RD American School (RDAS) is Singapore’s newest American international school, offering an American curriculum grounded in cognitive science research. Located in Changi Business Park, RDAS combines rigorous academics, student wellbeing, and innovative learning environments to help students become independent thinkers, effective communicators, and lifelong learners. The curriculum is aligned with US AERO and Common Core Standards and is supported by curriculum frameworks and professional development inspired by Riverdale Country School in New York.
Essential Information
Telephone
9781 9688
Email
Grades
Grades 1 to 8 for the 2026–2027 academic year.
Starting Age
6 years old (Grade 1).
Year Founded
2026
Language of Instruction
English
Foreign Languages Taught
Mandarin
Maximum Student Population
The RD American School campus has an overall planned capacity of approximately 1,800 students across its future elementary, middle school, and high school departments. The school is currently growing in phases, with enrollment expanding alongside the opening of additional grade levels and facilities.
Current School Population
RDAS is a newly established school and is growing rapidly. The school is targeting approximately 140 students across Grades 1 to 8 for the 2026-2027 academic year.
Maximum Class Size
Maximum class size is 20 students. Each class is supported by a qualified teacher and a learning assistant to ensure personalized attention and strong student support.
School Hours
Monday to Friday, approximately 8:00am to 3:25pm. After-school activities are available three days a week.
Nationality Restriction
None. RD American School welcomes applications from students of all nationalities. Singapore citizens aged 6 and above by birth or registration must obtain a Compulsory Education Exemption from the Ministry of Education to study at an international school. Families should declare this at the time of application, and our Admissions Team assists with the MOE application before an official offer is made.
EduTrust Certified
No
Teacher to Student Ratio
Approximately 1:10. Classes are intentionally kept small, with each class supported by both a teacher and a learning assistant to maximize individual attention and support.
Qualification Type
American High School Diploma (planned for future high school graduates), supported by future WASC accreditation. Advanced Placement (AP) courses are planned starting in August 2027.
Admissions Interview
Yes. Admissions includes a student interview, academic assessment, English language assessment (where applicable), review of school reports, and teacher recommendations. The process helps determine a student's readiness and the support required for success at RD American School.
Facilities
RD American School (RDAS) features a modern, purpose-built campus designed around how children learn best. It is created in collaboration with award-winning architect Trung Lê, uses natural light, greenery, flexible furniture and interconnected learning zones to encourage movement, creativity and collaboration.
Specialized facilities include the Community Plaza for school gatherings, the Black Box for presentations, the Visual Thinking Lab for collaborative problem-solving, and The Collider for prototyping and real-world projects. Students also benefit from the Story Lab, a space designed for storytelling and reading aloud; the Cognition Circle, a movement-based space where students can walk, act out ideas and learn through physical engagement; and the Reflective Cave, a calming space supporting emotional learning and self-awareness.
Located at 3 Changi Business Park Vista, RDAS has a sports field beside the school and access to the extensive sports and recreational facilities at the nearby Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD).
Specialized facilities include the Community Plaza for school gatherings, the Black Box for presentations, the Visual Thinking Lab for collaborative problem-solving, and The Collider for prototyping and real-world projects. Students also benefit from the Story Lab, a space designed for storytelling and reading aloud; the Cognition Circle, a movement-based space where students can walk, act out ideas and learn through physical engagement; and the Reflective Cave, a calming space supporting emotional learning and self-awareness.
Located at 3 Changi Business Park Vista, RDAS has a sports field beside the school and access to the extensive sports and recreational facilities at the nearby Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD).
Term Dates
August to June
What Sets This School Apart
RDAS is uniquely built on a cognitive science foundation. Teaching strategies such as retrieval practice, productive struggle, metacognition, and spaced repetition are intentionally embedded into daily classroom practice. Students benefit from research-informed teaching, small class sizes, innovative learning spaces, and personalized support that promotes both academic growth and wellbeing.
Exciting New Developments
Following the successful opening of Grades 1 to 5, RDAS is expanding to include Grades 6 to 8 for the 2026-2027 academic year, with plans to open the first High School grade levels from August 2027. The school will eventually run grades 1 to 12. RDAS is continuing to develop its innovative learning spaces, extracurricular programs, and future Advanced Placement (AP) offerings.
School Culture
We set out to understand each child, not simply evaluate them. That principle shapes how we admit students, how we place them by grade, and how we support them once they arrive.
Small class sizes and differentiated content keep teaching personal. Student wellbeing support, regular parent conferences, and academic reporting keep families close to their child's progress. RDAS community activities and extra-curricular programs give students a place to belong and lead beyond the classroom.
Students of all nationalities are welcome, and families are encouraged to share any educational or specialist reports so we can plan the right support from day one.
Small class sizes and differentiated content keep teaching personal. Student wellbeing support, regular parent conferences, and academic reporting keep families close to their child's progress. RDAS community activities and extra-curricular programs give students a place to belong and lead beyond the classroom.
Students of all nationalities are welcome, and families are encouraged to share any educational or specialist reports so we can plan the right support from day one.
Financial Information
Annual Tuition Fee
Grades 1 to 5
Annual Tuition Fee: S$40,900 (excluding GST)
Grades 6 to 8
Annual Tuition Fee: S$44,220 (excluding GST)
Annual Tuition Fee: S$40,900 (excluding GST)
Grades 6 to 8
Annual Tuition Fee: S$44,220 (excluding GST)
Application Fee
S$500, exclusive of GST. One-time and non-refundable, submitted with the child's application.
Application Fee Refundable
No. The application fee is non-refundable.
Admission / Enrolment Fee
S$3,600 (exclusive of GST). This one-time registration fee is payable upon acceptance of an offer to secure a student's place
Deposit
No separate deposit fee is required. The registration fee secures the student's place.
Building / Facility / Development Fee
No, there is no building fund.
Parents Association Fee
No, there is no parents' association fee.
Other Fees
Miscellaneous fees are collected by the school or by external providers only when the need arises. Ranges are estimates and families are advised of actual amounts before collection.
School transportation: S$1,300–4,000 per semester (external provider)
School meals: S$7–12 per day (external provider)
School uniforms: S$120–250 per set (external provider)
Academic field studies and field trips: S$10–2,500 per trip
Competition and activity fees, including swim meets and theater: S$0–1,500 per activity
Selected extra-curricular activities: S$100–800 per semester (external provider)
Lost or damaged textbooks and library books: charged at the book value indicated
Lost or damaged school equipment on loan: up to the purchase value of the device, or 15% of purchase value where no replacement is available
Credit or debit card payments: processing fee of up to 4%, levied by the payment processor or bank
Late payment: S$500 if paid more than 7 days after the invoice due date, plus 1% monthly interest on outstanding amounts beyond 14 days
English as an Additional Language program fees are mandatory where applicable, invoiced separately from tuition; amount to be confirmed.
School transportation: S$1,300–4,000 per semester (external provider)
School meals: S$7–12 per day (external provider)
School uniforms: S$120–250 per set (external provider)
Academic field studies and field trips: S$10–2,500 per trip
Competition and activity fees, including swim meets and theater: S$0–1,500 per activity
Selected extra-curricular activities: S$100–800 per semester (external provider)
Lost or damaged textbooks and library books: charged at the book value indicated
Lost or damaged school equipment on loan: up to the purchase value of the device, or 15% of purchase value where no replacement is available
Credit or debit card payments: processing fee of up to 4%, levied by the payment processor or bank
Late payment: S$500 if paid more than 7 days after the invoice due date, plus 1% monthly interest on outstanding amounts beyond 14 days
English as an Additional Language program fees are mandatory where applicable, invoiced separately from tuition; amount to be confirmed.
Programs Available
Extra Curricular Activities
A growing range of extracurricular activities is offered throughout the year, including sports, performing arts, leadership opportunities, academic clubs and interest-based activities. As an emerging school community, RDAS encourages students to take ownership of their learning and passions by proposing and leading their own clubs. With support and mentorship from teachers and school leaders, students have opportunities to develop initiatives, build leadership skills, and create communities around shared interests. New activities and clubs continue to evolve alongside the interests and talents of our students.
Enrichment Activities
Enrichment opportunities include literacy, mathematics, leadership, wellness, arts, Mandarin language learning, and other programs aligned to students' interests and developmental needs. Learning is enhanced through inquiry, projects, presentations, and interdisciplinary experiences.
Pastoral Care
Yes
Special Needs Support
No
English as a Second Language
Yes. Our English as an Additional Language (EAL) program provides targeted instruction for students who need additional support in developing English proficiency. Students are assessed during the admissions process or after enrollment to determine whether EAL support is required. Where applicable, EAL fees are mandatory and are charged separately from annual tuition.
