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Talk, baby, talk…in a few languages! Singapore is home to many excellent bilingual school programs, where kids learn a second language in the most effective ways. We’ve gathered the scoop on bilingual international school options in Singapore including primary, secondary, preschool, and kindergarten too.
These schools can enhance your child’s learning of their mother tongue or expand their horizons to new ones. Whether you have an ex-pat family or you’ve got local Singapore roots, these schools accept all kids in Singapore looking to broaden their language capacities. Read on to find the perfect school for your kiddos.
German European School (GESS) is one of the leading international schools in Singapore, with a diverse student population. From Primary School through Grade 12 classes, learning at GESS is offered in English in the IB Curriculum and in German in the German Curriculum. Pre-school students can participate in the English and German bilingual program or the dual immersion program. The school also offers many language subjects like Dutch, French, German, Mandarin, and Spanish for all Grades.
German European School Singapore, 2 Dairy Farm Lane, Singapore, +65 6461 0801, school@gess.sg, www.gess.sg
Global Indian International School (GIIS) is one of the top bilingual international schools in Singapore. Their Bilingual Education Program offers an immersive experience for students in Grades 1 to 5 seeking proficiency in Mandarin and English. They offer several curriculum programs from Kindergarten through to High School, like the Global Montessori Plus Program for Kindergarten and the IB Diploma Programme for High School. GIIS’s values and education system follow the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi.
Global Indian International School, SMART Campus: 27 Punggol Field Walk, Singapore, +65 6914 7100; East Coast Campus: 82 Cheviot Hill, Singapore, +65 6914 7000, admissions.sg@globalindianschool.org, www.singapore.globalindianschool.org
Bilingualism gives your child an edge in today’s globalised world. At the Canadian International School (CIS), they offer the award-winning Chinese-English bilingual program, which now has secondary bilingual pathways, and the French-English bilingual program (Lakeside only).
Available to students from kindergarten to grade 6, their bilingual programs are fully aligned to the IB Primary Years Program, offer equal exposure to each language, and have two native speaking teachers per class. CIS’s curriculum is drawn from the best curricula globally.
Their student in grade 4, Wesley, said, "The taxi driver was really surprised that I can speak Chinese very well. When I am playing, I speak both languages with my friends. One of my friends from the bilingual program will speak Chinese with me in front of my mom because she won’t understand!”
Canadian International School, Lakeside Campus: 7 Jurong West Street 41, Singapore; Tanjong Katong Campus: 371 Tanjong Katong Road, Singapore, +65 6734 8088 (admissions), admissions@cis.edu.sg, www.cis.edu.sg
At Stamford American, they’re committed to building bilingual, bicultural, biliterate global citizens and with this in mind, they’ve developed an innovative, research-based one-bilingual-teacher approach where the teachers and teaching assistants are fluent in both languages and demonstrate bilingualism as role models to the students.
The program gives learners equal exposure to the English and Mandarin languages in the subjects and concepts taught within their grade, while a single bilingual teacher model ensures the seamless transition during learning and provides the opportunity to explore content more deeply in both languages. Students learn the same content as students in mainstream classes, with the main difference being 50% of the content in Math and Units of Inquiry (UOI) is delivered in Mandarin. The English/Mandarin bilingual program is offered from Pre-K to Grade 5.
Stamford American International School, Early Learning Village Campus: 3 Chuan Lane, Gate 4, Singapore 554350; Elementary and Secondary Campus: 1 Woodleigh Lane (Off Upper Serangoon Road), Singapore 357684, +65 6653 2949 (admissions), admissions@sais.edu.sg, www.sais.edu.sg
If you’re looking to help your child find the right path for their needs, the team at Singapore American School can make sure you’re heading in the right direction. Inquiry, the ability to ask the right questions, and find the correct answers, is at the core of SAS’s student learning process from their youngest learners in preschool up to graduating seniors preparing for college. Their focus on bilingual education has a strong history in Singapore, The 80/20 immersion to 50/50 bilingual program model helps students to build academic language in Chinese and English starting from our early learning center, where oral language development is the primary focus. Find out more about their focus on Chinese Immersion focus here.
Singapore American School, 40 Woodlands Street 41, Woodlands, Singapore, 738547, +65 6363 3403, www.sas.edu.sg
One World International School (OWIS) is an international school with classes from Kindergarten through to Grade 12. OWIS stands out from other bilingual schools in Singapore as it offers students a truly bilingual environment in which Grade 1 to 5 students receive almost equal instruction in both English and Mandarin. The Bilingual Programme is taught by a bilingual teacher with the support of a bilingual teaching assistant in unique small classes. Students receive in-depth instruction in areas relative to their Mandarin and English language skill levels. OWIS also supports the learning of Chinese culture and literature. The Bilingual Programme at OWIS aligns with the IB PYP.
One World International School, Nanyang Campus: 21 Jurong West Street 81, Singapore, +65 6914 6700; Owis Suntec Campus: 1 Raffles Boulevard, Singapore, +65 6914 7240, admissions@owis.org, www.owis.org
EtonHouse are pioneers in bilingual education and nurtures a high level of dual language proficiency with its immersive approach. They cater to kids aged 18 months to 18 years old who want the best bilingual start in life. With multiple campuses all over Singapore and a strong reputation - they are a favorite in the community. Click here for their full Facebook Live with Little Steps on their bilingual approach to education in Singapore.
EtonHouse International Schools & Pre-Schools, +65 6746 3333, enquiry@etonhouse.com.sg, https://www.etonhouse.edu.sg
Singapore Korean International School (SKIS) is a full-time international school accredited by the governments of Korea and Singapore, with Kindergarten through to High School. They offer Korean expatriates a home away from home type of education in Singapore. Students are exposed to basic Chinese, English, and Korean languages throughout the different school phases. Various classes are offered to students, such as Chinese language, Korean language, Korean dance, Taekwondo, and much more! The entire student body is made up of just about 250 students throughout their Kindergarten.
Singapore Korean International School, 71 Bukit Tinggi Road, Singapore, +65 6741 0778, info@skis.kr, www.eng.skis.kr/default
Hollandse School Singapore (HSS) is a preschool and Primary school offering classes to children from ages 4 to 12. The medium of instruction used is Dutch, while English is taught in Primary School. With the in-depth Dutch language education provided by HSS, if their pupils return to the Netherlands, they will easily integrate into primary or secondary education, with the advantage of English language skills. All HSS teachers are trained in Holland, and their school year is divided into three terms.
Hollandse School Singapore, 65 Bukit Tinggi Road, Singapore, +65 6466 0662, adminhsl@hollandeschool.org, www.hollandseschool.org
Lycee Francais de Singapore (IFS) offers an immersion of French, English, and Mandarin programmes from Kindergarten through to High School. French language and culture are the unique features of IFS. Students follow the educational standards set by the French Ministry of Education. Their class sizes are designed for a maximum of 26 students at the Kindergarten and Primary School level, and 30 students at the Secondary School. Have a look here at their detailed curriculum for each school phase.
Lycee Francais de Singapore (International French School), 3000 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3, Singapore, +65 6805 0000, administration@ifs.edu.sg, www.ifs.edu.sg
My Learning Haven adopts an integrated thematic approach to learning through play and project work, that ensures children learn at their own pace. Children are raised to be bilingual by developing a love for English and Mandarin before becoming confident in speaking, reading, and writing. This enables them to communicate in all social settings effectively. By incorporating Finland’s Hei Curriculum, children will also learn to brainstorm ideas and work together with their peers to boost academic and interpersonal skills.
My Learning Haven, Suntec Centre Campus: 3 Temasek Boulevard, #03-374 to 378, Singapore; Mediapolis Centre Campus: 29 Media Circle, #02-02, Singapore, +65 6235 0159, info@mylearninghaven.com, www.mylearninghaven.com
ELFA Chinese Preschool (ELFA) is the Preschool for parents interested in equipping their child with a solid foundation in Mandarin alongside English. Their proven curriculum deepens students' mastery of the language. The natural mode of learning for children is through play, and all ELFA learning activities incorporate play components. Chinese Speech & Drama, Chinese-inspired Art, Coding, and Higher-Order-Thinking Math, are some of the activities that enrich children's early learning through components of play. Beyond learning Mandarin, ELFA children pick up essential skills like effective bilingual communication, creativity, and logical thinking.
ELFA Chinese Preschool
Headquarters Marine Parade: 87 Marine Parade, Central, #03-202, Singapore
Hougang Centre: Block 202 Hougang Street 21, #03-00, Singapore
Pandan Valley Centre: 3 Pandan Valley, #01-316, Singapore
Tampines Centre: Block 866A, Tampines Street 83, #04-01, Tampines Central Community Complex, Singapore, +65 6881 8818, enquiry@elfa.edu.sg, www.elfapreschools.com/singapore
ITS Educational Services provides families in Singapore with top quality education consultations, school placement advice, and tips on navigating the school placement scene in Singapore. Click here for more information!
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