Alam Atelier School is a new school that offers a distinct approach to early childhood education for children aged 6 months to 6 years. Officially inaugurated on 23 September 2024, the school’s curriculum blends the globally recognized Reggio Emilia approach with nature-based and inquiry-driven learning, creating a learning environment that encourages children to explore beyond the confines of the classroom.
At its core, Alam Atelier promises a child-centred approach, where curiosity and creativity take the lead. As Supiani Winata, the school’s founder, noted, their design goes beyond traditional classrooms, creating an environment where children can explore and learn from the world around them. Her emphasis on the Reggio Emilia philosophy positions the school as more than just a place of rote learning but as a space where children are encouraged to “express themselves in a hundred languages” — whether through art, collaboration, or hands-on projects.
In this system, educators serve as facilitators, responding to the children’s natural curiosity and helping them engage deeply with their environment. “The environment is considered the ‘third teacher,’ and our design aims to ensure that children feel encouraged to inquire and explore, especially in nature,” said Ms. Winata
One particularly standout feature is the playscape designed by a renowned American designer, which encourages risky play, fostering children’s confidence, resilience, and problem-solving skills through safe, supervised challenges in a natural environment.
At the opening, one of the school’s signature moments thus far was its recent “Trunk Show,” where children between the ages of two and four confidently strutted their stuff in front of parents, teachers, and guests. Choreographed by Ms. Kimmy Jayanti, with designs from Ms. Flori Amelia’s brand Fur, this fashion event is more than just a chance to showcase cute outfits—it was a powerful lesson in confidence-building.
The show also highlighted Alam Atelier’s commitment to sustainability. All the accessories were handmade by teachers and students using recycled materials—balloons, pacifiers, CDs, and even shopping bags found new life in the form of artistic expressions. This wasn’t just a craft project; it was part of the school’s daily practice to instil environmental responsibility in its students from a young age.
Director of Operations Maryati Lauw emphasises that these recycling activities help children understand that waste can be repurposed into art, planting the seeds of environmental stewardship while simultaneously developing their creativity. Perhaps, in a few years, these toddlers will be the ones inventing the next great eco-friendly innovation. It’s an education in the art of care, not just for oneself, but for the planet.
Of course, no educational institution is complete without some focus on physical development. Alam Atelier’s partnership with Bazgym Gymnastics School from Singapore brings a wholesome dimension in the development of children. Bazgym, well-established in its home country, brings a gymnastics program to Jakarta that could set the standard for physical education here. With high-end equipment imported from around the world and a focus on safety, their program is an integral part of Alam Atelier’s curriculum. It is also aimed at helping children develop physical coordination and strength, while also being open to the public for a broader age range. Jakarta parents keen on combining academic, artistic, and physical excellence may find this particularly appealing.
Educational choices in Jakarta always grow by the year, and now Alam Atelier has entered the race with something different. While it remains to be seen how their unique blend of Reggio Emilia principles, nature-based learning, and gymnastics will resonate with the wider community, the school’s ambition to create confident, creative, and nature-conscious students is clear. They have carved out a unique space, one that seeks to nurture not just the mind but the spirit and body of its students.
Alam Atelier Preschool Jakarta
Jl. Pangeran Antasari No.19,
Cipete Sel., Kec. Cilandak, Kota Jakarta Selatan
0811-8010-2233
IG: @alamatalierjakarta
alamatelier.com
