Secondary International Schools in Jakarta for Expat Families

For families with teenagers, a Jakarta posting raises specific educational concerns: will the curriculum align with where we are heading next? Will university applications be affected? Can my child join mid-way through a secondary programme without losing ground?

Jakarta's international secondary schools are well-experienced in answering these questions. The city has been a major expat hub for decades, and its schools have adapted to serve students who move in and out at various stages of their secondary education.

The Secondary Landscape

The majority of Jakarta's leading international secondary schools now follow the International Baccalaureate pathway — IB Middle Years Programme (Years 7–11, age 11–16) followed by IB Diploma (Years 12–13, age 16–18). This provides a coherent, internationally portable curriculum recognised by universities in the UK, USA, Australia, and across Europe.

A smaller number of schools offer Cambridge IGCSE as the middle school qualification, with either Cambridge A-Levels or the IB Diploma at Sixth Form level. For families specifically seeking IGCSE and A-Level qualifications, see our dedicated GCSE and A-Levels Jakarta guide.

Leading Secondary International Schools

Jakarta Intercultural School (JIS) — Grades 6–12

JIS secondary covers Grades 6–12 (age 11–18). The school uses the IB Middle Years Programme and IB Diploma, taught within an American-influenced framework. JIS is one of the most academically well-resourced international schools in Indonesia — its secondary campus has specialist science laboratories, a university counselling centre, and co-curricular programmes spanning performing arts, athletics, and community service.

Annual secondary fees at JIS range from approximately IDR 370–600 million, making it the highest-cost option in Jakarta. The school draws students from more than 60 nationalities, and its Diploma results have historically been competitive with global IB averages.

JIS is particularly well-suited to families planning to apply to North American universities, given its American curriculum roots, though its IB Diploma pathway also supports strong UK university applications.

British School Jakarta (BSJ) — Years 7–13

BSJ secondary runs from Year 7 to Year 13, covering the IB Middle Years Programme (Years 7–11) and IB Diploma (Years 12–13). The British National Curriculum background at primary gives BSJ students a strong foundation in literacy and structured academic writing.

BSJ is widely regarded for its pastoral care, with a tutor system and robust university guidance provided through its University Hub. University placements have included Russell Group institutions, top Australian universities, and growing numbers to the USA. Annual secondary fees range from approximately IDR 280–411 million (Year 12–13).

External applicants to Sixth Form (Year 12) require a minimum of three A grades and three B grades at IGCSE or equivalent — the school applies an academic entry threshold.

ACG School Jakarta — Years 7–13

ACG School Jakarta follows Cambridge Lower Secondary and IGCSE for Years 7–11, transitioning to the IB Diploma in Years 12–13. This gives ACG students an IGCSE qualification — a formal external credential at age 15–16 — before proceeding to the IB Diploma. This can be an advantage for students who may need to demonstrate a traditional GCSE-equivalent record.

ACG's smaller size gives it a more personalised feel than JIS or BSJ, with closer teacher-student relationships in the secondary years. It is a well-regarded option for families seeking a coherent K–13 pathway with clear external qualifications at each stage.

Sekolah Pelita Harapan (SPH) — Secondary

SPH offers secondary education across several campuses, blending Cambridge curriculum and IB Diploma options. Its Christian faith ethos is maintained throughout secondary, and the pastoral structure reflects this. For mixed Indonesian-international families, SPH secondary combines an international academic standard with greater cultural integration with the Indonesian context.

Bina Bangsa School (BBS) — Secondary

BBS secondary uses the Cambridge International curriculum through IGCSE level, with strong results in English, Mathematics, and Science. The Singapore curriculum influence brings a rigour in mathematics that some families find appealing. For students heading to Singapore universities or seeking strong STEM preparation, BBS is worth considering.

BBS fees remain among the most accessible, making it a realistic option for families with multiple secondary-age children or those without full employer fee support.

Joining Mid-Secondary: What to Expect

Joining a Jakarta international school at secondary level — particularly from a different curriculum system — requires some planning:

At Year 7 (age 11–12): The most natural entry point. Most schools have structured transition programmes.

At Year 9 (age 13–14): Possible at all main schools, though some assessment will be required to confirm appropriate subject level.

At Year 10 (IGCSE / MYP Year 4, age 14–15): Manageable but requires discussion with the school about subject selection and any bridging requirements. Two-year IGCSE programmes effectively restart here.

At Year 11 (final IGCSE/MYP year, age 15–16): Generally not advised for mid-year entry. Schools may accommodate August starts.

At Year 12 (IB Diploma, age 16–17): Possible with academic entry requirements met. Subject group requirements must be planned carefully to meet university prerequisites.

For detailed guidance, see our applying to international school in Jakarta guide.

Co-Curricular and University Preparation

Jakarta's international secondary schools take co-curricular activity seriously — both as part of the IB's CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) requirement and as enrichment in its own right. Families can expect:

• Competitive sports programmes (football, swimming, basketball, badminton)
• Performing arts (drama, music, dance)
• Model UN, debate, and student council
• Duke of Edinburgh's International Award (at some schools)
• Community service partnerships with Jakarta-based organisations

For university-bound students, dedicated university counselling is available from Year 11 at the main schools. See our university admissions from Jakarta international schools guide for detail on UCAS, US college applications, and UK fee status.

Summary: Secondary School Comparison

School	Years	Curriculum	Annual Fees (IDR, approx.)
JIS	Grades 6–12	IB MYP + Diploma	370–600 million
BSJ	Years 7–13	IB MYP + Diploma	280–411 million
ACG	Years 7–13	Cambridge IGCSE + IB Diploma	~150–250 million
SPH	Secondary	Cambridge / IB Diploma	100–200 million
BBS	Secondary	Cambridge IGCSE	80–140 million

How Global Investments Can Help

Jakarta postings with secondary-age children often coincide with significant financial decisions — structuring education costs across multiple countries, planning for university tuition in the UK or USA, and managing currency exposure on a multi-year basis. Global Investments advisers work with internationally mobile families on exactly these challenges. Contact us to speak with our team.

This guide is for general information only. Fees, curricula, and university outcomes change. Always verify details directly with schools before making decisions. Investment and property values can fall as well as rise.