Selected Preschools in Johor Bahru
by on 07/10/2019 48649
Also available in : Bahasa Malaysia 中文版
This article is updated on 13th June 2025.
This time, our team had the chance to survey the early childhood education scene in Johor. With various preschools and kindergartens offering different type of education approaches, we’d discovered some of the most promising preschools in the most northern state in Malaysia – all with a similar goal; to nurture the young ones with quality early education that will prepare them to a whole world of possibilities when they grow up. Check out our findings below!
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Note: The preschools below are listed in alphabetical order. The sequence in which they appear does not in any way reflect the ranking of the preschool.
Adda Heights
The only preschool in the world to use the Champion Mindset to nurture their students, MindChamps aims to prepare today’s preschoolers for success in the unpredictable and unknown world. Their unique curriculum, world class facilities, holistic programs and dedicated teachers made the preschool a conducive environment to support the development of children as young as 18 months to 6 years old. The preschool’s activities focused on Sensory, Motor (Music and Movement), Intellectual, Linguistic, Emotional and Social (S.M.I.L.E.S).
MindChamps safety and security systems are given the utmost importance here, with health check system and CCTV surveillance and security officers stationed outside the centre.
Small Wonder Malaysia’s first flagship kindergarten in Taman Adda Heights, Johor Bahru is located in a lush, green environment with ample space. As part of the esteemed Busy Bees educational institution, it combines proven educational concepts to equip children with the necessary skills for a successful future. The kindergarten caters to children aged 18 months to six years, tailoring education to suit each child’s unique needs. The curriculum is carefully planned to align with international standards while fulfilling local education requirements, integrating elements from Malaysia’s Preschool Education Curriculum (KSPK), Singapore’s Early Childhood Curriculum Framework (NEL) and the United Kingdom’s Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
Bukit Indah
This little happy place for children aged 3 to 6 years old is more than just a regular kindergarten. Happy Villa Kindergarten’s age appropriate syllabus are designed meticulously to prepare the students for primary school transition as well as to support their cognitive, social and physical development.
Together with the extra-curricular activities such as Music, Art and Craft, Arithmetic and Taekwondo as well as annual field trips and concerts, the learning environment is full of encouragement for the children feel appreciated while nurtured to be a better person in life.
Tadika Kastil Bukit Indah was one of the pioneers of early childhood education in Johor Bahru. Enclosed within is a functional space that boasts a multimedia theatre, library, project workshop, computer and audio room, little farm, playground, and dedicated areas for creative and participative learning. This is the starting point for children to grow into happy, outstanding individuals who are creative and confident.
The Tadika Kastil curriculum is designed for 3- to 6-year-olds using the International Creative Teaching Method (ICTM). It is a unique teaching method, created by the school’s own research and development team, that targets on both left- and right-brain development.
To keep the left brain sharp, teachers expose children to lessons such as mathematics, science and languages. These experiences help children pick up the fundamentals of academic learning that is suited for local primary schools. To nourish the creative side of right brain learners, programmes like art, violin, leadership training and project management are implemented. Children develop habits and skills that they can take with them into adulthood when they learn to organise resources necessary to complete a project, perform on stage and present to large groups.
Kulai
At Gem Preschool & Kindergarten, Kulai, Johor children are taught using a balanced and well-rounded curriculum that is guided by the principles of the Montessori and thematic approaches, as well as the requirements of our national preschool education system. Close attention is given to the holistic development of children during these significant formative years, making sure they are set up for a healthy and successful life ahead.
A key feature that stands out at Gem Preschool & Kindergarten is their use of a dermatoglyphics test which uses fingerprint patterns and ridges to identify each child’s unique potential and personality. This allows teachers to come out with personalised lesson plans based on the child’s innate abilities and learning styles so that he can reach his fullest potential.
Larkin
MindChamps PreSchool provides a premium preschool experience that equips children with foundations to succeed through school, as well as later in life. With state-of-the-art facilities and a cutting-edge curriculum that’s based on the latest world-class pedagogical research, MindChamps has been honoured with some of the most sought-after awards in the education sector. The preschool brand also remains a highly preferred choice among parents as they see the difference in the integrity and standards of quality encapsulated in the organisation’s culture of excellence.
What truly sets MindChamps apart from other preschools is the MindChamps philosophy, their strong commitment to research excellence, and unwavering passion for turning the latest discoveries into effective educational initiatives. The preschool’s forward-looking curriculum is research-backed by world-leading experts from the four domains of: Education, Neuroscience, Psychology and Theatre. In addition, to deliver the highest standards in early childhood education, all MindChamps teachers receive up to 200 hours of extensive training and accreditation from the Singapore headquarters.
Skudai
Parents looking for a preschool for their little ones know all too well today that their choice has to be based not just on their child’s academic needs, but also, that the ideal preschool should also help children to become involved active learners, think critically, be creative, and cooperate well with their peers. With several branches up and running, De Jowitop has embodied such values since 2016 when it first opened its doors to little ones in Johor.
With a combination of structured as well as unstructured approaches of teaching, De Jowitop has come up with a unique curriculum that works well for the different age groups. Language proficiency is given due focus here at De Jowitop, to ensure that students graduate with language skills that will bring them further in their lives.
All in all, De Jowitop is set to pave the way for a smoother, more confident transition to primary school. It is a name that students associate with fun, while parents know that their children are indeed receiving high quality preschool education.
Happy Villa Kindergarten, Johor Bahru, offers a holistic early childhood education for children aged 3 to 6, blending play-based and Montessori approaches. Its well-rounded curriculum evolves with each age group, fostering academic growth, creativity, and character development. With engaging activities, strong parental involvement, and a focus on safety and hygiene, the kindergarten nurtures lifelong learners who are emotionally resilient and socially adept.
Young’s Kingdom, Uda Utama, Johor offers a unique and exciting approach to early childhood education. With its focus on play-based learning, tri-language instruction, thematic teaching, and a variety of integrated activities, it provides an environment where children can thrive. Whether it’s in their well-structured classrooms or the innovative play spaces, every aspect of Young’s Kingdom is designed to stimulate growth, independence, and a love for learning.
Setia Tropika
Small Wonder Malaysia, Setia Tropika provides an exceptional and well-rounded educational experience for children, drawing upon a proven curriculum that spans over three decades. The school prepares children for formal education both in Malaysian public schools as well as international schools. It integrates globally recognised curricula including the KSPK curriculum from Malaysia, Nurturing Early Learners (NEL) from Singapore, and the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) from the UK. This comprehensive curriculum promotes well-rounded development, including intellectual, emotional, social and physical growth, while fostering exploration, creativity and critical thinking.
Taman Molek
Gem Preschool offers authentic Montessori education to children aged 3 to 6 years old that is integrated with thematic syllabus and fulfilled the requirements needed by Malaysia’s education board. The learning lessons are conducted through various resources, explorations, observations and experience.
Apart from the regular wholesome curriculum, Gem Preschool also holds field trips, festive celebrations, parents seminar, concert, sports days and other enrichment activities to supplement and boost the children’s confidence and awareness.
Every child at KLC Preschool benefits from its dynamic curriculum. It is one that is designed to help children develop holistically. The KLC method is all about teaching children how to learn. Notably, a way that sparks joy and interest in learning that will stay with children for life.
A distinctive feature of the KLC education system is the incorporation of the American Sign Language (ASL) into the learning process. It has been proven that children who learn to sign accelerate in their verbal development, retain knowledge better and outperform their peers on IQ assessments.
From an early age, children are guided to think out-of-the-box. They are comfortable to ask questions and express themselves even when they have differing points of views. In addition, KLC Preschool teaches children about the United Nation’s goals for a sustainable planet so that children understand that they need to take action as principled leaders to make the world a better place.
Taman Sutera
Small Wonder Malaysia, Taman Sutera, Johor Bahru
Small Wonder promotes holistic development through an approach centred on respecting the individuality of each child. It also provides a balanced and integrated curriculum, fostering strong partnerships with parents and the wider community. Within this carefully prepared learning environment, customised tools and equipment are used to shape meaningful learning outcomes. The preschool incorporates both local and international education standards, encompassing Malaysia’s KSPK, Singapore’s NEL, and UK’s EYFS. The programmes place a strong emphasis on thematic and inquiry-based learning, encouraging children to explore and discover knowledge actively. The integrated curriculum fulfils every child’s need for schooling – both in the Malaysian public school system as well as in international schools – and grooms their love for learning.
Small Wonder Malaysia, The Seed, Johor
Small Wonder Malaysia, The Seed boasts gated and guarded premises, ensuring a safe and secure environment for young learners to thrive and explore. With a team of passionate educators, the preschool creates a warm and nurturing environment where children feel encouraged and motivated to explore their interests. The well-rounded curriculum encompasses various subjects and activities, including language development, mathematics, science, music, art and physical education. By incorporating diverse learning experiences, Small Wonder cultivates a joyous and engaging learning journey for every child.
Kiddie'Z Garden Integrated Montessori Preschool, Seri Austin, Johor Bahru
Kiddie'Z Garden Integrated Montessori Preschool, Johor Bahru provides an ideal environment for children to develop a love for learning and reach their fullest potential. The preschool employs a progressive blend of Montessori methods and other guiding strategies that are proven to enrich children’s intellectual, cognitive, social, emotional and physical development. Its unique strength lies in its commitment to offer a personalised education that accommodates to the unique needs of each child. Teachers welcome all children from the ages of 2 to 6 years old and consider work a success when they see bright, happy faces come in every day. Optimally, they inspire children to become positive contributing members of the society.
At Kiddie’Z Garden, the aim is to help children blossom in all areas of early growth, while having lots of fun along the way. Each day consists of carefully designed and individualised programming where children get to explore their own interests in the areas of Language, Math, Science, Sensorial and Practical Life. Math and Science are taught in both English and Chinese, giving children the fundamentals to thrive in any type of primary school they choose to join after.
Treetops Montessori, Taman Mount Austin, JB
Treetops Montessori in Johor Bahru redefines early childhood education by combining the timeless Montessori philosophy with modern, child-centric methods to cultivate confident, curious, and capable learners. Spearheaded by visionary principal Ms. Andrea Chan, the school offers age-specific programmes enriched with leadership training, creative arts, and real-world experiences that build essential life skills. Its thoughtfully designed spaces invite exploration and sensory learning, while strict safety protocols and in-house nutritious meals ensure children's well-being. With passionate educators and strong parent-school collaboration, Treetops Montessori stands as a model for nurturing holistic development and preparing children for life beyond the classroom.
Disclaimer:
Kiddy123's reports on the above preschools were based on what we saw and were told at the time of our visit. While every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided is accurate, Kiddy123 Sdn Bhd shall not be liable for damages of any kind that may result from the usage of the information in this article. The best way to decide on the best-fit preschool for your child is to pay a visit to those that you have shortlisted.
If you are running an awesome preschool and wish to share with our parents, please contact us.
