Welcome to the NationalHigh Jakarta School FAQ Page
Choosing the right educational environment for your child is a crucial decision. To guide you through our Singapore & Cambridge curricula, campus facilities, and admission requirements, we have compiled answers to the most common questions from prospective families[cite: 1].
Browse the sections below to learn more, or get in touch with our Admissions team today.
About the School
What makes NationalHigh Jakarta School unique compared to other schools in Jakarta?
NHJS offers a holistic education blending strong academics, character building, and global citizenship. We provide internationally aligned curricula, excellent facilities, and a nurturing environment that supports every aspect of student growth—academically, socially, emotionally, and personally
What is the school’s educational philosophy?
We believe in building lifelong learners who are grounded in values, confident in academic and life skills, and ready to thrive in an ever-changing world
Curriculum
Which curriculum does NHJS follow?
Our curriculum draws from the Singapore and Cambridge International frameworks, with additional national curriculum integration where required. The focus is on both academic rigour and the development of key 21st-century skills.
What languages are taught at NHJS?
Core subjects are taught in English. Bahasa Indonesia and Mandarin Chinese are offered, with additional support available for students who need to strengthen their language proficiency.
How does the school support non-native English speakers?
We assess incoming students’ English proficiency. If additional support is needed, students may participate in bridging or foundation programmes to build their confidence and academic English skills before joining mainstream classes.
What is the approach to student well-being and discipline?
NHJS maintains a caring, safe, and inclusive environment, with strong anti-bullying policies, pastoral care, and guidance counselling for students
Is NHJS only focused on academics, especially Mandarin and Math? How is balance maintained in the early years?
NHJS values academic excellence and holistic development — nurturing the head, heart, and hands. Alongside academics, we prioritise physical health, character building, emotional growth, and creativity to prepare students fully for life’s challenges.
Will Year 6 students take the National Examination (UN)?
Following Indonesian government directives, Year 6 students take the Ujian Sekolah (School Exam). The former UN exam has been replaced with ANBK, an educational survey.
How much homework do Year 1 students receive?
Year 1 students receive light homework to develop study skills and independence, with a maximum of one assignment per subject daily.
Can you explain the Chinese language curriculum?
- Years 1-6 : Singapore Chinese curriculum
- Years 7-10 : IGCSE Chinese curriculum
- Years 11-12 : HSK curriculum
- Years 4-9 : Foundation Chinese classes for extra support
Does NHJS have university partners?
We do not have formal university partnerships but rigorously prepare students for university application success through strong academics and guidance.
What subjects are taught in primary school?
English, Mathematics, Bahasa Indonesia, Science, Chinese, PKN (Civics), Social Studies (IPS), Religion Studies, Art, Music, Physical Education, and ICT (Y1-Y5).
How many Chinese lessons do primary students have each week?
Primary students have five Chinese lessons per week, and secondary students have three.
Activities and School Life
What extracurricular activities are available?
We offer a wide range of clubs, sports (including soccer, basketball, and swimming), arts programmes, and community service opportunities to help students develop new skills and interests outside the classroom.
Is there a focus on character development?
Yes. We prioritise programmes (Milestone Programmes) that build leadership, teamwork, resilience, compassion, and responsible citizenship through the curriculum and co-curricular activities.
Are students separated by religion classes?
Yes, students are grouped by religion based on their family documentation (Kartu Keluarga), to provide tailored religious education.
Is religion taught as an extracurricular subject?
Religion Studies is part of the formal curriculum and is not an extracurricular subject.
Do students who transfer to Singapore adapt easily?
Yes. NHJS follows the Singaporean curriculum in primary years, enabling smooth transitions for students moving to Singapore.
Which classes are taught in English, Bahasa Indonesia, and Mandarin?
Mandarin classes are taught primarily in Mandarin, with English explanations when necessary.
Bahasa Indonesia and PKN are taught in Bahasa Indonesia.
Mathematics, English, Science, and Religion Studies are taught in English.
Are students grouped by their academic ability?
No, classes contain students with varying abilities, encouraging a diverse and inclusive learning environment.
Are exams given for Year 1 students?
Formal exams start in Year 3. Years 1 and 2 have spelling exercises and quizzes to check understanding.
What support is available for students struggling with Mandarin?
From Year 4, students with little Mandarin background can join Foundation Chinese classes. Additional tutorials are available for extra assistance.
Does NHJS have a student retention policy?
There is no formal retention policy. Instead, academic support such as tutorials and mentoring help students improve and keep up.
What’s the difference between Piaget, Cambridge, and IB curricula?
Piaget focuses on curriculum coverage and exam preparation within a values-based framework emphasising lifelong learning and citizenship. Cambridge and IB curricula offer rigorous, internationally recognised pathways preparing students for university.
Is the Mandarin subject managed by any external tuition centre?
NHJS independently manages its Mandarin curriculum to build strong reading, writing, and speaking skills.
Admission & Registration
Are trial classes available?
Yes! Prospective students can join trial classes. Please contact our Marketing team to arrange a schedule.
How many students are there in a Year 1 class?
Classes have 23-24 students supported by two teachers.
Is there an entrance test?
For Year 1 we do SRE (Situational-Responsive Exercise). We conduct an admission testfor Years 3-12 to identify support needs in Math, English, Mandarin and Science.
What is the cut-off age for Year 1?
Children must be six years old by 31 October of the admission year.
When is the school open house held?
Open house dates are announced on our website. Registration is open when announced.
When is the best time to apply, and is there a waiting list?
Applications are accepted year-round, but early application is advisable for popular grade levels. Some grades may have waiting lists during peak periods (August).
How much are the tuition and fees?
NHJS’s fees are competitive within the international/SPK school sector in Jakarta. The fee includes tuition, registration, and a development levy. Exact figures please contact our Admissions Team directly.
Are transportation and meal services provided?
No, currently we do not offer optional school bus services. We provide snacks and lunch only for the Early Learning Centre level.
Can parents visit the school or schedule a tour?
Absolutely! We encourage parents to book a guided tour to experience our facilities and meet our teachers. Contact our admission to book a tour.
What are the term dates and the school calendar?
The academic year runs from July to June, divided into four terms. Detailed term dates are available on our school calendar
Teacher Profiles & Student Affairs
What is the teacher turnover rate?
The teacher turnover rate is approximately 3-5% annually, mostly due to retirements or contract completions.
What nationalities are the teachers?
Out of approximately 82 teachers, 30 are Indonesian. The rest are expatriates from countries including the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, China, Taiwan, India, Sweden, and Spain.
How would you describe NHJS’s school culture and environment?
We foster a culture based on shared values—collaboration, hard work, respect, and equal opportunity to thrive for all students.
How does NHJS handle bullying?
We enforce a strict zero-tolerance policy on bullying, supported by a discipline committee and monitoring systems. Character education is promoted through Grow sessions, Affective Programs, and Mentoring.
Are English and Mandarin teachers native speakers? Which subjects are taught by expatriates?
We hire qualified teachers regardless of nationality, combining native and non-native speakers to ensure quality teaching across subjects. Yes, many subjects—especially those taught in Mandarin—are staffed by native speakers, mainly from Mainland China. Additionally, most subjects except Indonesian language and civics-related courses are taught by expatriate teachers who are native or fluent speakers of the language of instruction. This ensures both linguistic accuracy and high-quality delivery in subjects like English, Mandarin, Math, and Science.
Support and Communication
How does NHJS communicate with parents?
We maintain regular communication through parent-teacher meetings, digital newsletters, school apps, and direct contact with the academic team.
Is parental involvement encouraged?
Yes, parents are welcomed to participate in school events and volunteering opportunities.
