Nestled among Uluwatu’s dramatic cliffs and ocean views, a new kind of school is redefining what learning in Bali can look like. Uluwatu School, opened in 2024, is more than just a classroom — it’s a living, breathing community where children learn surrounded by nature, creativity, and a deep sense of connection.
Recently, Simone from Our Year in Bali met with Harriet, one of the founding educators, to explore the story behind this inspiring place and the people bringing it to life.
A Bali Journey That Never Ended
Harriet first arrived in Bali 12 years ago, planning to stay just three months. But as many island stories go, Bali had other plans.
“I came to do anthropological research on the spiritual and cultural meaning of water,” Harriet shared. “That experience connected me with incredible people and opened doors I never expected.”
Her path soon led to nearly a decade at another international school, followed by a move to Java, where she and her husband started their own ocean conservation foundation. But, as Harriet said with a smile, “Bali always calls you back.”
That call brought her to a chance meeting with Cherry and Jeremy, along with Tim and Siwa — a group of like-minded parents and educators who shared a vision: to create a school that felt authentic, inclusive, and deeply rooted in its environment.
From Family Home to Thriving School
The school’s beginnings were humble and heartfelt. The property once served as Cherry’s family home and art studio, perched high above the sea. When her daughter began facing long commutes to school, Cherry had an idea: “We have this land, this space, why not use it for learning?”
From that simple thought, Uluwatu School was born.
Today, the estate has transformed into a dynamic learning space filled with laughter, color, and curiosity. The school currently welcomes students from Grades 1 to 7, with plans to expand each year. Classrooms are being added, along with a cozy parent lounge and a school kitchen, or warung, designed for shared meals and community gatherings.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
At Uluwatu School, education doesn’t stop at the classroom door. The cliffs, beaches, and forests of the Bukit Peninsula are extensions of the learning environment.
“Our students are out exploring Uluwatu every week,” Harriet explained. “They surf, skateboard, study marine ecosystems, and get to know the place they live in.”
This hands-on approach helps children build confidence and curiosity — two values deeply woven into the school’s philosophy.
A Curriculum with Heart
Rather than adopting a single international system, Uluwatu School developed its own unique curriculum, combining the best of global education models.
The core areas include:
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Language Arts in English and Bahasa Indonesia, focusing on communication and storytelling.
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Number Inquiry, which turns math into real-world problem-solving.
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Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), built on a program from Emory University that helps students strengthen empathy, mindfulness, and emotional awareness.
Uluwatu School is one of the first international schools in Indonesia to integrate this SEL program, and even connects it with breathwork and water confidence sessions in the pool.
“It’s about emotional as well as physical resilience,” said Harriet. “We want children to understand themselves and the world around them.”
A Community That Grows Together
At its heart, Uluwatu School is a community project, guided by four key aspirations: Curiosity, Connection, Collaboration, and Contribution.
The school’s first theme, “Who Are We?”, encourages students to explore identity, belonging, and their role in the world. A new Parent Association is also helping families connect through social gatherings, language classes, and community projects.
Sustainability is another cornerstone. The school has partnered with EcoBali for waste management and local maggot farms for composting. They’re also developing partnerships with freediving experts and even the United Nations’ Ocean Literacy program to bring real environmental learning into the classroom.
“We want our learners to feel responsible — not just for themselves, but for the island and the planet,” Harriet shared.
Creativity, Culture, and the Ocean
From surfing and Capoeira to Lego robotics, art, music, and writing workshops, extracurriculars at Uluwatu School are as diverse as the community itself.
“Our goal is balance, between mind, body, and heart,” Harriet said. “Watching students grow confident, whether through painting, coding, or catching a wave, is what makes this place so special.”
The school also celebrates its location through ocean education, teaching students about coral reefs, beach ecosystems, and local conservation efforts. Each class spends time exploring the coastline, learning from the natural world around them.
The Spirit of Uluwatu
Ask Harriet what makes Uluwatu special, and her face lights up.
“Uluwatu is raw, beautiful, and full of adventure,” she said. “There’s this perfect mix of cliffs, beaches, and culture — you might climb 300 steps to find a hidden beach, or meet a monkey on your way to school!”
Despite its growing popularity, Uluwatu retains a sense of calm and community. Families who relocate here find not just a school, but a way of life — one that’s slower, kinder, and more connected.
Looking Ahead
As the school continues to grow, the vision remains clear: to create a space where Indonesian and international learners grow together, grounded in respect for nature and culture.
With scholarship programs and community events already in motion, including a soon-to-be-launched community movie night under the stars, Uluwatu School is fast becoming more than an educational space. It’s a home for ideas, connection, and growth.
As Simone founder of Our Year in Bali put it best after her visit: “It’s not just a school, it’s a community built on heart, purpose, and the magic of Bali.”
Thinking About Moving to Bali and living in the Bukit Peninsula?
If you’re planning your family’s move and looking for a school that blends academic excellence, emotional growth, and sustainability, Uluwatu School might be exactly what you’re looking for.
Learn more about their programs and upcoming admissions at Uluwatu School’s website.
