Jakarta School And Education Ultimate Guide

So, you’re new to Jakarta? Or perhaps you’ve been in town for a while and you’re scouting out options for your child’s next steps in education?

You landed on the correct page. This is your ultimate guide to Jakarta’s schools and education, catering to every developmental age; from preschool, primary, secondary, to some out-of-school extra-curricular activities.

A child’s educational journey

Many are unaware of this, but a child’s education actually begins long before they ever pick up a pencil or sit at a desk. From the first babble of infancy to the confident steps of adulthood, each stage of education plays a unique and essential role. Together, they form a resounding, interconnected path—one that shapes not only what children learn, but who they become.

Early years education, which spans from birth to around age five, lays the foundation for all future learning. In these early stages, infants and toddlers explore the world through their senses, movement, and the loving interactions of caregivers. It’s a dynamic, nurturing phase that includes everything from baby sensory play to toddler exploration and preschool adventures. Rooted in the belief that every moment is a learning opportunity, early years education emphasises curiosity, emotional growth, and development through rich, play-based experiences. It could be a caregiver reading a book at home or a toddler making a mess with paint—every action counts as meaningful learning in this spirited and formative stage.

Here are our picks of Jakarta’s Early Years Education Centres for Expats.

Einfinity, a one-stop enrichment centre for kids from nine months old to three years old; Discovery Center, for children between two and six years old; Kindyroo, a fun learning centre specialising in developmental education for babies from six weeks old to children of five years of age; LEAP SchoolHouse, focusing on literacy development of children from eight months old and up; and Tutor Time for children ages one to six years old are options as well.

As they grow into preschoolers—typically between the ages of three and five—children engage in playful yet purposeful learning that nurtures their curiosity, communication, and early problem-solving skills. This is the age of story time, finger painting, sharing circles, and the first proud scrawls of their name. The hands-on activities are designed to build early academic and social skills. Thus, the structured environment that gently introduces routines, friendships, and foundational knowledge in a way that feels more like play than school.

We have options for Jakarta’s Best Montessori Method Schools for your consideration.

Once children enter primary or elementary school, usually around age five or six, education becomes more structured but no less exciting. From kindergarten through about fifth grade, students dive into the basics of reading, writing, mathematics, and science—often without even realising it, thanks to creative teaching and interactive activities. These formative years are all about building confidence, fostering independence, and developing social skills. It’s a time when friendships bloom, imaginations run wild, and children begin to understand the rhythm and routines of school life.

Around age eleven or twelve, students transition into lower secondary education, often known as middle school or junior high. This phase can feel like a whirlwind of change as tweens navigate new subjects, multiple teachers, and the ups and downs of adolescence. Academically, the focus shifts toward more in-depth study and critical thinking, while personally, students are discovering who they are and where they fit in the world. It’s a time of both challenge and transformation, with education playing a central role in shaping identity and aspirations.

From there, students move into upper secondary education, or high school, which typically spans ages fourteen to eighteen. This stage is all about refinement—of skills, interests, and future goals. With a broader range of subjects and increasing academic demands, high school students begin to specialise, preparing for college, vocational training, or careers. It’s also a period of major milestones: exams, graduation, and often, a growing sense of independence and responsibility. Whether pursuing arts, sciences, trades, or technology, students start charting their own course.

High school is therefore pivotal in a child’s academic journey, as universities value test scores and globally-minded students involved in school life. You can check out the key points to look for high schools in Indonesia.

Looking for the Best International Schools in Jakarta? Click here for the full list.

What’s New Jakarta has also broken down the city's international schools into different curricula: IB Curriculum and Cambridge Curriculum.

Finally, after high school comes post-secondary education, a diverse and expansive chapter that includes universities, colleges, and vocational programs. This stage allows young adults to dive deep into their chosen fields, developing expertise and preparing to enter the workforce or pursue further academic study. For some, it continues into graduate education, where master’s degrees or doctorates refine knowledge even further.

Indonesia has several private universities worth checking out. Discover the list here for your consideration.

After-School Classes

Education doesn’t stop there. After-school classes are a powerful extension of a child’s educational journey, offering opportunities that traditional classroom settings often can’t. In these programs, learning becomes more expansive, personal, and joyful. Painting, robotics, dance, coding, and a new language are some examples that invite children to explore their interests and uncover talents in a setting that encourages creativity and self-expression.

Beyond enrichment, after-school programs play a key role in developing essential life skills. Collaboration, resilience, time management, and problem-solving come alive in real-world, often hands-on contexts. These experiences also provide structure and purpose during the often-unstructured hours after school, offering a safe and stimulating space where children can engage meaningfully rather than passively scrolling screens. In a world that increasingly values adaptability and creativity, after-school learning helps shape not just better students—but more confident, capable, and well-rounded individuals.

We’ve rounded up Fun Courses for Kids in Jakarta, but we’re taking an extra mile by listing out more after-school classes worth trying below!

Arts & Crafts

- Ganara Art Studio, Phone: +62822-1101-1050, Jl. Kemang Raya No. 8B, Bangka, Jakarta Selatan
- Marvelous Little Maestro, Phone: 021-7197462, Jl. Kemang Dalam IX no. F27, Kemang, Jakarta, Indonesia

Cooking Classes

- Almond Zucchini, Phone: +62 21 739 9303, +62 819 0534 5888, Jl. Prapanca No.6 A, Pulo, Kebayoran Baru, Pulo, Kby. Baru, Jakarta Selatan
- Dapur Anak, Phone: +62 852-1744-0138 / 021 – 7916-0009, Jl. Kapten P. Tendean Kav. Polri Pondok Karya Blok B 8 South Jakarta
- Indonesia Patisserie School, Phone:+62 21 588 2806, Galeri Niaga Mediterania 1 Blok H-8G, Pantai Indah Kapuk, Jakarta Utara
- Le Petit Chef Program at ChezLely, Phone: +62 21 750 4428, Jl. Kav Lestari I No. 100, Kompleks Lebak Lestari Indah, Jakarta
- Young Chefs Academy Indonesia, Phone: (021) 71794589 Gedung Kemang 15, 2nd Floor, Jl. Kemang Raya No 15, Jakarta

Language Classes

- French Faster (French), Email: [email protected]
- KinderHaven (English), Phone: +6221 2222 6868, Bez Plaza 3rd Floor, Jl. Raya Bolsena, Gading Serpong, Tangerang
- SIB School of Language (Bahasa), Phone: +62851 00 888 246 or +62813 8559 0009, Windsor Complex, Jl. Haji Namin 28, A1, Cipete Utara, Jakarta Selatan

Music Classes

- Elly Lim Music Studio, Phone: (+6221)-660-2269, Blok R 8 Utara No. 41, Muara Karang, North-Jakarta
- Music Republic, Phone: (+6221) 751- 1374, Jl. RS. Fatmawati no 8, Pondok Labu, Jakarta Selatan
- Music School of Indonesia, Phone: (+6221) 7209988, Jl. Sultan Iskandar Muda No.15B, Kebayoran Lama, Jakarta Selatan
- Music Temple, Phone: +62812-1860-1044, Jl. Bunga Melati no. 8, Cipete Selatan, Jakarta Selatan
- The Resonanz, Phone: (+6221) 7201918, Jl. Kertanegara No.28, Kebayoran Baru, Jakarta Selatan

Sports

- Asian Soccer Academy, Phone: 021-227 12711, Jl. Durian No. 54b, Jagakarsa
- Hockey at BX Rink (021- 2986-4888) or the Taman Anggrek Sky Rink Skating School (021-5642888)
- Jakarta International Tennis Academy, Phone: (+6221) 7502913, Jl. TB Simatupang, Kavling 15, Cilandak, Jakarta Selatan