Whether your kid needs some extra help with their Chinese language skills, or you’re thinking of letting them pick up Chinese as a non-native speaker – these are the best Chinese language enrichment centres on the island!
Bilingualism is a wonderful skill to equip your child with. In Singapore, Chinese is one of the more popular second languages that families opt for their children to learn. It’s offered as part of the Mother Tongue Languages programmes in local schools; international schools in Singapore also offer it as part of their bilingual programmes.
If you’re looking to give your kid a headstart in learning Chinese, we’ve got good news. There are loads of great Chinese language enrichment centres in Singapore, with some even catering for babies as young as six months! Almost all of these centres also help existing learners brush up on their Chinese language skills for school, with some even providing homework assistance.
Looking for a Chinese language enrichment centre that’s a good fit for your child? We’ve rounded up all the best ones right here!
Best Chinese language enrichment centres in Singapore
1. Tien Hsia Language School
Tien Hsia Language School is one of the most established Chinese language learning centres in Singapore. It has an impressive track record, too, as many of its students score between AL1-4 for the annual Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE). It’s no wonder that the Forbes Research survey found that Tien Hsia is the number one Chinese language provider among parents in Singapore. This centre uses an interactive approach to helping students master Chinese, who are taught according to their age groups. Tien Hsia also runs holiday programmes to prepare its Primary 6 students for the upcoming PSLEs.
Ages taught: Three to 16 years
Location(s): Ten centres nationwide, including Jurong Point, Orchard, and Tampines.
2. Chengzhu Mandarin Centre
This centre derives its name from a Chinese idiom, 胸有成竹 (xiong you cheng zhu), which refers to the confidence one has when good preparation has been done to take on new challenges. As such, Chengzhu Mandarin Centre’s Chinese learning programmes are designed to instil confidence in little ones to master the language. The centre uses a learner-centred approach, allowing children to learn Chinese while having fun. Its programmes also immerse children in Chinese culture, which lays a strong foundation to help them learn the Chinese language successfully. Chengzhu is also especially popular for its parent-accompanied playgroups for infants and toddlers.
Ages taught: Six months to 12 years
Location(s): Four centres nationwide: Rochester Mall, Forum The Shopping Mall, Greenwich V, and The Woodleigh Mall.
3. Hua Language Centre
Did you know that Hua Language Centre was appointed by the Ministry of Education (MOE) Language Centre to organise an Immersion Mandarin Course for French exchange students? This feat is a testament to the centre’s effective teaching methods for both native and non-native speakers! Hua was set by a previous MOE Specialist Inspector for the Chinese Language, Mr Chew. Being a specialist in Chinese Linguistics and Literature, Mr Chew has used his expert knowledge in designing the centre’s curriculum. Learning is made fun through engaging in-class activities and teaches students how to study smart for their Chinese examinations.
Ages taught: 18 months to 16 years (including Higher Chinese subject)
Location(s): Four centres nationwide: United Square, Greenwich V, Causeway Point, and Parkway Parade Shopping Centre.
4. YouLe Mandarin Centre
Founded by educators and parents, YouLe Mandarin Centre believes in nurturing a love for learning and a growth mindset in children to navigate our ever-changing world. The centre’s programmes are taught by a multi-expertise team of educators with knowledge in language milestone development, whole-brain training, and early childhood education. YouLe stands out for having cosy class settings that allow for optimal dialogue opportunities between teachers and students, thereby enhancing their Chinese communication skills. It also teaches the language through music and movement for its one-of-a-kind parent-accompanied infant classes.
Ages taught: Six months to 12 years
Location(s): Four centres nationwide: Forum The Shopping Mall, Kovan, Parkway Centre, and Toa Payoh.
5. Berries World of Learning School
Designed around the concept of a garden, students at Berries World of Learning School are treated as ‘seedlings’ by their teacher-gardeners. Classrooms are ‘harvest stations’, where seedlings reap the fruits of knowledge. Berries World also has a library (aka ‘irrigation pavilion’) where students are exposed to a diverse range of Chinese literature. What’s more, it even has a dedicated storytelling room, aptly named the ‘source of happiness’. As you can already tell, learning Chinese in Berries World is an immersive and fun-filled experience for children!
Ages taught: Three to 12 years
Location(s): Seven centres nationwide, including SAFRA Toa Payoh, Bishan, and Oxley Edge.
