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Discovering the Benefits of Private Schools in Malaysia

If you’re a parent in Malaysia, one of the things you have to think about is whether you’ll send your kids to public or private school. Like everything else, both have advantages and disadvantages, but which is the better option for your kid?

When I first conducted my research about the education system in Malaysia, I learned a lot of benefits to private schools. I think we all know they’re not the cheapest option, but are they worth it if the benefits outweigh the cost?

If you’re a parent like me, you’re probably wondering if private schools are really the right choice compared to public schools. Being a parent myself, I understand your dilemma and I want to help!

So, let’s discuss the benefits of Malaysia’s private education system. Is it the right choice for your child? Let’s find out below!

What are the benefits of private schools in Malaysia?

In Malaysia, private schools have become a preferred choice for parents because they provide better facilities and resources, small class sizes, foreign language exposure, and a more effective academic experience than public schools.

The Malaysian education system is generally good, but the lack of upgraded infrastructure in public schools greatly affects the overall learning environment.

It’s one of the reasons why many Malaysian parents are now choosing to send their children to private or international schools despite the higher school fees.

So, what are the benefits of private schools, and what sets them apart from national schools? Below, we’ll discuss the benefits of private schools in more detail.

Good Facilities and Resources

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It’s no secret that private schools in Malaysia tend to have better infrastructure than national schools. Of course, the facilities in public schools are still up to standard, but private schools usually have more upgrades.

It’s because the government fully funds public schools, which will then be used for facility maintenance, resources, and other needs. However, schools in rural areas still bear the brunt of incomplete facilities and resources.

Private schools, in contrast, don’t need to rely on government funding. Their financial support comes primarily from the tuition fees of the students, then a private sector or the school board will allocate the funding throughout the year.

Unlike public schools, private schools don’t usually suffer from a shortage of funding since they also get private contributions.

Therefore, private schools generally have complete extracurricular facilities (like sports facilities, laboratories, technology, etc.). Some have swimming pools, gyms, and well-maintained fields.

Because private schools have more funding for upkeep and improvements, they have well-maintained facilities that result in a more conducive learning environment. Consequently, students don’t have to struggle with incomplete resources.

Smaller Class Sizes

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Class sizes have an effect on the student’s learning environment. Low student-to-teacher ratios have many benefits, which private schools generally have and public schools don’t.

In Malaysian public schools, the average class size is usually 31 to 32 but can reach higher in some areas. Meanwhile, private schools generally only accept up to 25 students per class.

Additionally, some private schools will have less than 20 students per class. An example is the REAL Schools Cheras Campus, which has an average class size of 13 to 15 students.

Having a small class size has many advantages, which gives private schools an edge. It can lead to stronger connections because students can get to know each other better, which can also result in lifelong friendships.

It also provides more hands-on learning because students can receive individualized attention. Teachers can observe and get to know the students as individuals and as a group.

Furthermore, small class sizes allow the students a better chance to participate—they can gain the confidence to ask questions and debate with each other. It leads to a more focused learning environment because of better feedback and less noise.

More Options Regarding Curriculum

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Private and public schools in Malaysia both follow the National Curriculum. But the difference is how they teach it to the students.

Unlike public schools, private schools don’t have to strictly adhere to the National Curriculum or the guidelines of the government. They still follow it, though, but they have more freedom when delivering the syllabus.

Because of this, students in private schools can benefit more from extracurricular activities since they have access to better technology and facilities.

You’ll find that some private schools, like international schools, offer an international curriculum. This has a more global focus than the National Curriculum, which gives students the upper hand when it comes to diversity and international knowledge.

In addition, religious schools also offer a religious curriculum that provides a more comprehensive understanding of their beliefs. As a result, students will have the advantage of learning moral values besides academic knowledge.

More Varied Extracurricular Activities

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When it comes to extracurricular activities, you could say it all boils down to which school has better infrastructure. Since some public schools often lack resources, they cannot provide a more conducive learning environment for extracurricular activities.

But with well-maintained structures and improved technology, private schools can offer a better learning space for extracurricular activities. Students will have more access to facilities that can support their creativity, hobbies, and athletic pursuits.

Private schools also have financial means to acquire updated technology, like laptops and tablets, which allows students to have easy access to information and a wide range of learning materials.

And unlike public schools that rely on the government, private schools can support their facilities and keep them packed with complete and updated course materials.

Diverse Environment

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Many expats in Malaysia enroll their children in private or international schools, which leads to having a more diverse setting. These schools have a multicultural environment since students from different backgrounds and countries study here.

A multicultural environment fosters a better understanding and empathy when meeting new people. It’s also a good way to expose students to different cultures, religions, and backgrounds so they can handle differences once they enter the workforce.

We’re not saying public schools aren’t diverse. Malaysia is a multicultural nation, after all.

The difference is, since expats tend to choose private schools, the classrooms will have a more varied range of ethnicities than public schools, which leads to more cross-cultural exchanges.

More Diverse Teachers

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The benefit of private schools is they hire foreign nationals, which provides more exposure to languages other than Malay. But this is where public schools have an edge.

Public school teachers in Malaysia must be certified in the state they teach in and in their areas of expertise, while private schools have different requirements and some are more lenient than others. 

Admissions are not Based on the Student’s Location

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The admission process is very different for private and public schools. For public schools, students are accepted based on their address because they must accept children who live in their geographical location.

On the other hand, private schools have varying admission requirements. It is solely managed by the institution, so not all schools will have the same process.

For example, some schools will require language proficiency and school reports. Some will have language placement tests, which students must pass in order to be eligible for admission.

In addition, private schools will have waiting lists because they only accept a specific number of students per grade level. This is because they have smaller class sizes than public schools.

However, expatriate parents must also submit valid visas. Depending on the school, they will need to present additional documents, like copies of passports, medical certificates, and other academic credentials.

These requirements seem like a lot of work, but there’s a reason for all of these. If the child meets the requirements, it ensures that the school can cater to the student’s needs, as some may fare better in other educational institutions.

Increased Chances for Academic Excellence

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Since private schools typically have better facilities and resources, low student-to-teacher ratio, and access to advanced technology, they can provide a more conducive learning environment. This will then result in academic excellence. 

However, it’s important to note that not all private schools are built the same.

This also doesn’t mean that academic excellence is less prevalent in public schools. They do have qualified teachers who have dedicated their lives to teaching and still have facilities up to standards; some places just need better upgrades.