Planning to send your child to an international preschool in Singapore? We're here to share some information that might answer your questions and concerns about these schools!

Although preschool education isn't mandatory in Singapore, most parents still choose to send their little ones to local or international preschools to help them build an early foundation for learning.

Both options provide quality, world-class education to children, but each type of preschool offers a different learning experience for their students.

Continue reading below to learn more about international preschools in Singapore!

What is an international preschool?

 International preschools in Singapore are early childhood education centres that follow an international curriculum, syllabus, and teaching methodologies, borrowing from countries in Europe, the USA, Australia, Canada, or the United Kingdom.

Meanwhile, local preschools follow the curriculum provided by the Ministry of Education in Singapore.

Some of the most common pedagogies used by international preschools in Singapore include Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Multiple Intelligences, Waldorf, and Whole Brain Approach, among others.

In the past, these preschools were more popular with expats and parents with international backgrounds, but a growing number of local parents are choosing them over local preschools for their unique curriculum and cultural diversity.

Local vs international preschools

 As a parent, it's important to know the differences between local and international preschools in Singapore before deciding which type to enrol your child in.

Take a look at the key differences between these preschools and see the potential advantages of sending your child to an international one.

LOCAL PRESCHOOLS

INTERNATIONAL PRESCHOOLS

FEES

Due to the funding from the government, these preschools are generally more affordable and accessible to families in Singapore.

Even if your families qualify for the basic subsidy, you will still shell out more money for international preschools than you would for local ones.

CURRICULUM

Many local preschools are focused on building students' academic rigour and excellence and preparing them for Singapore's competitive education system.

Most international preschools follow a unique curriculum that centres on  holistic character development through a play-based approach.

STUDENT POPULATION

An average family in Singapore would send their child to a local preschool where the student population is mainly Singaporeans.

International preschools are open to both Singaporeans and foreign students, so their student population is more culturally diverse.

CLASS SIZE

Due to their accessibility, local preschools have a larger population of students, which means larger class sizes.

Due to the hefty fees, international preschools will likely have small class sizes, allowing teachers to give more time and attention to each student.

ACADEMIC YEAR

Starts in January and ends before mid-November

Starts in August or September and ends in mid-June/July.

When to choose an international preschool in Singapore?

 Expat families tend to choose international preschools due to their openness and culturally diverse environment, making it easier for young children to adjust to a new country.

For most children, starting preschool is challenging enough, let alone starting preschool in a new country. This is why international preschools have started training their teaching staff how to help foreign children transition to a new country, new school, and learning approach.

If you're planning to stay in Singapore temporarily, choosing an international preschool with a compatible curriculum will make it easier for your child when you have to return to your home country. It helps their chances of getting into their dream universities too!

Another advantage of international preschools is early exposure to different cultures and perspectives, teaching them the importance of respecting and tolerating other people's cultural backgrounds.

Lastly, international education focuses on a child's holistic development, with some preschools creating dedicated learning areas to ignite children's curiosities and fuel exploration of the world around them.

Lily Valley Preschool, for instance, has specialised learning ateliers to prompt their students' investigations and explorations through different mediums like light, art, technology and more!