Preschool Mini Guide 2020

MINI GUIDE 2020

26 schools to choose from!

Parents’ advice & first-hand experiences • Tips for choosing the right school • Handy location map

P R E S C H OO L M I N I G U I D E 2 0 2 0

1 Arts Kidz International Preschool* 2 Australian International School 3 Blue House International Preschool 4 Canadian International School* 5 GEMS World Academy (Singapore) 6 GESS 7 House on the Hill* 8 International Community School 9 International French School of Singapore (IFS) 10 Marlborough College Malaysia^ 11 MindChamps PreSchool* 12 Mosaic Kindergarten 13 Nexus International School 14 One World International School 15 Overseas Family School 16 Rain Trees International Kindergarten 18 Repton Schoolhouse Singapore* 18 Shaws Preschool 19 Singapore American School

OWIS

20 Sir Manasseh Meyer International School 21 Stamford American International School 22 St. Joseph’s Institution International 23 Tanglin Trust School 24 UWC South East Asia* 25 White Lodge International Preschool & Childcare* 26 Opening Soon: North London Collegiate School (Singapore)

P R E S C H OO L M I N I G U I D E 2 0 2 0

SMMIS

GEMS

SAS

GESS

IFS

OFS

SAIS

WHITELODGE

AIS

RAIN TREES

UWCSEA

BLUEHOUSE

SHAWS

MOSAIC

NEXUS

SJIS

ICS

MINDCHAMPS

CIS

TTS

REPTON

HOUSE ON THE HILL NLCS

ARTS KIDZ

*Multiple locations; refer to individual websites for more details ^Not shown on map Note: Map not to scale, approximate locations only

P R E S C H OO L M I N I G U I D E 2 0 2 0

Whether you’ve been in Singapore for a while, you’ve just arrived on the island’s shores, or you’re contemplating a move here, selecting the right school for your child is, after finding a place to live, one of the most important decisions tomake. And it’s a question every parent grapples with. A visit to a school is generally the best way to make an instinctive decision, but hearing the opinions of others about their experiences can be invaluable. The following pages feature the experiences of 26 families to help you in the decision-making process! Preschool Aor Preschool B?

Things to Consider #1 Is the location of the campus convenient to home and transport options? #2 There are many education curriculums – which will suit my child’s educational needs and our family’s future plans? #3 How do the class sizes and teacher-to-child ratios vary among the preschools on my list? #4 Is Mandarin taught as a second language, and is this an experience my child will benefit from? #5 Will the extra-curricular activities enhance my child’s experience and balance the academic side? #6 How do the school’s holidays and term dates vary from those of my child’s siblings? #7 What are the opportunities for parent participation, such as reading groups, excursions and so on? #8 How does the preschool communicate with parents about the child’s experiences and learning? #9 Is there flexibility around the times and number of days per week that my child can attend? #10 What do I know about the preschool’s daily and weekly programmes, and the activities the children will be engaged in?

Handy Terms to Know KINDERGARTEN

CURRICULUM After “fun” and “play”, one of the first words you’re likely to encounter when visiting preschools is “curriculum”. The curriculum is essentially the syllabus that underpins the learning principles at the heart of every preschool. There’s a huge range of curriculums and teaching philosophies adopted in Singapore, from Montessori to Reggio Emilia, to the International Primary Curriculum. Many schools have adapted a hybrid or tailor- made curriculum that draws on elements of well-known systems, infused with the individual passions and beliefs of the school founders. Whatever is in place at the schools you look at, be sure to find out how it will suit the needs of your child.

LEARNING CENTRE There are dozens of learning centres to choose from, also known as enrichment centres or educational play centres. Babies and children can get involved in music, Mandarin, arts and crafts, maths, dance, drama and gym classes. PRESCHOOL Before beginning statutory education at the age of six years in Singapore, many children attend preschool from the age of 18 months upwards. In Britain, preschool is known as nursery school or playgroup, while in the US the terms preschool and pre-K are used.

In Singapore, many international schools use the term kindergarten to describe the first, and sometimes second, year of primary school education. However, the Singapore Ministry of Education uses the term kindergarten to mean a preschool that provides a structured three-year preschool programme for children aged four to six. Children learn activities that develop language and literacy skills, basic number concepts, social skills, creative and problem-solving skills, appreciation of music and movement, outdoor play, English as a first language, and Chinese, Malay or Tamil.

2

P R E S C H OO L M I N I G U I D E 2 0 2 0

Arts Kidz

International Preschool

Parents: Dustin and Iris Ramos, American Children: Matilda (2), Makenzie (7 months)

We’ve lived in Singapore for five years. Matilda began attending Arts Kidz at Raeburn Park at 18 months and Makenzie will attend as soon as she turns 18 months too.

We heard about the school from close friends who also send their children there. We looked into and visited a few other schools with play- based curriculums, but there was something special about the Arts Kidz experience.

We’ve had a terrific experience so far. The teachers are amazing. Miss Judith along with her co-teachers are so nurturing. Especially at a young age of 18 months, we were worried about whether Matilda would be able to eat lunch on her own. We felt assured that she was in the best care. The curriculum gets Matilda excited and she comes home singing songs and saying phrases in Mandarin (that we later have to translate since neither of us speaks Mandarin!). The end-of-term programme showcases how much effort and pride goes into what the students have achieved. Above all, we can’t say enough about how phenomenal the teachers at Arts Kidz are. The school has created such a wonderful environment of learning through play where Matilda feels safe and loved by her teachers. The curriculum includes violin, language, water play and outdoor play. They even do yoga! The after-school programmes available to the students are fantastic as well. Matilda participates in both ballet and speech and drama. With a focus on learning through play, we felt that Arts Kidz was the teaching environment that we’d want our children to start out with. If it’s something that parents are considering or even just curious about, we encourage them to schedule a tour or attend an open house.

Matilda feels safe and loved by her teachers

10 Raeburn Park, Block C #02-33 artskidz.com.sg

1

P R E S C H OO L M I N I G U I D E 2 0 2 0

International School Australian

Parents: Cheri and Tobi Manners, Australian and New Zealander Children: Finn (5) and Harvey (3)

Harvey is currently attending preschool at AIS and has been since last year. Finn attended preschool last year before moving up to Prep. Upon learning of our pending relocation to Singapore, I (Cheri) started to do some research on international schools. I googled a lot, watched international school videos and then toured a few schools. AIS stood out, firstly because it felt like “home” and felt right. Also, when we were touring the school, my husband and I had an “Oh my!” moment. The facilities were astounding. Once we enrolled the boys and they started attending the school, the “wow” moments kept coming. The teachers also made them both feel welcomed and comfortable, which helped to ease my mind. We receive weekly updates on what the children have been up to in class, along with photos and videos. Sometimes, there’s an update about the whole class; at other times, it’s a personalised message about your child. The attention they give our boys is really appreciated. The kids are exposed to a wonderful curriculum that stimulates their learning and they’re also encouraged to have free play and express themselves. I think that balance is important. I would definitely recommend the preschool to other families. The kids are given so many opportunities to do amazing things in their classes. Harvey has come home and told me all about baking, swimming lessons and PE classes with such pride. He can even sing a song in Chinese, courtesy of his weekly language class, which I think is incredible.

Once the boys started attending the school, the ‘wow’ moments kept coming!

1 Lorong Chuan 6653 2956 | ais.com.sg

2

P R E S C H OO L M I N I G U I D E 2 0 2 0

Blue House International Preschool

Parents: Eugene and Eileen Toh, Singaporean Children: Edison (4), Elon (2) and Elias (3 months)

Edison has been attending Blue House since he was one and a half. He also attended the playgroup for six months from age one. Elon has been attending since the end of last year and we’ll also be sending Elias there when he turns one and a half. We did some research on preschools and Blue House came up strongly on our list because of its play-based approach towards learning, and the outdoor environment. We registered Edison immediately after visiting the school because we knew this would be a perfect fit for him. Blue House adopts the Reggio Emilio approach, which aligns with our philosophy in early childhood education. Children are the centre of focus, so the lessons are planned according to their interests. The school has a very nice outdoor environment and I love seeing my children doing water play and sand play. Blue House children typically start their day with close to an hour of outdoor play before moving indoors. The teachers are warm, genuine and caring, and responsive towards parents. They never fail to clear our doubts, especially when we want to find out how our kids are doing in class. Edison initially didn’t like sand, but the teachers were able to help him overcome that and sent us lovely videos and photos to show his achievement. Blue House also places an emphasis on the community. Edison loves Uncle Raj who ushers the cars in the morning. We’ve also created new and close friendships with some of the parents.

Children are the centre of focus, with lessons planned according to their interests

2 Turf Club Road 6734 0824 | bluehouseinternational.com

3

P R E S C H OO L M I N I G U I D E 2 0 2 0

Canadian International School

Maxence started preschool at CIS in September 2019 in Junior Kindergarten. During our relocation to Singapore, we wanted to take the opportunity to learn different languages. We decided to enrol our kids in CIS not only for the programme it offered but because it allows children to learn, play, discover, share and nurture their curiosity. The school has fully met our expectations and in just a couple of months we can already see amazing progress in our children’s maturity and independence. Our first positive experience was in the first week. We knew that we’d found the right school just by hearing the comments of our kids: “Mum, I love my new school!” We like the philosophy of the programme and the play-based experience. We’re convinced that the programme is the best way to let children learn languages. They have Chinese classes daily and in preschool get to learn Chinese songs and games. Maxence has also developed a strong affinity with the Chinese language. Both boys enjoy playing with their friends and have been able to learn quickly. We’ll definitely recommend the preschool to other families. It’s a place that helps to develop many skills and builds a strong foundation for education. We can see a high level of care from the teachers and a close community among the parents, who organise celebrations and birthdays across the year. It’s great that we get to participate in the life of the school. Parent: Alexandra Hot, French Children: Edouard (7) and Maxence (4)

In just the first week, we knew we’d found the right school

• Tanjong Katong Campus, 371 Tanjong Katong Road • Lakeside Campus, 7 Jurong West Street 41 cis.edu.sg

4

P R E S C H OO L M I N I G U I D E 2 0 2 0

Parents: Meet and Jyotdeep Bhatia, Indian Children: Dhyanaa (5) and Kianveer (3)

GEMS World Academy (Singapore)

They don’t want to miss a single day of school, which says a lot about the teachers

with things to share at this age. They don’t want to miss a single day of school and this says a lot about the teachers and the school. The IB curriculum really helps them think outside the box. They’re able to pick up topics and units and implement them in their lives. I’m also seeing the children’s personalities shaping up in a very positive way and I can’t thank their teachers enough for that. Another thing that I really like about the school is their language and culture week. The teachers and their teaching partners are very warm and friendly. The class sizes are small so the children get a lot of personal attention and the school takes parent feedback sportingly. The school also has amazing facilities, including a learners’ pool for little ones.

Dhyanaa joined GEMS (Singapore) in 2018 and Kianveer has been attending the Little GEMS Nursery programme for one year. We came across many IB schools when we did a search online. When this one popped up, we immediately knew that we had to visit it, as Jyotdeep had studied at a GEMS school for five years while in Dubai. Once we visited, we immediately fell in love with it. The one thing that drew us most to the school was the diversity of the students, which is an amazing representation of the culture of Singapore too. The school provides a great opportunity to interact with different people and to be more sensitive towards them. Both children are thoroughly enjoying school. For us as parents, it’s important and satisfying to see the children come home happy, full of energy and

2 Yishun Street 42 | 6808 7300 | gwa.edu.sg

5

P R E S C H OO L M I N I G U I D E 2 0 2 0

GESS

Cataleya has been attending GESS since January 2019. We first learned about the school after visiting an international fair. After speaking to the admissions staff and subsequently visiting the campus, we were very impressed with the people, facilities and tuition costs compared to other options in Singapore. Our decision to enrol Cataleya became obvious after she participated in a trial class in German. She loved the experience. She acquired the new language within a year – she understands her teachers’ instructions and can respond in full sentences. Our desire for Cataleya’s early development is to expose her to people, activities and experiences that will allow her to become curious, kind and confident. And the GESS environment supports this. We feel fortunate for having the teachers at GESS, Cataleya’s wonderful classmates and the thoughtful parent community. Everyone is supportive and caring. Perhaps the best example is when the kids are rock climbing in the gym. It’s a cute and touching sight to see all the kids physically supporting and verbally encouraging everyone to learn how to climb higher and higher! The preschool area has amazing structures, rope courses, swings, a sand-pit and football pitch. We’ve observed that the kids are trusted to freely explore the space without grown-ups. We feel that the kids are actually safer and become spatially aware as a result of being empowered and trusted to use their senses to navigate the space. Overall, Cataleya’s time at GESS has been incredibly positive. Not only is she demonstrating the traits we hope to see, we also witness a wonderful level of independence and accountability highlighted by her frequent use of “I can do it myself” across many situations. GESS also has an enabling and supporting environment that encourages kids to explore their own interests, something that we passionately believe in too. We’re excited to see how she continues to develop with the school’s support, regardless of what path she chooses as she grows older.

Parents: Tony Estrella and Melissa Chan, Mexican/American and Malaysian Child: Cataleya (5)

Everyone is supportive and caring

2 Dairy Farm Lane 6469 1131 | gess.sg

6

P R E S C H OO L M I N I G U I D E 2 0 2 0

House on the Hill

It’s a small school that helps kids feel welcome quickly

Max has been attending House on the Hill for over two years while Oliver attended for almost four years. After researching and visiting various schools, we chose the preschool for a number of reasons: location, curriculum (following the Montessori approach), experienced and caring staff, cleanliness and the importance they place on nutrition (balanced meals are prepared fresh daily). The team at House on the Hill have been nothing but outstanding, providing a high level of care for our sons. It’s also a small school that helps kids feel welcome quickly. Our eldest Oliver was immediately drawn to his teachers. To this day, he remembers them fondly. He had a lot of fun every day and learnt so much during his time there. It was great to see his love of books blossom once he started to read and write, and the mathematics skills he learnt helped him tremendously when he started Primary 1 at the international school he’s attending now. Max still attends the preschool and has had some of the same teachers. He enjoys his time at school, and is desperate to catch up with his brother in the reading department! His Mandarin teachers are also always praising him for his involvement in their lessons, which are fun and interactive. The school also offers optional classes, such as English speech and drama, extra Mandarin, sports, science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) for preschoolers and even optional languages such as Japanese. We enjoy taking part in activities, mainly reading sessions where parents are invited to read books, in their native language if they wish.

Parents: Paola Barcacel and Jens Toepfer, Dominican and German Children: Oliver (6) and Max (4)

Three locations islandwide houseonthehill.com.sg

7

P R E S C H OO L M I N I G U I D E 2 0 2 0

International Community School

The school is relatively small and everyone knows everyone

Parents: Valerie Terekhova and Kos Terekhov, Ukrainian Children: Diana (9), Ros (5) and Taras (2)

We’ve been living in Singapore for six years. Diana’s classmate parents from childcare told us about ICS, so we signed up for a school visit and we liked what we saw. Diana joined the school four years ago and Ros started last year from K4. We like the teachers and all of the staff. The school is relatively small and everyone knows everyone. We also like the way that the teachers teach our kids. The children have enough time to be outdoors and take part in sports activities. They also have PE every other day, which we like. We also love that the school is a Christian one and they also maintain good discipline among the children. In fact, we like everything about preschool at ICS. We can see how passionate the teachers are. Our son Ros started attending school with very little knowledge of reading and mathematics, and now he’s able to read independently and solve simple maths problems. For us, it’s also important that all of the teachers are native English speakers so that our kids learn English well. The kids also get to go outdoors during recess time and it’s great that the K4 kids still get time to nap at school so they can recharge their batteries during the day.

27A Jubilee Road 6776 7435 | ics.edu.sg

8

P R E S C H OO L M I N I G U I D E 2 0 2 0

International French School (Singapore) (IFS)

Parents: Erica Marcellan and Lorenzo Zanirato, Italian Children: Indigo (6) and Gregorio (7 months)

Indigo has been attending IFS since January 2018, when she entered Kindergarten. She’s currently following the bilingual French- English stream in Primary 1. Being at the school has been great so far. Indigo started without knowing a single word of French as she came from a local childcare centre. We had a very smooth transition.

We were looking around for a school that’s more aligned to what we grew up with back in Italy, while making the most of being in a foreign environment. We weren’t keen on the British system or an Italian school as we weren’t expecting to go back to Italy any time soon. We wanted to take full advantage of living in a multicultural environment. We had the chance to go to one of the school’s open houses in October 2017 and were impressed by the facilities, campus, curriculum, teachers, principal and IFS’s huge network with other schools worldwide. So, we decided to enrol Indigo and we haven’t looked back. We also appreciate that the school is not-for-profit and that the fees are quite competitive. We like the events organised by the school, particularly the Fête de l’école (school fair) and the Walkathon. The school is also opening up to other nationalities, which is good in our opinion. We constantly meet parents from all around the world. The foreign language offerings are also growing; Italian, for example, was recently introduced as an extracurricular activity.

We constantly meet parents from all around the world

3000 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3 6805 0000 | ifs.edu.sg

9

P R E S C H OO L M I N I G U I D E 2 0 2 0

Marlborough CollegeMalaysia

We moved back to Malaysia in June last year having lived in Australia for 15 years. Isabella has been attending Nursery at Marlborough College Malaysia (MCM) since September last year. I (Susan) got to know the school through word-of-mouth, and social media and research online. We want the best for our daughter and for her to blossom into a fine Our experience has been extremely delightful and impressive from the start, from the open house and meet- up with the Headmaster to enrolment and assessment. The Admission team were very helpful and prompt with our queries while we were still in Australia. The whole process of transitioning into the school was seamless and trouble-free. What further impresses us is the dynamic of the teachers, including Isabella’s form teacher Mrs Lennard and her team. They genuinely care for the wellbeing of the little ones and you can have the assurance that your child is well looked after. This is coupled by the wide selection of curriculumoptions (phonics, literacy, numeracy, design and construction, science and arts) as well as physical activities (ballet, garden play and PE lessons). Not forgetting the nutritious meals carefully prepared by the kitchen team. The school ticked all the boxes for us. You can rest assured that your child is in a nurturing and safe environment. We as parents couldn’t be happier knowing that this is the best decision we’ve made for our child. Seeing is believing, so come to the open house, go on a school tour and, most importantly, see all the happy faces of the children. Jalan Marlborough, 79200 Iskandar Puteri, Johor marlboroughcollege.my young lady. We hope that she’ll be able to learn through play rather than just a focus on academics.

Parents: Susan Hii and Darren Tan, Malaysian and Singaporean Child: Isabella (4)

They genuinely care for the wellbeing of the little ones

10

P R E S C H OO L M I N I G U I D E 2 0 2 0

MindChamps

PreSchool

We’ve been living in Singapore since 2012. Liam joined MindChamps PG class in March 2019, and he’s now in Nursery 1. I (Cindy) took my time to search and decide which preschool would be suitable for Liam when he was just 18 months. I found out about MindChamps, learnt about their history and what they focus on. I also read testimonials from other parents on social media. From there, I decided that it would be the right place for Liam, and I do not regret the decision. First of all, I had a good feeling when I first came to the school. The curriculum they use is suitable for Liam’s age and I love how they apply the S.M.I.L.E.S. approach, which stands for sensory, motor, intellectual, linguistic, and emotional and social. It’s not easy to keep children of this age excited! There’s a good combination of fun activities and learning, including songs, gym, dance, Chinese language, storytelling as well as the teaching of patience, calmness, how to socialise, sharing between friends and being disciplined in class. Bringing them together, it’s perfect for Liam. There are also excursions to parks, markets, aquariums and other places, which I think are good for children’s outdoor exploration and added fun. The teachers are very caring but also firm. They take their time at the end of each day to briefly share with us how our child’s behaviour has been. I appreciate it very much. There are many good teachers – I appreciate Liam’s teacher Miss Eunice Chan, plus Wu Lao Shi, Fan Lao Shi, He Lao Shi and others who’ve been involved in Liam’s education. Parents: Cindy Bernadette and Anthony Hernandez, Italian/Chinese and Spanish/French Child: Liam (2)

It’s not easy to keep children of this age excited!

39 locations islandwide 8233 4400 | mindchamps.org

11

P R E S C H OO L M I N I G U I D E 2 0 2 0

Mosaic Kindergarten

Our son speaks of his kindergarten years very fondly

We’ve been living in Singapore since May 2017 and our son Makar has attended Mosaic Kindergarten since June of that year. He’s now in Primary 1 at a local school. We found the kindergarten by accident when we moved to the condo next to King Albert MRT. It was a convenient location for us. When we moved to Singapore, Makar had no knowledge of English or Chinese language. He was reluctant to go to kindergarten since he’s never been to one due to our extensive travels. The teachers at Mosaic found out that he liked one specific quest game so they printed out the characters from the game and introduced him to the new languages through familiar heroes. The patience and empathy of the teachers was amazing. It took around only three months for Makar to start speaking the languages. We really like that the kids have various play zones in the kindergarten. The curriculum at Mosaic is also very engaging. We were surprised by the experiments, fun facts and artistic experiences that the kids get up to every day. The school takes an individual approach for each child and the teaching methods are modern and fun. As Makar started Primary 1 this year, we can see how comfortable he feels there with his set of skills from Mosaic Kindergarten. He recognises the tonal differences in Chinese, reads and understands pinyin , and can engage in a simple conversation in Chinese. Team Mosaic is still a part of our life. We keep in touch with the teachers and our son speaks of his kindergarten years very fondly.

Parents: Maria Pak and Dmitry Demeshkin, Russian Child: Makar (7)

896 Dunearn Road, #01-01B 6909 0470 | mkg.sg/mkg

12

P R E S C H OO L M I N I G U I D E 2 0 2 0

International School Nexus

Parents: Taichi and Hiromi Kurmochi, Japanese Children: Kai (10), Fuka (8), Seika (3)

Seika has been attending Nexus since April 2019. We knew the preschool as our older children, Kai and Fuka, attend the primary school. Our whole family loves the excellent education system and atmosphere of Nexus! All the teachers are very kind and supportive. Seika wasn’t able to speak English when she first joined, but she has significantly improved due to the excellent support from her teachers. The preschool encourages learners to show their creativity and interests through drawing, painting, music, sports, clay and paper crafts. One of the activities that Seika loves is painting, which she can do anytime at school. The teachers’ first priority is the students. They create various activities based on the children’s interests and ideas, and encourage them to make their own choices and learn proactively. The school is also an excellent place for Seika to play with children from different countries and learn about other cultures. It was also very fun for us to attend the Sneak Peak of the new school last November for parents and the Christmas party where the children sang a song using handmade musical instruments. We also made Christmas cards, decorated cookies and made Christmas decorations together. The best thing is that Seika enjoys school life and loves all her teachers and friends. She tells us stories about her experiences at school, showing that she really enjoys Nexus!

The teachers’ first priority is the students

1 Aljunied Walk 6536 6566 | nexus.edu.sg

13

P R E S C H OO L M I N I G U I D E 2 0 2 0

One World International School

Parents: Jenna Hoffman and Alan Wood, Scottish Children: Jake (10), Dex (6) and Harper (4)

Alan has worked here on and off for 14 years and our family made the permanent move six years ago. All our children currently attend OWIS: Jake is in Grade 5, Dex in Early Childhood 3 and Harper Early Childhood 2. This is our second international school for the children – they’ve been going to OWIS since August 2019. After communicating with the staff and touring the campus a couple of times, we felt it was the right place for our family. Alongside an impressive curriculum, there were many things that stood out at OWIS. The school’s focus on kindness and open- mindedness is evident from the minute you enter the grounds. From the staff to students and parents, there’s a community spirit and a close-knit atmosphere. We also feel that the communication between the teachers and the parents is second to none, and I truly believe that each of my children is treated as an individual, with their needs being considered and identified. The children quickly bonded with their teachers and teaching assistants and it’s evident that they feel comfortable and safe in the OWIS environment. Besides academics, there’s also a focus on global issues and concerns. This is important for the children – it gives them a well-balanced and well-rounded learning experience. The best advocates are the children. Hearing happiness and excitement in their voices after each school day has provided great comfort and a reassurance that the move to OWIS was the right one. For all of these reasons, we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to anyone else.

Hearing happiness and excitement in their voices after each day is great comfort

21 Jurong West Street 81 6914 6700 | owis.org

14

P R E S C H OO L M I N I G U I D E 2 0 2 0

Overseas Family School

Parents: Avaly Chan and Peter Lam, Portuguese Children: Nicolas (17), Peony (16), Chinny (5) and Hayley (3)

Our children are all attending Overseas Family School. The experience at school feels like a family. The school campus itself is large, giving the children more space to have fun. There are lots of facilities, including an Olympic-sized swimming pool, gym, music rooms, black box theatre, basketball courts and football fields. The teachers are friendly and caring towards the students, always trying to understand how they feel, helping them achieve their goals, and offering them a happy and positive learning experience. Plus, the children are in good hands as the nurses at the school’s Health Centre are very supportive. My younger children in kindergarten constantly interact with teachers and classmates. They enjoy the many activities like field trips and baking classes. The kindergarten curriculum also really supports their development, allowing them to become confident and happy children as they learn. My highlight as a parent is being able to be a part of the community; I’m able to join field trips, help in events and meet other parents during coffee mornings held by the school’s Parent Association. Also, OFS has kindergarten, elementary school, middle school and high school all in one campus. So if you have children across different ages, you won’t have to worry about separating them as they graduate and move on. I definitely recommend the school; it’s extremely student-oriented and always keeps students’ health and happiness inmind.

The teachers are friendly and caring, always trying to understand how the children are feeling

81 Pasir Ris Heights 6738 0211 | ofs.edu.sg

15

P R E S C H OO L M I N I G U I D E 2 0 2 0

Rain Trees International Kindergarten

Parents: Jo and Stefan Friedhoff, British Children: Magnus (5) and Rosa (2)

Both Magnus and Rosa joined Rain Trees when we returned to Singapore in April last year. Rosa is currently in the Fireflies Class with Ms Alba, attending five mornings a week and staying for the optional lunch sessions twice a week. Magnus, who just finished the Busy Bees Class with Ms Gail, has moved on to an international school. The school has been a brilliant start to their school life. Many of our friends gave the school rave reviews. I (Jo) made a quick recce visit to Singapore before we moved, to tour preschools and international schools. Rain Trees felt the most aligned to the preschool Magnus was attending in the UK. What stood out was the homely feel and nurturing environment, with small classes where children are given lots of individual attention. This was a priority for us given our children’s ages. Rain Trees offers a balance of play-based and academic activities, following the best parts of the British Curriculum. And it’s also a very creative preschool – our home is overflowing with arts and crafts that Magnus and Rosa have brought home and the classrooms are filled with their creations. The highlight of the week for Rosa is Splash Time where she and her friends play in the paddling pools, slides, hoses and water toys in the garden. The standard of teaching is amazing. It has been magical watching Magnus start to read and write thanks to Ms Gail’s fantastic teaching. NowMagnus reads us his bedtime story! The communication between teachers and parents is also excellent. There is flexibility on days, lunch sessions and afternoon sessions and they even offer additional Mandarin and Spanish. There’s also a bus service and informal parent and toddler groups.

What stood out was the homely feel and nurturing environment

60 Kheam Hock Road 6474 6181 | raintreeskindergarten.com

16

P R E S C H OO L M I N I G U I D E 2 0 2 0

Repton Schoolh use Singapore Parents: Simone and Tom Brend, British Children: Olivia (3) and William (1.5)

We learnt about Repton Schoolhouse Singapore from a friend and enrolled Olivia last October, and will be sending William there in April. What stands out for us is the focus that the school places on each child. We were initially concerned about Olivia settling into a new school. Teachers took note and Olivia was able to visit Repton multiple times before starting, making settling in a breeze. On her first day, she hugged and waved goodbye to Tom and ran straight into her classroom without turning back – she still does it to this day! It’s a real testament of how her teachers make her feel so comfortable. The school has become Olivia’s second home and she regularly asks during the weekend about when she can go back. We love how the school incorporates

plenty of outdoor activities, making the most of its green setting. Also, the teachers at Repton encourage the children to express themselves and set their own pace for learning. There is more flexibility and the children have the opportunity to explore their way through the curriculum. We think that this freedom is a big reason why Olivia loves it so much – she really is in her element at the school! Both the virtues programme and the blend of British and local curriculum have impressed us and played a big part in our decision to enrol William. It’s rare to find a school that has great facilities, an enviable environment, and an excellent curriculum and teachers. You’ll normally end up compromising on one of these but that’s not the case at Repton. The fact that Olivia runs into school happy and laughing every day speaks volumes!

The school has become Olivia’s second home!

• #03-11 Alexandra Central Mall, 321 Alexandra Road | 6252 3024 • 70 Bukit Tinggi Road | 6573 8441 repton.com.sg

17

P R E S C H OO L M I N I G U I D E 2 0 2 0

St. Joseph’s Institution International

Parents: Constance and Pierre Paul Jacquet, French Children: Petronille (9), Apolline (7) and Leopold (4)

We’ve been in Singapore for nine years and all our children are attending SJII. Our eldest started back in January 2015. We learnt about the school from other parents; they were very positive about the school, both for its international curriculum as well as the pastoral care. We didn’t visit many schools as we were really enthusiastic after our visit at SJII. For us, it was the perfect mix between a strong focus on academics as well as values, plus an international mindset with kids from all around the world. Being a Catholic school was definitely a plus for our family, with the possibility to have Catechism classes. We also appreciate the smaller size of the school, which creates a family-friendly environment. With only three to four classes per grade, the kids know everyone in their grade level and beyond. It creates a very nurturing environment for them. They also have many opportunities to meet the other students during school trips, sports days and different types of activities on campus during House competitions. We absolutely recommend SJII to others, in particular for the Virtues Project, which is core to the school. We see our kids grow with these virtues every day and it definitely helps them build their character. Also, we appreciate the balance between pursuing academic excellence and allowing them to enjoy their childhood. The school supports each student’s needs. The sports and extracurricular choices are also extremely broad – our kids even complain that they can’t do more of the available activities, but instead have to choose between the swim team, football team, gymnastics and tennis and more!

We appreciate the balance between pursuing academic excellence and allowing them to enjoy their childhood

490 Thomson Road 6353 9383 | sji-international.com.sg

18

P R E S C H OO L M I N I G U I D E 2 0 2 0

Shaws PreSchool

The teachers know the kids’ strengths and weaknesses

Axel has been in for Shaws just over two years, while Lauren was there for two years and Carly for five. We found the school when searching on the internet for preschools that had the philosophy of learning through play and making learning interesting and fun. The teachers know the kids’ strengths and weaknesses and teach each child differently. They prepare the children for primary school and how it will be very different than being in kindergarten. Besides standard mathematics and English, the children also learn different things through modules, like recycling and the life cycle of a butterfly. They learn independence as well. There are water play, messy play, and sports coaching days as standard, plus extra options for the older kids to do Water Confidence and Chinese Drama. There are also regular Chinese classes. The school offers plenty of opportunities for parents to see their children perform. We recently had the K2 students from all branches perform lion and dragon dances and some Chinese songs. The school also hosts Grandparents’ Day, when the children perform a song for their grandparents. The school has such a good environment for the kids. They’re very well taken care of and we feel that they are helped individually on their learning journeys. You can also see how good the school is by how many families send three or four of their children there. We still see mums and dads whose kids were in school at the same time as Carly or Lauren, bringing their younger child to school. The teachers and management staff are great and we still see the teachers of our older children. Both girls also like to visit when we pick up Axel. They want to say hi and update their old teachers about what they’re up to now. Parents: Jamey Weingaertner and Davina Yeo, American and Singaporean Children: Carly (12), Lauren (9) and Axel (5)

Six locations island-wide shaws.com.sg

19

P R E S C H OO L M I N I G U I D E 2 0 2 0

Singapore American School

Our younger daughter Vedanshi has been in preschool for six months now. Our son joined the school in Grade 3. After reading tonnes of reviews online, talking to friends in Singapore and finding out about the experiences of existing SAS parents, we shortlisted this preschool. The inquiry-based, concept- driven curriculum and Reggio Emilia- inspired approach also really caught our attention. The preschool is designed to foster curiosity and exploration among young learners and enable them to follow their interests. Each child’s personality is respected and treated as unique, something that quelled the initial anxieties we had about cross-cultural differences. The school’s approach has enabled Vedanshi to play, wonder and learn what interests her the most. Our experience so far has been exceedingly satisfying, and our preschooler looks forward to attending school every morning. The staff, from the reception to class teachers, are exceptional and provide personalised care and learning. Ms Yukako, Ms Lynsey, and the instructional assistants, just to name a few, have all been exceptional! The emphasis on exploring each child’s interests through inquiry, languages such as Chinese, and motor skill development through “move and groove” has provided a plethora of possibilities for Vedanshi. We were particularly impressed with the school’s seemingly endless resources, including experienced counsellors, an impressive library specially curated for preschoolers, learning hubs and an expansive outdoor field. SAS has been a positive environment where our daughter has been able to share her thoughts and ideas freely and have the confidence to develop her own personality. The diverse cultural backgrounds in the school have enabled her to develop an international outlook, too.

Our daughter has been able to share her thoughts and ideas freely

Parents: Nikhil and Meghna Mehta, Indian Children: Rian (8) and Vedanshi (5)

40 Woodlands Street 41 6363 3403 | sas.edu.sg

20

P R E S C H OO L M I N I G U I D E 2 0 2 0

Sir Manasseh Meyer Parents: Yuval and Rachel Illuz, Israeli Children: Tahel (9), Lavi (7), Nerya (5) and Shaked (2) International School

We came to Singapore a year ago, and all of our kids currently attend a full day at SMMIS. Shaked just started a month ago and she is very happy to join her older siblings there. We heard about the school through the Jewish community. The school’s team helped us throughout the initial process before we even got to Singapore. When we arrived, we arranged a meeting and did a preliminary tour. We were very impressed with the structure of the school and the warm welcome of the staff. We didn’t feel the need to visit other campuses after that. We felt it was home, and we followed our hearts. The school accommodates kids from different countries and encourages diversity, exposing students to different cultures. In addition, a Jewish education is offered, which is very relevant for us. From the moment you enter SMMIS, you can feel a sense of belonging. The school is fully equipped with the latest technology and maintains a high academic level. Everything is accessible and convenient for students. The students also get personal attention regardless of their age. As an Orthodox Jewish family, it was very important for us to emphasise our Jewish culture, and this is something that we’re able to do at the school. Our children attend prayers in the morning, though others may choose mindfulness meditation to start their day. We’ve opted for Hebrew language lessons that ensure that our children maintain their language and culture; but there is also Mandarin and a World Religions curriculum, reflecting the diversity of the school community. In addition, there is a kosher dining room where fresh, tasty and nutritious food is served each day. What is so amazing about the school is that it celebrates your culture, whatever that might be. At the bottom line, you can see it in the kids. If they’re happy and excited, it demonstrates how much they enjoy the school.

From the moment you enter the school, you feel a sense of belonging

3 Jalan Ulu Sembawang 6331 4633 | smmis.edu.sg

21

P R E S C H OO L M I N I G U I D E 2 0 2 0

Stamford American International School

Parents: Jeanette and Todd Andersen, American Children: Holland (6), Andi (4), Jackson (2) and Beckham (3 months)

Andi is currently in Pre-K at Stamford’s Early Learning Village (ELV). This is her first year. Our oldest Holland was there last year in KG1 (preschool age in the US) and is now in KG2. We toured the SAIS campus and were so blown away that we didn’t even bother looking anywhere else. Aside from all that Stamford has to offer, we love how much time is spent learning about other countries and cultures and how it is incorporated into the curriculum. Cultural differences are definitely celebrated in a very positive light at SAIS. We’re in the middle of our second year at the ELV and couldn’t be happier. The campus and amenities are top tier. We love the layout of the classrooms and how they’re designed to integrate playing with learning. Each class has an indoor and outdoor space, which allows for lots of different sensory learning opportunities. There are also several outstanding playgrounds that have water play, musical activities, imaginative skills and old-fashioned play with bikes, sand and slides. Our girls are learning Mandarin and we’ve been so impressed with how much they’ve learnt in such a short amount of time. We are also grateful for how they’re able to work with so many dedicated and specialised educators, including Suzuki violin, art and music CCAs (our oldest is learning piano once a week). The teachers go above and beyond to communicate with parents. We also appreciate howwe can work with themwhen our children have challenges as well as how they cheer our children on when they succeed. We’re impressedwith the quality of teachers andwhat our children are learning at such a young age.

Cultural differences are celebrated in a very positive light

3 Chuan Lane, Gate 4 (Early Learning Village) 6602 7247 | sais.edu.sg

22

P R E S C H OO L M I N I G U I D E 2 0 2 0

Parents: Rachel and Cameron McLean, English and Australian Children: James (10) and Jessica (3) Tanglin Trust School

We’ve lived in Singapore since August 2019 and we heard about the school from a friend in the UK. Tanglin’s range of interesting subjects, teachers and welcoming atmosphere made it our number one choice. James and Jessica both made friends quickly. The talks, activities and clubs for parents also enabled us, as adults, to assimilate into Singapore life painlessly. We felt like we’d lived here for years! The school is professional and experienced in welcoming new families into school and to life in Singapore. The teachers have been terrific at guiding us into the ways of Tanglin, getting to know our children and making sure they feel comfortable and get the most out of school life. The Nursery children love their time at school and dance into the classroom each morning with lots of enthusiasm and excitement to see their friends and teachers. We’re incredibly impressed with Victoria Thomas, Head of Nursery, whose approach inspires children to be curious, imaginative, independent and kind. The Nursery is the first in Asia to achieve the Curiosity Approach Accreditation. They predominantly use natural materials and this adds to the calm, joyful sanctuary that is the classroom. Also, you’ve got to see the Nursery playground that has climbing frames, tricycles to ride around, a mud kitchen, messy play, musical play and lots of space to run around. It’s a child’s paradise! I noticed a big change after just the first term in my daughter and the other children. They became more confident, independent and eloquent, talking to teachers and friends, and telling stories to the class at snack time. Parents are welcome to go into class to read to the children during library time or help supervise the cooking class. It’s a really special time.

The teachers have been terrific at guiding us

95 Portsdown Road 6778 0771 | tts.edu.sg

23

P R E S C H OO L M I N I G U I D E 2 0 2 0

UWC South East Asia

Alexander is currently going to UWCSEA East Campus – he started at K1 and is now in Grade 1. Once Maia turns six, we will enrol her too. When we were looking for a school, we spoke to friends with children at the various international schools. UWC was consistently praised – by the children as a great school and by the parents for its excellent educational standard. We were particularly drawn by the holistic approach to education. We’re both strong believers that, in addition to solid academic credentials, exposure to other elements of life and the care for others are important factors in education. Alexander’s teachers have been exceptional, each one having a huge impact on helping him develop, yet at his own pace and in a fun way. The school adopts a play-based learning approach which fits him perfectly. We’ve seen a great development in Alexander, both academically and socially. One of UWC’s strengths is the many opportunities there are to learn and grow both inside and outside of the classroom. A recent example is when some Grade 1 students (accompanied by a parent) went to Cambodia on a service trip to Kuma Cambodia, a school that provides education, healthcare and nutrition for vulnerable children. The UWC curriculum is all-encompassing and the children are exposed to different aspects every day, from literacy and mathematics to science, music and languages. This year, Alexander is learning Spanish as an extra language

and has the opportunity to study his mother tongue (Dutch) once a week. There’s also a wealth of extracurriculars, from swimming, gymnastics and tennis to robotics, Lego building and chess, and the school’s facilities are top notch and well-maintained.

We’ve seen a great development in Alexander, both academically and socially

Parents: Marjorie Graaven and Scott Graham, Singaporean and Dutch Children: Alexander (6) and Maia (3)

East Campus, 1 Tampines Street 73 | 6305 5344 Dover Campus, 1207 Dover Road | 6775 5344 uwcsea.edu.sg

24