Small Wonder Preschool Singapore: Complete Review & Fee Structure

Small Wonder Preschool: An Overview

Founded in 2008, Small Wonder Preschool has grown from a single campus to multiple locations across Singapore. The preschool caters to children aged 18 months to 6 years through their Playgroup, Nursery, and Kindergarten programs. Small Wonder positions itself as an institution that balances academic preparation with play-based learning, following a curriculum that incorporates elements from various established educational philosophies.

Small Wonder Preschool is registered with the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) and maintains all necessary certifications and accreditations required by Singapore’s regulatory bodies. The school prides itself on maintaining favorable teacher-to-student ratios that exceed the minimum requirements set by ECDA, ensuring personalized attention for each child.

What sets Small Wonder apart from many other preschools is its commitment to creating a multicultural learning environment that reflects Singapore’s diverse society. The school employs teachers from various cultural backgrounds and incorporates cultural education into its curriculum, helping children develop global awareness from an early age.

Curriculum and Learning Approach

Small Wonder Preschool follows an integrated curriculum that draws inspiration from multiple educational philosophies, including Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and the Singapore Ministry of Education’s Nurturing Early Learners (NEL) framework. This hybrid approach aims to provide a well-rounded foundation that prepares children for primary school while nurturing their natural curiosity and love for learning.

Core Learning Areas

The curriculum at Small Wonder encompasses six main learning domains:

• Language and Literacy: Bilingual education with equal emphasis on English and Mandarin, introducing reading and writing through phonics and character recognition
• Numeracy: Age-appropriate mathematical concepts including number sense, patterns, and basic problem-solving
• Discovery of the World: Science and social awareness activities that encourage exploration and critical thinking
• Motor Skills Development: Both fine and gross motor skills through art, play, and physical activities
• Social-Emotional Learning: Focus on developing self-awareness, relationship management, and social responsibility
• Creative Expression: Art, music, and dramatic play that encourage imaginative thinking

The school day is structured to include both teacher-directed activities and free play periods, with ample time dedicated to outdoor exploration (weather permitting). This balanced approach ensures children develop academic readiness while maintaining the joy of childhood discovery.

Specialized Programs

Beyond the core curriculum, Small Wonder offers several specialized programs that parents can opt into for additional fees:

• Speech and Drama: Enhances communication skills and builds confidence
• Music and Movement: Introduction to rhythm, melody, and creative expression through music
• STEM Exploration: Age-appropriate science, technology, engineering, and math activities
• Enhanced Mandarin Program: Intensive Chinese language immersion for interested families

These specialized programs are typically scheduled within the regular school day, providing enrichment without requiring additional drop-offs or pickups for busy parents.

Complete Fee Structure for 2025

Understanding the full cost of preschool education is essential for family financial planning. Small Wonder Preschool’s fee structure for 2025 includes several components that parents should consider when budgeting for their child’s education.

Registration and Enrollment Fees

Before your child begins at Small Wonder, you’ll need to account for one-time enrollment costs:

• Registration Fee: $107 (non-refundable)
• Deposit: One month’s tuition (refundable with notice)
• Insurance Fee: $96.30 annually
• Materials Fee: $160.50 per semester

Monthly Tuition Fees (2025)

Tuition fees vary depending on your child’s age group and the program duration you select. The following table outlines the monthly fees for Singapore Citizens after base subsidies:

Note: Fees vary slightly between locations, with central areas commanding a slight premium. The ranges shown represent the variation across different campuses. All fees are subject to 8% GST.

Additional Costs to Consider

Beyond the basic tuition, parents should budget for these additional expenses:

• Uniforms: $65-$85 for a set of 2 uniforms
• Field Trips: $15-$40 per outing (typically 3-4 per year)
• Enrichment Programs: $120-$250 per term (optional)
• Graduation Fee: $60 (K2 students only)
• Holiday Programs: $60-$80 per day during school holidays (optional)

Payment Methods and Schedules

Small Wonder Preschool offers several payment options to accommodate different family preferences:

• Monthly GIRO deduction (most popular)
• Quarterly payments (2% discount applied)
• Annual payment (5% discount applied)
• Credit card payments (subject to 2% administrative fee)

Fees are typically due by the 5th of each month, with a late payment fee of $26.75 applied after this date.

Financial Assistance and Subsidies

Singapore offers several subsidy programs to make quality preschool education more affordable for families. As an ECDA-registered institution, children attending Small Wonder Preschool may be eligible for the following subsidies:

Basic Subsidy

All Singaporean children are eligible for a basic subsidy regardless of family income:

• Half-day program: Up to $300 per month
• Full-day program: Up to $600 per month

These subsidies are automatically applied, and the fees listed in the previous section reflect costs after this basic subsidy for Singapore Citizens.

Additional Subsidy

Families with a monthly household income of $12,000 or below may qualify for additional subsidies under the Enhanced Subsidy Scheme. This additional subsidy can significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses:

• Households with monthly income below $3,000 may receive up to $710 in additional subsidies
• The subsidy amount decreases progressively for higher income brackets
• Per capita income criteria are also available for larger families

Start-Up Grant

Low-income families (with household income below $6,000) enrolling a child in preschool for the first time may be eligible for a one-time Start-Up Grant of up to $1,000 to help cover initial expenses such as registration fees, deposits, and uniforms.

Small Wonder’s administrative team is well-versed in guiding parents through the subsidy application process and can provide assistance with the necessary paperwork. Parents are encouraged to approach the school office for personalized financial consultations.

For families facing temporary financial hardship, Small Wonder also offers a limited number of needs-based scholarships through their community outreach program. These scholarships are evaluated on a case-by-case basis and typically cover 30-50% of tuition costs for a defined period.

Campus Locations and Facilities

Small Wonder Preschool operates several campuses across Singapore, each designed to provide a safe, stimulating environment for young learners. While each location has its own unique character, all share common standards for safety, cleanliness, and educational resources.

Key Campus Locations

1. Bukit Timah – Their flagship campus with extensive outdoor play areas
2. Katong – Popular among east coast families, featuring a purpose-built water play zone
3. Jurong East – Convenient for western Singapore residents, near Jurong East MRT
4. Serangoon – Centrally located campus with excellent transportation links
5. Novena – Newer campus with modern facilities and technology integration

Each location is strategically situated near residential areas or business districts to provide convenience for working parents. Several campuses are within walking distance of MRT stations, making them accessible via public transportation. For more preschool options near MRT stations, you can check this comprehensive guide.

Standard Facilities

While specific amenities vary by location, all Small Wonder campuses feature:

• Secure Access Control: Facial recognition or PIN-based entry systems
• Air-Conditioned Classrooms: Climate-controlled learning environments with air purification systems
• Outdoor Play Areas: Age-appropriate playground equipment and nature exploration zones
• Dedicated Nap Rooms: For full-day students, with individual bedding provided
• Learning Centers: Specialized areas for reading, dramatic play, art, and construction
• Dining Areas: Clean spaces for meals and snacks with food warming facilities

The preschool maintains strict cleanliness protocols, with daily sanitization of high-touch surfaces and weekly deep cleaning of all facilities. During the post-pandemic era, enhanced hygiene measures remain in place, including regular hand washing routines and air quality monitoring.

Unique Campus Features

Some notable specializations among the different campuses include:

• The Bukit Timah campus features an organic garden where children participate in planting and harvesting activities
• The Katong location includes a mini-water park for sensory play during warm weather
• The Novena branch has integrated technology corners with age-appropriate educational apps and coding introductions for K2 students
• The Jurong East campus has a specialized performance area for music and movement activities

Parents are encouraged to tour multiple campuses if location flexibility is an option, as the specific environment and teaching team can significantly impact a child’s preschool experience.

Parent Reviews and Testimonials

Understanding the experiences of other families can provide valuable insights when selecting a preschool. We’ve gathered feedback from current and former Small Wonder parents to give you a balanced perspective on what the school does well and where there may be room for improvement.

What Parents Appreciate

Based on parent surveys and testimonials, these aspects of Small Wonder Preschool receive consistent praise:

Teaching Quality: Many parents highlight the dedication and qualifications of the teaching staff. With most lead teachers holding diplomas or degrees in early childhood education and years of classroom experience, families frequently mention the personalized attention their children receive.

Communication: The school’s communication system receives high marks, with parents appreciating the regular updates through the school’s mobile app, weekly newsletters, and termly parent-teacher conferences. Many note that teachers are responsive to messages and concerns.

Curriculum Balance: The blend of academic preparation and play-based learning satisfies parents seeking a middle ground between overly academic and purely play-centered approaches. Several testimonials mention children developing strong pre-literacy skills while maintaining enthusiasm for school.

Bilingual Emphasis: Families value the equal weight given to English and Mandarin instruction, with several noting significant improvement in their children’s Mandarin proficiency, particularly for non-Mandarin speaking households.

Common Concerns

For a balanced perspective, these are areas where some parents have expressed reservations:

Fee Increases: Several families noted that annual fee increments of 3-5% have been implemented regularly, which can affect long-term budgeting for the full preschool journey.

Staff Turnover: Some campuses have experienced teacher turnover, which a few parents mentioned caused temporary disruption to their child’s routine and adjustment periods with new teachers.

Parking Limitations: At certain locations, particularly those in high-density areas, limited parking for drop-off and pick-up has been cited as a logistical challenge for driving parents.

Class Sizes: While still within ECDA guidelines, a few parents mentioned that class sizes at maximum capacity (especially in K1 and K2) can seem large compared to some boutique preschools.

Overall Parent Satisfaction

Based on Skoolopedia’s analysis of parent feedback across various platforms and our own parent surveys, Small Wonder Preschool maintains an overall satisfaction rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars. The school performs particularly well in curriculum quality (4.5/5) and teacher qualifications (4.4/5), with slightly lower scores in facility modernization (3.9/5) and fee value (3.8/5).

When compared to other similarly priced preschools, Small Wonder ranks in the upper-middle tier for parent satisfaction, with its strongest competitive advantage being its bilingual program implementation. For parents considering various options, you might also want to explore our Parents’ Choice Awards to see which preschools Singapore parents rate most highly across different categories.

Admission Process and Requirements

Securing a place at Small Wonder Preschool requires planning, especially for popular campuses and age groups. Understanding the admission timeline and requirements can help streamline your application process.

Application Timeline

Small Wonder operates on a rolling admission basis throughout the year, subject to vacancy availability. However, there are peak registration periods:

• September-November: Priority registration period for the following academic year
• December-January: High demand period with waiting lists often forming for popular classes
• Mid-year (June-July): Secondary intake period, often with limited spots available

For the best chance of securing your preferred schedule and campus, applying 3-6 months before your desired start date is recommended. Classes for the new academic year typically begin in January, though mid-year entries are accommodated when space permits.

Required Documents

To complete an application, parents must provide:

1. Completed application form (available online or at campus offices)
2. Copy of child’s birth certificate
3. Copy of child’s immunization records
4. Copies of parents’ identification (NRIC/passport/employment pass)
5. Recent passport-sized photograph of the child
6. Application fee payment receipt

For children with specific medical conditions or learning needs, additional documentation may be requested to ensure the school can provide appropriate support.

Enrollment Process

The typical enrollment journey at Small Wonder Preschool follows these steps:

1. Initial Inquiry: Contact the school through their website, phone, or in person
2. Campus Tour: Schedule a visit to your preferred campus (recommended)
3. Application Submission: Complete all paperwork and pay the application fee
4. Placement Assessment: For children above 3 years, a brief, informal assessment may be conducted
5. Offer of Place: Subject to availability and assessment results if applicable
6. Acceptance: Payment of deposit and completion of enrollment documents
7. Orientation: Attend a parent orientation session and child’s classroom visit

Small Wonder does not administer academic entrance tests for preschool admission, but children joining at Nursery level or above may participate in a casual interaction session to assess social readiness and language capabilities. This helps teachers prepare appropriately for the child’s integration.

Waitlist Procedure

For classes at capacity, Small Wonder maintains a transparent waitlist system:

• Waitlisted families are ranked primarily by application date
• Siblings of current students receive priority consideration
• Parents are contacted when a spot becomes available
• A 48-hour decision period is typically given to accept or decline an offered place

The school provides periodic updates to waitlisted families regarding their status, though they cannot guarantee placement timeframes due to the unpredictable nature of vacancies arising from family relocations or other changes.

If you’re exploring multiple preschool options while on a waitlist, you might want to check out additional enrichment opportunities through enrichment centers near MRT stations that can complement your child’s development during the waiting period.

Conclusion: Is Small Wonder Preschool Right for Your Child?

After reviewing all aspects of Small Wonder Preschool—from its curriculum and fee structure to facilities and parent feedback—it’s clear that the institution offers a solid early childhood education option for Singapore families. Its balanced approach to learning, emphasis on bilingualism, and multiple convenient locations make it attractive to many parents seeking quality preschool education.

Small Wonder positions itself in the mid-to-upper tier of Singapore’s preschool market, with fees that reflect its comprehensive program offerings and qualified teaching staff. While not the most affordable option available, the government subsidies can make it accessible to a wider range of families, particularly Singapore Citizens.

The preschool would be particularly well-suited for families who:

• Value equal emphasis on English and Mandarin from an early age
• Seek a balance between academic preparation and play-based learning
• Require flexible scheduling options with half-day and full-day programs
• Appreciate structured learning within a nurturing environment
• Live or work near one of their established campuses

However, families on very tight budgets or those seeking alternative pedagogical approaches (such as pure Montessori, Waldorf, or Reggio Emilia) might want to explore other options that better align with their specific priorities or financial constraints.

As with any preschool decision, we recommend visiting multiple Small Wonder campuses if possible, speaking directly with teachers and current parents, and observing classroom dynamics before making your final choice. The best preschool for your child ultimately depends on their individual temperament, your family’s values, and practical considerations like location and budget.

Still exploring your preschool options? Join Skoolopedia’s membership program for exclusive access to comprehensive school reviews, fee comparisons, and personalized recommendations based on your family’s needs and location preferences. Our education specialists can help you navigate Singapore’s diverse early childhood landscape with confidence.

For families also considering student care options for older siblings, check out our guide to student care centers near MRT stations for convenient transportation arrangements.

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