For parents Nitin and Pauline, International Community School (Singapore) stands out for its focus on holistic learning. The school doesn’t just nurture children academically, but builds character and cares for their social emotional wellbeing.
When Nitin, Pauline, and their daughter visited International Community School (Singapore) for the first time, they immediately felt very welcomed. More than just a place of study, the school community felt more like a close-knit community “where everyone knows and supports each other”. It was clear to them that ICS was the right school for their daughter.
We had a chat with the couple to find out more about what led them to choose ICS two years ago, as well as their experience with this award-winning school.
What were you looking for in a school for your daughter?
We were looking for a faith-based Christian school with a diverse school community. A school with a focus on character building is important for us too.
ICS was a clear choice as it’s a Christian school and it has a strong sense of family and community. We remember feeling very welcomed from the first time we visited. You could clearly see that the teachers and staff genuinely care for the students. Parents are also able to connect with each other easily.
What curriculum does ICS offer?
The school offers the American curriculum, which includes the Advanced Placement (AP) programme. It also focuses on building students’ character, faith, and real-world learning to help them grow holistically.
We especially appreciate the service learning opportunities ICS offers, so students understand that giving back is just as important as academic learning.
Can you tell us more about the service learning opportunities at ICS?
ICS has an annual Week Without Walls programme where students serve the larger community in Singapore, or even support overseas non-government organisations. Our daughter recently went on a week-long service trip overseas with her classmates. It turned out to be such a meaningful experience for her, helping her grow in compassion, independence, and resilience.
That sounds amazing. What else does she enjoy about the school?
She has always felt welcomed at ICS. Whether at drop-off or pick-up, there’s always a teacher or staff member ready to greet her, chat, or answer any of our questions. She especially enjoys the diversity at the school, because she loves learning about different traditions and perspectives. It’s amazing that she gets to do this through daily interactions with her peers. ICS also celebrates this with events like International Night, where students explore each country’s traditional dances, food, and customs. It’s a really fun and engaging way to learn about the world.
Another thing she enjoys is the Model United Nations. Our daughter is a part of it and got to represent a country at international school conferences, which encouraged her to research global issues, think critically, and actually care about what is happening around the world. We’ve seen her flourish in expressing her thoughts and views with greater confidence.
Do you get to be a part of your daughter’s schooling experience?
Yes, ICS actively involves parents in their children’s journey, keeping us informed and engaged every step of the way. There’s a strong Parent-Teacher Fellowship, which organises many activities, including cultural events and digital workshops, that allow us to be a part of our children’s school life.
Besides that, there’s also a buddy programme for new families, as well as other regular social events that allow us to build meaningful friendships. These initiatives make it easy to feel like a part of the school community. It’s great that we get to raise our kids alongside each other and build lasting friendships, which is especially important in a transient city like Singapore.
What do you appreciate most about ICS?
There are so many things. ICS’ focus on holistic learning and the way it nurtures the whole child is one of them. The school ensures every child grows academically, personally, and in character.
Another aspect is the caring, close-knit community ICS fosters, where students are known, supported, and allowed to flourish. The principals and school leaders make a genuine effort to remember every child’s name and connect with them personally. There is a strong sense of community among students, parents, and staff. We especially appreciate how the school partners with parents, keeping us involved and informed every step of the way.
It means a lot to us to know that our daughter is seen and cared for in this way. It makes her feel safe, valued, and truly part of the school community.
Any tips for parents who are looking for a school for their children?
Choose a school where you know your child can grow not just academically, but in character as well. Look for a learning environment that suits them, whether it’s small and close-knit; or large and dynamic – every child’s needs are different. Whichever school you choose, it’s important that you feel connected with the school and its community. This will make a big difference in your child’s school experience. We find that a school that partners with parents and keeps you informed allows you to be involved in their journey, helping them grow into confident and well-rounded individuals.
Thank you for speaking to us, Nitin and Pauline!
This post is in partnership with International Community School (Singapore).
