Cambridge Preschool Curriculum and Approach

Cambridge Preschool Singapore follows a holistic educational approach that blends elements of several internationally recognized early childhood methodologies. At its core, the curriculum aims to nurture children aged 18 months to 6 years through developmental-appropriate practices while preparing them for primary school education in Singapore.

The preschool’s educational framework is built around five key pillars:

1. Bilingual Foundation – Strong emphasis on both English and Mandarin language acquisition from an early age
2. Creative Expression – Arts, music, and movement programs designed to foster creativity
3. Cognitive Development – Age-appropriate numeracy, problem-solving, and critical thinking activities
4. Physical Development – Structured and unstructured play opportunities to develop motor skills
5. Social-Emotional Growth – Focus on building confidence, resilience, and interpersonal skills

Cambridge Preschool distinguishes itself through its “Play-to-Learn” methodology, which incorporates guided play experiences that make learning enjoyable while achieving educational milestones. The curriculum progressively builds complexity as children advance through the program levels:

• Playgroup (18 months – 2+ years): Sensory exploration, basic language development, and socialization
• Nursery 1 (3+ years): Expanded language acquisition, early numeracy, and increased independence
• Nursery 2 (4+ years): More structured learning activities, pre-reading skills, and creative projects
• Kindergarten 1 (5+ years): Focused literacy and numeracy development with introduction to project work
• Kindergarten 2 (6+ years): Primary school preparation with emphasis on academic foundations and social confidence

Parents appreciate Cambridge Preschool’s balanced approach between academic preparation and holistic development, with particular praise for their bilingual immersion programs where children learn both English and Mandarin naturally through daily interaction with native-speaking teachers.

Cambridge Preschool Branches in Singapore

Cambridge Preschool has strategically expanded across Singapore to serve families in different residential areas. Currently, they operate 12 branches island-wide, with locations thoughtfully distributed across western, central, eastern, and northern regions. This network makes Cambridge Preschool accessible to many Singapore families, regardless of where they live.

Each branch maintains the core Cambridge curriculum and standards while adapting to its specific community and physical setting. Here’s an overview of all Cambridge Preschool locations in Singapore:

Region	Branch Location	Nearest MRT	Programs Offered
Western Region	Jurong East	Jurong East	Playgroup to K2
	Clementi	Clementi	Playgroup to K2
	Bukit Batok	Bukit Batok	N1 to K2
Central Region	Novena	Novena	Playgroup to K2
	Bukit Timah	Beauty World	Playgroup to K2
	Toa Payoh	Toa Payoh	N1 to K2
Eastern Region	Bedok	Bedok	Playgroup to K2
	Tampines	Tampines	Playgroup to K2
	Marine Parade	Marine Parade	N1 to K2
Northern Region	Yishun	Yishun	Playgroup to K2
	Sengkang	Sengkang	Playgroup to K2
	Woodlands	Woodlands	N1 to K2

For families looking for preschools near specific MRT stations, our comprehensive MRT-based preschool finder can help you discover other options in your preferred area beyond Cambridge Preschool.

Complete Fee Structure Breakdown

Understanding Cambridge Preschool’s fee structure is essential for family financial planning. While the core curriculum remains consistent across all branches, there are some variations in fees based on location, facilities, and specific programs offered.

Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of Cambridge Preschool’s fee structure for 2023 (before subsidies):

Program Level	Half-Day Program (Monthly)	Full-Day Program (Monthly)	Registration Fee (One-time)	Deposit
Playgroup (18 months – 2+ years)	$1,200 – $1,350	$1,750 – $1,950	$535 (includes insurance and materials)	One month’s fees
Nursery 1 (3+ years)	$1,150 – $1,300	$1,650 – $1,850
Nursery 2 (4+ years)	$1,100 – $1,250	$1,600 – $1,800
Kindergarten 1 (5+ years)	$1,050 – $1,200	$1,550 – $1,750
Kindergarten 2 (6+ years)	$1,050 – $1,200	$1,550 – $1,750

Additional Fees and Costs

Beyond the basic tuition, parents should be aware of these additional costs:

• Uniform: $80 for a set of 2 sets (required)
• Material Fee: $200 per semester
• Field Trips: $150-$300 annually (varies by level)
• Optional Enrichment Programs: $150-$350 per term depending on the program
• Holiday Programs: $350-$500 per week during school holidays

Available Subsidies

Singapore citizens and Permanent Residents can benefit from government subsidies to reduce preschool costs:

• Basic Subsidy: Up to $300 for Singapore Citizens, $150 for PRs (for full-day programs)
• Additional Subsidy: Up to $467 for lower-income families based on per capita household income
• Start-Up Grant: One-time grant of $1,000 for low-income first-time applicants

Cambridge Preschool’s administrative staff are generally helpful in guiding parents through the subsidy application process and explaining eligibility requirements. The actual fees paid after subsidies can be significantly lower than the listed fees, making quality preschool education more accessible to Singaporean families across different income brackets.

Branch-Specific Information and Facilities

Each Cambridge Preschool branch has its own unique characteristics, facilities, and community feel. Below we examine the specifics of each location to help parents determine which branch might best suit their child’s needs and their family’s convenience.

Western Region Branches

Jurong East Branch

Located in a spacious converted shophouse, the Jurong East branch is one of Cambridge Preschool’s larger facilities. It features a dedicated outdoor playground, sensory garden, and specialized learning corners for different developmental activities.

Parent Highlight: “The outdoor space at Jurong East sets it apart from many other preschools in the area. My daughter loves the garden activities and the teachers do an excellent job incorporating outdoor learning into the curriculum.” – Parent of a K1 student

Clementi Branch

Situated in a residential area, the Clementi branch is known for its cozy, homey atmosphere. While slightly smaller than some other branches, it compensates with thoughtfully designed indoor learning spaces and regular excursions to nearby parks.

Bukit Batok Branch

The newest addition to the western region, Bukit Batok branch boasts modern facilities including interactive smartboards in each classroom and a covered outdoor activity area. This branch has gained popularity for its strong STEM-focused programs.

Central Region Branches

Novena Branch

Occupying two floors in a commercial building, the Novena branch has been designed to maximize indoor learning spaces with specialized zones for art, reading, and dramatic play. This branch is particularly popular among expat families due to its central location.

Bukit Timah Branch

The flagship branch of Cambridge Preschool, located in the prestigious Bukit Timah area, features expansive facilities including a swimming pool, dedicated music room, and large outdoor playground. It typically has the highest fees among all branches but offers the most extensive facilities.

Parent Highlight: “Although the fees are higher at Bukit Timah, the exceptional facilities and extremely experienced teaching staff make it worthwhile. My son has thrived in their program.” – Parent of a N2 student

Toa Payoh Branch

Set within a community center, the Toa Payoh branch benefits from shared facilities including a large multi-purpose hall used for physical education and school events. This branch is known for its strong community engagement and regular parent involvement programs.

Eastern Region Branches

Bedok Branch

The Bedok branch occupies a standalone building with ample natural lighting and a nature-inspired design theme throughout its classrooms. It features a large indoor gym space and specialized learning centers for each age group.

Tampines Branch

Located near Tampines Central, this branch is convenient for many east-side families. The facility includes themed classrooms, a dedicated art studio, and easy access to nearby parks for nature exploration activities.

Marine Parade Branch

Situated in a residential enclave, the Marine Parade branch is smaller but maintains an excellent teacher-to-student ratio. It’s known for its particularly strong Mandarin immersion program and personalized attention to students.

Parent Highlight: “The bilingual program at Marine Parade is exceptional. My daughter entered with very little Mandarin exposure but now converses comfortably in both languages.” – Parent of a K2 graduate

Northern Region Branches

Yishun Branch

The Yishun facility features bright, spacious classrooms and a covered outdoor play area. This branch has developed a reputation for its inclusive approach and successful integration of children with diverse learning needs.

Sengkang Branch

One of the newer branches, Sengkang features modern facilities and technology-integrated classrooms. Located in a residential development, it offers convenient drop-off and pickup for families in the northeastern region.

Woodlands Branch

Catering to families in the northernmost part of Singapore, the Woodlands branch maintains smaller class sizes and is known for its personalized learning approaches. The facility includes a sensory play area and dedicated spaces for each age group.

For families looking for student care options alongside or after preschool, our student care center directory can help you find convenient solutions near these Cambridge Preschool locations.

Cambridge Preschool Parent Reviews

To provide a balanced perspective on Cambridge Preschool, we’ve compiled authentic feedback from parents across different branches. These insights cover various aspects of the preschool experience and highlight both strengths and areas for improvement.

Teaching Quality and Staff

The quality of teaching staff is consistently rated as Cambridge Preschool’s greatest strength across all branches. Parents particularly appreciate:

• Teachers’ qualifications and professional development
• Low teacher turnover rates compared to other preschools
• Genuine care and attention to children’s individual needs
• Strong bilingual capabilities among teaching staff

“Our experience with Cambridge has been overwhelmingly positive. Ms. Sarah at the Tampines branch has been instrumental in helping our shy daughter come out of her shell. The teachers don’t just focus on academics but truly nurture the whole child.” – Parent of a N2 student

However, some parents noted variations in teaching quality between branches:

“When we transferred from Bukit Timah to Woodlands branch due to relocation, we noticed a difference in the depth of the curriculum implementation. While still good, the Woodlands teachers seemed less experienced in some specialized activities.” – Parent of a K1 student

Facilities and Environment

Parent feedback on facilities varies significantly by location:

“The Bukit Timah branch’s facilities are exceptional—almost like a premium private school. The swimming lessons and large outdoor space justify the higher fees.” – Parent of a K2 student

“While the Clementi branch is smaller, they make excellent use of the space. However, I wish they had more outdoor facilities. The teachers compensate by organizing more field trips to nearby parks.” – Parent of a N1 student

Across all locations, parents appreciate:

• Clean, well-maintained environments
• Age-appropriate learning materials and toys
• Thoughtful classroom layouts that facilitate different types of learning
• Security measures and safety protocols

Curriculum Implementation

The Cambridge curriculum receives generally positive reviews for its balance between play-based learning and academic preparation:

“I was initially concerned about the play-based approach, wondering if my child would be prepared for primary school. Now in K2, I can see how the curriculum has systematically built academic skills through enjoyable activities. My daughter is reading confidently and has solid numeracy skills.” – Parent of a K2 student

Parents particularly value:

• The strong bilingual foundation
• Progressive skill development across age groups
• Integration of creative arts into daily learning
• Regular updates on curriculum themes and learning objectives

Some constructive criticism centered around consistency across branches:

“The curriculum framework is excellent, but implementation varies between branches and sometimes even between classes in the same branch. More standardization would be helpful.” – Parent with children at both Novena and Bedok branches

Parent-School Communication

Communication approaches vary somewhat by branch but typically include:

• Weekly newsletters with curriculum updates
• Digital portfolios documenting children’s work and progress
• Parent-teacher conferences (twice yearly)
• Communication apps for day-to-day updates
• Open-door policy for parent concerns

Parent feedback on communication is generally positive:

“The Sengkang branch’s communication is exceptional. We receive daily updates with photos, weekly detailed newsletters, and the teachers are responsive to messages. We always feel informed about our son’s progress and activities.” – Parent of a Playgroup student

Some parents indicated room for improvement:

“While the formal parent-teacher conferences are informative, I wish there were more impromptu conversations about day-to-day development. Sometimes the digital updates feel generic rather than specific to my child.” – Parent of a N2 student

To compare Cambridge Preschool with other highly-rated preschool options in Singapore, check our Parents’ Choice Awards, which highlights top-performing schools based on genuine parent feedback.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Cambridge Preschool different from other preschools in Singapore?

Cambridge Preschool distinguishes itself through its balanced bilingual program, play-based learning approach with clear academic progression, and consistent curriculum framework across all branches. Parents particularly value the qualified teaching staff and the emphasis on both creative expression and academic foundations.

How difficult is it to secure a place at Cambridge Preschool?

Waiting lists vary by branch and age group. The Bukit Timah and Novena branches typically have the longest waiting lists (6-12 months for popular age groups), while newer branches like Woodlands and Bukit Batok may have more immediate openings. Parents are advised to register their interest at least 6-9 months before their desired start date.

Does Cambridge Preschool offer any holiday programs?

Yes, Cambridge Preschool runs holiday programs during school vacation periods. These programs typically feature thematic activities, field trips, and specialized workshops. Fees range from $350-$500 per week, with discounts available for existing students and siblings.

How does Cambridge Preschool prepare children for Primary 1?

The K2 program includes specific Primary 1 preparation elements in the final two terms, including:

• Formal literacy and numeracy skills aligned with P1 expectations
• Self-management skills (handling belongings, following multi-step instructions)
• Longer focused work periods to build concentration
• Primary school readiness talks for parents
• Visits to nearby primary schools when possible

Are there transportation options available?

Cambridge Preschool does not operate its own transportation service but works with several approved third-party school bus providers. Fees typically range from $250-$350 monthly depending on distance and service frequency. The school administration can provide recommendations and facilitate arrangements with these providers.

How can I arrange a tour of Cambridge Preschool?

Tours can be scheduled directly through Cambridge Preschool’s website or by contacting individual branches. Most branches offer both weekday and occasional weekend tour slots. During the tour, parents can observe classes in session, speak with teachers and administrators, and learn about the enrollment process.

For additional enrichment options that complement preschool education, explore our enrichment center directory to find programs near your preferred Cambridge Preschool branch.

Conclusion: Is Cambridge Preschool Right for Your Child?

Cambridge Preschool offers a solid educational foundation with its balanced curriculum approach, qualified teaching staff, and island-wide accessibility through its 12 branches. The strong emphasis on bilingualism and play-based learning while maintaining academic rigor appeals to many Singapore parents looking for holistic early childhood education.

When considering Cambridge Preschool for your child, weigh these key factors:

Strengths:

• Consistent curriculum framework across all branches
• Strong bilingual program with qualified native-speaking teachers
• Effective balance between play-based learning and academic preparation
• Generally good teacher-to-student ratios
• Island-wide presence offering convenience for many families

Considerations:

• Higher fee structure compared to some other preschool options
• Variation in facilities and implementation quality between branches
• Waiting lists at popular branches may require advance planning
• Additional costs beyond tuition should be factored into budgeting

Cambridge Preschool represents a mid to premium option in Singapore’s preschool landscape. While not the most affordable choice, many parents find the quality of education, facilities, and overall experience justifies the investment. The availability of government subsidies also helps make this option more accessible to Singapore citizens and Permanent Residents.

Ultimately, the best way to determine if Cambridge Preschool is right for your family is to visit your preferred branch, observe the learning environment firsthand, speak with teachers and current parents, and assess how well the school’s philosophy aligns with your educational goals for your child.

Looking for more options? Visit Skoolopedia for comprehensive information on preschools across Singapore. Our searchable directory allows you to find and compare preschools by location, curriculum, fees, and parent reviews. For personalized recommendations and exclusive insights, join our membership program today!