Preschools in Singapore are a great choice for both local and expat families as they offer globally recognized curricula, outstanding academics plus a nurturing environment for children. Discover our selection of the best Preschools in Singapore, including reviews, fees, and why families choose them.
Why choose a preschool in Singapore
Preschool education, often considered the first step in a lifelong educational journey, is designed to stimulate young minds in a nurturing environment. At this stage, children aged three to six years are introduced to the basics of academic learning while heavily emphasizing social, physical, and emotional development. The goal is to lay a solid foundation that prepares them for the structure and expectations of formal schooling.
Curriculum and Learning Approaches
Preschools in Singapore adopt various curricula, from Montessori to Reggio Emilia and local frameworks, each with its unique approach to early childhood education. Despite these differences, the core focus remains on creating interactive learning experiences. Activities are designed to foster curiosity and exploration. For instance, through storytelling, play, and thematic learning modules, children learn basic numeracy and literacy, but also essential life skills like communication, empathy, and resilience.
Developmental Milestones
During these formative years, children achieve critical developmental milestones. Educators pay close attention to enhancing motor skills through activities like cutting with scissors or drawing. Cognitive skills are sharpened through problem-solving tasks and puzzles, while language skills are bolstered through reading sessions and interactive dialogue. The social aspect involves group activities that teach children to cooperate, share, and interact respectfully with peers.
The Role of Play
Play is a fundamental component of preschool education, recognized not just for its role in relaxation but as a powerful learning tool. Through play, children develop imagination and creativity. It also serves as a natural way for them to learn about the world around them, manage their emotions, and build social skills. Play-based learning is thus a critical aspect of the preschool curriculum, helping to cement the knowledge that children gain in a fun and engaging way.
Preparing for Future Education
While the immediate focus of preschool is on basic skills and social interactions, it also serves to prepare children for the more structured learning environment of primary school. The transition includes not only academic preparedness but also adjustment to a more regular schedule and longer hours, aspects that are gradually introduced during the preschool years.
In conclusion, preschool education in Singapore is a carefully crafted blend of learning and play, designed to build a broad range of skills. By fostering a love for learning and helping children develop a sense of independence and confidence, preschools play a pivotal role in shaping the educational and personal growth of young learners.
How much does it cost to attend Preschools in Singapore?
Category | Low Range | High Range |
|---|---|---|
Annual Tuition | $7,500 | $18,500 |
Monthly Tuition Equivalent | $625 | $1,540 |
Registration Fee (one-time) | $200 | $500 |
Uniforms & Materials | $100 | $200 |
Extras & Trips | $100 | $300 |
Total Est. Annual Cost | $7,900 | $19,500 |
Top Preschools Singapore 2025
Discover top Schools in Singapore. Use the filters to find the right fit and contact schools directly from their profiles.
St. Joseph’s Institution International 
-
South-eastern Asia - Singapore
- Co-Education
- 4 to 18 years old
- School type:Day & Boarding School
- Yearly fee: 37,000 - 46,000 sgd
- Curriculum:British Curriculum, IB Curriculum
- Foundation:2007
- Community: 2044 students • 48 nationalities
- Examinations:IB Diploma, IGCSE
- Language:English
- Holistic Lasallian education approach
- Diverse, inclusive global community
- Focus on service-based learning
Annual tuition fees at St. Joseph’s Institution International range from 37,000 sgd to 46,000 sgd, depending on the student's grade level and program.
Elementary School Fees range from $36,686 - $36,950 SGD || High School Fees range from $37,130 - $39,850 SGDBoarding is available from Grade 9 onwards. SJI International has appointed St Andrew’s Hall, a co-educational residence housing up to 600 students under the management of St Andrew’s Junior College,...
Chatsworth International School
-
South-eastern Asia - Singapore
- Co-Education
- 3 to 18 years old
- School type:International School
- Yearly fee: 29,367 - 39,971 sgd
- Curriculum:IB Curriculum
- Foundation:1995
- Community: 800 students • 50 nationalities
- Examinations:IB Diploma
- Language:English
- Emphasizes real-world learning via IB
- Nurtures global citizens with diverse peers
- Provides a balanced arts-sports curriculum
Annual tuition fees at Chatsworth International School range from 29,367 sgd to 39,971 sgd, depending on the student's grade level and program.
Dover Court International School
-
South-eastern Asia - Singapore
- Co-Education
- 3 to 18 years old
- School type:International School
- Yearly fee: 27,525 - 53,790 sgd
- Curriculum:British Curriculum, IB Curriculum
- Foundation:1972
- Community: 1900 students • 60 nationalities
- Examinations:BTEC, IB Diploma
- Language:English
- Nord Anglia's Global Campus Network
- Personalised Learning Support Unit
- Balanced British and IB Curriculum
Annual tuition fees at Dover Court International School range from 27,525 sgd to 53,790 sgd, depending on the student's grade level and program.
Building / Facility / Development Fee: $3,060 | Registration Fee: $3,060 | One-time Application Fee: SGD 825Parent and Student Reviews
- Both children have been attending Dover Court since they started in Reception at the age of five. It’s a medium-sized international school and that size brings a lot of pluses. Our children are given a lot of individual attention, and encouraged to have self-belief and be ambitious in the classroom and on the sports field. We like the English National Curriculum with an international focus that the primary school offers. In secondary, the students study for the IGCSE, while the school’s Sixth Form teaches the IB Diploma.
Our children could end up living anywhere in the world, so a global element to the curriculum was important to us, including learning languages. As the school is part of the Nord Anglia group of schools, it has a teacher university programme ensuring teachers are up to date with teaching practices. Children also have access to the Global Campus where they can share ideas and experiences with children from other Nord Anglia schools around the world.
We heard about the school through word of mouth. During our visit, we liked the warm welcome from staff, the nurturing environment, and the emphasis on children as individuals. Both children are thriving and are active members of the swim, netball, football, rugby and athletic teams. The school offers an exceptional overseas excursion programme where the emphasis is on helping in the community, team building and environmental issues. The school also invests in new classrooms, great teacher-training programmes, upgraded facilities and an extensive after-school programme. The school has an active parent community that creates fantastic events for families. - February, 2023We applied to DCIS over 8 years ago because we wanted a welcoming community atmosphere to suit our son. He was initially accepted into Pathway 3, and when our daughter joined a few years later it was great to have a school that suited both of them. Through the continued support of the excellent teachers our son has now transitioned into the mainstream. However, he benefits from the smaller class sizes at DCIS and from having access to all the specialist staff as and when he needs.
With much needed investment from Nord Anglia Education, the school is now over twice the size of when we first joined. It has however managed to maintain the small, friendly atmosphere that first attracted us, and continues to be a leading example of an inclusive school. - February, 2023Our two children, who are in Secondary and Upper Primary, have been students at Dover Court International School for 7 years now. Both girls are extremely happy and they continue to develop through the relevant and inspirational teaching. Originally from the UK, we appreciate the smaller class sizes and the wonderful feeling of community within the school, something that adds to the children’s confidence and security. We have always been very impressed with the teachers, not only are they wonderful role models but they also show the children what it is to have fun whilst illustrating respect and integrity at all times.
The school has grown significantly during our years there, but manage to keep that small school feel that first attracted us. Being part of the Nord Anglia Education family of schools and having various accreditations brings some amazing opportunities. The school regularly receives visits from inspiring speakers, my girls have particularly enjoyed participating in workshops with both Juilliard alumni and world leading athletes. The school has an extensive trip programme, with opportunities spanning from STEAM festivals, music festivals, to debating, maths and big sports events. Both our girls have had the privilege to take part in the FOBISIA games, where they competed against students from other British schools in Asia, a fantastic experience for them. - Overall, we have been very happy with the school – the friends that our children have made, the parents that we know, the well-balanced and the well-thought-out curriculum, the excellent teaching and the emphasis placed on the character education.
- February, 2023The teachers are excellent, caring and committed individuals who have the best interests of the children at heart. Through discussions and parent workshop, it’s evident that they aim to foster to foster a love for learning.
- February, 2023The High School ethics of service to the community, academic excellence and respect for one another are very impressive- and the IB results obtained by the students are truly remarkable.
- February, 2023I’m glad that my children are going to class with and creating great friendships with Singaporeans, which is important for integration in this country.
- February, 2023The dedication and commitment of the staff alone are enough to recommend St. Joseph’s!
- February, 2023The school provides holistic education, focusing not only on academics but also on character education and cultural experience. It has provided our family with a supportive and friendly community.
- Rupert has attended St. Joseph’s Institution International since Prep 1 in January 2016 whilst Harvey commenced Prep 1 in January 2018. We’ve loved the school ever since we joined, and the school has become a significant part of our lives in Singapore.
Summary
Preschool education in Singapore emphasizes a blend of academic learning and essential life skills through various curricula, focusing on interactive and play-based learning experiences. It aims to nurture curiosity, foster social skills, and prepare children for the structured demands of formal schooling, ensuring a well-rounded development.