Finding your kids Singapore schools close to home can save you time and money. If you’ve been asking “What are some of the best kindergartens or international preschools nearby?” here’s a selection of them – plus a map so you can easily find out where they are! Read about the facilities, unique curriculums and experiences that your child can enjoy at these international preschools in Singapore.
Agora Preschool
When students start their learning journey at Agora Preschool, they’re observed for a period of four to six weeks by the educators. Based on these insights, an Individualised Learning Plan is created for each child and they will be allocated to a tiered group that matches their unique learning style, all within the Early Years Programme framework called the Agora Method. This process offers opportunities for children to challenge themselves with activities that are tailored to their needs and work at a higher level, or gather the support they need for individual tasks.
The programme of Agora Preschool focuses on play-based learning that fosters curiosity and joy in children aged four to six years. Phonics literacy, mathematics and a bespoke curriculum encompassing STEAM, the humanities, performing arts, physical education as well as social and emotional development form the learning programme.
The school’s educators incorporate research on child development and learning with teaching methods and approaches that keep the programme fresh and engaging for children and parents alike. Classes are kept small – a 6:1 pupil-to-teacher ratio in the lower age groups, 12:1 in the upper grades – to ensure that personalised lessons are delivered for each child.
The school says that it partners closely with parents and caregivers in creating a nurturing and supportive environment that supports each child’s growth at home and in school. The aim is to develop their competencies and social skills as well as nurturing their curiosity, preparing them for their next stage in their education journey.
#04-01 Lobby C, HarbourFront Centre, 1 Maritime Square
6252 5585 | agora-colearning.space
Raffles Kidz International preschools
The first centre of Raffles Kidz International opened in 2014 at Yio Chu Kang to offer quality childcare services. Since then, this Singapore school has expanded to a total of seven locations, including the three newest opened in 2023 – so even more options for anyone who’s been googling “preschools near me”. It also offers infant care at the Jurong West (Yuan Ching) branch. All the centres come under the same management team, where most run a full house with a long waitlist, mostly driven by word-of-mouth referrals.
All the centres are designed with spacious classrooms and plenty of learning pods such as reading nooks, Montessori shelves, Lego walls, pegboard walls and other discovery walls. Each preschool has its own outdoor playground and the majority have a bicycle track to encourage active outdoor play.
A team of qualified, experienced and well-trained educators uses a comprehensive, structured and interactive curriculum for the holistic development of the whole child. Academic foundation, critical thinking, knowledge acquisition and problem-solving skills are emphasised in preparing children for primary school.
Children’s interests in English, Mathematics and Chinese are nurtured through the Core Module using an inquiry-based/Montessori approach. This allows them to learn at their own pace and think critically and creatively in an immersive bilingual environment. The Open Play Module promotes motor and social skills development through outdoor fitness classes and hands-on activities. The Enrichment Module offers enrichment programmes that are included in the school fees. Programmes like Gourmet Chef, Chinese Speech and Drama, and Creative Arts integrate literacy, creative thinking and life skills.
Raffles Kidz International preschools in Singapore have been recognised by industry leaders with multiple awards. They’ve also garnered many favourable reviews from parents on Google and Facebook.
Seven locations island-wide
9235 0893 (WhatsApp) | raffleskidz.com
Mosaic Preschools with Montessori Learning
Offering both half-day and full-day preschool programmes for children from 18 months to seven years old, this international preschool in Singapore employs a unique curriculum that incorporates different methodologies through their beautifully-designed play-inspired learning. As part of their holistic learning, Mosaic children get to explore different themes and projects in their curriculum. They also embark on differentiated learning where they get to try different enrichment electives and Montessori learning.
The play-inspired curriculum of Mosaic Preschool is taught by capable and compassionate educators. They’re committed to “raising leaders of tomorrow, with a passion for learning”. This Singapore school also embraces and celebrates diversity, welcoming children from over 20 nationalities and catering to the different needs of every Mosaic child.
The preschool has a strong emphasis on play-inspired and experiential learning. It organises exciting events to engage children and families alike, as well as meaningful excursions and projects for the children. The importance of outdoor play is another key unique focus that all Mosaic Preschools have. Children get to explore nature and enjoy fun activities like water play, sports and sand play in a large outdoor environment.
To enrich the learning experience, there’s a wide variety of co-curricular programmes without extra cost. These include Speech & Drama, cookery lessons and coding. There’s also a preparatory programme to prepare students into the next journey of their education. These become opportunities for children to learn 21st-century skills, make their own decisions, unleash their creativity and practice problem-solving to grow into confident and curious leaders. Children can also sign up for holiday camps during vacations, with bus services, meals and snacks provided.
Find these ‘preschools near me’ at:
Eunos campus: Levels 2 to 5, 168 Changi Road | 9615 3641
Siglap: 20 East Coast Ave | 9353 1402
mosaicpreschool.sg
Kinderland Academy & Preschools
Since 1978, Kinderland has been nurturing children aged two months to six years with quality infant care and bilingual preschool education. Central to the approach is a strong emphasis on its music-infused curriculum. The preschool says research has proven that instrument musical training enhances language literacy and fosters cognitive development in young children. Kinderland children benefit from participating in a variety of music-infused programmes. These include stage or pianica ensembles, which the school says can significantly improve their self-confidence and teamwork skills.
All the centres of this neighbourhood preschool offer a plethora of programmes tailored for holistic child development. However, Kinderland Academy @ Yio Chu Kang and Kinderland Preschool @ Marine Parade offer Singapore’s first and only preschool marching bands. This distinctive music elective provides an extraordinary opportunity for children to perform at prominent public events and venues like Singapore World Water Day, the PassionArts Festival and Octoburst! – A Children’s Festival by Esplanade.
Complementing the music-infused curriculum of this neighbourhood preschool is Literacy Through IT. This comprehensive literacy programme is specifically designed to teach preschoolers to write before they learn to read. It boosts preschoolers’ confidence, stimulates interest in learning new words, and concurrently enhances their literacy and creative writing skills.
Kinderland’s STREAM (Science, Technology, Reading & wRiting, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) programme enables children to engage in effective learning through exploration, active participation and inquiry-based project work. Additionally, its cardio-wellness programme incorporating KinderFit helps maintain the children’s physical health while also developing their basic motor skills and cardio-wellness.
Also in Kinderland’s best kindergarten approach is the significant importance it places on character development with its A-Z character building programme for kids’ holistic growth. This is fostered through various initiatives and collaborations with various charity and humanitarian organisations. These projects aim to instil empathy from a young age, cultivate a habit of contributing to society and assisting those in need, and heighten social awareness.
15 kindergartens island-wide
kinderland.com.sg
The Grange International Preschool
The Grange International Preschool in Singapore (TGIP) is an affiliate preschool of The Grange Institution, an award-winning Singapore school. The International Early Years Curriculum provides the foundation for the learners at TGIP during the earliest stages of their learning journey. Students are taught real-life skills through learning blocks such as Young Botanists, Young Chefs, Young Musicians, Young Sportsmen and Young Artists. These promote inquiry and foster thinking, social, collaborative and self-management skills.
Hands-on activities such as baking and salad-making engage preschoolers in sensory learning as they explore maths, textures, flavours and ingredients. Outdoor activities like gardening and sports encourage physical development and a connection with nature. Through music and art, young learners express creativity and develop their fine motor skills.
TGIP says that its holistic learning approach ensures that students acquire knowledge while developing essential life skills and a love for learning. These will benefit them throughout their education at the school.
449 Yio Chu Kang Road
6817 3630 | @tgisingapore
Locate the best kindergartens and international preschools nearby with this map:
If you’ve been googling “best kindergarterns or preschools near me”, we hope you’ve found the answer in our round-up! If your kids are older, here’s another list of the Singapore schools. Planning to live in Singapore or new to our sunny island? Make sure to read the digital edition of our latest City Guide.
