As a family that recently relocated to Bali, my husband and I knew finding the right school for our daughter, Olivia, would be one of the most important decisions we’d make. We’re an international mix—I’m Sarah from the UK, and my husband, David, is Australian. David works remotely as a graphic designer, and I run an online business from home. Like many parents, we wanted Olivia to feel happy, safe, and inspired during her early years of schooling.
After visiting a few schools, we discovered The Anak Atelier Preschool & Kindergarten, and it felt like we’d found the perfect place for our daughter. From the very first visit, it was clear that this school is something special. If you’re a parent looking for a school in Bali that offers a unique approach to early childhood education, here are five reasons why The Anak Atelier might just be what you’re looking for.
Table of Contents
1. Nature is Their Classroom (and It’s Awesome)
If there’s one thing that instantly grabbed our attention, it’s how much time the children at The Anak Atelier spend outside. As soon as we arrived for the school tour, Olivia ran straight to the outdoor area, drawn by the sight of a beautiful, nature-filled play space. There are sandboxes, climbing trees, gardens, and even a mud kitchen. Yes, you read that right—a mud kitchen! And as any parent knows, if there’s one thing kids love, it’s getting messy.
The school takes a nature-focused approach to learning, which is not only refreshing but incredibly beneficial for young children. Olivia spends her days exploring the outdoors, playing in the garden, and learning how to care for plants. This hands-on, nature-based education is one of the things we love most about the school. The daily outdoor activities help her develop curiosity, creativity, and a connection to the world around her.
Seeing Olivia come home with her shoes covered in mud but a huge smile on her face has become a regular (and welcome) occurrence. It’s clear she’s not just attending school—she’s experiencing nature in a way that encourages her to explore and ask questions.
2. A Global Mix of Friends (Hello, Mini United Nations!)
One of our biggest concerns before moving to Bali was how Olivia would adjust socially. She had no siblings, and we worried about how she would make friends in a new country. But at The Anak Atelier, those worries disappeared almost instantly. The school is home to a wonderfully diverse community, with children from all over the world. Olivia’s class alone includes kids from Japan, Italy, and South Africa.
It’s incredible to watch her learn about different cultures, languages, and traditions from such a young age. She’s not only making friends but developing a global mindset that we know will benefit her for life. Whether it’s learning a few words in another language or discovering how other families celebrate holidays, she’s gaining experiences that most of us adults only get much later in life.
And let’s not forget the parent community. We’ve met some amazing families from all walks of life, and it’s made our time in Bali feel even more special. Whether we’re chatting at school pickup or attending one of the family-friendly school events, there’s a real sense of connection that I didn’t expect to find so quickly.
3. Caring Teachers Who Make a Difference
I think every parent will agree: having caring, attentive teachers is everything. From the moment Olivia started at The Anak Atelier, the teachers went out of their way to make her feel comfortable and valued. Ms. Ayu, her main teacher, made sure to check in with us regularly during those first few weeks, reassuring us that Olivia was settling in just fine—even on the days she was a bit teary at drop-off.
What really stands out is how well the teachers get to know each child. They don’t just see the class as a group of students; they treat each child as an individual. For example, Olivia has always loved drawing and painting, and it didn’t take long for the teachers to pick up on that. They encouraged her artistic side by involving her in more creative projects, and we’ve noticed her confidence soar as a result.
It’s those little things that make all the difference. Knowing that Olivia is seen and supported by teachers who genuinely care about her progress gives us peace of mind. We’re not just sending her to a school; we’re sending her to a place where she’s nurtured and understood.
4. A Balanced Learning Environment
Another thing we love about The Anak Atelier is their balanced approach to learning. They don’t focus purely on academics—there’s plenty of space for creativity, social development, and mindfulness. Each day is a mixture of structured activities and free play, and Olivia thrives on this balance.
One day, they might be learning how to recognize letters and numbers, and the next, they’re having a yoga session or working on an art project. There’s no pressure to follow a strict academic curriculum. Instead, the school lets the children discover things at their own pace, which has been amazing for Olivia. She’s learning, but more importantly, she’s learning in a way that makes her happy.
We’ve seen her become more independent and more aware of how she feels, thanks to the mindfulness moments the school incorporates into the day. One afternoon, she came home and asked if we could do “calm breathing” together—something she had learned during a yoga session. Moments like that make us appreciate how much the school focuses on the overall well-being of each child.
5. A School That Feels Like Home
Lastly, there’s just something special about the atmosphere at The Anak Atelier. From the first day we visited, the school felt warm and welcoming, like a home away from home.
There’s a sense of community that goes beyond the classroom. The teachers, parents, and even the school administrators all work together to create an environment where children feel safe and loved. It’s more than just a school for Olivia—it’s a place where she’s growing into her own person, surrounded by people who genuinely care about her well-being.
If you’re looking for a preschool or kindergarten in Bali that offers an engaging, supportive, and holistic education for your child, The Anak Atelier is definitely worth considering. As parents, we’ve seen firsthand how the school has enriched Olivia’s life, and we couldn’t be more grateful.
