For expat families in Kuala Lumpur, choosing the right school means more than academics. Garden International School’s Early Years Centre provides a nurturing start for young learners while helping parents feel connected, supported, and at home.

For expat families arriving in Kuala Lumpur, one of the first big decisions is choosing a school that not only supports their child’s education but also helps the whole family settle in. Garden International School’s Early Years Centre (EYC), recently renovated and reimagined, is designed to do exactly that.

A SPACE DESIGNED FOR YOUNG LEARNERS

Walking into the centre feels like stepping into a world built for children. Classrooms are open, bright and arranged at child-height, encouraging independence from the very first day. Outside, a Malaysian-inspired kampung house and wide play areas invite little ones to climb, discover and create. Inside, there are sensory play areas, a magical forest tree, a cosy library and dedicated rooms for music and gym. There is also a Perceptual Motor Programme (PMP) room, where children develop coordination, confidence and joy in movement. Parents can also take a closer look through the school’s new video tour, here.

LEARNING AND LIVING AS A COMMUNITY

Beyond the physical environment, what strikes many parents is the way learning feels personalised. Teachers get to know each child as an individual — their interests, their home language, their ways of learning — and then create pathways that allow them to flourish. A digital platform called Seesaw allows parents to have a ‘window into the classroom’, staying connected to their child’s progress, wherever they are.

For expat families, that connection matters. Settling into a new country can be daunting, but the talented staff at the EYC place as much emphasis on parent engagement as they do on children’s learning. From morning “soft starts” to open-door communication, parent workshops, parades, and celebrations, families are welcomed into the life of the school. Opportunities to get involved include volunteering for programmes such as Jungle School or staying connected through WhatsApp groups, newsletters, and class representatives — ensuring that no one feels out of the loop. This strong parent network often helps newcomers find their footing in Kuala Lumpur.

A NURTURING START FOR EVERY CHILD

Health and safety is top priority.  A dedicated medical team, first aid-trained staff and careful child–teacher ratios mean parents can be confident their children are well cared for. Add to that a positive approach to behaviour, an emphasis on social-emotional learning, and careful transition into Primary years, and the result is an environment where children and their families  feel supported at every step.

For expats, the search for a school is rarely just about academics. It’s about finding a place where children feel at home, where parents can connect and where the wider community becomes part of the relocation journey. In that sense, GIS’s Early Years Centre offers more than education. It offers a home away from home.

The best way to experience GIS EYC? Sign up here to visit us on our Open Days and see it first-hand.