We’re spoilt for choice in Singapore when it comes to preschool options. Where you live, the age of your children, their personalities, timings of the school day and how this may fit into your own working routine, will all be considered when choosing a kindergarten. Other factors to consider are the curriculum, school community, facilities and extra curriculum activities.
Does your child suit a more structured, formal style of learning or hands-on practical play? Is there a school out there offering a mix of both? EL looks into all approaches from Montessori to Reggio Emilia, and learns that every school has its own unique approach to teaching and learning – it’s a question of which style suits your child!
Brighton Montessori
School’s Ethos:
Our Vision is to inspire young minds, and we believe that all children are special and unique in their own way.
Curriculum followed:
A blended Montessori approach using the key principles of the Montessori method and Montessori apparatus.
How this benefits the children:
The Montessori approach allows children to choose what they would like to do and this keeps them interested in the content and learning. Children feel like they are “playing” but because the activities still incorporate cognitive, developing motor skills and some academic components, they are also learning at the same time.
We do not claim to offer the ‘best’ programme for your child. Instead, we believe in the child-centred approach that every child learns in their own unique way and at their own pace. Through years of research, Dr. Maria Montessori developed a curriculum that taps on the innate potential of every child to learn naturally, on their own. Our curriculum allows a child to gain a strong foundation for academics through hands-on, self-directed learning.
At the same time, the Montessori method also focuses heavily on practical life skills and character building. Many parents have commented that their children are much more ‘independent, outspoken and sociable’ after starting school. – Kristal Koh, Principal, Brighton Montessori Lotus Ave
Brighton Montessori
Various locations across the island
6588 3883 | contact@brightonmontessori.com.sg | brightonmontessori.com.sg
Odyssey: The Global Preschool
School’s Ethos:
At Odyssey, we promote an educational culture of collaboration, focusing on the child as an active and competent learner, whilst celebrating the role of the environment as the third teacher.
Curriculum followed:
The Odyssey curriculum is based upon a number of internationally renowned educational philosophies including multiple intelligences, language immersion and the Reggio Emilia method (child-centred, open-ended approach to learning), and is coupled with first-class facilities, passionate staff and low student-to-teacher ratios. Inspired by innovative global teaching pedagogies from the United States, United Kingdom, as well as, the Reggio Emilia educational practices in Northern Italy.
How this benefits the children:
Odyssey’s curriculum is described as a learning journey to reflect the continuous journey of inquiry, research and experimentation undertaken by the children. It promotes constructive and cognitive, process-oriented strategies that encourage children to be curious, reason and problem solve, develop inquiring minds, think critically and creatively, and develop a lifelong desire, passion and love for learning. – Kelly Hor- Director of Schools at Odyssey The Global Preschool
Odyssey: The Global Preschool
Locations across Singapore
6781 8800 | contact@theodyssey.sg | theodyssey.sg
Swallows and Amazons Kindergarten
School’s Ethos:
Emotional development through an inquiry-based early years programme where children’s feelings are heard and nurtured.
Curriculum followed:
Inquiry-based learning, underpinned by the British Curriculum.
How this benefits the children:
We believe children should have fun. At Swallows and Amazons teachers know why, when and how they can help ‘play’ become an enriching, meaningful learning experience so that children can fulfil their potential.
In creating a developmental childhood education programme, we are laying the foundations for all future learning. As the curriculum develops, basic concepts are revisited and built upon until children grasp them fully. In this enquiry-based approach, the traditional maths, literacy, writing and foreign language skills are not learnt independently of each other. On the contrary, they are so interrelated that it may be hard to distinguish one from the other. Preschool learning is about experiences and interacting with peers, adults and the environment – a version of real life! We must provide these opportunities.
The outcome for the child is success and a feeling of “I can do it!” – Jackie Barkham, Principal.
Swallows and Amazons Kindergarten
The Grandstand, South Carpark
200 Turf Club Road
6762 8158 | swallowsandamazons.com.sg
White Lodge
School’s Ethos:
To motivate, encourage and empower children’s learning through the creative process.
Curriculum followed:
The curriculum at White Lodge is constantly evolving and is based on the most current theories and research in early childhood education. The comprehensive curriculum encompasses the Primary Years Programme and the UK, US and Australian Framework. Mandarin is also a key part of the curriculum at White Lodge. A variety of methods are used to teach communication, written and reading skills of the Mandarin language.
How this benefits the children:
The teaching approach that is used ensures that children are learning while they are playing and a great emphasis is given to creative education. Each child is engaged in what they enjoy, making their learning path unique and exciting.
White Lodge recognises the importance of a good academic foundation. By encouraging your child to start preschool, it prepares them later for life. Confidence and social skills are enhanced from interacting with other children and exposure to an early education provides a basis for a lifelong love of learning and personal success. – Jayne Nadarajoo, Founding Director
White Lodge have eight centres throughout Singapore for children 6 months old up to 6.5 years.
EtonHouse International School and Pre-Schools
School’s Ethos:
We believe in creating learning environments where each child is respected as a distinct individual, where children are inspired and enthusiastic about each learning opportunity, and where teaching and learning is both joyful and meaningful.
Curriculum followed:
At EtonHouse the ‘Inquire Think Learn’ curriculum is a child-responsive inquiry curriculum inspired by global best practice including the Reggio Emilia educational approach. EtonHouse campuses at Newton, Thomson, Mountbatten 718 and Broadrick are also IB authorised schools. In the primary years, the trans-disciplinary IB programme is followed. EtonHouse also offers a secondary years curriculum based on the Cambridge IGCSE.
Children are immersed in an integrated bilingual environment and are exposed to both English and Mandarin at all times.
How this benefits the children:
EtonHouse children move beyond the acquisition of knowledge into the realms of skill building and the development of reflective attitudes towards life and community. The well-rounded, holistic and integrated curriculum encourages children to stretch their imagination, think independently and be inspired to learn.
Children are also offered a unique bilingual programme immersed in both English and Mandarin. Designed by a team of early years experts, the bilingual programme features an integrated dual language environment, ensuring that children pick up both languages spontaneously through a range of meaningful hands-on learning experiences. Japanese and other language options are also available.– Ms Leanne Sunarya, Executive Director of Pedagogy, EtonHouse International Education Group
EtonHouse International School and Pre-Schools
12 locations across the island
6746 3333 | enquiry@etonhouse.com.sg | etonhouse.com.sg
Rain Trees Kindergarten
School’s Ethos:
Children learn through play – at Rain Trees we believe that children learn best by doing, so our children are given every opportunity to explore and learn through hands-on, play-based activities.
Curriculum followed:
Based on the UK Early Years National Curriculum (Early Years Foundations Stage EYFS) – we are one of only 14 Foreign System Schools in Singapore.
How this benefits the children:
Our internationally qualified teachers plan a fun, play-based topic approach to learning which incorporates the UK’s (EYFS) seven key areas of learning, This ensures that our students get a solid, broad-based foundation of preschool skills in order to be ready for primary school. Children are naturally inquisitive and our approach to learning ensures that our children are given every opportunity to explore, question and learn through the activities set out for them. We pride ourselves on being a small, family-orientated preschool where our children feel safe, happy and secure and learn in a positive, nurturing environment. – Katie Terry, School Director
Rain Trees Kindergarten
60 Kheam Hock Rd
6474 6181 | raintreeskindergarten.com
Sunflower Baby House & Preschool
School’s Ethos:
A consistent, holistic approach to teaching and learning, where each child is seen as unique and love and care is given to scaffold the child’s learning journey.
Curriculum followed:
A combination of the Multiple Intelligence (MI) philosophy (by Dr Howard Gardner) as well as the Montessori approach which focuses on sensorial development and practical life.
How this benefits the children:
Using these combined approaches, children are encouraged to learn and grow at their own pace, accessing learning at their own level. Teachers are there to encourage and support those in their care and, of course, have fun too! By providing a loving and warm environment for children, confidence grows as the many parent testimonials on our site can verify. – Angela Ng, Centre Manager
Sunflower Baby House & Preschool
200 Turf Club Road, The Grandstand, #04-01
6463 1303 | enquiry@sunflowerbabyhouse.com | sunflowerbabyhouse.com
Check out our guide to international schools in Singapore.
