When exploring schools in Bali, the area you choose directly impacts your child’s education and your family’s daily life. Researching schools in Sanur is especially important, as this coastal town has its own pace, personality, and schooling landscape. Families relocating or already living here find that understanding Sanur’s strengths and challenges helps them make confident, informed choices for their children’s education.
Living in Sanur as a Family
Sanur is often described as Bali’s most family-friendly hub. Quieter than Canggu or Seminyak, it offers a relaxed seaside lifestyle while still providing many modern conveniences.
Pros of family life in Sanur:
- Calm beaches with safe swimming and a long beachfront path, perfect for biking, walking and family outings.
- A slower, more traditional Balinese feel compared to busier areas.
- A selection of international schools and preschools within close reach.
- Family-friendly play centres, indoor activities and ICON shopping mall.
- Easy access to Denpasar and the airport for travel.
- Great base to visit nearby islands Nusa Lembogan and Nusa Penida (via 35 mins fast boat).
Challenges to expect:
- Fewer nightlife, restaurant or entertainment options for parents compared to Canggu or Uluwatu.
- Traffic can still build up during school runs, especially near the main junctions.
- School options, while good, are not as numerous as in Canggu or Ubud.
Education in Sanur: What to Consider
Families researching Sanur schools should think beyond curriculum and fees, keeping these factors in mind:
- Convenience: Many families appreciate shorter commutes here compared to west Bali. Still, location relative to your home matters.
- Curriculum diversity: Sanur schools range from Montessori-inspired programs to international curricula.
- Community feel: Sanur’s family vibe often extends into schools, creating close-knit parent networks.
- 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 Sanur
To give you an idea of what’s available, here are a few schools families often come across when considering Sanur. For the full breakdown, our Bali Schools & Education Guide 2025/26 provides the most up-to-date directory, school map and insider insights.
- The Garden Early Learning Centre Sanur – An indoor-outdoor, play-based, early learning centre inspired by Reggio Emilia and Montessori philosophies.
- Stella Mundi – Offers values-led education with a focus on creativity, character, and holistic child development.
- Boundless Life Education Centre – A flexible and creative schooling option based on Finnish Curriculum with short term programs.
- Cheeky Monkeys Early Learning Centre – Focused on young learners.
- Bali Island School – Offers a well-rounded early years program with a focus on holistic development and international learning standards.
Why Research Matters
Researching schools in Sanur goes far beyond comparing curricula or commute times. For most families, the school quickly becomes the anchor of daily life; shaping routines, friendships, and the wider sense of community. Choosing the right one first can make settling into Sanur smoother and more rewarding.
It’s also one of the biggest investments in your Bali budget, so understanding fees, payment schedules, and all the commitments involved is essential. On top of this, many families will need to factor in visas such as the Student or Family KITAS, which are often linked to enrolment.
Taking the time to research properly ensures that your child’s education (and your family’s life in Sanur) rests on a solid foundation, helping you avoid surprises and feel confident about your decision.
For a complete overview of schools in Sanur and across Bali, with details on fees, curricula, facilities, maps and parent insights you won’t find online, get your copy of the Bali Schools & Education Guide 2025/26.
For personalised guidance, book a one-hour School Deep Dive session with Simone from Our Year in Bali, and gain direct connections with schools plus support tailored to your family’s needs.
