Boarding with the Best
Hogwarts is arguably the most famous boarding school, albeit a fictional one, of the century, having enchanted young generations (and the young at heart) for over 20 years. But strip away the wand-waving and broom-riding and you will find a subtler brand of magic at play – one that is at the core of boarding schools in general, fictional or real. By providing a safe and nurturing environment for children, boarding schools have the ability to weave spells that inculcate an unparalleled sense of camaraderie, independence and responsibility, create solid academic settings and foster lifelong friendships. It is for this reason that parents seeking holistic education for their children turn to boarding schools.
But what if you want your child to reap the advantages of boarding school without having to be whisked away to another continent? On Malaysian shores, the British-based Epsom College and Prince of Wales Island International School are among the highly acclaimed boarding schools. Gearing up to join the ranks is Shattuck-St. Mary’s School, a top boarding school in the USA, which will give families in Malaysia and around the region the best of both worlds with the opening of Shattuck-St. Mary’s Forest City International School in Johor come August.
A wholesome boarding experience with the best of teachers and students of varying cultures and nationalities awaits those who call Shattuck-St. Mary’s Forest City International School home. This prestigious boarding school allows the children to be fully immersed in a world-class American educational system and culture close to home, while also giving them an opportunity to learn necessary life skills, including good study habits, independence and time management, under the watchful eye and guidance of their dorm parents.

The school’s dorm encompasses 130 rooms, each of which can accommodate four boarders. Every room is fully furnished, with an attached bathroom, common laundry area and common pantry. A study area is also provided for each student, allowing them to concentrate on their homework and studies with minimal distractions. Additionally, there is a common area on each floor where the boarders can mingle with each other, as well as a dedicated activity center for them.
With the school’s low dorm parent-to-boarder ratio (1:10), parents can rest assured that their children will receive the attention they need. Boarders will also be able enjoy nutritious meals at the modern cafeteria and have round-the-clock access to qualified medical support.
In addition to having a host of cutting edge academic, artistic and sporting facilities at their fingertips, the children will be in a unique position to bond with their fellow boarders from different cultures, allowing them to gain an authentic worldview that is increasingly valued in today’s globalized society. Parents will also be able to easily stay on top of their children’s progress via the school’s intranet and webcasts.
Shattuck-St. Mary’s Forest City International School is the first educational institution in Forest City, an intelligent eco-city comprising four man-made islands in the south of Peninsular Malaysia. Registration for its Fall 2018 intake in August is currently ongoing.