Choosing the right school for your kids can feel like navigating a labyrinth. You want a place where they’ll thrive academically, socially, and maybe even pick up a few words of the local language if you’re living abroad. That’s the journey our family embarked on when we moved to Bali. As part of that process, we took a deep dive into the Australian Independent School Indonesia (AIS), and let me tell you, what we found was full of surprises—some delightful, some not so much. Here are five insights from our experience and conversations with other parents.
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1. The Community is a Tight-Knit Group—Maybe Too Tight
Australian Independent School Indonesia prides itself on its close community feel, and it’s true—you won’t be just another face in the crowd here. Take Mark and Emily, for instance. They’re an Australian couple who moved to Bali with their two boys, Toby and Sam. Emily was immediately charmed by how quickly the school welcomed her family. “It’s like a little village,” she told me, “Everyone knows each other, and there’s a real sense of belonging.”
But here’s the flip side: that tight-knit community can sometimes feel a bit… stifling. Another parent, Sarah, a British expat, mentioned how the small size of the school means “everyone knows everything about everyone.” This can be a double-edged sword, especially if you’re someone who values privacy or simply doesn’t want your entire life to be an open book. While the sense of connection is wonderful, it’s worth considering whether you’re comfortable being part of such an intimate environment.
2. The Curriculum Balances Rigor with Relaxation
The Australian curriculum is one of the biggest draws for parents considering Australian Independent School Indonesia. It’s internationally recognized, and the teaching style focuses on fostering independence and critical thinking. When we enrolled our daughter, Mia, I was particularly impressed with how the school encourages kids to explore topics creatively rather than just memorizing facts.
But here’s the kicker: the relaxed atmosphere might not be for everyone. A fellow parent, James, whose daughter Lily is in the same class as Mia, mentioned his concerns. “It’s great that they don’t pressure the kids too much,” he said, “but sometimes I wonder if they’re a bit too laid back.” His worry? That the laid-back approach could translate into a lack of preparedness for more competitive environments later on.
If you’re coming from a high-stakes, high-pressure educational background, AIS might feel a bit too relaxed. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a school that prioritizes mental well-being and a balanced lifestyle, this could be the perfect fit.
3. The Facilities Are a Mixed Bag
Let’s talk facilities. When we first toured the Australian Independent School Indonesia, I was struck by how green and open the campus felt. The classrooms are airy, there’s plenty of outdoor space, and the kids seem genuinely happy. Compared to the hustle and bustle of our previous school back in Sydney, it felt like a breath of fresh air—literally.
However, if you’re expecting ultra-modern facilities with every bell and whistle, you might be in for a surprise. AIS Indonesia is functional, yes, but it doesn’t have the same level of grandeur you might find at other international schools. Sophie, a French parent whose son Pierre is in Year 5, summed it up perfectly: “It’s lovely, but it’s not fancy. It’s more about the essentials.”
That’s not to say the facilities aren’t adequate—they are. The school has everything it needs to provide a solid education. But if you’re hoping for Olympic-sized swimming pools or cutting-edge science labs, you might need to adjust your expectations.
4. Extracurricular Activities—Good, But Not Great
Extracurricular activities can make or break a school experience, right? At AIS Indonesia, there’s a decent range of options, but I wouldn’t call it extensive. Our son, Lucas, is obsessed with soccer, and while AIS has a team, it’s not as competitive as we’d hoped. “It’s fun,” Lucas said, “but I wish we had more games against other schools.”
Maria, an American mom whose daughter Sophia loves music, echoed a similar sentiment. “The music program is solid,” she told me, “but there’s just not as much variety as we’d like.” This seems to be a recurring theme—while the school offers a bit of everything, it doesn’t go particularly deep into any one area.
On the bright side, the activities that are available are well-organized and enjoyable for the kids. And for parents who prefer their children to have a balanced rather than an overly packed schedule, AIS might be just right.
5. Cultural Integration is a Work in Progress
One of the reasons we chose to live in Bali was to expose our kids to different cultures, and we hoped their school would reflect that. The Australian Independent School Indonesia does include Indonesian language classes and cultural activities, but the focus is still very much on the Australian perspective. For instance, while they do celebrate local holidays, most of the school’s cultural emphasis remains rooted in the Australian way of life.
A fellow parent, Anisa, who is Indonesian and married to an Australian, shared her thoughts: “It’s great that they teach the kids some Bahasa Indonesia, but I wish there was more emphasis on understanding the local culture beyond just language.”
That being said, there’s something comforting about the familiar, especially if you’re an expat looking for a smooth transition for your kids. AIS Indonesia provides that bridge between the local and the international, but if you’re hoping for full cultural immersion, you might need to supplement it outside of school hours.
