When it comes to schools in Bali, location is just as important as curriculum or class size. Families relocating to (or perhaps already living in) Canggu may quickly realise that researching schools in Canggu can make or break their daily routine. This lively beachside community is one of the island’s most popular hubs for expat families, but it also comes with unique considerations that affect schooling and family life.
Living in Canggu as a Family
Canggu has earned a reputation as Bali’s modern coastal playground. It’s home to trendy cafés and restaurants, yoga studios, coworking spaces, and a thriving international community — but also to traffic jams and rapid development. For families, this mix can feel exciting yet overwhelming.
Pros of family life in Canggu:
- Access to international-standard healthcare, shops, gyms, beaches, and kid-friendly cafés.
- A wide variety of after-school activities, from surfing to football to dance.
- Strong expat networks that make it easy to connect with other parents.
Challenges to expect:
- Traffic congestion during peak school and work hours — short distances can take much longer.
- Higher cost of living compared to other Bali areas.
- Rapid growth means neighbourhoods can change quickly, with new construction nearby.
Education in Canggu: What to Consider
Canggu is one of Bali’s busiest education hubs, with a dense concentration of international and alternative schools for all ages. Families should keep in mind:
- Commuting time: Even within Canggu, traffic can double your school run. Many parents choose a school first, then decide where to live.
- Curriculum choice: Options include British Cambridge, International Baccalaureate (IB), Montessori, and nature-inspired approaches.
- Community: With so many expat families in Canggu, schools often feel multicultural but also highly transient.
- Enrolment demand: Popular schools often have waitlists, especially in primary years.
- Fees, policies, and visas: Some schools may require minimum commitments; varying visas (such as Student Kits) always check policies carefully with non-refundable fees.
A Glimpse at Schools in Canggu
As an idea of what the landscape looks like, here are some of the schools in Canggu that families frequently come across when exploring their choices. For a complete overview, our Bali Schools & Education Guide 2025/26 provides the full directory with detailed insights.
- Canggu Community School – Offers the IB programme, catering from early years to high school.
- ProEd Global School Nuanu and Umalas– Known for a strong expat community and academic options using the Cambridge Curriculum.
- Montessori School Bali – A hands-on, child-led learning approach.
- The Garden Early Learning Centre – A popular preschool and early learning environment, fostering a culture of curiosity in which children play, learn & grow.
- Marigold Community Learning – Inspiring Empowered, Curious, and Compassionate Learners for a Changing World
- Bhumi Bali School – a unique educational experience by combining the Cambridge Curriculum with a holistic approach, catering to both expat and local communities in Bali.
More recently, many families have also been moving slightly further afield into areas like Seseh, Cemagi, Kendungu, and even Tabanan, where new schools are emerging to meet demand:
- GROW in Kedungu – A community-focused learning space in Kedungu that blends academics with creativity, sustainability, and connection to nature.
- Bloom Boutique Preschool – A Reggio Emilia-inspired early learning centre offering a nurturing, play-based environment in Cemagi.
- Kupu Kupu Early Learning Bali – A play-based preschool in Beraban with a spacious garden, child-led learning, and easy access for families in Kedungu, Pererenan, and Tumbak Bayuh.
Why Planning Ahead Matters
In Canggu, daily rhythms are shaped by traffic, tight-knit communities, and a fast-growing family scene, which means choosing the right school weighs more than a solely academic decision. The school you select often becomes your first source of support and connection, shaping friendships and anchoring your family’s lifestyle.
It’s also one of the biggest line items in your cost of living, so getting clarity on fees, payment terms, and commitments upfront is essential. Visa considerations, such as Student or Family KITAS linked to enrolment, should also be part of your planning.
Thorough research ensures that your child thrives in and out of the classroom, while your family can settle confidently into life in Canggu without unexpected challenges.
For a complete overview of schools in Canggu and across Bali, including fees, curricula, facilities, and insider insights you won’t find online, get your copy of the Bali Schools & Education Guide 2025/26.
For more tailored support, book a one-hour School Deep Dive session with Simone from Our Year in Bali, to save hours of research and connect directly with schools.
