Best of American boarding
SHATTUCK-St Mary’s School, a prestigious American boarding school, will officially open the doors of its first South-East Asian campus on August 26.
With its state-of-the-art campus in Johor, Shattuck-St Mary’s Forest City International School provides a vibrant and enriching environment for children aged three to 18.
Families in Malaysia and from around the region are welcome to tour the campus and have a chat with head of school Graham Gamble and other faculty members during the school’s Open Days, which will be held every Saturday, starting from June 23.
The purpose-built campus is set to accommodate up to 3,200 students and touts cutting-edge facilities such as its hallmark twostorey weCreate laboratory – an innovative space designed for students to explore their interests in a variety of areas, including web design, architecture and woodworking, under the guidance of highly qualified teachers.
“We want to enable our students to seamlessly transition from childhood to adulthood by arming them with key 21st century skills such as independence and creativity, so that they can carve their paths forward as caring, conscientious global leaders,” says Gamble.
The school houses a world-class sports complex with a full-sized football field, running track, Olympic-sized swimming pool and gymnasium.
It also features a 600-capacity theatre, dance and music studios, science laboratories, libraries and smart classrooms to help children discover their full potential in all facets of life.
Top-notch boarding facilities are available for middle and high school students, offering an ideal environment for the children to cultivate their independence, necessary life skills and time management skills under the supervision and guidance of the dorm parents. Students will also have access to round-the-clock medical support from qualified personnel.
“Our boarding facilities are unique and a cut above what’s typically available in Malaysia,” says Gamble.
“Boarding is not simply a way of attending school if one does not live close by – it’s an immersive environment that is, in many ways, more liberating for young teenagers than being at home.”
According to him, this environment is conducive to cultivating extraordinary levels of responsibility and maturity among children.
“It gives them their own space to explore and try out new things,” he says.
Shattuck-St Mary’s Forest City International School consists of several blocks generously adorned with verdant greenery and open spaces.
Taking advantage of the country’s tropical climate with mangroves and waterfront fringing the campus, the school incorporates cosy, inspiring outdoor spots that are perfect for children to meet and mingle with each other outside the classroom.
The school offers a holistic American-style programme, focusing on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics) education as well as athletic pursuits, and covers pre-kindergarten to Grade 12 with Advanced Placement courses available at high school level. For more information on the school or to register for its Open Days or August intake, call 019-7302 021 or visit www.ssm-fc.org