Whether your child is ready for preschool or international school in Singapore, here's your guide to understanding the education system
You’re about to land in Singapore and one of your first priorities is sorting out a preschool or international school for your little darlings. But where do you start when it comes to the education system in Singapore? You’ve come to the right place! We have a collection of school-based articles and advice from the learning experts to find out all you need to know before making decisions on which schools to check out and enrol your child at. Plus, we have an amazing new tool called the Singapore School Selector, which helps you make a direct comparison between lessons, fees and more. Check it out here!
First of all, is your child ready to start school? Here are some helpful questions to help probe for the right answer.
If you’re interested in booking a spot at an international school you might want some guidance on how to compare apples with oranges, take a look at this handy list of criteria which steps through considerations like curriculum, locations, and facilities. When, you’re armed with that checklist, take a look at the list of international schools to open here. There are over 36 international schools in Singapore and some very good local schools too (read more about them).
There are a variety of different curriculums available in Singapore. One of them is the International Baccalaureate. But IB isn’t the only way to go, and here are some alternatives.
It makes sense, if you’re going to be based in Asia, to take advantage of the opportunity for your child to learn a language. Check out these bi-lingual institutions where linguistics is integral to the learning process.
Perhaps you’re keen to find a suitable environment for a child that could benefit from some tailored attention. Singapore has a few schools that assist children who have special needs. To enhance that offering, there are also a number of places that can support children with additional therapy services. If your child is at the other end of the spectrum, you can read about various gifted programs here.
Payment for schooling can take up a big chunk of your household budget. However, there are a handful of schools that offer scholarships that you may want to explore. Use our guide to the cost of school fees in Singapore to get an idea of what your bank balance is in for.
If you haven’t already heard, Singapore’s schools have a demanding culture of homework and tuition. It’s worthwhile getting up to speed on these subjects so you’re prepared for the expectations in store.
Ready to jump in at the deep end on starting school in Singapore? Here’s a small selection of the international schools:
Avondale Grammar School
Australian International School
Canadian International School
GEMS World Academy
One World International School
Dover Court Preparatory School
Dulwich College
Nexus International School
Stamford American International School
German European School Singapore
And here’s a selection of preschools in Singapore that can provide you with more information about curriculum and facilities:
Blue House International School & Nursery
Australian International School Pre School
Learning Vision
Brighton Montessori
Odyssey, The Global Preschool
The Garden House
Looking to understand the differences between the local and international school systems? Head here.
For more specific info on selecting a preschool, click here.
Curious about the cost? We’ve got the deets for you here.
Ready to choose a school? Check out our handy school selector tool.
Top Image: One World International School