When it comes to choosing a school for your child in Bali, the options are overwhelming, especially if you’re an expat parent navigating a sea of choices. After a lot of searching, research, and, let’s be honest, reading far too many Google reviews, we finally enrolled our son at Matahari Canggu International School. Fast forward two years, and it’s been a decision we haven’t looked back on. So, in the spirit of all those nights spent analyzing online reviews (and losing sleep over school decisions), I thought I’d share our experience, parent-to-parent.
Table of Contents
1. The Warmth You Feel at Matahari Canggu Is Genuine
As an expat family from the UK, transitioning to a new country with a young child was nerve-wracking. I remember our first tour of Matahari Canggu like it was yesterday. The sun was shining brightly (as it always seems to in Canggu), and the school grounds buzzed with energy. But what stood out the most was how genuinely warm the atmosphere felt. From the receptionist who greeted us with a smile, to the teachers who welcomed our son with open arms, it was clear that this school wasn’t just about academic rigor – it was about heart.
And here’s the kicker: the teachers hug the children! As a parent, I can’t tell you how comforting that is. It’s not just about learning their ABCs or math tables; it’s about making sure our little ones feel supported and loved, especially during those wobbly moments when homesickness hits or the new environment feels overwhelming. At Matahari Canggu, they don’t let the kids cry it out on their own. There’s always someone to comfort them. I’ve seen it firsthand when my son had his first bout of homesickness – it was one of his teachers who noticed the tears starting to form and gently gave him a hug. That small gesture spoke volumes to me.
2. A Curriculum That Delivers – Without the Stress
Another reason we were drawn to Matahari Canggu is the balance it strikes between quality education and the laid-back, island life. Let’s be real: Bali is a paradise, but we still want our kids to get a top-notch education. The teachers here? They’re graduates from top universities and come with an impressive range of international experience. It’s reassuring to know that my son is being taught by qualified professionals who know how to nurture a child’s mind without drowning them in stress.
When I compare the curriculum to what we would have back in the UK, I don’t feel like he’s missing out on anything. In fact, in some ways, I feel like he’s getting more. He’s learning in smaller class sizes, with more one-on-one attention. And the way Matahari Canggu incorporates Balinese culture and environmental awareness into the day-to-day curriculum? I’m all for it. My son now speaks more Bahasa Indonesia than I do, and he’s way more conscious about his impact on the environment than I was at his age. They’re raising not just students, but well-rounded, empathetic citizens of the world.
3. Teachers Who Go Beyond the Classroom
Now, this might sound cliché, but the teachers at Matahari Canggu are really something special. My son has been there for two years now, and it’s incredible how much he’s grown – not just academically, but emotionally, too. His homeroom teacher, Miss Sarah, is originally from Australia. She has this magical way of connecting with the kids, making them feel seen, heard, and valued.
But it’s not just about what happens inside the classroom. Miss Sarah, along with other teachers, actively encourages the students to pursue their passions outside of academics. My son recently developed an obsession with marine life (thank you, Bali’s beaches!). Miss Sarah, being the superstar that she is, arranged a small group visit to a nearby eco-reserve, where the kids could see sea turtles and learn about conservation efforts firsthand. This isn’t something that’s on the curriculum per se, but Matahari Canggu fosters an environment where learning extends far beyond the classroom walls.
4. A Diverse, International Community
One of the things we love about Matahari Canggu is the diversity of the community. You’ve got families from Australia, the US, Japan, France, and of course, Indonesia. My son has friends from all over the world, and the cultural exchange happening every day is amazing. I once overheard him saying goodbye in Japanese and greeting another friend in Bahasa – it blows my mind how quickly they pick up on things in this multicultural environment.
This international vibe is one of the reasons we initially chose Matahari Canggu. We wanted our son to grow up with a global mindset, to see the world as this big, interconnected place where diversity is celebrated. And in Bali, where so many different cultures converge, it’s important that the school environment reflects that, too.
5. A School That Feels Like Home
There’s something to be said about a school that feels like a second home. Matahari Canggu has become that for us. The sense of community here is strong. There are regular events where parents are invited to get involved – from international potlucks to beach cleanups and sports days. It’s a place where parents, teachers, and students all come together, making the school not just a place of learning but a real community hub.
Whenever we have friends visiting or moving to Bali, and they ask about schools, Matahari Canggu is always the first name on my lips. Sure, it might not have the sprawling sports fields or state-of-the-art technology that some of the bigger schools boast, but it has something more important: heart. And in the end, isn’t that what we all want for our kids? A place where they feel loved, safe, and supported?
