Choosing the right school is a big decision that will greatly impact your child’s future
While national standard public and private schools are options, more and more parents are considering 'international' (SPK) schools for their children. These schools mostly offer international-based, quality curricula that not only unlock academic excellence, help grow character, and introduce students to foreign languages and cultures. This is perfect for parents who want their child to have a multicultural education and develop their child’s full potential so it can possibly study abroad one day.
SPK schools provide exceptional teaching staff and facilities that may not be available in national schools, making them an appealing option for parents. While most well-known SPK schools in Jakarta offer British or other English language-based curricula, there are other options available that can provide a unique and valuable educational experience.
One such option is the
German School Jakarta (DSJ), located in BSD, South Tangerang. As the only school in Indonesia that teaches the German curriculum, DSJ offers academic excellence from preschool through university entrance qualifications. DSJ presents itself as a promising alternative to more popular choices in Jakarta, due to numerous advantages:
- World-class education recognized globally
- Over 65 years of educational excellence
- Multicultural environment promotes open-mindedness and tolerance
- Unlocking the Power of Multilingualism
- High-quality teachers ensuring Teaching Excellence
- Consistently Delivering world-class Education
- School Structure
- Great opportunities for higher education worldwide
- Limitless career opportunities for students
- World-class Science Education
- Creativity Unleashed: Fostering Creativity in Everyday Life
- Promoting Physical Activity and Optimal Health
1. World-class education recognized globally
The German School Jakarta offers a world-class education that meets international standards. The curriculum, the “Deutsches Internationales Abitur (DIA)”, sets DSJ apart from other international schools, as it offers a comprehensive education path that allows students to explore their interests and strengths across a broad range of subjects (like science, technology, social sciences, economics, art, languages and literature). Unlike other international curricula which require students to specialize in specific areas at an early stage, the German program allows students to develop their talents in all fields up to grade 12 before deciding on a specific study path. This unique approach gives students the freedom to explore their interests and strengths.
The
DIA certification is globally recognized and grants students access to universities worldwide. Students can pursue their academic ambitions anywhere, including the most prestigious institutions. With the DIA, students are well-equipped to thrive in the ever-evolving global education landscape.
2. Over 65 years of educational excellence

For over six decades, the German School Jakarta has been a cornerstone of international education in Indonesia. Its story began in 1957 in Bandung, where a group of German doctors working with the World Health Organization established the school. Initially students relied on guest lecturers from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland until the school gained the support of the German government, and was relocated in the late 60’s to a new location in Menteng, formerly the German embassy building.
As the student body continued to expand, DSJ eventually constructed a new
campus in BSD, South Tangerang. In 1998, this state-of-the-art facility was officially opened, providing students with ample space to learn, grow, and thrive. Today, German School Jakarta remains committed to providing exceptional education to students from all over the world.
3. Multicultural environment promotes open-mindedness and tolerance
Parents seeking international schools often prioritize a multicultural environment for their children, and the German School Jakarta excels in this regard. With approximately 300–350 students from ten different countries and diverse family backgrounds and cultures, this institution provides a truly global experience. While the majority of students are Indonesian, reflecting the growing popularity of the German education pathway, the school is home to learners from many corners of the world.
Known as a “Begegnungsschule” or School of Encounter, DSJ is promoting intercultural exchange among its students, teachers, and parents. The school fosters multicultural learning, empowering each student to appreciate different cultural heritages and values and to acquire cultural competence that encourages an open mind and heart. The school provides a welcoming, safe, and tolerant environment that promotes respect and empathy for everyone, regardless of their background, values, ideas, traditions, gender, unique character, or beliefs.
Multicultural learning at the school allows children and people from different countries, cultures, and backgrounds not only to learn together but also to grow together. In promoting awareness of study and employment opportunities around the world, the school contributes to international understanding and prepares students for a globalized world.
4. Unlocking the Power of Multilingualism

Multilingual competence is an essential component of an international education, and the German School Jakarta places great emphasis on it, firmly believing that providing students with a strong foundation in multiple languages is crucial to their success in a rapidly globalizing world. In addition to German and English, Indonesian is the third main language taught at our school. Moreover, junior high school students have the opportunity to learn French as an additional language, further enhancing their linguistic abilities.
The benefits of multilingual learning are vast and varied. First, it gives students a competitive edge when entering the job market, as approximately 50 percent of companies seek employees who are fluent in a language other than their mother tongue. Additionally, multilingualism improves communication skills and enables DSJ students to network effectively within the global community.
Moreover, learning multiple languages helps students see the world in new ways, describe thoughts and ideas in different ways, and fosters their creativity. Multilingualism is a valuable asset that enhances the cognitive, linguistic, and socio-cultural development of our students, preparing them for success in an ever-changing world.
5. High-quality teachers ensuring Teaching Excellence

Highly educated teachers are at the core of any great education model and the German School Jakarta is highly committed to providing continuous teaching excellence. Its teachers are not only highly qualified, but also passionate about their work. They use the latest teaching methods and show constant empathy to connect with our students, unlocking and nurturing their full potential.
In Germany, teachers are trained to the highest standards in the world, and DSJ teachers have earned supreme qualifications through German education and constant training. As an “Excellent German School Abroad”, we have access to a constant inflow of qualified and specially prepared German teachers, in addition to locally hired talent that receives advanced training.
Teachers at DSJ are a highly qualified, versatile, and inspired group of people who see teaching as a calling, not just a job. The school prioritizes professional development through pedagogical and academic workshops and training within the global DAS network (German Schools Abroad) to ensure continuous teaching excellence.
6. Consistently Delivering world-class Education
The German School Jakarta is recognized as an “Excellent German School Abroad” by the German authorities. This prestigious label is only awarded to a select few of the over 140 German schools abroad that meet a very strict set of quality requirements. This label was just awarded for the second time in November 2022 by the Federal State Inspection (BLI).
The German School Jakarta’s “Excellent” status ensures substantial support from the German government, including funding, placement of highly qualified German teaching professionals, and pedagogical school development assistance. Due to this support the school can offer relatively lower tuition fees while maintaining consistently high educational standards.
Moreover, as a non-profit institution (Yayasan) the German School Jakarta does not focus on making money, but on its students, hence
every cent of your school fees will go straight into your child’s education. With its unwavering commitment to delivering a top-notch education, students of DSJ benefit greatly providing them with the best opportunities to succeed.
7. School Structure
Like most other international schools the German School Jakarta offers a comprehensive education path, starting from preschool and leading up to university entrance graduation. The school is divided into different levels, each catering to the unique developmental needs of students.
Preschool
Believing that every child is unique, full of potential, and has their own set of needs, interests, and feelings, DSJ preschool teachers play the role of facilitators and provide stimulation to help children develop foundational skills in various areas, including personal development, language, cognitive development, social and emotional development, and motoric capabilities.
The primary focus is to instill a love for learning and curiosity in young learners. The school and its teachers are dedicated to providing a safe and nurturing environment where each child’s unique talents and needs are recognized and addressed.
The German School Jakarta offers two preschool education programs:
- The
German International Kindergarten: This program is designed for children from German-speaking backgrounds and parents who want to fast-track their child’s onboarding into the German school system. An immersion approach exposes children to a German-speaking environment, while also providing exposure to Indonesian and English as supporting languages through cultural exchange.
- The International Preschool: This program is suitable for children and families without any German language knowledge. The curriculum includes English and Indonesian in the daily routine, gradually introducing German through play, songs, and cultural exposure, in preparation for the primary school years.
Primary School
The primary school’s mission is to provide a great basic school education. Above all, this includes teaching the key competencies of reading, writing, and mathematics. They form the basis for the success in all other areas and further education, and for the development of self-reliance and motivation to engage in lifelong learning.
The German School Jakarta recognizes every child’s individuality, potential, and unique needs, feelings, and interests. As modern educators, DSJ’s primary teachers serve as leaders, tutors, and guides who facilitate and provide stimulation for academic skills, learning approaches, and personal development.
The school offers two primary education programs that cater to the diverse needs of our students:
- The
German Primary Program teaches all subjects in German, except for English and other language subjects. This program covers grades 1–4, with grades 5 and 6 forming part of the Orientation Level, which is a preparation for secondary school. Additionally, KonLab, a special learning program is offered to students in grades 1 and 2, to further practice the rhythm and structure of the German language. In grade 3, competence tests in German and mathematics are conducted to provide individualized feedback to students, classes, and other schools in Germany.
- The International Primary Program is the extension of the Preschool program, teaching a trilingual curriculum which is a combination of the German curriculum, international pedagogic elements (such as Montessori) and the Indonesian KTSP. German is gradually introduced through the “German as a Foreign Language Program (DaF)”. The primary education encompasses grades 1–6, wherein grade 5 and 6, the classes are merged with the German Program in what is known as the Orientation Level in preparation for secondary school. Here international students will study together with their German speaking peers, benefitting both sides greatly.
Secondary School
At DSJ, the International Program is integrated with the German International Program at the start of secondary school. This means that students from international and German backgrounds will study together in merged classes, providing mutual benefits and a diverse learning environment.
DSJ Secondary School prepares students to study any discipline at the higher education level and to pursue their desired career path. Emphasis is placed on personal growth, enabling students to become strong, confident, and independent individuals. The secondary curriculum provides a strong foundation in a range of subjects and helps students develop fundamental methodological skills to excel in their future academic pursuits.
Classes are taught in German and English and cover mathematics, a minimum of two foreign languages, natural sciences (biology, chemistry, and physics), computer science, social sciences (geography, history, politics, and economics), philosophy/religious studies, arts, music, and physical education in various sports.
DSJ offers two levels of secondary school:
- Secondary School I (SMP) emphasizes broad-based knowledge, lingual competence, and fundamental methodology while developing problem-solving skills.
- Secondary School II (SMA) focuses on preparing students for higher education and discipline of knowledge. At this level, students will learn advanced mathematics, become fluent in two foreign languages, and study various social sciences such as geography, history, politics, and economics.
8. Great opportunities for higher education worldwide

For parents, the possibility of their child studying abroad is a major factor in choosing an international school. At the German School Jakarta, students have the opportunity to study at prestigious universities around the world, thanks to the DIA curriculum. This of course includes top universities in Germany and any other countries, including Indonesia. German School Jakarta graduates are well-equipped to pursue their dreams of studying at the most prestigious universities, with a curriculum that emphasizes academic excellence and preparation for higher education.
Of course the DIA graduations offers a huge advantage over other international school graduates when it come to studying in Germany:
Instant Access
Students who graduate from German School Jakarta and study in Germany will benefit from the Abitur qualification and be considered as students with German citizenship for university enrollment, allowing them to bypass the limited study seats reserved for foreign students. Additionally, they won’t require the mandatory Studienkolleg preparatory year that other foreign high school degree holders need.
Among the best Universities worldwide
Germany is home to more than 400 universities, many of which are among the world’s top-ranked institutions. In fact, 22 German universities are listed in the Top 200 of “THE 2023 World University Rankings”, making Germany the third-best represented country after the United States and the United Kingdom.
Consistent Quality Across the Country
Regardless of their size or location, all German universities offer a consistently high standard of education. For example, even smaller towns like Heidelberg and Tübingen boast many top universities. Studying in these lesser-known cities can also be more affordable and provide a unique experience for students.
Variety of Study Programs
German universities offer over 20,000 study programs, ranging from classic courses like economics and medicine to newer fields like blockchain and bio-fabrication.
No Tuition Fees
What sounds too good to be true: both domestic and international undergraduate students pay no tuition fees at public universities in Germany. This can be a deciding factor for parents considering the high cost of studying at leading universities around the world. At German Universities students can focus on their studies without the burden of working a second job or worrying about repaying tuition fees.
Access to Universities Worldwide
If studying in Germany is not your priority, graduates of German School Jakarta can study at universities worldwide, from the UK and the US to Singapore, Spain, and France. The school’s holistic education, intercultural focus, and multilingual approach prepare students to succeed in any country and culture they choose.
9. Boundless career opportunities for students

Not only do German School Jakarta graduates have a wide range of study opportunities, they also have access to a wide range of career opportunities. They can choose to work domestically or internationally regardless of their career path. Most DSJ alumni have done very well everywhere, just to mention two examples: Dr. med. Biyan Harapan who graduated from DSJ in 2013 rushed to become one of Germany’s youngest doctors and is currently researching at Munich’s prestigious “Klinikum der Universität München (LMU)”. Alumni Arifin Putra in contrast managed to take a very different career path — as a successful actor.
As European and other societies age, there is a decrease in the number of people in the active workforce, creating a gap in the labor market that needs to be filled. This has opened up huge career opportunities for well-educated Indonesians to find well-paying jobs in Germany and other parts of Europe. With its large population of young, talented, and highly skilled workers, Indonesia is well-positioned to meet the demands of the European job market. As a result, many Indonesian graduates are finding employment in fields such as engineering, finance, and IT, which offer attractive salaries and long-term career prospects.
Additionally, obtaining the DSJ Abitur graduation, exposure to German culture and values, and proficiency in the German language will further enhance career prospects.
10. World-class Science Education

German-speaking countries, such as Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, have a long-standing reputation for their scientific achievements. To date, scientists from these countries have been awarded 22 Nobel Prizes in Physics, 30 Nobel Prizes in Chemistry, and 25 Nobel Prizes in Medicine, making significant contributions to the field of science.
Additionally, German is the second most important scientific language globally, after English.
With this in mind the German School Jakarta prioritizes science subjects, and to facilitate hands-on learning experiences, offers three fully equipped science laboratories for chemistry, physics, and biology. These laboratories are essential for students pursuing higher education in science-related fields. Moreover, the school also provides two well-equipped IT rooms dedicated to learning computer sciences.
11. Creativity Unleashed: Fostering Creativity in Everyday Life

Creativity is a vital aspect of children’s education that plays a significant role in their development. Art, music, dance, and theatre foster creativity in students and enable them to express themselves in unique ways, dealing aesthetically and expressively with their experiences and environment. Creative activities help children develop problem-solving skills and think outside the box, which is essential for success in various areas of life, including academics, careers, and personal relationships.
Moreover, creativity also enhances communication skills in children. Creative activities enable children to communicate their thoughts and emotions effectively while learning to appreciate the perspectives of others, building empathy, and nurturing healthy relationships. Additionally, studies have shown that arts education enhances cognitive skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and spatial reasoning, leading to better academic performance in other areas of study like math and science.
Lastly, fostering creativity in children also has a positive impact on their mental health and well-being, reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. Creative activities provide children with a healthy outlet to express their emotions and develop a positive self-image and a sense of accomplishment.
Rest assured; creative development plays an important role in the German education system and the school offers well-equipped arts and crafts, music, and dance rooms, as well as a spacious auditorium stage, creating optimal conditions for creative exploration.
12. Promoting Physical Activity and Optimal Health

At the German School Jakarta, we are passionate about promoting physical activity and helping our students achieve optimal health. Studies have shown that engaging in at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day can have significant benefits for both present and future health. In addition to improving physical health, physical activity also enhances brain function, memory, and cognition.
By providing our students with numerous sports opportunities in our world-class facilities, we aim to create a culture where physical excellence partners with academic excellence. From soccer fields with FIFA-standard sizes to a modern and versatile sports hall, we have everything needed to cater to our students’ interests and abilities. Our sports facilities are often used as a venue for school, inter-school and even international competitions, and are open to both students and parents each Saturday.
We encourage everyone to embrace physical activity and take advantage of our exceptional sports facilities to reap the benefits of a healthy, active lifestyle.
One of the best International Schools
In conclusion, there are boundless benefits to a quality international education, and Jakarta is home to several reputable institutions for families to consider. While schools like Jakarta Intercultural School (JIS) and British School Jakarta (BSJ) are more well-known, the German School Jakarta offers a unique, world-class alternative to kick-start your child’s international education journey.
It’s worth noting that international school fees can be quite expensive, but the German School Jakarta’s non-profit status and the financial assistance from the German government make it one of the most affordable of the internationally recognized schools in Indonesia. In fact, it can be considered to be one of the best options available. If you’re searching for an excellent education at a fair price, the German School Jakarta is definitely worth considering.
Thank you for reading today’s blog about international school education. If you’re interested in learning more about the German School Jakarta and possibly sending your child there, we encourage you to contact the admissions team for additional information. Private school tours are also available at your convenience.
We wish you the best of luck in your search for the right school for your child, and we look forward to sharing more articles with you in the future. Please feel free to share your thoughts on this international school blog with us.
