Surabaya, Indonesia鈥檚 second-largest city, is fast becoming a hub for international education. With a growing expat community and an increasing number of local families seeking global-standard schooling, international schools in Surabaya offer a wide range of curricula including the International Baccalaureate (IB), Cambridge, and American systems. These schools are known for their strong academic focus, English-medium instruction, and multicultural environments that prepare students for university and careers around the world. In this article, we鈥檒l take a closer look at the top international schools in Surabaya, what they offer, and how to choose the right fit for your child.
Established in 1990, Cita Hati Schools offer a values-based education from kindergarten to senior level, built on a strong moral and ethical foundation. The school integrates character-building with academic excellence, aiming to develop students into compassionate, principled, and capable leaders. It follows an international curriculum pathway, starting with Cambridge and progressing to the IB Diploma Programme. With campuses in Surabaya (East and West) and Samarinda, Cita Hati provides a holistic education that fosters critical thinking, creativity, and global awareness.
Established in 2004 in a prominent Surabaya neighbourhood, Great Crystal School and Course Center offers a complete education pathway from Preschool to Grade 12. The school is officially licensed as a Satuan Pendidikan Kerjasama (SPK)鈥� a designation given by the Indonesian Ministry of 重口味SM to schools that combine the national curriculum with internationally recognized programs such as the Cambridge programme. SPK schools offer bilingual instruction and prepare both Indonesian and expatriate students for global challenges.
Ivy School offers a nurturing education from Preschool to Middle School (ages 1鈥�15) through four divisions: Preschool, Kindergarten, Elementary School, and Middle School. The curriculum blends academic learning with character development rooted in Biblical values, guided by top U.S. educational research.
Subjects include English, math, science, Mandarin, music, art, and physical education, all delivered through an integrated, developmentally appropriate approach. With support from U.S. education partners, Ivy School aims to inspire curiosity, build confidence, and produce students who love learning and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
4. Mawar Sharon Christian School
Mawar Sharon Christian School (MSCS) adopts the Cambridge international curriculum to deliver a rigorous, globally recognized education while staying true to its values. The school integrates Christian principles across subjects such as Social Studies, Science, Math, Literature, and the Arts, enabling students to connect learning with real-life purpose.
Through Cambridge Primary, Lower Secondary, The International General Certificate of Secondary 重口味SM (IGCSE), and Advanced Subsidiary (AS) & A Level, students develop critical thinking, acquire communication skills, and cultivate a passion for learning.
Sampoerna Academy offers a global, hands-on learning experience through the Cambridge curriculum and a strong STEAM focus. Students are encouraged to think critically, solve problems, and innovate. The Surabaya campuses include Pakuwon Indah (Playgroup to Grade 2) and Grand Pakuwon (Elementary to High School). With support from international partners and world-class resources, the school equips students with the skills and mindset needed to thrive at university, in careers, and in a rapidly changing world.
Sekolah Ciputra is one of the world鈥檚 first IB Continuum Schools, offering a seamless International Baccalaureate education from Playgroup through Grade 12 with the Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme, and IB Diploma Programme. The school is fully accredited (K鈥�12) by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and holds SPK status, allowing it to offer an international curriculum in Indonesia.
7. SIS (Surabaya Branch)
The SIS Group of Schools offers education from preschool to junior college, based on a combination of the Singapore syllabus, the Cambridge Curriculum, and the International Baccalaureate Diploma. With a strong emphasis on English, Math, and Science鈥攅nriched by the humanities, regional languages, and the Arts鈥攕tudents receive a well-rounded education. With branches in other parts of Indonesia, SIS provides a well-rounded, globally-focused education tailored to nurture academic excellence and personal growth.
Founded in 2003 by Indian expatriate Mrs. Sanjana Bhat, SpInS 鈥� International School began as an affordable, high-quality option for Indian and local families in Surabaya. Starting with just 14 students, it has grown into the city鈥檚 largest international school, now serving nearly 500 students from 15 nations. The school follows the Cambridge curriculum from Kindergarten to Grade 12, focusing on academic excellence, individual care, and strong moral values.
Surabaya Cambridge School (SCS) offers Preschool to Grade 12 education based on the Cambridge curriculum, aiming to develop globally minded, multilingual students. Lessons are taught in English, Mandarin, and Bahasa Indonesia by a diverse team of local and expatriate teachers. The school year starts in July and continues until June the following year, with extracurricular activities in the afternoon to enrich the student experience.
Founded in 1997 as Surabaya鈥檚 first Montessori school, Surabaya European School (SES) now offers the British International Curriculum for students from ages 3 to 18, concluding with the Cambridge A Level exams. Accredited by Cambridge since 2011, SES supports a diverse student body from over 17 nations. Its small size allows for personalised attention and close teacher-student relationships. With experienced international staff and strong communication and co-operation with parents, SES prepares students for global success, with alumni moving on to top schools worldwide.
11. Surabaya Intercultural School
Established in 1971, Surabaya Intercultural School (formerly the American Consulate School) is a non-profit, English-medium school for students from Pre-K to Grade 12. Governed by a parent-elected board, SIS follows the American education system with semesters from August鈥揇ecember and January鈥揓une. It is the only school in Surabaya accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). With a diverse international student body, SIS provides a strong academic foundation in a globally minded learning environment.
12. Surabaya Taipei International School
Established in 1995, Surabaya Taiwan School offers kindergarten to secondary education, following Taiwan鈥檚 national curriculum. Classes are taught in Chinese, English, and Indonesian, with Chinese as the main language. In the teaching of English the focus is on reading, writing, and conversation. Language instruction in Indonesian is also provided and the language is also used for arts subjects. The school serves primarily Taiwanese and Indonesian students, and seeks to help them build strong trilingual proficiency. With a focus on academic excellence and cultural understanding, it provides a well-rounded education in a multilingual environment.
Whether you're an expat or a local parent, Surabaya鈥檚 international schools offer diverse pathways to quality education. With strong academics, global curricula, and supportive environments, these schools are well-equipped to prepare your child for future success鈥攂oth locally and abroad.
