Schools in Bali: International, Local, Kindergartens, Costs and How to Choose

Short answer: Bali has strong international schools (Green School, Australian International School, Canggu Community School, Bali Island School and others), local and private options, kindergartens in every major area. Costs range from 30M to 300M IDR per year depending on level and grade. Choice depends on your area of residence, budget and language of instruction.

International Schools in Bali

The island hosts 8-10 accredited international schools offering IB, Cambridge, Australian Curriculum and other programmes. Key ones:

Green School Bali (Ubud, Sibang Kaja) - the most famous, focused on sustainability and green education. Full IB programme, English-medium, strong project-based learning. Cost: Senior grades ~280-300M IDR/year, Primary ~180-200M IDR/year. Waitlist can be 6-12 months.

Bali Island School (BIS) (Sanur) - longest-established international school (since 1985), full IB continuum (PYP, MYP, DP), CIS and NEASC accredited. Small classes (max 20), strong academic results. Cost: ~220-260M IDR/year depending on grade.

Australian International School (AIS) (Kemenuh, near Ubud) - Australian curriculum, English-medium, strong STEM foundation. Accepts from age 3. Cost: ~180-240M IDR/year.

Canggu Community School (CCS) (Canggu, Pererenan) - British curriculum (Cambridge IGCSE, A-Levels), growing school with modern campus. Popular with families in Canggu and Berawa. Cost: ~150-220M IDR/year.

Lycée Français de Bali (Kerobokan) - French school, French Ministry curriculum, bilingual (French/English). Cost: ~120-180M IDR/year.

Dyatmika School (Sanur) - bilingual (Indonesian/English), Cambridge + national curriculum. More accessible among international options. Cost: ~80-130M IDR/year.

Asian Intercultural School Bali (Denpasar) - Cambridge, budget-friendly international option. Cost: ~60-100M IDR/year.

Sunan Giri International School (Jimbaran) - newer school, IB candidacy, modern campus. Cost: ~100-150M IDR/year.

Local and Private Schools

National Plus Schools - private schools with enhanced English and international programmes alongside the national curriculum (Kurikulum Merdeka). Examples: Spark Bali (Canggu), Sekolah Lentera Kasih (Jimbaran), Sekolah Cita Buana (Denpasar). Cost: 30-80M IDR/year. Suitable if your child already speaks Indonesian or you plan long-term stay with local integration.

Regular Private (Swasta) - standard Indonesian curriculum, English as a subject. Cost: 15-40M IDR/year. High language barrier for children without Indonesian base.

Public Schools (Negeri) - free or nominal fee, Indonesian only. Realistic only for children raised in the language environment.

Kindergartens and Early Years

Every popular area (Canggu, Berawa, Umalas, Ubud, Sanur, Seminyak, Uluwatu) has 5-15 kindergartens of various formats:

• International kindergartens (English-speaking, Montessori, Reggio Emilia): Little Stars (Canggu), Montessori School Bali (Ubud), Tutor Time (Seminyak), Bali Kids Club (Sanur). Cost: 80-180M IDR/year (full day).
• Bilingual kindergartens (English + Indonesian): many local brands, cost 40-100M IDR/year.
• Local kindergartens (TK/RA): 10-30M IDR/year, Indonesian only.

Kindergarten choice often determines your area of residence: Bali logistics make cross-island commutes unrealistic during rush hour.

How to Choose: Checklist for Parents

1. Area of residence = school. Kids commute 20-40 minutes max one way. Choose housing around the school, not vice versa.
2. Budget: International 150-300M IDR/year, National Plus 30-80M, local 15-40M. Add uniform, meals, transport, extracurriculars - another 10-20% on top.
3. Language and curriculum: IB gives universal university pathway, Cambridge for UK/CIS, Australian for AU/NZ, French for France/Quebec.
4. Accreditation: CIS, NEASC, WASC, IB World School - quality markers. Verify on school website.
5. Age and grade: Senior years (10-12) harder to transfer, need programme continuity. Primary ages adapt easier.
6. Waitlists: Green School, BIS, CCS have real queues. Apply 6-12 months ahead.
7. Extracurriculars and sport: Pool, football pitch, music, arts - each school has its mix. Canggu/Ubud offer more outdoor activities.
8. Community: School is the main social network for the family. Attend Open Days, talk to current parents.

Cost of Living with Children (Current Season Reference)

School fees are annual - divide by 12 for monthly. Figures are indicative for 2024-2025 season.

Useful Contacts and Next Steps

• Education Bali - school consulting, help with tours and applications.
• Bali Schools Guide (website and PDF catalogue) - consolidated table of all schools with contacts.
• Telegram/WA groups: "Bali Expats Families", "Bali Schools Parents" - live reviews and current availability.

Tip: Visit for a week or two before deciding, tour 3-4 schools, speak with admissions directors. Photos and websites don't convey atmosphere.

Article prepared by the Balila team. Prices and conditions current as of publication date. For individual villa matching near your chosen school - message us on Telegram @balilahub.

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