International School for American expats

[abbby]

I have a friend relocating from the States, which International School would you recommend?

[sundaymorningstaple]

Depends on how deep their pockets are if they are paying for it or their employer is (fully found or partial).

[Lisafuller]

My answer is always SAS if they have the means. Typically those relocating for work have educational expenses fully covered by their employers. If this is the case for your friend, the fees should not be an issue. Great facilities, excellent staff.

[Lisafuller]

Depends on how deep their pockets are if they are paying for it or their employer is (fully found or partial).

If they are looking to enroll in an American International School, which I would expect to be the case, they really only have 2 options, SAS and SAIS, both of which are priced similarly, in the $40-55K range, depending on nationality.

[Sara.Haddah]

For American expat families moving to Singapore, there are several well-regarded International Schools that align well with the U.S. curriculum and cultural expectations. Here are a few standout options:
1. Singapore American School (SAS)** – This is the most popular choice for American families. It offers a U.S. curriculum from preschool through Grade 12, including AP courses and a strong college counseling program geared toward U.S. university admissions. The campus is massive with excellent facilities, and there's a big focus on holistic development and extracurriculars. It’s also one of the more expensive schools, so budget is something to consider.

2. Stamford American International School – Another strong contender offering both the American curriculum and the IB Diploma Programme. It’s great for families looking for flexibility, and it has a modern campus with strong arts and sports programs.

3. International Community School (ICS) – A smaller, more close-knit American-curriculum school that is Christian-based. It’s a good option for those who prefer a nurturing environment with a strong sense of community, and it’s more affordable than SAS or Stamford.

4. XCL American Academy – A newer, more affordable option with an American curriculum that’s backed by the XCL group (which also runs the more established XCL World Academy). They emphasize character development and have a growing expat community.

If your friend is trying to compare these schools side by side, including fees, curriculum, teacher qualifications, and university pathways- they can use doris.school, a platform that helps families compare International Schools in Singapore based on what matters most to them. It's especially helpful for newcomers trying to navigate all the choices. Happy to give more tailored advice if you know the kids' ages or academic preferences!

[malcontent]

I have a friend relocating from the States, which International School would you recommend?

1. What is(are) the age(s) of the child (children)?

2. Do they intend to return to the states? If so, when?

3. Who is paying for the school? Is there a budget limitation?

One useful resource is the Western Association of Schools & Colleges — this is the official U.S. accrediting commission that covers schools in California, Hawaii, and most countries in the Asia-Pacific.

To find schools in Singapore that are WASC accredited, you can access their directory…

directory.acswasc.org

select ‘Singapore’ and submit.

That said, Singapore American School is the official DOD appointed school in Singapore, so nearly all US military families stationed in Sembawang will send their kids there. Also, major U.S. companies that send employees to Singapore on a full expat package (several dozen at my former employer, at any given time), > 95% send their kids to SAS. So nearly all Americans moving to Singapore will choose SAS if it is paid for. Despite what might be said about SAS, they are still the default choice for Americans. That’s just reality, and is why “Americatown” sprung up in the Woodgrove neighborhood adjacent to the school.

[Max Headroom]

Bro, they prolly already graduated eh.

[malcontent]

Bro, they prolly already graduated eh.

Now that’s what I call a m-m-m-major malfunction.