Guide To The Best Reggio Emilia Schools In Jakarta – Kindergartens And Preschools

The Philosophy Of Reggio Emilia

The Reggio Emilia approach represents an educational philosophy rather than a structured curriculum, advocating for a learning process guided by the children themselves. Recognizing the unique nature of each child, this approach does not adhere to a singular method. Consequently, schools adopting this philosophy are described as "Reggio Emilia-inspired."

In practical terms, this approach is based on the belief that children possess the capacity to express themselves in "a hundred languages," offering numerous avenues for free and unencumbered expression. The primary aim is to foster effective, meaningful, and constructive communication among children and adults and between the senses and the surrounding environment.

Next, we will outline the fundamental components that constitute an effective educational approach:

Educators and students engage in a collaborative learning process in the Reggio Emilia approach. This dynamic involves both parties posing and responding to questions, fostering a reciprocal relationship driven by mutual discovery. Educators view the development of each child as a distinct, long-term endeavor, often teaching the same group of children for a minimum of three years. This methodology acknowledges children as highly capable, perceptive, and valuable contributors to their community, embodying the principle that raising a child is a communal effort. Within this framework, parents are recognized as primary educators alongside teachers. They play a crucial role as educational partners, actively participating in decisions regarding school policies, curriculum, and other matters. Peers are considered secondary educators, creating an environment where every individual contributes to the learning journey, enabling students to gain insights into themselves and the world around them.

Teaching Style Of Reggio Emilia

Educators and students engage in a collaborative learning process in the Reggio Emilia approach. This dynamic involves both parties posing and responding to questions, fostering a reciprocal relationship driven by mutual discovery. Educators view the development of each child as a distinct, long-term endeavor, often teaching the same group of children for a minimum of three years. This methodology acknowledges children as highly capable, perceptive, and valuable contributors to their community, embodying the principle that raising a child is a communal effort. Within this framework, parents are recognized as primary educators alongside teachers. They play a crucial role as educational partners, actively participating in decisions regarding school policies, curriculum, and other matters. Peers are considered secondary educators, creating an environment where every individual contributes to the learning journey, enabling students to gain insights into themselves and the world around them.

Curriculum - Reggio Emilia

Dispense with the notion of a fixed curriculum, children inherently understand what is beneficial for them when given the opportunity to tap into that knowledge. Educators pay close attention to the interests of the children, subsequently facilitating deeper exploration through collaborative projects, investigations, or discussions.

Complex ideas are introduced to the children using a variety of mediums such as music, drama, puppetry, print, and shadow play. They are then encouraged to express their comprehension through multiple forms of symbolic language, including but not limited to drawing, sculpture, drama, writing, and more.

Educators meticulously record the children's expressions in these "hundred languages," visually mapping the learning journey and thereby identifying avenues for further development.

The Environment Of Reggio Emilia

The environment is recognized as a critical component with which children interact and learn, often referred to as "the third teacher" in addition to adults and peers within the Reggio Emilia approach. The design of their spaces is deliberate, emphasizing natural light and organization to minimize barriers while remaining dynamic enough to encourage exploration. These settings are designed to be inviting and connected to the external environment and the broader community.

EtonHouse

EtonHouse's inception goes back to Mrs. Ng Gim Choo's inspiration during her stay in London in the 1980s, where the positive experience of her children in a British preschool system highlighted a gap in Singapore's educational offerings. This realization led to the establishment of EtonHouse in Singapore in 1995, aiming to replicate the stimulating and nurturing environment in British education. Over the years, EtonHouse has grown significantly, now operating over 100 schools across 12 countries, with a commitment to providing a child-focused, inquiry-based learning approach. The school's philosophy emphasizes the development of well-balanced individuals through engaging environments that foster curiosity, communication skills, and a love for learning. EtonHouse strives to offer a comprehensive educational program that prepares students academically, socially, emotionally, and physically, promoting values of international understanding, critical thinking, and community engagement.

Etonhouse, EtonHouse Preschool, Jl. Raya Kebayoran Lama No. 121, Jakarta Selatan, +62 21 5322302, enquiry@etonhouse.co.id, https://www.etonhouse.co.id/jakarta/

ISmile

ISmile, a Christian SPK International Preschool established in 2007 in Indonesia, has earned an A accreditation from the Badan Akreditasi Nasional Pendidikan Anak Usia Dini & Pendidikan Non-Formal. With a vision to partner with parents and communities, ISmile aims for children to exceed expectations and develop holistically with positive character values, a love for learning, and essential 21st-century skills. Reflecting on nearly two decades in early childhood education, ISMILE values continuous improvement, evidenced by its commitment to research and evidence-based practices, the joy and confidence observed in children's learning, and the prestigious achievements of its alums. The preschool emphasizes continuous professional development for its educators, incorporating nature education to enhance children's curiosity, creativity, resilience, and overall development. Engaging closely with parents and communities is pivotal for holistic development, emphasizing character values such as resilience and kindness. ISmile fosters 21st-century skills through collaborative problem-solving and real-life applications. While recognizing areas for improvement like inclusion, cultural context, and sustainability, ISmile remains committed to nurturing responsible global citizens for the future, underpinned by an eclectic curriculum that leverages multiple intelligences and approaches like Reggio Emilia and Montessori to cater to diverse learning styles and foster a lifelong love for learning.

ISmile, Jl. Limo No.41, Grogol Utara, Kec. Kebayoran Lama, South Jakarta, +62 021 5366 4777, info.permatahijau@ismile.sch.id, https://idn.ismile.sch.id/

Bundamulia

Bunda Mulia School (BMS), established in 2004, is a premier Cambridge K-12 institution in Indonesia, renowned for its innovative curriculum that emphasizes student engagement and empowerment. With a philosophy that values meaningful and real-world learning experiences, BMS is committed to fostering passionate lifelong learners who aspire to impact society and the global community positively. The school adopts a holistic approach to education, focusing on the comprehensive development of students to prepare them for future challenges. BMS integrates the Montessori and Reggio Emilia approaches in its Early Childhood Education program, promoting hands-on learning and child-led exploration. The introduction of the International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC) in 2020 further enhances its commitment to holistic, inquiry, and play-based learning. BMS distinguishes itself by prioritizing students' happiness and holistic development over traditional academic success metrics, supported by a nurturing environment, a world-class curriculum aligned with the Cambridge Pathway, experienced faculty, and state-of-the-art facilities. This approach ensures that students excel academically and develop intellectually, emotionally, and socially, embodying the school's vision of nurturing responsible, innovative, and engaged individuals ready to contribute to a brighter future.

Bundamulia, Jl. Lodan Raya No. 2, Jakarta Utara, DKI Jakarta, +62 21 690 9742, info@bundamulia.sch.id, https://bundamulia.sch.id/

Alam Atelier

The educational philosophy of the Alam Atelier institution is predicated on the establishment of a nurturing and intentional environment that cultivates independent, resilient, and globally aware citizens, achieved through collaborative engagement with families. It emphasizes the significant role of nature in enhancing a child’s emotional, intellectual, and physical development, advocating for the perspective that children are capable and robust learners. By leveraging the concept of "100 creative languages," the institution encourages children to actively engage in their learning process, facilitating their exploration of complex concepts through personal investigation. This pedagogical approach accommodates individual learning trajectories, recognizing children as innate investigators and proactive learners. Educators, regarded as essential resources, act as reflective orchestrators of a dynamic curriculum that resonates with the children's interests, committed to ongoing professional growth to foster and facilitate exploratory learning and discovery. Through the amalgamation of Reggio Emilia-inspired methods, nature education, and inquiry-based learning, the Alam Atelier strives to deliver authentic, age-appropriate learning experiences within environments designed to spark curiosity, exploration, and a communal spirit, thus laying a foundation for enduring learning and personal development.

Alam Atelier, Jl. Pemelisan Agung, Desa Tibubeneng, Kuta Utara, Badung, +62 813 1771 7700, info@alamatelier.com, https://www.alamatelier.com/

ACG School Jakarta

ACG School Jakarta, a leading international private school in South Jakarta, Indonesia, offers a comprehensive academic program from Kindergarten to Year 13, achieving over 400 Cambridge and IB Awards since 1994. The school provides a diverse and modern learning environment, emphasizing academic excellence, student support, and globally recognized qualifications. With 47 International Curriculum Subjects and 32 Extra-Curricular Activities, ACG Jakarta adopts a child-centred approach within an inclusive community of 270 students from 31 nationalities. Under Principal Myles D'Airelle's leadership, the school focuses on holistic education, supporting students' academic, physical, social, and emotional development. Accredited by the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO) and Cambridge International, ACG Jakarta prepares students for future success in a multicultural environment that values traditional principles alongside modern international education.

ACG School Jakarta, Jl Warung Jati Barat (Taman Margasatwa) No 19 Jati Padang, Pasar Minggu, South Jakarta, +62 21 2978 0200, acgjkt@acgedu.com, https://www.jakarta.acgedu.com/

Ishine

IShine offers a comprehensive program for infants aged 6 to 18 months, focusing on nurturing their transition from babies to curious explorers within a warm, inclusive environment that welcomes parents and caretakers into the learning process. Emphasizing the importance of verbal and non-verbal communication, IShine integrates gestures, stories, picture books, and songs to foster early conversational skills in a safe, "home away from home" setting. The curriculum, grounded in research, aims to enhance parental knowledge and confidence and positively impact infants' lifelong learning. Infants are introduced to concepts like cause-and-effect and object permanence through play, encouraging sensory exploration to stimulate rapid cognitive development. IShine prioritizes forming trusting relationships and employing sensitivity, facial expressions, and eye contact to promote self-awareness and continuity with the child's home life. The program also supports infants' physical development, aiding mobility and coordination through activities that encourage crawling, standing, and walking while providing for individual rest and nutrition needs. Furthermore, IShine fosters artistic exploration and self-expression, laying the foundation for a lifetime of learning through imaginative play and creative activities.

Ishine, IShine Kelapa Gading, Kelapa Gading Square, Blok J No. 28 - 29 Italian Walk, North Jakart, +62 21 4586 7586, info.kelapagading@ishine.sch.id, IShine Kertanegara, Jl. Kertanegara No. 35, Kelurahan Selong Kecamatan Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta, +62 0811 1343 566, info.kertanegara@ishine.sch.id, IShine PIK Elang Laut, Elang Laut Boulevard, Blok F No. 29 - 30, Jl. Pantai Indah Selatan 1, Pantai Indah Kapuk, North Jakarta, +62 21 2257 4140, info.pik@ishine.sch.id, https://idn.ishine.sch.id/

Sinarmas World Academy

Sinarmas World Academy (SWA), founded in July 2008 in BSD City, Tangerang, provides a holistic international education from Toddler to Grade 12, emphasizing academic excellence through adaptable 21st-century learning methods. Integrating the UK's Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), the Cambridge Curriculum, and the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (IB MYP) with a focus on Asia's cultural identity, SWA prepares students for global university success and societal contribution. The academy boasts exclusive international partnerships, a diverse student body from over 16 countries, and a professional multinational faculty. SWA graduates are recognized for their achievements and readiness for prestigious universities worldwide, supported by state-of-the-art facilities and a commitment to community service. The school also offers a specialized BEST streaming program from Grade 9, leading to the rigorous IB Diploma Programme, ensuring students are well-prepared for their future academic and career paths.

Sinarmas World Academy, Jl. TM Pahlawan Seribu, CBD Lot XV BSD City, Tangerang, Jakarta, +62 21 5316 1400, admissions@swa-jkt.com, https://www.swa-jkt.com/

Nord Anglia School

Nord Anglia School Jakarta offers each child a unique and personalized learning journey, emphasizing individuality within a nurturing and safe community. The school's Early Years curriculum, inspired by the UK's Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and enriched by the Reggio Emilia approach, focuses on experiential play and inquiry-based learning, fostering personal, social, emotional, and physical development. Highly qualified educators create a stimulating indoor and outdoor environment tailored to each child's needs, encouraging curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning. The school's lush, green campus provides an ideal outdoor exploration and learning setting, further enhancing the educational experience. Nord Anglia School Jakarta also boasts a warm and welcoming parent community, with regular updates and involvement opportunities, ensuring families are engaged in their child's progress. With state-of-the-art facilities, including a STEAM Maker Space and music suite, the school offers a holistic, community-focused program that prepares students for life's challenges, making learning a fun, engaging, and deeply personal experience.

Nord Anglia Education, NAS Jakarta - Nord Anglia School Jakarta, +62 (0)21 782 3930, info@nasjakarta.sch.id, https://www.nordangliaeducation.com/nas-jakarta