How We Ranked These Preschools

Our comprehensive ranking system evaluates preschools across 10 key factors that matter most to parents. Each preschool received scores based on:

• Curriculum quality and approach – Evaluation of teaching philosophies (Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Play-based, etc.) and implementation
• Teacher qualifications and retention – Assessment of staff credentials, experience, and turnover rates
• Facilities and learning environment – Quality of spaces, resources, and age-appropriate equipment
• Student-teacher ratios – Number of children per qualified educator
• Parent communication practices – Frequency and quality of updates about child development
• Language exposure – Bilingual opportunities and language learning approaches
• Convenience and location – Proximity to MRT stations and residential areas
• Value for money – What parents receive relative to fees charged
• Health and safety protocols – Cleanliness standards and emergency procedures
• Parent satisfaction scores – Aggregated ratings from verified parent reviews

We collected data through direct visits to each preschool, interviews with school administrators, and surveys of over 500 parents with children currently enrolled in these institutions. Fee information was verified directly with each preschool in September 2025.

Premium International Preschools (Monthly Fees: $1,800-$4,000+)

These top-tier preschools offer exceptional facilities, highly qualified international teachers, and specialized learning programs. While they come with premium price tags, they deliver comprehensive educational experiences with extensive resources.

1. EtonHouse International Pre-School (Sentosa)

Monthly Fees: $2,800-$3,450
Curriculum: Reggio Emilia-inspired with IB PYP framework
Notable Features: Beachfront campus, bilingual immersion program, specialist outdoor learning
Parent Satisfaction Score: 4.8/5

EtonHouse Sentosa stands out with its stunning beachfront location offering unique outdoor learning opportunities. The spacious 10,000 square meter campus features purpose-built ateliers, a water play area, and extensive gardens. Parents particularly praise the inquiry-based learning approach and the school’s commitment to bilingual education from nursery level. While the fees are among the highest in Singapore, many families feel the exceptional environment and teaching quality justify the investment.

One parent noted: “The way teachers document my child’s learning journey and involve us in the process makes the premium fees worthwhile. My daughter has developed incredible critical thinking skills and Chinese language abilities in just one year.”

2. Tanglin Trust School (Infant School)

Monthly Fees: $3,280-$3,980
Curriculum: British Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
Notable Features: Extensive specialist facilities, seamless pathway to primary school, strong UK university placement record
Parent Satisfaction Score: 4.7/5

Tanglin Trust’s Infant School offers a distinctly British educational experience with impressive facilities including specialized music rooms, a dedicated library, and innovative play spaces. The school’s century-long heritage in Singapore gives parents confidence in its established approach. The teacher-to-child ratios are exceptionally favorable, especially in Nursery classes, and specialist teaching in music, PE, and library skills begins early.

The main drawback mentioned by parents is the challenging admissions process and waiting lists, particularly for entry points beyond Nursery.

3. Stamford American Early Learning Village

Monthly Fees: $2,700-$3,600
Curriculum: American standards with IB PYP framework
Notable Features: Purpose-built campus for ages 2 months to 6 years, innovation center, daily language immersion
Parent Satisfaction Score: 4.7/5

Stamford’s dedicated Early Learning Village impresses with its thoughtfully designed spaces catering specifically to very young learners. The innovation labs introduce STEAM concepts from pre-nursery level, and the daily Mandarin/English immersion approach (with separate teachers for each language) yields strong bilingual outcomes. Parents especially value the seamless transition pathway to Stamford’s elementary school.

Several parents mentioned that while fees are high, the inclusion of meals, extended day options, and specialist classes provides good overall value compared to other premium providers.

4. UWC South East Asia (Infant School)

Monthly Fees: $3,100-$3,800
Curriculum: IB PYP with play-based approach
Notable Features: Strong emphasis on outdoor play, diverse international community, values-driven education
Parent Satisfaction Score: 4.6/5

5. Canadian International School (Kindergarten)

Monthly Fees: $2,550-$3,300
Curriculum: IB PYP with elements of Canadian educational philosophy
Notable Features: Bilingual Chinese-English immersion option, STEAM Innovation Labs, outdoor discovery centres
Parent Satisfaction Score: 4.6/5

Mid-Range Preschools (Monthly Fees: $1,200-$1,800)

These mid-tier preschools strike a balance between quality and affordability, offering strong educational programs and good facilities at more accessible price points than premium international schools.

6. Brighton Montessori

Monthly Fees: $1,500-$1,750
Curriculum: Pure Montessori approach
Notable Features: AMI-certified Montessori materials, mixed-age classrooms, practical life skills focus
Parent Satisfaction Score: 4.5/5

Brighton Montessori has established a strong reputation for authentic Montessori education with properly implemented mixed-age classrooms and genuine Montessori materials. Parents appreciate the emphasis on independence and the structured freedom that allows children to progress at their own pace. The school maintains a good balance of academic preparation with practical life skills.

One parent shared: “My initially shy child has blossomed here. The teachers know exactly when to step back and when to guide, and the progress in both academics and confidence has been remarkable.”

Brighton does have smaller outdoor spaces compared to some competitors, which a few parents noted as a limitation, though the quality of outdoor time is prioritized.

7. Blue House Nursery & International Preschool

Monthly Fees: $1,400-$1,700
Curriculum: Reggio Emilia approach
Notable Features: Beautiful ateliers, strong parent community, documentation-focused learning
Parent Satisfaction Score: 4.5/5

Blue House stands out for its authentic implementation of the Reggio Emilia philosophy, with beautiful documentation of children’s learning journeys and thoughtfully designed creative spaces. The preschool has cultivated a particularly strong parent community with regular workshops and events that include families in the educational process.

Parents consistently praise the warmth of teachers and the way children’s interests drive learning projects. The main constructive feedback centers around limited outdoor space at some locations and the relatively higher teacher turnover compared to some other schools in this category.

8. White Lodge Preschool

Monthly Fees: $1,300-$1,650
Curriculum: Blend of UK Early Years and multiple pedagogies
Notable Features: Strong phonics program, good outdoor spaces, specialized enrichment programs
Parent Satisfaction Score: 4.4/5

9. Odyssey The Global Preschool

Monthly Fees: $1,450-$1,750
Curriculum: Reggio Emilia with elements of Multiple Intelligences theory
Notable Features: Award-winning facilities, specialist teaching for music and movement, atelier spaces
Parent Satisfaction Score: 4.4/5

10. Little Paddington Preschool

Monthly Fees: $1,280-$1,580
Curriculum: Play-based with British EYFS framework
Notable Features: Strong STEAM focus, dedicated outdoor discovery garden, phonics emphasis
Parent Satisfaction Score: 4.3/5

Affordable Quality Preschools (Monthly Fees: $700-$1,200)

These schools offer strong educational foundations at significantly lower price points, making quality early childhood education accessible to a wider range of families.

11. The Little House Montessori

Monthly Fees: $900-$1,150
Curriculum: Montessori methodology
Notable Features: Well-maintained Montessori materials, dedicated outdoor gardens, strong practical life program
Parent Satisfaction Score: 4.3/5

The Little House Montessori has carved out a reputation for delivering authentic Montessori education at a more affordable price point than many competitors. Parents particularly value the school’s focus on developing independence and the careful attention to creating a prepared environment with high-quality Montessori materials.

The smaller campus size is offset by thoughtful space utilization, and teachers receive praise for their genuine commitment to Montessori principles. Several parents mentioned appreciating the balance of structure and freedom that characterizes the classroom approach.

“We switched from a much more expensive school and found The Little House offered a more authentic Montessori experience at almost half the price,” one parent commented.

12. Mosaic Kindergarten

Monthly Fees: $850-$1,050
Curriculum: Play-based with strong bilingual focus
Notable Features: True bilingual environment, art-integrated curriculum, neighborhood locations
Parent Satisfaction Score: 4.2/5

Mosaic has distinguished itself with a genuinely bilingual environment where Mandarin and English receive equal emphasis throughout the day. Unlike some schools that offer “Mandarin lessons,” Mosaic’s approach integrates both languages into all activities, resulting in impressive language acquisition for students.

The art-integrated curriculum effectively weaves creative expression into all learning areas, and parents appreciate the convenient neighborhood locations near major residential areas and MRT stations. Class sizes tend to be slightly larger than premium options, which some parents noted as a consideration.

13. Mulberry Learning

Monthly Fees: $920-$1,180
Curriculum: Reggio Emilia with Habits of Mind framework
Notable Features: Finnish-inspired curriculum elements, character development program, innovative learning corners
Parent Satisfaction Score: 4.2/5

14. Learning Vision

Monthly Fees: $850-$1,100
Curriculum: Multiple Intelligences approach
Notable Features: Good locations (including workplace-based centers), strong literacy program, thoughtful environments
Parent Satisfaction Score: 4.1/5

15. Pat’s Schoolhouse

Monthly Fees: $880-$1,150
Curriculum: Integrated thematic approach with bilingual immersion
Notable Features: Dedicated Chinese language teachers, music-integrated learning, established Singapore heritage
Parent Satisfaction Score: 4.1/5

Anchor Operator Preschools (Monthly Fees: Below $720)

Anchor Operator (AOP) preschools receive government subsidies to provide quality early childhood education at accessible price points for Singaporean families. These centers follow fee caps established by ECDA.

16. PCF Sparkletots

Monthly Fees: $640-$720 (before subsidies)
Curriculum: Nurturing Early Learners framework
Notable Features: Island-wide locations, strong community integration, consistent standards
Parent Satisfaction Score: 4.0/5

As Singapore’s largest preschool operator, PCF Sparkletots has evolved significantly from its community roots to deliver consistent quality across its centers. Parents value the convenient locations and the structured curriculum that prepares children well for primary school. The implementation of the Nurturing Early Learners framework ensures children develop across all domains while gaining a strong foundation in early literacy and numeracy.

With additional government subsidies, fees can be reduced significantly for eligible families, making quality preschool education highly accessible. Parents particularly appreciate the regular communication through digital platforms and the emphasis on character development alongside academic readiness.

One aspect mentioned by several parents is variable quality between centers, with flagship and newer locations typically offering enhanced facilities and resources.

17. MY World Preschool

Monthly Fees: $635-$715 (before subsidies)
Curriculum: Inquiry-based integrated curriculum
Notable Features: Well-designed learning environments, STEM-focused activities, character development program
Parent Satisfaction Score: 4.0/5

MY World has established a reputation for creating thoughtful learning environments that encourage exploration and discovery. Their centers typically feature well-defined learning corners and good quality resources despite their affordable fee structure. Parents consistently highlight the school’s strong character education program and the effective integration of STEM concepts into everyday activities.

The centers are strategically located near public transportation and residential hubs, making them convenient for working parents. After government subsidies, MY World represents excellent value for money in the Singapore preschool landscape.

18. MFS Preschool

Monthly Fees: $630-$710 (before subsidies)
Curriculum: Learning through play approach
Notable Features: Strong outdoor programs, project-based learning, inclusive practices
Parent Satisfaction Score: 3.9/5

19. NTUC First Campus My First Skool

Monthly Fees: $650-$720 (before subsidies)
Curriculum: NYEL framework with integrated learning
Notable Features: Well-established systems, structured bilingual program, good transitions to primary
Parent Satisfaction Score: 3.9/5

20. E-Bridge Pre-School

Monthly Fees: $630-$720 (before subsidies)
Curriculum: Ecological approach to learning
Notable Features: Environmental consciousness, community integration, holistic development focus
Parent Satisfaction Score: 3.8/5

Additional top preschools ranked 21-30 (with brief details) include Kinderland, Maple Bear, EtonHouse Community Fund Pre-Schools, Arts Kidz, Safari House, Little Footprints, Carpe Diem, Cherie Hearts, Kiddiwinkie, and Little Dolphins, representing various approaches and price points to complete our comprehensive top 30 listing.

Curriculum Approaches Compared

Understanding the different educational philosophies can help you identify which approach might best suit your child’s learning style and personality:

Montessori

Key Features: Mixed-age classrooms, self-directed learning, specialized materials, focus on independence
Best For: Children who thrive with freedom within structure, independent learners, those who benefit from hands-on materials
Examples in Our List: Brighton Montessori, The Little House Montessori

Reggio Emilia

Key Features: Project-based learning, documentation of learning journeys, environment as “third teacher,” child-led interests
Best For: Creative thinkers, collaborative learners, children who engage deeply with topics of interest
Examples in Our List: EtonHouse, Blue House, Odyssey

Play-Based

Key Features: Learning through structured play, emphasis on social-emotional development, holistic approach
Best For: Younger children, those who learn best through active engagement, children developing social skills
Examples in Our List: Little Paddington, MFS Preschool

International Baccalaureate (IB PYP)

Key Features: Inquiry-based, conceptual understanding, transdisciplinary themes, international mindedness
Best For: Critical thinkers, globally-minded families, those planning international school pathways
Examples in Our List: Stamford American, UWC, Canadian International School

British EYFS

Key Features: Structured progression, emphasis on phonics, play-based but with defined outcomes
Best For: Families seeking balanced academic/play approach, those planning UK curriculum pathways
Examples in Our List: Tanglin Trust, White Lodge

What Parents Are Saying: Reviews Summary

We’ve analyzed hundreds of verified parent reviews to identify common themes across different preschool categories:

Premium International Preschools

Strengths Commonly Mentioned:

• Exceptional teacher quality and stability
• Rich resources and learning materials
• Strong parent communication systems
• Well-implemented specialized programs (language immersion, etc.)
• Impressive facilities and space

Considerations:

• High costs including substantial additional fees
• Competitive admissions processes
• Sometimes less convenient locations

Mid-Range Preschools

Strengths Commonly Mentioned:

• Good balance of quality and affordability
• Strong implementation of specific pedagogies
• More individualized attention than larger centers
• Passionate teachers and leadership

Considerations:

• Sometimes higher teacher turnover than premium schools
• More variable quality between different branches
• Smaller facilities in some locations

Affordable & Anchor Operator Preschools

Strengths Commonly Mentioned:

• Excellent value for money
• Convenient locations near homes and workplaces
• Strong academic preparation for primary school
• Good social development in larger peer groups

Considerations:

• Larger class sizes
• Less individualized attention
• More structured approaches with less flexibility

How to Choose the Right Preschool for Your Child

With so many excellent options available, parents should consider these factors when making their decision:

1. Assess Your Child’s Personality and Learning Style

Different children thrive in different environments. Consider whether your child:

• Prefers structure or freedom
• Is more independent or benefits from closer guidance
• Has specific interests that certain curricula might nurture
• Would benefit from larger social groups or smaller class sizes

2. Determine Your Educational Priorities

Reflect on what matters most to your family:

• Language development (monolingual vs. bilingual approach)
• Academic preparation vs. play-based learning
• Specific pedagogical approaches that align with your values
• Future school pathways (local system vs. international schools)

3. Consider Practical Factors

Logistics matter significantly in daily family life:

• Location relative to home and workplace
• Operating hours and flexibility
• Transportation options
• Budget constraints and value assessment

4. Visit Multiple Schools

Nothing replaces firsthand observation:

• Schedule visits during operational hours
• Observe teacher-child interactions
• Assess the learning environment and materials
• Ask specific questions about your child’s potential experience

You can easily book tours at multiple preschools through our Skoolopedia membership, which gives you priority access to school tours and open houses.

Frequently Asked Questions

What additional fees should I budget for beyond the monthly tuition?

Most preschools charge several supplementary fees including:

• Registration fee: $500-$2,500 (one-time, higher at premium schools)
• Deposit: Usually one month’s fees (refundable)
• Material fees: $200-$500 per semester
• Insurance: $50-$100 annually
• Enrichment programs: $150-$300 per program per term (optional)
• Field trips: $100-$300 annually

Always request a comprehensive fee schedule when comparing schools.

What government subsidies are available for preschool fees?

Singapore citizens may qualify for:

• Basic Subsidy: Up to $600 for infant care and $300 for childcare
• Additional Subsidy: Up to $710 more depending on household income
• Enhanced Subsidies: Further support for lower-income families
• Baby Bonus: Can be used for preschool fees via the Child Development Account

Check the ECDA website for current subsidy rates and eligibility criteria.

When should I start applying to secure a spot?

For popular preschools, especially in the premium and mid-range categories, applying 12-18 months in advance is recommended. Some prestigious schools have waiting lists of over a year for certain age groups. Anchor operator preschools typically have shorter waiting times but still benefit from early applications, particularly for infant and toddler programs.

How important is preschool accreditation?

All preschools in Singapore must be licensed by ECDA, which ensures basic quality and safety standards. Beyond this minimum requirement, look for:

• SPARK certification (Singapore Preschool Accreditation)
• Specific pedagogical accreditations (e.g., AMI for Montessori schools)
• Teacher qualifications and ongoing professional development

These additional credentials often indicate a higher commitment to quality.

For more information about preschools near MRT stations across Singapore, check our comprehensive guide to preschools near Singapore MRT stations.

Conclusion

Singapore’s preschool landscape offers remarkable diversity, allowing families to find options that truly align with their children’s needs, educational philosophies, and practical considerations. From the premium international preschools with their world-class facilities to the highly subsidized anchor operator centers providing quality education at accessible price points, parents have excellent choices across the spectrum.

While fees are an important consideration, we encourage parents to look beyond the price tag to assess the overall fit between a school’s approach and their child’s unique personality and learning style. The best preschool experience comes from this alignment rather than simply choosing the most expensive or most convenient option.

Remember that preschool is just the beginning of your child’s educational journey. The foundation built during these early years—a love of learning, social confidence, emotional resilience, and basic academic readiness—will serve them well regardless of which primary school pathway they eventually follow.

We hope this comprehensive guide helps you navigate the options with greater confidence. For personalized recommendations based on your specific needs, location preferences, and budget, consider joining our Skoolopedia membership community where you’ll gain access to exclusive school events, direct consultation with our education specialists, and a network of fellow parents sharing their firsthand experiences.

Looking for enrichment programs to complement your preschool choice? Explore our guide to enrichment centers near MRT stations for convenient options.

The Singapore preschool landscape offers exceptional diversity and quality across different price points. Whether you prioritize specialized facilities, pedagogical approaches, language immersion, or convenience, there’s a perfect match for your family among our top 30 selections.

Take time to visit multiple schools, speak with current parents, and consider both your child’s needs and your practical requirements. The preschool years lay the foundation for a lifelong love of learning, making this an investment worth careful consideration.

Remember that while fees are an important factor, the right fit between school philosophy and your child’s learning style ultimately creates the most valuable early education experience. By using this guide as a starting point, you’re well on your way to making an informed decision that benefits your child’s development and your family’s lifestyle.

For the latest preschool openings, parent reviews, and exclusive school events, join our community of informed parents through a Skoolopedia membership. Our Parents’ Choice Awards also highlight standout preschools based on verified parent feedback each year.