preschool through Grade 4) builds foundational literacy, numeracy, and inquiry skills. Middle School (Grades 5 to 8) broadens the academic programme with departmentalised instruction. High School (Grades 9 to 12) offers a full college-preparatory course load, with Advanced Placement (AP) courses available to qualified students.

The curriculum prepares students for university admission in the United States, Canada, and internationally. Dalat uses standards-based learning and assessment, and an EAL (English as Additional Language) programme supports students who need additional English development. Bible classes and chapel services are part of the regular academic schedule across all divisions, reflecting the school’s Christian mission.

Graduates typically apply to universities in North America, the UK, Australia, and Asia. The school maintains active alumni networks that track graduate outcomes across the globe.

Fees at Dalat International School

Annual tuition at Dalat ranges from approximately RM 21,000 for Pre-School to RM 54,500 for High School. The school fees guide explains how to compare fee structures across schools.

School Division	Annual Fee Range (RM)
Preschool 3-4 and Kindergarten	12,850 - 18,200
Elementary (Grades 1-4)	22,400 - 31,850
Middle School (Grades 5-8)	35,780 - 42,680
High School (Grades 9-12)	45,620 - 49,780

Additional one-time costs include an RM 800 non-refundable application fee and a registration fee of RM 2,000 (Pre-K to Kindergarten) or RM 5,000 (Grades 1 to 12). First-year total costs including one-time fees come to approximately RM 25,700 at the entry point. Boarding programme costs are included for residential students.

Admissions at Dalat International School

Dalat accepts applications for Preschool 3 through Grade 12. The main annual intake is in August, and the school also considers mid-year applications subject to availability. The admissions process evaluates academic readiness, English language proficiency, and alignment with the school’s Christian mission and values.

The boarding programme uses a family-style dormitory model where students live in mixed-age common areas with separate bedroom wings for boys and girls. Each dormitory has ensuite bathrooms, study rooms, common living and dining areas, a dorm parent apartment, a medical infirmary, and a resident nurse. Short-stay options and guest housing are available for visiting families.

Contact: 04-685 2100, info@dalat.org, dalat.org.

Dalat International School in Penang

Dalat International School is in Tanjung Bungah, which has 6 registered private schools. Penang has 14 registered international schools and 20 private schools total. The Penang international schools directory lists all options.

The hilltop campus sits along the northern coast of Penang Island, between Batu Ferringhi and Georgetown. Families in Georgetown, Batu Ferringhi, Tanjung Tokong, and Air Itam use Dalat as their nearest American-curriculum international school option in Penang.