Selecting the right preschool for your child in Singapore is a significant decision that can influence their early educational journey and development. With numerous options spanning different curricula, teaching philosophies, locations, and fee structures, parents often find themselves navigating a complex landscape of choices.

Singapore’s reputation for educational excellence extends to its early childhood education sector, which features a diverse array of preschools catering to different learning styles and parental preferences. From international preschools following globally-recognized curricula to local institutions with strong bilingual programs, the options are extensive.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore Singapore’s top preschools across various categories, examine key factors to consider during your selection process, and provide insights into navigating the enrolment journey. Whether you’re looking for a preschool near your home or workplace, a specific teaching philosophy, or a particular language focus, this guide will help you make an informed decision for your child’s early education.

How to Choose the Right Preschool in Singapore

Choosing the ideal preschool involves evaluating several key factors that align with your family’s needs and your child’s learning style. Here are the crucial elements to consider during your selection process:

Teaching Philosophy and Curriculum

Singapore’s preschools offer various educational approaches, each with distinct advantages:

Montessori: Emphasizes self-directed learning, with children choosing activities independently while teachers guide rather than direct. Montessori classrooms typically feature mixed-age groupings and specialized learning materials.

Reggio Emilia: Views children as capable, resilient individuals with rights rather than just needs. This approach emphasizes documentation of children’s thoughts and progression, project-based learning, and parental involvement.

Play-Based: Centers on the belief that children learn best through play. These programs focus on developing social skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities through structured and unstructured play activities.

Multiple Intelligences: Based on Howard Gardner’s theory, these programs recognize and nurture different types of intelligence (linguistic, logical-mathematical, bodily-kinesthetic, etc.) through varied learning experiences.

Location and Accessibility

Proximity to your home or workplace is a practical consideration that affects daily routines. A conveniently located preschool can reduce commute times and stress for both parents and children. Many families prefer preschools near MRT stations or with shuttle services to ease transportation concerns.

Operating Hours

Preschool hours should align with your work schedule and family routine. Some preschools operate from 7am to 7pm with flexible drop-off and pick-up times, while others have shorter, more structured hours. For working parents, schools with extended care options might be essential.

Teacher Qualifications and Ratios

The quality of teaching staff significantly impacts your child’s preschool experience. Look for schools where teachers have relevant early childhood education qualifications and experience. Lower teacher-to-student ratios typically allow for more individualized attention and better classroom management.

Language Programs

Singapore’s bilingual emphasis makes language programs an important consideration. Many preschools offer strong bilingual curricula (typically English and Mandarin), while international preschools might offer additional languages like Japanese, French, or Spanish.

Facilities and Resources

Evaluate the school’s physical environment, including indoor and outdoor spaces, learning resources, safety measures, and cleanliness. Preschools with dedicated areas for different types of activities (art, music, dramatic play, outdoor exploration) can provide more enriching experiences.

Parent Involvement

Consider how the preschool engages parents in their child’s education. Schools with strong parent-teacher communication, regular updates, parent education sessions, and opportunities for involvement foster better home-school partnerships.

Top International Preschools in Singapore

International preschools in Singapore often follow globally-recognized curricula and cater to expatriate families as well as locals seeking an international educational approach. Here are some of the standout international preschools:

EtonHouse International Pre-School

EtonHouse operates multiple campuses across Singapore, offering the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme and Reggio Emilia-inspired approaches. Their curriculum emphasizes inquiry-based learning, with particular strengths in bilingual immersion programs and purpose-built learning environments.

Notable features include their renowned Chinese immersion program, high-quality purpose-built facilities, and strong emphasis on creative arts and environmental education. Most campuses cater to children from 18 months to 6 years old.

Canadian International School (CIS)

CIS offers a play-based, inquiry-driven curriculum for preschoolers at their Lakeside and Tanjong Katong campuses. Their program balances structured learning with play opportunities, featuring dedicated specialist teachers for Chinese, physical education, and music.

Their kindergarten program follows the IB Primary Years Programme, providing a seamless transition to primary education. Their bilingual Chinese-English immersion option beginning at age 4 is particularly popular among parents seeking strong language foundations.

Tanglin Trust School

Established in 1925, Tanglin offers a British-based curriculum with an international perspective. Their Nursery program (for ages 3-4) focuses on developing independence, communication skills, and early literacy and numeracy through play-based learning.

Tanglin’s Reception classes (ages 4-5) follow the Early Years Foundation Stage framework from the UK, with a balance of child-initiated and teacher-led activities. Their purpose-built early years facilities include dedicated outdoor learning spaces and specialist areas for music, physical development, and library resources.

UWC South East Asia

UWCSEA offers a concept-based curriculum aligned with the IB framework. Their Infant School (ages 4-7) creates learning experiences that develop skills across all developmental domains while nurturing curiosity and international-mindedness.

The program emphasizes five elements: academics, activities, outdoor education, personal and social education, and service. Their purpose-built K-12 campuses provide exceptional facilities, including dedicated early years spaces designed to support various types of play and exploration.

Stamford American International School

Stamford American offers the IB Primary Years Programme integrated with American education standards. Their preschool program begins with Pre-Nursery (18 months) and extends through Kindergarten 2 (age 6).

Distinctive features include daily Mandarin and Spanish language lessons, a dedicated Innovation Center, specialized STEAMInn program, and multiple intelligence approach. Their Early Learning Village campus was specifically designed for young learners, with child-height facilities and thoughtfully designed learning spaces.

Top Montessori Preschools in Singapore

The Montessori method has gained significant popularity in Singapore for its child-centered approach that encourages independence, freedom within limits, and respect for children’s natural development. Here are some of Singapore’s leading Montessori preschools:

House on the Hill Montessori

With multiple locations in central Singapore (Mount Sophia, Balmoral, Pasir Panjang), House on the Hill offers an authentic Montessori curriculum in thoughtfully prepared environments. Their programs cater to children from 6 months to 6 years old, with mixed-age groupings that follow Montessori principles.

Their curriculum features all five traditional Montessori areas: Practical Life, Sensorial, Mathematics, Language, and Cultural Studies. They also incorporate outdoor learning, art, and music. Teachers are AMI or AMS-certified, ensuring proper implementation of Montessori methods.

Brighton Montessori

Operating several branches across Singapore, Brighton Montessori has established itself as a trusted name in Montessori education over more than 20 years. Their program balances the core Montessori curriculum with enrichment in Chinese language, music, art, and physical education.

Brighton’s classrooms feature the full range of Montessori materials, with children progressing through curriculum areas at their own pace. Their comprehensive program helps develop independence, concentration, and a love for learning, with many graduates transitioning successfully to both local and international primary schools.

Brainy Child Montessori

With centers in the east (Katong) and west (Clementi), Brainy Child offers a hybrid curriculum that combines Montessori education with additional literacy programs and thematic learning. Their approach maintains core Montessori principles while incorporating elements that prepare children for Singapore’s education system.

Their program includes traditional Montessori work periods complemented by group activities, projects, and specialized lessons in Chinese, music, and physical education. The school maintains small class sizes with qualified Montessori-trained teachers to ensure individual attention.

Little Paddington Montessori

Located in the Bukit Timah area, Little Paddington offers a curriculum that blends Montessori principles with the British Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. This integrated approach aims to provide children with the benefits of Montessori education while ensuring readiness for various primary school curricula.

Their program features well-equipped Montessori environments, specialized enrichment activities including coding for preschoolers, and strong emphasis on character development. The school maintains small class sizes with high teacher-to-student ratios.

Top Reggio Emilia-Inspired Preschools in Singapore

The Reggio Emilia approach views children as strong, capable individuals with rights rather than just needs. This educational philosophy, originating from Italy, emphasizes documentation of children’s thoughts and progression, project-based learning, and strong parental involvement. These are the leading Reggio-inspired preschools in Singapore:

Blue House Nursery & International Preschool

Located in Turf City, Blue House is one of Singapore’s pioneering Reggio Emilia schools. Their program embraces the core Reggio principles, viewing children as competent protagonists in their learning journey and the environment as the “third teacher.”

Blue House features beautifully designed learning spaces with natural materials, dedicated ateliers (art studios), and extensive documentation of children’s learning journeys. Their inquiry-based curriculum evolves from children’s interests while being guided by experienced educators who collaborate with children as co-researchers.

EtonHouse (Robertson Walk and 215 Upper Bukit Timah)

While mentioned earlier among international schools, EtonHouse’s Robertson Walk and Upper Bukit Timah campuses specifically stand out for their strong Reggio Emilia approach. These centers feature ateliers, piazzas for community gathering, and learning environments carefully designed to inspire exploration.

Their inquiry-based curriculum emerges from children’s interests, with projects developing organically through observation, documentation, and reflection. Teachers work as researchers alongside children, documenting learning processes through portfolios, learning stories, and visual displays.

Odyssey The Global Preschool

Odyssey offers a unique “Reggio-inspired” curriculum they call the Global Odyssey Approach, which integrates Reggio Emilia principles with multiple intelligences theory and project-based learning. Their award-winning campuses feature purpose-built facilities designed to function as the “third teacher.”

Distinctive elements include their specialized learning spaces (like their 300+ musical instruments collection), innovative S.T.E.A.M. program, and bilingual Chinese-English environment. Their documentation practices allow parents to follow their child’s learning journey through detailed portfolios.

Preschool By-The-Park

With locations near green spaces in Kheam Hock and Shelford Road, Preschool By-The-Park embraces the Reggio philosophy’s emphasis on the environment as the third teacher. Their curriculum emerges from children’s interests through a project-based approach, with teachers skillfully weaving in learning objectives.

Their spacious, aesthetically pleasing environments feature natural materials, light-filled spaces, and thoughtfully arranged provocations that invite exploration. Documentation is central to their practice, with learning made visible through displays, portfolios, and digital documentation shared with families.

Top Play-Based Preschools in Singapore

Play-based preschools emphasize learning through play, recognizing it as the natural way children explore, understand, and make sense of their world. These programs focus on developing social skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities through meaningful play experiences. Here are Singapore’s standout play-based preschools:

Pegasus International Preschool

Located in River Valley, Pegasus offers a play-based curriculum grounded in constructivist theories of learning. Their approach balances child-initiated play with teacher-guided activities, allowing children to construct knowledge through active engagement with people, materials, and ideas.

Their program features extended periods for project work, outdoor exploration, and creative expression. Their thoughtfully designed learning centers invite different types of play, from dramatic play to construction, sensory exploration to literacy activities. Their bilingual environment provides natural exposure to both English and Mandarin.

Maple Bear Canadian Preschool

With multiple locations across Singapore, Maple Bear implements a play-based Canadian education methodology that emphasizes learning through exploration and inquiry. Their program balances child-directed and teacher-guided activities, with play serving as the primary medium for learning.

Their bilingual immersion approach features both English and Mandarin teachers in each classroom, creating a natural dual-language environment. Their literacy-rich program introduces children to pre-reading and pre-writing skills through meaningful, playful contexts rather than formal instruction.

MindChamps PreSchool

MindChamps has established numerous centers across Singapore, offering their proprietary Curriculum of Excellence that incorporates play-based learning with their unique approaches to nurturing Confidence, Creativity, and Championality.

Their program features specialized components like ‘Inquiry Moments’ and ‘Theatrical Strategies,’ which engage children in playful learning experiences that develop critical thinking and creative expression. Their S.M.I.L.E.S.™ approach (Sensory, Motor, Intellectual, Linguistic, Emotional, and Social) ensures holistic development through varied play opportunities.

Between Two Trees

Located in the Upper Thomson area, Between Two Trees is a boutique preschool that embraces play as the primary vehicle for learning. Their curriculum draws inspiration from various educational philosophies while maintaining a strong emphasis on playful learning experiences.

Their program features extensive outdoor play opportunities, creative arts exploration, and project work that emerges from children’s interests. With small class sizes and mixed-age groupings, they create a family-like atmosphere where children develop strong relationships with peers and teachers while exploring their environment through play.

Top Preschools by Location

For many families, location is a crucial factor in preschool selection. Having a quality preschool near your home or workplace can significantly reduce daily commute time and stress. Here are some top preschools in different regions of Singapore:

Central Singapore (Orchard, River Valley, Tanglin)

Central Singapore offers numerous high-quality preschool options, particularly international schools and premium local providers:

Wee Care: Located near Orchard, this boutique preschool offers a nurturing environment with low teacher-child ratios and a play-based curriculum.

Pegasus International Preschool: Their River Valley location provides a play-based program with beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces.

EtonHouse (Newton): This central campus offers the IB PYP curriculum with a strong inquiry-based approach.

East Singapore (Katong, Marine Parade, Bedok, Tampines)

Eastern Singapore is well-served by various preschool options that cater to different educational preferences:

Odyssey (Fourth Avenue): Their East Coast campus features award-winning facilities and a Reggio-inspired program.

Brainy Child Montessori (Katong): Offers an authentic Montessori program with additional emphasis on preparing for Singapore’s education system.

My First Skool (Tampines): An NTUC-run center with strong curriculum and affordable fees, conveniently located near Tampines MRT.

The eastern region also offers excellent student care centers for families needing extended hours supervision after preschool hours.

West Singapore (Jurong, Clementi, Bukit Timah)

Western Singapore features diverse preschool options, from international schools to local operators:

MindChamps (Bukit Timah): Offers their proprietary curriculum that focuses on developing creativity and confidence.

Little Paddington Montessori: Located in Bukit Timah, this preschool blends Montessori principles with the British EYFS framework.

Canadian International School (Lakeside): Their western campus offers play-based IB PYP with strong bilingual options.

North Singapore (Woodlands, Yishun, Thomson)

Northern Singapore offers a growing number of quality preschool options:

Between Two Trees: Located in Upper Thomson, this boutique preschool offers a play-based program with strong outdoor elements.

Cherie Hearts: Their Yishun branch provides a comprehensive curriculum with an emphasis on bilingual education and character development.

EtonHouse (Woodlands): This northern campus offers their inquiry-based curriculum with purpose-built facilities.

Near MRT Stations

For families relying on public transportation, preschools near MRT stations offer significant convenience. You can find a comprehensive directory of preschools near MRT stations on our website, allowing you to search by specific MRT lines or stations.

Some particularly accessible options include:

My First Skool (Bishan): Located near Bishan MRT, offering affordable quality education.

Pat’s Schoolhouse (Kovan): Situated near Kovan MRT, with their play-based, bilingual program.

MindChamps (Marina Square): Conveniently located near Promenade MRT for families working in the CBD.

Understanding Preschool Fees and Subsidies

Preschool education in Singapore spans a wide fee range, from government-subsidized centers to premium international preschools. Understanding the fee structures and available subsidies can help parents make financially sustainable choices:

Fee Ranges

Government-subsidized centers (PCF Sparkletots, My First Skool): $700-$1,400 monthly before subsidies

Private local preschools: $1,200-$2,200 monthly

Premium local and mid-tier international preschools: $1,800-$3,000 monthly

Top-tier international preschools: $2,500-$5,000+ monthly

Additional costs may include registration fees, deposit, uniform, material fees, and optional services like transportation or extended hours.

Available Subsidies

Singapore offers several subsidies to make preschool education more affordable:

Basic Subsidy: Available to all Singapore Citizens using ECDA-licensed childcare centers, providing up to $600 for full-day programs.

Additional Subsidy: Income-based additional subsidy for lower and middle-income families, providing up to $540 more depending on household income.

Kindergarten Fee Assistance Scheme (KiFAS): For Singapore Citizens attending eligible kindergartens, providing subsidies based on household income.

Start-Up Grant: One-time grant to help with initial expenses for lower-income families enrolling children in preschool.

To maximize affordability while ensuring quality education, many parents consider factors beyond just the headline fees. Some schools that appear more expensive may include services that are add-ons at other centers. Additionally, looking for preschools participating in government subsidy schemes can significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses for eligible families.

The Enrolment Process and Timeline

Securing a place at your preferred preschool often requires advance planning, particularly for popular schools that maintain waiting lists. Understanding the typical enrollment process and timeline can help you navigate this journey:

When to Start Looking

For popular preschools, particularly international schools and highly sought-after centers, it’s advisable to begin your search 9-12 months before your intended start date. For less competitive options, a 3-6 month timeline may be sufficient.

Many parents begin researching preschools during pregnancy or when their child is around 6-12 months old, even if they don’t plan to enroll until age 18 months or older.

Application Steps

While procedures vary between schools, a typical enrollment process includes:

1. Research and Shortlisting: Explore options through online research, recommendations, and our comprehensive preschool directory.

2. School Tours: Arrange visits to your shortlisted schools to observe the environment, meet teachers, and ask questions. Many schools offer regular open houses or individual tours by appointment.

3. Application Submission: Complete the school’s application form, often available online, and submit required documents (child’s birth certificate, parents’ IDs, immunization records).

4. Application Fee: Pay the non-refundable application fee (typically $50-$200).

5. Assessment/Interview: Some schools, particularly for older children, conduct informal assessments or parent interviews.

6. Offer and Acceptance: Upon receiving an offer, secure your child’s place by paying the registration fee and deposit.

7. Orientation: Attend parent orientation sessions and arrange student orientation visits before the official start date.

Common Enrollment Periods

While many preschools accept enrollments year-round based on availability, some follow specific intake periods:

International schools: Often align with August/September (Northern Hemisphere) or January (Southern Hemisphere) academic calendars, with major intake during these periods.

Local preschools: Many accept enrollments throughout the year, with January being a common start period.

Pre-Nursery/Nursery 1: Major intake at the beginning of the year when children meet the minimum age requirement (typically 18 months for Pre-Nursery).

Waitlist Management

For popular preschools with limited spaces:

– Submit your application early to secure a position on the waitlist

– Stay in regular contact with the admissions office to express continued interest

– Consider multiple schools to increase your chances of placement

– Be prepared with alternative options while on waitlists

Remember that many top-rated preschools in Singapore offer extraordinary early childhood experiences, and while having preferred options is natural, remaining flexible can lead to discovering excellent alternatives that may be perfect fits for your child.

Conclusion

Selecting the right preschool in Singapore is a journey that balances practical considerations like location and budget with educational priorities such as curriculum approach and learning environment. The diverse preschool landscape in Singapore offers something for every family, whether you’re seeking an international curriculum, a specific teaching philosophy like Montessori or Reggio Emilia, or a conveniently located center near your home or workplace.

When evaluating your options, remember that the best preschool is ultimately the one that aligns with your child’s temperament, learning style, and your family’s values. Visiting schools, speaking with teachers and current parents, and observing how your child responds to the environment can provide valuable insights beyond what brochures and websites convey.

Throughout your decision-making process, consider not only the academic offerings but also the social-emotional climate of the school, the quality of relationships between teachers and children, and how the school communicates and partners with families. These elements often have the most significant impact on your child’s early learning journey.

At Skoolopedia, we’re committed to helping parents navigate the important decisions in their children’s educational journey. Our comprehensive database of preschools, enrichment centers, and student-care facilities—coupled with parent reviews and expert guidance—aims to simplify this complex process. We invite you to explore our resources further as you make this important decision for your child’s early education.

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