Jakarta Intercultural School (JIS)
Key Stats
Annual Fees: US$16K – US$34K
Curriculum: IB Primary Years · IB Middle Years · IB Diploma · AP
Age Range: 3–18
Students: 2,200
Location: Jakarta
Updated February 2026
In Brief
Jakarta Intercultural School is a large American-style international school founded in 1951, serving 2,500+ students from over 50 nationalities with both IB and AP pathways. With exceptional facilities including an Olympic pool and 800-seat performing arts center, it attracts families seeking comprehensive educational and extracurricular programs in Jakarta.
Established in 1951 in Pondok Indah, South Jakarta, JIS has grown into one of Indonesia's largest international schools under Head of School Maya Nelson. The school serves students from early childhood through grade 12 with a distinctive dual-track approach offering both International Baccalaureate programs (Primary Years, Middle Years, and Diploma) alongside 28 Advanced Placement courses. This flexibility allows students to pursue either pathway or combine elements from both, preparing them for universities worldwide while maintaining American high school diploma requirements.
The school's facilities match its ambitious educational scope, featuring a 50-meter Olympic swimming pool, 800-seat performing arts center, three gymnasiums, and specialized spaces including robotics labs, recording studios, and a black box theater. With students representing more than 52 nationalities - led by Indonesian (20%), Japanese (19%), and American (14%) populations - JIS creates a genuinely multicultural environment. The school requires all high school students to complete Creativity, Activity, and Service components, emphasizing community engagement alongside academic achievement through its restructured co-curricular program designed for equitable leadership opportunities.
What parents value
- –Extensive facilities including Olympic-standard pool and professional-grade performing arts center
- –Dual IB and AP pathways provide curricular flexibility for different university destinations
- –Large scale enables diverse extracurricular offerings and competitive athletics programs
- –Over 50 nationalities create authentic international community
- –75-year history demonstrates institutional stability and experience
- –CIS and WASC accreditation with excellent ratings
- –Strong emphasis on service learning and community engagement
Points of consideration
- –Large student body of 2,500+ may feel impersonal for some families
- –American-style approach may not suit families preferring British or other educational traditions
- –Premium facilities and programs likely reflected in fee structure
- –High achieving environment may create competitive pressure
- –Limited public information about specific academic outcomes or university placement rates
Annual Fees
| Year Group | Age | USDTotal Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Early Years 1 & 2 (Half Day) | 3–4 years | 17,168 |
| Early Years 1 & 2 (Full Day) | 3–4 years | 22,110 |
| Kindergarten | 4–5 years | 29,729 |
| Elementary (Grades 1–5) | 5–11 years | 31,053 |
| Middle School (Grades 6–8) | 11–14 years | 35,328 |
| High School (Grades 9–12) | 14–18 years | 35,557 |
| JIS Learning Centre (Primary) | Learning support | 46,104 |
| JIS Learning Centre (Secondary) | Learning support | 50,378 |
Fees converted from IDR. For the most up to date and accurate figures please double check with the school.
Additional Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | 312 |
| Enrolment Guarantee (Early Bird) | 1,512 |
| Enrolment Guarantee (Standard) | 1,822 |
| Technology Fee (Elementary) | 391 |
| Technology Fee (MS/HS) | 1,366 |
| EAL Programme Fee | 4,196 |
Photos
Academic Results
| Average IB Score (2024) | 35.8 |
| IB Pass Rate | 97.5% |
JIS offers the full IB continuum from PYP through DP, alongside Advanced Placement courses for students preferring the American pathway. The IB Diploma average was 35.8 in 2024 with a pass rate above 97%.
University destinations include US institutions (40–50% of graduates, including Ivy League and top-20), UK universities (around 25%, including Oxbridge and Russell Group), and growing numbers to Australia, Canada, and Europe. The middle school follows a modified IB MYP with American curriculum elements.
Class sizes average 18–20 students. Learning support and EAL programmes are available. STEAM subjects are well-resourced with dedicated labs and maker spaces.
Extra Curriculars
Extra-curricular activities: 180+
Facilities: 50-metre Olympic swimming pool · 800-seat performing arts centre · Three gymnasiums · Two libraries (50,000 volumes) · Elementary & secondary science labs · Design technology & robotics labs · Art studios & ceramics workshop · Tennis courts & multipurpose fields · Black box theatre · Recording studio & music rooms · Two cafeterias
JIS runs a house system across grade levels with inter-house competitions in sports, arts, and community service. 'JIS Week' in February is the main cultural event, featuring performances, food fairs, and cultural presentations reflecting the school's international mix.
The school competes in IASAS (Interscholastic Association of Southeast Asian Schools) against six other leading international schools across the region, and sport is a significant part of secondary school life. The arts programme produces large-scale musicals annually and there are dedicated music, drama, and visual arts spaces.
Service learning is embedded into the curriculum. The Cilandak campus has a community feel, and many families use the pool and sports facilities at weekends. The PTA is active and well-organised.
Inspections & Accreditations
Inspection
Latest review: 20 May 2023
Inspection body: CIS / WASC
Rating: Excellent
CIS/WASC joint accreditation review noted strong student learning outcomes and community engagement. The report highlighted the school's mission-driven approach and breadth of programme offerings.
Accreditations
Accreditation details are not publicly listed.
Memberships
Membership details are not publicly listed.
Student Body
JIS draws a mix of expatriate children and internationally-minded Indonesian families. The student body includes children of diplomats, multinational executives, and entrepreneurs. Many students have lived in multiple countries.
Indonesian students now represent about 25% of enrolment, with the remainder spread across 60+ nationalities, the largest groups being American, South Korean, Japanese, and Australian. Gender split: 52:48 male to female.
Leadership
Maya Nelson - Head of School
Maya Nelson is a long-time member of the JIS community, having started as a student upon arriving in Indonesia with her family, where she developed a passion for neurodiversities and inclusive education through service-learning projects.
