Australian Independent School JakartaUnverified
Pejaten Campus- 1 campus in South Jakarta
Dean Cummins
In post since 2026
Dean Cummins took office as Head of School in January 2026 (successor to Craig Eldred). AIS is CIS accredited; last major evaluation summary was released November 2024.
The Intelligence
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If you want a smaller, more personal school with Australian curriculum and your budget sits in the mid-range, AIS is worth a look. The inclusive approach suits families who value community over competition. Just don't expect the facilities or breadth of the top-tier schools.
The word among expat families is that AIS is the school you discover when you've toured JIS and BSJ and realised you need something smaller and more affordable. Founded in 1996, it's been around long enough to have credibility but hasn't grown into a 2,000-student operation. At 900 students, it sits in that middle ground - big enough to offer IB Diploma and decent facilities, small enough that parents say teachers know their children.
What comes up again and again is the inclusive philosophy. AIS was founded specifically to support students with learning difficulties, limited English, and physical disabilities. That means EAL support is genuinely integrated, not an add-on. Parents of children who need extra help say the school delivers on its promise. The flip side is that some families worry about academic rigour - if you're targeting Ivy League or Oxbridge, you'll want to ask about individual IB results and university placements.
The Pejaten campus moved to a new purpose-built site in 2022. It's modern and functional, but it's not 45 acres with Olympic pools and 750-seat theatres. Fees run US$12K to US$22K - roughly half what JIS charges. For self-funding families who want Australian curriculum with an IB exit, that's compelling. Just don't expect the breadth of activities or sporting fixtures that the bigger schools offer.
+What parents value
- At 900 students, AIS is smaller than JIS or BSJ. The community feel is real - teachers know children by name, and the school culture values effort alongside results.
- The inclusive philosophy means EAL and learning support are genuinely integrated, not afterthoughts. Parents of children who need extra help say the school delivers on its promise.
- Australian curriculum through Year 10, then IB Diploma in Years 11-12. That combination gives students a structured foundation with an internationally recognised exit qualification.
- Fees at US$12K to US$22K are roughly half what JIS charges. For self-funding families, that's a significant difference without feeling like you're compromising on curriculum quality.
- The Pejaten location in South Jakarta is accessible from Kemang, Pondok Indah, and surrounding areas. Traffic is manageable compared to schools further south.
−Points of consideration
- The IB Diploma average of 33.5 is below JIS (35.8) and BSJ. If you're targeting top-tier universities, ask about individual subject scores and where graduates actually end up.
- At 900 students, extracurricular options are more limited than the bigger schools. Fewer sporting teams, fewer clubs, and narrower social circles. Children who thrive in bigger, busier environments may find it too quiet.
- The inclusive approach means the student body includes children with a wide range of needs. Some parents worry this affects academic rigour, though the school maintains it doesn't.
- Facilities are modern and functional but not showpiece. Don't expect Olympic pools, professional theatres, or sprawling grounds. The money goes into teaching rather than facilities.
- AIS doesn't publish detailed fee schedules, exam results, or leadership team profiles as openly as competitors. You'll need to contact admissions directly for specifics.
Fees
2025–2026 fees shown in USD equivalent. Exchange rate updated 19 Feb 2026
| Year Group | Tuition | Capital Fee | Total (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preschool (Ages 3–5)(3–5 years) | US$7,143 | US$0 | US$7,143 |
| Primary (Years 1–6)(5–11 years) | US$10,714 | US$0 | US$10,714 |
| Secondary (Years 7–10)(11–15 years) | US$14,286 | US$0 | US$14,286 |
| IB Diploma (Years 11–12)(15–18 years) | US$16,667 | US$0 | US$16,667 |
Fee ranges shown are approximate annual tuition. AIS publishes separate fee schedules for mainstream students, EAL students, and learning support students. Fees are payable termly. Contact admissions for the detailed 2025–2026 fee schedule including all one-time fees and payment options.
Academic Results
AIS offers the Australian Curriculum from Preschool through Year 10, transitioning to the IB Diploma Programme in Years 11–12. The Australian curriculum emphasises inquiry-based learning, strong communication skills, and problem-solving abilities.
The IB Diploma average of 33.5 sits above the world average of 31.98, though below Jakarta's top-tier schools. The school reports that IB students consistently perform well, with strong university placements. Detailed subject-level results and university destination data are not publicly available.
Class sizes average 16–20 students. EAL support and learning enrichment programmes are integrated throughout. The school's inclusive philosophy means students with a wide range of needs are supported within mainstream classes.
Student Body & Academics
AIS serves 900+ students from 40+ nationalities. The school's inclusive philosophy means it welcomes students with learning difficulties, limited English proficiency, and physical disabilities alongside mainstream students. The student body is diverse, with a significant proportion of Indonesian families alongside expat communities.
The community atmosphere is frequently noted by parents. At its scale, AIS occupies a middle ground - large enough to offer breadth in curriculum and activities, small enough that children aren't anonymous. The school culture values effort alongside results, and the inclusive approach creates a supportive rather than competitive environment.
Inspection
Australian Independent School is CIS accredited. Last major evaluation summary released November 2024.
School Life
Facilities
Multi-purpose halls
AIS runs a range of co-curricular activities including sports, arts, music, and academic clubs. The school participates in local and regional competitions, though the breadth of options is more limited than the larger schools.
Sports programmes include swimming, football, basketball, and athletics. The arts programme includes music, drama, and visual arts. Specific details of the full extracurricular programme are not publicly listed - parents should ask during school visits.
The school's inclusive ethos extends to its activities - the emphasis is on participation and community engagement rather than elite competition. This suits families looking for a well-rounded experience over a hyper-competitive environment.
Location
Pejaten Campus
Preschool – Year 12
Jl. Pejaten Barat No. 68, Pejaten, Pasar Minggu, Jakarta Selatan 12510