green school – a school without walls
Green School has recently been purchased By The Dulwich Group a Chinese based Educational Group. (as of May 2021)
John Hardy, the founder of Green School, came to Bali in 1975 and began producing jewelry with local artisans. He was inspired by the art and culture of the island. He later met his wife Cynthia, who came to Bali in 1982 while traveling the world. Cynthia also started her own jewelry business and the two eventually became business and life partners.
While running a successful local jewelry business, they were inspired by Alan Wagstaff’s ‘Three Springs,’ but it was Al Gore’s ‘Inconvenient Truth’ that solidified their plan of turning their dream into reality.
The school’s bamboo bridge, spanning 22 meters across the Ayung River, was completed in November 2006, acting as a strong symbol of the transition from idea to reality. Green School opened in September 2008 with 90 students and consisted of a serene campus nestled in the jungle. Today, the school has grown to 500 students and is known all over the world.
The concept of Green School is a school without walls, which ignites the senses and encourages the innate curiosity of children rather than stifle it, where innovation and creativity flourish, forming a community of people from all over the world to share new experiences and celebrate life.
Credit Green School Bali
While visiting Green School, you’ll see children learning by doing, overhear deep and meaningful student discussions, see their joy of being part of a vibrant community of passionate learners. Our editors visited the school and were immediately inspired by the playful energy of these young minds, clearly encouraged to be free thinkers, shaped to be future creators who will surely make an impact on the world.
John and Cynthia’s success came from working for the greater good. Their approach to their jewelry business had always been creating beautiful art while being respectful to Bali’s land, environment, people and culture. This is where Green School’s inspiring example of education for sustainability comes from.
Green School believes in three rules underlying every decision: be local, let your environment be your guide and think how future generations will be affected by your actions. With this in mind, the eight pillar values that guide the children’s education are: Integrity, Responsibility, Empathy, Sustainability, Peace, Equity, Community, and Trust.
It’s easy to be blown away by the culture of Bali, the easygoing nature of people who find a home here and feel inspired by the island. Green School is no exception. The school allows visitors to experience its unique concept and atmosphere, proud of the way it fosters creativity in its students. There is even a coworking space called The Bridge for parents to engage with each other and explore their own ideas and projects.
Guided tours are available Monday through Friday from 9am to 10am and Saturday and Sunday from 10:30am to 11:30am. After your visit, you’ll find yourself wishing you could go back to school!
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