Being not-for-profit makes a huge difference in the educational experience for both students and families.
Julia Love who leads the admissions team at The International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL) said the difference was felt across a range of areas including leadership, governance, parental involvement, decision-making and where the revenue generated from a child’s tuition fees is spent.
“The reality is that many families don’t fully appreciate the benefits of a not-for-profit school until their child is enrolled and they see for themselves the difference it makes,” she said, adding that selecting a school is a major investment and parents should therefore take the time to understand the difference between the two models.
She explained that for-profit schools are generally in the business of education to make a profit for the owner or shareholder.
Not-for-profit schools on the other hand, of which there is only a handful in Malaysia, exist for the benefit of the students and to fulfil the school’s mission, she said.
ISKL is governed by a parent-elected board of directors and reinvests all revenue into its students and school each year.
“When students enrol at ISKL, parents automatically become members of The Society of ISKL – they are our shareholders and have the opportunity to be involved in how the school is run,” she added.
ISKL’s not-for-profit status means there are no competing agendas about where funds are directed – revenue is used to recruit and retain the best international educators and create the best possible learning environment for their students.
Parent Tracy Caton agreed, saying that she did not anticipate how attending a not-for-profit school would impact her kids and her family.
“We noticed the difference from the moment we enrolled – from the opportunities for parental involvement to transparency around how the school is governed,” she said, adding that she liked that the school encouraged active parent-school partnership.
There is also a board of directors comprised of parents who provide different perspectives.
“It makes a very real difference to know that the revenue from tuition goes straight back into our students and school. ISKL can invest in its teachers and staff, which means our kids are supported by the best teachers worldwide,” Caton added.
ISKL’s board chair and parent Toshihiko Saito said all ISKL board members are volunteers because they want to work for the benefit of ISKL.
“We are unabashedly diverse, with different cultures, nationalities, personalities, and areas of expertise represented. The diverse perspectives befit a school with students from over 65 nations. It enhances our collective decision-making capability and contributes to ISKL’s truly international environment that nurtures global citizens who will become the leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs of the future.”
Love concluded: “Prospective parents ask us, is one model better than the other?
“Our advice is to consider both options in the context of a whole range of criteria including the schools’ vision and mission, curriculum options, learning support, after-school activities, school and class sizes, facilities, transport, and parental involvement.
She said families were encouraged to talk with other ISKL parents and students to get an independent perspective before making a decision.
“Our philosophy is one of transparency and partnership with families. Our administrators and board members are always willing to answer any questions. We encourage families to consider the merits of both options to find the best fit school for their child and the right fit community for their family,” said Love.
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