American JAY ALTMAN arrived in Singapore in July as the new Deputy Superintendent of Singapore American School (SAS). He shares what he’s looking forward to in his role, such as nurturing lifelong learning through a Reggio-inspired curriculum in the early years of student learning. Plus, find out how you can take a tour of the SAS campus!
What makes you excited about your new role at Singapore American School?
One of the things that motivates me most as an educator is the contagious joy of learning that young people bring into our lives. Nowhere is this more true than in our Reggio-inspired curriculum.
Young children are constantly forming ideas about themselves, other people and the world around them. At SAS, we have the privilege of giving those ideas space to grow.
For me, there’s nothing more meaningful than watching a young child realise, “I have an idea, I can try it. I can make a mistake, I can try again. And the adults around me believe I am capable.”
That confidence becomes the foundation for everything that follows.
What makes the Reggio-inspired programme at SAS unique?
Our approach to student learning starts by asking, “What is this child already curious about, and how can we help them learn about it more deeply?”
In the Reggio Emilia philosophy, the environment is often described as the “third teacher”. Our learning spaces are filled with materials intentionally designed to foster independence, creativity, collaboration and investigation.
Equally important is the role of relationships in everything we do. Social-emotional learning happens when children negotiate during play, share an idea with a group, or discover that their perspective is different from someone else’s.
SAS provides a Reggio-inspired environment characterised by extraordinary care. We have lots of adults who love children, love engaging in meaningful conversations with them, and have the expertise to provide support that meets students’ needs as they progress through the stages of childhood.
How does this Reggio-inspired way of learning prepare learners to smoothly transition into primary school?
Our youngest learners are learning how to learn, building not only early academic readiness but also the skills and confidence they need to thrive. Through everyday experiences, they learn to communicate their needs and ideas, listen to others, collaborate, manage frustration, and persevere when something feels difficult.
Ultimately, our goal is to nurture confident, capable and curious learners who can enter a new setting and think, “I can figure this out. I can learn with others. I can contribute to my community.”
This foundation sets them up for success as lifelong learners through their academic years and wherever their SAS journey takes them next.
About Jay Altman
Jay leads the academic programme and school-wide strategic initiatives of SAS, following 38 years of experience in education across the US and UK, where he has led schools and helped launch and advise programmes that train teachers and school leaders. He’s in Singapore with his wife Adrienne, and they are proud parents of grown children, Calder and Talia.
Get to know the Elementary School at Singapore American School
Book a tour at sas.edu.sg/admissions/visit-sas to learn more about student life and the Reggio-inspired student learning experience.
Singapore American School is at 40 Woodlands Street 41. 6363 3403 | sas.edu.sg
Liked this article about the Reggio-inspired approach for student learning at SAS? Read how the school integrates Social Emotional Learning into the curriculum for early childhood education here. You can also head to our Kids section for more about things to do with kids.
This article on the Singapore American School first appeared in the November 2026 issue of Expat Living magazine. You can buy the latest issue or an annual subscription, or read the digital version for free now.
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