If you’re thinking about a Bali-based education for your kids, here's the lowdown on your options for international schools in Bali.
Whether you and the family are looking for a fresh start here in Bali, or you’re a long-time expat with your sights set on a Bali-based education for your kids, we asked expat mum Rebecca Foreman to find the very best international schools in Bali to make your decision-making easier.
Luckily for you, Bali’s school circuit has everything from bilingual schools to global curriculums like the International Baccalaureate Diploma program. Heck, there’s even an eco-school that covers hands-on global sustainability for mini change-makers. So take a peek at this list of the most reputable (and accredited) international school campuses in Bali, and we’ll see you in the palm-shaded classroom soon!
THE BEST INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS IN BALI
1. Green School Bali – best for eco-conscious learning
The Green School is set among the lush green jungles of Ubud, with its own unique curriculum drawing on research-based best practices from around the world. It is specifically designed to teach skills through hands-on experiential learning experiences in the natural environment, aiming to inspire sustainability in education, and instil lifelong green habits among the youth. Bahasa Indonesia is offered in Pre-K to Year 12 while Spanish and French are available for middle school and high school students who meet Bahasa Indonesia requirements. The school size is approximately 520 students, and the maximum class size is 15-22 students. Extracurricular activities include BSSA sports, gamelan, music, arts, Balinese dance, gymnastics, and surfing. The school also offers a coworking space for parents who would like a quiet place to work while school is in session. Tuition and fees include school excursions, off-campus learning programmes, as well as most classroom resources. Students are not required to wear uniforms. Scholarships are offered to Balinese students.
Where: Ubud
Grades: Pre-K to Year 12
Curriculum/Assessment: A unique Green School curriculum
2. Canggu Community School (CCS) – best for international standards
Canggu Community School is located in the heart of the bustling expat community of Canggu, ranging from Pre-K to Year 13, leading to IGCSE and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. The Junior School campus is decked out with an open-air canteen, 25m swimming pool, football pitch, and playgrounds. CCS enrols 350 students with an average class size of 20 students. There are a number of after-school activities to choose from, including surfing, arts, sports, music programs, coding club, Model United Nations, GIN, TED Club and more. All classes are conducted in English with mandatory Bahasa Indonesia lessons until Year 6, then a choice of French or Spanish. Fees are inclusive of tuition plus capital levy, and there is also the opportunity to apply for a scholarship. Uniforms are a requirement, and there is an inviting and inclusive parental support group that organises many fundraisers throughout the year.
Where: Canggu
Grades: Pre-K to Year 13
Curriculum/Assessment: IGCSE and International Baccalaureate
3. The Garden Early Learning Centre – best for preschool
Both fun and educational, The Garden Early Learning Centre is Bali’s premier preschool for little learners aged 15 months to six years. Designed to promote curiosity, inquiry and wonder, the interactive play-based curriculum is inspired by a mix of Early Childhood philosophies, including Reggio Emilia, Montessori and Walker Learning. We love that each child’s interactions are carefully observed, allowing the international management team to adapt learning projects accordingly. Little ones will get to experience music, art, drama, Indonesian, PE and gardening classes every week, taking place in spacious classrooms that transition into lush, tropical gardens, adorned with learning nooks and interactive sensory hubs. You’ll know that your children are in the best hands here, because The Garden Early Learning Centre was established in 2014, with all classes adhering to Australian early years standards, focusing on child development, literacy and numeracy. The best bit is, it’s open year-round (not only term-based) and families can drop-in to 1.5 hour PlayDates classes, meaning holidaying toddlers can join in on the sensory fun too. And psst – in 2024, The Garden Early Learning Centre will be opening a second location in Sanur!
Where: Berawa
Grades: 15 months to six years of age for preschool classes, or 6 months to 2.5 years for the drop-in PlayDates.
Curriculum/Assessment: Play-based learning inspired by Reggio Emilia, Montessori and Walker Learning.
4. Australian Independent School (AIS) – best for the Australian curriculum
The Australian Independent School was founded in 1996 and offers an integrated Australian Curriculum (AC) from Preschool to Year 10. Senior students are able to undertake the International Baccalaureate Diploma program or to complete a Senior Certificate in either Jakarta or Bali. Located close to Seminyak, the facilities are some of the best on the island including campus-wide, broadband WiFi, a 25m competition-standard swimming pool, a field for soccer, hockey and rugby, plus a 850 square-metre multi-purpose court for basketball, netball, Taekwondo, hockey, volleyball, indoor cricket, badminton and tennis. There’s also an amphitheater, playgrounds, specialist music, art and drama areas, a library, science labs, a cafe, and a canteen – phew! But that’s not all. AIS also offers a wide range of extra-curricular activities, plus a whole host of educational offerings (coding class anyone?). Class sizes average 16-22 pupils and scholarships are available. The language of instruction is in English, (except for Indonesian Studies). In secondary school, language options include Japanese, French, Spanish, Korean, and Italian. Fees include tuition and capital levy and uniforms are required.
Where: Seminyak / Denpasar
Grades: Preschool to Year 12.
Curriculum/Assessment: Australian Curriculum and International Baccalaureate.
5. Bali Island School – best for a distinct Balinese vibe
Bali Island School in Sanur was founded in 1985 and is one of the most established schools on the island. It’s authorised by the International Baccalaureate to deliver the Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma Programmes from Preschool to Grade 12 while being accredited by The Council of International Schools (CIS) and Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Facilities include a campus with a distinct Balinese vibe, a 25m swimming pool, two sports fields, an outdoor playground, and an extensive library. There is an average of 250 students school-wide and 20 students per class. School days are followed by a number of free after school activities including arts, lego, theatre and drama, brain games, dance, and swimming. Fees include tuition, while scholarships are available and uniforms are required from pre-K to Year 10.
Where: Sanur
Grades: Primary Years to Year 12.
Curriculum/Assessment: International Baccalaureate
6. Dyatmika School – best for bilingualism
Dyatmika School, based in East Denpasar close to both Sanur and Ubud, is accredited by the University of Cambridge International Examinations Board, employing exams and certifications that are recognised internationally. Dyatmika is Bali’s top bilingual school (and largest international school) whereby classes from Primary Prep through to Grade 5 are taught by one international teacher in English and one national teacher in Indonesian. Mathematics, science, and social studies are also taught in both languages. School facilities include music studios, sports fields, science and computer labs, libraries, a playground, grassed playing fields, a sports hall, a yoga/dance studio, a canteen and IT facilities in every classroom to support teaching and learning. We also love the huge community garden which features Balinese herbs and vegetables, and often hosts concerts, bazaars and pick-your-own-veg days. The student numbers in each class vary: playgroup is 20 students, kindergarten (TK) is 24 students, primary prep to Year 5 is 26 students, and Years 6-8 are 26 students. For Years 10-12, classes rarely exceed 15 students. Fees include tuition, resources and admissions, and uniforms are a prerequisite for all students from Monday to Thursday.
Where: Denpasar
Grades: Playgroup to Year 12
Curriculum/Assessment: Cambridge Assessment International Education, AS and A Level Studies
7. Sanur Independent School – best for dual curricula
The Sanur Independent School is a community-based learning institute providing a range of educational programs based on Cambridge Assessment International Education and Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) from early years to lower secondary grades, and is open to expat and local students. Fees are age-dependent and include registration, tuition, capital, and resources levy and there is also a short-term study program for overseas students.
Where: Sanur
Grades: Early Years to Lower Secondary
Curriculum/Assessment: Cambridge Assessment International Education and Australian Curriculum
8. Sunrise School – best for outdoor learning
The Sunrise School is a community-centred campus for children aged 18 months to 14 years and follows the International Early Years and Primary Curriculums, as well as the National Curriculum. Sunrise School is located in the lush greenery of Kerobokan and offers students facilities such as undercover and outdoor basketball courts, a grass field, a playground set among lush green gardens, art rooms and plenty of after-school clubs, including arts and crafts, cooking, drama classes, basketball, soccer, badminton, science, guitar, singing classes and EAL classes. There are approximately 160 children in the school with a capacity of 200, and class sizes are between 10 and 20 children. Fees are age-dependent.
Where: Kerobokan
Grades: Playgroup to Year 6
Curriculum/Assessment: International Early Years and Primary Curricula, and National Curriculum.
9. Gandhi Memorial Intercontinental School – best for developing global citizens
The Gandhi Memorial Intercontinental School (GMIS), based in Renon, is an IB world school that offers an international curriculum at an affordable price. Facilities include Wi-Fi, air-conditioned classrooms with Smart whiteboards, science and computer labs, a gymnasium / multi-purpose hall, library resource centre, music studios, arts and crafts room and a canteen serving Indonesian, Chinese, Indian, Italian and continental cuisine. Although the students are taught in English, GMIS also teaches Mandarin, Bahasa Indonesia, Hindi, and French. There is also a range of co-curricular club activities and sports from which to choose. Fees are age/year dependent. Uniforms are required.
Where: Renon
Grades: Pre-K to Year 12
Curriculum/Assessment: Cambridge Assessment International Education and International Baccalaureate
10. Lycée Français de Bali – best for trilingualism and the French Baccalaureate
Tucked away in Kerobokan you will find the trilingual (French, English and Indonesian) Lycée Français de Bali , AKA the French School of Bali. Established in 1991, LFB takes children from preschool through senior high school and is accredited by the French Board of Education, partnering with the Agence pour l’ Enseignement Français à l’ Étranger (AEFE). LFB welcomes students from 2 to 20 years old, French or not, and prepares students for the French Baccalaureate, which combined with TOEFL is a guarantee of homogeneous schooling and possible reintegration into any school system, in France or abroad. A wide range of daily OPEX after-school activities are optional and charged additionally. Facilities include basketball courts, a playground, music room, science lab, library and computer room. Fees include tuition, insurance, administrative costs, school supplies, LFB sportswear (no other uniform required), expenses relating to school outings, and other educational activities. Scholarships may apply to French nationals.
Where: Kerobokan
Grades: Preschool to Senior High School
Curriculum/Assessment: French Baccalaureate and Cambridge Assessment International Education
11. Montessori School Bali – best Montessori curriculum
Montessori School Bali offers particular programs that nurture children’s development from six weeks to 12 years of age whereby students are guided on learning paths aligned with their stage of development and method. These programs are taught by Association Montessori Internationale- trained teachers, integrating specific features into its curricula like health and wellbeing, life skills, creativity academics, global citizenship, positive relations, leadership, and experiential learning. The campus facility accommodates up to 280 children and includes building designs inspired by traditional Balinese pavilions, allowing children to move freely while learning extends into nature. There are large covered verandahs providing ample space outside the classrooms for children to work while sheltered from sun and tropical rains. After-school activities include capoeira, Balinese dancing, choir, soccer, cricket and violin. Fees are age-dependent and begin from baby right through to adolescent programs.
Where: Berawa
Grades: From birth (Infant/Toddler Programme) through to primary years (Primary Programme)
Curriculum/Assessment: Montessori
12. ProEducation School – best for the British Curriculum
Bali’s ProEducation School is a unique international school based in Umalas, offering individualised education, an extensive range of extra-curricular activities and on-site specialist support services for children aged five to nineteen. ProEducation School follows the British Curriculum and students receive international accreditation through EdExcel, Primary School Achievement test, IGCSE and A Levels. Additionally, ProEd can provide the internationally accredited ASDAN curriculum for those with additional learning needs, as well as The Duke of Edinburgh’s Youth Award, allowing for a tailored timetable building on a specific student’s strengths, whilst supporting individual needs. Facilities include a playground, an open onsite pool, an open-aired playing field, plus a canteen. Fees are grade-dependent.
Where: Umalas
Grades: Early Years to Year 13
Curriculum/Assessment: IGCSE, British Curriculum, A Level Studies and ASDAN
13. Sekolah Lentera Kasih & Lollypop Preschool – best Christian school
Sekolah Lentera Kasih (SLK) and Lollypop Preschool are privately owned Christian schools that offer the National Indonesian Curriculum and the Cambridge Curriculum for Secondary, IGCSE and A-Level. Lollypop Preschool offers classes for toddlers, nursery, kindergarten, and preparatory age children, while SLK offers primary, secondary, and junior college-level curriculum. Facilities include a 25 m swimming pool, football playing field, playground and library. Fees are age-dependent.
Where: Kerobokan
Grades: Preschool to Year 12
Curriculum/Assessment: National Indonesian Curriculum and the Cambridge Assessment International Education
Know of any other awesome international schools in Bali? Send us a DM on Instagram!
