In the heart of Bali stands a school unlike any other — where bamboo classrooms with no walls form a learning community in a shape of a village. The Green School is more than just a place of education — it fosters creativity, leadership, reinvents the concept of sustainability and shows a deep respect for the Balinese culture. The EdDesign Mag team visited this remarkable place — join our video with Elena Vavilova around the campus.
Founded in 2008 by John and Cynthia Hardy, Green School is a private international school nestled in the heart of Bali. More than just a place of learning, it’s a bold experiment in sustainable living and innovative education.
Photo: Tommaso Riva; IBUKU; PT Bambu
Green School in Bali is not the only one of its kind. It is part of the international Green School movement, which unites schools that share the philosophy of eco-conscious education and sustainable development. In addition to Bali, Green Schools can be found in New Zealand and South Africa.
The vision for Green School was inspired by environmentalist Alan Wagstaff and his idea of an “educational village” where learning is deeply connected to nature. The Hardys brought this dream to life by creating a school that nurtures not only academic achievement, but also creativity, emotional intelligence, and social responsibility.
At Green School, the curriculum goes far beyond traditional classroom learning. Classes are conducted in English and cover all levels, from preschool to 12th grade. While rooted in Indonesia’s national education standards, the program is enriched with forward-thinking methodologies and a strong emphasis on environmental protection initiatives.
Photo: EdDesign Mag
Students engage in a wide range of hands-on activities — from river cleanups and tree planting to organic farming and renewable energy projects. They study core subjects like math, science, languages, the arts, and sports, but with an added focus on sustainability, leadership, and real-world problem-solving.
The campus itself is a living example of sustainable architecture. Almost entirely constructed from bamboo, it incorporates solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and composting systems — embodying the values it teaches.
Watch the tour around the Green School:
April 2025
