It is no secret that Singapore has one of the best – if not the best – educational systems in the world. Singaporean pupils rank consistently high in the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development’s Programme for International Student Assessment or PISA, and the programme selection and international curriculum in Singapore is nothing short of diverse.
With such an impressive number of top international schools in Singapore, however, it might be difficult to choose which one would be the best for your child. For those who are still on the fence, here are some factors you might want to consider.
The Curriculum Itself
Your child’s formative years are among the most important if not the most important stage in their education. It’s therefore essential to find a place where there is a well-balanced line-up of subjects. Try to look for a place that doesn’t just use the standard international curriculum in Singapore but rather one that explores different models. A good example is a seamless combination of the UK Key Stages 1 and 2 and the International Primary Curriculum’s framework for Singapore MOE standards for Maths and Chinese. What this means is that apart from English, Maths, Science, and Social Studies, students will also be immersed in Social Studies, Languages, Visual and Performing Arts, ICT, and Physical Education.
Extra- and Co-Curricular Activities
Learning is not confined in the classroom, as the adage goes, and a well-rounded education means providing a balance between academics and learning activities that serve to cultivate a student’s interests and talents. Find a school that offers a diverse range of extra- and co-curricular activities that include artistic, athletic, cultural, and recreational endeavors. Aim to find a school has both teachers and external partners lead such activities, as well. This is because external partners can provide a different perspective, not to mention a higher level of expertise in fields that teachers may not have a specialization.
You may also want to find a school that gives a particular importance in Philosophy. This helps foster responsibility, independent thinking, and compassion. Philosophy also help with a more holistic development, so that students feel challenged but also supported by nurturing, enriching environment provided by their educators.
Lastly, find a top international school in Singapore that applies various learning styles, like auditory, kinaesthetic, and visual. It will help students learn at their own pace and therefore apply what they have learned more effectively.
Cost of Tuition
When it comes to education, you don’t want to spare any expense as much as possible because of course, you want to give your child only the best. Admittedly, however, this expense can be steep; averaging at about $16,000+ for elementary level to over $35,000 for secondary level, the cost of tuition alone can put a significant dent in your budget. Luckily, you will find that some Singapore international school fees are close to half of those offered by most while still providing a holistic and excellent curriculum and learning environment. The key is to not settle for the most popular names; with the diverseness of international curriculum in Singapore and the long list of good schools, you are sure to find an institution that combines the kind of quality education you want for your child and the most affordable fees.
We hope this list has helped you with your decision-making process. Good luck on your search!
