Choosing an international school in Jakarta is a big decision. If you are a parent considering Jakarta Intercultural School (JIS) for your child, this guide is for you. We cover the school’s history and ethos, curriculum (including the full IB continuum), location and facilities, fees and costs, admissions process, what to look for when visiting, and practical next steps—so you can decide whether JIS is the right fit and how to prepare.

About Jakarta Intercultural School (JIS)

Jakarta Intercultural School (JIS) is one of the largest and most established international schools in Indonesia. It has served the expatriate and local community for decades and today operates on multiple campuses across Jakarta. JIS is an IB World School offering the full IB continuum: Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP). The school is known for strong academic outcomes, a genuinely diverse student body, and excellent university placement in Indonesia and abroad.

The school’s mission emphasises intercultural understanding, inquiry-based learning, and the development of responsible, globally minded citizens. Class sizes are kept reasonable, and the faculty includes many experienced IB teachers. Parents often cite the breadth of subjects, the quality of facilities, and the strength of the community as key reasons for choosing JIS. The school welcomes families of many nationalities and backgrounds and supports students who need EAL (English as an Additional Language) or learning support.

Who This Guide Is For

This guide is for parents who are researching JIS, comparing it with other Jakarta international schools, or looking for detailed information on curriculum, fees, admissions, and what to expect. Whether your child is entering primary or secondary, or you are considering a move to Jakarta, you will find here a structured overview and practical checklists to support your decision.

Curriculum and Programmes

JIS offers the IB continuum from the early years through to graduation. In the Primary Years Programme (PYP), learning is inquiry-based and transdisciplinary, with a strong focus on literacy, numeracy, and personal and social development. In the Middle Years Programme (MYP), students study a broad range of subjects across eight subject groups, with an emphasis on conceptual understanding and approaches to learning. In the Diploma Programme (DP), students choose six subjects (typically three at Higher Level and three at Standard Level), complete the Theory of Knowledge (TOK), the Extended Essay (EE), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS).

Subject choice in the DP is wide: sciences, mathematics, languages, humanities, and the arts are all well represented. The school supports students in choosing HL/SL combinations that suit their interests and university goals. Language options typically include English, Indonesian, and other languages—confirm current offerings on the school website. If your child needs extra support in specific IB subjects, Internal Assessments (IA), or exam technique, one-to-one tutoring aligned with the IB can supplement school work effectively.

Location and Facilities

JIS has multiple campuses in Jakarta (check the school website for current addresses and which year groups are on which campus). Facilities typically include well-stocked libraries, science laboratories, IT suites, sports halls, swimming pools, and dedicated spaces for music, drama, and art. Outdoor play and sports facilities are a priority. Location is important: Jakarta traffic can be heavy, so consider commute time, school bus routes, and which campus fits your family’s home and routine. Many families choose to live within a reasonable distance of their child’s campus to simplify the school run.

Fees and Costs: What Parents Should Budget

International school fees in Jakarta vary widely. JIS fees are typically in the upper range for Indonesia—often USD 20,000–30,000+ per year depending on year level (indicative; always confirm on the school website). Fees usually cover tuition, most materials, and access to standard facilities. Additional costs that parents should budget for include:

• Application and assessment fees (non-refundable)
• Capital levy or building fund (if applicable—check current policy)
• Uniform, PE kit, and optional materials
• Transport (school bus or private transport)
• Optional activities (trips, after-school clubs, exam fees)

Planning for these extras helps avoid surprises. Families who want to supplement school with targeted tutoring (e.g. for IB DP subjects, IA, or exam prep) can do so at a fraction of the cost of a second school; flexible, one-to-one sessions can fit around the JIS timetable.

Admissions Process and Timeline

JIS has a structured admissions process. Typical steps (always confirm with the school):

1. Application – Complete the online application form and pay the application fee. Submit by the deadline for your intended start date.
2. Supporting documents – Previous school reports (often the last two years), passport/ID, and any relevant learning or medical information.
3. Assessment – Age-appropriate assessments, which may include English, mathematics, and reasoning. Format and length vary by year group.
4. Interview – Student and/or family interview. The school uses this to understand your child’s interests, strengths, and fit with the community.
5. Offer and acceptance – If successful, you will receive an offer, often with a deadline to accept and pay a deposit.

Apply well in advance; places can be limited, especially in popular year groups. Preparing for entrance assessments (e.g. maths and English at the right level) can help your child feel confident on the day.

What to Look for When Visiting JIS

When you visit JIS, use the following as a checklist so you leave with a clear picture:

Factor	What to check
Curriculum	IB PYP, MYP, DP—subject choice and HL/SL options for your child’s year.
Language	Language of instruction and additional language options (e.g. Indonesian, EAL).
Class size	Typical class size for your child’s year and student–teacher ratio.
Support	EAL, learning support, and pastoral care—how they are delivered and who to contact.
Location	Commute time, school bus routes, and which campus fits your family.
Fees	Total cost per year including levies and typical extras.
Culture	Fit with your family’s values, your child’s personality, and the overall feel of the community.

Pros and Cons: A Balanced View

Pros: JIS has a strong reputation, the full IB continuum, modern facilities, and a track record of strong university placement. The community is large and diverse, with many co-curricular and service opportunities. Cons: Fees are in the upper range for Jakarta, entry can be competitive, and the fixed location and timetable mean that families who need more flexibility (e.g. extra support in specific IB subjects or exam prep) often use external tutoring to supplement. Considering both sides helps you decide if JIS is the right fit and what additional support, if any, your child might need.

How Tutopiya Fits In

If your child needs extra help with IB DP subjects, Internal Assessments (IA), or exam technique, one-to-one tuition can supplement JIS without changing school. Flexible scheduling and online sessions mean no extra commute, and continuity if you relocate. Book a free trial or explore Tutopiya’s learning portal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Parents

Q: Does JIS offer IGCSE or A-Level?
A: JIS offers the IB continuum (PYP, MYP, DP). For IGCSE or A-Level support alongside JIS, or for exam preparation, one-to-one tutoring can align with those curricula.

Q: How do we prepare for JIS entrance tests?
A: Tutoring can help with maths and English at the right level for common international school entrance formats. Check with the school for the exact format and content.

Q: Can our child continue learning if we travel or relocate?
A: Yes. Online one-to-one tuition allows your child to continue with the same tutor from anywhere, which can be especially helpful during transitions.

Key Takeaways

JIS offers the full IB continuum (PYP, MYP, DP). Fees are in the upper range for Indonesia; budget for application fees, levies, uniform, and transport. Admissions involve application, documents, assessment, and interview—apply early. Visiting the campus and confirming curriculum and fees for your child’s year will help you decide if JIS is the right fit. If your child needs extra support in IB or exam preparation, one-to-one tutoring can supplement the school timetable flexibly.

Next Steps for Parents

1. Visit the JIS website and, if possible, attend an open day or schedule a campus tour.
2. Confirm curriculum (IB PYP, MYP, DP) and total fees for your child’s year, including levies and typical extras.
3. Apply in good time—places can be limited. Gather reports and prepare your child for assessments.
4. If you need extra support (e.g. entrance-test preparation or IB subject tutoring alongside JIS), consider one-to-one tuition that fits around the school timetable. Book a free trial to see how it fits your family.