If you are an expat parent planning to move in to Singapore with your kids, then you are probably thinking of the right school to send your children. In the long run, you will realize the amazing benefits of finding the perfect school where your kids can study in Singapore. So, be sure to keep in mind the different features and benefits that each school in this country has to offer.
Why Send Your Children to an International School?
While local schools may give expat children an opportunity to enroll, the slots may be limited and there is a possibly long waiting list that can delay their chances of securing a spot in the school of their choice. Hence, it is not surprising that most expats prefer to study in international schools. These schools provide a chance for foreigners to be a part of the community where they can thrive as they get to know diverse cultures.
Top-Rated International and Local Schools in Singapore
In addition, international schools have a solid reputation of providing a healthy and interesting learning environment for learners. Their main focus is to give international students an opportunity to explore and experience learning that will help them become fully developed as a person over time.
Here are some of the finest international and local schools in Singapore that have received excellent feedback from numerous expats.
1. Canadian International School
The Canadian International School was established in 1990, and since then, it has now expanded to two campuses from kindergarten to 12th Grade. The campuses are found in Lakeside and Tanjong Katong. At Lakeside, there are modern facilities to support students’ learning needs including a performing and fine arts center, auditorium, two-storey library, and game courts and fields. As for the Tanjong Katong campus, there are also cutting-edge facilities in spite of the fact that this venue is noted as a part of the Singapore Heritage Site.
CIS follows a special curriculum such as the Baccalaureate Primary Years Program and the Middle Years Program. Once a student reaches senior year, he or she may proceed to study and obtain the IB diploma or Ontario Secondary School Diploma.
Visit CIS Website: www.cis.edu.sg
2. Integrated International School
The Integrated International School or IIS is the very first boutique school in Singapore that provides support and mainstream approach to learners between 4 and 16 years of age. It also recognizes that students have different learning styles, so teachers are expected to adapt to the learners’ needs and provide them the best environment to learn.
As for the curriculum followed, it is the mainstream and the support approach, which is beneficial to those who have unique and special needs. These approaches are based on the New South Wales curriculum, and students are given the NAPLAN assessments within the school year n compliance with the New South Wales Board of Studies, Teaching and Educational Standards.
Visit IIS Website: www.iis.com.sg
3. EtonHouse International School
This international school is located on Broadrick Road, where both the pre-school and international school are found. Eton House obtained its IB world school status back in 2007, and it continues to become one of the premier international schools in Asia. Part of the curricula include language classes in Japanese, ESL, Mandarin and Hindu. There are also state-of-the-art facilities such as a cafeteria, specialist art, music room, covered games court, multi-purpose hall, library and computer laboratories. As for the student teacher ratio, it is 25:1 for the upper levels and 10:1 for kindergarten.
In this school, the inquire-think-learn curriculum is followed at the pre-school level, and this is adapted from the Reggio Emilia Project, from Northern Italy. This is combined with the IB primary years program. At years 2 up to 6, the IB curriculum is mixed with the literacy and numeracy strategies. There is also a bilingual programme where teachers specializing in the Mandarin and English languages are in the classroom to help learners.
Visit EtonHouse Website: www.etonhouse.com.sg
4. German European School Singapore
The German European School Singapore first started with having 6 pupils in its campus, and it now has thousands of enrolees coming from various parts of the world. There are also two sections in this campus such as the German Section that provide German School certificates for graduates and the European Section (English Medium) offers IB programs from pre-school to high school students.
This multi-lingual and non-profit international school in Singapore gives students an access to either the German School leaving certificate or IB curriculum, depending on the learner’s preferred languages. There are also opportunities for students to obtain holistic education and individual attention, and language support is provided to students who speak Danish or Dutch.
Visit GESS Website: www.gess.sg
5. Anglo-Chinese School Independent
This is a local school in Singapore that is known for its exceptional academic, sporting and cultural excellence over the years. In fact, it has obtained recognition from the Ministry of Education, which is the School of Excellence Award. The school is also a part of the Anglo-Chinese group of schools in Asia.
The ACS(I) provides two different education pathways including the express stream and integrated program. The integrated program is a 6-year course that eventually leads to the IB diploma program.
Visit GESS Website: www.acs.sch.edu.sg
6. Raffles Institution
An independent local high school in Singapore, Raffles Institution was established in 1823. Moreover, it is considered as one of the most renowned high schools in the country. There have been quite a number of parliamentarians and national leaders who have studied in this school, which makes it even more popular. Among its renowned alumni include Senior Minister Mr. Goh Chok Tong and Minister Mentor Mr. Lee Kuan Yew, just to name some.
The Raffles Program or RP is offered in the school, and the same holds true with the Raffles Junior College and Raffles Girls’ Secondary School. This institution has also received the School Excellence Award from the Ministry of Education.
Visit RI Website: www.ri.edu.sg
Summary
So, whether you prefer to bring your child to a local or international school in Singapore, you will realize how enriching and rewarding it is for learners to become a part of the country’s educational system. Hence, be sure to select the right school for your child by taking into account his or her skills and interests. By doing so, you can expect your child to have a meaningful and positive experience during years of study in Singapore.
