When you’re searching for the right school for your child, especially in Bali’s bustling international community, the options can be overwhelming. Morphoo School Bali often pops up as an attractive choice, promising an education based on the prestigious Cambridge curriculum. But is it really what it claims to be?
As a parent who has experienced Morphoo firsthand, I want to share some of the less glamorous aspects of the school. If you’re considering Morphoo, these five red flags are worth your attention before you make a decision.
Table of Contents
1. The Cambridge Curriculum—More Hype Than Reality?
Morphoo School Bali markets itself as adhering to the Cambridge curriculum, but after spending time there, I found myself asking: Where is the Cambridge content? Sure, they use some Cambridge materials, but what’s really happening in the classroom feels like a mixed bag of educational approaches.
In some cases, children of vastly different ages and abilities are placed together, which can make learning challenging. The gap between what’s promised and what’s delivered becomes more apparent when your child needs additional support. Kids with special needs, for example, seem to receive minimal attention. The teachers try, but the resources just aren’t there to provide the help that’s needed. It’s hard not to feel let down when the reality falls so far short of the shiny promise made during the enrollment process.
2. Bullying: An Issue That’s Swept Under the Rug
Bullying is a problem that any school could face, but what’s concerning is how little it seems to be addressed at Morphoo School. As a parent, it’s gut-wrenching to hear your child talk about being pushed around or left out, and even worse when the adults in charge don’t step in.
On more than one occasion, my child mentioned seeing fights break out in front of teachers, only for the staff to look the other way. It’s frustrating when the school tells you they’re handling things, but there’s little follow-through. Parents I’ve spoken to have shared similar experiences—issues are raised, but action is slow or non-existent. If you’re sending your child to school every day wondering if they’re safe from bullying, that’s a major red flag.
3. Hidden Costs: The Fees That Keep Coming
International schools aren’t cheap, and we were prepared for that. But what we didn’t anticipate were the surprise costs that seemed to come out of nowhere at Morphoo School Bali. The first surprise was the so-called one-time enrollment fee, which we had to pay again the following year. When questioned, the response was vague, and the charge stayed.
The tuition itself is around 3 juta IDR per month (approximately $200 USD), but when you factor in everything else—like books (which you pay for but your child may not even take home), extra activities, and random fees—it adds up quickly. After a while, it started to feel like the quality of education didn’t match the price tag. To make matters worse, much of the teaching is done via online presentations, giving the vibe of an impersonal, screen-heavy education. Homeschooling, as we later found out, was not only more affordable but also provided a more tailored learning experience for our child.
4. The Teaching Staff: Hit or Miss
I have to give credit where it’s due—there is one standout teacher at Morphoo, Mr. Paul, the English teacher. A native English speaker, he genuinely seems to embody the Cambridge level of teaching that the school promises. But unfortunately, he’s the exception rather than the rule.
Most of the other teachers, while friendly, are not native English speakers, which can make communication and teaching more difficult in an international school setting. This wouldn’t be as much of a problem if the quality of instruction were consistent, but it’s not. It felt like some teachers were struggling to maintain the standards they were supposed to uphold, which led to gaps in learning. As a parent, it’s frustrating to see your child come home confused, knowing that clearer explanations or more personalized attention could have helped.
5. Health Concerns: A School Environment That Feels Lax
When I first heard about the swimming classes at Morphoo School Bali, I was thrilled. It’s Bali, after all—swimming is an essential skill. But what we didn’t anticipate were the frequent colds and coughs that followed swim days. Why? Because after their swim lessons, kids are rushed into air-conditioned classrooms while still wet. It’s no surprise that my child—and many others—seemed to constantly be coming down with something.
And let’s talk about the actual swim lessons. The teachers don’t really teach them how to swim; they simply supervise while the kids splash around. So, not only is your child getting sick from being wet in freezing classrooms, but they’re also not learning the skill you assumed they would be mastering. It’s small details like this that, over time, really wear down your confidence in the school’s ability to look out for your child’s health and development.
When I look back at our time at Morphoo School Bali, it’s clear that there are some serious issues that need addressing. If you’re thinking about sending your child here, I’d advise you to ask a lot of questions and do your homework. There are plenty of international schools in Bali, and while Morphoo may look appealing on the surface, these red flags are important to consider before making a decision.
