Singapore Expats

Hi all,

We will be moving to Singapore in a few weeks. We haven't decided on which area of Singapore to live in, as this will depend on which preschool we send our 3yr old to. We've been reading up online about the schools with the hope of narrowing it down to a few International Schools and a few private preschools, so we can visit them once we are in Singapore. So far we've managed to "narrow down" the International Schools. And I was hoping we could get your feedback/opinions/views on these schools. Thank you so much in advance!!! Here are the schools in no order of preference:

1. German European School (if we pick this we will eventually go with the English speaking section)
2. Dovercourt
3. Overseas Family School
4. Nexus
5. Tanglin Trust
6. UWC South East Asia

I realize the last two schools start their programme at 4yrs.

1
4
5

You haven't said what your home country is. You could also consider the ICS and SAS if an American curriculum is ok.

Thanks PNGMK! We are moving from Canada. SAS seems great, specially since it's a non profit school, but it's the high fees that just makes us think twice. Any particular reason you recommend ICS?

I was drawn to the fact that Dovercourt seems to have a smaller feel, but it has a lot of mixed reviews. What are your thoughts?

Thanks again!

maybeSing2017 wrote:Thanks PNGMK! We are moving from Canada. SAS seems great, specially since it's a non profit school, but it's the high fees that just makes us think twice. Any particular reason you recommend ICS?

I was drawn to the fact that Dovercourt seems to have a smaller feel, but it has a lot of mixed reviews. What are your thoughts?

Thanks again!

I would avoid 'for profit' schools as you intimate.

ICS is smaller and a mission school. Dover is a for profit school I believe. The Canadian school is a rapacious for profit school with part ownership by Michael Milkin (the 'junk bond king'). Nexus is a not for profit board based school (supposedly - I'm yet to see documentation to that effect). A lot of schools are having issues with their leases and will have to move shortly - that is another consideration or question to ask (why pick a nearby school if they have to move across the island in a year or two!).

Have you considered Montessori? What kind of program do you have your 3 year old enrolled in currently?

For preschool I would probably stay away from the 'big' schools and go for a dedicated preschool, but that's probably because it's how I grew up and so it felt 'right' for my children.

A lot of schools use the Montessori name but I think Montessori For Children is a 'proper' set up.

We are still looking at the montessori and other preschools. But I remember reading that Montessori for Children is considered the only "true" montessori in Singapore. Currently our 3yr old is not in a montessori, but a preschool that incorporates the principles of Piaget and Erikson (I guess a bit like montessori). So, we are very interested in the montessori schools in Singapore. Over here, kids start school at 4yrs (junior kindergarten), preschools are only till 3yrs. We just want to explore what other options are out there as well, in terms of other preschools and International Schools. If you don't mind letting me know your thoughts on Montessori for Children or any other preschool? Thank you!

Yes that's what we were wondering too, if any of these schools will be moving in the next couple of years (I only came across Nexus and their new location though)

Thanks PNGMK!

PNGMK wrote:

maybeSing2017 wrote:Thanks PNGMK! We are moving from Canada. SAS seems great, specially since it's a non profit school, but it's the high fees that just makes us think twice. Any particular reason you recommend ICS?

I was drawn to the fact that Dovercourt seems to have a smaller feel, but it has a lot of mixed reviews. What are your thoughts?

Thanks again!

I would avoid 'for profit' schools as you intimate.

ICS is smaller and a mission school. Dover is a for profit school I believe. The Canadian school is a rapacious for profit school with part ownership by Michael Milkin (the 'junk bond king'). Nexus is a not for profit board based school (supposedly - I'm yet to see documentation to that effect). A lot of schools are having issues with their leases and will have to move shortly - that is another consideration or question to ask (why pick a nearby school if they have to move across the island in a year or two!).

maybeSing2017 wrote:We are still looking at the montessori and other preschools. But I remember reading that Montessori for Children is considered the only "true" montessori in Singapore. Currently our 3yr old is not in a montessori, but a preschool that incorporates the principles of Piaget and Erikson (I guess a bit like montessori). So, we are very interested in the montessori schools in Singapore. Over here, kids start school at 4yrs (junior kindergarten), preschools are only till 3yrs. We just want to explore what other options are out there as well, in terms of other preschools and International Schools. If you don't mind letting me know your thoughts on Montessori for Children or any other preschool? Thank you!

Little Hands and Little Oaks. Our son attended both and we were/are generally happy about them - proper emphasis on learning through play, not just the academic stuff so typical for majority of the local schools.

maybeSing2017 wrote:We are still looking at the montessori and other preschools. But I remember reading that Montessori for Children is considered the only "true" montessori in Singapore. Currently our 3yr old is not in a montessori, but a preschool that incorporates the principles of Piaget and Erikson (I guess a bit like montessori). So, we are very interested in the montessori schools in Singapore. Over here, kids start school at 4yrs (junior kindergarten), preschools are only till 3yrs. We just want to explore what other options are out there as well, in terms of other preschools and International Schools. If you don't mind letting me know your thoughts on Montessori for Children or any other preschool? Thank you!

I'm sorry...my kids are 8 and 11 now, so I haven't looked into it, except briefly so I could mention the Montessori option without leading you up a total blind alley

ah thank you anyway for taking the time to reply!!

lagimoana wrote:

maybeSing2017 wrote:We are still looking at the montessori and other preschools. But I remember reading that Montessori for Children is considered the only "true" montessori in Singapore. Currently our 3yr old is not in a montessori, but a preschool that incorporates the principles of Piaget and Erikson (I guess a bit like montessori). So, we are very interested in the montessori schools in Singapore. Over here, kids start school at 4yrs (junior kindergarten), preschools are only till 3yrs. We just want to explore what other options are out there as well, in terms of other preschools and International Schools. If you don't mind letting me know your thoughts on Montessori for Children or any other preschool? Thank you!

I'm sorry...my kids are 8 and 11 now, so I haven't looked into it, except briefly so I could mention the Montessori option without leading you up a total blind alley