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

About Mentari International School Jakarta

Mentari International School Jakarta offers an international curriculum with typically Cambridge IGCSE in the senior years. The school is known for a supportive environment, a strong focus on English language development, and academic skills that prepare students for further study in Indonesia and abroad. Mentari caters to families who want a recognised international qualification (IGCSE) within a caring, structured setting.

The school’s mission emphasises holistic development, English proficiency, and critical thinking. Class sizes are kept manageable, and the faculty includes teachers experienced in delivering the Cambridge curriculum. Parents often cite the supportive atmosphere, the focus on language and academic skills, and the clarity of the IGCSE pathway as key reasons for choosing Mentari.

Who This Guide Is For

This guide is for parents who are researching Mentari International School Jakarta, 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 at Mentari

Mentari follows an international curriculum in the lower and middle years, with a strong emphasis on English, mathematics, and inquiry-based learning. The school typically offers Cambridge IGCSE in the senior years—confirm the exact subject list and exam board on the school website. Subject choice at IGCSE level usually includes sciences, mathematics, languages, humanities, and the arts.

Students can tailor their IGCSE choices to their interests and future pathways (e.g. A-Level, IB, or university foundation programmes). The school supports students who need EAL (English as an Additional Language) or learning support. If your child needs extra support in specific IGCSE subjects or exam technique, one-to-one tutoring aligned with the Cambridge curriculum can supplement school work effectively.

Location and Facilities

Mentari is located in Jakarta (check the school website for the exact address and transport options). The campus typically includes libraries, science laboratories, IT facilities, and sports and arts spaces. Location is important: Jakarta traffic can be heavy, so consider commute time, school bus routes, and your family’s routine when shortlisting. Many families choose to live within a reasonable distance to simplify the school run.

Fees and Costs: What Parents Should Budget

International school fees in Jakarta vary widely. Mentari fees are typically in the mid range—often USD 8,000–18,000+ 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 IGCSE or specific subjects) can do so at a fraction of the cost of a second school; flexible, one-to-one sessions can fit around the Mentari timetable.

Admissions Process and Timeline

Mentari 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 Mentari

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

Factor	What to check
Curriculum	Cambridge IGCSE pathway and subject choice for your child’s year.
Language	Language of instruction and EAL or additional language support.
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 area 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: Mentari offers a supportive environment, a clear Cambridge IGCSE pathway, and fees often in a more accessible range than some premium Jakarta schools. The focus on English and academic skills is a draw for many families. Cons: The school may not offer IB or A-Level; entry can be competitive in some year groups; and the fixed timetable means that families who need extra support in specific subjects or exam prep often use external tutoring to supplement. Considering both sides helps you decide if Mentari 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 IGCSE or specific subjects, one-to-one tuition can supplement Mentari 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 Mentari offer IB or A-Level?
A: Mentari typically offers Cambridge IGCSE. For IB or A-Level support alongside Mentari, or for exam preparation, one-to-one tutoring can align with those curricula.

Q: How do we prepare for Mentari 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

Mentari International School offers an international curriculum; confirm on the school website for IGCSE, IB, or other exam pathways. 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 the school is the right fit. If your child needs extra support in exams or subjects, one-to-one tutoring can supplement the school timetable flexibly.

Next Steps for Parents

1. Visit the Mentari website and, if possible, attend an open day or schedule a campus tour.
2. Confirm curriculum (Cambridge IGCSE) 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 IGCSE subject tutoring alongside Mentari), consider one-to-one tuition that fits around the school timetable. Book a free trial to see how it fits your family.