Finding the perfect preschool for your child in Singapore can feel like navigating a complex maze of options, curriculums, and fee structures. As parents ourselves, we understand that this decision isn’t just about education—it’s about entrusting someone with your child’s foundational years.

At Skoolopedia, we believe in empowering parents with accurate, comprehensive information to make these crucial decisions with confidence. That’s why we conducted our most extensive parent survey to date, gathering insights from over 1,500 families across Singapore about their preschool experiences, preferences, and satisfaction levels.

The results are in, and we’re excited to share the definitive guide to Singapore’s best preschools for 2024-2025, as rated by the people who matter most—parents. From curriculum approaches and teacher qualifications to location convenience and value for money, we’ve analyzed every aspect that contributes to a quality early childhood education.

Whether you’re planning ahead for your newborn, relocating to Singapore, or considering a change for your preschooler, this guide will help you identify the institutions that best align with your family’s needs, values, and educational philosophy.

Survey Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Preschools

Our comprehensive parent survey was conducted between January and March 2025, reaching families across all regions of Singapore. The methodology was designed to capture both quantitative ratings and qualitative feedback, providing a nuanced view of each preschool’s strengths and areas for improvement.

We gathered responses from 1,587 parents with children currently enrolled in or recently graduated from 243 different preschools across Singapore. To ensure representativeness, we stratified our sample across geographic regions, family income brackets, and preschool types (including private, anchor operator, and MOE kindergartens).

Parents rated their preschools on a scale of 1-10 across eight key dimensions:

• Curriculum quality and implementation
• Teacher qualifications and effectiveness
• Facilities and learning environment
• Communication and parent involvement
• Child development outcomes
• Safety protocols and implementation
• Location accessibility and convenience
• Value for money

Additionally, we collected detailed testimonials, analyzing common themes and standout experiences to provide context beyond the numbers. Our data science team then weighted these factors based on parent-indicated importance to arrive at our final rankings.

It’s important to note that while these rankings reflect parent satisfaction and experiences, every child is unique. We encourage using these results as one tool in your decision-making process, alongside school visits and conversations with educators.

Top-Rated Preschools in Singapore for 2024-2025

Based on our comprehensive survey results, these preschools emerged as the highest-rated across all dimensions. We’ve categorized them by region to help you find options closest to your home or workplace.

Central Singapore

1. EtonHouse International Pre-School (Robertson Walk)
Overall Rating: 9.4/10
Standout Features: Reggio Emilia-inspired curriculum, bilingual immersion program, purpose-built facilities
Parent Comments: “The inquiry-based approach has transformed my daughter into a confident, curious learner. Teachers are exceptionally attentive to individual development.”

2. Odyssey The Global Preschool (Fourth Avenue)
Overall Rating: 9.2/10
Standout Features: Award-winning curriculum, specialized learning corners, strong STEM focus
Parent Comments: “Their blend of international pedagogies creates a unique learning environment. The documentation of my child’s learning journey is impressive.”

3. MindChamps PreSchool (Tanglin)
Overall Rating: 9.1/10
Standout Features: Champion mindset approach, enrichment programs, holistic development focus
Parent Comments: “The unique blend of academic preparation and character development helps children develop grit and adaptability.”

Eastern Singapore

1. Blue House Nursery & International Preschool (Upper East Coast)
Overall Rating: 9.3/10
Standout Features: Reggio Emilia approach, atelier spaces, nature-focused campus
Parent Comments: “The respect for children as capable individuals shines through in every aspect of the program. The documentation and communication are exceptional.”

2. Pegasus International Preschool (East Coast)
Overall Rating: 9.0/10
Standout Features: IB PYP curriculum, bilingual program, small class sizes
Parent Comments: “Teachers are phenomenal at nurturing both academic skills and emotional intelligence. The individualized attention has helped my child thrive.”

Western Singapore

1. White Lodge Preschool (Phoenix Park)
Overall Rating: 9.2/10
Standout Features: UK-based curriculum, creative arts emphasis, outdoor learning spaces
Parent Comments: “The balance between structured learning and creative play is perfect. My son has developed tremendously in confidence and social skills.”

2. Dulwich College (Kindergarten)
Overall Rating: 9.1/10
Standout Features: Dual language approach, STEAM curriculum, seamless pathway to primary education
Parent Comments: “The integration with the main school creates excellent continuity. Teaching quality is consistently high.”

Northern Singapore

1. Kinderland Preschool (Woodlands)
Overall Rating: 9.0/10
Standout Features: Music-infused curriculum, literacy program, character development
Parent Comments: “Their approach to integrating music into learning has dramatically improved my child’s focus and memory retention.”

2. My First Skool (Yishun)
Overall Rating: 8.9/10
Standout Features: Affordable quality, strong character development, STEM exploration
Parent Comments: “The teachers’ dedication is exceptional. They create engaging activities that make learning enjoyable while preparing children well for primary school.”

For a comprehensive searchable directory of preschools near specific MRT stations, visit our preschool locator. This tool allows you to filter options by location, curriculum type, and fee range.

Most Popular Curriculum Approaches Among Parents

Our survey revealed clear preferences among Singaporean parents regarding curriculum approaches. Understanding these different philosophies can help you align your choice with your own educational values.

Reggio Emilia Approach

The Reggio Emilia approach emerged as the most highly-rated curriculum among surveyed parents, with 36% selecting preschools that follow this philosophy. Parents particularly valued the emphasis on self-directed learning, project-based exploration, and the treatment of environment as the “third teacher.”

Key parent feedback: “The documentation process helps me see my child’s thinking process, not just the end results. I appreciate how they follow children’s interests while guiding them toward important skills.”

Montessori Method

Following closely, Montessori programs were preferred by 32% of surveyed parents. The structured independence, practical life skills, and mixed-age classrooms were frequently cited benefits. Parents also appreciated the focus on developing concentration and self-discipline.

Key parent feedback: “The practical life activities have made my child remarkably independent at home. I’m impressed by how the teachers step back and allow children to discover concepts themselves.”

Play-Based Learning

Play-based approaches, often integrated with other methodologies, were highly valued by 28% of parents. These programs emphasize learning through guided play, social interaction, and creative expression.

Key parent feedback: “I was initially concerned about academic readiness, but I’ve seen how the play-based approach has developed my child’s problem-solving skills and social confidence, which are just as important for primary school.”

Bilingual/Dual-Language Programs

Across all curriculum types, 65% of parents expressed strong preference for preschools offering robust bilingual programs, typically in English and Mandarin. The quality of language immersion—particularly the natural integration of both languages throughout the day—was a significant factor in parent satisfaction.

Key parent feedback: “The authentic bilingual environment has helped my child develop fluency in both languages without feeling like either is being ‘studied’ formally.”

Key Qualities Parents Value in Preschool Education

When we analyzed what matters most to parents, several key factors emerged beyond the basic curriculum choice. Understanding these priorities can help focus your search on preschools that excel in areas that matter most to your family.

Teacher Qualifications and Retention

An overwhelming 89% of parents rated teacher quality as “extremely important” in their decision-making process. Schools with low staff turnover rates and teachers holding advanced early childhood qualifications consistently received higher satisfaction ratings.

One parent noted: “After experiencing three different preschools, I’ve realized that teacher quality makes the biggest difference. Our current school invests heavily in professional development, and it shows in how the teachers engage with the children.”

Small Class Sizes and Low Teacher-Child Ratios

Schools maintaining ratios below the regulatory requirements received significantly higher ratings across all dimensions. Parents particularly valued ratios of 1:8 or lower for nursery programs and 1:10 for kindergarten.

“The individualized attention my daughter receives has made all the difference. Her teachers truly know her learning style and adapt accordingly,” shared one respondent.

Communication and Parent Partnership

Preschools with robust communication systems—including regular updates, learning documentation, and parent education opportunities—scored 23% higher in overall satisfaction. Digital platforms that provide real-time insights into children’s activities were particularly appreciated.

“The weekly documentation helps me continue conversations about school at home. I feel like a partner in my child’s education, not just an observer,” explained a parent.

Outdoor Learning Opportunities

Access to quality outdoor spaces and nature-based learning has become increasingly important to parents, with 74% rating it as a “very important” factor. Preschools incorporating daily outdoor exploration, gardening projects, or forest school elements received particularly positive feedback.

“In land-scarce Singapore, our preschool’s commitment to outdoor learning—rain or shine—has given my child experiences I couldn’t provide otherwise,” one parent commented.

Preschool Accessibility by Location and MRT Proximity

Location convenience emerged as a critical practical consideration for 81% of surveyed parents. With Singapore’s traffic patterns and the challenge of balancing drop-offs with work commitments, proximity to home, workplace, or public transport significantly impacts family quality of life.

MRT-Adjacent Preschools

Preschools within a 10-minute walk of MRT stations were especially valued by working parents. Our survey identified several high-quality options near major transport nodes:

North-South Line: My First Skool (Yishun), Little Hands Childcare (Woodlands), Kinderland (Ang Mo Kio)

East-West Line: PCF Sparkletots (Tampines), EtonHouse (Outram Park), Pat’s Schoolhouse (Paya Lebar)

North-East Line: Star Learners (Serangoon), MindChamps (Hougang), Kindle Garden (Farrer Park)

Circle Line: Odyssey (Buona Vista), Blue House Nursery (Dakota), Brighton Montessori (Botanic Gardens)

Downtown Line: My World Preschool (Beauty World), Busy Bees (Bendemeer), White Lodge (Hillview)

For a comprehensive searchable directory of preschools near your preferred MRT station, visit our preschool locator tool.

Neighborhood Distribution

Our survey revealed interesting patterns in the distribution of top-rated preschools across Singapore’s regions:

Central Region: Highest concentration of international preschools with diverse curriculum approaches
East Region: Strong representation of bilingual programs and nature-based approaches
West Region: Excellent options integrated with international schools offering through-train programs
North and Northeast: Best value for money with several anchor operators maintaining high quality standards

Parent feedback indicates that families increasingly factor location convenience into their decision-making: “We ultimately chose a preschool that was slightly less prestigious but much closer to home. The extra family time gained from shorter commutes has proven invaluable.”

Understanding Fee Structures and Value for Money

Preschool education represents a significant financial investment for Singapore families. Our survey examined how parents evaluate value for money across different price points.

Fee Ranges and What They Cover

Based on our survey data, Singapore preschool fees generally fall into these brackets (monthly fees before subsidies):

$500-$1,000: Typically anchor operators (AOP) and partner operators (POP) with government subsidies
$1,000-$1,800: Mid-range private preschools, often with specialized curriculum approaches
$1,800-$2,500: Premium private preschools with enhanced facilities and lower teacher-child ratios
$2,500+: International preschools, often attached to international schools with through-train options

Important to note is that advertised fees don’t always reflect total costs. Parents reported additional expenses for:

• Registration and enrollment fees (one-time: $500-$2,000)
• Enrichment programs (monthly: $100-$500)
• Field trips and special events (annually: $300-$800)
• Learning materials and uniforms (annually: $200-$500)

Subsidy Options

Singapore offers substantial preschool subsidies that can significantly reduce costs:

Basic Subsidy: Available to all Singapore citizens with children enrolled in licensed preschools
Additional Subsidy: Means-tested assistance for families with lower household incomes
KiFAS: Kindergarten Fee Assistance Scheme for eligible families using MOE kindergartens

Our survey revealed that 64% of respondents utilized some form of government subsidy, with many expressing that these subsidies made quality preschool education accessible to their family.

Value Perception

Interestingly, survey results showed that fee level didn’t directly correlate with parent satisfaction. Several mid-range preschools outperformed more expensive options in overall ratings. Parents defined “value for money” through several lenses:

“The most expensive option isn’t necessarily the best fit. We found a mid-range school with exceptional teachers and a curriculum that perfectly matched our child’s learning style.”

“The seamless transition program to primary school has been worth every dollar. The confidence our child has gained is priceless.”

To help parents evaluate options within their budget, Skoolopedia maintains updated fee information across our preschool directory.

Real Parent Testimonials and Experience Sharing

Beyond ratings and statistics, our survey captured hundreds of detailed parent experiences. These testimonials provide valuable insights into the lived reality of different preschool environments.

Transition Experiences

“Moving from a traditional academic preschool to a Reggio-inspired program was transformative for my son. He went from dreading school to bouncing out of bed excited every morning. His creativity has blossomed, and surprisingly, his academic skills improved too—but through genuine engagement rather than worksheets.” — Parent of a 5-year-old at EtonHouse

“After relocating from Australia, we worried about our daughter adjusting to a new preschool environment. The teachers at Blue House made the transition seamless with their welcome rituals and personalized approach. Within two weeks, she felt completely at home.” — Parent of a 4-year-old at Blue House Nursery

Teacher Impact

“Ms. Tan at MindChamps completely transformed our preschool experience. She recognized my son’s interest in insects and developed an entire project around it, connecting it to literacy, math, and science. This personalized attention made all the difference in his engagement.” — Parent of a 5-year-old at MindChamps

“What sets Odyssey apart is their teachers’ ability to challenge each child at their developmental level. My twins are in the same class but receive appropriately differentiated activities. The detailed learning portfolios highlight their individual journeys.” — Parent of 4-year-old twins at Odyssey

Curriculum Insights

“The play-based approach at My First Skool initially concerned me—would my daughter be prepared for primary school? I’m now a complete convert. She’s developing problem-solving skills, emotional regulation, and social confidence that give her a much stronger foundation than flash cards ever could.” — Parent of a 5-year-old at My First Skool

“White Lodge’s balanced approach combines the structure I wanted with the creative exploration my child needs. The inquiry units are wonderfully integrated—a project on transportation incorporated everything from engineering challenges to community helper role-play.” — Parent of a 4-year-old at White Lodge

These testimonials reflect the diversity of experiences across Singapore’s preschool landscape. What works beautifully for one child may not be the perfect fit for another—highlighting the importance of considering your child’s unique temperament, interests, and learning style in your decision.

Parents can connect with other families and share their own experiences through Skoolopedia’s Parents’ Choice Awards platform.

How to Choose the Right Preschool for Your Child

With so many excellent options available, parents often feel overwhelmed by the preschool selection process. Based on survey insights from parents who expressed high satisfaction with their choices, we’ve compiled a practical roadmap for making this important decision.

Step 1: Clarify Your Priorities

Before researching specific schools, take time to identify what matters most to your family:

• Location constraints (maximum travel time/distance you’re willing to consider)
• Budget parameters (including potential for subsidies)
• Educational philosophy alignment (how the school’s approach matches your values)
• Specific needs (language exposure, schedule flexibility, inclusion support)

“Creating a clear priority list helped us filter through options efficiently. We knew location and a strong Mandarin program were non-negotiable for us.” — Survey respondent

Step 2: Research and Create a Shortlist

Use Skoolopedia’s preschool locator to generate a list of options that meet your basic criteria. For each potential school:

• Review their website and social media for curriculum details and school culture
• Check parent reviews and testimonials
• Verify practical details like operating hours, holiday schedules, and fee structures

Aim to shortlist 3-5 schools for in-person visits.

Step 3: Schedule School Visits

Virtual tours became common during pandemic restrictions, but 94% of surveyed parents emphasized the irreplaceable value of in-person visits. When visiting:

• Observe teacher-child interactions (warmth, responsiveness, engagement)
• Assess the physical environment (safety, organization, learning materials)
• Note children’s engagement levels and emotional states
• Ask about communication systems and parent involvement opportunities

“Visiting during regular program hours rather than open house events gave us the most authentic picture of daily life at the preschool.” — Survey respondent

Step 4: Consider Your Child’s Temperament

The best preschool for your family should align with your child’s personality and learning style:

For highly active children: Environments with ample movement opportunities and outdoor time
For quieter, observer-type children: Settings that respect different participation styles and offer quiet spaces
For highly social children: Programs emphasizing collaborative projects and social problem-solving
For children who thrive on routine: More structured environments with consistent rhythms

“My first child thrived in a Montessori setting, but my second needed a more teacher-guided approach. Understanding their different temperaments was key to finding the right fit for each.” — Survey respondent

Step 5: Trust Your Instincts

After gathering all the information, many parents reported that their final decision came down to an instinctive sense of fit:

“When we walked into what became our preschool, there was an intangible feeling of ‘rightness’—children were engaged, teachers were present and joyful, and the space felt both stimulating and peaceful.” — Survey respondent

If you’re struggling with the decision, join our Skoolopedia community to connect with parents who have navigated similar choices.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Decision

The preschool landscape in Singapore offers remarkable quality and diversity, with excellent options across various locations, price points, and educational philosophies. Our parent survey results highlight that there is no single “best” preschool—rather, the ideal match depends on your family’s unique circumstances, values, and your child’s individual needs.

What emerges clearly from our research is that parent satisfaction correlates most strongly with thoughtful alignment between family priorities and school offerings. Parents who reported highest satisfaction were those who:

• Prioritized school visits and direct observation over marketing materials
• Considered their child’s specific temperament and learning style
• Valued teacher quality and school culture over fancy facilities
• Balanced practical considerations (location, fees) with educational priorities

Remember that your child’s preschool years are just one part of their educational journey. While this decision is important, it’s the warm support of family combined with responsive early education that truly sets children up for success.

At Skoolopedia, we’re committed to supporting your family throughout every stage of the educational journey—from preschool selection through primary and beyond. Our searchable directories, parent reviews, and expert resources are continuously updated to provide the most current information for Singapore families.

We invite you to leverage the data from our parent survey as one valuable tool in your decision-making process. While rankings and recommendations offer helpful guidance, your family’s specific needs and values should ultimately guide your choice.