Table Of Contents

• Introduction
• Factors to Consider When Choosing a Preschool
• EtonHouse International Pre-School
• Canadian International School
• MindChamps PreSchool
• Blue House Nursery & International Preschool
• Pat’s Schoolhouse
• Brighton Montessori
• Little Shepherds’ Schoolhouse
• White Lodge International Preschool & Childcare
• Pegasus International Preschool
• Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) Arts Preschool
• Conclusion

Top 10 Preschools in Singapore: Expert Guide to Early Childhood Education

Choosing the right preschool for your child in Singapore can be both exciting and overwhelming. With the city-state’s reputation for educational excellence, parents are faced with numerous options ranging from international schools with global curricula to local institutions with strong cultural foundations. The preschool years form a crucial developmental period that can significantly influence your child’s future academic journey and personal growth.

At Skoolopedia, we understand the importance of finding the perfect educational environment that aligns with your child’s needs and your family’s values. That’s why we’ve compiled this comprehensive guide to Singapore’s top 10 preschools, featuring institutions renowned for their innovative teaching approaches, quality facilities, and proven track records in early childhood education.

Whether you’re looking for a Montessori-inspired environment, a bilingual program, or a preschool with a particular focus on arts or STEM, our curated list will help you navigate your options and make an informed decision for your little one’s educational journey in Singapore.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Preschool

Before diving into our list of top preschools, it’s important to understand the key factors that should influence your decision:

Curriculum and Teaching Philosophy

Different preschools follow various educational approaches such as Montessori, Reggio Emilia, play-based learning, or Singapore’s NEL (Nurturing Early Learners) framework. Understanding these philosophies and how they align with your child’s learning style is crucial. Some children thrive in structured environments, while others may benefit from more exploratory approaches.

Location and Accessibility

The proximity of the preschool to your home or workplace is a practical consideration that shouldn’t be overlooked. Singapore’s transportation system is efficient, but a conveniently located school can near MRT stations can significantly reduce daily commute stress for both you and your child.

Teacher Qualifications and Student-Teacher Ratio

The quality of teachers and the number of children they supervise directly impacts your child’s learning experience. Lower student-teacher ratios allow for more personalized attention and better classroom management.

Facilities and Environment

Evaluate the school’s physical environment, including outdoor spaces, classrooms, safety measures, and learning resources. A well-designed environment can enhance learning experiences and overall development.

Language Programs

In multicultural Singapore, many parents value bilingual education. Consider whether you prefer an English-dominant environment with Mandarin as a second language, a bilingual program with equal emphasis, or other language options.

Fees and Additional Costs

Preschool fees in Singapore vary widely. International preschools typically charge higher fees than local ones. Be sure to account for additional costs such as uniforms, materials, field trips, and registration fees when budgeting for your child’s education.

1. EtonHouse International Pre-School

EtonHouse has established itself as a leading name in Singapore’s early childhood education landscape, with multiple campuses across the island.

Curriculum and Approach

EtonHouse follows the Reggio Emilia-inspired inquiry-based approach alongside the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme at select campuses. This child-responsive curriculum views children as capable and resilient individuals with strong potential and emphasizes learning through exploration, discovery, and play.

Distinctive Features

One of EtonHouse’s standout features is its strong emphasis on bilingual education, with dedicated English and Mandarin teachers in each classroom. Their purpose-built facilities include ateliers (art studios), water play areas, and natural outdoor spaces designed to stimulate creativity and support holistic development.

Locations and Age Range

With multiple locations including Broadrick, Thomson, Robertson Walk, and Sentosa, EtonHouse serves children from 18 months to 6 years, with some campuses offering infant care programs for babies as young as 2 months.

EtonHouse consistently ranks high in parent choice awards for its innovative approach to early childhood education and commitment to creating meaningful learning experiences.

2. Canadian International School (CIS)

The Canadian International School’s preschool program offers a truly global education with a strong focus on inquiry-based learning.

Curriculum and Approach

CIS implements the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP) framework, which fosters creativity, critical thinking, and international-mindedness. Their play-based approach encourages children to be active participants in their learning journey, with teachers facilitating rather than directing.

Distinctive Features

CIS offers an exceptional Chinese-English bilingual program starting from nursery level, with equal instructional time in both languages. The school’s state-of-the-art facilities include dedicated makerspaces, outdoor learning areas, and performing arts spaces that support their interdisciplinary approach.

Locations and Age Range

CIS operates two campuses at Lakeside and Tanjong Katong, catering to children from 2 to 6 years old. Both campuses feature purpose-built early childhood wings specifically designed for young learners.

Parents particularly appreciate CIS’s smooth transition pathway from preschool to their primary and secondary programs, allowing for educational continuity.

3. MindChamps PreSchool

MindChamps has gained immense popularity in Singapore for its unique approach that combines neuroscience and education research into practical learning experiences.

Curriculum and Approach

MindChamps’ curriculum is built around their proprietary ‘3-Mind’ educational model which develops the Learning Mind, the Champion Mind, and the Creative Mind. Their approach blends elements of neuroscience, psychology, and theatre to create a comprehensive early learning experience.

Distinctive Features

The school stands out for its enrichment programs that are integrated into the core curriculum rather than offered as add-ons. These include ‘Creativity & Theatrical Strategies’, ‘Gourmet Moments’, and ‘MindChamps Reading & Writing’, which support literacy development from an early age.

Locations and Age Range

With over 40 centers across Singapore, MindChamps is one of the most accessible preschool options, serving children from 18 months to 6 years. Many centers are strategically located near residential areas and transportation hubs, making them convenient for working parents.

MindChamps has consistently been recognized as a trusted preschool brand, winning numerous industry awards for excellence in early childhood education.

4. Blue House Nursery & International Preschool

Blue House offers a unique boutique preschool experience with a strong focus on creativity and the arts.

Curriculum and Approach

Inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, Blue House emphasizes child-led inquiry and project-based learning. Their curriculum views the environment as the ‘third teacher’ (alongside parents and educators) and places great importance on documentation of children’s learning processes.

Distinctive Features

Blue House is renowned for its beautiful, thoughtfully designed spaces that use natural materials and neutral colors to create calm, inspiring learning environments. Their Atelier program, led by resident artists, offers children rich opportunities for creative expression through various media and materials.

Locations and Age Range

With locations in Turf City and UE Square, Blue House welcomes children from 6 months to 6 years across their Infant & Toddler, Nursery, and International Preschool programs.

Parents who value arts-integrated education and a smaller, more intimate school setting often find Blue House to be an excellent fit for their family’s educational philosophy.

5. Pat’s Schoolhouse

As one of Singapore’s pioneer preschool providers with a history spanning over 30 years, Pat’s Schoolhouse has built a strong reputation for educational excellence.

Curriculum and Approach

Pat’s Schoolhouse employs their signature Bilingual Immersion Core Curriculum™ which integrates the best elements of Eastern and Western educational approaches. Their Play-to-Learn™ philosophy emphasizes that children learn most effectively through meaningful play experiences.

Distinctive Features

Pat’s renowned bilingual immersion program features dedicated English and Mandarin teachers in each classroom, creating a truly bilingual learning environment. Their Music-Integrated Learning for Life™ program is another highlight, incorporating music into daily learning to enhance cognitive development and memory.

Locations and Age Range

With 16 locations across Singapore, Pat’s Schoolhouse serves children from 18 months to 6 years. Many of their centers are housed in spacious, converted black-and-white colonial houses with ample outdoor space, providing unique learning environments.

Pat’s Schoolhouse’s long-standing presence in Singapore’s education landscape has resulted in many second-generation students, with parents who attended the school themselves now enrolling their own children.

6. Brighton Montessori

Brighton Montessori offers an authentic Montessori education adapted to the Singaporean context.

Curriculum and Approach

Following the time-tested Montessori method developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, Brighton provides a prepared environment where children can choose activities based on their interests. The curriculum covers five key areas: Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, Mathematics, and Cultural Studies.

Distinctive Features

Brighton’s classrooms feature the full range of traditional Montessori materials, carefully selected to develop different skills and concepts. Their mixed-age groupings (typically spanning three years) create opportunities for peer learning and leadership development, a core aspect of the Montessori approach.

Locations and Age Range

With six centers across Singapore including locations in Frankel Avenue, Sunset Way, and Bukit Timah, Brighton Montessori serves children from 18 months to 6 years. Their environments are thoughtfully prepared to foster independence and concentration.

Brighton stands out for maintaining the integrity of the Montessori method while incorporating elements of the Singapore curriculum to prepare children for primary school transition.

7. Little Shepherds’ Schoolhouse

Little Shepherds’ offers a values-based preschool education grounded in Christian principles but welcoming families of all backgrounds.

Curriculum and Approach

Little Shepherds’ implements a thematic, integrated curriculum that balances academic preparation with character development. Their approach incorporates elements of play-based learning while ensuring children develop the foundational skills needed for primary school success.

Distinctive Features

What distinguishes Little Shepherds’ is their focus on values education, teaching concepts like kindness, respect, and responsibility through stories, activities, and daily practices. Their comprehensive Chinese language program is another highlight, offering more extensive Mandarin instruction than many other preschools.

Locations and Age Range

Little Shepherds’ operates five centers located within church premises across Singapore, creating a community-oriented environment for children aged 18 months to 6 years. These settings often provide peaceful, spacious environments away from the bustle of commercial areas.

Parents who value a school environment that nurtures not just academic skills but also character and values often choose Little Shepherds’ for their children’s early education.

8. White Lodge International Preschool & Childcare

White Lodge has established itself as a truly international preschool that celebrates diversity while delivering a comprehensive early years curriculum.

Curriculum and Approach

White Lodge blends elements from multiple internationally recognized curricula, including the UK Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), the Australian Framework for Early Childhood, and the Singapore NEL Framework. Their play-based approach emphasizes hands-on learning and inquiry.

Distinctive Features

The school is known for its strong focus on developing global awareness and cultural sensitivity from an early age. White Lodge’s dedicated specialist programs in music, mandarin, physical education, and arts are integrated throughout the week and taught by subject specialists rather than generalist teachers.

Locations and Age Range

White Lodge has nine centers across Singapore, including locations in East Coast, Bukit Timah, and River Valley, serving children from 6 months to 6.5 years. Many centers feature outdoor play areas and purpose-built facilities designed specifically for early years education.

The school’s diverse student body and teaching staff from various countries create a multicultural learning environment that prepares children for global citizenship.

9. Pegasus International Preschool

Pegasus offers a balanced approach to early childhood education that combines academic foundations with creative expression and outdoor learning.

Curriculum and Approach

Pegasus implements an inquiry-based curriculum influenced by multiple educational approaches including Reggio Emilia and the International Primary Curriculum (IPC). Their program emphasizes the development of 21st-century skills like critical thinking, collaboration, and communication.

Distinctive Features

The school is particularly known for its extensive outdoor education program, which includes regular nature walks, gardening activities, and outdoor exploration. Their STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) approach integrates these subjects into meaningful projects rather than teaching them in isolation.

Locations and Age Range

Pegasus operates centers in Tanjong Katong and Alexandra, catering to children from 18 months to 6 years. Their facilities include sensory play spaces, dedicated art studios, and natural outdoor learning areas.

Parents appreciate Pegasus’s balance between academic preparation and a whole-child approach that values social-emotional development and creative expression.

10. Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) Arts Preschool

NAFA Arts Preschool offers a specialized early childhood program that places the arts at the center of learning while maintaining strong academic foundations.

Curriculum and Approach

NAFA’s curriculum integrates Singapore’s NEL Framework with a strong arts focus, creating a program where children learn traditional academic subjects through various art forms. Their approach views artistic expression as a powerful vehicle for developing cognitive, social, and emotional skills.

Distinctive Features

As part of the prestigious Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, this preschool offers unparalleled access to specialized arts instruction from dedicated teaching artists. Children receive regular lessons in visual arts, music, dance, and drama, integrated with core literacy and numeracy development.

Locations and Age Range

Located within NAFA’s main campus in the arts and heritage district, the preschool serves children from 3 to 6 years old. The central location provides easy access to museums, galleries, and cultural institutions that extend learning beyond the classroom.

NAFA Arts Preschool is ideal for families who value the arts as an essential part of early education and are looking for a program that nurtures creativity alongside academic skills. Students often continue developing their artistic interests through enrichment programs after graduating.

Parents should note that while arts are central to the program, NAFA maintains strong academic standards and successfully prepares children for primary school, debunking the misconception that arts-focused education comes at the expense of academic development.

Conclusion: Finding the Perfect Preschool Match

Singapore’s diverse preschool landscape offers something for every child and family, from internationally-recognized curricula to specialized approaches focusing on languages, arts, or values-based education. The best preschool for your child will depend on multiple factors including their unique learning style, your family’s values and priorities, practical considerations like location and budget, and long-term educational plans.

We recommend visiting multiple schools on this list to observe classroom dynamics, speak with teachers, and get a feel for the environment before making your decision. Many preschools offer orientation sessions or open houses that can provide valuable insights beyond what’s available on websites or brochures.

Remember that early childhood education should nurture not just academic readiness but also social-emotional development, creativity, curiosity, and a love of learning. The right preschool will partner with you in laying a strong foundation for your child’s educational journey while making those crucial early years joyful and engaging.

Looking for more support in your preschool search? Skoolopedia offers detailed school profiles, parent reviews, and expert guidance to help you navigate this important decision. Our comprehensive directory includes information on tuition fees, curriculum details, and facilities for hundreds of educational institutions across Singapore, including both preschools and student care centers.