Fireflies Early Years School, Kuala Lumpur

In a world that often rushes children toward academics, Fireflies Early Years School stands as a gentle yet powerful reminder: childhood is meant to be explored, expressed, and enjoyed. Officially opened in February 2025, this promising new preschool nestled in Mid Valley City, Kuala Lumpur, is already lighting up the early childhood education scene.

This school may be young but don’t underestimate what it brings to the table, as it comes with the impressive pedigree of being part of the renowned IGB International School (IGBIS) family — one of Malaysia’s most respected International Baccalaureate (IB) institutions. Its philosophy, spirit, and curriculum are deeply inspired by the IGBIS legacy. Priscillia Ng, being the center manager with 20 years of early childhood education experience at the helm, the school is poised for greatness. Trust us, Fireflies is already making waves.

A Name that Glows with Purpose

Why “Fireflies”? It’s an integrated curriculum mirror, IGBIS program, where children were affectionately referred to as “Fireflies”, tiny light-creatures with immense power. In time, the name grew into a symbol of hope, curiosity, and the potential to shine — no matter how small.

“Every child has a unique light that deserves to glow brightly,” Priscillia shares. “Our goal is to create an environment where they can discover that light through play, exploration, and love,” The school’s name symbolises a smaller version of the phoenix and majestic.

Lifelong Learning

Fireflies’ integrated approach is play-based, which children enjoy learning without memorising, but by actions; asking questions, exploring materials, engaging in meaningful dialogue, and experimenting with the world around them.

“Children are born scientists and artists,” says Priscillia. “When they explore with their senses, they develop critical thinking and confidence. That’s real learning.”

Fireflies provide an environment and facilities for school readiness, ensuring every child leaves with solid foundations in literacy, numeracy, communication, and emotional intelligence — ready to thrive in primary school and beyond.

The Power of Language

Fireflies practices a trilingual approach — English, Mandarin, and Bahasa Malaysia. Children are encouraged to express themselves confidently and creatively in multiple languages and through various forms. They foster effective collaboration by listening carefully to the perspectives of individuals and groups. Mandarin is taught by an expert language teacher from China, ensuring a high level of fluency, authenticity, and cultural immersion. This strategic focus equips children for any future path, whether they transition to an international, private, or national school.

Priscillia explains “Learning multiple languages during early childhood will help children have better access to the world around them and possess stronger cognitive abilities.”

More than Learning, It’s a Whole Childhood Experience

From the moment you step into Fireflies, there’s a sense of ease — open spaces, joyful sounds, and the spark of curiosity everywhere. Here, learning isn’t about pressure or perfection. It’s about discovery, imagination, and feeling right at home.

• Open-concept classrooms that foster collaboration and free movement
• A Creative Zone filled with materials for drawing, sculpting, and crafting
• A dedicated Indoor Playground for active gross motor play
• A Nature Nook to explore outdoor elements
• Science Corner and Music Corner that ignites curiosity, creativity, and exploration
• A trilingual Library stocked with storybooks, comics, and encyclopaedias

“We provide an environment where children are encouraged to feel, touch, taste, question, create, and express themselves. We believe childhood should be enjoyed, not rushed into academics. At Fireflies, we nurture each child’s curiosity and develop their skills for inquiry and exploration. Children learn to be independent among peers, approach learning with enthusiasm, and sustain a lifelong love for learning,” says Priscillia.

Programme

With a maximum of 15 children per class and a teacher-student ratio of 1:5 for younger children and 1:8 for older children, each child receives dedicated attention. The programmes are structured as follows:

Beyond the core curriculum, Fireflies offer enrichment programmes designed to enhance each child’s learning and development through engaging and stimulating activities. These enrichment sessions focus on fostering creativity, promoting skill development, and nurturing natural talents in areas such as the arts, music, sports, and technology.

1) Taekwondo

2) Mandarin

3) Speech & Drama

4) Arts & Crafts

Teachers who Truly Understand Children

Every educator at Fireflies possessed at least a diploma in early childhood education, PERMATA, and most have specialisation in either special education or child nursing. But, they are more than just their qualifications, they are rich in experience and are passionate with children.

Children grow and glow alongside their teachers. The teachers guide children to the right path with the right amount of encouragement. This focus on empathy, patience, and presence ensures that learning at Fireflies is nurtured, supported, and joyfully pursued.

Safety, Hygiene, and Communication: Handled with Heart

Parents are worry-free about their child’s health, safety, and security because the school practice:

• Daily health screenings, including temperature checks and visible injury assessments
• A dedicated sick bay and in-house nurse for immediate medical attention
• Nutritious meals prepared by professional school caterers
• Strict hygiene protocols, especially for common illnesses like flu and Hand, Foot & Mouth Disease
• Full CCTV surveillance and in-house security officer

Communication with parents is seamless through a dedicated mobile app that shares daily updates, development notes, photos, and health alerts.

Parents Involvement

Fireflies encourages parents to be part of their child’s learning journey. They are planning to collaborate with the local community including the fire and safety department, healthcare professionals, and education experts to host engaging events, talks, and activities that benefit both children and parents. Here, children learn through play and exploration, and with curiosity as their guide, the occasional bruise, scratch, or bump becomes a natural part of meaningful, hands-on learning.

Final Thoughts: A Shining Start for a Lifelong Journey

At a time when many schools push academic rigour too early, Fireflies Early Years School brings us back to what truly matters — curiosity, creativity, connection, and confidence. It’s a place where children are encouraged to shape themselves.

With its robust integrated trilingual approach, thoughtfully designed space, and a deeply human heart at its core, Fireflies is everything a modern preschool should be — and more.

This isn’t marketing. It’s magic — and it’s happening every single day inside Fireflies.