One of the hardest choices for parents to make is choosing the right school for their children. Even if you have been living in the same suburb for many years, you may deliberate for months, possibly years, before finding a good match for your ideals and your kids. So if you have just moved to Singapore, the pressure is tenfold. Not to worry, Singapore is home to people from all over the world and there are great international schools that offer high-quality education. 

CHOOSING A SCHOOL

When you’re relocating to a different country with your family, it’s tough to know which school will be a good fit for your children. Singapore may have a different curriculum and school system to your previous country. To help you choose a school that is right for your child, we recommend considering the criteria below. 

Class size

Majority of research suggests that students learn better in smaller class sizes. The ratio of students to teachers will differ greatly from school to school so if possible ask any potential schools about their average class size. 

Location is important

Singapore has one of the best public transport systems in the region; schools can usually be easily located and reached via buses or the train. Still, where the campus is located will dictate how much commuting time is involved. While it may not be right around the corner, make sure it’s conveniently located to public transport.

Extracurricular activities available

Activities outside the classroom are a great way for your kids to develop friendships with other students, and provide a good balance between the academic side of things. These will differ between schools, so ask what is on offer.

Walk around and check everything out for yourself. Take note of the facilities available and the overall feel of the place, are the grounds and buildings in good condition and well maintained? 

Local or international curriculum

Depending on whether the school is a local or international school, the curriculum will vary. This can make a difference especially if your child’s school year was different to the Singaporean school year. It’s worth noting what the curriculum covers and which year level your child is eligible to enrol for. 

WHY CHOOSE AN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL?

Singapore has high educational standards and local schools can be a great option, but sometimes an international school is a better fit for expats. If your move to Singapore is for the short-term (a year or so), your children will have an easier time adjusting to their new environment if they are enrolled in an international school. This will help them to carry on without too much disruption when you return home because they will follow the same school term as in your home country. An international school can help your child settle easily and stay in touch with their familiar culture. If school fees are included in your work package, an international school makes perfect sense when considering where to enrol your child.

SOME OF THE BEST INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS IN SINGAPORE

If you’re considering enrolling your child into an international school, these are some of the best schools available in Singapore. The following schools are not ranked in any order.

United World College: South East Asia (UWCSEA)

The UWCSEA provides children from ages 4 to 18 with the opportunity for learning through academics, outdoor education, activities, personal and social education and service to the community for a sustainable future. A community of 90 nationalities, UWCSEA is proud to offer an outside-the-box approach to education through passion, engagement and effervescence.

Singapore American School

Students can enjoy personalised learning from preschool to the twelfth grade at this international school, which offers a Chinese language and cultural immersion program. The school advocates teaching children as individuals catering to their various needs, rather than trying to fit them into an educational mould, in order to try to help them find their passions.

Stamford American International School

Part of the leading international schools group Cognita, this school offers early learning from 18 months right through to secondary school for 18 year olds. Filled with bilingual classes, Stamford American offers an inquiry-based integrated curriculum with services tailored for local parents.

Tanglin Trust School

Established in 1925, the Tanglin Trust School provides British-based learning with an international flavour. Striving for individual acceptance in a safe learning environment for 3 to 18-year-olds, the school creates a stimulating educational paradigm to foster a community of lifelong learners.

German European School Singapore

This multilingual independent school offers a bi-lingual preschool catering to children from 18 months to 6 years old. GESS offers Dutch and Danish primary and secondary school students an exclusive Mother Tongue Program and gives students the choice between English IB and German curriculums at the brand new campus on Dairy Farm Road.

Canadian International School

Celebrating the 70-plus nationalities of its teachers and students, this school is a large school with two campuses: Lakeside and Tanjong Katong. It offers bilingual programs and excellent primary education. The facilities have everything children need to excel in sports, arts and academia.

Nexus International School

Educators strive to identify each individual child’s needs in an inclusive learning environment, while technology is implemented to ensure children are prepared for the digital age. The school uses the International Baccalaureate system from early years to Year 12 and 13 to provide students with internationally accepted qualifications for tertiary education around the world.

Australian International School

The school follows an International Baccalaureate system, the Australian Curriculum or Cambridge IGCSE system depending on the educational stage and encourages students to become responsible and respectful world citizens. Suitable for students aged from 2 to 18 years.

De Hollandse School

The largest Dutch language International Primary Curriculum (IPC) school outside of the Netherlands, the Hollandse School has successfully blended the international dimension into its Dutch language education. Offering a high level of education, the school encourages integration with many after-school activities available for students.

Chatsworth International School

Chatsworth International School was established in 1995 and has four campuses: Chatsworth Orchard, East, Piccadilly and Bedok. The school follows the International Baccalaureate system and educates students from 2 to 18 years old. The Piccadilly and Bedok campuses use the local Singaporean curriculum for the youngest pupils.

EtonHouse International Education Group

EtonHouse International has 13 schools all over Singapore with students aged from playgroup to senior years. The school offers a program that encourages children to become critical thinkers and to be involved in their learning. They offer Mandarin, Hindi and Japanese language lessons.

MOVING TO SINGAPORE WITH YOUR FAMILY

With the offer being quite varied, you’ll want to know if the school is a good fit for your values and your children. Contact some schools of interest before you move to Singapore and schedule a time after you move to meet some of the teachers in person. As you sort out the important aspects of your move, such as choosing a suitable school, let the moving professionals at Allied Singapore handle the complicated logistics of your move. We’ll make your move to Singapore from wherever in the world a breeze!

To find out more about Allied’s moving services, contact our friendly team today.