Relocating to Bali is more than just finding your dream villa—it's about building a complete life for your family in paradise. For expat families considering buying property in Bali, choosing the right international school is often the deciding factor in where to invest and settle.
Whether you're searching for luxury villas for sale in Bali near top-tier education facilities or exploring the best areas to buy in Bali based on school proximity, understanding the island's diverse international school landscape is essential to making an informed property investment decision.
This comprehensive guide explores Bali's leading international schools organized by region, helping you align your real estate choices with your family's educational needs.
Why School Location Matters When Choosing Your Bali Home
When relocating your family to Bali, proximity to your chosen international school can significantly impact your daily life and overall happiness. The school run becomes part of your routine, and living nearby means more time for family activities and less time in traffic.
Understanding each region's educational offerings will help you make the right decision about where to settle in Bali—whether you're drawn to beachfront villas in Canggu, cultural properties in Ubud, or family-friendly homes in Sanur.
International Schools in Ubud: Culture Meets Education
Green School Bali – Sustainability and Innovation
Located in Sibang Kaja near Ubud, Green School Bali has been educating changemakers since 2008. This isn't your typical international school—it's a progressive institution set in stunning bamboo architecture that seamlessly blends environmental stewardship with rigorous academics.
Key Features:
- Age Range: Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12
- Curriculum: Progressive, research-based curriculum integrating experiential learning and environmental projects
- Annual Tuition (2025/26): Ranges from approximately 177.8 million IDR for Early Years to 319 million IDR for Grades 11-12
- Unique Programs: Green studies, outdoor learning in bamboo classrooms, real environmental projects like river clean-ups and eco-entrepreneurship
Green School attracts families committed to sustainability and hands-on learning. Students engage in yoga, mindfulness, singing, dancing, and storytelling while participating in impactful initiatives—alumni include the founders of the Bye Bye Plastic Bags movement.
Why Families Choose This Area: Families drawn to Green School often seek eco-friendly villas in Ubud that reflect the school's sustainability values. The area offers authentic Balinese culture, cooler temperatures, and a tight-knit community of like-minded families.
The British School of Bali (BSB) – Modern British Education
Opening its doors in September 2025, The British School of Bali represents a new chapter in Ubud's educational landscape. Located at Onyx Park Resort on Sri Wedari Street in Tegallalang, BSB brings exemplary British education to central Bali.
Key Features:
- Age Range: Children aged 2-11 (with plans to expand)
- Curriculum: British National Curriculum adapted for international learners, emphasizing core subjects plus daily physical education, music, and social-emotional learning
- Starting Fees: Approximately 120 million IDR per year for younger years
- Facilities: Spacious classrooms, sports pitch, playground, plus access to three swimming pools, ninja gym, parkour suite, and dedicated art and science spaces
BSB draws teachers from the top 5% of the international teaching workforce and provides resort-style facilities that combine academic excellence with lifestyle amenities.
Why Families Choose This Area: The opening of BSB has attracted families to Tegallalang and greater Ubud who want British curriculum education combined with Ubud's cultural richness. The area offers spacious properties with garden space, perfect for families who want room to breathe while staying close to quality education.
Coastal Schools in Canggu and Kerobokan: Beachside Learning
Canggu Community School (CCS) – Academic Excellence by the Beach
Established in 2001, Canggu Community School has built a strong reputation for combining rigorous academics with an impressive extracurricular program and vibrant community spirit.
Key Features:
- Location: Berawa, Canggu
- Age Range: Early Years (age 3) through Year 13
- Curriculum: English National Curriculum for early years and primary, Cambridge IGCSE, and International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP)
- Annual Tuition (2025/26): Ranges from approximately 110 million IDR for Early Years to 257 million IDR for IB Diploma students
- Activities: Coding, sports, Model UN, TED Club, Duke of Edinburgh adventures including volcano treks and beach clean-ups
CCS graduates have been accepted into universities worldwide, making it a top choice for families prioritizing university preparation and global opportunities.
Why Families Choose This Area: Canggu is Bali's most popular expat hub, offering beachside living, modern cafes, coworking spaces, and a vibrant international community. Families love being within easy reach of CCS while enjoying surf culture and contemporary amenities. Properties in Berawa, Echo Beach, and Pererenan are particularly popular with school families.
Sunrise School (Kerobokan) – Community-Centric and Affordable
Founded in 2000 by parents seeking a nurturing environment, Sunrise School offers a holistic, mindfulness-based approach to education at more accessible price points.
Key Features:
- Location: Jl. Serma Gede, Kerobokan (near Canggu)
- Age Range: Pre-school through Year 9
- Curriculum: International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC), International Primary Curriculum (IPC), and International Middle Years Curriculum (IMYC)
- Starting Fees: Approximately 33 million IDR per year, increasing by grade level
- Focus: Theme-based inquiry learning, mindfulness, restorative practices, environmental responsibility
Activities include beach clean-ups, visits to local attractions, school gardens with composting and recycling, plus after-school clubs in visual arts, cooking, sports, and yoga.
Why Families Choose This Area: Sunrise School's affordability and holistic approach attract families who value community and mindfulness-based education. The Kerobokan, Umalas, and Seminyak neighborhoods offer established residential areas with good infrastructure, making daily life convenient for families with school-age children.
The Garden Early Learning Centre – Premier Early Childhood Education
With purpose-built centers in both Berawa (Canggu) and Sanur, The Garden has been providing exceptional early childhood education since 2014.
Key Features:
- Locations: Berawa, Canggu and Sanur
- Age Range: Drop-in "Play Dates" for babies 6 months-2.5 years, through Kindergarten (4-6 years)
- Curriculum: Influenced by Reggio Emilia, Montessori, and Australian Walker Learning approaches
- Approximate Fees: Starting around 30-40 million IDR per year, with flexible drop-in sessions available
- Environment: Natural materials, tropical gardens, sensory hubs designed as a "third teacher"
The Garden offers play-based, inquiry-driven learning that encourages children to explore both indoor and outdoor environments.
Why Families Choose This Area: Young families with toddlers and preschoolers prioritize proximity to quality early learning centers. The Garden's two locations in Berawa and Sanur give families flexibility in choosing their preferred coastal lifestyle—either the buzzing west coast or the calmer east coast.
Sanur: Established Excellence on the East Coast
Bali Island School (BIS) – Bali's Longest-Running IB School
Opening its doors in September 1986, Bali Island School represents stability and tradition in Bali's international education landscape.
Key Features:
- Location: Banjar Taman, Sanur (Denpasar)
- Age Range: Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12
- Curriculum: Full IB continuum—Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP)
- Annual Tuition: Starting around 65 million IDR for early years, increasing to more than 200 million IDR for high school levels
- Accreditation: Council of International Schools (CIS) and Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), re-accredited in 2020
As a non-profit foundation run by parents, BIS maintains a strong community spirit with a diverse student body representing more than 26 nationalities. The school's frangipani flower logo reflects its deep Bali roots.
Why Families Choose This Area: Sanur attracts families seeking a quieter, more traditional Balinese lifestyle compared to the busier west coast. The calm beaches are perfect for children, and the area offers reliable infrastructure, established expat services, and a strong sense of community. Many families appreciate the stability and maturity of both the school and the neighborhood.
Uluwatu: The Future of Ocean-Based Learning
Uluwatu School (Pecatu) – Place-Based Education on the Bukit Peninsula
Scheduled to open in August 2025, Uluwatu School represents the next evolution in Bali's international education offerings.
Key Features:
- Location: Hillside site in Pecatu, approximately 15 minutes from Uluwatu's surf breaks, with panoramic Indian Ocean views
- Opening Schedule: Grades 1-7 in August 2025, full middle school in 2026, with plans for high school expansion
- Philosophy: Place-based learning integrating ocean literacy, environmental leadership, and Social-Emotional Ethical Learning (SEEL)
- Unique Programs: Surfing, beach stewardship, community projects, and flexible learning spaces on a sustainability-focused campus
Uluwatu School connects classroom learning directly to the surrounding environment, fostering curiosity and global citizenship through ocean-focused education.
Why Families Choose This Area: The Bukit Peninsula, particularly Uluwatu and Pecatu, attracts families who embrace surf culture and ocean-centered living. The area offers spectacular cliffside views, world-class surf breaks, and a growing community of international families. As Uluwatu School expands, it will provide a complete K-12 education option for families who want to put down roots in this stunning coastal region.
Making Your Decision: Matching Schools to Your Family's Lifestyle
Choosing the right area to settle in Bali depends on aligning education options with your family's values, lifestyle preferences, and daily routines:
Choose Ubud if your family values: Sustainability, cultural immersion, cooler climate, and connection to Balinese arts and traditions. Green School and BSB offer unique approaches to education in Bali's cultural heartland. Perfect for families who want rice terrace views and a slower pace of life.
Choose Canggu/Kerobokan if your family values: Beach lifestyle, vibrant expat community, modern amenities, and strong international curriculum options. Multiple school choices from rigorous academics to holistic learning make this area versatile. Ideal for families who love surfing, cafes, and an active social scene.
Choose Sanur if your family values: Quieter family-friendly beaches, established expat community, reliable infrastructure, and a proven long-term IB program. Sanur offers stability and tradition with calmer waters perfect for young children. Best for families seeking a more relaxed, traditional Balinese experience.
Choose Uluwatu/Pecatu if your family values: Ocean-centric lifestyle, world-class surfing, dramatic cliffside settings, and innovative place-based education. This area represents a growing community of families embracing the surf lifestyle. Great for adventurous families who want spectacular ocean views and a tight-knit international community.
Tipi Estate: Your Partner in Finding the Perfect Family Home in Bali
Selecting the right international school is just one piece of your Bali relocation puzzle. At Tipi Estate, we understand that moving your family to Bali requires expert guidance on education, community, lifestyle, and finding a home that truly fits your needs.
Our team specializes in helping expat families find properties near their preferred schools—whether that's a beachside villa close to Canggu Community School, an eco-friendly home near Green School, or a family compound in Sanur's peaceful neighborhoods near Bali Island School.
We offer:
- Local Expertise: In-depth knowledge of Bali's school zones, commute times, and family-friendly neighborhoods
- Premium Villa Listings: Carefully curated properties in all major school areas
- Family-Focused Guidance: We understand what families need—safe neighborhoods, proximity to schools, space for children to play
- Relocation Support: Personalized assistance from property search through settling in
Moving your family to Bali is a big decision, and we're here to make the transition smooth and exciting. Let us help you find a home where your family can thrive, close to the school that's right for your children.
