Choosing the right preschool for your child is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a parent. With Singapore’s competitive early childhood education landscape, understanding what each preschool offers becomes crucial to finding the perfect match for your family’s needs and values.

Nest Preschool has established itself as a distinctive option in Singapore’s preschool landscape, operating multiple centres across the island. Known for their child-centric approach and emphasis on holistic development, Nest Preschool aims to create nurturing environments where young learners can thrive. But what exactly sets Nest apart, and which location might be the best fit for your family?

This comprehensive review examines all Nest Preschool locations in Singapore, providing you with detailed information about their curriculum, facilities, fees, and what makes each centre unique. Whether you’re exploring options near your neighbourhood MRT station or comparing different preschool philosophies, this guide will help you make an informed decision about whether Nest Preschool aligns with your child’s learning journey.

About Nest Preschool

Nest Preschool operates as a boutique preschool chain in Singapore, focusing on creating intimate learning environments that prioritize individual attention and personalized care. Unlike larger chains with dozens of centres, Nest maintains a more selective presence across Singapore, allowing them to maintain consistent quality standards and a close-knit community feel at each location.

The preschool caters to children from 18 months to 6 years old, offering programs that span from playgroup to kindergarten levels. What distinguishes Nest from many competitors is their commitment to maintaining smaller class sizes, which allows educators to develop deeper relationships with each child and family. This approach aligns with research showing that lower student-to-teacher ratios contribute significantly to positive early childhood outcomes.

Nest Preschool operates under Singapore’s regulatory framework for early childhood education, maintaining all necessary licensing and quality standards. Their programs are designed to prepare children not just academically but also socially and emotionally for the transition to primary school. The preschool emphasizes building confidence, independence, and a genuine love for learning during these formative years.

Curriculum and Learning Approach

Nest Preschool implements a blended curriculum that draws from multiple educational philosophies rather than adhering strictly to a single methodology. This eclectic approach allows educators to select the most effective strategies for different learning objectives and individual children’s needs. The curriculum incorporates elements of inquiry-based learning, thematic exploration, and structured skill-building activities.

The learning framework at Nest is organized around several core developmental areas. Language and literacy development receives particular emphasis, with children exposed to rich vocabulary, storytelling, and early reading skills through both English and Mandarin. Mathematical thinking is introduced through hands-on exploration, pattern recognition, and problem-solving activities that make abstract concepts concrete and accessible. Scientific inquiry encourages children to observe, question, and experiment with the world around them, fostering natural curiosity and critical thinking skills.

Daily Schedule Structure

A typical day at Nest Preschool balances structured learning time with play-based exploration. Morning sessions typically focus on more academically oriented activities when children’s attention spans are freshest, while afternoons incorporate more creative, physical, and social activities. This rhythm respects young children’s natural energy patterns and attention capacities.

Key components of the daily schedule include:

• Circle time: Group gathering for songs, stories, and discussions that build community and communication skills
• Learning centers: Rotating stations where children engage in focused activities like art, literacy, mathematics, and science
• Outdoor play: Physical activity and exploration that develops gross motor skills and provides sensory experiences
• Project work: Extended investigations into topics of interest that integrate multiple learning areas
• Rest and meals: Structured times for nutrition and rest that support healthy development

Bilingual Education Approach

Like many preschools in Singapore, Nest offers bilingual education in English and Mandarin Chinese. The implementation varies by age group, with younger children experiencing more immersive language exposure through daily routines and play, while older kindergarten students receive more structured language instruction. Teachers use contextual cues, visual supports, and repetition to help children develop proficiency in both languages naturally.

Parents should note that the balance between languages may differ slightly between centres based on teacher expertise and student demographics. During centre visits, it’s worthwhile to ask specific questions about how bilingual education is implemented in practice and what language support is available for children who may be stronger in one language than the other.

All Nest Preschool Locations in Singapore

Nest Preschool operates several centres strategically located across Singapore to serve families in different neighbourhoods. Each centre maintains the core Nest philosophy and curriculum standards while adapting to the specific characteristics of their space and community. Understanding the unique features of each location helps parents identify which centre might be the most convenient and best suited to their needs.

Location-Specific Details

Nest @ Tanjong Katong serves the East Coast community, attracting families from Marine Parade, Katong, and surrounding areas. This centre benefits from proximity to the beach and parks, which educators incorporate into outdoor learning experiences. The facility features bright, spacious classrooms with abundant natural light and a well-equipped outdoor play area. Families in this area appreciate the strong sense of community and the centre’s connection to the neighbourhood’s multicultural heritage.

Nest @ Thomson is conveniently located for families in the central region, within reach of both the Thomson and Bright Hill MRT stations. This centre serves a diverse community from Bishan, Marymount, and Upper Thomson areas. The facility includes dedicated spaces for different age groups and learning activities, with thoughtful design that maximizes the available space. Parents often note the professionalism of the teaching team and the centre’s efficient communication practices.

Nest @ Sunset Way caters to families in the West Coast, Clementi, and surrounding districts. This location benefits from a quieter, more residential setting while remaining accessible to major transport routes. The centre emphasizes nature-based learning, with an outdoor area that includes gardening spaces where children can observe plant growth and engage in hands-on environmental education. This location tends to have a particularly close-knit parent community with active involvement in centre activities.

When choosing between locations, consider not just proximity to home but also accessibility to your workplace or other regular destinations. Many families find it helpful to visit multiple centres even if one seems more convenient on paper, as the specific atmosphere and teaching team can significantly influence your child’s experience. You can explore other preschool options near MRT stations throughout Singapore to compare what’s available in your preferred areas.

Fees Structure and Financial Support

Nest Preschool’s fees position it in the mid to upper-mid range of Singapore’s preschool market. While not the most economical option, the fees reflect smaller class sizes, individualized attention, and comprehensive programming. Understanding the complete cost picture, including available subsidies and support schemes, helps families budget appropriately and access financial assistance where eligible.

Monthly fees at Nest Preschool vary based on the child’s age group and program type. Infant and toddler programs typically carry higher fees due to the lower child-to-teacher ratios required for younger children. Kindergarten programs generally have somewhat lower fees, though they still represent a significant investment. Fees typically cover the core educational program, daily meals and snacks, and standard learning materials.

Government Subsidies and Financial Assistance

Singapore citizens attending Nest Preschool may be eligible for government subsidies that significantly reduce the net monthly fees. The Basic Subsidy is available to all Singaporean children in licensed childcare centres, while the Additional Subsidy provides further support based on household income. Working mothers can access additional financial assistance through various schemes.

Eligible families should factor these subsidies into their calculations when comparing preschool costs:

• Basic Subsidy: Reduces fees by several hundred dollars monthly for all eligible Singaporean children
• Additional Subsidy: Income-tiered support that can bring total subsidies to over $600 monthly for qualifying families
• Kindergarten Fee Assistance Scheme (KiFAS): Additional support specifically for kindergarten-aged children from lower-income families
• Startup Grant: One-time grant for eligible first-time users of licensed childcare

Parents should verify their eligibility for subsidies and understand the application process before enrollment. Nest’s administrative team can typically provide guidance on subsidy applications, though families are responsible for submitting their own applications through the appropriate government portals. Planning ahead is crucial, as subsidy approval can take several weeks to process.

Facilities and Learning Environment

The physical environment plays a crucial role in early childhood education, influencing everything from children’s engagement to their emotional security. Nest Preschool centres are designed to create warm, homelike atmospheres that help young children feel comfortable and confident. The design philosophy emphasizes accessible materials, clear organization, and spaces that accommodate both active play and quiet reflection.

Classrooms at Nest centres feature age-appropriate furniture, abundant learning materials, and clearly defined learning areas. Reading corners provide cozy spaces with books at children’s eye level, encouraging independent exploration of literature. Art stations offer varied materials for creative expression, from basic crayons and paper to more complex materials like clay and collage supplies. Dramatic play areas allow children to engage in imaginative role-playing that builds social skills and language development.

Outdoor Play and Learning Spaces

Each Nest location includes outdoor areas where children can engage in physical activity and nature-based learning. While the specific size and configuration vary by centre, all locations prioritize daily outdoor time as essential to healthy development. Outdoor equipment typically includes climbing structures appropriate to different age groups, areas for running and active play, and spaces for quieter outdoor activities like gardening or nature observation.

The outdoor curriculum at Nest extends beyond simple recess time. Educators plan structured activities that leverage outdoor spaces for scientific observation, physical challenges, and collaborative play. Gardens at various locations allow children to participate in planting, caring for, and observing plant life cycles, creating tangible connections to natural processes and environmental stewardship.

Health and Safety Measures

Nest Preschool maintains comprehensive health and safety protocols that meet and often exceed regulatory requirements. Cleanliness standards are high, with regular sanitization of toys, surfaces, and common areas. Staff members are trained in first aid and emergency procedures, and centres maintain appropriate safety equipment and supplies. Nutritious meals and snacks are provided, with attention to common allergies and dietary restrictions when communicated by families.

Security measures include controlled access to centres, sign-in/sign-out procedures for authorized pickup persons, and supervision protocols that ensure children are always within sight of qualified educators. These measures create peace of mind for parents while maintaining a welcoming atmosphere that doesn’t feel overly institutional.

Enrollment Process and Vacancies

Securing a spot at Nest Preschool requires advance planning, particularly for popular age groups and locations. The enrollment process typically begins with an initial inquiry, followed by a centre tour, application submission, and confirmation once a place becomes available. Understanding each step helps families navigate the process smoothly and increases the likelihood of securing their preferred start date.

The enrollment process follows these general steps:

1. Initial inquiry: Contact your preferred Nest location to express interest and learn about current vacancy status for your child’s age group.
2. Centre visit: Schedule a tour to observe the facility, meet educators, and ask specific questions about the program and daily operations.
3. Application submission: Complete the registration form with required documentation, including birth certificates, immunization records, and parents’ identification.
4. Waitlist or confirmation: Receive notification about whether a spot is immediately available or your position on the waitlist if spaces are full.
5. Enrollment finalization: Once a place is confirmed, complete remaining paperwork, pay registration fees, and schedule an orientation session.

When to Apply

The ideal timing for application depends on your desired start date and your child’s age. Infant and toddler spots often have longer waitlists because class sizes are smaller and turnover is less frequent. Kindergarten positions may have more regular availability as children age out and transition to primary school. As a general guideline, families should begin exploring options and submitting applications at least six to twelve months before their desired start date.

Some families apply even earlier, particularly if they have specific location preferences or need care to align with a return to work after maternity leave. Being proactive doesn’t guarantee immediate placement but does position you favorably on waitlists. Staying in regular contact with your preferred centre and maintaining flexibility about start dates when possible can also improve your chances of securing a spot.

What Parents Are Saying

Parent feedback provides valuable insights into the day-to-day reality of Nest Preschool beyond marketing materials and official descriptions. While individual experiences vary, certain themes emerge consistently across reviews from different locations. Understanding both the strengths parents frequently praise and the concerns some raise helps set realistic expectations.

Parents often highlight the caring and attentive teaching staff as one of Nest’s greatest strengths. Many families appreciate that teachers know their children individually and communicate regularly about developmental progress and daily activities. The smaller class sizes receive frequent praise for enabling this personalized attention. Parents also note that their children form strong bonds with teachers, which supports emotional security and engagement in learning.

The curriculum balance between academic preparation and play-based learning earns positive feedback from many families. Parents appreciate that children are being prepared for primary school without excessive pressure or overly academic approaches that might not be developmentally appropriate. The bilingual program receives mixed feedback, with some parents praising the natural integration of both languages and others wishing for more intensive focus on one language or the other.

Common Considerations and Concerns

Some parents note that the fees are higher than some competing options, even after subsidies are applied. Families on tighter budgets may find the costs challenging, though many feel the quality justifies the investment. It’s worth exploring whether you might qualify for additional subsidies or assistance programs that can reduce the financial burden.

Facility size and outdoor space vary by location, with some centres having more limited outdoor areas than others. Families who prioritize extensive outdoor play may want to visit centres in person to assess whether the outdoor spaces meet their expectations. That said, parents generally report that educators make good use of available outdoor areas and incorporate regular physical activity into daily schedules.

Communication practices receive generally positive reviews, though some parents wish for more frequent updates or more detailed feedback about their child’s daily activities and developmental progress. Some centres use digital platforms to share photos and updates, while others rely more on face-to-face communication during pickup times. Clarifying communication expectations during the enrollment process can help ensure alignment between family preferences and centre practices.

How Nest Compares to Other Preschools

Placing Nest Preschool in context requires comparing it to other options available to Singapore families. The preschool landscape includes large chains with standardized curricula, smaller boutique centres with unique philosophies, religiously affiliated programs, and specialized language immersion schools. Understanding where Nest fits in this spectrum helps families determine whether it aligns with their priorities.

Compared to larger chains, Nest offers a more intimate environment with greater flexibility to adapt to individual children’s needs. The smaller scale means families may experience more personalized communication and closer relationships with staff. However, larger chains may offer more standardized quality control, more extensive facilities, and sometimes more locations for families who might relocate within Singapore.

Compared to specialized methodology preschools (such as Montessori, Reggio Emilia, or Waldorf programs), Nest’s eclectic approach provides exposure to various educational philosophies rather than deep immersion in a single methodology. This can be advantageous for families who appreciate flexibility, though families seeking a specific pedagogical approach might prefer specialized alternatives. The Parents’ Choices Award recognizes outstanding preschools across various categories, which can help families identify highly rated options that match their preferred educational philosophy.

Key Decision Factors

When comparing Nest to other preschools, consider which factors matter most to your family:

• Location and convenience: Proximity to home, work, or regular travel routes significantly impacts daily logistics
• Educational philosophy: Whether you prefer a specific methodology or appreciate an eclectic approach
• Class size and ratios: Smaller groups provide more individual attention but may come at higher cost
• Language priorities: The emphasis and balance between English and Mandarin, or availability of other languages
• Facilities and outdoor space: The physical environment and available resources for learning
• Cost and subsidy eligibility: Total financial investment after accounting for available subsidies
• Community and values: The social environment and whether the preschool’s culture aligns with your family’s values

No preschool will perfectly satisfy every criterion, so identifying your top three or four priorities helps focus the decision-making process. Visiting multiple centres in person, asking detailed questions, and observing how educators interact with children provides invaluable information that can’t be captured in written descriptions alone. Take advantage of opportunities to speak with current parents when possible, as their firsthand experiences offer perspectives that supplement official information.

For families still exploring options, Skoolopedia’s comprehensive directory can help you identify and compare preschools throughout Singapore. You can search by location, curriculum type, and other criteria to create a shortlist that matches your priorities, then dive deeper into specific programmes including detailed information about fees, vacancies, and parent reviews.

Choosing Nest Preschool for your child means selecting an environment that emphasizes personalized attention, balanced curriculum, and nurturing relationships within a boutique preschool setting. Each Nest location brings the core philosophy to life while reflecting the unique character of its neighbourhood and community. Whether the Tanjong Katong, Thomson, or Sunset Way centre best suits your needs depends on your location, specific program preferences, and the atmosphere you experience during centre visits.

The decision ultimately comes down to alignment between what Nest offers and what matters most to your family. The smaller class sizes, caring educators, and comprehensive approach to early childhood development resonate strongly with many families, while the fees and facility variations may be considerations for others. Taking the time to visit centres in person, ask detailed questions, and reflect on your child’s needs and your family’s priorities will guide you toward the right choice.

Remember that the early childhood years are foundational, but they’re also just one part of your child’s learning journey. The best preschool is one where your child feels safe, engaged, and excited to learn, where educators partner with you to support development, and where the practical realities of location and cost work for your family. Whether Nest Preschool or another option ultimately proves the best fit, the research and reflection you invest now will serve your family well throughout your child’s educational journey.