Discover Green School Bali Upper Years: Preparing Students for a Dynamic World

For families relocating to Bali, choosing the right school for their teenagers can feel like one of the most important and challenging decisions. Green School Bali has become a destination of choice for families from around the world, offering a unique educational experience that goes far beyond traditional schooling. Here, students develop academic excellence, real-world skills, social-emotional intelligence, and a deep sense of environmental stewardship.

During a recent visit, Simone from Our Year in Bali had the opportunity to speak with Benjamin Freud, Head of Upper School, who oversees the Middle and High School learning programs, provides leadership for all staff, and leads the development of the school’s Biomimicry for Regenerative Design Lab. Their conversation highlighted Green School’s philosophy, curriculum, and holistic approach that prepares students to thrive in an unpredictable world.

For families who would like to hear directly from Green School’s leadership, we have also included the full video interview with Benjamin Freud, Head of Upper School. In this conversation with Simone from Our Year in Bali, Benjamin shares insights into Green School’s unique approach to adolescent education, the Greenstone Capstone Program, experiential learning, and how the school prepares students to thrive in an ever-changing world. Watch the full interview below to learn more about life at Green School Bali’s Upper Years.

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A Unique Approach to Upper School Education

Green School’s upper years cover grades 6 through 12, focusing on preparing students for life beyond school. Unlike many traditional educational settings, Green School emphasizes flexible, dynamic, and meaningful learning. Students are encouraged to shape their own learning experiences, develop critical thinking, and engage in hands-on projects that link classroom knowledge with real-world challenges.

Benjamin explained that Green School isn’t just “different”, it’s a deliberate choice to respond to the complexities of the modern world. “The danger isn’t Green School, it’s staying in traditional schools,” he said. By fostering relationships and reciprocity with the living world, students gain the ability to think adaptively, creatively, and ethically.

This philosophy ensures that every adolescent develops a strong sense of self-direction, advocacy, and adaptability, skills essential for navigating an unpredictable global future. Students are not just preparing for exams; they are preparing to shape their own paths and respond meaningfully to the challenges and opportunities they will face.

Capstone Program: Greenstone

A cornerstone of the upper school experience is the Capstone Program, known as Greenstone. This two-year initiative represents the culmination of students’ learning and encourages them to integrate craft, commitment, and community into meaningful projects.

Craft emphasizes passion and personal expertise, moving beyond mere academic exercises. Commitment ensures that students dedicate themselves to work that is meaningful and relevant. Community highlights contributions that impact others, both human and non-human. The resulting projects are as diverse as the students themselves, ranging from environmental restoration initiatives to entrepreneurial ventures that combine creativity with purpose.

Benjamin shared an example: a student noticed that the zip ties used in coral restoration were plastic and created biodegradable alternatives, blending innovation, environmental care, and problem-solving. Capstone projects like these teach students to take initiative, assess real-world problems, and implement solutions that have tangible impacts.

“Every student and family who joins Green School Upper Years steps into a world of possibilities, discovery, and meaningful learning,” Benjamin noted. Through Greenstone, adolescents gain both confidence and a sense of agency, learning that their actions can make a difference.

Curriculum Highlights and Experiential Learning

Green School Bali blends rigorous academics with experiential learning and social-emotional growth. Core subjects include humanities, science, mathematics, arts, and physical education. Beyond traditional disciplines, the school emphasizes transdisciplinary learning, allowing students to apply concepts from one subject to another and tackle real-world challenges in a holistic way.

Programs such as Jalan Jalan provide hands-on experience in areas like:

Coral restoration and sustainability projects
Community initiatives and social entrepreneurship
Environmental design and regenerative projects

Students learn to combine knowledge with action, cultivating creativity, adaptability, and purpose. This approach ensures that learning is not confined to textbooks but embedded in tangible experiences that foster a sense of responsibility and interconnectedness with the world around them.

Benjamin explained, “We see students as shapers, not just leaders. Leadership isn’t the same for everyone, but everyone can shape. Students participate in designing their learning, which makes it deeper, more meaningful, and resonant.”

By encouraging students to take ownership of their learning and contribute to meaningful projects, Green School ensures that adolescents leave with not only knowledge but also the confidence to act and innovate.

A Community That Nurtures Growth

Green School Bali is home to students from over 45 nationalities, creating a vibrant and diverse community. Parents are actively involved, contributing their expertise through projects, mentoring, and feedback sessions. Mixed-age classrooms foster mentorship, allowing older students to support younger peers, while collaborative projects build interpersonal skills, empathy, and a sense of shared responsibility.

The school also emphasizes engagement with the natural environment. Gardens, animals, and local ecosystems are integrated into daily learning, allowing students to develop environmental literacy alongside social-emotional skills. This holistic approach nurtures confidence, awareness, and leadership, equipping students with both practical and ethical skills that extend beyond the classroom.

Daily life reflects this philosophy. Students may begin the day with hands-on projects, move into collaborative learning sessions, and participate in community initiatives that link their academic knowledge to real-world impact. By creating a supportive yet challenging environment, Green School fosters resilience, curiosity, and initiative.

Preparing Students for the Future

Green School’s upper years cultivate students who are curious, motivated, and adaptable. Graduates pursue diverse paths: some enter top universities worldwide, others launch entrepreneurial ventures, and some engage in environmental or community-focused projects.

Assessment at Green School focuses on individual growth, helping students understand their progress and celebrate achievements in meaningful ways. Benjamin highlighted that adaptability and creativity are key outcomes: students leave equipped to navigate complex global challenges and make meaningful contributions to society.

“The most important skills we teach are not about following a path but creating one,” Benjamin said. Students graduate with a strong sense of agency, creativity, and global citizenship, ready to take on challenges with purpose and confidence.

Life at Green School Upper Years

Daily routines at Green School Upper Years emphasize hands-on learning, environmental stewardship, and social-emotional development. Students engage with the natural environment, participate in community projects, and undertake creative initiatives that develop leadership, problem-solving, and sustainability skills.

The school’s philosophy reinforces that education extends far beyond textbooks. By combining real-world application with a reflective, adaptive mindset, students graduate with a holistic understanding of how their actions affect the world. This immersive experience ensures adolescents leave not only academically prepared but also socially conscious and environmentally responsible.

Admissions and Visiting Green School

Families considering Green School Upper Years are encouraged to explore the school firsthand. Personalized guidance and campus experiences provide clarity about the curriculum, community, and learning philosophy. Prospective families can:

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 Upper Years is about unlocking potential, fostering creativity, and nurturing confidence. Students leave prepared to tackle challenges, create opportunities, and contribute positively to a global, interconnected world.

For families relocating to Bali, Green School offers a transformative education that blends academic excellence, real-world experiences, social-emotional growth, and environmental awareness—preparing adolescents for the future with purpose, adaptability, and confidence.