Did you know that International Community School Singapore (ICS) is the only American school in Singapore that teaches with a Biblical worldview? The school opened in 1993 so has a long history of operation. Along with providing a full American curriculum, here are some other interesting things about ICS that you may not have known.
#1 Open to all
ICS welcomes families of any faith who are open to their children receiving a holistic/values-based education. Any family in Singapore (or moving here) that’s eligible for international school admission can apply. While ICS is an American curriculum international school that operates within a Christian framework of principles, it still respects the religious preferences of parents and students.
#2 An American school in Singapore
ICS offers an American curriculum with the option of taking Advanced Placement (AP) courses in high school. Eighty percent of graduates attend US universities. The American model of education allows the school to use a variety of teaching styles in different grade levels and subjects to foster student learning. It incorporates project-based learning into all courses to ensure students are applying their learning to real-life situations.
Annual alumni surveys have consistently reported that ICS graduates feel that the school has equipped them well for the rigours of university academics.
#3 Lowest fees for an American curriculum school
ICS has the lowest school fees for an American curriculum international school in Singapore currently. Fees range from $23,700 for Kindergarten and increase progressively through Grade 12 to $34,300. The fees cover all textbooks, classroom supplies, technology (iPads in the classroom), and up to four local field trips a year.
#4 Dual accreditation
ICS has obtained dual accreditation from both the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) and Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). It’s also a member of the Network of International Christian Schools (NICS), and certified by Edutrust.
#5 Diversity
While ICS teaches from a Biblical worldview, the student body is made up of students from varying faith backgrounds from more than 30 countries. It also partners with ministries in Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, the Philippines and throughout Southeast Asia in its annual international community service projects.
#6 Extracurricular activities (ECA)
This is an international school with a wide a range of different extracurricular activities for children to explore. The long list of ECAs available at ICS includes the likes of Choir, Ceramics, Model UN, and SAT Prep. There is also an array of Sports ECAs like soccer, volleyball, track and field, and basketball.
#7 Service opportunities
ICS students engage in services designed to value and respect all people from all backgrounds and cultures. The school connects classroom teachings with service learning to provide tangible experiences for students. Among these service learning opportunities at ICS are:
- Week Without Walls;
- partnering with and mentoring younger students within the local community;
- visiting homes for the elderly;
- community holiday celebrations and performances; and,
- food drives.
These service-based activities are valued as an opportunity for ICS students to engage the world around them.
#8 Advanced Placement international school
As an Advanced Placement international school, the ICS programme offers students flexibility so they can work with individual students’ needs, dreams, gifts and abilities.
Hear from an alumni…
SIHAN KWON (class of 2020) is currently studying at Singapore Management University, and looking to major in a business-related field.
How has ICS prepared you for the path you’re on now?
I was associated with many different clubs: National Honor Society, Serving Team, Student Ambassador and more. Different clubs gave me different strengths. However, if I had to pick, I think taking the opportunity to create my own extracurricular activity was the best thing ICS has done for me. It opened my eyes to drafting proposals and bargaining sponsorships, which directly relates to my current field of study: business.
What are some of your fondest memories at ICS?
Many things happened over my time in ICS. I enjoyed staying busy, having worship team practices, joking around with my friends in class, and making lasting relationships. Because it’s a smaller international school, it’s open to student-led innovation. Students are welcomed to express their own ideas and expand them in the real world. For example, they’re able to create their own extracurricular activities with leadership support and guidance.
Find out more
Visit their website to learn more about the ICS experience.
International Community School (Singapore)
27A Jubilee Road
6776 7435 | info@ics.edu.sg
Read more about international schools and things to do in Singapore in our Living in Singapore section.
