Looking for the perfect kindergarten in Singapore and not sure where to start? Here's all you need to know
Time for preschool Singapore! Just peeking at the MOE list of 500+ preschools sends your heart pounding and palms sweating. Fear not! There’s a method to the madness in selecting the perfect preschool. Our super sleuths have taken the fear out of this daunting task.
Remember
FACTOR ONE: Curriculum
International Baccalaureate/Primary Years Program – Featuring six transdisciplinary themes to encourage confidence and identity, the IB PYP programs adds an additional dimension to traditional curriculum.
Stamford American International School – Newly reconstructed campus offering state-of-the art facilities and programs for children up to Year 12. Bonus: students enrolled in KG2 and above receive their own iPad for school.
1 Woodleigh Lane, Singapore 347691, p. 6602 7247, www.sais.edu.sg.
Chinese International School – Fully equipped Mandarin immersion with an IB curriculum, offering boarding for upper class students.
60 Dunearn Road, Singapore 309434, p. 6254 0200, www.cnis.edu.sg.
Australian International School – A Cognita school embracing the Reggio Emilia philosophy for its younger students, AIS is comprised of a truly international student body.
1 Lorong Chuan, Singapore 556818, p. 6883 5515 www.ais.edu.sg.
EtonHouse (Broadrick, Newton and Orchard) – EtonHouse’s Broadrick, Newton and Orchard locations offer the IB PYP curriculum.
Visit www.etonhouse.com.sg for location information.
Rosemount Kindergarten – A haven in Siglap, Rosemount strives to help cultivate children’s social, emotional, physical, cultural, and academic development.
25 Ettrick Terrace, Siglap, Singapore 258588, p. 6446 4636, www.rosemountkindergarten.com.
UWCSEA – Ranked one of the most prestigious and most expensive schools in the world, United World College South East Asia offers outstanding educational experience with classes that extract innovative and critical thinking skills among its students.
Locations at Dover and East Coast. www.uwcsea.edu.sg.
Tanglin Trust School – Impressive British academic school with an equally impressive campus, Tanglin Trust infuses IB/PYP theory within its British-based curriculum.
95 Portsdown Road, Singapore 139299, p. 6778 0771, www.tts.edu.sg.
Reggio Emilia – A philosophy of self guided curriculum where children learn in a supportive environment that enhances exploration and discovery.
Blue House Nursery – Incredible campus that stimulates children’s creativity and offers other perks such as soccer taught from the International Soccer Academy, Mandarin, yoga, and music classes.
2 Turf Club Road, Singapore 287988, p. 6734 0824, www.bluehouseinternational.com.
EtonHouse – Also offering an IB curriculum, EtonHouse embraces elements of the Reggio-Emilia philosophy as well.
Many locations islandwide. Visit www.etonhouse.com.sg for more information.
Odyssey, The Global Preschool – With three huge campuses surrounded by lush greenery, your little one benefits from the Chinese Language Immersion Program.
Visit www.theodyssey.sg for more information.
White Lodge Kindergartens & Schools of the Arts – With eight locations islandwide, White Lodge offers holistic education for children to develop their skills through art, drama, music, language, culture, and creative movement.
Visit www.whitelodge.com.sg for more information on programs and location information.
Australian International School – A Cognita school embracing the Reggio Emilia philosophy for its younger students, AIS is comprised of a truly international student body.
1 Lorong Chuan, Singapore 556818, p. 6883 5515, www.ais.edu.sg.
Waldorf Steiner
Waldorf Steiner Association Singapore – Playgroups for children 18 months-3.5 years and Waldorf Early Childhood Program for children 3.5 years to 6+ years.
72 Elite Park Avenue, Singapore 458895, http://waldorfsingapore.com.
Montessori – A school of thought that recognizes the uniqueness of the child, rewarding their individuality in learning. You can find Montessori-based schools throughout Singapore. Just to name a few specialty picks around town:
Brainy Child Montessori – Right on Orchard Road, your child may just end up the brainiest in the class with the Montessori approach to English phonics, Montessori math, Chinese, and Japanese.
Orchard Plaza, Singapore 238841, p. 6733 7669, www.brainychildmontessori.sg.
Brighton Montessori – Offers an Intensive Chinese Immersion Program led by native Chinese teachers inclusive of speech, reading and writing.
370 River Valley Road, Singapore 248279, p. 6341 9336, www.brightonmontessori.com.sg.
Nurturing Roots Montessori Preschool – Offers instruction in Tamil and English, some say it’s the *best* kindergarten in Singapore.
3 Jalan Anak Bukit, #01-01 Sherwood Towers, Singapore 588998, p. 6464 8757, www.nurturingroots.net.
Modern Montessori Kindergarten – Let your kid beef up on their Tamil and Chinese language studies within a Montessori environment.
12 Kee Sun Avenue, Singapore 457037, p.6464 8757.
Mandarin Language Immersion
Bibinogs – Friendly, play based 100% Mandarin Immersion dropoff programs Panda Pre-Nursery (18months – 2 years) and Dragon Nursery (3 – 4 years).
Locations at UE Square, East Coast, Serene Center and Kings Arcade, www.bibinogs.com.
EtonHouse Broadrick Mandarin Early Childhood Programme – Immersion program for children 1.5 years to 6 years old based on EtonHouse’s curriculum of inquiry learning.
51 Broadrick Road, Singapore 439501, p. 6346 6922, www.etonhouse.edu.sg.
Chinese International School – Fully equipped Mandarin immersion with an IB curriculum.
60 Dunearn Road, Singapore 309434, p. 6254 0200, www.cnis.edu.sg.
Odyssey, The Global Preschool – With three huge campuses surrounded by lush greenery, your little one benefits from the Chinese Language Immersion Program.
Visit www.theodyssey.sg for more information.
Two By Two Schoolhouse – Offers a 70:30 ratio of instruction (70% Mandarin) in a fun environment. Half day programs only.
46 East Coast Road, EastGate #01-03, Singapore 428766, p. 6245 0838, www.twobytwo.sg.
The Childrens’ Place – 50/50 Mandarin and English creative childcare center near Phoenix Park.
19 Kay Siang Road, Singapore 248935, p. 6472 3788, www.thechildrensplace.com.sg.
Brighton Montessori – Offers an Intensive Chinese Immersion Program led by native Chinese teachers inclusive of speech, reading and writing.
370 River Valley Road, Singapore 248279, p. 6341 9336, www.brightonmontessori.com.sg.
LEAP SchoolHouse – Offers bilingual classes for kids aged 24-36 months and employs creative movement, catchy songs, story-reading, and even introduction to thematic activities.
180 Kitchener Road, City Square Mall #09-09/10, Singapore 208539, p. 6634 0828. www.LEAPSchoolHouse.com.sg
White Lodge’s Global Language Academy – Afternoon playgroup-style Mandarin language program that meets the MOE standards for Primary School readiness.
Locations islandwide. For more info, email [email protected] and visit www.whitelodge.com.sg.
Chengzhu Mandarin Center, 100% Mandarin programs that include Chinese speech and drama, Chinese culture and more.
35 Rochester Drive, #03-01 Rochester Mall, Singapore 138639, p. 6737 5348, http://www.chengzhu.net.
Play-based learning. Although most preschools offer a version of play-based learning, here are a few of our picks.
Pibo’s Garden
1 Dunearn Close, Singapore 299574, p. 6466 2639/7 Hua Guan Crescent, Singapore 589034, p. 6465 0019, www.pibospreschool.com.
Pre-School By The Park
63 Shelford Road, Singapore 288453, p. 6462.0180, www.bythepark.com.
Swallows and Amazons
200 Turf Club Road, Singapore 287994, p. 6762.8158. www.swallowsandamazons.com.sg.
Raintree Kindergarten
60 Kheam Hock Road, Singapore 298824, [email protected], p. 6474.6181, www.rainstreeskindergarten.com.
Little Hands Montessori Kindergarten
30 One Tree Hill, Singapore 248688, p. 6835.2354, www.littlehands.com.sg.
The Preparatory Place
40/42 Fernhill Road, Singapore 259101, p. 6737.6427, www.theprepplace.com.sg.
Little Bunnies – The Outdoor Classroom
33 Hyderabad Road, Alexandra Park, Singapore 119578 p. 9759.8990, www.little-bunnies-singapore.com.
FACTOR TWO: Location
Keep in mind that although your choice could mean schlepping your little one halfway across the island, some schools offer a bus service. On the plus side, it means more Mummy-“me” time, or it could mean your little angel turns into a devil due to the longer commute time.
FACTOR THREE: Childcare options (fulltime daycare for working parents)
Chiltern House
Chiltern House – With six locations across Singapore, Chiltern House also accommodates kids with special needs. Also offers Mandarin classes.
For locations, email [email protected] or visit www.chilternhouse.com.sg.
Carpe Diem – Carpe Diem operates 20+ centers and has won awards for their commitment to childcare. Focusing on eight aspects of intelligence – naturalistic, linguistic, musical, logical, spatial, kinesthetic, intrapersonal and interpersonal – your kid will develop to their fullest potential.
For more info on the Carpe Diem group of schools, email [email protected] or visit www.carpediem.com.sg.
Cambridge Child Development Centres – Packed with fun learning activities that help develop your child’s skills include drama, music, dance, and art, centres such as the Robertson Quay location have the additional benefit of Japanese language instruction.
Multiple locations across Singapore. Email [email protected] or visit www.cambridgecdc.com for more info.
Cherie Hearts – The largest childcare center with over 60 centres. Engaging a philosophy of honing your child’s physical, intellectual, emotional, social and language (PIESL) skills, some centers take children as old as eleven.
Multiple locations across Singapore. Contact the Regional office at 689 East Coast Road, Singapore 459056, p. 6271 0080, www.cheriehearts.com.sg.
The Little Skool-house International – Bound by six guiding principles that enhance a child’s learning, kiddies are exposed to interactive literature and creative learning techniques to help build the foundation for a successful student career.
Locations at Mountbatten, River Valley and By the Crescent, p. 6509 7880, www.littleskoolhouse.com.
FACTOR FOUR: Facilities
Tanglin Trust School
UWCSEA – These two campuses have it all! Olympic-sized swimming pools, theatres, labs for IT and science, art studios, specialist language facilities, and more than over 13 acres of land. Ranked one of the most prestigious and expensive schools in the world.
For more info, email [email protected] or visit www.uwcsea.edu.sg.
Carpe Diem Kidz – At this Carpe Diem Alexandra Park location, children are spoilt with a two-story treehouse, fish pond, animal farm, and spice garden! Great for little adventurers!
B Royal Road, Singapore 118303, p. 6275 0995.
Stamford American International School – Newly reconstructed campus offering state-of-the art facilities and programs for children up to Year 12. Bonus: students enrolled in KG2 and above receive their own iPad for school.
1 Woodleigh Lane, Singapore 347691, p. 6602.7247, www.sais.edu.sg.
Swallows and Amazons – With a massive sandpit, two-storey treehouse and huge playgym, there’s no excuse for not having fun!
200 Turf Club Road, Singapore 287994, p. 6762 8158. www.swallowsandamazons.com.sg
Tanglin Trust – Inside the petals of this English rose you’ll find a plethora of tennis courts, sports and performing arts complexes, sports grounds, a 25-metre swimming pool, and playgrounds galore.
95 Portsdown Road, Singapore 139299, p. 6778 0771, www.tts.edu.sg.
Singapore American School
The world’s largest international school, this massive school boasts enough sports facilities to keep your kids entertained all day. Steeped in the American tradition of having a strong athletics program, at SAS you’ll find world-class facilities like ten indoor gyms, six football fields, eight swimming pools, thirteen tennis courts, and a partridge-in-a-pear-tree. Maybe not that last bit, though.
40 Woodlands Street 41, Singapore 738547, p. 6363 3403, www.sas.edu.sg.
FACTOR FIVE: Child to teacher ratio
Rosemount Kindergarten
Singapore’s Ministry of Education mandates a maximum student to teacher ratio of 1:20. While some preschools don’t officially advertise the numbers, we’ve found a number of schools that offer intimate instruction within the classroom.
Rosemount Kindergarten – Considered as having the lowest student-to-teacher ratio in Singapore.
25 Ettrick Terrace, Siglap, Singapore 258588, p. 6446.4636, www.rosemountkindergarten.com
Bibinogs – Playschool offering morning and afternoon drop-off programs, check out the many Mandarin immersion programs. 1:5 ratio guaranteed in all classes for maximum teacher exposure.
Locations at UE Square, East Coast, Serene Center and Kings Arcade. www.bibinogs.com.
EtonHouse – Guaranteeing a 1:15 maximum ratio, EtonHouse offers IB PYP, Reggio-Emilia curriculum in a smaller setting.
Many locations islandwide. Visit www.etonhouse.com.sg for more information.
Top image: EtonHouse
