You know that feeling when you’re excited to start something new, full of hope and optimism? That was us when we first enrolled our son at Sanur Independent School. Like any parent, we wanted the best for our child—a place where he could learn, grow, and be genuinely happy. The school’s tagline, “the happiest school in Bali,” had a nice ring to it, and we bought into it. But after a year at the school, our initial excitement turned into a mix of frustration and disappointment. Here’s why.
One of the first red flags we noticed was the revolving door of teachers and staff at Sanur Independent School. It seemed like every time we turned around, there was a new face in the classroom. At first, we brushed it off. “Maybe it’s just a coincidence,” we thought. But as the months went by, it became clear that this wasn’t just a one-off situation. It started to feel like the school was more of a stepping stone for teachers rather than a place they wanted to stay long-term.
Now, I’m not saying every school needs to have the same staff for decades, but a bit of consistency goes a long way, especially for young kids. High turnover not only disrupts the learning environment but also suggests deeper issues behind the scenes—issues that we, as parents, aren’t always privy to. It’s unsettling, to say the least, to know that your child’s education is in the hands of people who might not be there next semester.
When we first joined Sanur Independent School, we were impressed by how approachable the management seemed. They were all smiles, eager to listen, and quick to address any concerns. But as time went on, that responsiveness started to fade. It felt like they were slowly pulling away from the very people they were supposed to serve—us, the parents.
The breaking point came during the coronavirus pandemic. While other schools in Bali were taking swift and clear actions to protect students, Sanur Independent School seemed to be in its own world. They announced that the school would reopen in April, despite government advice to stay closed. It wasn’t until parents, including ourselves, voiced our concerns that they decided to keep the school closed. But even then, the decision felt reactive rather than proactive, leaving us questioning their priorities.
And don’t even get me started on the online learning they promised. We were assured that our son’s education wouldn’t miss a beat, that the transition to online learning would be seamless. But when we tried to sign up, we were met with radio silence. Emails went unanswered, calls were ignored. It was like we suddenly didn’t exist. The frustration of being left in the dark was overwhelming, and it made us feel like our concerns didn’t matter.
One thing that really gets under my skin is the school’s claim of being the “happiest school in Bali.” Don’t get me wrong, our son was generally happy there—kids are resilient and can find joy anywhere. But when you actually take a good look at the facilities and play areas at Sanur Independent School, you start to wonder if that happiness is more about what the kids make of it rather than what the school provides.
The play areas are minimal at best. Sure, there’s some outdoor space, but it’s nothing to write home about. It’s not what you’d expect from a school that prides itself on nurturing happy, well-rounded kids. When you compare it to other international schools in Bali, the difference is stark. It feels like Sanur Independent School is cutting corners in areas that should be a priority, and that’s disappointing.
If there’s one thing that really grates on me, it’s when reality doesn’t match up with the promises made. Sanur Independent School is a master at this. They talk a big game—happy students, supportive community, top-notch education—but when push comes to shove, they fall short.
Take the online learning promise, for example. We were told our son would have access to engaging, interactive online lessons during the school closure. But what did we get? Absolutely nothing. No communication, no follow-up, just silence. It’s hard not to feel betrayed when a school makes commitments and then completely drops the ball.
What’s perhaps most frustrating is the lack of accountability from the school’s leadership. When issues arise, there’s a lot of finger-pointing, a lot of passing the buck. But where’s the accountability? When parents raise legitimate concerns—whether it’s about staff turnover, poor communication, or inadequate facilities—we deserve honest answers and real solutions, not excuses.
After a year at Sanur Independent School, we’ve decided to look elsewhere. It’s not a decision we made lightly, but as parents, we have to do what’s best for our child. If there’s one thing this experience has taught us, it’s that you can’t judge a school by its tagline. The happiest school in Bali? Maybe for some, but not for us.
At the end of the day, all we want is a school that’s as committed to our child’s education and well-being as we are. Unfortunately, Sanur Independent School didn’t meet that standard for us. So, it’s back to the drawing board. Here’s hoping the next school we choose lives up to its promises.
