Choosing an international school in Singapore is one of the biggest decisions an expat or internationally-minded family will make. With annual tuition stretching well into five figures, you want to know exactly what you’re paying for — and whether the school is a genuine fit for your child. Stamford American International School (SAIS) consistently sits near the top of shortlists for families seeking an American-framework education combined with internationally recognised qualifications, and for good reason.

This guide covers everything you need to know before enquiring: a full school profile, a breakdown of curriculum pathways, an honest look at facilities, and a comprehensive, up-to-date fee schedule covering both the Early Learning Village and the main Woodleigh campus for Grades 1 through 12. Whether you’re relocating to Singapore with young children or searching for a strong senior-school pathway, read on for the detail that helps you plan with confidence.

About Stamford American International School

Stamford American International School opened its doors in 2009 and has since grown into one of Singapore’s most prominent premium international schools. It caters to students from 18 months all the way through to 18 years old, making it a genuinely all-through option for families planning a long stint in Singapore. The school currently enrolls approximately 3,000 students drawn from over 75 nationalities, creating a diverse, globally-minded community that reflects Singapore’s own cosmopolitan character.

A standout credential: SAIS is the first and only school in Singapore to concurrently offer Advanced Placement (AP) courses, the BTEC International Level 3 Diploma, and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme at the senior level — giving graduating students an unusually wide range of university application options. The school is part of the Cognita group and is led by Superintendent Dr Eric Sands, with faculty representing 15 different countries. In 2025, SAIS was recognised with five awards at the HoneyKids Singapore Education Awards, including Gold Winner for Best Curriculum (American) and the title of International School of the Year.

Campuses: Woodleigh & the Early Learning Village

SAIS operates across two purpose-built campuses in Singapore’s central region, each designed for the developmental stage of the students it serves.

• Woodleigh Campus (Main Campus): Located at 1 Woodleigh Lane (near Woodleigh MRT), this is the primary school for students in Grades 1 through 12. The campus is expansive, built around a philosophy that outstanding physical and creative facilities are inseparable from academic excellence.
• Early Learning Village (ELV): A dedicated early childhood campus at 3 Chuan Lane (Gate 4), serving children from 18 months to 6 years. The purpose-built environment features natural wood structures, open green spaces, and six outdoor play zones — all inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy of child-led, experiential learning.

The two-campus model means that very young children benefit from an environment specifically designed around their developmental needs, rather than sharing space with older students. Families who start at the Early Learning Village generally transition seamlessly into the main Woodleigh campus once their child reaches Grade 1.

Curriculum & Academic Pathways

The academic programme at SAIS is built on an American curriculum framework — specifically the American Education Reaches Out (AERO) standards, Common Core, and the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) — woven together with International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes at each school stage. This dual-track design is what gives the school its particular appeal to families who value US college readiness alongside globally recognised qualifications.

Early Years (18 months – Kindergarten 2)

The Early Learning Village follows The Creative Curriculum for the youngest children (Pre-Nursery and Nursery), focused on active, social learning. From Pre-Kindergarten onward, the programme integrates the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) inquiry framework. Language is a particular strength here: the ELV offers bilingual English/Mandarin education, specialist Spanish classes, and — uniquely in Singapore — the Suzuki Violin Programme from the age of 3.

Elementary School (Grades 1–5)

The inquiry-based, integrated Elementary School curriculum serves students aged 6 to 11. The IB PYP continues through Grade 5, providing a transdisciplinary approach to learning that encourages students to make connections across subjects rather than studying them in isolation. American curriculum benchmarks run alongside, keeping students on track for future US-aligned assessments and ensuring seamless re-entry into the American school system if the family relocates.

Middle School (Grades 6–10)

At the middle school level, students can follow either the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) or the American AERO standards track, depending on their needs and future pathway goals. The school also offers a Preparatory Course for Secondary School (PCS) — an intensive 20-week programme for students with limited academic English — which helps highly motivated students transition into the full IB-style curriculum covering Maths, Science, Literature, and Humanities.

High School (Grades 11–12)

This is where SAIS truly differentiates itself. Students can graduate with a US-accredited High School Diploma alongside one of three internationally recognised qualifications: the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP), Advanced Placement (AP) credits, or the BTEC International Level 3 Diploma. They can also pursue combinations of these, tailoring their graduation credentials to the universities and careers they are targeting. The school’s IB pass rate stands at an impressive 97%, and graduates have gained acceptance to universities including the University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, and institutions across North America and Asia.

World languages are embedded throughout: SAIS offers literacy programmes in more than a dozen languages, with instruction beginning as early as 18 months. Students have access to Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Spanish, and English language programmes, with 29% of graduating students earning the demanding IB Bilingual Diploma.

Campus Facilities & Student Life

SAIS is frequently cited for having among the most impressive campus facilities of any international school in the Asia-Pacific region — a $300 million purpose-built investment that is visible the moment you step on campus. For parents weighing premium-priced schooling, the breadth of what’s available goes a long way toward explaining the fee level.

The Woodleigh Campus features three swimming pools, two air-conditioned indoor sports arenas, rooftop tennis courts, a rock-climbing wall, professional-grade dance studios, a multipurpose Astroturf sports field, and a golf academy with putting greens and swing studio — one of the only school golf facilities of its kind in Singapore. For performing arts, the campus houses the Reagan Theater, a 500-seat professional venue with a 60-square-metre LED backdrop screen and full professional sound and lighting equipment. Drama classes begin in Kindergarten and run through Grade 10, and students can pursue an IB Diploma in Theatre or a BTEC in Performing Arts.

Academic innovation facilities include a dedicated Innovation Center and Makerspace — stocked with 3D printers, robots, and advanced electronics — alongside Bloomberg and Microsoft labs for high school students. The school’s co-curricular activities (CCA) programme offers around 350 activity choices throughout the year, spanning academic and intellectual clubs, arts, leadership, sports, and social activities from Pre-K through Grade 12. Popular sports include gymnastics, soccer, swimming, and uniquely American offerings like baseball and softball.

The Early Learning Village offers its own thoughtfully designed facilities: six outdoor playgrounds, a covered 20-metre swimming pool, an indoor air-conditioned gymnasium (the Hive), a well-stocked library, a health centre, a teaching kitchen, a science lab with child-friendly workbenches, and a parent café. The environment is intentionally built around the Reggio Emilia philosophy, with natural materials, open spaces, and child-height windows and doors throughout.

Stamford American International School Fees

SAIS sits firmly in the ultra-premium tier of Singapore’s international school market. Fees are billed twice a year, in advance of each semester. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the current fee schedule. Always confirm the latest figures directly with the SAIS admissions office before making enrolment decisions, as fees are reviewed annually.

Early Learning Village Fees (18 months – Kindergarten 2)

The Early Learning Village offers flexible attendance schedules for younger children, with 3-day, 4-day, half-day, and full-day options available for the youngest age groups. The following reflects the current full fee schedule for the ELV:

Note: An annual technology fee of SGD 990 applies for KG2 students. English as an Additional Language (EAL) support at KG2 level is available at an additional SGD 7,000 per year. Tuition fees are billed per semester, in advance.

Main Campus Fees (Grade 1–12)

Annual tuition at the Woodleigh Campus follows a clear progression, with fees increasing as students move through each school stage:

One-Time Admission Fees

In addition to annual tuition, first-year families at the main campus should budget for several one-time fees. These are non-refundable once paid, so it is important to have confirmed your child’s place before proceeding:

• Application Fee: SGD 920 (non-refundable, paid on application)
• Enrolment Fee: SGD 4,000 (payable on acceptance of the offered place)
• Facility Fee: SGD 3,200 (one-time, main campus)

This means first-year families can expect to budget approximately SGD 8,120 above the annual tuition in their initial enrolment year. For a Grade 1–5 student, for example, the total first-year cost would be in the region of SGD 55,500 before any additional optional costs.

Additional Fees to Budget For

Standard annual tuition at SAIS covers core academic instruction and general access to school facilities. However, families should factor in several additional costs when planning their annual budget:

• Annual Technology Fee: SGD 990 for Grades 1–5; SGD 1,230 for Grades 6–12
• IB Examination Fees: Billed separately in Grades 11–12 (applicable to IBDP students)
• Academic Field Studies: A mandatory field studies fee applies from Grade 3 through Grade 12, ranging from approximately SGD 191 to SGD 3,797 depending on year level
• English as an Additional Language (EAL): Available from Kindergarten through Grade 10 at additional cost
• School Bus Transport: Available at additional cost; not included in base tuition
• School Uniforms and Sports Kit: Purchased separately
• Optional CCAs and Specialist Enrichment: Selected co-curricular activities may carry additional fees
• Lunch: School canteen options are available but not included in tuition

Sibling Discount

SAIS offers a sibling discount for larger families, which can provide meaningful savings when multiple children are enrolled concurrently. The first and second children are charged at the standard rate, while the third child receives a 10% discount on annual tuition and the fourth child and beyond receives a 20% discount. For families with three or four school-age children, this can reduce the overall fee burden quite significantly over time.

How SAIS Fees Compare to Other Singapore International Schools

To put the Stamford American fee schedule in context, here is how it sits relative to some other well-regarded international schools in Singapore. SAIS occupies the ultra-premium segment of the market, which reflects its breadth of curriculum pathways, calibre of facilities, and strong university placement track record.

Families comparing schools should look beyond the headline tuition number. SAIS’s fee includes access to facilities — from the 500-seat Reagan Theater to three swimming pools and a golf academy — that many schools at lower price points simply cannot offer. Whether those facilities justify the premium is ultimately a personal decision based on your child’s interests, your family’s priorities, and the length of your stay in Singapore.

If you’re still in the research phase and weighing up multiple options, Skoolopedia’s preschool directory by MRT station and enrichment centre listings by neighbourhood are useful resources for building a fuller picture of what’s available near where you’ll be living.

Admissions Process & Requirements

SAIS accepts applications on a rolling basis throughout the year, subject to availability. Popular year levels — particularly in the elementary grades — can fill up quickly, so families are strongly advised to apply well in advance of their intended start date. Here is a step-by-step overview of the process:

1. Attend an Open House or Campus Tour – Prospective families are encouraged to visit in person to experience the campus environment firsthand. The school also offers virtual tours and online information sessions via Zoom for families still living overseas.
2. Submit an Online Application – The application form typically takes around 15 minutes to complete. A non-refundable application fee (SGD 920 for the main campus) is required to process your application. Payment can be made by bank transfer or credit card.
3. Provide Required Documentation – You will need to submit your child’s passport copy, birth certificate, a passport-sized photograph, and current and previous year school reports (officially translated into English if in another language). High school applicants may also need to provide transcripts from Grades 9–11, teacher recommendations, and a letter of enrolment detailing current courses.
4. Assessment and Review – The admissions team reviews the application and, depending on your child’s age and background, may schedule an assessment or interview to confirm appropriate grade placement. An English assessment applies from KG2 onward.
5. Receive the Offer and Confirm Enrolment – Upon acceptance, you will receive an offer package outlining next steps. The enrolment fee and facility fee are payable at this point. Once confirmed, you will also need to submit immunisation records and relevant visa documentation before the first day of school.

One important note for Singapore-based families: Singaporean applicants aged 6 and above require formal Ministry of Education (MOE) approval before a place can be confirmed, and no space will be reserved until that approval is received. It is worth factoring this timeline into your planning.

SAIS also offers a Specialized Support Programme for students with learning differences. Eligibility is assessed on an individual basis, and parents are encouraged to discuss their child’s specific needs with the admissions office before submitting an application.

Is Stamford American the Right School for Your Family?

SAIS is a strong match for families who value an American-aligned educational framework, want their child to graduate with internationally portable qualifications (IB, AP, or BTEC), and are committed to staying in Singapore for a meaningful period of time. The all-through structure, from 18 months to 18 years across two campuses, makes it particularly practical for families who want to avoid multiple school transitions.

The school’s diverse nationality mix (75+ nationalities), extensive language programme, and genuinely impressive extracurricular and facilities offering make it a compelling environment for students with a wide range of interests and talents. That said, the fees are among the highest available in Singapore, and families should undertake a thorough budget exercise — including one-time fees, technology fees, field studies, transport, and any EAL costs — before committing.

If you are exploring the full landscape of early childhood and school options in Singapore, Skoolopedia is a useful starting point. Our parent community resources, including school reviews and expert Q&As, can help you compare schools, understand the local education landscape, and feel confident before your first campus visit. You can also explore student care centres near your MRT for after-school care options once your child is enrolled, or enrichment centres by neighbourhood to complement your child’s school programme.

Final Thoughts

Stamford American International School is one of Singapore’s most complete international school options — genuinely all-through, curriculum-rich, and equipped with facilities that are hard to match in the region. For families seeking an American-framework education with the full flexibility of IB, AP, and BTEC graduation pathways, it sits at the top of the shortlist. The fees reflect that positioning, so thorough upfront budgeting — covering tuition, one-time fees, and all the additional costs outlined above — is essential before enrolment.

As with any school decision, visiting the campus (or attending a virtual session if you’re still abroad), speaking with current families, and carefully reviewing the admissions timeline will give you the best foundation for making the right choice for your child. Fee structures are reviewed annually, so always confirm the latest figures directly with the SAIS admissions office before making any financial commitments.