
Drg. Strella
Founder of Stella Maris School
Stella Maris School was a simple idea from a 52 years old woman to realize her late husband's life dream. In July 16th, 1985, Dr. Strella and her husband Founded Kasih Abadi Foundation (Yayasan Kasih Abadi) which focused on humanity concerns and Padang Gembala Orphanage was one of its manifestations. Deep inside her husband, however, he wanted to open a school; Not just a common school but a school with considerable quality of education for his children in the orphanage. In May 15th, 1995 his dream came true when his wife, Dr. Strella, officially founded Stella Maris School, which by that time consisted of Playgroup, Kindergarten, & Elementary only.
At first, the school operated in a shop-house located in Sektor XIV, Bumi Serpong Damai, Tangerang. The response from the neighbourhood was beyond expectation. Many parents came and trusted their children to Stella Maris School (SMS). So, two years later, SMS decided to establish another Preschool and Kindergarten in Gading Serpong. Since the response from parents was positive, SMS decided to operate at junior high level too. The learning process still took place at the same shop-house.
The shop-house in Sektor XIV, BSD
Year by year, the number of students who enrolled to SMS was increasing. SMS decided that it was the time to provide students with a better building and facilities. A new school building located in Sektor XII, BSD was opened in 2000. By the new academic year of 2000/2001, all the teaching especially for elementary and junior high school was moved to the new place. Playgroup and kindergarten levels, Were still operating in the old building, and also at the new place. now a year later, SMS also started to operate at senior high level. In 1995, ten years after its establishment, the number of students trusted to SMS had reached 1,550 students; served by more that 200 professional teachers and staff.
Alfa Building in Sektor 12, BSD Omega Building in Sektor 12, BSD
At the beginning of this millennium, most of the (economically strong) parents desired and demanded for a globally standardized education. Education institutions responded to such a desire and demand by establishing national plus and/or international schools. In line with a commitment of giving the best to parents, Stella Maris decided to open an international program which adopted International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in 1995. We chose IB because it is considered as the Best Pre-university Program in the World and its graduates are accepted worldwide.
In order to increase our service and professionalism, Stella Maris applied for the ISO 9001-2000 Certificate for Quality Management System and SMS was granted the Certificate in May 2004. For the same reason, the management of Stella Maris School was changed from Kasih Abadi Foundation to PT. Stella Maris International Education.
SMIS, Gading Serpong, Tangerang
2007 was a great moment for Stella Maris for many reasons: first, Stella Maris opened internationally at all levels - (Preschool, Primary, Secondary, & IB Diploma). Previously the program was for high school level only. Secondly, the construction of Stella Maris International School in Gading Serpong started in January and finished in July. Thirdly, the learning process at Stella Maris 3 Playgroup & Kindergarten was moved to Kencana Loka, Sektor XII, BSD, while Stella Maris 2 Playgroup & Kindergarten was moved to Stella Maris International School building. Last but not the least, SMS and SMIS started implementing the Entrepreneurship Program starting from Preschool/Kinderarten to IB Grade 10/Senior High School.
Now, after twelve dynamic and colorful years in action, Stella Maris is more confident and prepared to serve you through its two education institution: Stella Maris School (National Program) at Sektor XII, Kencana Loka, Bumi Serpong Damai, Tangerang and Stella Maris International School (International Program) at Cluster Vatican, Sektor 8A, Gading Serpong, Tangerang.