Table Of Contents

• Introduction to CHIJ Schools
• History of CHIJ in Singapore
• Complete List of CHIJ Primary Schools
• Educational Philosophy & Values
• Curriculum Highlights
• Admission Process & Requirements
• Comparing Different CHIJ Primary Schools
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Conclusion

Choosing the right primary school is one of the most important decisions parents make in their child’s educational journey. For many families in Singapore, CHIJ (Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus) schools represent an appealing option with their rich heritage, strong academic foundation, and character development focus.

CHIJ schools have been a cornerstone of education in Singapore for over 150 years, providing quality, values-based education primarily for girls. These schools are known for their holistic approach to education, balancing academic excellence with character formation and spiritual growth.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything parents need to know about CHIJ primary schools in Singapore, from their historical roots to modern educational approaches, admission processes, and what makes each school unique. Whether you’re just starting to explore school options or are already considering a specific CHIJ school, this article will provide valuable insights to help you make an informed decision for your daughter’s education.

Introduction to CHIJ Schools

CHIJ schools form one of the oldest and most established groups of educational institutions in Singapore. Founded by the Catholic order of the Infant Jesus Sisters, these schools provide education based on Christian values while welcoming students of all faiths and backgrounds.

The CHIJ network in Singapore consists of 11 schools in total, with 7 primary schools, 5 secondary schools, and 1 full school (offering both primary and secondary education). While most CHIJ schools are for girls only, some of the primary schools accept boys in the lower primary levels.

What sets CHIJ schools apart is their commitment to nurturing each child holistically – intellectually, morally, emotionally, socially, and physically. The schools emphasize not just academic excellence but also character formation, leadership skills, and service to others.

History of CHIJ in Singapore

The story of CHIJ in Singapore began in 1854 when Father Jean-Marie Beurel, a French missionary, invited the Sisters of the Holy Infant Jesus to establish a convent to provide education for girls. The first CHIJ school, now known as CHIJ Victoria Street (currently CHIJ Secondary Toa Payoh), was established at Victoria Street.

From this humble beginning, the CHIJ mission expanded throughout Singapore as the country developed. The schools have witnessed Singapore’s transformation from a colonial outpost to a modern, independent nation, adapting their educational approach while maintaining their core values.

Through wars, political changes, and educational reforms, CHIJ schools have remained steadfast in their mission to provide quality education. Their evolution reflects Singapore’s own educational journey, embracing innovation while preserving tradition.

Today, CHIJ schools continue to be highly regarded institutions that combine their rich heritage with modern pedagogical approaches to prepare students for the challenges of the 21st century.

Complete List of CHIJ Primary Schools

Singapore is home to seven CHIJ primary schools, each with its own unique characteristics while sharing the common CHIJ ethos. Here’s a comprehensive overview of each institution:

1. CHIJ Primary (Toa Payoh)

Location: 62 Toa Payoh Lorong 1, Singapore 319457
Established: 1854 (relocated to Toa Payoh in 1983)
Special Programs: Learning Support Programs, GEP (Gifted Education Programme)
Notable Features: One of the oldest schools in Singapore with modern facilities including an indoor sports hall, dance studio, and eco-garden.
Co-ed Status: Girls only

2. CHIJ Our Lady of Good Counsel

Location: 2 Burghley Drive, Singapore 559946
Established: 1960
Special Programs: Learning Support Programs, Student Leadership Development
Notable Features: Strong emphasis on performing arts and environmental education with a dedicated eco-garden
Co-ed Status: Girls only

3. CHIJ Our Lady of the Nativity

Location: 1257 Upper Serangoon Road, Singapore 534793
Established: 1957
Special Programs: Learning Support, Applied Learning Program focusing on STEM
Notable Features: Focus on character education and community involvement
Co-ed Status: Girls only

4. CHIJ Our Lady Queen of Peace

Location: 4 Chestnut Drive, Singapore 679287
Established: 1955
Special Programs: Learning Support, Program for Active Learning
Notable Features: Emphasis on environmental consciousness and creativity
Co-ed Status: Girls only

5. CHIJ St. Nicholas Girls’ School (Primary Section)

Location: 501 Ang Mo Kio Street 13, Singapore 569405
Established: 1933
Special Programs: GEP (Gifted Education Programme), SAP (Special Assistance Plan) for bicultural education
Notable Features: Strong emphasis on bilingualism and Chinese cultural heritage
Co-ed Status: Girls only

6. CHIJ (Kellock)

Location: 1 Bukit Teresa Road, Singapore 099757
Established: 1964
Special Programs: Learning Support, Excellence 2000 Mathematics Program
Notable Features: Strong academic reputation, especially in mathematics
Co-ed Status: Girls only

7. CHIJ St. Theresa’s Convent (Primary Section)

Location: 160 Lower Delta Road, Singapore 099138
Established: 1933
Special Programs: Learning Support, Visual Arts Program
Notable Features: Strong focus on aesthetics education and performing arts
Co-ed Status: Girls only

Each CHIJ primary school is conveniently located in different parts of Singapore, making quality CHIJ education accessible to families across the island. When considering which school might be right for your daughter, proximity to home is often an important factor for many parents looking to minimize travel time for young children. You can use Skoolopedia’s location-based school finder to identify educational options near your home or workplace.

Educational Philosophy & Values

The CHIJ network of schools operates under a unified educational philosophy that has been refined over more than 150 years. This philosophy centers around several core principles:

Truth, Justice, Freedom, and Love – These four values form the cornerstone of CHIJ education. Students are taught to seek truth in all matters, stand for justice, value freedom with responsibility, and approach all relationships with love.

Girls’ Education – CHIJ schools believe in empowering girls to reach their full potential. The schools create environments where girls can develop confidence, leadership skills, and a strong voice without gender stereotypes limiting their aspirations.

Holistic Development – While academic excellence is important, CHIJ schools place equal emphasis on character formation, physical well-being, artistic expression, and spiritual growth. The aim is to develop well-rounded individuals rather than students who excel only in examinations.

Servant Leadership – Students are encouraged to use their talents and education to serve others, especially the less fortunate. Community service and outreach programs are integral to the CHIJ experience.

Christian Values in a Multi-Religious Context – While founded on Catholic principles, CHIJ schools welcome students of all faiths and teach respect for diverse religious traditions. The emphasis is on universal values like compassion, integrity, and respect for human dignity.

This educational philosophy is not just theoretical but is woven into daily school life through morning reflections, values education classes, service-learning projects, and the overall school culture.

Curriculum Highlights

CHIJ primary schools follow the Singapore Ministry of Education’s curriculum while incorporating distinctive elements that reflect their educational philosophy. Here are key highlights of the CHIJ primary school curriculum:

Academic Excellence – CHIJ schools provide strong foundations in core subjects like English, Mathematics, Science, and Mother Tongue languages. The curriculum is designed to develop critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and creativity rather than rote learning.

Bilingual Emphasis – In line with Singapore’s bilingual policy, CHIJ schools place importance on both English and Mother Tongue languages. CHIJ St. Nicholas Girls’ School, as a Special Assistance Plan (SAP) school, places particular emphasis on Chinese language and culture.

Character and Citizenship Education (CCE) – This forms a crucial part of the CHIJ curriculum, helping students develop values, social-emotional skills, and a sense of national identity. The CCE curriculum is often enriched with elements drawn from Catholic social teaching.

Co-Curricular Activities (CCAs) – CHIJ schools offer a wide range of CCAs, including sports, performing arts, clubs, and uniformed groups. These activities help students discover and develop their talents outside the classroom.

Arts Education – Many CHIJ schools are known for their strong emphasis on the arts, particularly music, dance, and visual arts. This reflects the belief that artistic expression is essential for holistic development.

Information and Communications Technology (ICT) – CHIJ schools integrate technology into learning while teaching responsible digital citizenship. Students learn to use technology as a tool for learning, creation, and communication.

Values-Based Education – Beyond standalone moral education classes, values are integrated across subjects and school activities. Students learn to apply values like integrity, respect, and compassion in real-life situations.

Each CHIJ school may place different emphasis on certain aspects of the curriculum based on their unique strengths and programs. For instance, some schools might be particularly known for their performing arts programs, while others might have stronger emphasis on environmental education or STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).

Admission Process & Requirements

Getting your daughter into a CHIJ primary school follows the standard Primary One Registration Exercise conducted by Singapore’s Ministry of Education. Understanding the process and planning ahead can significantly improve your chances of securing a place. Here’s what parents need to know:

Registration Phases

The Primary One Registration Exercise is conducted in phases, with earlier phases giving higher priority:

Phase 1: For children who have siblings currently studying in the school of choice.

Phase 2A(1): For children whose parents are alumni members who have joined the alumni association as members not later than 30 June of the year before P1 registration and are still members at the point of registration, or whose parents are members of the School Advisory or Management Committee.

Phase 2A(2): For children whose parent is an alumni of the school or whose parent or sibling has studied in the school, or whose parent is a staff member of the school.

Phase 2B: For children whose parent has volunteered in the school for at least 40 hours, or is an active community leader, or has a church or clan association affiliation (relevant for CHIJ schools).

Phase 2C: For all children who are eligible for Primary One in the following year and have not yet been registered in a school.

Phase 2C Supplementary: For children who were not successful in earlier phases.

Phase 3: For non-Singapore citizens and non-Permanent Residents.

Strategies for CHIJ School Admission

Given the popularity of CHIJ schools, here are some strategies parents can consider to increase their chances:

1. Plan early for Phase 2B – If you’re particularly keen on a CHIJ school and don’t qualify for earlier phases, consider parent volunteer work which typically needs to be arranged 1-2 years before the registration exercise.

2. Consider church affiliation – For Catholic families, active involvement in church activities can help with Phase 2B registration for CHIJ schools.

3. Be realistic about home-school distance – With the home-school distance tie-breaker in effect for phases with balloting, living within 1km of your preferred school significantly improves your chances.

4. Have backup options – Given the competitive nature of popular schools, always have alternative schools in mind, including those with historically more vacancies in later phases.

5. Stay updated – Registration procedures can change from year to year, so keep up with the latest information from the Ministry of Education website.

Catholic Priority

While CHIJ schools are Catholic institutions, they welcome students of all faiths. However, being Catholic may give a slight advantage in Phase 2B through church affiliation. Catholic families can obtain an endorsement form from their parish priest during the registration period.

For the most current and detailed information about the Primary One Registration Exercise, parents should refer to the Ministry of Education website or contact their desired CHIJ school directly. Remember that regulations and procedures may change from year to year.

If you’re planning your child’s education journey, joining Skoolopedia’s membership gives you access to exclusive information on school admissions, expert advice, and a community of parents navigating the same process.

Comparing Different CHIJ Primary Schools

While all CHIJ primary schools share common values and educational philosophy, each has its own unique characteristics that might make it more suitable for different students. Here’s a comparative analysis to help parents make informed choices:

Academic Reputation

CHIJ schools generally maintain strong academic standards, but some have particularly strong reputations in specific areas:

CHIJ St. Nicholas Girls’ School is often recognized for its academic excellence and is one of the few primary schools offering the Gifted Education Programme (GEP). As a SAP school, it also has a strong bicultural emphasis.

CHIJ Primary (Toa Payoh) consistently achieves excellent PSLE results and also offers the GEP.

CHIJ (Kellock) is known for its strong mathematics program through the Excellence 2000 initiative.

School Culture & Environment

The culture and learning environment vary slightly between schools:

CHIJ Our Lady Queen of Peace is known for its nurturing environment and emphasis on environmental education.

CHIJ Our Lady of Good Counsel has a strong community feel and emphasis on character development.

CHIJ St. Theresa’s Convent has a reputation for its vibrant performing arts culture.

Facilities

Most CHIJ schools have been upgraded under various government initiatives, but there are some differences:

CHIJ Primary (Toa Payoh) has excellent sporting facilities, including an indoor sports hall.

CHIJ St. Nicholas Girls’ School has impressive facilities following its rebuilding, including specialized rooms for art, music, and dance.

CHIJ Our Lady of the Nativity has dedicated science and IT facilities that support its STEM-focused Applied Learning Program.

Location & Accessibility

An important practical consideration for many families:

CHIJ (Kellock) is centrally located near the Redhill MRT station.

CHIJ St. Nicholas Girls’ School is conveniently located in Ang Mo Kio with good bus connectivity.

CHIJ Primary (Toa Payoh) is accessible via Toa Payoh MRT station.

CHIJ Our Lady Queen of Peace is located in the western part of Singapore (Chestnut Drive area).

Location can significantly impact your child’s daily routine and should be a key factor in your decision-making. Use Skoolopedia’s MRT-based school search to find schools along convenient transport routes for your family.

Competition for Places

The level of competition for admission varies:

CHIJ St. Nicholas Girls’ School and CHIJ Primary (Toa Payoh) typically see the highest demand and can be more competitive during the registration exercise.

CHIJ Our Lady of Good Counsel and CHIJ Our Lady Queen of Peace might offer better chances in later registration phases.

When choosing between CHIJ schools, consider your daughter’s individual strengths, interests, and learning style along with practical considerations like location. Visiting the schools during open houses can provide valuable insights into the school culture and environment that might not be apparent from written descriptions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are CHIJ schools only for Catholic students?

No, CHIJ schools welcome students of all faiths and backgrounds. While they are Catholic institutions that incorporate religious education in their curriculum, students of all religions are accepted and respected. Non-Catholic students participate in moral education classes while Catholic students attend religious education.

Do CHIJ primary schools accept boys?

CHIJ primary schools in Singapore are generally girls-only schools. Unlike some international CHIJ schools that may be co-educational, all seven CHIJ primary schools in Singapore currently admit only girls.

What are the fees for CHIJ primary schools?

As government-aided schools, CHIJ primary schools charge standard fees set by the Ministry of Education. Singapore citizens pay minimal fees, while Permanent Residents and international students pay higher fees. Additional miscellaneous fees vary by school but typically range from $10-20 per month for Singapore citizens. For the most current fee structure, check the respective school’s website or the MOE website.

Do all CHIJ primary schools offer direct admission to CHIJ secondary schools?

There is no automatic direct admission from CHIJ primary to secondary schools. Students must still go through the Secondary One Posting Exercise based on their PSLE results. However, some CHIJ secondary schools may offer Direct School Admission (DSA) programs where primary school students with specific talents can secure places before the PSLE results are released.

What CCAs do CHIJ primary schools offer?

CHIJ primary schools typically offer a wide range of Co-Curricular Activities (CCAs) across four categories: Sports & Games, Performing Arts, Clubs & Societies, and Uniformed Groups. Common offerings include netball, choir, dance, art club, and Brownies. The specific CCAs available vary by school, so check the respective school websites for current offerings.

How do CHIJ schools support students with learning needs?

All CHIJ primary schools provide Learning Support Programs (LSP) for students who need additional help in English and Mathematics. Some schools also have school-based dyslexia remediation programs. For students with moderate learning needs, there are allied educators and learning support coordinators. However, resources for students with significant special needs may be limited compared to specialized schools.

For more information about educational options in Singapore, including enrichment programs that can complement your child’s primary education, visit Skoolopedia’s enrichment center directory.

Conclusion

Choosing the right primary school is a significant decision in your child’s educational journey. CHIJ primary schools in Singapore offer a compelling option for parents seeking an education that balances academic excellence with strong values and character development for their daughters.

With seven CHIJ primary schools across Singapore, each with its own unique strengths while sharing the common CHIJ ethos, parents have options to find the best fit for their daughter’s needs, interests, and learning style. Whether you’re drawn to the schools’ rich heritage, their holistic approach to education, or their track record of nurturing confident young women, CHIJ schools provide an educational experience that goes beyond academic achievements.

When making your decision, consider factors like location, school culture, specific programs offered, and your child’s individual needs. Remember that while the primary school registration process can be competitive, understanding the phases and planning ahead can increase your chances of securing a place at your preferred school.

Ultimately, what makes CHIJ schools special is their commitment to developing not just students with good grades, but young people with strong character, compassion for others, and the confidence to make a positive difference in the world. This holistic approach to education has stood the test of time and continues to resonate with many Singaporean families today.

Looking for more information about schools in Singapore? Visit Skoolopedia – your comprehensive resource for educational options in Singapore. From preschools to enrichment centers, we provide the tools and information you need to make the best educational choices for your child. Check out our Parents’ Choice Awards to discover top-rated schools across Singapore!