A number of new international schools have sprung up in Singapore in the past few years, providing an even wider choice. The downside of having so many options is that it can be difficult to decide where to send your child. To help you choose, we asked a handful of parents: “How did you go about selecting a particular school? Was it the right decision?”

Canadian International School

Tanjong Katong Campus
371 Tanjong Katong Road

www.cis.edu.sg

(+65) 6345 1573

Dutch mother Geraldine van Dijk and husband Rob have two children, Wouter (10) and Tim (8), who attend CIS.

"We were encouraged to have a look at CIS. We liked what we saw. The teachers are friendly and open, and they give parents daily updates about topics they’re working on. We like that we’re given an opportunity to follow the children’s achievements. The teachers expect a lot from students and the academic level is high, but the support is great and everyone is well informed about tasks and goals. Class discussions are lively and varied, and opinions are valued. The library is well equipped. Our children have attended for one year, and we hope they’ll get a chance to finish all their school years in Singapore at CIS."

72 Bukit Tinggi Road

www.gess.sg

(+65) 6469 1131

Danish mum Jette Sørensen Lange has three children, Frederik (15), Kirstine (14) and Josefine (12). All attend GESS.

"It is a small school, so the children get lots of attention, and it also welcomes those kids who do not fit into the mainstream. Also, being Danes, we like to be able to educate our children so they can communicate with our neighbouring countries, such as Germany.

The campus is good, especially since last year when the primary level was extended into a separate location. The curriculum is well thought out and they have native teachers in all languages. The sports facilities are great.

It is a wonderful school with a solid integration between the German and European sections. The school also has a good atmosphere and great teachers who give a lot of support to the children.
It also has a good location close to a nature park."

International School Singapore

Elementary School: 25 Paterson Road, (+65) 6235 5844
High School: 21 Preston Road (+65) 6475 4188

www.iss.edu.sg

Pakistani mother Nasira Bradley is married to Irish dad Dave, and they have three children, Saara (10), Aaliya (8) and Sayeed (4). All attend ISS.

"The facilities have less to offer than some of the other international schools, but the high standard of teaching, and the caring and nurturing philosophy more than make up for this. Our children have been at the school for two years and so far it has been a lovely experience.

We appreciate that our children get personalised attention by virtue of the small class sizes. This allows the children to grow not just academically, but emotionally too. The children are not just numbers to the staff – the principal seems to know virtually all the children by name. On top of that, the teachers’ enthusiasm helps instil a love of activities such as music, drama and sports and creates a very happy atmosphere.

The school accommodates children with various needs, from those who need extra help with their English skills to the physically disabled, and this aspect has made my children far more tolerant."

506 Toa Payoh Rise, Lorong 1

www.avondalegs.com.sg

(+65) 6258 8544

Australian mum Karen Primmer has two children, Holly (7) and Will (5), both at Avondale Grammar School.

"We chose Avondale for its small class sizes and quality teachers. Our first impression was that Avondale was a nurturing environment.

There is a certain amount of anxiety in moving children overseas, and our daughter was halfway through that formative first year of school when we left Australia. We wanted to be sure not to heighten her anxiety by putting her into a busy and impersonal school environment where she could slip beneath the radar.

The school has a tremendous community spirit driven by strong and open communication between parents, teachers and children. It is small enough for the headmaster to know all of the children by name, yet large enough to convene great intra-school sporting events and other competitions.

Our children have made some wonderful friends, progressed well academically and developed a love for learning. We feel proud that we have been part of the foundation of this great school."

10 Ang Mo Kio Street 54

www.uwcsea.edu.sg

(+65) 6553 1808

British mum Trish Kenyon and husband Steve have two children, Alexandra (9) and Eleanor (4), at UWCSEA East Campus.

"UWCSEA more than met our criteria, even though we were coming from a top private London day-school. It has exceeded our expectations. It’s great that it has the ability to achieve academic excellence while not overloading the pupils and still allowing them to be children. The focus has been on developing their enquiring minds and being constructively challenging at the same time.

The commitment and dedication of the teachers is apparent, and this is key. The educational facilities and tools are all new, and are extensive compared to schools in London’s private sector. The focus on community means that parents can be very involved, too, which is enriching for the whole family.

The level of overseas and local trips, where learning is accelerated and personal skills are practised, is amazing. This is something I have not seen anywhere else."

Emaar International School

201 Ulu Pandan Road

www.eis.edu.sg

(+65) 6536 6566

Australian mum Cassandra Van Breugel has two children, Ben (9) and Ned (7), who attend EIS.

"We picked Emaar based on its location, availability and cost. It is good value for money, which is important to us as we pay the fees ourselves.

The school population is relatively small, yet it offers all the same facilities as the bigger establishments. Being small gives the school a more personal feeling and allows teachers and students to really get to know one another. Even the teachers of other grades know my children’s names.

The PYP curriculum allows for lots of why- and how-type questions, and these are two of my boys’ favourite words! Ben and Ned have been there for two years and are happy, settled and enjoying learning. They also have many friends from different nationalities."

International Community School

27A Jubilee Rd

www.ics.edu.sg

(+65) 6776 7435

Dianne Teafatiller from Texas and her husband James have four children: Kaitlyn (17), Daniel (15), Jonathan (12) and Samuel (4). All attend ICS.

"We have always loved Christian schools and found this one on the internet. The children love having classes with students from different countries and getting a Christian view of the world. The American curriculum is rigorous, but the teachers love the students and are always there to help them.

We have just finished our first year at ICS. We are thankful that the school teaches Christian values, respects all people, and provides opportunities to serve others through service projects throughout the year. ICS is small enough to be personal, but large enough to offer many AP and college preparatory classes."

Australian International School Singapore

1 Lorong Chuan

www.ais.com.sg

(+65) 6883 5155

Australian mum Samantha Samlal and husband Mark have three children, Sascha (9), Ellen (12) and Lana (14). All attend AISS.

"It was important that we maintained a strong link with the Australian curriculum. AISS displayed the perfect blend of a global school, both in the mix of students and in the IB style of curriculum (PYP and MYP).

AISS enquiry-based learning suits all three of our girls in different ways. The children are encouraged to push the boundaries in their learning, so that each can achieve success in her own unique way. They are all encouraged to be independent in their learning. The curriculum is delivered in a manner that is relevant in today’s global environment, and develops cultural awareness, sympathy and understanding.

Two compulsory specialist subjects that all the girls have greatly benefitted from are Mandarin Chinese language and ICT (computers). For our family, the sporting and CCA programme was vitally important to ensure all-round education. Involvement with various charities gives our children a sense of and connection to the real world."

One World International School

696 Upper Changi Road East

www.oneworldinternational.org

(+65) 6542 2285

Australian mum Amanda Wenhlowskyj’s two children, Sophie (5) and Leon (3), both attend OWIS.

"OWIS ticked all of the boxes I had in mind for a school.

The school ethos of nurturing global citizens rings true, as my children are taught to understand their place in the world and show respect for one another and their environment through fun activities.

The facilities are well designed and maintained, and the scale of the school is just right for us. I was after a medium-size school where my young children would not be lost in the masses.

The curriculum is very rich. Mandarin is taught every day in a way that excites my children’s interest. They also have a co-curricular programme that includes percussion, speech and drama, French, tennis and a Brazilian martial art called capoeira.

I am really happy with the level of communication I have with the classroom teachers. There is a real sense of community at the school, too."

Stamford American International School

8 Eu Tong Sen Street, #13-97 The Central

www.sais.com.sg

(+65) 6593 3698

American mother Carrie Lupoli has two children, Grace (4) and Ellie (3), who will be joining SAIS this year when the school opens its doors for the first time.

"As the owner of an educational consulting firm, I am involved with most of the international schools in Singapore. Although I am very impressed by many of them, Stamford seems to offer the entire package. Its inclusive philosophy was very important to me, as was as its smaller size, and its commitment to quality in the campus, teaching staff and curriculum.

The school fees are competitive and the combination of an American-Standards-based curriculum with the PYP programme is attractive, as eventually we will move either back to the US or to another assignment. This way, I know both types of education will be covered – wherever we end up.

I am also impressed by how personal the leadership team has been with the parents and the children. We feel like a family."