The Top 6 Best Preschools Singapore Has To Offer In 2021

Many Singaporean parents relate to the struggle of choosing the perfect preschool for their kids. School in Singapore is not compulsory until Primary 1 for seven-year-old children.

However, 99% of children are already attending preschools before Primary 1.

As you know, preschool is for children around ages 3 to 5 and it establishes their foundation for development. Essentially, it is their first step out of their ‘homely comfort zone.’

Which is why, as parents, you’ll go the extra mile to choose the best private preschool Singapore has to offer.

Preschool sets the foundation for learning and growth at an early stage in life and it is important that the foundation built is a solid one.

Preschool is a safe and fun place where kids interact with one another, honing social skills such as learning to share (although not so much in the COVID pandemic), being considerate and so on.

Basic academic skills like spelling are also being taught. Exploration of curiosity and creativity is highly encouraged during this time, which is vital for learning in subsequent stages of education.

What To Expect When Your Child Starts Private Preschool in Singapore

Preschool is the time when children have fun and learn through active play. There is a wide range of activities offered in preschools which nurture their holistic growth. Some of these activities include:

• Arts and Crafts – This is a good way for kids to express their creativity through various media. There is no wrong or right artwork and kids learn to appreciate art as a form of creative expression. It could improve fine motor skills as well.
• Science experiments – Cool science experiments can pique the interests of children, which help in developing critical thinking. Demonstrations, followed by hands-on activities, is one of the best ways for children to explore their curiosities.
• Physical play – Physical activity is proven to be beneficial for a growing child. It helps increase ossification of bones, develop fundamental motor skills, and improve muscle memory.
• Learning musical instruments – Music is highly recognised as one of the best means for brain development. Research has shown that learning music at an early age provides a positive impact on children’s overall well-being and improves learning too!
• Language acquisition through song, dance etc – Combining language and music proves very effective for young children’s learning. Providing a fun-filled atmosphere for children promotes learning rates.

Most private preschools Singapore has share similar concepts of how a young student should be nurtured. To be creative, curious, innovative and morally-grounded.

At the same time, different preschools use different pedagogies to promote learning. Each pedagogy has its unique points. Just to name a few, we have:

• Reggio-Emilia approach – Students have a certain level of freedom in deciding what they are interested in and pursue those interests. Educators often create projects based on these interests to kindle the children’s curiosity. Projects help children to hone their collaborative skills and connect with others.
• Montessori method – Another student-centric pedagogy, the Montessori method’s objectives are similar to the Reggio-Emilia approach. The difference lies in that it has an additional consideration of the young mind being like a sponge, absorbent and quick to pick up on things. Auto-learning takes place and the educator is simply there to facilitate the activities with less intervention while the children are allowed to complete the tasks head-on.
• STEM-based method – STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Although it is relatively new, it is gaining popularity in the education system. Some may argue that it may be too difficult for the young kids, but think about it, doesn’t building a structure from lego blocks rely on these principles too?
• Waldorf-Steiner education – This method follows the framework of engaging the head, heart and hands: thinking, feeling and doing. Essentially, this methodology reflects upon the children’s thoughts, feelings and actions to inculcate critical thinking, imagination, and action.

Criteria to Consider When Looking at Private Preschools Singapore Offers

There are many things to consider when searching for the best private preschool in Singapore for your child. Which is why we are here to help you break down the main points you would be looking for in a good preschool.

Here are some of them listed below:

• Safe environment for learning – Children at this stage are taking their first big step out of their comfort zone so it is crucial for the children to have a learning environment where they feel safe in expressing their ideas and positivity.
• Inclusivity for children coming from all backgrounds – Diversity amongst students is key when teaching children social skills. It is important to emphasise good social behaviour by educators’ role-modeling.
• School fees – While ensuring your child attains quality education, blowing a hole in your wallet is not ideal. It is best to strike a balance and find a private preschool in Singapore that offers quality education at an affordable price.
• Location; distance and accessibility from home – The journey to school shouldn’t be an arduous one. Instead, kids should be looking forward to school and it would greatly help if the preschool is conveniently located with easy accessibility. It means more sleep for both caretakers and children too!
• Facilities and activities offered – Having well-maintained, safe and clean facilities can drastically increase the quality of play and learning as it reduces the risk of injuries and illness. Activities monitored diligently by educators can also play a role in keeping the children safe, healthy and happy.
• Teacher-to-child ratio: A smaller ratio can prove beneficial for the children’s learning as the teacher is able to give more attention per student.

The Best Preschools Singapore Has To Offer

Not sure where to start? Don’t worry! We have consolidated a list of 6 best private preschools Singapore offers.

1. Pat’s Schoolhouse – Best Preschool known for its Bilingual Immersion Core Curriculum
2. Kinderland – Best Preschool for Technological Development
3. Sparkletots by P.A.P. – Best budget-friendly Preschool
4. Safari House – Best Preschool for Linguistics Development
5. Lorna Whiston – Best Preschool for Custom-Made Education
6. EtonHouse – Best Preschool with Small Class Size

Pat’s Schoolhouse – Best Preschool known for its Bilingual Immersion Core Curriculum

Pat’s Schoolhouse boasts of its highly recognised Bilingual Immersion Core Curriculum which has won multiple awards since 1988.

The cohesive English and Mandarin program optimises the children’s language acquisition, with equal exposure to both languages.

The English and Mandarin educators work together to deliver common themes. When a particular theme, for example, fruits (‘水果’ in Mandarin), is taught in both languages during the same time period, children can form links between the English alphabetical spelling and Chinese characters of specific fruits, enhancing their understanding of the theme.

From a young age, a Pat’s kid is taught to be flexible and open-minded to forming connections while learning.

Apart from the Bilingual Immersion Core Curriculum, Pat’s Schoolhouse also recognises the benefits of integrating music in its curriculum.

Their Enhanced Music-Integrated Curriculum helps with the children’s development of their cognitive skills and muscle memory.

The capable team of educators, together with their very own in-house music specialists, use games, songs, and playing of various instruments among many other activities to keep the kids’ creative juices flowing. 

Pat’s Schoolhouse uses play as the main mode of learning. Their Inquiry-Embedded Play Approach helps children to explore their curiosities, expand creativity and think out of the box in a safe environment with well-maintained facilities.

The preschool views each child as a capable learner and believes in the natural creative potential of a child, thus working to bring out the best in them. This approach also teaches the children to quickly tap into their creativity during problem solving.

This is fundamental in building critical thinking skills in the future, all while creating beautiful childhood memories.

The team of passionate educators at Pat’s Schoolhouse acknowledge that learning and play go hand in hand to nurture the future thinkers of Singapore.

They encourage the children to speak their mind, ask questions and challenge ideas, helping to build critical thinking skills.

The small teacher to student ratio is conducive such that each kid receives more attention from the teacher, thus giving more time for the teachers to nurture each child customised to their individual characters.

At Pat’s Schoolhouse, it is their aspiration to give children a vibrant and memorable childhood, while building a strong foundation which prepares them to become Challengers of the future.

Highlights

• Continuously adapting curriculum to suit children’s needs.
• Enhanced music-integrated curriculum.
• Renowned bilingual immersion core curriculum.
• Inquiry-embedded play approach.
• Well-maintained facilities.
• 15 preschools and 2 infant care centres nationwide.

Visit their website to schedule an appointment to check out any one of their locations!

Click here to see their locations.

For enrolment enquiries, contact +65 6781 2288.

Kinderland – Best Preschool for Technological Development

Kinderland provides a holistic education by combining the best learning approaches from the West and the moral values of the East, getting the best of both worlds.

Their STEM based program touches on children’s creativity and includes projects to allow them to explore. Their Chinese Language Program is backed by expertise and resources from the network in China.

The preschool makes sure to synchronise the English and Chinese syllabus so that kids can build more links between topics and form a more comprehensive understanding of the world.

Their non-academic focused programs include the Children’s music program, KinderFit, and Literacy through I.T.

These programs allow children to try various things and be exposed to a world of possibilities.

With ever-changing technology in the 21st century, exposing a child to I.T. equips them with basic knowledge and skills to sieve out information efficiently when they reach later stages of education.

Highlights

• Recognises the uniqueness in every child.
• Safe environment with caring and capable adults.
• T.R.E.A.M. program (Science, Technology, Reading & wRiting, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics)
• Fun and effective Chinese program.
• Music, Physical Activity, I.T. integrated programs
• Offers half day and full day care.

For more information on enrolment, check out their website!

Click here for locations.

Contact: +65 6881 8818

Email: enquiry@kinderland.com.sg

Sparkletots by P.A.P. – Best budget-friendly Preschool

Sparkletots, founded by the People’s Action Party,  is the largest preschool operator with 360 preschools islandwide. Sparkletots focuses on six main areas in their education system:

1. Aesthetics and Creative Expression
2. Discovery of the World
3. Language and Literacy
4. Motor Skills Development
5. Numeracy
6. Social and Emotional Development

This combination builds the academic skill set and social awareness of the child.

Grounded by strong moral values, Sparkletots’ children are encouraged to appreciate their world by allowing them to interact with their surrounding environment in a safe and constructive manner.

In addition, one of their main goals is learning with application to practical context.

They also strive to develop budding thinkers who are able to communicate confidently. They put forth the health and safety of the children, and highly qualified educators ensure this.

Highlights

• Mother Tongue curriculum
• Enrolment available for 18 months to 6 years old.
• Childcare includes quality care like meals, nap time, etc.
• Singaporeans can enjoy government subsidies.
• Affordable fees
• Many locations islandwide.

Go check out their website for more information!

Click here for locations.

HQ Contact Number: 6244 4600

E-mail: pcfhq@pcf.org.sg

Safari House – Best Preschool for Linguistics Development

Safari House bases their teaching methodology on the principles of Zoo-phonics, which is globally recognised.

It helps children form a strong base in reading and writing by optimising understanding and application of learning across these academic areas.

Their bilingual program helps kids with strong acquisition of both English and Madarin. The kids are exposed to music as it is shown to enhance brain activity.

Apart from academics, Safari House integrates nutrition, grooming, self-care and social skills so that the kids can put forth their best selves.

This will also greatly help build their confidence, which is incredibly important during this age period.

Highlights

• Award winning zoo-phonics principles.
• Enrolments for 3 months old to 6 years old.
• Bilingual immersion with equal exposure to English and Madarin.
• Intentional hands-on and collaborative activities.
• Self-care and social skills emphasised.
• Centres located in North, South, East, West, and Central areas.
• Offers full and half day classes.

Check out their website for more information!

Locations can be found here.

Contact: +65 6896 8771

E-mail: info@safarihouse.com

Lorna Whiston – Best Preschool for Custom-Made Education

Since 1980, Lorna Whiston schools have been establishing solid foundations for children with high quality education. Each individual child has their own learning pace and the preschool respects that.

The individual reading programs help children achieve optimal learning while learning to enjoy the curriculum.

They also have the bilingual immersion program so that children learn to effectively communicate in English and Mandarin.

They conduct Masterclasses every afternoon to develop well-rounded children, and to enrich them with a wide variety of skills. The school strives for excellence in providing the most conducive environment for enjoyable learning.

Highlights

• Builds the confidence of each child.
• Small class sizes.
• Acknowledges each child’s learning pace.
• Experienced and passionate educators.
• Vibrant and aesthetically-pleasing facilities.
• Offers classes for 18 months to 6 years old.
• Flexible programs from 7am to 7pm on weekdays and Saturday morning.

Visit their website for more information!

Check out their locations here.

Contact: +65 6871 8844

Email: admissions@lornawhiston.com.sg

EtonHouse – Best Preschool with Small Class Size

This is one of the top international preschools Singapore has to offer. At EtonHouse, children learn to appreciate nature, solve problems, communicate, be active, and hone their social skills.

EtonHouse develops young critical thinkers and prepares them for future challenges.

With the I.T.L. (Inquire. Think. Learn.) framework based on the Reggio Emilia education approach, our little explorers are encouraged to inquire throughout everyday life.

They emphasise that learning is not all about teaching different subjects separately, but about linking them together seamlessly.

The school offers dual language programs as language acquisition is one of their top priorities. Apart from Chinese as a second language, they also have Japanese, Tamil, and Malay.

Highlights

• EtonHouse teaches students to be global citizens.
• Childcare services run from 7am to 7pm.
• Small teacher to student ratio of no more than 1 teacher to 6 students.
• Beautifully decorated classroom environments.
• Enrolment available for 9 months to 6 years old.
• Singaporeans can enjoy government subsidies.

Go to their website to find out more!

To check out their location, click here.

Contact: +65 6746 3333

Email: enquiry@etonhouse.com.sg

Here’s a quick comparison of the best preschools Singapore has to offer so you can better decide where to send your child.

Fees for Sparkletots by P.A.P. (before subsidies):

Fees may change from time to time.

All school fees are with GST and before subsidies.

Does not include registration fee, deposit, purchase of uniforms, annual insurance.

References:

www.theastuteparent.com/2019/09/pats-schoolhouse-brighton-montessori-school-fees-2020/amp/

www.babyment.com/childcare/childcare-name.php?name=KINDERLAND

skoolopedia.com/app/childcare/safari-house

www.babyment.com/childcare/childcare-name.php?name=ETONHOUSE