Bali Schools and Education

In the well-known expat communities, you’ll discover international early learning centres, preschools, and daycare drop-ins catering to children aged six months to six years old. These facilities offer various options, including part-time enrollment, camps, and after-school activities.

In the well-known expat communities, you’ll come across international early learning centres and primary schools designed for children aged six to 12 years old. Additionally, there are smaller schools and study groups tailored to these age groups.

In the well-known expat communities, you’ll discover international high schools tailored for children aged 12 to 18 years old. Additionally, there are smaller high schools and study groups specifically available for these age ranges.

These schools will prepare your child for higher learning by sitting exams for the IGCSE certification, AS and A Level Studies, and also options to graduate with IB Diplomas.

Bali offers such exciting opportunities when it comes to learning in nature and to create passionate and curious, life-long learners.

Imagine having rice fields as part of your campus and backdrop! Bali offers one of the most amazing environments for your child to thrive.

These schools usually cater for all ages and are growing in popularity.

You are spoilt for choice when it comes to finding a nature school as they are purpose built to be in harmony with nature. You may have heard of the Green School – welcome to learning in the jungle!

Living on an island, there may be some limitations on the number of children participating in certain activities, but neverthless, Bali offers an incredible range of after-school and weekend extracurricular options.

Most schools will provide their community with after school activities such as language lessons, photography, cooking, art and Zumba as well as organised inter-school sport competitions.

Dedicated Facebook, Instagram and parent WhatsApp groups serve as platforms for inspiration, as people share lessons, events, workshops, and activities for children.

Various activities, include, surfing, swimming lessons, art classes, film school, music, martial arts, yoga, horse riding, dance, gymnastics, soccer and tennis.

Bali schools offer a diverse range of curricula, incorporating combinations like the National Indonesian curriculum along with others such as the British Cambridge System, International Baccalaureate (IB), Australian, Montessori, The Green School Way, Steiner/Waldorf, Finnish, Reggio-Emilia and Nature-Based systems.

Some schools offer a blend of the National Indonesian curriculum along with another international curriculum like the British.

This month we feature the Caterpillar School which is an outstanding early learning centre for children aged 15 months to 8 years old. 

Caterpillar School Bali, situated in Umalas, prioritises innovative education by placing students at the center of their learning journey, emphasising child-led exploration and nature-based activities to inspire compassionate and confident global citizens.

The school stands out with its hybrid curriculum, combining the Finnish Early Childhood Education Curriculum with the National Curriculum in England, creating a holistic educational experience that focuses on academic excellence and overall well-being. Located strategically in the Umalas, the school embodies a philosophy that recognizes each child’s uniqueness and nurtures their natural curiosity.

Certain international schools prefer that their students hold a Student KITAS , signifying their status as full-time students studying in Indonesia. These visas are initially valid for one year and can be renewed annually throughout the study period.

A Student KITAS can be arranged with the school’s legal department or visa agent. It’s important to note that, as parents, you are still responsible for arranging your own individual visas separately.

Alternatively, there can be a better solution where the whole family can be together  on a Student KITAS with family option. When the child is attending school, the parents can also enjoy a Multiple Entry Family/Dependent KITAS.  A letter of acceptance from the educational institution in Bali that explains the length of time the foreigner will be enrolled is required. There are 1 and 2 year options. 

Family/Dependent KITAS can also be arranged through sponsorship of opening your own business in Bali.

To get clear on visa requirements for school in Bali and to obtain a Student/Parent KITAS or open your own business, please reach out to us and we will give you the right information and can process this request.

The annual tuition fees for international schools in Bali typically range from $3,000 to $20,000 USD, varying based on the child’s age and year level.

Additionally, consider other expenses such as non-refundable deposits, registration and application fees, technology levies, uniforms, camps, Student KITAS and miscellaneous costs.

With the exception of the Australian Independent School, all other schools follow the academic calendar, commencing in August over four terms and concluding in June the following year.

When relocating to Bali for a specific duration, you may need flexibility in your children’s education, considering options like unschooling, world schooling, homeschooling, and online distance education.

Affordable home-based schools in Bali offer flexibility for travelling families interested in diverse subjects, languages, and skills.

Support groups are accessible for parents, providing opportunities to connect with families having children of similar ages.

Families worldwide are proactively establishing online schooling solutions before moving to Bali, ensuring a seamless continuation of their child’s studies from home.

Expect smaller class sizes, higher teacher to student ratio and a transient community with 40-50% student turnover annually.

Understand that each classroom is made up of a diverse global environment of students and their families. Many of which have English as their second language.

Explore the essential aspects to weigh when selecting an ideal school, including considerations about school environment, community dynamics, specialized education for diverse needs, tutoring options, commuting, and more.

Discover the most comprehensive insights on finding the best schools in Bali for 2024.