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!

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, the spotlight is on Marigold Community Centre in Tumbakbayuh, Pererenan.

Marigold Community Learning fosters a love for learning through exploration, self-discovery, and interdisciplinary projects. We provide children with the opportunity to create, think critically, make decisions, and work through disagreements, in a supportive, relationship-driven environment.  We are an alternative school that values academics as well as social emotional well being.

Our whole child approach to education focuses on the growth and well being of a child’s academic, physical, and social-emotional development. Marigold’s learning methodology and curriculum are based on understanding the different phases of child development and mental readiness to take on new concepts and ideas. We celebrate the unique capabilities of each child and weave creativity into every lesson. We regard artistic activity and development of the imagination as integral to learning.

Core to our program is social emotional development with an emphasis on personal connection as a foundational building block of education. From younger years through primary, children are empowered with age appropriate methods to help them self regulate, navigate conflict, and work as a community to solve problems. We believe that nourishing a child’s sense of self enables them to lead lives of purpose and direction and to cultivate meaningful relationships.

Located in Pererenan, our campus currently supports children aged 3 to 12 years of age. With small classes ranging in size from 12-16 students, our boutique learning environment provides children with the opportunity to learn through project based learning and hands-on experiences.

Click HERE to get in touch with our enrollment team.

Special needs education in Bali is diverse, with schools offering individualized support to meet various learning needs. Schools like ProEd GLobal, Canggu Community School, and AIS Bali provide specialised staff, individualised education plans (IEPs), and inclusive environments. These schools cater to students with additional learning requirements, ensuring personalized goals and therapies, including speech and occupational therapy.

Speech and language centres, such as Bali Speech and Language Centre and Bali Child Development Centre, offer specialised services. For further support, private tutors and specialists are available, helping children achieve educational and personal growth.

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.

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.

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.