Whether you're new to Singapore or are looking to change schools, your search for the best international school in Singapore just got easier…
Here in Singapore, we are so #blessed with the sheer number of quality education options for our kids. From award-winning preschools, local schools and international schools, to early intervention centres and even Forest Schools, we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to picking the right school for our kids in Singapore.
But unfortunately, this mountain of fabulous options causes quite the conundrum. We have to decide between local or international school, we need to browse the many curricula, weigh up the school fees and that’s before we even work out the most convenient school location (after all, a short daily commute can mean the difference between a sane parent and one that’s seeking a pre-noon vino).
Well, if you’ve decided to send your kids to an international school in Singapore, we have good news. We’ve scoured the island to bring you a definitive list of the very best international schools in Singapore. We’ve also done some digging to find the curriculums that each school offers, how much it costs to send your kid to each school, and the areas where you’ll find them. And to top it all off, we’ve also cherry-picked the best bits at each of these top pick international schools: the main reasons why we love them (you’re welcome!).
And psst, if you want more help finding the perfect school in Singapore for your family, head on over to HoneyKids School Selector for parent testimonials, fee comparisons, videos and more – we created Singapore’s original online school comparison tool and have done all the homework for you!
Top mentions
1. EtonHouse International School and Pre-School
Type: Preschool, Primary, Secondary
Curriculum: IBPYP, Cambridge IGCSE, American AP Programme, International A-Levels, IBDP
Price: Starts at $14,106 per semester
Location: Multiple campuses islandwide
Why we love this school: EtonHouse understands that the environment plays a vital role in developing happy, confident, secure and competent students with inquiring minds. Class sizes are kept small to offer personalised academic and pastoral care, and to help students from diverse backgrounds and abilities succeed. Its strong language programmes — such as the 100% Mandarin immersion programme (preschool) or the bilingual immersion programme (primary) — have nurtured batches of bilingual speakers. With campuses all across Singapore, you can choose from a pre-school or primary school near home and transition to their K12 campus in the heart of Orchard. Established in 1995 with a strong track record, you can expect nothing but the best education for your child.
EtonHouse International School’s Profile
2. Nexus International School (Singapore)
Type: Nursery, Kindergarten, Primary, Secondary
Curriculum: IB PYP, MYP, IGCSE, IB DP
Price: Starts at $21,800, including GST per year
Location: Aljunied
Why we love this school: Learners – as Nexus International School (Singapore) refers to their students – are at the heart of everything the school does. It has a purpose-built campus that’s designed by the educators themselves, with open classrooms and facilities that allow learners to learn independently. On top of that, the school prepares future-ready students with a forward-thinking curriculum, asking its students not “what do you want to be” but “what problems do you want to solve?”.
Nexus International School’s (Singapore) Profile
3. Sir Manasseh Meyer International School
Type: Preschool, Primary, Secondary
Curriculum: Singapore Maths, British National Curriculum, IPC, IMYC, Cambridge iGCSE
Price: Starts at $16,685 per year
Location: Sembawang
Why we love this school: Sir Manasseh Meyer International School (SMMIS) is committed to support every child to reach their full potential. This is made possible through its unique combination of academic excellence, personal interaction, and focus on student well-being. This not-for-profit school is small by design whilst also having state of the art facilities, which allows for a highly personalised learning experience for every child. Driven by values, activities like charity, volunteering, and social action are a strong aspect of school life. SMMIS encourages its students to see themselves as global citizens, while empowering them to be strong, confident, and creative thinkers with a passion for lifelong learning.
Sir Manasseh Meyer International School’s Profile
4. North London Collegiate School (Singapore)
Type: Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, Primary, Secondary
Curriculum: NLCS Curriculum and IB DP
Price: Starts at $10,825 per term (academic year 2022/23)
Location: Telok Blangah
Why we love this school: This is the third international branch of the pre-eminent North London Collegiate School (NLCS) in the UK. NLCS (UK) is one of the top IB schools in the world, with a third of its graduates placed in Oxford, Cambridge, and other Ivy League universities. NLCS (Singapore) provides the same ambitious education programme as its UK counterpart, developing students who are critical thinkers with the drive to bring about positive change to the world around them. The school combines an academically ambitious education with an extensive extra-curricular activities programme, as well as a nurturing pastoral care provision. Conveniently located on Depot Road, NLCS (Singapore) is just a ten-minute drive away from the CBD, Orchard Road, and Holland Village. It’s also easily accessible via major roads like Alexandra Road and Ayer Rajah Expressway.
North London Collegiate School’s (Singapore) Profile
More international schools in Singapore
5. Australian International School
Type: Nursery, Preschool, Primary, Secondary
Curriculum: Australian, IBDP, PYP, Reggio Emilia
Price: Starts at $2,675 including GST/month
Location: Lorong Chuan
Why we love this school: The Australian International School offers a holistic, rounded education that cherishes the arts and sport as well as academics as being essential to each student’s learning journey. The AIS curriculum and culture not only values academic achievement but also aims to develop students into adults who have a moral commitment to making the world a better place as reflective, caring knowledgeable and principled people.
Australian International School’s Profile
6. Astor International School
Type: Years 1 to 6
Curriculum: Inquiry-based with Singapore Maths
Price: Starts at $14,900/year
Location: Tanglin
Why we love this school: If you live in town, Astor International School is conveniently located in Tanglin. It prides itself on its four-hour school days, which they believe makes learning more effective and efficient. After the core curriculum hours, students have the option to pick up languages and extra-curricular activities for individual student development. The school is founded by two mothers who wanted a school that offered flexibility and affordability for all.
Astor International School’s Profile
7. Brighton College (Singapore)
Type: Nursery, Preschool, Primary
Curriculum: EYFS, UK
Price: Starts at $22,600/year
Location: Lorong Chuan
Why we love this school: Brighton College (Singapore) provides an outstanding education that is supported by its three key pillars: curiosity, confidence and kindness. This ethos helps support the Brighton College Curriculum, which incorporates the UK’s Early Years Foundation Stage and English National Curriculum, together with a rich co-curricular programme. We also love that pupils from Year 2 and upwards benefit from innovative learning spaces, laboratories and other specialised areas to ensure our kids get the best chance at success in senior school and beyond.
Brighton College’s (Singapore) Profile
8. Canadian International School
Type: Nursery, Preschool, Primary, Secondary
Curriculum: IBDP, IBMYP, IBPYP
Price: Starts at $24,000/year
Location: Lakeside
Why we love this school: Canadian International School (CIS) has a culture of innovation, in academic programming and thinking. The school’s faculty adopt a student-centric approach which ensures that programme development, curriculum and assessment are driven by what is best for children and their learning, across the K-12 spectrum. It is a leading IB world school in Singapore that offers the Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programme for students.
Canadian International School’s Profile
9. Chatsworth International School
Type: Nursery, Preschool, Primary, Secondary
Curriculum: IBDP, IBMYP, IBPYP
Price: Starts at $24,300/year
Location: Bukit Timah
Why we love this school: Chatsworth is a non-selective international school that has welcomed students from almost 50 nationalities. Your young’un will feel right at home in the diverse community, as the warm and cosy environment embraces children aged three to 18 years, from any nationality, background and of any ability. The impact of the welcoming, inclusive, atmosphere is clear – Chatsworth students are known and often commended by teaching staff (even from other schools!) and the public for good sportsmanship and acts of kindness.
Chatsworth International School’s Profile
10. Dover Court International School
Type: Preschool, Primary, Secondary, Special Education
Curriculum: EYFS, IBDP, UK
Price: Starts at $22,470/year
Location: Dover
Why we love this school: Dover Court International School was founded more than 40 years ago and is one of Singapore’s longest established international schools. It’s known for its inclusive and diverse community that enables all students to realise their academic and personal potential. It is passionate about how children learn and is committed to ensuring that the aspirations and potential of every student are fostered and nurtured. As part of Nord Anglia Education, the school benefits from the opportunities gained from being part of a family of over 61 schools. And with its beautiful green spaces and strong school community, Dover Court has long been a favourite with families.
www.nordangliaeducation.com/our-schools/singapore
Dover Court International School’s Profile
11. Dulwich College (Singapore)
Type: Early Years, Junior School, Senior School
Curriculum: IBDP, IGCSE, English National Curriculum, English Early Years Foundation
Price: Starts at $17,200/year
Location: Bukit Batok
Why we love this school: Dulwich College Singapore is an independent international school providing quality education to students in a safe and stimulating environment. Through a holistic approach to learning, its goal is to help its students cultivate their own voice and choice in the way they learn. This enables them to become mature learners, which is critical for academic success, university life and thriving in an ever-changing world.
Dulwich College’s (Singapore) Profile
12. GESS – International School
Type: Nursery, Preschool, Primary, Secondary, Enrichment
Curriculum: German, IB DP, MYP, PYP
Price: Starts at $27,350/year
Location: Bukit Timah
Why we love this school: GESS is a multi-lingual, not-for-profit, international school in Singapore with a distinct European flavour. It is the first and only school outside of Europe to offer the Junior Engineer Academy programme, originally incepted by the Deutsche Telekom Stiftung. This programme aims to provide Grade 8 and 9 students exposure to the technical and engineering sectors through collaboration with universities and industry experts in the engineering field. Students will get the chance to work under the guidance of experts from Bosch, XentiQ, Pepperl&Fuchs, NUS Pomeroy Studio and more.
GESS – International School’s Profile
13. Global Indian International School
Type: Preschool, Primary, Secondary
Curriculum: IB PYP, IB DP, CBSE and Global Montessori Plus
Price: Starts at $12,100/year
Location: Punggol and East Coast
Why we love this school: Global Indian International School offers students aged two-and-a-half to 18 a 21st century education that prepares them for the future. Experienced and passionate educators help students explore their interests and build their skills through a holistic educational framework, a vast array of co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and collaborative learning spaces. The academic curriculum is balanced with sports, arts, skill development and opportunities to explore innovative ideas and participation in leadership, community, and service activities. Students graduate from the school with exceptional results and placements in leading universities across the globe.
singapore.globalindianschool.org
14. The Grange Institution
Type: Year 1 – Year 6
Curriculum: UK, NA
Price: Starts at $19,000/year
Location: Yio Chu Kang
Why we love this school: As the only international school in Singapore to deliver both the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) and Cambridge International Primary Curriculum, The Grange Institution offers a balanced blend of both rigorous structured subject learning and inquiry-based thematic learning. This balanced and holistic international education also includes Personal, Social & Physical Education (PSPE), Music, Art and Technology, in addition to providing opportunities for students to learn Mandarin and Japanese languages. The school also collaborates with industry professionals with the aim to offer truly unique Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR), urban farming, architecture, entrepreneurship and Model United Nations (MUN) experiences to its students.
The Grange Institution’s Profile
15. The GUILD International College
Type: Middle School and High School
Curriculum: Australian Victorian F-10 Curriculum
Price: Starts at $19,500
Location: Tanglin
Why we love this school: While learning support is offered in many schools, the support offered in this boutique-sized international school extends to helping students academically and socially, as well as helping them gain community living skills and vocational skills. The comprehensive Australian educational pathway The GUILD International College follows provides two learning routes to students depending on their learning needs. Route A features special needs education, whereas Route B offers mainstream education for ages 12 to 18 (Year 6 to 12), with an option for students to stay on till 25 years old should need extra time to complete their learning journey. You’ll only find small classes in this inclusive family-run school, where students are guided by caring and committed teachers. The school also adopts a collaborative approach with therapists and counsellors to address its students’ needs on a daily basis. Facilities on campus include an Art and Design Studio, Woodworking Studio, DJ Studio, Filmmaking and Photography Studio, Podcast Studio, Culinary Studio, Life Skills room, multipurpose hall, cafe, gym, and more.
16. HWA International School
Type: Nursery, Preschool, Primary, Secondary
Curriculum: IB DP, Bilingual
Price: Starts at $18,500/year
Location: Marina Bay
Why we love this school: HWA International School (formerly Hillside World Academy) is a forward-looking, contemporary academy that believes in a holistic approach to teaching, and is committed to lifelong learning for all. It integrates the discipline and rigour of Eastern pedagogy, with the inquiring, creative, and collaborative values of Western pedagogy, via the IB programme. HWA’s vision, mission and guiding statements reflect what it stands for as a school, and can be observed in all aspects of school life from activities in the classroom, to excursions outside of campus, to the curricula, and the way it communicates within its tight-knit community.
HWA International School’s Profile
17. International Community School (Singapore)
Type: Preschool, Primary, Secondary
Curriculum: American
Price: Starts at $23,940/year
Location: West Coast
Why we love this school: The mission of International Community School (ICS) is to educate minds and transform lives to impact the world. With a low student-teacher ratio and students from over 26 nations, ICS is a fully accredited K-12 international school teaching an American curriculum with a Biblical worldview. It also fosters a caring community committed to providing each student with a quality, holistic education within and beyond the classroom. Alongside academics, ICS instils in each student a love and respect for all cultures, a zeal for lifelong learning, and a passion for personal excellence.
International Community School’s Profile
18. International French School Singapore
Type: Nursery, Preschool, Primary, Secondary
Curriculum: IB DP, IB CP
Price: Starts at $17,855/year (Classic section, French); $19,345/year (English section)
Location: Serangoon
Why we love this school: At IFS, non-native French-speaking kids (up to 11 years old) get to learn French through a full immersion experience. Here, students have the best of all worlds — being part of an international community while learning French through its bilingual French-English curriculum. Beyond its academic achievements, the French school favours the fulfilment of its students through a broad range of extracurricular activities such as sports, technology and culture, organised on the 22,000 square metre campus.
International French School’s (Singapore) Profile
19. ISS International School (Singapore)
Type: Preschool, Primary, Secondary, Enrichment
Curriculum: IBDP, IBMYP, IBPYP, ISS High School Diploma
Price: Starts at $25,188/year
Location: Alexandra
Why we love this school: Class ratios at ISS International School (ISS) are conscientiously kept low. Students benefit from the close interaction with teachers, made possible only by keeping a low student-to-teacher ratio. With such personalised attention, students are less likely to feel lost or unnoticed. Instead, they will be valued and nurtured as individuals under the watchful care of their teachers. What’s more, the school’s mission is to provide a multicultural educational environment for students in which they achieve academic success, personal growth and become socially responsible and active global citizens with an appreciation of learning as a life-long process.
20. Invictus International School
Type: Nursery, Preschool, Primary, Secondary
Curriculum: IPC, IMYC, IGCSE, Cambridge A-Levels
Price: Starts at $17,000/year
Location: Dempsey Hill and Farrer Park
Why we love this school: The folks at Invictus International School are all about quality, holistic education at an affordable price. It’s an independent school that aims to be a leading educational institution where each and every student is developed holistically and given opportunities to succeed – all without breaking the bank.
Invictus International School’s Profile
21. One World International School
Type: Preschool, Primary, Secondary
Curriculum: IB DP, IB PYP, UK
Price: Starts at $17,970/year
Location: Jurong West and Suntec
Why we love this school: One World International School (OWIS) is a moderate-fee school offering a top-quality educational experience that is designed to prepare students for ambitious adult lives. It’s a non-denominational, multi-cultural school catering for families looking for international education with all the benefits that a smaller school can bring to each individual student – all whilst doing great things as a community. If you love the idea of a more scaled-back school campus closer to your local school back home, this could be the place for you.
One World International School’s Profile
22. Overseas Family School
Type: Nursery, Preschool, Primary, Secondary, Enrichment
Curriculum: IB DP, IB MYP, IPC, IE YC, IGCSE
Price: Starts at $30,000
Location: Pasir Ris
Why we love this school: The Master Policy of the Overseas Family School is to maintain a happy, safe and effective school for overseas families living in Singapore. The school provides a modern education and an inclusive and supportive learning environment thoughtfully focused on the individual needs of every student. What’s more, OFS students make friendships and develop global attitudes in a school with no dominant nationality, and no national identity or bias.
Overseas Family School’s Profile
23. The Perse School Singapore
Type: Key Stage 1 to 3
Curriculum: British
Price: Starts at $24,075/year
Location: Bukit Timah
Why we love this school: One of Singapore’s newest British international schools, The Perse School Singapore is a boutique school emphasising academic achievement with a unique, nurturing environment only possible in a small school setting. It believes that a child’s attitude towards learning is far more important than aptitude in a specific language or subject area. A diverse and genuinely inclusive school community, Perse welcomes families from many different cultures and nationalities.
The Perse School Singapore’s Profile
24. St. Joseph’s Institution International School
Type: Primary, Secondary, Enrichment
Curriculum: IB DP, IPC, UK
Price: Starts at $29,676/year
Location: Toa Payoh
Why we love this school: SJII offers a values-driven international educational experience within the context of the Catholic faith and the local community. To do so, it draws upon the best practice of some of the leading international schools in the world as well as the ethos of the global network of Lasallian schools. Consistent with a Catholic and Lasallian ethos, it continually evaluates all processes against these values. The six pillars of SJII are spirituality, mutual respect, internationalism, leadership, experiences and service.
St. Joseph’s Institution International’s Profile
25. Singapore American School
Type: Nursery, Preschool, Primary, Secondary, Enrichment
Curriculum: American
Price: Starts at $41,100/year
Location: Woodlands
Why we love this school: Singapore American School (SAS) enjoys a reputation for innovation and excellence in education. It has one of the largest Advanced Placement (AP) programs outside the United States and is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) in the US. Three strategic anchors guide the vision for SAS: a culture of excellence, a culture of extraordinary care, and a culture of possibilities. Together, these three anchors provide an environment where engaged students learn to think critically and develop the skills necessary to succeed throughout their lives. SAS students consistently rank higher on academic achievement tests than their peers in US school systems.
Singapore American School’s Profile
26. Stamford American International School
Type: Preschool, Primary, Secondary
Curriculum: American, IB DP, MYP, PYP
Price: Starts at $25,358
Location: Lorong Chuan
Why we love this school: Every family has different needs and a different set of circumstances – and SAIS understands this. In fact, understanding the needs of the child starts right from the beginning. The dedicated Admissions Concierge who are well-versed in the school’s programs and facilities on offer, will make choosing the correct pathway easy. Reflecting its diverse population, SAIS is dedicated to the languages with not only a Mandarin and Spanish bi-lingual program, but also a dozen other mother tongue languages, and an accelerated English program. It also boasts the largest instrumental music program in Singapore.
Stamford American International School’s Profile
27. Tanglin Trust School
Type: Preschool, Primary, Secondary
Curriculum: IB DP, English National Curriculum, A Levels
Price: Starts at $35,295/year
Location: one-north
Why we love this school: Tanglin is the oldest British international school in South East Asia. A vibrant, co-educational school, it believes in lifelong learning and supporting each other to be the best they can be, in all that they do. Whilst the school’s academic traditions and approach to learning are firmly grounded in an enhanced and rigorous English National Curriculum, there are many aspects of school life that have a global focus. The result is that students not only achieve excellent results but are open-minded and develop a natural ability to reflect on the international environment around them.
Tanglin Trust School’s Profile
28. UWC South East Asia
Type: Preschool, Primary, Secondary
Curriculum: IBDP, Reggio Emilia, IGCSE, bespoke UWCSEA developed K-12 curriculum that incorporates the requirements of the High School external examining bodies.
Price: Starts at $41,230/year
Location: Dover and Tampines
Why we love this school: UWCSEA is a mission-driven school with a passionate belief in the importance of education as a force for good in the world. Its learning programme weaves academics, activities, outdoor education, personal and social education, and service into a world-class education from K1 leading to the IB Diploma.
29. The Winstedt School
Type: Nursery, Preschool, Primary, Secondary
Curriculum: British, IGSCE
Price: Starts at $39,000/year
Location: Boon Keng
Why we love this school: The Winstedt School is committed to delivering a comprehensive academic curriculum with a strong emphasis on socio-emotional skills and the arts. The school embraces cultural diversity and equal opportunities for all learners, and as such, it teaches differently for students who learn differently. Its specialised and dedicated community of teachers, therapists and counsellors understand students’ needs for intuitive, imaginative and engaging learning.
30. XCL American Academy
Type: Nursery, Kindergarten, Primary, Lower Secondary
Curriculum: American
Price: Starts at $11,185 per semester
Location: Yishun / Seletar
Why we love this school: XCL American Academy (XAA) is one of the only three American international schools in Singapore that offers a pure American curriculum. Its curriculum is directly aligned with AERO and Common Core curriculum standards, which allows for easy transition to any American curriculum school around the world. This is supplemented with a range of internationally recognised programs like the University of Chicago’s Everyday Math, Inspired Works for Science, and a balanced approach to literacy with materials from Scholastic. But it’s not all just about academics at XAA; the school takes care of its students’ wellbeing through the Pioneer Spirit Program, based on the renowned Second Step family of programs. It also equips students with real-world experiences and skills through its unique experiential PioneerTown Program, in which students play different roles in a large-scale simulation of a town. XAA also has a diverse school community, welcoming students and teachers from all cultures and backgrounds. Plus, did we mention about its affordable fees?
XCL American Academy’s Profile
31. XCL World Academy
Type: Nursery, Kindergarten, Primary, Secondary
Curriculum: IB PYP, MYP, DP
Price: Starts at $10,750 per semester
Location: Yishun / Seletar
Why we love this school: If you’re looking for a school with a clear focus on raising future-proof students, then XCL World Academy (XWA) is the one for you and your family. This School of the Future offers a rigorous and balanced education, equipping students with all the relevant skills and exposure that are required for them to take on the jobs of tomorrow. Personalised learning opportunities are offered to all students under the guidance of its faculty of highly experienced teachers. XWA also has a tight-knit and diverse school community that’s both engaging and supportive of each other.
Still can’t decide on the perfect international school in Singapore for your family? Head on over to HoneyKids School Selector for parent testimonials, fee comparisons, sneak peek videos and more!