At The Independent School of Jakarta (ISJ), education extends far beyond academics. We believe that who our pupils become is just as important as what they know. The cultivation of character, integrity, and compassion is central to our mission — embedded in every lesson, every interaction, and every act of service.

The Pillars of Character Education

Our approach to personal development is built upon five core pillars:

Integrity and Responsibility – Pupils learn to act with honesty, take ownership of their actions, and treat others with respect.

Resilience and Endeavour – We encourage a growth mindset, helping pupils persevere through challenges with determination and optimism.

Empathy and Compassion – Through daily interactions and community engagement, pupils learn to listen, care, and contribute positively to others’ lives.

Leadership and Service – From House leadership to local initiatives, pupils are empowered to make a meaningful difference.

Curiosity and Confidence – We nurture open-minded, thoughtful learners who take pride in their ideas and their character.

Character in Action

Character education at ISJ is lived, not lectured. It is reflected in the courtesy pupils show to one another, the care they take with their work, and the enthusiasm they bring to each challenge.

From the Pre-Prep through to Upper Primary, opportunities to lead, collaborate, and reflect are built into daily life. Whether through House events, outdoor education, music, or service learning, pupils develop empathy, teamwork, and self-awareness.

Guided by Our Charter

Our approach is grounded in The Schools Trust Charter, which sets out the values that unite our schools: enjoyment, academic achievement, breadth of curriculum, and character development. These principles ensure that ISJ pupils grow not only as scholars but as young people of integrity and purpose.

Nurturing Through Care

Character cannot thrive without care. Under the leadership of Mrs. Vivienne Withey-Hudaya, Deputy Head (Pastoral) and Safeguarding Lead, our pastoral systems ensure that every pupil feels safe, valued, and supported. Through positive relationships, restorative practice, and a culture of fairness, we help children develop self-discipline and respect for others.

As Aristotle once wrote, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”

At ISJ, we believe those habits — kindness, curiosity, courage — define the character of our pupils and prepare them for meaningful lives beyond school.