Bali Island School celebrates its 30 year anniversary this year!
School History
1985
BIS opened with 8 students
In September 1985, assigned by the Indonesian Minister of Education and Culture the Bali International School opened its doors for the first time. As a legal non-profit democratic foundation, BIS was entirely paid for and run by parents. The initial student body was eight primary students and the Canadian couple Bill and Gundi Robertson were in charge of teaching and administration. For their tireless contributions Ray Gardiner, Kamal Kaul, Jon Zurcher, Barbara Bush, Timothy Watts, Linda O’Brien and Kristina Melcher deserve special recognition. The original site of the school was the same as today the Banjar Taman in Sanur Village, South Bali. Sanur was famous for the high concentration of the Brahmana or priestly caste and a renowned centre of traditional Balinese learning including kekawinan poetry.1992
BIS has over 150 students from 26 countries
By 1992, when Bill Robertson retired, the roll was just over 150 elementary school students from 26 countries. While most came from North America, Europe and Australia, BIS had students from all over the world including Japan, Korea, Mexico and Peru. Many of the children had dual nationalities, often with an Indonesian parent.
2014
BIS was renamed
In 2014 Bali International School was renamed in accordance with the Ministerial Decree of Education 31/2014, which required all existing international schools in Indonesia to change their name. Bali International School became Bali Island School and continued to provide world-class education.2017
BIS continues to be the first choice of international-minded families in Bali
BIS is the oldest and most established school on the island.
