A Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the Best International Primary School in Singapore
Blog | Holland International School | 30 April 2024 | Written by Marketing
Choosing the best international primary school for your child in Singapore can be a great undertaking. As a parent, we know you want what is best for your child, for them to thrive and do well both academically and emotionally. The choice of international schools in Singapore is enormous and all schools provide excellent facilities, teachers, extra-curricular programs and learning programs.
In this comprehensive guide you will find helpful tips & tricks, important things to consider when choosing an international preschool or primary school, questions to ask during a school visit and frequently asked questions from other parents.
Jump straight to Choosing the right preschool for your child, if you want to learn more about what to look for when choosing a preschool.
What to consider when looking for an international primary school
The range of international schools in Singapore is huge. There are big schools, small schools, schools that have a strong focus on sports, schools with a more religious nature, and schools that cater to academic excellence and early leadership programmes. In any case, a structured approach will help in making a better decision. Here are the most important things to consider when visiting and selecting the best international primary school in Singapore.
1. Research and gather information
Start by researching the primary schools in your area. Google international school near me or search for a list of international schools in singapore. You can also make use of available resources such as Sassy Mama’s list of affordable international schools in Singapore to get your search started.
Once you have your list, look into the curriculum, teaching methods, extracurricular activities, facilities, and school reputation. You can gather information from school websites, reviews, recommendations from other parents and through school visits.
Questions to ask yourself:
· What teaching methods & curricula are you already familiar with?
· Which extracurricular activities do you want your child to participate in?
· How important are facilities? Do you prefer a bigger or smaller school?
Question to ask the school:
· Which curriculum is taught?
· Which extracurricular activities does the school provide?
· How long has the school been in operation, and what is its reputation within the community?
2. Consider your child's needs
Every child is unique, so consider your child's personality, interests, learning style, and any special needs they may have. Choose a school that can cater to their individual needs and provide a supportive learning environment.
Questions to ask yourself:
· In what sort of environment does my child thrive?
· What kind of support does my child need when learning something new?
Questions to ask the school:
· How does the school support students' social-emotional development?
· How are students’ progress assessed and communicated to parents?
3. Visit the schools
Schedule visits to the shortlisted schools to get a feel for the campus, meet the teachers and staff, and observe classroom dynamics. Pay attention to the school's atmosphere, cleanliness, safety measures, and interactions between teachers and students.
Questions to ask the school:
· What is the student-teacher ratio?
· How long do teachers generally work at this school?
· What safety and health measures do you take on a daily basis?
4. Evaluate academic programs
Look into the academic programs offered by each school. Consider factors such as the curriculum content, teaching methodologies, class sizes, academic performance of students, and availability of enrichment programs or advanced classes if your child needs them.
Find an overview of the Most commonly taught curricula and teaching methods in Singapore here. If you are quite familiar already, look for lists online such as:
· List of approved ipc school Singapore
· IPC list of Singapore
· Best ib schools in Singapore
· Schools that offer IB in Singapore
5. Check the extra-curricular activities offering
Besides academics, extracurricular activities play a crucial role in a child's holistic development. Check if the school offers a variety of extracurricular activities such as sports, arts, music, drama, clubs, and community service opportunities.
Questions to ask yourself:
· What kind of extracurricular activities do I want my child to participate in?
· How many activities do I want my child to participate in per week?
· If certain activities are not available, what are my alternatives?
6. Consider location and logistics
Take into account the school's location in relation to your home or workplace. Consider factors such as transportation options, commute time, school hours, after-school care facilities, and the convenience of drop-off and pick-up arrangements.
Questions to ask yourself:
· In which areas are most schools located?
· Am I willing to move to a different area to be closer to school?
· How will I arrange my schedule around drop off and pick up times?
Questions to ask the school:
· Does the school provide transportation?
· What are the pick up & drop off times & locations for my area?
· From what age can my child take the bus?
7. Talk to other parents and students
Reach out to parents whose children attend the schools you're considering. Ask about their experiences, satisfaction levels, challenges, and any advice they may have. If you do not know any parents at the school yet, ask the school whether you can talk to a parent during a school visit.
Questions to ask other parents:
· How satisfied are you with your child’s school?
· What do you like and dislike?
· What advice can you give for making a decision?
Questions to ask the school:
· What does the onboarding process for children look like?
· What does the onboarding process for parents look like?
· What opportunities exist for parent involvement in school activities?
8. Check school policies and values
Review the school's policies on discipline, bullying prevention, communication with parents, homework expectations and parent involvement opportunities. Ensure that the school's values align with your family's values and priorities.
Questions to ask the school:
· What are the school's core values and guiding principles?
· What are the school's policies regarding attendance, discipline, homework, and academic expectations?
9. Attend open houses and orientation sessions
Take advantage of open houses, orientation sessions and parent-teacher meetings to gather more information, ask questions and interact with school staff, administrators and other parents.
Questions to ask the school:
· What is the admissions process, including deadlines, requirements, and fees?
· Are there any specific admission criteria or assessments?
· Can we tour the classrooms, libraries, laboratories, and other facilities?
10. Trust your instincts
Ultimately, trust your instincts and intuition when making the final decision. Consider all the factors, weigh the pros and cons of each school and choose the one that you believe will provide the best educational experience and support for your child's growth and development.
About Holland International School
With over 100 years of experience, Holland International School offers excellent education for children aged 1.5 to 12 years old. Inspired by the International Primary Curriculum (IPC), we offer both a Dutch and English Stream to ensure children can look forward to a rich and engaging learning environment. Our holistic approach to learning empowers children to become the best versions of themselves through ownership, collaboration and critical thinking. Small by design, we make sure that each child is given a voice and receives the individual support it needs. Ultimately, our highly engaged and competent staff is committed to fostering learners that are happy, confident, and competent - ready to succeed in life.
Book A Tour here
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+65 6466 0662
65 Bukit Tinggi Road, 289757 Singapore
www.hollandinternationalschool.sg
Most commonly taught curricula in Singapore
IPC: The International Primary Curriculum is primarily focused on preschool and primary education, mixing subjects such as Science, History, Geography, Art, Music, and international learning goals. IPC is usually combined with the school’s national curriculum of choice that covers subjects such as Language & Mathematics.
IB: The International Baccalaureate program includes primary, middle, and high school levels. It emphasizes a comprehensive and holistic approach to education, with a focus on developing students' intellectual, emotional, personal, and social skills.
Montessori: The Montessori approach is based on the belief that children are naturally curious, self-directed learners who can learn best in an environment that fosters independence, freedom within limits, and respect for their individual developmental needs.
Reggio Emilia: The Reggio Emilia approach is an educational philosophy and approach to early childhood education that originated in the town of Reggio Emilia, Italy, after World War II. It was developed by educator Loris Malaguzzi and the community of parents, teachers, and children in Reggio Emilia.
FAQ: Choosing the right preschool for your child
What do parents look for in a preschool?
In general, parents look for preschools that prioritize safety, cleanliness, and qualified staff who are caring and nurturing toward children. They consider the curriculum, class size, and learning environment, aiming for programs that support social, emotional, and academic development. Nutritious meal options, opportunities for parental involvement, and a positive reputation within the community also influence their decision. Overall, parents seek a preschool that offers a well-rounded educational experience while meeting their family's practical needs.
What is preschool curriculum?
A preschool curriculum refers to the structured plan and set of educational activities designed to promote the development and learning of young children typically between the ages of 1.5 to 6 years old. Preschool curricula are tailored to support various areas of a child's growth, including cognitive, social, emotional, physical, and language development. The four most commonly taught preschool and primary curricula in Singapore are explained here.
Which preschool curriculum is best?
There isn't a one-size-fits-all answer to which preschool curriculum is the best, as different curricula suit different children based on their developmental needs, learning styles, and interests. Ultimately, the "best" preschool curriculum depends on factors such as a child's learning style, developmental needs, and the values and goals of the family. Parents should research different curricula, visit preschools, and consider their child's individual strengths and interests when making a decision.
Is 2 too early for preschool?
The short answer is no! In Singapore, children can typically start preschool at around 18 months to 2 years of age, although the exact age can vary depending on the specific preschool program and the child's readiness. The preschool system in Singapore includes various types of early childhood education and care options, including infant care (for children aged 2 months to 18 months), playgroups, nursery programs, and kindergarten programs.
When to apply for preschool?
Ideally, parents should start researching preschool options and planning for their child's preschool education at least 6 to 12 months before they intend for their child to start preschool. This allows ample time to explore different preschools, attend open houses or tours, and gather information about admission requirements and deadlines.