Private Preschools for Foreigners in Singapore

To streamline your decision-making process, consider the following questions:

1. Location Convenience: Is the campus conveniently situated with accessible transport options from home? Assess the proximity of the campus to your residence or workplace for ease of commute and logistics.
2. Curriculum Suitability: Which educational curriculum best aligns with my child’s learning needs and our family’s future plans?
3. Curriculum Variety: Explore the diverse offerings including Montessori, play-based learning, and bilingual programs (English and Mandarin), aligning them with your child’s learning style and long-term educational aspirations.
4. Class Dynamics: How do class sizes and teacher-to-child ratios compare across preschools on my shortlist?
5. Language Enrichment: Is Mandarin offered as a secondary language, and how will this enrich my child’s educational journey?
6. Language Emphasis: If English isn’t your child’s primary language, prioritize institutions offering English immersion or bilingual programs to foster language proficiency.
7. Facility Standards: Evaluate amenities such as outdoor playgrounds, swimming pools, and other facilities to ensure a conducive learning environment.
8. Extracurricular Enhancement: What supplementary activities are available to complement my child’s academic growth and holistic development?
9. Parental Engagement: What avenues exist for parent involvement, such as reading groups or excursions?
10. Communication Channels: How does the preschool keep parents informed about their child’s progress and experiences?
11. Flexibility: Is there flexibility in attendance schedules to accommodate our family’s needs?
12. Programme Insight: What insights can I gather about the preschool’s daily and weekly routines, as well as the activities fostering child engagement?
13. Financial Considerations: Understand the fee structure which can vary based on location, curriculum, and facilities to budget effectively.

 

Let’s explore some of the renowned private preschools catering to international families in Singapore:

 

Stamford American International School Early Learning Village: Offering a play-based curriculum inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, this school boasts a picturesque campus featuring child-friendly architecture, six outdoor playgrounds, and a covered swimming pool.

 

EtonHouse International Pre-School: Providing diverse curriculums including Montessori and bilingual programs, EtonHouse stands out with its global network of campuses and native English-speaking teachers.

 

Pat’s Schoolhouse: Focused on creativity and exploration, Pat’s Schoolhouse emphasizes a play-based curriculum amidst spacious outdoor and indoor play areas.

 

Little House Montessori: With a warm atmosphere and certified Montessori teachers, Little House Montessori offers a traditional Montessori curriculum.

 

MindChamps Preschool: Combining academic learning with character development, MindChamps places a strong emphasis on Mandarin language proficiency.

 

Mulberry Learning Preschool: Established in 2006, Mulberry Learning offers an innovative curriculum, blending elements from global pedagogies like Habits of Mind, Reggio Emilia, and Multiple Intelligences. With ongoing admissions throughout the year, it caters to children from as young as 2 months, emphasizing holistic development.

 

Canadian International School (Singapore) Kindergarten: CIS provides an inquiry-based, play-centered learning environment focused on nurturing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Its curriculum aims at developing the whole child, preparing them for future challenges.

 

Singapore American School (SAS) Kindergarten: With a curriculum aligned to American standards, SAS emphasizes literacy, math, and science skills within a play-based learning framework. Founded in 1956, it offers comprehensive education from ages 3 to 18, with open admissions.

 

Australian International School (Singapore) Early Learning Village: Rooted in the Australian Early Years Learning Framework, AIS fosters creativity, critical thinking, and social skills through play-based learning. With a sprawling campus, it caters to children from 2 months to 18 years old.

 

Global Indian International School (GIIS): Offering the Global Montessori Plus (GMP) program, GIIS blends traditional Montessori principles with contemporary best practices. Emphasizing critical thinking, communication, and collaboration, it prepares children for success in a globalized world.

 

Pegasus International Preschool (PIPS): Designed to meet the needs of young learners, PIPS provides a play-based curriculum focusing on language, social, and cognitive skills development. Its nurturing environment encourages exploration and growth.

 

Swiss School in Singapore: Established in 1967, the Swiss School offers a unique curriculum featuring German and French streams, catering to children aged 2 to 12 years. With a focus on Swiss educational standards, it provides a multicultural environment for holistic development.

 

Nursery at Tanglin Trust School: Founded in 1925, Tanglin Trust School’s Nursery program offers a comprehensive English National Curriculum with an international perspective. With a large student body of 2,800 students, it prepares children aged 3 years and above for further education through A levels and IBDP.

 

SJI International Preschool: A newly established preschool founded in 2024, SJI International offers a bilingual, inquiry-based curriculum tailored to support each child’s holistic development. With a small student body of 96 to 100 students, it provides individualized attention and a nurturing environment.

 

UWC South East Asia Kindergarten: With campuses established in 1971 and 2008, UWCSEA offers a concept-based curriculum focusing on inquiry and holistic development. With over 5,900 students across its campuses, it prepares children aged 4 years and above for IGCSE and IBDP.

 

Canadian International School Kindergarten: Founded in 1990, CIS Kindergarten provides an IB curriculum tailored for children aged 2 years and above. With a large student body exceeding 3,100 students, it offers a diverse and inclusive learning environment.

 

Dulwich College Kindergarten (Singapore): Established in 2014, Dulwich College offers an enhanced English National Curriculum alongside IGCSE and IB programs. With a student body of 2,900 students, it provides a comprehensive education from early years to pre-university levels.

 

Holland International Preschool: Founded in 1920, Holland International Preschool offers an International Early Years curriculum with Dutch and English streams. With a student body of 300, it provides a multicultural environment for children aged 1.5 to 12 years.

 

Australian International School Early Learning Village: With a history dating back to 1993, AIS Early Learning Village offers an IB PYP curriculum for children aged 2 months to 18 years. With over 2,500 students, it provides a seamless educational journey from preschool to higher education.

 

Stamford American International School Early Learning Village: Established in 2009, Stamford American International School offers a comprehensive curriculum including IB, AP, and BTEC Diploma programs. With a student body of 3,000, it prepares children from 2 months onwards for success in higher education.

 

Singapore American School kindergarten: Founded in 1956, SAS kindergarten offers a liberal arts education within a diverse community of 4,131 students from 63 countries. With comprehensive programs, it nurtures children aged 3 to 18 years for academic excellence and global citizenship.

 

Lily Valley Preschool in Singapore: Established in 1995, Lily Valley Preschool provides a rigorous IB curriculum encompassing the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP) for children from 3 years old. With a sizable student population of approximately 800, it offers a nurturing environment for early childhood education.

 

Rain Trees International Kindergarten: Founded in 1999, Rain Trees International Kindergarten offers the English National Curriculum and Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework for children aged 18 months to 6 years old. With a small class size of 80+, it focuses on providing a supportive and stimulating learning environment.

 

Overseas Family School Kindergarten: Established in 1991, Overseas Family School’s kindergarten program caters to children from 2 years old. With a large student body of 2,500 students, it offers a comprehensive curriculum including the International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC), International Primary Curriculum (IPC), International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), and International Baccalaureate (MYP, DP).

 

Mosaic Preschool in Singapore: Founded in 2016, Mosaic Preschool offers a unique approach to early childhood education, combining play-inspired learning, project-based activities, Montessori principles, and multi-electives/enrichments for children aged 18 months to 7 years. With a small class size of 100, it fosters creativity, independence, and critical thinking skills.

 

Kinderland Academy & Preschool in Singapore: With a legacy dating back to 1978, Kinderland Academy & Preschool provides a music-infused curriculum centered around the K.I.N.D.E.R. multidisciplinary lands. With over 80 centers and more than 20,000 students regionally, it offers a diverse and enriching learning experience for children aged 2 months to 6 years.

 

International French School (Singapore) Kindergarten: Established in 1967, the International French School offers a French Curriculum taught in both French and English for children aged 2 to 18 years. With a large student population of 3,000, it prepares students for the French Baccalaureate and IGCSE examinations.

 

XCL American Academy Kindergarten: Founded in 2022, XCL American Academy provides an American curriculum for children aged 4 years and above. With a student body of 200+, it offers a supportive and engaging learning environment rooted in American educational principles.

 

XCL World Academy International Kindergarten: Established in 2013, XCL World Academy offers a nursery program and IB curriculum (PYP, MYP, DP) for children aged 2 years and above. With a student population of 1,000, it provides a holistic and inquiry-based approach to early childhood education.

 

EtonHouse International Preschool in Singapore: Founded in 1995, EtonHouse International Preschool offers IB PYP, IGCSE, and International A-Levels for children from 9 months old. With a student body exceeding 3,000, it provides a multicultural and stimulating environment for early childhood development.

 

Chatsworth International School Kindergarten: Established in 1995, Chatsworth International School offers the IB curriculum (PYP, MYP, DP) for children aged 3 years and above. With approximately 800 students, it fosters a culture of inquiry, collaboration, and global citizenship.

 

Nexus International School (Singapore) Preschool: Founded in 2011, Nexus International School offers the IB and IGCSE curriculum for children aged 3 to 18 years, spanning from Nursery to Year 13. With a diverse student body of 1,500 learners, it provides a dynamic and inclusive learning environment.

 

Brighton College (Singapore) Preschool: Established in 2000, Brighton College offers the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), English National Curriculum, and Cambridge Assessment International Education (IGCSE & A-level) for children from 18 months to 13 years old. With a student population of 550 pupils, it provides a supportive and academically rigorous environment.

 

The Grange International Preschool Singapore: Founded in 2018, The Grange International Preschool offers the International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC) and Cambridge Primary curriculum for children from 3 years old. With a small class size of 82 students, it focuses on personalized learning and holistic development.

 

Understanding Early Childhood Education:

Preschool:

Before embarking on their formal education journey at around six years old in Singapore, many children attend early learning centers from the age of 18 months and upwards. Known by various names worldwide, such as nursery schools or playgroups in Britain and preschool or pre-K in the US, these centers provide a nurturing environment where children engage in age-appropriate activities that foster their cognitive, social, and emotional development.

Kindergarten:

In Singapore, the foundation years lay the groundwork for a child’s educational journey. While some international schools refer to this stage as kindergarten, the Singapore Ministry of Education defines kindergarten as a structured three-year program for children aged four to six. During these crucial years, children are introduced to foundational concepts in language, numeracy, social skills, creative expression, and cultural appreciation, preparing them for the formal academic curriculum ahead.

Curriculum:

The curriculum refers to the structured plan of educational activities and experiences designed to support children’s learning and development. In Singapore, there is a diverse range of curricula and teaching philosophies, from Montessori to Reggio Emilia, to the International Primary Curriculum. Many preschools also develop customized frameworks that blend elements from different approaches to create a holistic learning experience tailored to the unique needs of their students. It’s essential for parents to understand the curriculum offered by a preschool and how it aligns with their child’s interests, learning style, and developmental needs.