Selecting the right preschool for your child in Singapore is one of the most significant decisions you’ll make in their early educational journey. With more than 1,800 preschools across the island, ranging from government-subsidized centers to premium international establishments, the choices can seem overwhelming. The right preschool does more than provide childcare—it lays the foundation for your child’s lifelong learning journey, social development, and future academic success.

At Skoolopedia, we understand the weight of this decision. That’s why we’ve compiled this comprehensive guide to the best preschools in Singapore, categorized by curriculum approach, location, facilities, and parent reviews. Whether you’re looking for a Montessori environment, a bilingual program, or a preschool conveniently located near your home or workplace, this guide will help you navigate your options with confidence.

Our recommendations are based on curriculum quality, teacher qualifications, learning environments, parent feedback, and overall reputation. We’ve done the research so you can focus on finding the perfect match for your child’s unique needs and your family’s priorities.

Understanding Preschool Education in Singapore

Singapore’s preschool landscape features a diverse range of options, including kindergartens regulated by the Ministry of Education (MOE) and childcare centers overseen by the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA). While kindergartens typically offer 3-4 hour programs for children aged 3-6, childcare centers provide full-day options that accommodate working parents’ schedules and often accept children from as young as 2 months old.

The Singapore government places strong emphasis on quality early childhood education, implementing frameworks like the Nurturing Early Learners (NEL) curriculum to ensure all preschools meet certain standards. However, individual centers have significant flexibility in their teaching approaches and philosophies, leading to a rich variety of educational experiences available to young learners.

Parents should know that Singapore’s preschool education is not mandatory, but it’s highly recommended. Research consistently shows that quality early education positively impacts cognitive development, social skills, and future academic performance. Most children attend preschool from around 18 months to 6 years old, before entering primary school.

Types of Preschool Curricula in Singapore

Understanding the different educational approaches can help you find a preschool that aligns with your values and your child’s learning style. Here are the main curriculum types you’ll encounter in Singapore:

Montessori: Emphasizes independence, freedom within limits, and respect for children’s natural development. Children work with specially designed learning materials and progress at their own pace.

Reggio Emilia: Views children as capable and resilient, with rights rather than just needs. It emphasizes exploration, using the environment as a third teacher, and documenting children’s learning processes.

Play-based: Centers learning around play activities that develop social skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities while making education enjoyable.

Multiple Intelligence: Based on Howard Gardner’s theory that recognizes various types of intelligence beyond traditional academic metrics, this approach tailors learning to develop children’s diverse strengths.

Bilingual/Multilingual: Places equal emphasis on English and another language (commonly Mandarin in Singapore), helping children develop proficiency in both languages during their formative years.

International Baccalaureate (IB) Early Years: Offers inquiry-based learning that encourages students to think critically and take responsibility for their education from an early age.

Top Preschools by Curriculum

Best Montessori Preschools

House on the Hill Montessori: Known for its authentic Montessori program with AMI-trained teachers and beautiful prepared environments. With multiple locations including Mount Sophia and Balmoral, they offer a genuine Montessori experience with mixed-age classrooms and uninterrupted work periods.

Brighton Montessori: A well-established network with six centers across Singapore, Brighton combines Montessori methodology with phonics and mathematics programs. Their carefully prepared classrooms feature the full range of Montessori materials.

Brainy Child Montessori: Located in the East, this preschool is praised for its dedicated teachers and strong parent-school partnership. They maintain small class sizes to ensure personalized attention for each child.

Best Reggio Emilia Preschools

Blue House Nursery & International Preschool: A pioneer in Reggio Emilia-inspired education in Singapore, Blue House features beautiful ateliers (art studios) and deeply respects children’s creativity and expression. Their documentation of children’s learning is exceptional.

EtonHouse International Preschool: With multiple locations across Singapore, EtonHouse offers a Reggio-inspired curriculum that emphasizes inquiry-based learning. Their learning environments are thoughtfully designed to inspire exploration.

Odyssey The Global Preschool: Award-winning facilities and a curriculum that blends Reggio Emilia with project-based learning approaches. Their campuses feature specialized learning environments including dedicated spaces for art, music, and discovery.

Best Play-Based Preschools

Kinderland Preschool: Renowned for their integrated curriculum that combines play with music education. Their KinderFit program promotes physical development while their literacy approach builds strong foundations in reading and writing.

MindChamps PreSchool: Offers their proprietary ‘Curriculum of Champions’ that emphasizes creativity and confidence building through play. Their enrichment programs in drama, music, and movement complement the core curriculum.

Pat’s Schoolhouse: One of Singapore’s pioneering bilingual preschools, Pat’s combines play-based learning with a strong emphasis on bilingual language acquisition in an immersive environment.

Best Multiple Intelligence Preschools

Mulberry Learning: Singapore’s first preschool network to be certified by the Institute for Multiple Intelligences. Their award-winning curriculum incorporates Habits of Mind™ and Reggio Emilia approaches.

Between Two Trees: A boutique preschool that applies Multiple Intelligence theory through project-based learning. Their small class sizes allow for personalized attention to different learning styles.

Little Paddington Preschool: Integrates Multiple Intelligence theory with the Singapore curriculum framework, offering programs that identify and develop each child’s unique intelligence profile.

Top Preschools by Location

Central Singapore

Central Singapore is home to many premium preschool options, making it convenient for parents who work in the CBD area. Some standout options include:

Wee Care (Orchard): A boutique preschool with small class sizes and personalized attention in the heart of Orchard Road.

Chiltern House Preschool (Novena): Known for their strong literacy program and preparation for primary school.

Pegasus International Preschool (River Valley): Offers a balanced approach between academic preparation and play-based learning in a nurturing environment.

East Singapore

The East Coast area is popular with families and offers numerous highly-rated preschool options:

The Garden House Preschool (Katong): A beautiful preschool with a garden setting offering a nature-inspired curriculum.

Alphabet Playhouse (Bedok): Features innovative learning spaces and a curriculum that balances academic foundations with creative expression.

Learning Vision (Changi Business Park): Perfect for parents working in the area, offering extended hours and quality programs.

West Singapore

West Singapore has seen significant development in recent years, with many new preschool options for families:

Chiltern House (Bukit Timah): Their flagship campus offers a comprehensive curriculum in a spacious, well-equipped facility.

White Lodge Preschool (West Coast): International environment with a play-based approach and strong focus on character development.

Kiddiwinkie Schoolhouse (Jurong East): Contemporary facilities with a curriculum that emphasizes creativity and exploratory learning.

North Singapore

For families residing in the northern regions of Singapore, these preschools are worth considering:

My First Skool (Yishun): An NTUC First Campus preschool offering quality education at affordable rates with modern facilities.

Kindle Garden (Woodlands): Singapore’s first inclusive preschool where children of all abilities learn together in a supportive environment.

Little Skool-House (Sembawang): Strong bilingual program with experienced educators and a holistic curriculum approach.

Preschools Near MRT Stations

For many working parents, preschools with convenient MRT access make daily commutes significantly easier. Here are some top options located near MRT stations:

PCF Sparkletots (multiple locations): Singapore’s largest preschool operator with numerous centers near MRT stations across the island.

EtonHouse Pre-School (Orchard, Novena, Robertson Quay): Premium preschools located near central MRT stations.

MindChamps PreSchool (Serangoon, Tampines, Raffles Place): Quality education with the convenience of MRT proximity.

For a comprehensive directory of preschools near specific MRT stations, visit our Preschools Near MRT Stations guide where you can filter options by train line and station.

What Makes a Good Preschool?

When evaluating preschools, consider these key quality indicators:

Qualified and caring teachers: Look for centers with low teacher turnover and educators who have appropriate early childhood qualifications. The best teachers demonstrate genuine warmth and interest in children’s development.

Thoughtful learning environments: Quality preschools create spaces that inspire exploration and learning, with age-appropriate materials accessible to children. Both indoor and outdoor spaces should be clean, safe, and designed with children’s needs in mind.

Balanced curriculum: The best programs balance academic foundations with social-emotional development, physical activities, and creative expression. The curriculum should be developmentally appropriate rather than pushing children beyond their capabilities.

Clear communication with parents: Great preschools maintain open lines of communication through regular updates, parent-teacher meetings, and accessible staff who welcome questions and collaboration.

Positive discipline approaches: Look for schools that use positive guidance techniques rather than punitive measures, helping children develop self-regulation and social skills.

How to Choose the Right Preschool

Finding the ideal preschool involves several steps:

Identify your priorities: Consider what matters most to your family—location, curriculum, operating hours, language exposure, or specific teaching philosophy.

Research thoroughly: Use Skoolopedia’s searchable directory to create a shortlist of schools that match your criteria, then visit their websites to learn more about their specific offerings.

Schedule visits: Nothing replaces an in-person visit to get a feel for the school environment. Pay attention to the interactions between teachers and children, classroom setup, and overall atmosphere.

Ask questions: Prepare a list of important questions about teacher qualifications, daily schedules, how they handle challenging behaviors, safety procedures, and parent involvement opportunities.

Consider practical factors: Evaluate fees, location, operating hours, and holiday schedules to ensure the school can realistically work for your family’s needs.

Trust your instincts: After gathering all the information, trust your parental instincts about where your child will thrive based on their personality and learning style.

Parents’ Top Choices and Reviews

Our annual Parents’ Choice Awards highlight the preschools consistently receiving the highest ratings from families. These awards are based on genuine parent reviews covering teaching quality, facilities, communication, and overall satisfaction.

Recent winners include:

EtonHouse Preschool: Parents consistently praise their inquiry-based approach and thoughtfully designed learning spaces.

MindChamps PreSchool: Recognized for their comprehensive curriculum and nurturing environment that builds confidence.

Mulberry Learning: Commended for their innovative approaches to developing thinking skills and character strengths.

Blue House Nursery: Parents appreciate their child-centered approach and beautiful learning environments.

While these preschools receive excellent overall ratings, we recommend reading individual parent reviews on Skoolopedia to understand specific strengths and considerations for each center. What works perfectly for one child may not be ideal for another, so personal perspectives from multiple families can provide valuable insights.

Conclusion

Choosing the best preschool for your child in Singapore is a deeply personal decision that balances educational philosophy, practical considerations, and your unique child’s needs. The good news is that Singapore offers a wealth of high-quality options across different curricula, locations, and price points.

Remember that the “best” preschool isn’t necessarily the most expensive or prestigious—it’s the one where your child feels secure, engaged, and excited to learn. Take time to visit multiple centers, ask questions, and observe the learning environment before making your decision.

At Skoolopedia, we’re committed to helping you navigate this important choice with confidence. Our comprehensive directory allows you to search for preschools by location, including those near MRT stations for convenience. You can also explore enrichment centers and student care facilities to plan your child’s complete educational journey.

We encourage you to use all the resources available on our platform, including parent reviews, expert Q&As, and up-to-date information on fees and vacancies. Your child’s early education sets the foundation for lifelong learning—we’re honored to help you make this important decision with clarity and confidence.