Best Preschools And Kindergartens In Singapore 2024: A Comprehensive Guide

KEY THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN SELECTING A PRESCHOOL OR KINDERGARTEN IN SINGAPORE:

We’ve checked out some of the best preschools and kindergartens in Singapore and put together a handy round-up to help you make the most of your search.  From expensive preschools and kindergartens to affordable, full-day, and half-day programs, from Montessori to Reggio Emilia, there is something for everyone.  What's more, we update this guide regularly - so feel free to check back to discover the most comprehensive list of the best preschools and kindergartens in Singapore!

SINGAPORE PRESCHOOL AND KINDERGARTEN SEARCH GUIDE: 

• Preschools With Multiple Locations In Singapore
• International Schools In Singapore With Preschools And Kindergartens

SEARCH PRESCHOOLS AND KINDERGARTENS BY AREA IN SINGAPORE

• Best Preschools On The East Coast, Singapore
• Best Preschools On The West Coast, Singapore
• Best Preschools In CBD (Central), Singapore
• Best Preschools In North Singapore
• Best Preschools In South Singapore

What are the Things to Consider When Choosing a Preschool in Singapore?

With preschools promising you the best for your little one, how do you choose? Some families prefer to put their child in a school that's merely a block or two away, while some prefer specific curriculums and extra activities. Others need infant care, while some are looking for specific bilingual programs. Whatever it is that you require, we've got you covered.

• Are kindergarten and preschool free in Singapore? Preschool education in Singapore is not entirely free, but the government offers substantial subsidies for eligible Singaporean children attending kindergartens run by Anchor Operators (AOPs) and Ministry of Education (MOE) kindergartens. These subsidies aim to make preschool education more affordable for families. However, private and international preschools typically require full tuition fees.
• What is the typical kindergarten and preschool age in Singapore? In Singapore, the typical age range for kindergarten and preschool is from around 18 months old to 6 years old. Children usually start attending kindergarten at the age of 3 or 4, depending on their birthdate and the school's admission policy. Kindergarten in Singapore is often a part of the early childhood education system and serves as a preparatory stage for primary school. It focuses on providing young children with foundational skills, social interactions, and early academic experiences to prepare them for formal schooling.

1. Are preschool and kindergarten necessary in Singapore? While preschool and kindergarten education is not compulsory in Singapore, it is highly encouraged as it plays a crucial role in a child's early development. Preschools provide a structured learning environment where children can develop essential social, emotional, cognitive, and physical skills that set the foundation for future learning.
2. Are preschool and kindergarten the same in Singapore? In Singapore, the terms "preschool" and "kindergarten" are often used interchangeably. Both refer to early childhood education programs that prepare young children for primary school. However, "kindergarten" is more commonly used to describe preschool programs that follow the local education system's curriculum.

Here are things to consider when choosing the best preschool in Singapore:

• Location: Who wants to encounter daily heavy traffic or go through the hassle of a long commute twice a day? Or even if you can opt for a bus service, would you want your child to wake up earlier than necessary only to spend more time on the road? Time is always of the essence these days, and no one would want to traverse the whole island of Singapore. Unless there are other circumstances to consider, for example, if you drive to work and the school is on the way.
• School Hours: Each family has a different timetable which critically affects the hours you want your child to stay in school. Some preschools are only operating for half the day (9 am to 12 pm or 12 pm to 3 pm), some offer extracurriculars for the afternoon, while others do 12 hours (7 am to 7 pm) of care.
• Curriculum: We are all a product of something - whether it's a Montessori upbringing or the Early Years Foundation, we tend to be partial to a curriculum that we know and love. But sometimes, we do our research and find out that other curricula pique our interest and show promise. Preschools in Singapore offer everything that you can think of, from IB PYP to MOE Kindergartens, Reggio Emilia preschools to an American-based one, choosing a curriculum will help narrow down the options.
• Special Needs Program: Some Singapore preschools provide learning interventions for your child, whether you want them to have extra attention or in an inclusive set-up. Some schools cater to special needs students only and others integrate the students according to their abilities.
• Language Program: With such diversity in Singapore, preschools cater to different nationalities and offer language programs. Almost all of the schools operate on a bilingual program (English and Mandarin) and if you require another language, don't fret, some schools offer this one as well. The same goes if you want a full Mandarin program with English as an additional class or vice versa.
• Teacher-to Child Ratio: Though there is no standard teacher-to-student ratio, so you will see some schools with one teacher per 10 students, while others can have one teacher for every 15 students. It will all depend on what you are comfortable with and what you decide is best for your child.
• Facilities: Do you want your child in a huge building, with a football field? Or do you prefer a cozy environment? Some schools have smaller classrooms but bigger outdoor spaces. Should the school have a maker space and dedicated STEM area or a theatre with various musical instruments? These small details might not be a factor for others, but for some, it's equally important.
• Extra-curricular activities: Quite many schools offer various after-school activities for your child, right inside the campus. If you prefer this, so you won't have to take your child from school and bring them to a different location for piano classes or basketball, then it is something to consider.
• Cost: The costs for preschool and kindergartens in Singapore can vary significantly depending on factors such as the type of school, the location, the duration of the program, and the curriculum offered. Here are some typical cost ranges for preschool and kindergarten in Singapore:
  • Government Subsidized Kindergartens: Kindergartens run by the Ministry of Education (MOE) and Anchor Operators (AOPs) receive government subsidies, making them more affordable for Singaporean children. The monthly fees for these kindergartens can range from around SGD 100 to SGD 400, depending on the program and the level of subsidy.
  • Private and International Preschools: Private and international preschools tend to have higher tuition fees compared to government-subsidized kindergartens. The monthly fees for these preschools can range from SGD 800 to SGD 2,500 or more, depending on the school's reputation, facilities, and curriculum.
  • Full-Day vs. Half-Day Programs: Full-day preschool programs, which provide care for the entire day, generally have higher fees compared to half-day programs. Half-day programs typically run for around 3 to 4 hours in the morning or afternoon.
  • One-Time Deposits: Some preschools require parents to pay a one-time deposit upon enrollment, which is usually refundable at the end of the child's preschool journey.
  • Bilingual Programs: Preschools that offer bilingual programs or additional language options may have slightly higher fees due to specialized language instruction.
  • Registration and Miscellaneous Fees: Preschools may charge registration fees or other miscellaneous fees for administrative purposes or additional services.

LILY VALLEY INTERNATIONAL PRESCHOOL: International Preschool On Raffles Boulevard, Singapore

Lily Valley International Preschool is a non-profit organization committed to establishing and maintaining a warm, inclusive, and stimulating learning environment for children. Their philosophy and pedagogy is child centered and nurtures children’s potential and creativity by providing rich learning environments for exploration. They are a preschool that cultivates collaboration and participation in a diverse community with meaningful partnerships with children and families.

Lily Valley International Preschool,
Marina Square, 6 Raffles Boulevard #02-27/28,
Singapore 039594, +65 6980 8250, info@lilyvalley.io, www.lilyvalley.com.sg

DULWICH COLLEGE KINDERGARTEN SCHOOL (SINGAPORE): International Through School Offering Preschool In Bukit Batok, Singapore

Dulwich College (Singapore) is an international school for students aged 2-18 years with a British independent school ethos. DUCKS (Dulwich College Kindergarten School) is the first international school in Singapore to introduce ‘Forest School’ into the DUCKS early years program, pioneering the movement here to provide real-world learning and problem-solving opportunities to young children. Forest School builds on the Nordic concept of ‘Friluftsliv’ (open-air living) – going back to the forest – and the positive effects on children’s wellbeing and learning. It allows children to apply academic skills, build emotional resilience and learn to manage risk through self-initiated interactions with nature. It progresses from the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) in Toddler, Nursery, and Reception to an enriched version of the English National Curriculum (ENC) in Years 1 and 2. The aim is to strike a balance between student self-guided exploration, explicit teaching, including developing confident and happy children with a zest for life and a love of learning. Children are inspired and have the freedom to inquire and steer their learning in a dual-language (English and Mandarin) environment.

Dulwich College (Singapore), 71 Bukit Batok West Avenue 8, Singapore, 658966, +65 6890 1003, admissions.singapore@dulwich.org, www.singapore.dulwich.org

RAINTREES KINDERGARTEN: Preschool In Bukit Timah, Singapore *UK Early Years Foundation Stage

Time for school, kiddos! Aimed at providing a great start to children's school life, RainTrees Kindergarten, named after the signature tree in Singapore, is a creative and nurturing international pre-school giving ample chances for kids aged between 2 and 5 years to explore, experiment and discover.  With a huge outdoor garden, families love the fact that it is a play-based curriculum based on the UK Early Years Foundation Stage.

RainTrees Kindergarten, 60 Kheam Hock Road, Singapore 298824, +65 6474 6181, admin@raintreeskindergarten.com, www.raintreeskindergarten.com

JOSIAH MONTESSORI: International Preschool Group With Various Locations In Singapore *Montessori Curriculum And Musical Arts Program (MAP)

Josiah Montessori has been in the preschool industry for 22 years and is one of the best schools offering Montessori-based teaching. The centers operate based on a curriculum centering around the Montessori method and Musical Arts Program (MAP), designed to provide a curriculum for young children to be balanced, holistic, and effective in both their body and mind. Their centers offer infant care (2-18 months), childcare (18 months to 6 years old) and kindergarten (only in Tampines). Josiah's unique and newly developed curriculum, which combines the Montessori method with MAP, is very well received as it gives balanced attention to academic excellence and creative development. Their children are taught Dance, Singing, Classical Music Appreciation, Speech and Drama as well as Arts. Best of all, these 5 enrichment programs are all weaved into the curriculum without extra charge!

Josiah Montessori, 5 locations across Singapore, +65 6336 6906, info@josiah.com.sg, www.josiah.com.sg

MY LEARNING HAVEN: Infant Care And Preschool In Singapore With Locations In Suntec Mall & Mediapolis, Singapore

My Learning Haven is committed to offering quality childminding and educational services to the local community. They offer infant care service (One North only) and childcare services for children aged from 2 - 18 months (infant care) and 18 months - 6 years old (childcare). My Learning Haven Methodology is based on the concept of Learning Through Play. Their education style comes through the vibrant playrooms designed for creative learning to occur in an unhurried manner. Their rooms transform as the year goes along. With various interesting themes, children will never be bored with the environment. Children are engaged in different and unique play experiences as they move from one room to another. This concept aims to ensure children's uninterrupted time to delve into each activity, focusing on developing new skills.

My Learning Haven, info@mylearninghaven.com, https://mylearninghaven.com

Suntec City Mall: 3 Temasek Boulevard, #03-374 to 378, +65 6235 0159, +65 9817 1032 (Whatsapp)

One North: 29 Media Circle, #02-02 Alice@Mediapolis, +65 6970 0628, +65 9075 9092 (Whatsapp)

LORNA WHISTON: International Bilingual Preschool With 2 Locations In Singapore *Bilingual Programs

Established in 1980, Lorna Whiston has built a reputation over the past 40 years for high-quality education and teaching excellence across Singapore and Malaysia with their signature programs: English Enrichment, Speech & Drama, and Preschools. With small class sizes and two fully qualified teachers in all classes, every child is given the individual attention needed to support their growth ready for entry to Primary School. They offer a unique bilingual program that ensures children to develop excellent communication skills in both English and Mandarin. Full-day students benefit from a suite of specially designed Master Classes that develop a wealth of skills in different learning areas every afternoon.

Lorna Whiston, +65 6871 8844, admissions@lornawhiston.com.sg, www.lornawhiston.com

Lorna Whiston Kallang Wave: #01-28 Kallang Wave Mall, 1 Stadium Place, Singapore 397628

Lorna Whiston Winchester: 9 Winchester Rd, Singapore 117783

LITTLE FOOTPRINTS PRESCHOOL: Preschool Group With Locations All Over Singapore

Little Footprints Preschool currently has 24 centers located in multiple heartland areas across Singapore. They offer a comprehensive curriculum that focuses on all aspects of learning and a team of passionate educators with a ‘best-in-class’ mindset. Little Footprints Preschool nurtures their children’s young minds and cultivate strong values with a well-rounded education that focuses on the holistic development of the children. By providing quality and affordable childcare, the brand has been appointed as a Partner Operator under the Early Childhood Development Agency. A majority of the Little Footprints centers have also attained Singapore Pre-School Accreditation Framework certification.

Little Footprints Preschool, +65 6463 3465, info@littlefootprints.com.sg, https://littlefootprints.edu.sg/

MELBOURNE SPECIALIST INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL (MSIS): Inclusive / Special Needs Preschool In Dempsey Area, Singapore

Melbourne Specialist International School (MSIS) is located in the lush Dempsey area of Singapore since 2014. It offers a unique and innovative model for teaching a range of students with special needs, aged between 3 - 21 years. Melbourne Specialist International School uses an integrated approach to deliver its program to students. An essential part of this approach is to bring arts-based therapy and teaching closer together using the Foundation – Year 10 Curriculum Framework from Victoria, Australia, as a guide.

Melbourne Specialist International School (MSIS), 75C Loewen Road, Singapore 248853, +65 6634 8891, admissions@msis.edu.sg, www.msis.edu.sg

MASTERMINDS KINDERGARTEN: Preschool In Bukit Timah, Singapore *Montessori

This small but cozy kindergarten packs a punch, as it was born out of a vision to provide a safe and stimulating environment for children to thrive and grow. The founders of the Masterminds Kindergarten have combined their experience of 30 years to design a Montessori-based curriculum that prepares their students comfortably for the local primary school while keeping it balanced and well-rounded to support holistic development. The school has aligned with The Gifted Lab to incorporate a program within their curriculum to support the development of critical thinking progress from a young.

Masterminds, 204 Bukit Timah Road, #01-00
Singapore 229863, +65 6235 0983, info@masterminds.sg, https://www.masterminds.sg/

MOE KINDERGARTENS: Government Preschools With Locations Islandwide In Singapore

The MOE Kindergarten programme is a 4-hour Kindergarten 1 and 2 programme for children aged 5 and 6 years old. You can enrol your child either in the morning session (8am – 12pm) or afternoon session (1pm – 5pm). MOE Kindergarten is one of the few pre-schools in Singapore which offers a programme in the three official Mother Tongue Languages – Chinese, Malay, and Tamil Languages. With an emphasis on nurturing early childhood bilingualism through the Starlight Literacy Programme, your child will develop a strong foundation in their future language learning.

MOE Kindergarten, Islandwide locations, www.moe.gov.sg/microsites/moekindergarten/index.html

LITTLE HANDS MONTESSORI KINDERGARTEN: Preschool On Orchard, Singapore

Located in the heart of Orchard, this beautiful little preschool is a firm favorite among families. For kids aged 2-4, Little Hands is a joyful, fun-filled experience. They believe that children learn through their senses and make an effort to constantly engage and stimulate each child through their sense of sight, smell, touch, hearing, and taste. Even snack time has them trying new foods, tastes, and smells!

Little Hands Montessori Kindergarten, 2A Paterson Hill, Singapore 238565, enquiry@littlehandsmontessori.com.sg, http://www.littlehandsmontessori.com.sg

BIBINOGS: Preschool Group With Locations On East Coast, Bukit Timah And River Valley, Singapore

A lovely preschool with several locations that look after little ones from 9 months to 7 years old. They run bi-lingual, English and Mandarin programs, and adult accompanied classes all the way through to kindergarten. Their curriculum, intelligences@play, is inspired by the Multiple Intelligences Theory which reinforces the fact that all children are different and learn in a different way.

Bibinogs - River Valley, UE Square Mall, #02-11 81, Clemenceau Ave, Singapore 239917, +65 6733 0416, http://bibinogs.com

Bibinogs - East Coast, Serene Centre, #02-05/06, 10 Jalan Serene, Singapore 258748, +65 6466 4167

Bibinogs - Bukit Timah, King’s Arcade, #B1-01, 559, Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 269695, +65 6466 5357

LITTLE OAKS MONTESSORI KINDERGARTEN: Preschool On Farrer Road, Singapore *Montessori

Housed in a cute house with a garden, Little Oaks uses the Montessori curriculum with a focus that children learn differently. As well as a traditional program, they also run Premier Pitch for soccer enthusiasts, Tennis for bat and ball lovers, and Drama Playhouse for the theatrical kiddos at home.

Little Oaks Montessori Kindergarten, 98 Farrer Rd, Singapore, 259226, +65 6463 3720, enquiry@littlehandsmontessori.com.sg, www.littleoaks.com.sg

PCF SPARKLETOTS PRESCHOOLS: Preschool In Punggol, Singapore

PCF started its first child care center with the aim of supporting working mothers by giving them the assurance and peace of mind knowing that their children are in good hands. Since 2012, all PCF child care and kindergartens are collectively branded as 'PCF Sparkletots Preschool'. The programs that PCF Sparkletots Preschool offers may differ from the individual branches. Nursery 1 for children aged 3 years, is available at selected PCF centers. Also check out the largest Early Years Center in Punggol North, which emphasizes on outdoor play and learning!

PCF Sparkletots Preschools, Islandwide locations, www.pcf.org.sg

MINDCHAMPS PRESCHOOLS: Preschool Group With Locations All Over Singapore

Catering for children aged 18 months to 6 years old, they offer many programs. This is an award-winning pre-school and challenges children in reading, writing, and English. They are committed to raising the standards in education and follow 5 core values, Heart, Integrity, Prosperity, Growth, and Expansion. They all ensure that while your child is learning they are also having fun!

MindChamps Pre-School, 39 Locations In Singapore, +65 8233 4400, sg.enqpreschool@mindchamps.org, www.mindchamps.org

BRIGHTPATH INCLUSIVE PRESCHOOL: Inclusive Preschool In Bukit Timah, Singapore *Inclusive

Bright Path is an all-inclusive preschool that offers individualized programmes based on each child's learning challenges and requirements. Catering to kids between 3-6 years of age, Bright Path understands that not every child is the same and some just need a little extra attention and help to do their best. This is why they offer integrated learning, intervention programmes, and specialized therapies to help kids with learning challenges.

Bright Path, 55 Fairways Drive, Singapore 286846, www.brightpath.com.sg

BRITISH COUNCIL (SINGAPORE) PRE-SCHOOL: Preschool In Tampines, Singapore (Singapore Kindergarten Curriculum Framework (KCF), United Kingdom’s Early Years Foundation Years (EYFS)

The pre-school curriculum at The British Council Singapore encompasses the areas stipulated in both the Singapore Kindergarten Curriculum Framework (KCF) and the United Kingdom’s Early Years Foundation Years (EYFS). The focus here is on hands-on learning, developing the whole child, and they put a strong emphasis on language and learning (English and Mandarin). They offer pre-nursery (age 4 ), Kindergarten 1 (age 5), and Kindergarten 2 (age 6).

British Council (Singapore) Pre-School, 11 Tampines Concourse #01-02/03/04 Singapore 528729, +65 6807 1573, contact@britishcouncil.org.sg, https://www.britishcouncil.sg

BLUE HOUSE INTERNATIONAL PRESCHOOL: International Preschool In Bukit Timah, Singapore

Blue House welcomes and guides children from 18 months to 6 years of age through Nursery, Preschool and Kindergarten programs. Blue House offers two, three, or five days per week with the option of half or full-day programs for all age groups. Blue House is inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach and subscribes to an emergent curriculum. The emergent curriculum and access to a wide range of resources and materials allow children to go further, deeper, and more broadly into their inquiries than a pre-determined curriculum might allow. Blue House classrooms and outdoor spaces have been carefully curated to provide rich opportunities to feed children's curiosity and connect with nature. Blue House also has a strong community ethos. Parents are actively invited into the classrooms to share knowledge and skillsets. Coffees are available at The Pantry, an onsight cafe built by parents for parents.

Blue House International Pre-School, 2 Turf Club Road, Singapore 287988, +65 6734 0824, enquiries@bluehouseinternational.com, www.bluehouseinternational.com

KANOPY FOREST PRESCHOOL: Forest School Preschool In Bukit Timah, Singapore

Kanopy Forest Preschool provides a unique Early Childhood Education program that immerses young learners aged 18 months to 6 years old in an inspirational, child-led Forest School experience. Its unique curriculum is a breath of fresh as it exposes children to Mandarin naturally during its daily outdoor time.

Kanopy Forest Preschool, 6 Jalan Keria, Singapore 588534, +65 9815 8849, hello@kanopy.com.sg, www.kanopy.com.sg

BRIGHTON MONTESSORI: Preschool Group With Locations All Over Singapore *Montessori Curriculum

Brighton Montessori believes that every child learns at his or her own pace and their curriculum is uniquely designed to cater to each individual child’s needs. With an individualised learning approach and low child-to-teacher ratios, Brighton prides itself on preparing children exceptionally well for formal education and beyond, while giving them such a fun experience that they look forward to coming to school every single day.

Brighton recently opened its newest campus at HarbourFront Centre, conveniently located right above HarbourFront MRT! Boasting its own private outdoor playground and an open indoor space for the children to play in, the new center can serve those who live or work around the Greater Southern Waterfront area, including Sentosa, Telok Blangah, Pasir Panjang and more.

Brighton Montessori, Various locations around Singapore, +65 6588 3883, contact@brightonmontessori.com.sg, www.brightonmontessori.com.sg