Tzu Chi School
Key Stats
Annual Fees: US$4K – US$8K
Curriculum: Cambridge Primary · IB MYP · IB DP
Age Range: 3–18
Students: 11
Location: North Jakarta, Jakarta
Updated March 2026
In Brief
Tzu Chi School is a Buddhist international school in PIK offering Cambridge and IB programs with strong emphasis on character education and trilingual learning. While it serves over 1,000 students with decent facilities and values-based approach, teacher discussions reveal concerns about pay scales and recent staffing changes that may impact educational quality.
Located in Pantai Indah Kapuk, Tzu Chi operates as part of the global Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation network, integrating academic learning with Buddhist values of compassion, mindfulness, and community service. The school offers Cambridge Primary through to IB Diploma programs alongside trilingual education in Indonesian, English, and Mandarin. With over 1,000 students, it features science laboratories, libraries, sports facilities, and notably a vegetarian cafeteria reflecting its Buddhist identity.
Recent teacher discussions on Reddit reveal the school has replaced Western native English speakers with Filipino teachers, apparently due to cost considerations and work permit restrictions. While this reflects pragmatic responses to Indonesian visa regulations, some teachers express concerns about workplace dynamics and compensation levels compared to Jakarta's tier-one international schools. The school maintains Buddhist meditation spaces and emphasizes service learning, positioning itself as an alternative for families seeking values-based international education within a Buddhist framework.
What parents value
- –Strong character education program rooted in Buddhist values of compassion and mindfulness
- –Trilingual curriculum in Indonesian, English, and Mandarin preparing global citizens
- –Full IB pathway from Cambridge Primary through IB Diploma
- –Over 1,000 students creating substantial community
- –Vegetarian cafeteria and meditation spaces reflecting Buddhist identity
- –Service learning opportunities connecting education to community impact
- –Part of established global Tzu Chi Foundation network
- –Located in convenient PIK area with modern campus facilities
Points of consideration
- –Recent replacement of Western teachers with Filipino staff may indicate budget constraints
- –Teacher discussions suggest lower compensation compared to premium Jakarta international schools
- –Limited visibility in expatriate community discussions compared to JIS or BSJ
- –Buddhist religious foundation may not appeal to all families seeking secular education
- –Workplace dynamics concerns mentioned in teacher forums
- –Less established track record compared to Jakarta's oldest international schools
- –Fee structure not publicly disclosed requiring direct school contact
Annual Fees
| Year Group | Age | USDTotal Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Nursery 1 | 3 | 3,530 |
| Primary 1 | 6 | 5,578 |
| Secondary (Grades 7-9) | 12 | 6,354 |
| Secondary (Grade 10) | 12 | 6,707 |
| Secondary (Grade 11) | 12 | 7,413 |
Fees converted from IDR. For the most up to date and accurate figures please double check with the school.
Additional Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application Form Fee | 59 |
| Registration Fee | 471 |
| Admission Fee (Uang Pangkal) Nursery 1 - entry only | 883 |
| Admission Fee (Uang Pangkal) Nursery 1 - package through K2 | 1,765 |
| Admission Fee (Uang Pangkal) Primary 1 - entry only | 941 |
| Admission Fee (Uang Pangkal) Primary 1 - package P1-P6 | 5,648 |
| Admission Fee (Uang Pangkal) Grade 7 - to Grade 10 | 6,590 |
| Admission Fee (Uang Pangkal) Grade 7 - to Grade 12 | 9,885 |
| Admission Fee (Uang Pangkal) Grade 8 - to Grade 10 | 4,942 |
| Admission Fee (Uang Pangkal) Grade 8 - to Grade 12 | 8,237 |
| Admission Fee (Uang Pangkal) Grade 10 - to Grade 12 | 4,942 |
| Admission Fee (Uang Pangkal) Grade 11 - to Grade 12 | 3,295 |
Photos
Academic Results
Academic results have not been made publicly available by this school.
Extra Curriculars
Contact the school for details on co-curricular activities and facilities. Ask what a normal week looks like outside lessons for your child's interests.
Inspections & Accreditations
Inspection
No published inspection details are currently available.
Accreditations
Accreditation details are not publicly listed.
Memberships
Membership details are not publicly listed.
Student Body
Jakarta's international schools serve a highly diverse student body. Contact the school for current enrolment details.
Leadership
Benjamin Tsao - Principal
Benjamin Tsao serves as Principal of Tzu Chi Walnut Elementary School in Walnut, CA, leading a team focused on academic excellence, character development, and holistic education infused with Tzu Chi humanistic values.
