"Leaders for Every Domain"
The Difference Between Private Schools
Destiny International School is the first and only not-for-profit international school in Muar, Johor. Since 2010, we have been committed to providing value-driven, quality international education with a mission to raise leaders for every domain. Unlike private schools, our not-for-profit model reinvests resources into student learning, leadership development, and talent discovery—ensuring education remains purpose-driven, accessible, and focused on each child’s growth.
written by Mr Paul Halford
Not for Profit Schools
Driven by A High Purpose
“Not for Profit” schools operate on a very different basis to the “For Profit” schools. A “Not for Profit” school is dedicated to providing the best level of schooling for its students that it can financially provide. The School Board act as trustees of the school and take on the responsibility legally and financially, to act in the best interest of the school. Importantly – any profit the school makes will be put back into the school through improved resources, staffing, services or facilities. This allows the staff and Board to focus on the core business of schools – caring for the next generation.“Not for Profit” schools are a great benefit and assurance to parents that they are getting a value-for-money education. “Not for Profit” schools tend to also have a higher community focus. These schools are usually founded to meet a local need, to provide a certain type of education for the community.
Schools are not the same as a business that sells cars, real estate or furniture. Schools must be driven by a higher purpose – to educate learners and to contribute to the community. This higher purpose should never be compromised by the demand to make money.
The Difference in Destiny
Destiny was founded for exactly this reason – to meet a community need in this town of Muar for quality international education. The driving force in Destiny is for a legacy to be created for the benefit of the Muar community. Since working at Destiny, it has been evident to me that the school’s driving force is not about making money! It is about being of service to your children and the Muar community and as such Destiny is honourable and should be praised.
The annual staff survey also shows high levels of work satisfaction and a management culture that is transparent and respectful of all staff members. This is testament to the “Not for Profit” model that Destiny has structured the school in. Being a “Not for Profit” school, we are also grateful to the support of our founders Dr. Jonathan & Helen David, the All Nations Sanctuary Committee and the many parents who have all supported the school financially and in-kind. Destiny is truly a community school, with a vision to build a permanent place in Muar.
My time in Destiny, has been rewarding because I am assured that the School Board is focused on the best interest of all students and staff members. It is assuring that all my labor as Consultant Principal is not about dollars and cents, but about touching the lives of the next generation in Muar.
Destiny should be commended for all it has achieved over the past twelve years.
Transferring to Destiny
Students transferring to Destiny—whether from English-medium or non-English-medium backgrounds—are supported every step of the way. Our dedicated admissions and academic teams provide personalised guidance to ensure a smooth integration into our learning environment. We recognise that each student’s journey is unique, and we are committed to helping them transition confidently into Destiny’s dynamic and inclusive school culture.
Thinking of Transferring?
Destiny provides all students applying for admissions with a thorough entrance assessment and trial class. This process aims to provide both parents and the school with a better understanding of how the prospective student will fair in an international curriculum.
Transferring into Secondary Years
Children who are currently in non-English medium schools interested in transferring into the Secondary Department are provided with an opportunities to sit for external benchmarking assessments at Destiny.
These assessments can be done annually from Standard 3 to Standard 6 to help provide parents with a better transition plan as their children move from a non-English medium school.
Parents interested should contact our office as soon as your child enters Standard 3. Annual assessment will be scheduled for your child and an individualised transition plan provided to support your child's future transfer to Destiny.