Mentari Intercultural School JakartaUnverified
Jakarta Campus- 1 campus in South Jakarta
Clarissa Subagyo
In post since 2020
Clarissa Subagyo is Head of School at Mentari Intercultural School Jakarta. The school is accredited by CIS and WASC and maintains high IB Diploma pass rates.
The Intelligence
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If you're self-funding and want the full IB continuum, Mentari should be on your shortlist. Fees are roughly half what JIS charges, classes are smaller, and the teaching is solid. The campus won't win any architecture awards, but the education is the point.
Mentari is the school that families who know Jakarta's education scene quietly recommend when someone asks about value. Full IB continuum - PYP, MYP, and Diploma - at fees roughly half what JIS or BSJ charge. If you're self-funding rather than relying on a corporate package, that arithmetic is hard to ignore.
The school started as Sunshine Preschool over thirty years ago and has grown into a multi-campus operation. The main Kebayoran Baru campus on Jl. H. Jian near Cipete serves elementary and high school. There's also a Grand Surya campus in West Jakarta for some secondary students. The feel is more community than corporate - less polished than the premium schools, but parents say it's warmer.
Class sizes run at 14-18 students, smaller than JIS or BSJ. The teachers are attentive and know their children well, and the school culture values effort alongside results. The IB Diploma average of 32.1 is below JIS (35.8) but the 95% pass rate suggests solid, consistent teaching across the cohort rather than a few high-scorers pulling up the average.
+What parents value
- Full IB continuum (PYP, MYP, DP) at roughly half JIS prices. For self-funding families, this is the most cost-effective route to an IB Diploma in South Jakarta.
- At 14-18 per class, teachers know students individually. The pastoral approach is more hands-on than the bigger schools.
- With 35+ nationalities and a more even distribution than the expat-heavy premium schools, the intercultural mix is real. The school's name isn't just branding.
- Mentari has been running the full IB continuum long enough to have a mature approach to PYP and MYP. This isn't a school that bolted on IB status as an afterthought.
- The annual MISMUN conference attracts 200+ students from across Indonesia. For a mid-range school, that's a seriously impressive enrichment programme.
−Points of consideration
- The campus on Jl. H. Jian is urban and compact. Don't expect sprawling grounds or showpiece buildings. Facilities are functional, not flashy. The money goes into teaching.
- IB Diploma average of 32.1 is below the top-tier schools. If you're targeting Ivy League or Oxbridge, ask about individual subject scores and where graduates actually end up.
- The school 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.
- The multi-campus structure can feel fragmented. Elementary and high school share the Kebayoran Baru campus, but some secondary students are at the Grand Surya campus in West Jakarta.
- Who runs the school day-to-day isn't clear from public sources. The founding organisation (YPAI, established 1994) provides continuity, but families should ask about leadership when they visit.
Fees
2025–2026 fees shown in USD equivalent. Exchange rate updated 19 Feb 2026
| Year Group | Tuition | Capital Fee | Total (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Years (Ages 3–5)(3–5 years) | US$5,357 | US$1,220 | US$6,577 |
| Elementary (Grade 1–5)(5–11 years) | US$6,214 | US$5,536 | US$11,750 |
| Middle School (Grade 6–8)(11–14 years) | US$7,143 | US$0 | US$7,143 |
| High School IB DP (Grade 9–12)(14–18 years) | US$5,893 | US$3,988 | US$9,881 |
Fee structure differs between Early Years, Elementary, and High School. Monthly tuition ranges from IDR 7.5M (Early Years) to IDR 8.7M (Elementary). One-time development/admission fees are significant - factor these into first-year costs. Contact admissions for the current detailed fee schedule as structures may have changed for 2025–2026.
Academic Results
Mentari is a full IB World School offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP) through Years 1–5, the Middle Years Programme (MYP) through Years 6–10, and the IB Diploma Programme in Years 11–12. The IB authorisation covers all three programmes.
The IB Diploma average of 32.1 and pass rate of 95% represent solid performance - above the global IB average though below the top-tier Jakarta schools. Detailed subject-level results and university destination data are not publicly available.
The school also holds Cambridge curriculum authorisation alongside the IB, and is accredited by BAN-SM (Indonesia's national school accreditation body). Class sizes of 14–18 allow for more individualised attention than the larger schools.
Student Body & Academics
Mentari serves 600+ students from 35+ nationalities across its campuses. The school describes itself as having a 'multi-voiced culture' - reflecting a genuinely intercultural rather than predominantly expatriate community. The mix includes both international and Indonesian families.
The community atmosphere is frequently noted by parents. At its scale, Mentari occupies a middle ground - large enough to offer breadth in curriculum and activities, small enough that children aren't anonymous. The Model UN programme (MISMUN) attracts 200+ participants from across Indonesia, suggesting a school that engages beyond its campus.
Inspection
Mentari Intercultural School is accredited by CIS and WASC. High IB Diploma pass rates.
School Life
Facilities
Multi-purpose halls, Student lounges
Mentari runs a range of co-curricular activities including sports, arts, music, and academic clubs. The annual MISMUN conference (Mentari Model United Nations) is a highlight, attracting over 200 high school students from across Indonesia. In 2024, a new UNEP council was added to accommodate growing demand.
Sports programmes and music clubs are available. The campus facilities include a pool, gymnasium, football field, and purpose-built science and art spaces. Specific details of the full extracurricular programme are not publicly listed - parents should ask during school visits.
The school's intercultural ethos extends to its activities - the emphasis is on building cross-cultural understanding and community engagement rather than elite competition. This suits families looking for a well-rounded experience over a hyper-competitive sporting environment.
Location
Jakarta Campus (Kebayoran Baru)
Early Years – Year 12
Jl. H. Jian No. 6, Cipete Utara, Kebayoran Baru, Jakarta Selatan 12150