The best preschools and kindergartens in Singapore: A big fat list of play-based, bilingual, Montessori and Reggio Emilia inspired schools

Looking for a preschool near you? You've come to the right place. We've put together this giant list of Singapore preschools grouped by location, including useful info like approaches, curriculum, and more.

Parents, we get it. Choosing the perfect preschool and kindergarten in Singapore is no easy feat. Our mega list of Singapore preschools alone proves how many fab early childhood programme and childcare providers we have on this little island. It can feel a little overwhelming, but here’s the good news – no matter what your priorities and preferences are, there’s definitely a preschool out there that fits your children’s needs and family values to a T.

A word of advice: don’t just focus on the curriculum and approach when you’re choosing a preschool or kindergarten for your children. While these should be one of your key priorities, there are other factors that are just as important:

• Proximity to home and/or workplace
• Fees, and if government subsidies are applicable to the preschool or kindergarten
• Availability of childcare provision, hours, and calendar.
• Size of the preschool or kindergarten

Yes, we know that it’s a lot to take in – and that’s precisely why we created this list. We’ve compiled all the need-to-know: approaches (play-based, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, etc.), availability of childcare offerings, additional language offerings (bilingual or not), and more; grouped by location so you can get a headstart on finding that perfect preschool for your children.

Pro-tip: There’s no shame in being a little kiasu and ending up in more than one school’s waiting list. You’ll be surprised by how fast spaces fill up, so it’s worth it!

Why you can trust our best preschools and kindergartens guide

Not only is HoneyKids Asia a platform run by actual parents, we’ve also been writing about all things education-related in Singapore for close to a decade! Our teamies have been on preschool-picking journeys similar to yours; and as parents ourselves, we understand the top concerns you have when it comes to choosing one. While most of us on the team are lucky to have found the sweet spot from the start, we’ve also had writers who didn’t hesitate to switch schools for the kiddos to find the best fit. Our list is also updated regularly to ensure you get the latest info.

What you should know about preschools and kindergartens in Singapore

Preschools and kindergartens in Singapore are generally split into three broad categories: government-supported ones (sometimes referred to as anchor operators, AOP), independently operated ones, and those that are located within an international school. Your child can attend any of these preschools and kindergartens, regardless of their citizenship status. However, admission to government-supported ones may be tough as vacancies are prioritised for Singapore citizen and permanent resident children.

With the exception of preschools within international schools, all preschools should be licensed by Singapore’s Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA). These preschools should also follow the Nurturing Early Learners (NEL) framework developed by the Ministry of Education (MOE) of Singapore, regardless of the curriculum and approach they follow. This is a comprehensive framework that covers everything from literacy and numeracy, to physical and social emotional development.

Enrolments for preschools in Singapore are usually all year round, with the academic year (AY) starting in January for children aged three and above. Again, preschools in international schools may have their AY starting in different months. However, this doesn’t apply for children joining at infant care and playgroup levels, which usually follow their birth month. Here’s Singapore’s preschool year groups against UK and US equivalents for your reference.

Ready to find that perfect preschool and kindergarten for your child? Let’s get started.

* All fees quoted are before government subsidy and GST. 

Best preschools and kindergartens in Singapore: Our top picks

1. MapleBear Preschool

• Approach / curriculum: Canadian-based with bilingual immersion
• Age groups: Infant care to K2
• Fees: Infant care from $1,800 per month; Playgroup onwards from $1,300 per month.
• Location(s): Over 50 centres islandwide

MapleBear Preschool needs no introduction – this preschool stands out for its strong bilingual offering, where children learn English and Chinese through the immersion approach. This means that children are exposed to both languages in MapleBear’s classrooms, whether it’s during lessons or play time. The preschool offers an integrated curriculum that combines Canada’s global skills-based approach with Singapore’s strong academic foundations. It comes as no surprise that the MapleBear’s students graduate with strong reading, mathematics, and science skills.

If all that sounds intimidating, fret not; a day in the life of a MapleBear student is actually filled with lots of fun discoveries. The preschool uses play-based learning to help its children achieve learning outcomes, nurturing traits like curiosity, confidence, and social-emotional skills along the way. Plus, starting the kids’ learning journey in an international preschool network (over 510 centres worldwide!) that’s one of the leaders in bilingual education comes with lots of opportunities, such as cultural exchange and diverse classrooms.

MapleBear Preschool’s full profile

MapleBear Preschool’s website

2. Star Learners Child Care

• Approach / curriculum: Literature-based
• Age groups: Infant care to K2
• Fees: Infant care from $920 per month; Playgroup onwards from $490 per month. Different fees apply for non-Singapore citizens.
• Location(s): Over 40 centres islandwide

Every day is an adventure at Star Learners Child Care, where the preschool uses its unique literature-based curriculum to inspire and foster a lifelong love for learning in little ones. What does this entail? It means Star Learners uses the power of stories and storytelling to teach concepts like literacy and numeracy, while helping children develop critical thinking and social-emotional skills. Not only does this innovative approach make lessons engaging, it also makes learning more meaningful and relevant. With this, Star Learners aim to nurture children who are happy learners, empathic thinkers, respectful and confident communicators, as well as open collaborators – as per its Starbeam Framework that’s also aligned with MOE’s NEL framework.

Keen to enrol your child here? The good news is that Star Learners is one of the ECDA appointed partner operators, which means you can expect high quality child care and education at an affordable fee. Child care and infant care fees for Singaporean children are capped – and that’s before we factor in the government subsidies that you might be entitled to.

Star Learners Child Care’s website

3. Mulberry Learning

• Approach / curriculum: iDevelop-iExplore-iLearn-iExperience curriculum, a unique combination of pedagogies like Habits of Mind, Reggio Emilia, and Multiple Intelligences.
• Age groups: Infant care to K2
• Fees: Infant care from $2,400 per month; Playgroup onwards from $2,000 per month.
• Location(s): Over 20 centres islandwide

Ever heard of Habits of Mind? This is an internationally recognised framework that develops intelligent thinking, and Mulberry Learning is the only preschool network in the world that’s certified by the framework’s founding organisation to deliver it. In fact, Habits of Mind is also used by MOE in local schools’ Gifted Education Programme.

At Mulberry Learning, the Habits of Mind and Reggio Emilia framework is thoughtfully woven into every child’s school day through the preschool’s award-winning iDevelop-iExplore-iExperience-iLearn curriculum to nurture future-ready children. This includes signature programmes such as Picasso Kidz (art), Busy Baker (culinary skills), Little Newton (science), and more! All these experiences take place in Mulberry Learning’s warm, Reggio Emilia-inspired classrooms – and you are warmly invited to visit with your little ones during its house, or book a personalised tour to experience the environment firsthand.

Mulberry Learning’s full profile

Mulberry Learning’s website

4. EtonHouse International School and Pre-School

• Approach / curriculum: Inquiry-based curriculum inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach
• Age groups: Infant care to K2
• Fees: Infant care from $2,902.46; Pre-Nursery onwards from $1,784.46. Fees differ according to campus.
• Location(s): 14 campuses islandwide

EtonHouse International School and Pre-School is one of the big names in Singapore education, with good reason. The school is a trusted leader with 14 campuses in Singapore that deliver a personalised inquiry-based curriculum that’s inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach. It’s also the only school in Singapore that collaborates directly with the Reggio Children international network, and its teachers receive exclusive training opportunities with the network on a regular basis. Definitely a preschool to have in your shortlist if you’re looking for one that follows the Reggio approach!

Aside from this, EtonHouse is known for its Chinese-English bilingual programme as well. This is offered in all of its campuses, with selected ones offering the popular EtonHouse ZhongHua Full Mandarin Immersion programme. This is a preschool that values nature education, reinforcing the importance of outdoor spaces as an extension of learning that takes place in the classroom. Outdoor education is seamlessly woven into its curriculum – especially so at its three nature-themed preschools: Garden School by the Bay, Nature Pre-School, and Pre-School by the Beach on Sentosa. You’re welcome to book a tour to visit your preferred EtonHouse preschool at any time.

EtonHouse International School and Pre-School’s full profile

EtonHouse International School and Pre-School’s website

5. St. Joseph’s Institution International Preschool

• Approach / curriculum: Inquiry-based approach
• Age groups: Early Years 1 (three years old) to K2
• Fees: From $2,300 per month
• Location(s): 49A Holland Road, Singapore 258850

Families love St. Joseph’s Institution (SJI) International Preschool for its warm environment, where children learn and grow in a love-filled school. The preschool follows an inquiry-based approach that’s deeply rooted in social constructivism, meaning that children are actively learning through exploration as well as interactions with their peers. Expect a school day that’s filled with activities promoting collaborative investigation, meaningful dialogue, and shared discovery that takes place within the classroom, as well as beyond through its distinctive outdoor learning programme. Every lesson is carefully designed in such a way as to allow children to learn through authentic, real-world experiences. This encourages children to use their natural curiosity to question, investigate, and reflect together with their peers and educators.

Last but not least, as a Lasallian Catholic preschool, pastoral care is a hallmark of SJI International Preschool. Its pastoral care programme is supported by the globally recognised Virtues Project, helping children build a positive sense of self through the learning of virtues, all of which are integrated into their school day. Coupled with a curriculum that covers everything from literacy and numeracy to technology and the arts, you can be sure that your child will receive a holistic education at SJI International Preschool – one that nurtures the whole child and lays a strong foundation for them to thrive in the future.

St. Joseph’s Institution International Preschool’s full profile

St. Joseph’s Institution International Preschool’s website

6. MOE Kindergarten

• Approach / curriculum: Based on MOE NEL framework
• Age groups: K1 to K2
• Fees: From $160 per month. Different fees apply for non-Singapore citizens.
• Location(s): Over 50 centres islandwide

High quality kindergarten education doesn’t need to break the bank – and MOE Kindergarten (MK) is great proof of this. With a curriculum that is designed by the same MOE specialists who developed the NEL framework – which sets the guidelines for quality preschool education for children aged four to six in Singapore – you can be confident that your children are participating in thoughtfully designed and engaging learning experiences. MK has a strong focus on bilingualism (English and the three main mother tongue languages: Chinese, Malay, and Tamil), as well as providing children with a strong foundation in literacy and numeracy. Children develop these skills through MK’s flagship HI-Light and Starlight Literacy programmes, which combine purposeful play and quality interactions to nurture children’s holistic development.

All MKs are located within primary schools, which gives children a unique advantage in preparing for the seamless transition into the ‘big kids school’. Thinking of enrolling your children at MK but they’ve yet to turn five? Some MKs have partnerships with selected Early Years Centres (EYCs) by E-Bridge Pre-School, NTUC My First Skool, and PCF Sparkletots Preschool, where your children are guaranteed a spot in the EYC’s partner MK once they turn five. How’s that for a strong start?

MOE Kindergarten’s website

7. XCL World Academy

• Approach / curriculum: Play-based learning; International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IBPYP) from KG1 (four years old) onwards.
• Age groups: Nursery (18 months) to KG2 (six years old)
• Fees: From $2,109.18 per month
• Location(s): 2 Yishun Street 42, Singapore 768039

XCL World Academy’s (XWA) Early Years calls itself the preschool of the future, and it’s easy to see why! The school goes all out to cultivate a love of learning in little bubs aged 18 months onwards — wowing families with age-appropriate libraries and science labs, as well as lovely outdoor learning spaces. Benefitting from the renowned IBPYP curriculum, children go through a transdisciplinary inquiry-based approach. The Little Xplorers Outdoor Learning programme is a stand-out for fostering a connection between kids and nature. Plus, the school offers weekly swimming lessons for its preschoolers, held in an indoor heated pool. Children learn to be effectively bilingual here, developing fluency in both English and Mandarin right from the get-go.

A dedicated pastoral care programme is also in place to ensure each student’s social and emotional development is in good hands. Parents are very much part of the equation at XWA, working hand-in-hand with teachers to help their children flourish. They’re kept in the loop through regular updates about school happenings, progress, and (celebratory!) milestones hit by each child.

XCL World Academy’s full profile

XCL World Academy’s website

8. International French School (Singapore)

• Approach / curriculum: French curriculum
• Age groups: PS to GS (three to five years old)
• Fees: From $22,389.91 per year
• Location(s): 3000 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3, Singapore 569928

If you prioritise diversity and language-learning opportunities, check out the kindergarten programme at International French School (Singapore). With over 70 nationalities represented, this international school offers children a truly multicultural learning environment that complements its plurilingual approach to education. Just think: this is a school where children enjoy daily exposure to French, English, and even Mandarin! And if you’re wondering about the school’s curriculum, rest assured that IFS – like all 600+ French schools worldwide – follows the academic framework of the French national curriculum that’s set and regulated by the French Ministry of Education. This is also delivered through a low student-teacher ratio that ensures every child receives personalised instruction and attentive care. On top of that, kindergarten students benefit from the school’s brand-new, zero-energy building. This new building is designed in a villa concept to encourage inquiry-driven learning and collaboration between children. And that’s not all, IFS is the first international school to hold the Data Protection Trustmark that’s awarded by Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority. This means that the school practises responsible data protection to manage all its students and families’ personal data.

Keen to check out IFS but not sure if your child needs prior French language skills to enrol? The good news is that the school welcomes students from all backgrounds, regardless of their level of French proficiency. In fact, it recently launched a new kindergarten pathway – English International Stream – that delivers the French curriculum fully in English!

International French School (Singapore)’s full profile

International French School (Singapore)’s website

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9. Brighton College (Singapore)

• Approach / curriculum: British curriculum
• Age groups: Pre-Nursery to Year 2 (two to six years old)
• Fees: From $16,549.54 per year
• Location(s): 1 Chuan Lane, Singapore 554299

Every child is different, and that’s something to be celebrated. This is at the core of Brighton College’s (Singapore) approach, which uses the magic combination of a dynamic curriculum and passionate teachers to help children learn at their pace. Following UK’s Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, the preschool’s play-based curriculum revolves around communication and language; personal, social, and emotional development; physical development; literacy; mathematics; understanding the world; as well as expressive arts and design.

With small class sizes plus fab child-educator ratios of one-to-four in Pre-Nursery and Nursery, followed by one-to-10 in Reception, the school even takes it up a notch by exposing the children to exciting lessons like woodwork and cooking. Students are at their happiest learning in a specially curated environment, complete with spacious and naturally-lit classrooms. Psst, this is where collaboration and independent learning work hand in hand! Parents are encouraged to be involved in their child’s day-to-day life here too, and are updated regularly.

Brighton College (Singapore)’s full profile

Brighton College (Singapore)’s website

10. E-Bridge Pre-School

• Approach / curriculum: Reggio Emilia-inspired inquiry-based approach
• Age groups: Infant care to K2
• Fees: Infant care from $1,235 per month; Playgroup onwards from $610. Different fees apply for non-Singapore citizens.
• Location(s): Over 30 centres islandwide

E-Bridge Pre-School is one of the most popular preschools in town, and it’s not hard to see why. It’s part of the EtonHouse Education Group, an established and highly regarded homegrown education provider; and it’s also an AOP appointed by ECDA. This means that the preschool provides high quality teaching and childcare offerings at an affordable fee: capped at $610 for Singapore citizen children who are attending full day childcare, or $1,235 for infant care (before GST and subsidies).

Following a Reggio Emilia-inspired, guided inquiry-based learning approach, children are encouraged to explore, question, and learn through meaningful hands-on experiences. You can see this philosophy reflected in the preschool’s thoughtfully designed learning environments. Think calm, inviting, and nature-inspired spaces – environments that act as children’s ‘third teacher’. Alongside that are experienced educators who guide children in their day-to-day learning, all of whom are supported through ongoing resources from both EtonHouse Education Group and Reggio Children in Italy, ensuring the preschool offers strong and globally informed teaching practice. So you can rest assured that your children are in good hands here.

The preschool is easily accessible too, as there are more than 30 centres islandwide. News is that E-Bridge is opening a new centre in Punggol Digital District soon. Check its website for updates on this!

E-Bridge Pre-School’s website

11. Overseas Family School

• Approach / curriculum: International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC)
• Age groups: Pre-K1 (two years old) to K2
• Fees: From $15,779.82 per year
• Location(s): 81 Pasir Ris Heights, Singapore 519292

Did you know that Overseas Family School (OFS) is one of the pioneers in the Singapore international school scene? Kids at OFS Kindergarten follow the IEYC, an innovative and research-based curriculum that blends global trends and best practices in early childhood education. It builds on the little ones’ natural curiosity as well, allowing a combination of child-initiated and teacher-led learning to give them the best schooling experience from the start.

Expect your kids’ day at OFS Kindergarten to include a mix of enquiry and play-based learning, all of which are designed to support their holistic development: physical, social, and emotional. They also have access to specialist lessons in music, physical education (gym and swimming), cooking, etc. Sounds great? That’s not all – families love this kindergarten for its 15-language strong mother tongue and foreign language programme (German, Japanese, Russian, Finnish, and more), which are included into the curriculum at no additional fee! How awesome is that?

Overseas Family School’s full profile

Overseas Family School’s website

12. German European School Singapore

• Approach / curriculum: IBPYP and Reggio Emilia-inspired
• Age groups: Pre-Kindergarten to Pre-Primary (18 months to five years old)
• Fees: From $26,949.54 per year
• Location(s): 2 Dairy Farm Lane, Singapore 677621

German European School Singapore (GESS)’s preschool caters to students from 18 months to five years within a purpose-built preschool home where there are age-appropriate facilities ranging from outdoor play areas, visual atelier, preschool library, music rooms, sports rooms and more! All activities are child-centred and give students the freedom to influence the flow of learning with their own questions, curiosities and areas of interest. Its teachers are experts in listening to the children and adapting the programs to make it relevant to the children’s experiences in the world at any given point! The preschool curriculum is built on the IBPYP and Reggio-inspired. Children will be exposed to an inquiry-based learning environment with focus on language, mathematical, scientific, artistic, and physical disciplines.

German European School Singapore’s full profile

German European School Singapore’s website

13. International Community School (Singapore)

• Approach / curriculum: American curriculum
• Age groups: Kindergarten 4 to 5 (four to five years old)
• Fees: From $27,339.45 per year
• Location(s): 27A Jubilee Road, Singapore 128575

The educators at International Community School (Singapore) believe that children learn best when they feel happy, safe, and allowed to explore. That’s why ICS uses a play-based approach in its pre-kindergarten and kindergarten year groups, where children get to explore the world through meaningful hands-on activities. Students also take the lead during play time, where they get access to a wide range of indoor and outdoor play facilities on campus. Besides that, ICS offers a strong service learning programme that teaches students the meaning of community too. Little ones get to observe and design a plan to meet the needs of their community through tangible ways. More importantly, ICS places a strong emphasis on developing literacy and handwriting skills. With zero screen time in the classroom, students learn to process their thinking through writing activities. These activities are intentionally designed by teachers to develop children’s early literacy skills, as well as encourage character development and independence – all of which will help with their transition into its elementary school. There’s a bilingual programme in place as well, where students are exposed to both English and Mandarin from day one, developing into confident readers and collaborators by the end of kindergarten.

Last but not least, ICS is known for its strong community spirit, having won Best Small School in Singapore for four years in a row; as well as Editor’s Choice for Student Wellbeing Award. With a low student-teacher ratio and tight knit community, children feel seen, heard, and supported at ICS Early Years Learning Program.

International Community School (Singapore)’s full profile

International Community School (Singapore)’s website

14. Global Indian International School

• Approach / curriculum: Global Montessori Plus
• Age groups: Nursery (three years old) to K2
• Fees: From $9,591 per year
• Location(s): 27 Punggol Field Walk, Singapore 828649

Children at Global Indian International School (GIIS)’s preschool follow the award-winning GMP, an enhanced Montessori programme that’s unique to GIIS. The school combines the renowned Montessori approach with the multiple intelligences theory and delivers it in a technology-rich environment. Regardless of the curriculum, all GIIS students have access to purposefully designed classrooms that cater to their developmental needs, such as the Montessori lab, student innovation rooms, and over 40 skills-based studios. There’s also an extended programme for families who require daycare arrangements, so children can benefit from additional school sessions up to 3.30pm.

Global Indian International School’s full profile

Global Indian International School’s website

15. North London Collegiate School (Singapore)

• Approach / curriculum: British curriculum
• Age groups: Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 1 (three to six years old)
• Fees: From $37,563 per year
• Location(s): 130 Depot Road, Singapore 109708

Aptly called the First School, North London Collegiate School’s (Singapore) Early Years is all about making the start of every child’s learning and schooling experience a joyful one. Life in the First School is vibrant, happy, and exciting, where children learn through play and practical activities that inspire them. Parents get to be involved too – you will get to visit your children and their peers’ showcases such as the Pre-Kindergarten students’ tiny town, the Kindergarten 2’s medieval banquet, as well as the Grade 1’s Aztec Day. There will be field trips to complement classroom learning, such as trips to the theatre, local temples, and Bird Paradise. Children are taught weekly music as well as physical and health education lessons, all of which are taught by specialist teachers.

If you are wondering how children are supported for their future learning journey at NLCS (Singapore), rest assured that teachers will be carefully preparing your little ones for a seamless transition from First School into Lower School. From daily phonics to the development of essential speaking, listening, and pre-reading skills, children are equipped with strong foundations that will carry them confidently through their school life. Academics aside, children are taught important values like kindness, respect, and responsibility on a daily basis. You can also access your children’s learning progress weekly through the Seesaw app, with regular parent-teacher consultation meetings and termly progress reports scheduled throughout the year.

North London Collegiate School (Singapore)’s full profile

North London Collegiate School (Singapore)’s website

16. Nexus International School (Singapore)

• Approach / curriculum: Inquiry-led and play-based IBPYP
• Age groups: Nursery to Year 1 (three to five years old)
• Fees: From $24,403.67 per year
• Location(s): 1 Aljunied Walk, Singapore 387293

Here’s a nursery and kindergarten where children are encouraged to take risks, make mistakes, and learn through exploration – all while being supported by experienced and caring teachers. The Early Years Department at Nexus International School (Singapore) is dedicated to help each child grow holistically. On top of laying strong foundations in necessities like reading, writing, and counting, this school also aims to nurture children’s personal, social, and emotional development.

Each day begins with wonder at Nexus, where children learn through play-based learning. This is also an inquiry-led school, which means that children are allowed to take ownership of their learning journeys, picking up new concepts as they explore the world around them with supportive teachers by their side. There are also weekly lessons in swimming, art, music, and PHE conducted by specialists. You’ll also be pleased to know that learning goes beyond classroom walls at Nexus, with dedicated play decks for little ones and green zones to explore. Plus, “learning lunches” are included as part of the fees, so meal time becomes part of the children’s learning as they enjoy a healthy meal with their friends and teachers. How lovely!

Nexus International School (Singapore)’s full profile

Nexus International School (Singapore)’s website

17. Trehaus School

• Approach / curriculum: A unique mix of Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Framework, Somatics, and RIE’s Educaring approaches (Respectful Caregiving).
• Age groups: Playgroup to K2
• Fees: From $2,790 per month
• Location(s): 109 North Bridge Road, Funan, #07-21, Singapore 179097 (entrance via mall’s lift lobby A)

Imagine dropping off your little one at their preschool and working just a few steps away from them. Sounds great? Then Trehaus School is the perfect preschool for your family! This Silicon Valley-inspired preschool and childcare is situated close to the Central Business District of Singapore, making it super convenient for families to get to. The preschool uses its proprietary curriculum, Little Projects, which is a super fun project-based programme designed to raise future-ready changemakers. It also draws from five leading pedagogies in its approach to education, namely the Reggio Emilia, Montessori, Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory, Somatics, and Respectful Caregiving to create a child-led curriculum adapted to meet the needs of each individual child. At Trehaus School, educators aim to nurture all aspects of the children such as adaptability, resilience, and empathy — all of them essential qualities for thriving in our ever-changing world. Plus, with the school’s one-to-five teacher-student ratio, teachers can offer tailored assistance more effectively in order to help them succeed. Last but not least, parents can join Trehaus’ Business Club to enjoy a dedicated adults-only work area while being an integral part of their child’s early learning journey.

Trehaus School’s full profile

Trehaus School’s website

18. Tanglin Trust School’s Infant School

• Approach / curriculum: English National Curriculum, delivered through the Curiosity Approach.
• Age groups: Nursery to Year 2 (three to seven years old)
• Fees: From $34,770 per year
• Location(s): 95 Portsdown Road, Singapore 139299

Here’s a school that offers children a warm and nurturing environment, one where little ones are encouraged to be curious and creative. The award-winning Tanglin Trust School Nursery and Infant School is based on the English National Curriculum, offering children an early years programme that blends teacher-led and child-initiated learning. This ensures children get a right balance of structure and play during a school day. Learning isn’t confined to the classrooms at Tanglin, as students from Nursery to Year 2 benefit from its forest school sessions, regular field trips, as well as a full music and art programme.

Tanglin is the first school in Asia to achieve the Curiosity Approach accreditation – an educational approach that promotes learning in environments with authentic, natural, open-ended, and recycled resources to spark curiosity, sustainability, and encourage exploration. The facilities and environment are designed to encourage this approach, with the expansive outdoor playground and lush forest school area providing lots of enjoyment and learning for children. On top of that, Tanglin believes that “a moving child is a learning child”, so Nursery and Infant School children enjoy a comprehensive physical education curriculum, which includes swimming lessons in a dedicated infant pool, learn-to-cycle programme, and even an age-appropriate climbing wall, Last but not least, it’s reassuring for parents to know that this not-for-profit international school was rated ‘outstanding’ in its most recent BSO inspection.

Tanglin Trust School’s full profile

Tanglin Trust School’s website

Best preschools and kindergartens with multiple locations in Singapore

Blue House International

• Approach / curriculum: Reggio Emilia
• Age groups: Playgroup to K2
• Fees: From $1,747 per month
• Location(s): Three campuses in central and east Singapore

Brighton Montessori

• Approach / curriculum: Montessori approach
• Age groups: Infant care to K2
• Fees: Infant care from $2,600 per month; Playgroup onwards from $1,450 per month. Fees differ according to centre.
• Location(s): Seven centres islandwide

Children’s Cove

• Approach / curriculum: Building Blocks and Exploration Zones curriculum
• Age groups: Infant care to K2
• Fees: Infant care from $1,450 per month; Playgroup onwards from $1,050 per month. Fees differ according to centre.
• Location(s): Five campuses islandwide

Greentree Montessori

• Approach / curriculum: A combination of Montessori, Resources for Infant Educarers, and the Pikler approach.
• Age groups: Infant care to K2
• Fees: Infant care from $1,800 per month; Playgroup onwards from $1,050 per month.
• Location(s): Five campuses in north and central Singapore

House on the Hill

• Approach / curriculum: Montessori approach
• Age groups: Infant care to K2
• Fees: Infant care from $2,750 per month; Playgroup onwards from $1,760 per month. Fees differ according to campus.
• Location(s): Four campuses in central and west Singapore

Josiah Montessori

• Approach / curriculum: Montessori approach, with its proprietary Music, Arts, Performance programme starting from Playgroup (18 months) onwards.
• Age groups: Infant care to K2
• Fees: Infant care from $1,620 per month; Playgroup onwards from $1,630 per month. Fees differ according to campus.
• Location(s): Six centres islandwide

Julia Gabriel Preschool

• Approach / curriculum: Proprietary EduDrama approach
• Age groups: Pre-Nursery (18 months) to K2
• Fees: From $2,100 per month. Fees differ according to campus.
• Location(s): Three centres in central and east Singapore

KiddiWinkie Schoolhouse

• Approach / curriculum: Science-based action approach
• Age groups: Infant care to K2
• Fees: Infant care from $2,300 per month; Playgroup onwards from $1,780 per month. Fees differ according to campus.
• Location(s): 11 campuses islandwide

Kindle Garden

• Approach / curriculum: Immersive bilingual curriculum. This is also an inclusive preschool that welcomes children of all abilities.
• Age groups: Infant care to K2
• Fees: Infant care from $1,030 per month; Playgroup onwards from $640 per month.
• Location(s): Two centres in central and east Singapore

Learning Vision

• Approach / curriculum: Cognitive and constructivist approach
• Age groups: Infant care to K2
• Fees: Infant care from $1,290 per month; Playgroup onwards from $650 per month. Fees differ according to centre.
• Location(s): 15 centres islandwide

Little Footprints Preschool

• Approach / curriculum: Theme-based curriculum
• Age groups: Infant care to K2
• Fees: Infant care from $920 per month; Playgroup onwards from $490 per month. Different fees apply for non-Singapore citizens.
• Location(s): Over 40 centres islandwide

Little Paddington Preschool

• Approach / curriculum: Hearts-hands-minds approach (we wrote about this approach here)
• Age groups: Infant care to K2
• Fees: Infant care from $1,625 per month; Playgroup onwards from $1,500 per month. Fees differ according to centre.
• Location(s): 10 centres islandwide

Little Skool-House

• Approach / curriculum: Relationships-based curriculum
• Age groups: Infant care to K2
• Fees: Infant care from $1,290 per month; Playgroup onwards from $650 per month. Different fees apply for non-Singapore citizens.
• Location(s): 14 centres islandwide

Lorna Whiston

• Approach / curriculum: Literacy-focused approach
• Age groups: Playgroup to K2
• Fees: From $1,700 per month. Fees differ according to campus.
• Location(s): Five campuses islandwide

M.Y World Preschool

• Approach / curriculum: Wonder-discover-learn curriculum
• Age groups: Infant care to K2
• Fees: Infant care from $880 per month; Playgroup onwards from $460 per month. Different fees apply for non-Singapore citizens.
• Location(s): Over 50 centres islandwide

MindChamps PreSchool Singapore

• Approach / curriculum: S.M.I.L.E.S methodology, which covers the development of a child’s sensory, motor, intellectual, linguistic, emotional, and social skills.
• Age groups: Infant care to K2
• Fees: Infant care from $2,795 per month; Playgroup onwards from $2,270 per month.
• Location(s): 40 centres islandwide

My First Skool

• Approach / curriculum: Relationships-based curriculum
• Age groups: Infant care to K2
• Fees: Infant care from $1,235 per month; Playgroup onwards from $610 per month. Different fees apply for non-Singapore citizens.
• Location(s): Over 160 centres islandwide

Odyssey the Global Preschool

• Approach / curriculum: Reggio Emilia-inspired; selected campuses offer IBPYP.
• Age groups: Infant care to K2
• Fees: Infant care from $3,638 per month; Playgroup onwards from $2,350 per month. Fees differ according to campus.
• Location(s): Six campuses islandwide

One World International School

• Approach / curriculum: IBPYP delivered through play-based and inquiry-led approach
• Age groups: Early Childhood 1-3 (three to five years old)
• Fees: From $22,163.30 per year. Fees differ according to campus.
• Location(s): Three campuses islandwide

Orange Tree Preschool

• Approach / curriculum: Bilingual Chinese-English curriculum
• Age groups: Playgroup to K2
• Fees: From $1,620 per month. Fees differ according to centre.
• Location(s): Two centres in west and central Singapore

PCF Sparkletots

• Approach / curriculum: Play-based learning aligned with NEL framework
• Age groups: Infant care to K2
• Fees: Infant care from $1,235 per month; Playgroup onwards from $610 per month. Different fees apply for non-Singapore citizens.
• Location(s): Over 360 centres islandwide

Raffles Kidz International

• Approach / curriculum: A combination of bilingual learning, Montessori approach, and inquiry-based learning.
• Age groups: Playgroup to K2
• Fees: From $1,550 per month. Fees differ according to centre.
• Location(s): Seven centres islandwide

School4Kidz

• Approach / curriculum: Theme-based learning; some centres offer a nature-based curriculum.
• Age groups: Infant care to K2
• Fees: Infant care from $880 per month; Playgroup onwards from $460 per month. Different fees apply for non-Singapore citizens.
• Location(s): Over 30 centres islandwide

Shaws Preschool

• Approach / curriculum: Play-based curriculum
• Age groups: Playgroup to K2
• Fees: From $1,738.53 per month. Fees differ according to campus.
• Location(s): Five campuses in north and east Singapore

Small Wonder

• Approach / curriculum: Cognitive and constructivist curriculum
• Age groups: Infant care to K2
• Fees: Infant care from $1,234 per month; Playgroup onwards from $650 per month. Fees differ according to campus.
• Location(s): 37 centres islandwide

Superland Pre-School

• Approach / curriculum: Montessori approach
• Age groups: Infant care to K2
• Fees: Infant care from $1,600 per month; Playgroup onwards from $1,200 per month. Fees differ according to campus.
• Location(s): 14 centres islandwide

The Schoolhouse by Busy Bees

• Approach / curriculum: Bilingual immersion core curriculum, delivered through an inquiry-embedded play approach and relationship-based curriculum.
• Age groups: Infant care to K2
• Fees: Infant care from $2,600 per month; Playgroup onwards from $1,870 per month. Fees differ according to centre.
• Location(s): 14 centres islandwide

Best preschools and kindergartens in central Singapore

Chatsworth International School

• Approach / curriculum: IBPYP
• Age groups: K1 to K2 (three to five years old)
• Fees: From $28,031.19 per year
• Location(s): 72 Bukit Tinggi Road, Singapore 289760

Heartfield Kindergarten

• Approach / curriculum: Theme-based curriculum
• Age groups: Playgroup to K2
• Fees: From $1,466 per month
• Location(s): 31 Balmoral Road, Singapore 259810

La Petite Ecole Singapore

• Approach / curriculum: French curriculum
• Age groups: Two to six years old
• Fees: From $25,599 per year
• Location: 7 Holland Village Way, One Holland Village, #07-06, Singapore 275748

LeClare Preschool

• Approach / curriculum: Reggio Emilia-inspired
• Age groups: Infant care to K2
• Fees: Infant care from $2,550 per month; Playgroup onwards from $1,950 per month.
• Location(s): 7 Shenton Way, Singapore Conference Hall, #01-02, Singapore 068810

My Learning Haven

• Approach / curriculum: Finnish-inspired phenomenon-based learning
• Age groups: Playgroup to K2
• Fees: From $1,120 per month
• Location(s): 3 Temasek Boulevard, Suntec City, #03-374 to 378, Singapore 038983

Rain Tree International Kindergarten

• Approach / curriculum: UK’s EYFS
• Age groups: Playgroup to K2
• Fees: From $23,180 per year
• Location(s): 255 Holland Road, McMahon Park, Singapore 278604

Swallows & Amazons

• Approach / curriculum: Multiple Intelligences approach
• Age groups: Pre-Nursery (18 months) to K2
• Fees: From $700 per month
• Location(s): 39 Linden Drive, Singapore 288712

Best preschools and kindergartens in north Singapore

Singapore American School Early Learning Centre

• Approach / curriculum: Reggio Emilia-inspired
• Age groups: Preschool to Kindergarten (three to five years old)
• Fees: From $29,825.69 per year
• Location(s): 40 Woodlands Street 41, Singapore 738547

Best preschools and kindergartens in west Singapore

Canadian International School

• Approach / curriculum: IBPYP, delivered through inquiry and play-based approaches. Chinese-English and French-English bilingual programmes available.
• Age groups: Nursery to Senior Kindergarten (18 months to six years old)
• Fees: From $19,064.22 per year
• Location(s): 7 Jurong West Street 41, Singapore 649414

Best preschools and kindergartens in Sentosa, Singapore

Quayside Isle Preparatory School

• Approach / curriculum: International Primary Curriculum
• Age groups: Playgroup to Year 1 (six years old)
• Fees: From $25,220 per year
• Location(s): 31 Ocean Way, Quayside Isle, #01-17, Singapore 098375

Frequently Asked Questions