Need Recommendations for international private schools ASAP!

[stuckmann]

My husband and I are visiting Singapore in 2 days (just got an offer) and we need to schedule private school visits for our kids - they are going into 4th and 6th grades. Does anyone have reco's on good, internationally recognized private schools in Singapore? We prefer IB schools that are geared towards an American curriculum but who have lots of international students as well. We care about strong academics, but also want an environment that encourages arts, sports, and development of the entire child. A warm, nurturing child-centered environment is prefered. Need help!! Thank you!

[sundaymorningstaple]

Good Luck. Most of the International Schools are listed in my links page below. I would reckon, by this time, ALL schools will have long wait lists to get into their schools. You are going to just have to call each of them, pony up deposits and then just hope. Very much a hit or miss affair at the moment. I'm sure other will pipe up with more info later in the day as it's only 6:45 am here.......

[Mary Hatch Bailey]

Plus, American curriculum and IB don't really go hand in hand.

[boffenl]

Good one MHB--the IB and US curriculum are usually very different systems! I'd second SMS' reply--it'll require you visiting and placing deposits at a few schools so close to the end of term for winter break.

But we wish you all the best of luck--have a look at SMS's list--it's very comprehensive.

[movingtospore]

The new Stamford American school says that they combine IB and American curriculum.

[Mary Hatch Bailey]

Yes, they sure do. But ~ just because you can, doesn't mean you should. Friends who have taught both AP and IB, agree that while secondary IB offers a greater breadth of options to students, AP is by far the more rigorous and best for college (in the US) preparatory.

[SCinSG]

Hi stuckmann,

I hope that this post is in time to still be helpful to you. There are several International Schools in Singapore that offer IB at the grades 4-6 level:

- Australian International School
- Canadian International School
- Chatsworth International School
- Chinese International School
- EtonHouse International School
- German European International School
- Global Indian International School (Queenstown Campus)
- ISS International School
- Nexus International School
- Overseas Family School
- Tanglin Trust School
- UWCSEA

These schools span quite a wide range in terms of their size, fees and the type of environment that they offer. However, with this as a starting point, you can hopefully narrow your search fairly quickly by considering some of the other factors that may be important to you (e.g. location in Singapore, school year schedule, facilities). Good luck!

[scarbowl]

The new Stamford American school says that they combine IB and American curriculum.

They are a CANDIDATE for IB accreditation in primary and middle grades. They aren't yet accredited for IB and there's nothing particularly "American" about them except their name. SAIS is owned by a British company and this is their only American school. If you visit, you will find few American teachers or administrators.

The school head is a Brit as well.

Also, SAIS doesn't have the IB diploma program as their offerings do not extend through Grade 12.

[boffenl]

Very true, check out the IB website to check on the school's accreditation. I thought the only 100% IB school in Singapore was ISS. At least that's what their promo materials say.