Malay (Bahasa Malaysia) is the national language and compulsory. English is taught as a second language. Science and Math were taught in English under PPSMI (2003–2012), then reverted to Malay, then allowed in English under DLP (Dual Language Programme) from 2016.

| School Type | Medium | Target Group | National Curriculum? | |-------------|--------|--------------|----------------------| | | Malay | General population | Yes | | National-type Chinese (SJKC) | Mandarin | Chinese-Malaysian community | Yes, plus Chinese language/literature | | National-type Tamil (SJKT) | Tamil | Indian-Malaysian community | Yes, plus Tamil language | | Religious Schools (SABK / KAFA) | Malay + Arabic | Muslim students | Yes, plus Islamic studies | | Private & International Schools | English (mostly) | Expatriates & local elites | Varies (e.g., IGCSE, IB) |

Before we walk through a student's typical day, we must understand the "3+6+2+2" system that defines .