where do most american families live?

[epinatl]

Since the American School is far north, I was curious to know if most families lived up there as well or do they commute. Not sure if we should take the plunge and move up there. Our daughter is only 3 but we want a good school. moving in July
any and all help accepted

Also, is there a way to get temporary nanny services through an agency without having to go through MInistry of Manpower

[road.not.taken]

Most American families do not live in the Woodlands, near the SAS campus. However, the 'golden ghetto' surrounding the American School is mostly Americans. Fifteen hundred SAS families, about 120 live in the Woodlands. Remeber too, SAS only serves a segment of the American children here.

The Woodlands is a vast area, the neighborhood where Americans live is one very small (very obvious!) part. Does that make sense? It's confusing. There are American families living all over, in all types of housing, all over the island.

Once you have an idea of how long you think you'll be here in Singapore, I would check out the school and other schools. SAS is not for everyone. It is expensive for pre-school and pre-K and very big. If your plan is to be here 5 years or so, then sure SAS is a good option as it follows an American curriculum. If you're here 2 years or so, I'm not sure it's worth the expense and the inconvenience of location. If your company is paying (most don't) then you may want to consider the Woodlands so commute times are shorter, but you sacrifice a lot (convenience, proximity to town, amenities). Over 40 school years at SAS, be we never considered moving to the Woodlands. Too insular, too Peyton Place, less than ideal housing. Lots of people love it.

You can hire temporary baby sitters or maids (nanny is not really a term used here) through several agencies. Look at the Domestic section of Sundaymorningstaple's link on the bottom of his posts.

Good luck to you.

[pakjohn]

A lot of my colleagues live in Woodlands, their kids do well at SAS. I don't know what part of the U.S. you're from, but if you're used to hopping in the car to do just about anything you'd like Woodlands. We live in a hi-rise just off Orchard and can tell you it's very handy to be able to walk everywhree, but more than a little claustrophobic.