For families relocating to Bali, one of the most important decisions is choosing the right school for their children. Green School Bali has become a destination of choice for families from around the world, offering a unique combination of academics, real-world learning, and a strong community environment.
Located in the lush jungle area of Abiansemal, Badung, just 20 minutes from Ubud and about 30 minutes from the southern coast, Green School Bali is home to around 500 students representing over 45 nationalities. The campus is renowned for its sustainable bamboo architecture, open-air classrooms, and integration with the natural environment, giving students the opportunity to learn surrounded by nature. Classrooms are designed to encourage collaboration, hands-on projects, and immersion in the local ecosystem, making the school environment dynamic, inspiring, and deeply connected to the world outside the classroom.
During a recent visit, Simone from Our Year in Bali had the chance to speak with Mads Hedegaard, Director of Admissions, to gain an insider’s perspective on what makes Green School so unique. Their conversation offered an in-depth look at the school’s curriculum, community, and approach to education, insights that are especially valuable for families considering Bali as their new home.
To explore the conversation in full, watch the complete interview with Mads Hedegaard on YouTube.
A Curriculum Beyond Traditional Learning
Green School Bali offers a curriculum accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), culminating in an American high school diploma. However, the school’s educational philosophy goes far beyond conventional academics.
Students are encouraged to explore humanities, arts, physical education, and environmental studies, alongside the renowned Jalan-Jalan program, meaning “to go on a journey” in Indonesian. Jalan-Jalan takes learning beyond the classroom. For at least half a day each week, students step away from traditional schedules to engage in experiential, real-world learning. These sessions focus on service, enterprise, and outdoor education, encouraging learners to explore new interests, challenge themselves, and develop leadership, adaptability, and creative thinking.
With over 25 experiential electives available, students can take part in hands-on initiatives such as:
- Coral restoration and marine conservation
- Sustainable agriculture and permaculture projects
- Community service initiatives
- Surfing and outdoor learning activities
- Renewable energy projects
- Design thinking and innovation challenges
“Our goal is to bridge classroom learning with real-world problem solving,” explains Mads Hedegaard. “Students gain hands-on experience that prepares them for life beyond the school walls.”
The school emphasizes transdisciplinary learning, connecting classroom concepts to real-world challenges. For instance, math concepts may be used to design sustainable water systems, while science classes involve biodiversity and conservation projects that directly benefit the local community. Through these experiences, students develop knowledge, adaptability, creativity, and a sense of purpose.
Green School also emphasizes the capstone program, a two-year initiative for upper-level students. Through this program, learners undertake projects that integrate craft, commitment, and community engagement, culminating in tangible outcomes that impact both the school and surrounding communities. Capstone projects can include designing innovative solutions to environmental challenges, building structures that serve the campus, or developing programs that promote sustainability locally.
Community at the Core
One of Green School’s defining features is its diverse and engaged community. With families from five continents, students benefit from a rich cultural and social environment that fosters resilience, adaptability, and collaboration.
Parents play an active role in the school, contributing skills and expertise through co-working spaces, volunteer projects, and feedback circles, further enriching the culture and providing real-world mentorship opportunities. Mixed-age classrooms and collaborative initiatives encourage students to mentor one another and learn from peers with different experiences, helping to build a sense of interconnectedness and responsibility.
“We want our students to learn how to advocate for themselves and others, while understanding their role in the wider community,” says Mads Hedegaard.
In addition to human connections, students are deeply engaged with the natural environment and local communities. This holistic approach teaches learners to develop leadership skills, empathy, and sustainability awareness, ensuring they can contribute meaningfully to the world around them.
Preparing Students for the Future
Green School is designed to nurture curiosity, self-direction, and adaptability. Graduates leave equipped not only with academic knowledge but also with the skills to navigate complex real-world problems, lead projects, and pursue their passions confidently.
Some students choose to continue their education at universities around the world, while others pursue entrepreneurial ventures, environmental projects, or community initiatives. This flexibility is possible because of the school’s emphasis on multiple pathways, real-world learning, and individualized development.
Assessment at Green School focuses on individual growth rather than standardized benchmarks, helping students understand their progress in context and celebrate their achievements at their own pace. Mads explains: “We don’t compare students to a national standard. Every child is on their own journey, and we help them recognize growth, strengths, and areas for improvement in a meaningful way.”
Life on Campus: Learning Surrounded by Nature
The campus itself is an essential part of the educational experience. With its bamboo structures, open-air classrooms, and integration into the surrounding jungle, students are constantly immersed in a learning environment that fosters exploration, creativity, and connection to the natural world.
Daily routines emphasize hands-on learning, environmental stewardship, and practical problem-solving, blending traditional academic subjects with real-world applications. Students may participate in:
- Gardening and water management projects
- Renewable energy initiatives
- Community outreach programs
This immersive approach helps students develop practical skills, environmental awareness, and a holistic understanding of how their actions affect the world, reinforcing the school’s philosophy that education extends far beyond textbooks.
Supporting International Families
Many families relocate to Bali specifically for Green School, and the admissions team supports them throughout the transition. This includes guidance with student visas (KITAS), settling into the local community, and understanding the educational system, ensuring a smooth adjustment for both students and parents.
Green School encourages a minimum enrollment of one year, allowing families to fully immerse themselves in the school’s environment, fostering deep connections and meaningful experiences. Short-term programs, such as Green Camp, allow families to explore the school for 3–5 days before committing to long-term enrollment, providing a taste of the curriculum and community.
Admissions and Visiting Green School
For families considering enrollment, exploring the school firsthand is the best way to understand its unique approach. Green School encourages families to take the next step through personalized guidance and campus experiences:
- Schedule an Admission Call – Connect with the admissions team to discuss your child’s needs and learn more about the school.
- Admission Information – Get detailed guidance on enrollment requirements, programs, and curricula.
- Book a Campus Visit– Experience the classrooms, meet teachers, and see students learning in action.
“Green School is about choice, creativity, and growth,” says Mads Hedegaard. “Every family and student who joins the community steps into a world of possibilities, discovery, and meaningful learning.”
For families relocating to Bali, Green School represents a unique opportunity to provide children with an education that prepares them for both the challenges and opportunities of a global, interconnected world. Whether seeking academic rigor, environmental consciousness, social-emotional growth, or a vibrant, diverse community, Green School Bali delivers a holistic and transformative experience that goes beyond conventional schooling.
