For families moving to Bali, choosing the right school for young children can feel overwhelming, but Green School Bali’s Lower School makes that decision easier. Designed for children ages 3–11, this unique program combines nature-based learning with hands-on, real-world experiences that spark curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning. From exploring the jungle and engaging in sustainability projects to collaborating with peers from around the world, students don’t just learn, they apply their knowledge, develop confidence, and grow into thoughtful, capable young leaders.
During a recent visit, Simone from Our Year in Bali, your relocation experts, had the opportunity to speak with Pana, Head of Lower School, for an insider’s perspective on what makes the program so special. Their conversation revealed how Green School blends academic foundations with experiential learning, fosters a vibrant, multicultural community, and equips children with the skills to thrive both in school and beyond.
Watch the full interview on YouTube to hear directly from Pana about Green School Bali’s approach to early education, community, and preparing children for the future.
A Foundation in Experiential and Applied Learning
Green School’s Lower School serves children from Pre-K (ages 3–4) through fifth grade (ages 10–11). Pana emphasizes that the program is designed so that children connect what they learn to the world around them:
“We want children to bring their learning into reality and make it meaningful.”
Unlike traditional classrooms that focus primarily on worksheets and lectures, Green School incorporates transdisciplinary and regenerative design thinking, a method that connects academics, environment, and community. For instance, students might explore biodiversity in the jungle, then use math and science skills to design a small garden or water filtration system that actually benefits the campus. This approach ensures that learning is not abstract but applied, purposeful, and tangible.
The school also prioritizes student choice and autonomy. Daily schedules include structured lessons alongside flexible, student-led activities. Morning circles allow children to discuss their goals and ideas, while collaborative projects encourage teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership skills. By encouraging children to take ownership of their learning, Green School fosters self-motivation, creativity, and resilience from a young age.
Immersed in Nature, Inspired by the World
One of the defining features of Green School Lower School is its integration with the natural environment. Classrooms are open-air, surrounded by lush greenery, and designed with sustainable bamboo architecture. Students spend a significant part of their day outdoors, whether observing ecosystems, planting in gardens, or conducting experiments that connect directly to the natural world.
This immersion does more than make learning engaging—it teaches children responsibility, environmental stewardship, and systems thinking. By understanding the impact of their actions on the campus and local ecosystem, students develop an early sense of empathy, ethics, and global citizenship. Pana explains:
“Regenerative design is at the heart of what we do. It’s about understanding your place in the community and the environment, and making choices that have a positive impact.”
Activities may include building small-scale renewable energy models, tracking plant growth, or collaborating on sustainability initiatives, providing hands-on experience in problem-solving and innovation.
Projects and Experiential Learning Opportunities
As students progress, experiential learning, locally called “jalan jalans”, offers structured opportunities to apply knowledge in creative ways. Younger students engage in on-campus experiences that emphasize safety and skill-building, while older Lower School students explore broader projects that connect them to real-world challenges and cultural experiences. Examples include:
- Learning Balinese dance or traditional arts from local practitioners
- Conducting biomimicry experiments inspired by nature
- Participating in campus-wide sustainability or community service projects
- Engaging in small entrepreneurial or creative design challenges
These activities give children practical experience in leadership, collaboration, and communication, helping them understand that learning is not confined to books or classrooms. Sharing their projects with peers, teachers, and the community also strengthens confidence and public speaking skills.
Building a Strong, Multicultural Community
Green School Lower School is more than academics; it’s a thriving community. Children, parents, and teachers come from across the globe, representing a rich mix of cultures, beliefs, and perspectives. This diversity encourages children to develop empathy, adaptability, and social skills that prepare them for a globally interconnected world.
“You’re immediately exposed to people from different backgrounds, countries, beliefs, and value systems. Children learn perspective-taking, listening, and meaningful collaboration—a true reflection of the world they’ll face as adults,” says Pana.
Parents are actively involved in the school, whether volunteering, offering professional expertise, or supporting campus projects. This engagement provides mentorship opportunities for children while enriching the school’s community culture. Collaborative activities often bring together mixed-age groups, encouraging mentorship between older and younger students and teaching them the value of cooperation and shared responsibility.
Individual Growth and Academic Confidence
Many families ask how students transitioning from Green School adapt if they move to a different educational system. Pana reassures parents that academically, students remain on track with peers, but the real difference lies in how learning is assessed:
“We focus on growth rather than comparison to national benchmarks. Every child has their own journey, and we celebrate progress, strengths, and achievements in a meaningful way.”
Assessment is authentic and performance-based, using rubrics, project outcomes, and hands-on demonstrations rather than just tests. Children learn to reflect on their own growth, celebrate successes, and understand areas for improvement, which fosters self-awareness, resilience, and lifelong learning habits.
Preparing Confident, Thoughtful Leaders
Green School Lower School prepares students not just academically, but socially and emotionally. By the time they transition to Upper School, children are confident in expressing themselves, advocating for meaningful issues, and contributing to their communities.
“These are future change-makers, confident in themselves and in their ability to contribute meaningfully to the world,” Pana shares.
Even small initiatives—like advocating for a community garden or presenting a sustainability project—teach students that their ideas have value, helping to cultivate leadership and initiative from an early age.
Supporting Families in the Transition
Relocating families often choose Bali specifically for Green School, and the admissions team provides extensive support. This includes guidance on student visas (KITAS), settling into local communities, and understanding the school’s unique curriculum. Green School encourages a minimum enrollment of one year, giving children and families the chance to fully immerse themselves in the learning environment and community culture.
For those exploring the school before committing, short-term programs like Green Camp offer 3–5 day experiences that give a taste of the curriculum, hands-on activities, and community engagement. This allows families to experience first-hand how Lower School nurtures growth, curiosity, and creativity.
Experiencing Lower School Firsthand
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.
For families relocating to Bali, Green School offers a truly transformative educational experience—one that prepares children to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally in a globally connected world. With its emphasis on hands-on learning, environmental stewardship, and community engagement, Green School Lower School provides a foundation for lifelong curiosity, leadership, and meaningful impact.
